Hello from the Five Star Vagabond
September 12, 2015
by David Herd
Comments Off on Royal Cliff Hotel
If you want luxury……. Royal Cliff Hotel Royal Cliff Hotel Pattaya is a wonderful property on Pratumnak Hill overlooking the bay, in 1980 on my first trip to Thailand this is where I stayed. Pool under repair This was 2013 … Continue reading
September 10, 2015 by David Herd
Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya
Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya has seen a couple of new venues open recently, Retox Bar & Steak & Co are two excellent venues. Soi Lengkee runs off Soi Buakhau and is almost adjacent to Soi LK Metro.
The photo shows bar owner Simon Peatfield on Opening night at Retox Bar July 11 2015
A purpose built sports bars with loads of screens for the sports fans.
You will find Soi Lengkee if you cross over Soi Buakhao from Soi Diana travelling away from Pattaya Beach.
You are going to find this hard to believe but they have nice new hotel rooms where you can stay for only $17 per night if you book through this link. $21 if you would like a nice balcony. 🙂
Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya Sausages & chips
The sausages & gravy were good but the chips were soft & soggy.
Until a few months ago this was a very good Chinese restaurant, now it’s a very good Steakhouse featuring Australian beef.
This was the first visit and my steak was outstanding, cooked to perfection, I gave it a 9 out of 10. The 2nd time I was there 2 weeks later in August 2015 it was not nearly as good, perhaps 7 out of 10.
Nice warm atmosphere to enjoy a red wine while waiting for your steak to arrive. 🙂
Soi Lenkee is improving all the time with lots of bars, restaurants & hotels.
This is the Soi Lengkee entrance to another low cost hotel, Sutus court, the main entrance is almost next door to Witherspoons, in Soi Buakhao, great value currently at $22 per night.
Today bar on Soi Lengkee Pattaya sounds good to me.
Just around the corner in 3rd road is this interesting new restaurant. Lamb shank was only B399 and cooked perfectly.
The kebabs are very good for B60. 🙂
Cheap long term accommodation in Soi Diana just cross over Soi Buakhao and it’s just down on the left.
Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $23 usd per night as of August 15. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.
Just use THIS LINK for a terrific rate at the Wave Hotel.
Thanks for visiting my Restaurants Bars Soi Lengkee Pattaya photo blog.
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September 9, 2015 by David Herd
Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya
Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya is not just one of the main night life centres that is extremely popular with the locals. It also boasts of one of the cities best markets which opens Tuesdays & Fridays. Add to this a huge number of affordable restaurants, hotels & condos and you have one of the most exciting places in Pattaya to live or just to visit.
Soi Buakhao is a two way street that connects Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road, the market is only 50 meters from South Pattaya Road.
Send the wife shopping while you sit here and enjoy a cold beer. 🙂
In case you didn’t realise that is a frog kebab above. I guess you will be rushing to get one soon. 🙂
Looks fairly spicy to me. 🙂
Thai people have taken street food to an art form.
I could quite easily. 🙂
Typical Pattaya pub & restaurant with lots of TV screens and serving good cheap food.
There are many low cost hotels in this area, for a good rate use this link. I have several friends who stay at the Sutus court which is almost next door to Witherspoons, great value currently at $22 per night.
Cosy little bar in Soi Buakhao, here Hamish Elton and Andrew enjoy a cold beer or two. Andrew with the tattoos is the new owner.
This nice cafe is opposite mates bar, I think Andrew eats there 6 days a week. 🙂
They serve a very good breakfast for around $4 usd and lucky for me have provide the Bangkok Post to read. 🙂
Some people may find it exciting to be nearly knocked over by a 183 centimetre LadyBoy walking along Soi Buakhao but not me. 🙂 Apologies for the blurred photo but I guess my hand was shaking a little out of fear of being accosted. 🙂 🙂 🙂
My mistake I think this is one street north of Lenkee.
Pook bar closed in mid 2014. It used to be located on Soi Buakhao in Pattaya, Thailand. In its day it was the largest and best known ladyboy bar in the city. The same owner has a Pook Bar in Soi 6.
One of the many go go bars in the area.
One of the very good low price restaurants in busy Soi Buakhao. The Hungry Hippo is another one that is worth a visit.
If I had to vote for the best value restaurant in Pattaya the Hungry Hippo would be number one.
Trust me, their prices are excellent.
Diagonally across the road from Hungry Hippo, lots more food on offer here.
Opposite the Sutis Court Hotel.
Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $23 usd per night as of August 15. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.
Just use THIS LINK for a terrific rate at the Wave Hotel.
Thanks for visiting my Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya photo blog.
Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.
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September 7, 2015 by David Herd
Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street
Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street is a great alternative to Walking St, not as many tourists gawking at the girls plus lots of bars and restaurants to choose from. The name comes from the Leng-Kee family, one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Pattaya with properties and businesses all over the City.
A popular LK Metro bar with low cost hotel rooms above.
My Australian friend Greg Johnstone used to own the Billabong, he sold it in 2014 and has taken up farming.
One of my favourite sports bars, lots of TV screens to watch Australian football. 🙂
Very cheap rooms here for around 500 Baht if you book through this link.
State of Origin 2017
Two QLD legends from the past Greg Cornescu and Wally Fullerton Smith dropped by yesterday for few coldies.
Champagne has been in LK for many years, however these days there is a lot more competition.
Sadly our good friend Lenny passed away early 2016 after a short battle with cancer, RIP.
I couldn’t resist including this great photo, as I said earlier Greg owned Billabong until 2014.
Some interesting names. 🙂
If I’m not watching sport in LK I like to have a drink at Kilkenny which is opposite Billabong & adjacent to i-rovers. A very good “people watching” spot.
A good bar for watching the passing parade.
Drinks at Kilkenny
Gordon Shanks from New York and Jonathan Whiting from Brisbane.
You are going to find this hard to believe but Retox have nice new hotel rooms in Soi Lenkee where you can stay for only $17 per night if you book through this link. $21 if you would like a nice balcony. 🙂
You will find Soi Lengkee if you cross over Soi Buakhao from Soi Diana travelling away from Pattaya Beach.
One of the many go go bars in the area.
Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $23 usd per night as of August 15. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.
Just use THIS LINK for a terrific rate at the Wave Hotel.
Check out some other blogs below.
Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.
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September 6, 2015 by David Herd
Favourite Pattaya restaurants
Favourite Pattaya restaurants in no particular order, these are just the places I regularly visit for food, comfort, ambiance and value for money. Above is a Massaman curry lamb shank at Siam @ Siam hotel, absolutely delicious.
Patricks has a terrific menu and great food. I really love their Oxtail soup. Very good Australian steaks with waffles & ice cream to finish. This really is one of the best Pattaya restaurants
Hamish turns 46 on July 21st 2015 and we celebrate at Patrick’s with Greg Clee.
Sunday lunch here at The Mantra is one of the world’s great dining experiences. Alaskan crab, oysters from France Australian beef etc etc, just go there. There is food from seven different kitchens and the service and décor is 2nd to none. Certainly one of my Favourite Pattaya restaurants.
I could eat a plate like this every day. 🙂
Sadly in February 2019 the Amari Hotel management made a ridiculous decision to permanently close the wonderful restaurant.
Take a look at our final feast HERE.
Excellent Australian steak at reasonable prices. Out of all the North Pattaya restaurants this is probably my favourite. The lobster soup is a must, the two other places who also do a great lobster bisque are the upmarket Mata Hari and the budget restaurant at the Avenue called Pizza Pizza.
Louis Noll, the owner of Mata Hari sadly passed away in February 2022, RIP my friend.
This night we had excellent Thai food at Siamese Cuisine, I guess it helps when a local orders.
Special price on Tuesday night only 279 Baht or $8.50 usd. Order wine before 7 pm and get 2 for 1.
Very good food & great value.
Mata Hari is a very stylish upmarket restaurant serving excellent European & Thai cuisine. A very popular spot for the locals, impeccable service, great food & upmarket décor, yet reasonably priced all things considered. I would certainly rate it in the top 6 restaurants in Pattaya. Louis is your friendly host & his wife Jacky the terrific chef, check out the website here. Mata Hari certainly is one of the best Pattaya restaurants.
Hachiban Ramen, the Gyoza & Teriyaki chicken is to die for, only 153 Baht for the two, priceless.
There is another branch on the ground floor of Tukcom at the rear.
Located about 200 meters from the Dolphin roundabout. Very good low cost German food, always busy.
Pea soup is excellent (B90) as are the meatballs & potato salad. (B150).
An exceptional feast.
Make sure you book as it’s very popular.
For a review of local restaurants in 2020 just follow THIS LINK.
Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.
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.
The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.
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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September 4, 2015 by David Herd
Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road
Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road is located in Naklua about 5 kms from central Pattaya. Just jump on a Baht bus & you are there in 10 minutes for 10 Baht or 70 cents.
Many products are still alive & kicking, they will kill & clean the fish for you then pack them in ice so you can take them home to cook.
Here is my friend Pothole choosing dinner.
A great choice at the Pattaya Fish Market.
Choose you lunch and they will cook it for you.
Rather expensive as you can see.
They even look dangerous when they a small. 🙂
A good selection at reasonable prices.
Choose from the live tank and they will scale and clean them for you.
The variety is incredible, anything you desire is here.
A very interesting place to spend an hour or so.
Seeing all these mussels reminded me of when I was in Brussels last year, the Belgians are absolutely crazy about them, check out my blog called Beer, Fries & Mussels.
It real is worth a visit, get something cooked and eat in the adjacent park.
Enjoy the view from the walkway beside the gulf.
Laem Chabang is a large commercial port with not much else in the area. The large cruise ships stop here and they can buy souvenirs and get a massage at the cruise terminal, there is also a shopping centre. Smaller ships may head up the Chao Phraya River and dock at Khlong Toei Port relatively close to Bangkok’s city centre.
High and dry at low tide at Pattaya Fish Market.
Those blocks of condos have all sprung up in the last 2 years. This view is from beside the fish market. Out of picture to the right is the Sanctuary of Truth.
Sanctuary of Truth is a temple, an all-wood building filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu motifs. More photos on THIS LINK.
Thanks for visiting my Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road photo blog.
Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.
Checkout some more of my terrific blogs on the links below.
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.
The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.
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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September 3, 2015 by David Herd
Pattaya interesting transport options
Pattaya interesting transport options are many and varied, here are some of the many alternatives (fast & slow) available to you when you next visit this exciting city. I’m guessing the beast above is a DUCATI MONSTER 821, my apologies if I have it wrong.
Two models will be available when the new 2015 Diavels arrive in May. The standard Diavel—if there is such a thing as a standard Diavel—is the Dark Stealth model, which retails for $17,995 and features a black body, a black trellis frame, black wheels, and black mufflers. Then there’s the $20,995 Diavel Carbon, which is outfitted with unpainted stainless-steel silencers and black Marchesini wheels that are machined just enough to reveal that they are made from forged, lightweight aluminium. Buyers have a choice of two Diavel Carbon colors: Ducati Red with Matte Carbon and a red frame, or Star White with Matte Carbon and a white frame.
The Electra Glide Ultra Classic serves as Harley Davidson’sentry-level model for its full-dresser lineup. Updated for 2017, it sports improved suspension while reducing the heat felt by rider and passenger for greater all-around comfort. Not only that, but the all-new Milwaukee-Eight engine makes its way onto this ride for greater performance than ever before with 111.4 pound-feet of torque and six-speed transmission that comes geared for highway riding at a reasonable rpm. H-D’s Infotainment system makes an appearance as well, so the phrase “entry level” is obviously a relative statement. Let’s check out this updated classic to see where the balance was struck.
They certainly are a classic machine.
Sadly I feel Pattaya is too dangerous to ride a motorbike, it’s not a question of if you may have an accidents, it’s when you will have an accident.
This old clunker must be at least 40 or 50 years old and still floating. 🙂
Three huge outboard motors is total overkill for this 30 foot plywood boat.
Grossly overpowered, they are obviously making too much money.
Now this would suit me foe a day on the water. 🙂
May need a little work. 🙂
A very nice looking catamaran.
What a wild looking road rocket.
Yellow or green, either one will do.
These previous 3 vehicles were on display at Central Festival in August 2015.
This has got to be the most fantastic bus I have ever seen.
It certainly is an eye catcher.
Another fantastic paint job.
Pattaya’s fantastic bus system, there are hundreds of them, 10 Baht or 70 cents and just ring the bell to jump off anywhere you want.
Not sure what the advantage is but it looks good.
If you are going to visit the Hard Rock cafe you really need a Ferrari. 🙂
However for lunch at the mantra an Orange one is far more suitable.
This is my popular choice of propulsion in Pattaya, Skechers are the best walking shoes I have ever had. 🙂
Along the Beach Road in Pattaya, often between Soi 10 and Soi 13/4 (entrance to Walking Street), Thai Jet Ski touts will approach the tourist. Most likely time to witness the scam unfolding would be between 5pm – 5:30pm as it is getting dark. Particularly outside Mike Shopping Mall, Royal Garden Plaza, and Soi 13/2 to Soi 13/4. The tourist is required to sign a contract with the Jet Ski operators before they board the Jet Ski and have their fun. Cost is around 700 baht ($20) for thirty minutes. When the tourist returns to the beach the Thai Jet Ski operator will board the Jet Ski and bring it up on to the beach. Here is where the scam starts, as they (theatrically and dramatically) point out the damage and demand that the tourist pay for it, typically ranging anywhere from 30,000 baht ($950) to 70,000 baht ($2,200), but it can be 100,000 baht ($3,180) and up. Of course this damage (deep scrapes on the underside of the Jet Ski, scratches to the paintwork, or a broken plastic bumper) has been there all the time. Often, if not most times, it is a group of tourists that are scammed. More people, more money.
If they use the version of the scam where the tourist boards the Jet Ski when it is already submerged in the water, thus hiding the damage that is already on the underside, the scammers don’t need to cover the damaged areas. The damage is revealed once they bring it on to the shore after the tourist has rented it. More government warnings etc here.
Be careful, you have been warned.
I love this one, it really doesn’t matter they are travelling the wrong way in a one way street, after all this is one of the many Pattaya transport options. 🙂
Want to make some noise?
This is my 2nd favourite mode of transport, the Baht bus.
Thanks for visiting my Pattaya interesting transport options photo blog.
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.
The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.
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.
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September 2, 2015 by David Herd
Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney
Bondi Beach Eastern Suburbs Sydney is an iconic landmark known throughout the world & synonymous with the Australian lifestyle. Having said all that to me it’s rather overrated. This great photo was taken by my old friend Barry Madden from Newcastle north of Sydney.
I think there are many nicer beaches and beach-side suburbs along the Sydney & NSW coast. I certainly prefer Manly on the northside of the harbour.
Bondi Beach was a working class suburb all through the twentieth century, migrants from New Zealand were the majority of the population. After World War II, Bondi Beach and the Eastern Suburbs became home for Jewish migrants from Poland, Russia, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Germany. A stream of Jewish immigration continued into the 21st century and the area has a number of synagogues and a kosher butcher. The area today is very multicultural with a lot of new wealthy Asian families and Samoans. The multicultural migration funded and drove the growth of the suburb throughout the 90’s into the turn of the century, moving it steadily from its working class roots towards upper/middle class enclave similar to its neighbours of Rose Bay and Bellevue Hill which was listed as the most expensive postcode in the country in 2003, 2004, 2005.
While my English friend the intrepid Bill Austin went for a swim, Joan & I enjoyed coffee & cake and watched the passing parade.
Bill works for Trowbridge council in Wiltshire.
Bondi beach is world famous however I do prefer Manly on the northside of the harbour.
The orange building Hotel Bondi is a landmark on Campbell Parade. It was built from 1915-1920s and was designed by E.Lindsay Thompson. It combines Italianate, Federation and Free Classical elements and has been described as an “important landmark building in the Bondi Beach townscape.” and has a state heritage listing.
Use this link for a great deal on Bondi hotel rates.
My apologies I don’t know who to credit for this amazing photo of a huge storm closing in over Bondi Beach Sydney.
The next 5 photos are Dales.
That’s Bondi Icebergs club overlooking the beach.
Located at the southern end of Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs Club is an international landmark.
Bondi Icebergs has been the home of Winter swimming since 1929 and our famous pool is open to visitors all year round.
What a great year for travel in 2015
Zagreb Croatia Rio de Janeiro Brisbane River
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August 13, 2015 by David Herd
Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road
Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road is in the very best location in Pattaya, I should know because I live there. The 27 floor building has 4 floors of hotel, all the other floors are condominiums.
Located on Beach Rd just 10 Baht on the bus to get to Walking St. 🙂
Most of the hotel rooms are studios however there are some terrific two bedroom apartments with views to die for.
However you must be on the south side to see this magnificent view of Pattaya.
The south side has the better view.
That is the Holiday Inn next door.
There always seems to be a nice breeze around the pool.
Holiday Inn is next door to Markland.
Half price pizza at Holiday Inn Tuesday night and 2 for 1 drinks between 5 & 7 pm.
A great location on Beach Road, and much quieter than South Pattaya.
Very good coffee shop on the ground floor of Markland and Tops supermarket is in the basement.
I am going to enjoy a daily coffee here. 
Occasionally Markland security is not quite up to the task. 🙂
This is my lovely friend Kayoco who was visiting from Tokyo.
Markland Hotel Pattaya beach is in a great location with the best views in Pattaya, use this Agoda link for very good room rates.
I must confess I have never been to this restaurant. 🙂
Thanks for visiting my Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road photo blog, I hope to see you in the coffee shop when you arrive. 🙂
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.
The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.
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.
Check out these great food photo blogs.
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August 4, 2015 by David Herd
Storms smash Pattaya beach
Storms smash Pattaya beach on a regular basis, especially in the wet season between July & November. Gutters & drains just can’t handle to huge downpours.
It’s a never ending problem for the local council who can’t seem to cope with the problem.
It’s both ugly & dangerous and won’t e solved until they improve the drainage problems.
Beach Road goes under
There are no drains and gutters that can cope with the amount of water in such a short time.
After 20 minutes of rain this is the result, no footpath. 🙂
In the wet season between June & November this is a regular occurrence.
The storm water also runs down from 2nd road to add to what is one Beach Road.
The beach looks quite ugly after the storm.
Sandbags are used as a cunning plan to keep the beach intact, clearly it does not work. 🙂
The council tried to come up with a solution in 2015, check out this link.
This problem has been happening for many years.
Life goes on as usual in Pattaya, the boats taking out the para-sailors are here every day.
The roads flood so quickly as the drains just can’t handle the incredible volume of water, it then spills over to the beach. Often these storms only last for 30 or 40 minutes however that’s enough time to cause havoc.
Normally soon after the storm you will see these guys busy restoring the damage. It’s now August 2015 & sadly in the last six months they have been strangely absent.
Thanks for visiting my Storms smash Pattaya beach photo blog.
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