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Big Buddha Koh Samui

June 24, 2016 by David Herd

Taxi around Koh Samui

Taxi around Koh Samui

 Taxi  around Koh Samui starting at the Big Buddha then circling clockwise around the island. It took about 4 hours and the taxi cost was B2000 or $57 usd. Our hotel was on Chaweng beach about 15 minutes drive from the big Buddha. Our very nice lady drivers name is Ying and her mobile is 09 1128 3867.

Beautiful bougainvillea

Taxi around Koh Samui

This beautiful flower reminds me of my home in Newport Beach Australia where I lived in the 80s, I had many beautiful bougainvilleas on the property.

Big Buddha & slightly smaller Buddha

Taxi around Koh Samui

My 115 kilos certainly puts me in the Buddha category. 🙂

One of two statues guarding the Big Buddha

Taxi around Koh Samui

Located as you enter the square below Big Buddha.

Here is a short video

Big Buddha Koh Samui

Looking back towards Chaweng

Taxi around Koh Samui

We stopped at a popular lookouts to take in the wonderful view.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks

Taxi around Koh Samui

The rocks, known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai), look, just like male and female genitalia.

A very popular tourist stop

Taxi around Koh Samui

Located two kilometres south of central Lamai Beach and about 11 kilometres away from Chaweng Beach.

Lamai Beach

Taxi around Koh Samui

The next beach around the coast from Chaweng.

Lamai beach bar & restaurant

Taxi around Koh Samui

Lamai is like a mini version of Chaweng, nice beach and lots of bars and restaurants.

 Next stop Guan Yu Chinese shrine.

Taxi around Koh Samui

It quite a shock when you first see this fantastic huge statue, there are about 12 or more Chinese restaurants in the square. The Guan Yu shrine is the centre of the Chinese community on Samui island.

He looks rather fierce

Taxi around Koh Samui

He does not look like a happy camper at all. 🙂

 Elephants on Koh Samui

Taxi around Koh Samui

What magnificent beasts they are.

Here is a little guy with Mum.

Taxi around Koh Samui

I must admit I have mixed feelings about these beautiful animals being held captive, however that’s an argument for another day.

Here is a video of a dancing elephant

Thailand's dancing elephant.

He certainly was a happy little jumbo.

Some banana for the little dancing jumbo

Taxi ride around Koh Samui

They really enjoy bananas, this is my friend John Martin aka Pothole feeding the little guy.

The popular waterfall was just a trickle.

Taxi around Koh Samui

Many people visit this location but sadly there was not much water flowing.

Please be careful

Taxi around Koh SamuiIn 2019 2 people have died here. Check out THIS LINK for details.

Time for a cool drink

Taxi around Koh Samui

A pleasant place to sit under the shade from the tall trees before continuing our journey.

Nathon pier

Taxi around Koh Samui

Here is where you catch a ferry to the mainland, take your car if you wish.

Bophut beach

Taxi around Koh Samui

 Bophut beach  was the last stop in our Taxi  around Koh Samui road trip. Very close to a large new shopping mall called Fisherman’s village.

 Beach bar

Taxi ride around Koh Samui

Bophut is is near the Big Buddha & less than 10 minutes from the airport. The Ibis is a nice hotel opposite the beach, for an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK. 

More peaceful and quieter than Chaweng yet only 15 minutes away from the action.

 Bar Baguette

Taxi around Koh Samui

This was really a good little cafe for lunch, the avocado & bacon baguette was perfect and the staff were really friendly.

Taxi ride around Koh Samui

Taxi around Koh Samui

Our taxi around Koh Samui was a great way to explore the delights of this wonderful tropical island, we had a very nice lady driver, her name in Ying and her mobile is 09 1128 3867.     

       Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad


            Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.         

     Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

June 24, 2016 by David Herd

Sensational Samui

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island is the busiest part of the island. However we were lucky in June 2016 the weather was beautiful and there were very few tourists so it was very peaceful indeed.

Baan Chaweng Hotel

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

I have stayed at this hotel 3 times before, the location is ideal, the rooms are good and the staff is friendly. I have noticed however the prices have certainly risen in the last 10 years. For an excellent rate just use THIS LINK to book.

Hotel pool

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 

The hotel grounds are a little like a rain forest.

Massage on Chaweng Beach Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

In front of the hotel are four massage ladies, B300 for an hour.

Some nice scenery in front of our hotel.

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 

A bright green bikini is always going to brighten up my day. 🙂

The Ark Bar

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

The Ark Bar is a huge hotel that’s very popular with the younger crowd, there is a big pool party every Wednesday and Friday. Older dinosaurs like myself are better off 100 meters further on at the quieter Baan Chaweng.

For an excellent room rate at the Ark Bar just book through THIS LINK.

Hillside homes being built

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

What great views they will have overlooking Chaweng beach.

So many hotel choices on Chaweng Beach

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

The hotel choices are endless, everything from ultra modern to traditional bungalows.

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

White sand blue sky what more do you need?

Maybe you need a tattoo?

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 

I have to admit I am not a fan of heavily tattooed females, but to each his own I guess.

She looks better here

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Much better because I can’t see her tattoos. 🙂

Breakfast with a view.

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

What a way to start the day, cornflakes and an omelette.

Here is a short video of Chaweng Beach Koh Samui

Beautiful Chaweng beach Koh Samui

Peppina  on Chaweng Beach Koh Samui

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

An unusual building on Chaweng Peppina has a reputation for making great pizzas.

A typical Samui scene

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Chaweng beach is rather special to me, so many memories over the years. My first visit was 1998 followed by many over the following years including New Years Eve 1999.

Here is the beach massage price list

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

 

Price list, what price list? I don’t see a price list. 🙂

Flashback to December 1999

Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island

Had a short fling with this beautiful Italian girl from Florence. Her name was Barbara Manelli, I called her “The Gypsy:. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Chaweng Beach Koh Samui Island photo blog, check out my other Koh Samui blogs. I think you will enjoy my road trip around the island. Here are my suggestions on some excellent restaurants.

                   

 Istanbul                                 Budapest                        London

Fascinating Istanbul Asia Meets Europe     Hungarian Parliament Building (2)       The Walkie Talkie (5)    

          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

43638e36-5da5-4162-98e3-635e2c149837        IMG_7425    Split Ancient Croatian Coastal city                     

                 Saigon                            Zagreb                          Vung tau

Ho Chi Minh City South Vietnam       Main Square (3)     Vung Tau statue (6)

Pattaya live webcam
 
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

June 14, 2016 by David Herd

Nature at it’s best

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach are one of the many advantages of living on Beach Road Pattaya overlooking the bay. I regularly see some of the most incredible cloud formation my 17th floor apartment in Markland condo. The photo above on November 20th 2021 shows some beautiful cumulus clouds hovering above Koh Larn island.

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

oFascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Blue sky, white clouds on a sunny day, life does not get better than this. I spend a few hours each day on my computer producing my photo blogs, not sure if it’s a hobby or an obsession, however it gives me great satisfaction to glance over the top of my monitor which I do one hundred times a day, and see the clouds rolling across the bay.

 Looking north to Wongamat

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Wongamat is the next beach north of Pattaya, there are many beach side condos and hotels overlooking a nice sandy beach. The yellow building in the foreground is the Dusit Thani five star hotel.

Fascinating Pattaya clouds over Koh Larn

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Koh Larn is a B30 40 minute ferry ride from Bali Hi wharf, the crystal clear water is a huge improvement over Pattaya.

Pattaya bay

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Looking west at the Fascinating Pattaya clouds.

I’m sure you will all be pleased to hear I have just created a new profession, I am now a Cloudologist, who constantly participates in the art of Cloudology. Be impressed, be very impressed. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Looking south

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

The building under construction on the right is Centric Sea, it consists of two high rise and one low rise building containing 1000 condominiums. It in located in 2nd road and was completed early 2016.

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

The “Ripleys Believe it or not” hot air balloon is actually anchored by a cable so customers won’t go flying of in the wild blue yonder.

June 29 2017

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Nearly every day there is another interesting cloud to photograph.

An interesting story

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Work stopped on the high rise about 8 years ago because of questions about building approvals and specifications. Hundreds of people would have paid deposits & by now be wondering if they have lost their money.

UPDATE, the owners declared bankruptcy in January 2017, so who knows what will happen now.

Angry clouds

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Up to now I have featured the pretty clouds, now it’s time for some angry clouds. 🙂

John Fogerty has a question….

Looking south from my apartment

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

The building in the foreground is the A1 hotel which is shaped like a ship, the tall building is North Shore, the most upmarket condo block in central Pattaya.

Another awesome cloud formation

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

So many clouds to photograph and such little time. 🙂

Rain over Koh Larn

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

This was July 29 2016 at 6.15 pm.

Clouds & shadows August 30 2016

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Every day something new.

Absolutely breathtaking

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

This is the view I have every day from my apartment.

Same same but different

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Always a different beautiful shape.

Clouds on fire

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

One of the best Thai sunsets I have ever seen.

June 28 2017

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

And the beat goes on. 🙂

Storm on the way

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

I love watching the tropical storms in Pattaya.

The sky was angry today my friends.

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Well that’s how George Castanza would describe it. 🙂

A cloud with the “WOW” factor.

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

That’s Koh Larn on the left.

May 17 2018

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

A perfect Pattaya morning.

A very angry sky

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Black clouds in October 2018.

Amazing colour

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

 Tweaked by Google from a shot taken on June 1st 2020.

Beach Road

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Road works & a beautiful cloud from June 1st 2020.

Super cloud February 3 2021

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

They don’t get much better than this. 🙂

June 16 2022

Fascinating clouds Pattaya

Taken from The Bay in Beach Road.

Lets finish with a beautiful sunset.

Fascinating clouds Pattaya Beach

Absolutely breathtaking.

Sabai Wing Soi 1 North Pattaya

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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.

If you like clouds you may like this Joni Mitchell song.

Thanks for visiting my Fascinating Pattaya clouds photo blog.

For a discounted hotel rate in Pattaya just book through THIS LINK

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

                          Please check out these fabulous posts    

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                  Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 
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Check out these great posts

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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New Years Eve Sydney 2012

June 4, 2016 by David Herd

January 1st 2013, please note, this is not part of my Travel Blog. It’s my personal history, check it out if you wish.

New Years Eve Sydney 2012 at Drummoyne

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

 New Years Eve Sydney 2012 from 72 Wrights Road Drummoyne where I lived for six years from 1979 to 1984. This is late afternoon and everybody is getting ready for the fireworks, there are two spectacular shows, one at 9 pm for the children (and me) and one of course at midnight.

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

The apartments you see are in St Georges Crescent where I also owned another 3 bedroom waterfront apartment at Brackley Gardens, this was for investment & rental purposes I never lived there. It is interesting to look at prices way back in the 70s, I purchased Brackley Gardens for $48,000 in 1977 then sold 5 years later for $98,000.

I sold Wrights road for a profit of $100,000 in 1986, I rate this in the top 3 mistakes I have ever made in my life.

Warwick Robinson

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

 I have known Warwick for about 35 years, a nice fellow with a great sense of humour. He and his lovely wife Ady have lived in Cherrybrook for many years. I like standing beside him, he makes me look thin. 🙂

Peter Hesky

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

I have known Peter for a similar amount of time as Warwick, we enjoyed many great time together in the 70s & 80s. He is a great host and organized some terrific dinners at his Freeway Hotel in Artarmon.

Peter & I both love Mud Crabs and have polished off many back in the days I lived at Drummoyne, I must say however the best I have ever had have been in Singapore, follow THIS LINK to see what I mean.

In fact here is an example

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

 These monsters are certainly not cheap, from memory this one set me back about $120. It’s from Sri Lanka and at 3.3 kilo the biggest I have ever eaten.

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

The 9 pm fireworks show at New Years Eve Sydney 2012 gets under way. I must confess I have seen so many fireworks displays over the years they have lost a little of their appeal for me. Certainly the best I have ever seen was in the 80s when I would anchor my boat in the Harbour beside the opera House and be in the middle of the action. Equally as exciting and maybe more so was Rio de Janeiro on NYE 2007 when 2 million people converged on Copacabana beach, just follow THIS LINK to see what I mean.

And the beat goes on

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

I have another confession I was in bed trying to get to sleep at 11 pm. 🙂

I was more impressed by the food

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

Our hosts Peter Hobbs and his lovely Thai girlfriend Pring put on a great spread.

And here she is 🙂

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

All I can say is Peter is punching way above his weight. 🙂

Peter & I the next morning on New Years Day.

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

 Wrights Road in these apartments was my home for 6 years from 1979, some of the best years of my life. In fact check out my 1982 photo blog and see for yourself.

72 Wrights Rd

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

The smaller block in the middle was my home, I was in unit 12 on the top floor, Peter is on the ground floor on the left. Talking about property values again, I purchased in 1979 for $65,000 then sold in 1985 for $165,000. I believe now in 2016 they sell for over a million.

Flashback to 1982

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

One of the greatest eras in my life was living in Drummoyne in the 80s, looking back it was a mistake to move to Newport with my new fiancée thinking I was ready to settle down. How wrong can a man be?

 Not too attractive from the street

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

However it was a great location to live with my white Mercedes Sports in the garage and my Bertram 25 moored right outside.

Robbie Bonnet

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

Robbie live here when I did in the 80s and he is still here now 35 years later. He owns a  Bob Jane T-Marts in Drummoyne however I believe it recently closed and he is moving to a new location.

Farewell to Wrights Road

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

The memories certainly came flooding back after spending New Years Eve Sydney 2012 at my old home in Drummoyne. It was great to catch up with lots of old friends, who say nostalgia is a thing of the past?

Talking about old friends

New Years Eve Sydney 2012

When I left Drummoyne on the morning of January 1st to drive to Port Macquarie I stopped in Dee Why for a coffee with another old friend Paul Slaughter.

Thanks for visiting my New Years Eve Sydney 2012 photo blog.

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             Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
                              Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks
1g Duck
Pattaya live webcam 
 
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Counter only started February 16 2020.

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Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

May 23, 2016 by David Herd

A super shopping mall

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

 Siam Paragon Shopping Mall Bangkok opened about 15 years ago in 2006, I remember how impressed I was with this amazing new shopping mall with it’s wide aisles and fabulous food court and supermarket.

Now of course there are many new super malls in Bangkok to compete with including Central Embassy and EmQuartier.

Shops on the 1st floor

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

 

Here is a guide to some of the shops.

Siam Paragon, Hanging fences

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

Another photo taken way back in 2006 of the Siam Paragon, Hanging fences, I’m not sure if they are still there or not.

 The Main floor

Siam P ground floor (1)

 

Strangely the level that is linked to the skywalk is called the Main Floor, despite it being one above the ground, and the floors above that are then the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, up to the 5th, which is taken up by the Cineplex and its 15 large size theatres. There is direct access to the centre from Siam BTS Skytrain station.

Siam Paragon is opposite MBK

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

Only 5 minutes walk on an elevated path from the well know MBK centre.

Busy Bangkok corner

BTS Skytrain

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

As I mentioned for Siam Paragon get of at Siam station, MBK is actually one stop further at National Stadium station.

Get a great discount at all the Hotels near Siam Paragon & MBK, just book through THIS LINK.

Met up with an old friend

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

Could this be my 15 minutes of fame? 🙂

Food food & more food.

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

One thing is for certain the Thai people love their food and there are plenty of options at Siam Paragon to keep them happy.

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.    

Decisions decisions

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

The hard part is trying to decide where to eat, they all look so inviting.

 Siam Center

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

Right next door to Siam Paragon is Siam Center another wonderful mall, check it out on THIS LINK.

Shopping for a car perhaps?

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

Follow THIS LINK for some amazing super cars at Siam Paragon Shopping Mall.

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall Bangkok Food court

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

There is really no type of food you can’t buy at the fabulous mall.

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

Siam Paragon Shopping Mall

What a great idea to keep the kids amused while you are dining at the Siam Paragon Shopping Mall.


Thanks for visiting my Siam Paragon Shopping Mall Bangkok photo blog, check out some other stories below from all over the world.

                      Here are some more posts to check out 

       

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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. 

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Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Everything you wanted to know about Bangkok but were afraid to ask. 🙂

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

May 21, 2016 by David Herd

Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping, Petchaburi Rd is surrounded by some of the best shopping in this great city. Everybody knows about Pratunam markets where you can buy clothes and accessories at rock bottom prices, now however there is much more competition at places like Palladium World and Platinum Fashion Mall which offer air conditioned comfort which you certainly don’t get at Pratunam markets.

For an excellent room rate at the Novotel Bangkok Platinum book through THIS LINK.

GLOW Pratunam Bangkok Hotels Petchaburi

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

Right opposite Pantip Plaza the well known Bangkok I.T. centre. Book through THIS LINK for a discounted room rate.

Pantip Plaza

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

Several floors of hardware and software, I have been shopping here for 20 years.

 Pantip Plaza

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

Computer and camera shops are located on the 3rd floor, as well as hardware, RAM etc for sale. Some shops specialize in building computers to your specifications. The fourth floor has more computer and repair shops.

Platinum Fashion Mall

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

 Platinum is a 5 billion Baht shopping mall in Petchaburi Rd Pratunam, almost next door to Pantip Plaza, which specializes in fashion clothes and accessories both retail and wholesale.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

 Baiyoke Sky Hotel was built in 1997 and is the 2nd highest building in Bangkok. For an excellent room rate book through THIS LINK.

I took this photo from the Red Sky bar above Central, on the right is the Novotel and Palladium World Shopping mall.

Amari Watergate Hotel

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

 

The Amari Watergate hotel is a reasonably priced hotel in the middle of this shopping district, book through THIS LINK and you will get a discounted room for around $88 + tax.

Palladium World Shopping mall.

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

Located on the corner of Phetchaburi Road and Ratchaprarop with the 3 gold domes, I believe it’s bigger and cheaper than Platinum Fashion Mall and has a bazaar type layout featuring long alleyways of tightly packed stalls.

Palladium World from street level

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

It certainly does not look as spectacular as it does from the Red Sky Bar.

Foot massage at Palladium World

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

After a couple of hours walking there is nothing like a foot massage. 🙂

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping a  25 minute walk to MBK.

Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping

Or 5 mimutes in a taxi for around B40.

Thanks for visiting my Bangkok Hotels Markets Shopping photo blog.

             Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.         

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 


Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

May 20, 2016 by David Herd

Bangkok building boom

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom is in full swing. Chock-a-block full of high rise office buildings, up-market condos, lots of embassies, luxury hotels & very expensive shopping malls. I love the area which is close to where I stay in Soi 11 Nana.

Weird & wonderful

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Most of these modern buildings can be seen from the sky train which is by far the best way to move around Bangkok.

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Is another huge building site which will add another sky scraper to the Ploenchit skyline.

One of my favourite buildings on Sukhumvit Road Ploenchit

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Park Ventures recently achieved the highest office rental in Bangkok of B900 per M2 per month. The building is 35 stories high and has an elevated walkway leading to the station and various shopping malls including Central World which is directly opposite. The section jutting out is the infinity at the Okura Hotel.

The Okura Prestige Bangkok is a super luxurious hotel in the building, for a discounted rate USE THIS LINK.

Rated 9.1 by Agoda

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

As you can see it is rather special and in a great location. Using THIS LINK will get you a room for under $200.

For other hotels use this link.

 Great design the Park Hyatt Sukhumvit Road Ploenchit

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Park Hyatt Bangkok, opening on May 12th 2017, has its sights set on being the capital’s leading icon of luxury and hotels in Bangkok. Presenting internationally inspired architecture and interior design; exceptional accommodation. Central Embassy will be hoping they will bring potential customers as their traffic since opening has been disappointing.

For an excellent room rate t the Park Hyatt just book through THIS LINK.

These great walkways take you off the street

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Linking hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and offices these modern walkways are quite fantastic. You can walk from Ploenchit to Chidlom and Central Embassy and Central world.

Busy Bangkok corner

Deutsche Bank Sukhumvit Road Ploenchit

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Prestige companies, condos, hotels etc really love the Ploenchit Chidlom area of Bangkok.

Now if it’s good food you want…..

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Right beside Chidlom station is terrific Bangkok restaurant, the Pirate Chambre. A little hard to find but worth the effort, there is a walkway from the station. The fabulous lamb shank was only B480.

JW Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit Road Ploenchit

Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom

Breakfast at the JW Marriott bakery on Sukhumvit Road Ploenchit is always a pleasure & the coffee is excellent. Just a short walk to Ploenchit station, for an excellent room rate at the fine hotel USE THIS LINK TO BOOK. 

Thanks for visiting my Sukhumvit Rd Ploenchit building boom photo blog.

Great location

Nana Sukhumvit area Bangkok

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.

The best Bangkok budget hotel I have ever stayed in.

                       Here are some more posts to check out           

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

May 18, 2016 by David Herd

Via Vai Soi 8 Sukhumvit

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

 Weekend Bangkok May 2016 included visiting new restaurants, sky bars & shopping malls. It’s nice to have a break from Pattaya which is where I live 2 hours south of Bangkok.

Dinner at Via Vai

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

My friend Hamish Elton and I in Soi 8 eating Italian food which was ok without making you want to rush back.

Via Vai is opposite Monsoon which is one of my favourite Bangkok restaurants.

The Game sports bar

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

On Sukhumvit beside Nana station this bar has lots of screens showing all the sports. A separate smoking area overlooks the footpath which spares the drinkers inside the bar. The header to this post is a favourite shot of mine that was taken at “The Game”, I call it Minnesota Fats racking them up. 🙂

Beef stew at THE GAME.

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

At best it was barely average, next time I’ll try something different.

Now if it’s good food you want…..

Bangkok restaurant reviews

A terrific new Bangkok restaurant, the Pirate Chambre at Chidlom. Hard to find but worth the effort. The fabulous lamb shank was only B480.

Enjoying a red wine at Pirate Chambre

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Put this excellent restaurant on your bucket list.

 Signing the waiver

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

Sign before you ride, the guy didn’t last to long in the saddle, they just pump up the speed and it’s all over rover.

Hooters Bangkok Soi 4 Sukhumvit

When the Hooter’s girls saddle up it’s a much gentler ride.

Here is my hotel in Soi 11 Weekend Bangkok May 2016

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

Next door to the tailor is i-check inn, great value if you use this link to book.

Ribs at Tony Romas during Weekend Bangkok May 2016

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

Terminal 21 is where you will find Tony Roma and his ribs.

 The Sheraton on Sukhumvit and Terminal 21.

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

From Asoke station a walkways takes you straight into Terminal 21.

Bangkok at night

Asoke Bangkok at night

Asoke intersection

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

A very busy intersection, you can see the building where the Long Table sky bar Bangkok is located on the 25th floor of the Colomn serviced apartments in Soi 16 Asoke.

JW Marriott

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

A very good breakfast and the coffee is excellent. Plus I have a 20% discount card.

A guy I know gets preferential treatment

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

I showing the staff this photo next time I’m there and asking for the same serving of avocado. 🙂

I started with this shot and I’m going to finish with it.

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

Every now and then I take a photo I really like, this is one of those. It was taken at “The Game”, sports bar in Nana and I call it “Minnesota Fats racking them up.” 🙂

Late night street food

Weekend Bangkok May 2016

Quintessential late night Bangkok.

Thanks for checking out my Weekend Bangkok May 2016 photo blog.

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.

Bangkok Budget Sukhumvit Hotels

More photo blogs here;

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil 

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

The best Bangkok budget hotel I have ever stayed in.

            Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.         

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Central Embassy Shopping Mall Bangkok

May 17, 2016 by David Herd

Amazing Bangkok Shopping Mall

Central Embassy Shopping Mall Bangkok

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

 Central Embassy Shopping Mall Bangkok in Chidlom is full of high end designer stores, all the famous labels are here.  There is direct access from two sky train stations, Chidlom and Ploenchit. It is also connected to Central Chidlom which is their flagship store.

Amazing architecture

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

Everything about Central Embassy oozes class & luxury, some of the many labels include Versace, Gucci, Prada,  Givenchy and many more, in other words it’s way above my pay grade. 🙂

Prada

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

From memory according to Merryl Streep the devil wears it. A great friend of mine in Australia often refers to his wife as “The Prada Princess”, that’s ok because he can afford her expensive tastes.

And the beat goes on

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

I remember visiting the spot where Versace was shot dead in 1997 on the steps of his Miami home. Fifty is way too young to die.

Central Embassy Shopping Mall Bangkok 

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

The prices at the bakery reflect the surroundings.

Harrods bakery

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

Now here is a familiar name from good old London town.

Shop till you drop

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

A word of warning to my male friends, don’t tell your wife about Central Embassy Shopping Mall.

Central Embassy Shopping Mall Bangkok, Dean & Deluca

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

A great place for coffee and cake and lots of other goodies.

Dean & Deluca Central Embassy Shopping Mall

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

There are many branches in Bangkok including EmQuartier another favourite mall of mine.

VW cocktail car

Central Embassy Shopping Mall Bangkok

There are many of these converted VWs where I live in Pattaya, what a great idea. No way you could do it in Australia, far too many ridiculous rules and regulations. 🙂

Central Embassy Shopping Mall Bangkok

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

Central Embassy Shopping Mall has a great feel about it, uncluttered and luxurious, I have a lot more to investigate on my next Bangkok visit.

 Great design the Park Hyatt

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

Another wonderful design the Park Hyatt hotel above Central Embassy is expected to open late 2016. Central Embassy will be hoping they will bring potential customers as their traffic since opening has been disappointing.

Get a great room rate at the Park Hyatt through THIS LINK.

One last look

Central Embassy Shopping Mall

Thanks for visiting my Central Embassy Shopping Mall Bangkok photo blog.

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.

                          Please check out these fabulous posts     

Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

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. 

 Soi Cowboy                            Nana Plaza                          Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Everything you wanted to know about Bangkok but were afraid to ask. 🙂

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

May 17, 2016 by David Herd

Great Bangkok bar

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

Long Table sky bar Bangkok is located on the 25th floor of the Colomn serviced apartments in Soi 16 Asoke. Walk in the door and this is the fabulous view of Bangkok. Obviously not as high as many of the Bangkok sky bars but still offers an incredible view of this great city. Photo credit Asia Web Direct.

Use THIS LINK for a great rate of around $80 USD + tax for a 62 M2 serviced apartment.

Grab a seat beside the pool

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

 Happy hour is 5 pm to 7 pm, you get 2 for 1 drinks so two cold beers will only cost you B210.

 The Sheraton and Terminal 21.

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

Only a ten minute walk from Asoke station which is beside Terminal 21 shopping mall.

Looking towards Sathon.

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

Best to arrive before sunset to fully appreciate the changing view as the sun sets.

Video before sunset

Even though it is only the 25th floor the view is exceptional.

Terminal 21

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

One of the best Bangkok shopping malls, lots of low price restaurants.

Sathon at sunset

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

One of my favourite pastimes is to watch the sunset over the Big Mango while sipping an ice cold Carlsberg.

On come the lights

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

The city starts to light up, this was Sunday May 15 2016, during the week the view is better at night as more lights are on in the buildings.

 The Sheraton on Sukhumvit and Terminal 21.

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

From Asoke station a walkways takes you straight into Terminal 21.

Bangkok at night

Asoke Bangkok at night

Much more spectacular at night.

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

There is actually a Red Sky bar in Bangkok, it is one of the most spectacular views in the city, just follow THIS LINK.

Lets look inside

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

The excellent bar at the Long Table restaurant.

Long Table sky bar Asoke Bangkok

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

The décor is terrific and the happy hour make the drinks very affordable.

It is a very long table.

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

It is easy to see why they call it the Long Table sky bar Bangkok.

Long Table sky bar Bangkok      Long Table sky bar Asoke Bangkok

I’m not sure if there is anything like this anywhere in the world.

Put Long Table sky bar Bangkok on your bucket list

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

As you can clearly see the décor is rather spectacular.

 Entrance to Long Table sky bar Bangkok

Long Table sky bar Bangkok

Thanks for visiting my Long Table sky bar Bangkok photo blog.

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.

Brewski Sky Bar Radisson Blu Bangkok

The best Bangkok budget hotel I have ever stayed in.

Please check out some of the most popular below, and thank you for visiting.

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

 Soi Cowboy (5)           e1274c0c-cf4d-4406-b5dc-d9e8071e382e            8993ef02-ccf3-46a7-8b6d-fc11af9d93ad

 
  Please check out these fabulous posts
       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
 bd96516a-84df-4ca0-86e6-c757cc9053d1          01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f          e18b6c87-5adc-4a80-92cf-6c643ad130c1
 
Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
f044491e-69aa-4082-b49b-1ff33557d7d4          60e7d26d-1039-4dde-863d-62b66656ccbf          1bea4a99-cb07-4161-83ba-75c0ef2b63cc
    Bangkok Bars                         Tokyo                      Cape Town Safari
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          f5e9441a-4154-44e0-a362-18b662d40b48          2a2b79ea-bc5f-46e3-8448-2e71658eff14 
               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
                                        Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          b1c99886-3940-4dda-b350-44c5e5c77e41
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)

Everything you wanted to know about Bangkok but were afraid to ask. 🙂

  • The fabulous Commons
  • Patpong red light district

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 3 photos