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Soi LK Metro Pattaya

September 7, 2015 by David Herd

LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

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.

Billabong in LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

A popular LK Metro bar with low cost hotel rooms above.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  Billabong

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

My Australian friend Greg Johnstone used to own the Billabong, he sold it in 2014 and has taken up farming.

i-rovers

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

One of my favourite sports bars, lots of TV screens to watch Australian football. 🙂

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  i-Rovers 

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Very cheap rooms here for around 500 Baht if you book through this link.

State of Origin 2017

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Two QLD legends from the past Greg Cornescu and Wally Fullerton Smith dropped by yesterday for few coldies.

Champagne agogo LK Metro icon

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Champagne has been in LK for many years, however these days there is a lot more competition.

The Office LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

My brother Warren, Ray and Lenny at Billabong in 2011

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

Sadly our good friend Lenny passed away early 2016 after a short battle with cancer, RIP.

Greg Johnstone at Billabong in 2011.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

I couldn’t resist including this great photo, as I said earlier Greg owned Billabong until 2014.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya bars

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street    Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Some interesting names. 🙂

Kilkenny LK Metro

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

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.

View from Kilkenny

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 

A good bar for watching the passing parade.

Drinks at Kilkenny

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Gordon Shanks from New York and Jonathan Whiting from Brisbane.

Soi LK Metro Pattaya  bar location

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

New hotel rooms for $17 per night

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

 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.

Corner LK Metro and Soi Buakhao

Exciting Soi Buakhao Pattaya

One of the many go go bars in the area.

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 $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.

For a more upmarket hotel on Beach Rd

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Just use THIS LINK for a terrific rate at the Wave Hotel. 

 Thanks for visiting Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Soi LK Metro Pattaya Party Street

Check out some other blogs below.

           

 

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.

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Favourite Pattaya restaurants

September 6, 2015 by David Herd

Big Fish, Siam @ Siam

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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.

Patrick’s Belgium restaurant

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

  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

Favourite Pattaya restaurants for a birthday at Patrick’s 

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Hamish turns 46 on July 21st 2015 and we celebrate at Patrick’s with Greg Clee.

 The Mantra one of my Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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.

All washed down with cold Japanese sake.

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.

Siamese Cuisine

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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.

Lovely Benjamina

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

This night we had excellent Thai food at Siamese Cuisine, I guess it helps when a local orders.

Holiday Inn pizza

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Special price on Tuesday night only 279 Baht or $8.50 usd. Order wine before 7 pm and get 2 for 1.

 Boscaiola at Bella Italia in 2nd Rd near Alcazar.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Very good food & great value.

 Another of my Favourite Pattaya restaurants is Mata Hari.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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

Favourite 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.

Leckerle in Soi 33 Naklua

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Located about 200 meters from the Dolphin roundabout. Very good low cost German food, always busy.

The food here is terrific.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants    Favourite Pattaya restaurants

Pea soup is excellent (B90) as are the meatballs & potato salad. (B150).

Hilton Sunday Buffet B1,500

Favourite Pattaya restaurantsAn exceptional feast.

A favourite photo of one of the Hilton Chefs.

Favourite Pattaya restaurants

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.         

Holiday Inn

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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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

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. 

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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    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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 
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Check out these great food photo blogs.

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Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

September 4, 2015 by David Herd

A great place to buy fresh seafood.

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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.

Very fresh

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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.

Alive and Kicking

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Here is my friend Pothole choosing dinner.

Clams, mussels and prawns.

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A great choice at the Pattaya Fish Market.

 These guys will cook for you

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Choose you lunch and they will cook it for you.

Live lobsters

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Rather expensive as you can see.

How about a Baby shark?

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

They even look dangerous when they a small. 🙂

Fresh vegetables as well

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A good selection at reasonable prices.

Cleaning the fish

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Choose from the live tank and they will scale and clean them for you.

Anyone for catfish?

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

The variety is incredible, anything you desire is here.

Man at work

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

A very interesting place to spend an hour or so.

A mountain of mussels

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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.

Pattaya Fish Market

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

It real is worth a visit, get something cooked and eat in the adjacent park.

Adjacent to the market

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Enjoy the view from the walkway beside the gulf.

Lamchabang port in the distance

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

 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.

Low tide

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

High and dry at low tide at Pattaya Fish Market.

Low tide at Naklua

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

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.

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya Fish Market Naklua Road photo blog.

Pattaya seafood market

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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

Holiday Inn

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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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

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
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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
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

Pattaya live webcam
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Pattaya interesting transport options

September 3, 2015 by David Herd

Mean machine

Pattaya interesting transport options

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.

The other side of the Ducati  Diavel

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

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.

Harley Davidson Electra-Glide

Pattaya interesting transport options

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.

Beautiful Harley Davidson

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

They certainly are a classic machine.

This is more my style

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

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.

Now for something completely different

Pattaya interesting transport options

This old clunker must be at least 40 or 50 years old and still floating. 🙂

 675 HP perhaps

Pattaya interesting transport options

Three huge outboard motors is total overkill for this 30 foot plywood boat.

Upgraded to 750 Horsepower

Pattaya interesting transport options

Grossly overpowered, they are obviously making too much money.

Something with a little more character

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Now this would suit me foe a day on the water. 🙂

I wonder if its for sale?

Pattaya interesting transport options

May need a little work. 🙂

Prefer something little more refined perhaps?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

A very nice looking catamaran.

How about a Maverick?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

What a wild looking road rocket.

Or a yellow one perhaps?

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Yellow or green, either one will do.

This is a very cool jigger

Pattaya interesting transport options

These previous 3 vehicles were on display at Central Festival in August 2015.

Pattaya transport options

Pattaya interesting transport options

This has got to be the most fantastic bus I have ever seen. 

What a great bus

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

It certainly is an eye catcher.

Great design

Pattaya interesting transport options

Another fantastic paint job.

The iconic Baht bus

Pattaya interesting transport options

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.

Pattaya interesting transport options you must have fat tyres

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

Not sure what the advantage is but it looks good.

Yellow Ferrari 458 Italia

Pattaya interesting transport options

If you are going to visit the Hard Rock cafe you really need a Ferrari. 🙂

I prefer the Orange Lamborghini Gallardo SV

Pattaya interesting transport options

 

However for lunch at the mantra an Orange one is far more suitable.

 My reality

Pattaya interesting transport options

This is my popular choice of propulsion in Pattaya, Skechers are the best walking shoes I have ever had. 🙂

Jet Ski scammers

Pattaya interesting transport options

 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.

Hi ho, hi ho, its off to work we go.

  Pattaya transport interesting optionsI 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. 🙂

Beach Road boom box

Pattaya transport options Want to make some noise?

Thanks for visiting my post on Pattaya transport options

Pattaya transport interesting options This is my 2nd favourite mode of transport, the Baht bus.

 

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya interesting transport options photo blog.


             

Holiday Inn

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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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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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.

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

 

Pattaya live webcam

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

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Travel tips fabulous countries

August 30, 2015 by David Herd

David Herd is the FiveStarVagabond

Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tips fabulous countries feature some of my favourite places, many people may think I’m a bit of a dinosaur & perhaps I am, however I don’t know any other person who has travelled more than I during the last 30 years. Therefore I hope can provide you with a few ideas on where to go for your next holiday.

I’ll list the 5 countries in alphabetical order rather than by personal preference.

 Australia

Travel tips fabulous countries

The home of my birth and a country that offers a huge diversification of incredible travel destinations. Most people find it difficult to grasp the size of this great country, don’t make the mistake of trying to cover too much in 3 or 4 weeks, better to come back another time.

Sydney is the most spectacular city but don’t forget Perth and Adelaide both wonderful cities also. Then of course there is the Gold Coast in Queensland with it’s wonderful weather and beautiful beaches.

For a good budget hotel in Sydney just book through this link. Broadbeach is the best place to stay on the Gold Coast, here is a very good value apartment block in a perfect location.

Three suggestions

Sydney                           Great Ocean Rd                            Outback

Travel tips fabulous countries

I drove from Adelaide to Melbourne along the Great Ocean  road Australia in October 2014, I had driven this road once before in  1988.

Brazil Travel tips one of the five fabulous countries

Travel tips fabulous countries

Bigger and more diverse than Australia I have enjoyed 8 visits to the wonderful country. Rio de Janeiro is fabulous however there is so much more to see. Apart from Rio my favourite places are Praia de Pipa, Paraty, Iguazu Falls & Florianoplis.

Check out these Brazilian posts

Camboriu                                 Rio’s beaches                         Fortaleza           

Travel tips fabulous countries

Since 2004, the blocos have exploded and now there are now nearly 300 blocos with over 40 new ones appearing for the 2007 Carnaval.  The first blocos started only a little over ten years ago. This is the heart of theStreet Carnival” which includes the greater likelihood of locals playing percussion instruments with their friends at their favorite hangout as well as  the Bandstands and the many Parades of downtown’s Rio Branco Avenue. These events are inclusive and practice for the musicians begins months before the Carnaval and the parades do not end until Sunday of the following weekend.

Croatia is a must for travellers  here are Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tips fabulous countries

It was March 2005 before I finally made it to this fascinating country, the photo above is the coastal city of Split. I travelled by bus between the major cities to see more of the actual country. I had a terrific 2 bedroom apartment in a great location for only $50 per night, book through this link.

Next door is Bosnia so make sure you also visit the wonderful city of Mostar.

Split                               Dubrovnik                              Zagreb

Travel tips fabulous countries

In Zagreb I stayed at the excellent hotel Dubrovnik overlooking the Main Square you see above, it was a perfect location with good wifi. Marc van Bloemen owner of Karmen apartments in Dubrovnik was the perfect host, he  a friendly Englishman who will point you in the right direction for restaurants, tours & places of interests, he also has a great knowledge of Dubrovniks history.

United Kingdom

Travel tips fabulous countries

So many places to see & so much history. I travel there most years making London my base, then visit cities & towns all over the country either by train or car. Apart from London some of my favourite places are Brighton, Bath, Glasgow & Bradford on Avon. The photo above is Gold Hill is a steep cobbled street in the town of Shaftesbury in the English county of Dorset.

London pubs                          Lands End                            Hyde Park

Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tips. Great Britain has an excellent rail service, save up to 80% by booking your ticket before you arrive, just click here. London Underground’s Piccadilly Line provides the most cost-effective rail route between Heathrow Airport and the capital, so look for accommodation around Earl’s CourtGloucester Rd or Knightsbridge. For more information click here.

France

Travel tips fabulous countries

 Where do you start Paris or Monte Carlo, the choices are endless in this wonderful country. One of my favourite holidays was based in Breil Sur Roya a small village in the mountains near the Italian border just north of Menton. From here I was able to explore many medieval French & Italian villages as well as the fabulous French Riviera. The Roya river runs through town and is open to trout anglers from March to September. Part of the trout run is reserved for fly-fishing. Trout anglers share the river with white water rafters, another popular local sport.

Saorge                                  St Tropez                              Versailles

Travel tips fabulous countries

Chateau de Versailles Paris is a  fabulous destination which made my bucket list as soon as I saw the Woody Allen movie “Midnight in Paris”. When the Château was built, Versailles was a country village; today, however, it is a wealthy suburb of Paris, some 20 kilometres southwest of the French capital.

Italy

Travel tips fabulous countries

My favourite European Country by a long shot. The food, the wine, the crazy drivers who park anywhere, there is so much to see & do it’s hard to know where to start. Rome, Florence, Venice there are so many great cities, however if I had to pick two favourites they would be Sam Gimignano and the Cinque Terre.

Florence                              Lake Como                              Portofino

Travel tips fabulous countries

Travel tip, take a wonderful one hour walk from Santa Margherita. The homes are truly magnificent,  prepare yourself for a great experience when you arrive at the beautiful waterfront village of Portofino. The buildings, the boats, the restaurants, it’s all there. Just make sure you have your credit card and a wallet full of Euros. For the budget minded like myself it makes more sense to stay at Santa Margherita and visit Portofino on foot or by ferry. The Lido Palace is on the beach if you want to go upmarket, my hotel was one block back and reasonable priced, with free car parkingThe Mediterraneo.

Thanks for visiting my Travel tips fabulous countries photo blog.

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Pattaya Hilton

Pattaya hotels, Hilton & Holiday Inn

This is the view from Horizons the amazing rooftop bar. A great five star hotel located opposite the beach & above the Central Festival shopping mall. Just book through THIS LINK for an excellent room rate. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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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. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

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Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

August 13, 2015 by David Herd

Markland

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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.

Opposite the beach

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Located on Beach Rd just 10 Baht on the bus to get to Walking St. 🙂


Two bedroom apartment

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Most of the hotel rooms are studios however there are some terrific two bedroom apartments with views to die for.

Best view in Pattaya

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

However you must be on the south side to see this magnificent view of Pattaya.

Studio apartment 45 square meters

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

The south side has the better view.

Markland Hotel Pattaya beach northern view 

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

That is the Holiday Inn next door.

Pool at Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

There always seems to be a nice breeze around the pool.

Holiday Inn

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Holiday Inn is next door to Markland.

Holiday Inn

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Half price pizza at Holiday Inn Tuesday night and 2 for 1 drinks between 5 & 7 pm.

Amari, Holiday Inn & Markland.

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

A great location on Beach Road, and much quieter than South Pattaya.

Mezzo coffee at Markland now closed

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Very good coffee shop on the ground floor of Markland and Tops supermarket is in the basement.

The Coffee Club has replaced Mezzo.

Coffee Club Beach Road Pattaya

I am going to enjoy a daily coffee here. 🙂

Security at Markland

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Occasionally Markland security is not quite up to the task. 🙂

Fabulous view from 27th floor

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

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.

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

I must confess I have never been to this restaurant. 🙂

The view from my room on the 17th floor, I have ow moved to the 20th floor.

Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road

Thanks for visiting my Markland Hotel Pattaya Beach Road photo blog, I hope to see you in the coffee shop when you arrive. 🙂

 

                     Please check out these fabulous posts     

Holiday Inn

bbc35e6d-80db-4e1c-8f51-83dd84f16520

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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

36555237616_da3ed73d6a_o

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.

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

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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. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

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

 

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Antibes Mediterranean resort

August 11, 2015 by David Herd

Spanish Paella in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 Antibes Mediterranean resort is on the Côte d’Azur between Cannes and Nice. I enjoyed a nice Spanish Paella for lunch followed by a few hours exploring this delightful seaside resort town.

After the disintegration of the Western Roman Empire, various barbarian tribes seized Antibes. This resulted in destruction and a long period of instability. In the 10th century, Antibes found a protector in Seigneur Rodoart, who built extensive fortified walls around the town and a castle in which to live. For the next 200 years, the town experienced a period of renewal. Prosperity was short-lived, as the whole region fell into disarray for several centuries. The inhabitants of Antibes stayed behind their strong city walls as a succession of wars and epidemics ravaged the countryside. In the 1244, Antibes’s bishop moved his see to Grasse. By the end of the 15th century, the region was under the protection and control of King Louis XI of France. Relative stability returned, but the small port of Antibes fell into obscurity.

From around the middle of the 19th century the Antibes area regained its popularity, as wealthy people from around Europe discovered its natural beauty and built many luxurious homes here.

Stones instead of sand

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Like the majority of Mediterranean beaches you have to tolerate rocks instead of sand unless you are somewhere like Nice where they import sand for some of the private beach areas where you have to pay for the luxury.

This does not look comfortable

Antibes Mediterranean resort

 

 However I would be very happy lying beside her, I would gladly put up with the pain from the pebbles. :)


Warm sun & calm cool water

Antibes Mediterranean resort

No sandcastles here. 🙂

Toys for the boys.

Antibes Mediterranean resort

There are so many beautiful boats on the Riviera all along the coast from St Tropez to Menton. There is only one problem facing many of the owners, no matter how big your boat is soon somebody will arrive with a bigger one, see below. 🙂

The Sultan arrives, chopper on-board of course. 🙂

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Some of the wealth on display is astonishing.

An Aussie in Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Good name for a boat. 🙂

Antibes Mediterranean resort there is No Compromise 

Antibes Mediterranean resort

All you need is money, a lot of money. 🙂

Fort Carré d’Antibes

Antibes Mediterranean resort

The Romans probably built the first fortifications at Antibes. In 1553, a tower called la tour Saint-Florent was built around a preexisting chapel. Henry III had four bastions added in 1565, whereupon it became Fort Carré (the squared fort).

 My two lovely travelling companions

Antibes Mediterranean resort

Deborah Holiday & Jodie ONeill from the Gold Coast in Australia travelled with me through the French & Italian Riviera. We were based in Breil Sur Roya a delightful  French village north of Monte Carlo.

Thanks for visiting my Antibes Mediterranean resort photo blog. Hotel Ibis Styles is a reasonable price, just book through THIS LINK.

                    
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          Mostar                           Dubrobnik                            Split

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1g Duck

 

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

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Beach Babes French Riviera

August 10, 2015 by David Herd

Pebbles on the beach

Beach Babes French Riviera

Beach Babes French Riviera

Beach Babes French Riviera the very cosmopolitan city of Nice was originally founded by the Greeks & later became a retreat for 19th-century Europe’s elite. The lackluster port area is rapidly filling up with the city’s coolest restaurants and bars.

July 2010 marked 150 years since the Mediterranean city was ceded to France as a reward for French help in the second Italian war of independence against Austria. The locally born Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi was irate about the handover, knowing well – as generations of film stars, millionaires, princes, Mafiosi and tourists would later come to realize – that France had quite a trophy on its hands.

Iconic sea-blue chairs

Beach Babes French Riviera

While away the hours on one of its iconic sea-blue chairs rather than lay on the uncomfortable pebbles.

 36 Hours in Nice

36 Hours in Nice, France | The New York Times

A very nice You Tube video courtesy of The New York Times. 

 Private beach area

Beach Babes French Riviera

 The private beaches offer very comfortable sun chairs, umbrellas, and full service to their very EXPENSIVE bars. It’s a nice get away from the hordes of people on the public beaches, and the chairs are much more comfortable than the rocks.

Beach resort French Riviera Nice

Beach Babes French Riviera

Many of these private areas actually have sand instead of pebbles.

This can’t be comfortable

Antibes Mediterranean resort

However I would be very happy lying beside her, I would gladly put up with the pain from the pebbles. 🙂

The very congested boat harbour

Beach Babes French Riviera

I bet there is a long waiting list for a berth.

Toys and Condominiums

Beach Babes French Riviera

As in many other cities on the French Riviera you can really smell the money here. 🙂

Church Maria Sine Labe Concepta

Beach Babes French Riviera

This rather impressive church overlook the harbour in Nice.

Blue Vision 44m Benetti

Beach Babes French Riviera

‘BLUE VISION’ was built in 2007 by Benetti and last refitted in 2012. The yacht’s interior has been designed by Zuretti and her exterior styling is by Stefano Righini. Blue Vision’s interior layout sleeps up to 10 guests in 5 staterooms, including a master suite, 2 double cabins, 2 twin cabins and 2 pullman beds. She is also capable of carrying up to 9 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience. Timeless styling, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous seating feature throughout her living areas to create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. With a cruising speed of 12 knots, a maximum speed of 15 knots and a range of 4606nm from her 63000 litre fuel tanks, she is the perfect combination of performance and luxury.

Beach resort French Riviera Nice

Beach Babes French Riviera

Sometimes written off as staid and sleepy, France’s fifth city is is thriving, tourism is a huge business in Nice, but the city also has one of Europe’s biggest technology parks, hosting 1,200 international companies.

Strolling along the promenade.

Beach Babes French Riviera

Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is part of the heart of this seaside French city. Nice’s Promenade des Anglais is lined with cafes situated directly on the beach, and it’s a bustling area active with cyclists, runners, walkers and roller bladers.

At this very spot in 2016 there was a shocking “terrorist” attack on revelers enjoying a Bastille Day fireworks display. Sadly 84 innocent people perished.

Hmm, which way to go?

Beach Babes French Riviera

Well I’m heading for Menton.

Beach Babes French Riviera  

Beach Babes French Riviera

Look closely you may see some rocks instead of sand. Rocks, what rocks? I don’t see any rocks. 🙂

Strolling along the esplanade in Nice.
Beach Babes French Riviera

Nice has a very good feel to it, I really should have stayed longer.

Fabulous boats in the harbour

Beach Babes French Riviera

 In fact there are thousands of luxury cruisers all along the Riviera.

Where there are boats…

Beach Babes French Riviera

 You are going to find the babes. 🙂

On the way to Nice.

Beach Babes French Riviera

This was only a few miles from Nice, I had driven from St Tropez and after Nice I headed for Monte Carlo.

Thanks for visiting my Beach Babes French Riviera photo blog.

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1g Duck

A-One hotel on Beach Road

Seven deadly Songkran days

For a great room rate at the A-One hotel opposite the beach just book through THIS LINK.               

 

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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. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Europe before Covid-19 & mass immigration.

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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Storms smash Pattaya beach

August 4, 2015 by David Herd

Here’s how it starts

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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.

Here is the result

Storms smash Pattaya beach

It’s a never ending problem for the local council who can’t seem to cope with the problem.

Ugly & dangerous

Storms smash Pattaya beach

It’s both ugly & dangerous and won’t e solved until they improve the drainage problems.

Beach Road goes under

Storms smash Pattaya beach

There are no drains and gutters that can cope with the amount of water in such a short time.

The footpath disappears

Storms smash Pattaya beach

After 20 minutes of rain this is the result, no footpath. 🙂

Beach Rd Pattaya flooded, more water than Songkran.

You can see the sand being washed away

Storms smash Pattaya beach

In the wet season between June & November this is a regular occurrence.

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Storms smash Pattaya beach

The storm water also runs down from 2nd road to add to what is one Beach Road.

Find yourself an island

Storms smash Pattaya beach

The beach looks quite ugly after the storm.

 Sandbags

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Sandbags are used as a cunning plan to keep the beach intact, clearly it does not work. 🙂

Pattaya Weather

Storms smash Pattaya beach

 

The power of the tropical storm

Storms smash Pattaya beach

The council tried to come up with a solution in 2015, check out this link.

Sand is gone baby gone

Storms smash Pattaya beach

This problem has been happening for many years.

Not a pretty sight

Storms smash Pattaya beach

Life goes on as usual in Pattaya, the boats taking out the para-sailors are here every day.

Hilton Hotel

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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.

The cavalry arrives

Storms smash Pattaya beach

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.

After the storm a beautiful day returns.

Storms smash Pattaya beach Thanks for visiting my Storms smash Pattaya beach photo blog.

 

                   
 

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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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Counter only started February 16 2020.

This gallery contains 4 photos

Chinese storm Thailand beach

August 4, 2015 by David Herd

They arrive in their thousands every day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Chinese storm Thailand beach

 Chinese storm Thailand beach every day of the year and climb aboard powerful speedboats which take them to nearby Koh Larn or para sailing in Pattaya bay

South Pattaya

Chinese storm Thailand beach

In the background on the right if the famous Walking St, you can see restaurants built (many illegally) over the water. The tall condo building has only recently been completed during the current Pattaya building boom.

Thousands arrive every day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Of course there is some controversy about who receives the revenue as most of the money is paid on packaged tours in China when they book their trip. Pattaya is suffering from a downturn in tourism, here are comments made in a recent article in June 2015 in the Bangkok Post; “Pattaya hotels are struggling to survive and are being pressured by Chinese travel agents to reduce their room rates by 30-40%. Hoteliers in the resort city have been relying mainly on Chinese tourists after the sharp fall in European tourists, particularly Russians, due to the economic recession in their countries. Locally run Pattaya hotels have faced an oversupply since last year and the situation… “

Slightly over powered

Chinese storm Thailand beach

An example of one of the speedboats with three 225 HP Yamaha motors, a slight case of overkill. Are there any accidents you ask? Of course there are, many of the Thai skippers are unlicensed and high on drugs or booze, if an accident occurs they invoke the well used Thai strategy of “run & hide”. 🙂

Para sailing on Pattaya bay

Chinese storm Thailand beach

The buzz around like mosquitoes and yes sadly accidents often do happen here as you will see in the following news video.

Para sailor killed on honeymoon

This sad incident happened in 2011 however the safety situation does not seem to have changed since then.

Hundreds of boats

Chinese storm Thailand beach

This is a huge business in Pattaya taking Chinese tourists to Koh Larn.

About to land

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Lets hope he has a soft landing. 🙂

Whew! back safe & sound

Chinese storm Thailand beach

I’m sure many of these tourists will never forget their Pattaya holiday.

Buzzing like mosquitoes

Great vision of Parasailing in Pattaya, Thailand

Even the storms don’t stop the boats.

Chinese storm Thailand beach

An awesome sight watching the storm roll in over Pattaya bay.

Screaming Yamahas

Screaming Yamahas Pattaya beach

I mentioned earlier I don’t have much confidence in the Thai boat divers, here is how they cope with sandbanks.

 Chinese storm Thailand beach. If you build it they will come. 🙂

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Every day of the week they come from China and elsewhere.

Lined up ready to go

Chinese storm Thailand beach

The fleet is ready and waiting.

August 4th 2016 at 7am

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Lots of boats and one rainbow. 🙂

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Chinese storm Thailand beach

 The busses roll into Beach Road of a morning and the tourists flock to the boats.

The mob arrives

Chinese storm Thailand beach

I have a sneaking suspicion some of these boats may be overloaded.

May 27 2021 see no Chinese tourists in Pattaya

Chinese storm Thailand beach

Many tour boats based in this resort city will be moored for at least the next three months, based on the number of cancellations by Chinese tour group agents, according to a large tour operator.

The Chinese government’s suspension of outbound Chinese tours to contain the coronavirus had  been a direct hit for boat operators, who mainly serve Chinese tour groups.

“Chinese tour agencies were closed for a month from Jan 29 to wait and see how the situation developed… As a result, boat operators have to halt services for three months, based on the agencies’ tour programs.

“Since the closure of Chinese outbound tours, there has not been a single customer.”

Here is a perfect Pattaya day

Chinese storm Thailand beach

What a view from the balcony of my apartment.

Peace & quiet at sunset

Pattaya life FiveStarVagabond 2017

Thanks for visiting my Chinese storm Thailand beach post, there is never a dull moment in Pattaya.

Holiday Inn

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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.

Sabai Wing North Pattaya

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The best Pattaya budget hotel, 3 pools & opposite Central Marina shopping mall. For a great room rate just book through THIS LINK.

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                    Please check out these fabulous posts 

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       Gold Coast                              Pattaya                          Cinque Terre
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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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More great posts here;

Rio beach babes

Florianopolis Brazil 

Bangkok river ferry

Fabulous HCMC

Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

Hiroshima Japan

Sydney Harbour

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 2 photos