Bangkok Pattaya Samui 2001 combined with an around the world trip including Cuba, Spain, Venezuela, Los Angeles & finally one trip to Sydney. From the left we have Tony Murphy, Mike Dowd, John Sinclair, Rung and yours truly.
Nana Plaza
Her name is Phung but to me she will always be Cleopatra, after meeting in 2001 I would hook up with her each time I came to Bangkok over the next 6 or 7 years.
Phung aka Cleopatra
I believe she now lives with a guy in Switzerland, one of the best Thai ladies I ever knew.
Nana Plaza
Not much has changed in Nana Plaza over the years, except now in 2016 there are a lot more LadyBoys which does not suit me at all. 🙂
As you can see the photo quality is not so good in the early days of digital cameras. See the difference in the photo below which was scanned from a print.
Dining on Chaweng beach Koh Samui
One of the great pleasures of staying on Chaweng beach is having dinner on the beach and watching the sunset.
We left Koh Samui & headed to Pattaya for some New Years Eve action, here I am with Pothole the village idiot. 🙂 Bangkok Pattaya continued to be a regular destination for me right up until October 2011 when I finally left Australia & retired in Thailand.
Bangkok famous sexy go-go bars can be found in three areas, Patpong, Soi Cowboy & Nana Plaza. Patpong is where it all started many years ago. It has even been filmed in in a James Bond chase-sequence. Patpong has long since lost it’s title of number one for sexy shows Go-Go bars. Soi Cowboy now reigns supreme with Nana Plaza in 2nd place.
UPDATE: Since writing the above comments in December 2013 Soi Cowboy has now slipped somewhat in popularity in February 2017. Mainly because during the last couple of years the drink prices, and in particular the lady drink prices have risen too high. In many cases you will now pay over B200 the buy a lady a drink.
Say no more…….
As you can see Lollipop is now Suckers.
Here is a YouTube video taken February 21 2016.
Nana Plaza Bangkok sexy bars
Beer Bars & Go-Go bars in Nana Plaza
Greeting you when you pass beneath the ‘Nana Entertainment Plaza‘ entrance sign is a mass of glowing neon signs, yelling at you from all directions. Shouting even louder than the neon is the intriguing cast of upfront characters , lady-Boys and girls who will try and accost you, it’s all light-hearted and non threatening.
On the ground floor are mostly open-air beer bars to choose from. Girls will try to tempt you in for a drink or a game of Jenga but not much really happens here, however it is where I prefer to drink and watch the passing parade. The shows and the A Go Go Bars with naughty names like Lollipop,Pretty Lady and Red Lips are located on the first floor. Girls here will step into your path and will try to drag you in for a look.
Here we are at Nana Plaza
I’m with my friend John Martin aka “Pothole Bin Ladin” at the first bar on the right as you walk into Nana Plaza, it’s the best place to watch all the girls & Lady-Boys walk past on there way to work. I have been visiting the Plaza for 20 years and have seen many changes in that time. Back then it was 10% Lady-Boys, now it seems more like 50% which does not suit me at all. 😥 On the other hand it does suit Pothole as he has been known the cross that dreaded line fairly often.
For many years this great song has conjured up all sorts of Bangkok memories for me.
Nana Plaza as it was.
Nana Plaza has been cleaned up quite a bit recently, there are no more cars & motorbikes allowed to park there anymore, you can see in this photo how it used to be.
Bars in the centre of Nana Plaza have been rebuilt.
Soi Cowboy was named after the cowboy hat-wearing African-American who opened the first bar here in the early 1970s, this red-light district has a more laid-back, carnival-like feel to it than Patpong or Nana Plaza. Soi Cowboy is just next to Terminal 21, this very popular new shopping mall, so just cross the street and see it for yourself, or use Terminal 21 as an excuse to have some fun! Remember, you may not see this again anywhere else in the world!
Soi Cowboy Bangkok is in my opinion the best of the red light areas in this great city. Nana Plaza comes in 2nd place with Patpong Rd a distance third. Located near Sukhumvit Road, between Sukhumvit Soi 21 (also called Soi Asoke) and Soi 23, within walking distance from the BTS Skytrain’s Asok Station and the Bangkok Metro’s Sukhumvit Station. The Grand Millennium Hotel is nearby.
The go-go bars follow the pattern common in Thailand: alcoholic drinks are served and women in bikinis dance on a stage. Topless or even nude dancing.
Here I am with my friend Roland who is a Sydney Barrister specialising in criminal law. He has more energy and staying power than I do so I now call in the Bangkok Energiser Bunny.
Bangkok famous sexy go-go bars
As you can clearly see there is always something to look at in Soi Cowboy.
นานา - กับอีสานโปรเจ็ค - NANA - The Isan Project Ft Errol Reid and Pui Duangpon
Nana Plaza, Hooters & Hillary bar.
Hooters Bangkok Nana Plaza
When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINK you will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.
Go-Go bars located on ground level along the two streets of Patpong are free to get in as long as you order a drink, which costs around 120 baht… but be aware that there are tricky places that will cost you a lot more without actually delivering anything better – and they may even be worse.
How to recognize the trick:
Someone will approach you with a nice list of fun entertaining features such as a ‘ping pong show’ and other well-known activities with ‘colorful’ names. So far, nothing really unusual.
He will say “It’s free to see for five minutes”… which means it won’t be free after the five minutes are up and as the guy seems trustworthy and speaks really fast, you somehow forget this fact.
The place not even be on Patpong itself but if the bar is upstairs and the bar has no sign and no name, get ready to be ripped off (nicely but effectively).
Once you are in, the show will have only one act and you will be asked for a tip, and another tip, and another… Basically you will have to tip for each ‘trick’ performed. And believe me, these girls have mastered the art of making you feel really cheap if you don’t tip them.
The girls will ask you for a lady drink, whether she sits next to you or even stands across the room… each drink costs at least 200 baht.
You will not see the bill until the last minute. In most normal Bangkok Go-Go Bars or beer bars, your bill is placed in a small box in front of you, which allows you to check the damage as you drink and let you decide if you want to offer another round or not. Usually a drink is around 100 to 120 baht. In the dodgy ones the bill never comes until the last moment
If you ask a girl how much her drink will cost you, she only knows once answer: ‘same as yours’, so naturally you think 100 to 120 baht… wrong, it’s 200 to 300 baht.
When the bill comes, it’ll be about 1,000 baht and don’t even waste your time arguing; you won’t win… just pay up and smile, realising you’ve got a nice story to tell your friends – just like I’m telling you now!
Thanks for visiting my Bangkok famous sexy go-go bars photo blog.
Good budget hotel in Soi 11 Nana.
When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINKyou will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.
Here is my live webcam from my balcony overlooking Pattaya beach in Thailand.
Koh Larn Island
Koh Larn Island is close to Pattaya, in fact it is only 35 minutes by ferry from Bali Hai Wharf at the end off Walking St. Many people take the speedboats every morning from Pattaya beach, they cost between 1,500 and 2,500 Baht depending on the size of the boat.
Pattaya City sign
I guess Pattaya wanted to be like the Hollywood of Asia.
As we get under way we pass the Dolphin seafood restaurant which doesn’t look too impressive in daylight but when lit up at night it is quite spectacular. One the right overlooking the bay is the Pattaya Hilton.
Looking to the left or Port to be more accurate we see the Royal Cliff Hotel, it opened in 1974 & in fact was where I stayed on my first visit to Pattaya in 1980. Look closely and you will see the elevator that takes you down to Cosy beach.
Behind the ferry is Royal Cliff hotel.
Please always make sure you have a life jacket close by.
Koh Krok.
Koh Krok is a small island about 8 km off Koh Larn, popular for diving and snorkeling.
Na Ban pier Koh Larn
Ferries go to both sides of the island, Tawaen beach is on the other side.
The crowd arrives.
B30 is great value for the 40 minute trip.
Tawaen Beach.
Every morning on Pattaya beach thousand of tourists, mainly Chinese (some Indians) climb aboard at least one hundred speedboats and head for Koh Larn. There is one place on Koh Larn where they all gather like lemmings, Tawaen Beach. They really should change the name to China beach, they are all here crammed together like sardines, but I guess if you come from China you are used to crowds.
Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn Island.
Two Russians among 2000 Chinese on Tawaen beach at Koh Larn.
Tawaen Beach.
As you can see the water is so much nicer than Pattaya.
Glass bottomed boat for viewing fish.
Boats of all shapes and sizes come to the island.
Fresh seafood at Tawaen beach.
Lots of fresh seafood here, the restaurants are huge and packed with people from 11 am.
This is the most crowded beach on Koh Larn Island.
Sangwan beach
Unless you are completely crazy and love being swallowed up by thousands of Chinese tourists, walk 5 minutes around the corner to a much quieter and more peaceful Sangwan beach.
Beautiful Sangwan beach Koh Larn Island.
Now this is more my style, not so busy and close to the pier.
Lookout point at Sangwan beach.
The colour of the water here reminds me of when I was in Cancun in 2001.
Photo shoot at Sangwan beach.
The water here is so clear and clean unlike Pattaya beach only a short distance to the east.
Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.
At the north of the island is a delightful little beach named Tai Yai. Almost deserted with beautiful clear water. Only one small Thai restaurant but very few people on the beach.
Posing on Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.
Gorgeous young girl striking a pose on Tai Yai beach.
The only restaurant on Tai Yai beach.
A very peaceful part of the island.
Samae Beach
The solar array looks like a weird spacecraft. There is a very nice, large Resort located just steps from the beach called Xanadu. They have free shuttle service from Naban Pier for their guests. They also have a conference hall that can accommodate 200 people.
Samae Beach Koh Larn Island
Here I am with my friend Irina from Ukraine in November 2014.
Ferries waiting for the crowds.
Make sure you check the timetable so you don’t miss the last ferry.
David Herd at Koh Larn Island.
Well folks, many thanks for visiting my blog on Koh Larn Island, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed being there. Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/
Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $30 usd per night as of 2017. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.
For something a little more upmarket overlooking the beach book through THIS LINK.
Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.
The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.
Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.
This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.
Southern tropical Thai island, beautiful white sand beaches and pristine clear water. Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches, most half deserted. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking. The “discovery” of the island as a tourist destination since 2000 has brought on a large amount of rapid development, and while still far quieter than places like Phuket or Koh Samui, it’s probably better to go now than later.
The beach at Coconut resort.
Ko Chang has the same seasons as Bangkok. The best season to go is the (comparatively) cool season between November and February. March to May are roasting hot and between June and October it rains, and a lot at that: 4,000 mm in an average year. Many guest houses close during this season, so accommodation is limited.
Coconut beach resort
Coconut beach resort is just south of White Sands beach, it is very peaceful and relaxing with some bars & restaurants across the road. They have bungalows on the beach or more modern rooms if you prefer.
Bungalows on the beach
Koh Chang has turned into a major tourist destination, both for foreigners and local Thais. This sudden tourism boom however, has been fraught with controversy concerning land use, etc. The government is trying to “develop” it from a backpackers’ paradise to a top-level destination, and construction work is going on throughout the island, with basic huts torn down to make way for fancy resorts. Sadly it will end up being another case of “paradise lost”.
Southern tropical Thai island White Sands Beach
White Sands Beach has lots of hotels and restaurants.
This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.
Krabi beach resort Thailand is far more relaxed & lay back than many other Thai resorts. It seems to me the biggest % of tourists come from Scandinavia, consequently there are quite a few Swedish & Norwegian restaurants, which suits me fine as I love Skagen.
Lots of good restaurants in Krabi.
Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand is growing fast, in the last few years Tesco, HomePro, Big C have all opened and a new International hospital is in the final stages of construction. Krabi has a reputation of being a true Thai countryside location and with the now enlarged Krabi International airport is seen as the ideal balance between convenience and lifestyle. People are being drawn to Krabi in search of the idyllic beach life that Phuket and Koh Samui offered a decade ago but are in danger of losing as they get bigger. International residents are catered for, although on a smaller scale than Phuket, with regard to immigration services and English speaking staff in local government offices. Entertainment options are on the increase as are true International standard Hotels and attractions. To cater for the inward surge of potential residents, many real estate companies have emerged building high quality villas and homes specifically for foreigners.
Krabi beach resort Thailand massage huts.
Here in Krabi they really focus on Thai massages which are one of the world’s great pleasures for around $12 for two hours. That price was in 2013, sadly now with the AUD exchange rate it’s $18. Follow @David_Herd
Massage under the trees
A fabulous way to relax in Krabi.
Silicon on the sand.
I’m not sure if this person is male or female. 🙂
Bus in Krabi.
The easy way to get around the village.
Long-tail boats take you to the islands.
Krabi beach resort Thailand in the southern province on the Andaman seaboard with perhaps the country’s oldest history of continued settlement. After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province’s many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to Homo Sapiens since the period 25,000 – 35,000 B.C. In recorded times it was called the ‘Ban Thai Samor’, and was one of twelve towns that used, before people were widely literate, the monkey for their standard. At that time, c. 1200 A.D., Krabi was tributary to the Kingdom of Ligor, a city on the Kra Peninsula’s east coast better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat. (Thanks to Wikipedia)
A little piece of Paradise
Quite a crowd walking on the beach today.
Dropping anchor in Krabi
Struggling against the wind.
Krabi beach resort Thailand Ao Nang Beach
A nice beach with clean water & sand.
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Limestone outcrops.
The Ko Lanta National Park, also in Krabi province, includes several coral-fringed islands with well-known diving sites. The largest island, Ko Lanta Yai, is the site of park headquarters, and is also home to Chao Le, or sea gypsies who sustain themselves largely through fishing. The islands are best visited during the non-monsoon months of October through April.
The rock faces at Railay Beach near Ao Nang have attracted climbers from all over the world and each year are the venue for the Rock and Fire Festival. There are several Rock Climbing schools at Railay beach.
Ao Nang beach is where I prefer to stay.
Krabi is a relaxing beach resort thailand
November 2008, 12 hour taxi ride.
Sadly Les passed away in March 2020, RIP.
Here is our happy taxi driver
It was a long 12 hour trip from Pattaya to Krabi.
Krabi beach resort Thailand
Krabi is well worth a visit, put it on your bucket list.
Koh Khai
Koh Khai is a group of famous tiny islands a 15 minute speedboat ride from Phuket’s east coast. There are 3 islands: Koh Khai Nai, Khai Nai Island and Koh Khai Nok, their names get a little confusing, especially once you know that ‘Koh’ means ‘Island’ in Thai.
Warren & David Herd at Ao Nang beach in Krabi.
Thanks for visiting my Krabi beach resort Thailand photo blog.
This resort is in an excellent location & only $32 USD per night. Use THIS LINK to get a good discount.
The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.
Sutus Court is a great budget hotel right i the heart of one of Pattaya’s main bar areas, just use THIS LINK for a terrific room rate. 420/100 Moo 9 Soi Buakhao.
This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposte the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate.
