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Fun city Pattaya Thailand resort

September 3, 2013 by David Herd

I love living in Pattaya

Fun city Pattaya Thailand 

Fun city Pattaya ThailandFun city Pattaya Thailand resort with my English friend Bill Austin, where else in the world are you going to find these terrific VW cocktail cars? Pattaya is a city of extremes, anything your heart desires is available here, from fabulous five star hotels & restaurants to down & dirty backstreet beer bars offering sex drugs & rock & roll. OK, so we admit there is sex in the city but there is so much more to this wonderful seaside resort, four million tourists each year can’t be wrong. Only 90 minutes south of Bangkok airport and thousands of miles from stress. Just ask this guy in the photo below. 

No stress on Pattaya beach

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

This guy really does not look comfortable.

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Looking north toward Wongamat

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

Pattaya beach leaves a lot to be desired, too many umbrellas & deck chairs cover most of the sand, very cheap to hire them, only 30 Baht or $1 each. They cost 3 times more in Phuket. At least there is sand on the beach unlike Europe where they prefer pebbles. 😆  Just remember what you have probably already read in the press, hiring a jet ski is flirting with danger, 80% of the operators are running scams, when you return the ski they will claim you have damaged it and try to extort huge sums of money from you. Sadly many police are part of these scams as well, they will pretend they are on your side and negotiate the asking price down from say 60,000 Baht ($2,000) to 20,000 Baht, in Thailand unfortunately they have turned corruption into an art form. However it is no worse than Indonesia, India or Brazil, so just be careful.

Life really is a beach

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

It is low tide and the Thai lad is chatting up the Russian babe, sorry pal I really don’t like your chances of success, but give it your best shot.

Here is my live webcam from my balcony overlooking Pattaya beach in Thailand.

Super low tide in Pattaya  Pattaya beach

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

The beach looks great at low tide.

Thousand of people flock to the boatsFun city Pattaya Thailand resort 

  Every day thousands of tourists prove this really is fun city Pattaya, para sailing and trips to the nearby islands are bar far the most popular tourist activities. Sadly in 2013 4 people have died para sailing, due to irresponsible boat drivers, many of whom are unlicensed.  

Para Sailing in Pattaya.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand 

They buzz around like mosquitoes. 

Great vision of Parasailing in Pattaya, Thailand

Motorised kite

Flying high in Pattaya

Beautiful Pattaya sunset

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

The view of Pattaya bay from my balcony.

Amazing sunset

Fun city Pattaya Thailand  Another amazing sunset from the balcony of my Markland condo, it is almost like the photo is split in two parts.  

Thai street kitchen in Fun city Pattaya Thailand resort

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

  The Thai people are very enterprising, they will set up their little business anywhere, if the police move them on they just set up around the corner.  

 Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

  Pattaya is not just beaches, bars & restaurants, there are lots of great attractions for all the family. Nong Nooch Tropical Gardens is a great day out. You can ride an elephant here and even see them playing football.  

Bath time for the baby elephant.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

He is loving every minute.

Siracha Tiger Zoo

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

Siracha Tiger Zoo is only 30 kilometres north of Pattaya, it is very good value with a 180 Baht entry fee for locals.

 

Pattaya Pattaya Song Pattaya Nightlife Thai Girls

Riding on Baht bus in Pattaya.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand 

  Pattaya has a great transport system called Baht busses.  You pay only 10 Baht (40 cents) and press the button when you want to get off.  There are hundreds of them so you never wait any longer than a minute or two.  

Phoenix Golf Club Pattaya.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

A huge disadvantage when playing golf in fun city Pattaya is being guided by beautiful caddies, it is compulsory to have them accompany you, isn’t that a real downer? OK, so they are not all beautiful like these two, however having them with you makes your bad shots seem unimportant.  😛

Ok, lets get back to the beach.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

If you look closely and are not distracted, you will see the great lounges for hire at the beach club which is at the Pullman hotel in Wongamat. If you are anything like me you will say “what lounges”?

Sunset in Pattaya.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

    Pattaya sunsets are quite amazing.

Centara Grand Mirage Hotel Pattaya.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

 One of the many luxury five star hotels in Pattaya, the grounds here are like the lost city of Atlantis.  

Naklua fish market.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

 Here is my friend John “Pothole” Martin buying 4 live fish for $18, they scale & gut them then pack them in ice for the trip home.  

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I do not shop here for my food.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

The photo above is at one of Pattaya’s fresh food markets, be sure about two things, there is no refrigeration here, and the Thai people eat anything and everything. 😆 Now I guarantee the pork knuckle below did not come from this market. It is about to be demolished by Muay Thai World Champion Nathan Corbett, who is here in Pattaya training at Fairtex gym for his next bout in Chicago on October 12th against Tyrone Sprong from the Netherlands.


Nathan Corbett versus Pork Knuckle.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

Nathan was  Muay Thai world champion 11 times in 3 weight divisions.  

My friend Trevor training hard.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

 This is my friend Trevor still training hard at 50 years of age, his passion however is golf & he plays off a handicap of 4.

The famous Thai Lady-Boys

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

 Thailand is famous for Lady-boys, here is my friend Joan Baptiste from England with two of the performers from Alcazar cabaret in 2nd Rd Pattaya.
Lady-Boy, you can’t be serious?

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

 My two friends from Australia had their photo taken with the most beautiful Lady-Boy I have ever seen in the 37 years I have been coming to Pattaya.
                          Beach Road pattaya

  Fun city Pattaya Thailand

 Every morning without fail I walk 25 minutes on Beach Rd, have breakfast & read the Bangkok Post, sometimes I walk back, sometimes I catch the Baht bus. 😎

A beautiful towel draped over the lounge, see more here.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

 What a lovely towel draped over the lounge, I hope I can find the store where she bought it. Sorry folks but this bis a post about Pattaya, so I must promote the mood & pulse of the city.  😆

   What is the best time of the year to travel to Thailand?  

Fun city Pattaya Thailand foot massage.

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This lovely girl with the big smile is Jane, she gives me about 4 foot massages every week, $8 per hour, priceless. Sadly she has left & had a baby.

Pedicure from lovely Boom

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

 My pedicure & haircut specialist.

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

Against the traffic on a busy one way street.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand resort

This is a classic way to travel to work on busy Beach Rd Pattaya. Against the traffic on a one way street, nothing surprises me here.

Use this link for great hotel room rates near Beach road.

Walking St, famous worldwide.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

Here is my latest photo blog on Walking St 2016.

Hooters arrives

Fun city Pattaya Thailand

New Years Eve 2015 and Hooters arrives in Pattaya.

That’s all folks, thanks for visiting, good hotel deals here.

Fun city Pattaya Thailand resort

here we are at Gulliver’s on Beach Rd enjoying a cold beer.

My favourite selfie 

Pattaya life FiveStarVagabond 2017

 

An overcast Friday morning in Pattaya did not stop this princess from going to the beach to take 100 selfies.

Taken March 24 2017.

Pattaya life FiveStarVagabond 2017

For a more upmarket hotel on Beach Rd

 

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

 

 

 

 

  The above video captures the essence of Pattaya when 4 English guys arrive for a holiday in January 2013, naturally I had to play tour guide.    Well folks, many thanks for visiting my fun city pattaya photo blog, which is now my home town, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoy living here. Please send the link to friends http://fivestarvagabond.com/

As you can see there is a lot more to Fun city Pattaya Thailand than you see in the travel brochures.

               

Pattaya – Hua Hin Mini Van

If you are in Pattaya and want to go to Hua Hin there is now a daily minivan service, they have offices in Pattaya, Hua Hin and Cha Am, for Hua Hin the mini van leaves at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00 and takes 4 hours to get to Hua Hin, priced at only 400baht. The Pattaya office is on South Pattaya Road, if your heading towards Sukhumvit road go over 3rd Road and past Soi Ko Pai/ Soi Bongkot and it’s on the left hand side at soi 10, which is around 300 meters or more from Sukhumvit Road. Pattaya Office 088 709 2365 Hua Hin Office 088 709 2364 Cha Am Office 089 254 1399 Bus leaves Pattaya 8:00, 10:00, 12:00

pattaya_to_hua_hin_minivan (1)

As of late 2015 there is now a tour bus to Hui Hin from the bust station daily at 11 am for B400.
                 
      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
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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Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

 

 

 

Here is my post on Phuket LadyBoys in 2005.

 

Here is a little back street beer bar.

 

Street food in Pattaya

 

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Southern tropical Thai island

August 30, 2013 by David Herd

Koh Chang is a place to relax

Southern tropical Thai island

Southern tropical Thai island

Southern tropical Thai island, beautiful white sand beaches and pristine clear water. Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands with long white sandy beaches, most half deserted. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkeling, diving and jungle hiking. The “discovery” of the island as a tourist destination since 2000 has brought on a large amount of rapid development, and while still far quieter than places like Phuket or Koh Samui, it’s probably better to go now than later.

The beach at Coconut resort.

Southern tropical Thai island

Ko Chang has the same seasons as Bangkok. The best season to go is the (comparatively) cool season between November and February. March to May are roasting hot and between June and October it rains, and a lot at that: 4,000 mm in an average year. Many guest houses close during this season, so accommodation is limited.

 Coconut beach resort

Southern tropical Thai island

Coconut beach resort is just south of White Sands beach, it is very peaceful and relaxing with some bars & restaurants across the road. They have bungalows on the beach or more modern rooms if you prefer.

Bungalows on the beach

Southern tropical Thai island

 Koh Chang has turned into a major tourist destination, both for foreigners and local Thais.   This sudden tourism boom however, has been fraught with controversy concerning land use, etc. The government is trying to “develop” it from a backpackers’ paradise to a top-level destination, and construction work is going on throughout the island, with basic huts torn down to make way for fancy resorts. Sadly it will end up being another case of “paradise lost”.

Southern tropical Thai island White Sands Beach 

Southern tropical Thai island

White Sands Beach has lots of hotels and restaurants.

My friend from Beijing

Southern tropical Thai island

Mable & I met in Beijing last year so I flew her over to spend some time with me in Thailand.

Southern tropical Thai island beach bungalows

Southern tropical Thai island

When you stay in a bungalow it seems to feel more like a Southern tropical Thai island.

Peace and serenity

Southern tropical Thai island

Beautiful calm waters of Koh Chang.

Gorgeous children

Southern tropical Thai island

Such happy beautiful faces

Starting very young

Southern tropical Thai island

They start learning to box at a very young age.

Chang means Elephant in Thai.

Southern tropical Thai island

Elephants are such wonderful beasts.

 Koh Chang sunset

Southern tropical Thai island

There are some wonderful sunsets in Thailand.

Beautiful Koh Chang

Southern tropical Thai island

It would be ten long years before I would go back to this lovely Southern tropical Thai island

 

         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

 
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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

 

 
 

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Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

August 29, 2013 by David Herd

Paraty is only 3 hours from Rio.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil is a small town backed by mountains on Brazil’s Costa Verde, between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.  Without any doubt this wonderful village is one of my favorite locations in Brazil.

Once a year, when the great Rio De Janeiro carnival takes place, the coastal town Paraty which is located 250 km south west to Rio, holds a unique carnival called the Mud Carnival.

The carnival preserves the ancient local tradition when the Indians smeared their bodies with black mud for medical reasons, and held ritual ceremonies in order to bring cure to the ill. It differs to Rio carnival where the participants wear beautiful coloured costumes, in Paraty the carnival is based on the simplicity between men and nature.

Relax on the beach

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Brazilians love the beach and in Paraty they relax by the sea.

Great view in Paraty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

So many wonderful sights in Brazil.

Peaceful paradise Paraty short drive to Rio

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

A peaceful setting opposite our hotel.

Off to the beach we go.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

A happy family heads for the beach.

Paraty was founded in 1667

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Distinctive Portuguese architecture & Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

  Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Paraty is one of my favourite places in Brazil.

Earning a buck in Paraty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Paraty is located on the Costa Verde (Green Coast), a lush, green corridor that runs along the coastline of the state of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, it has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, renowned for the historic town and the coast and mountains in the region.

Where are all the customers?

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

It must be siesta time.

Lots of boat trips in Paraty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

OK, let the party begin.

Beautiful sailing boat

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

What a classical shape this beautiful craft is.

Boats at the jetty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

All the boats line up along the wharf waiting for customers.

Waiting for customers

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Pick me, pick me he cries.

How do you reach the top shelf?

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

There must be a ladder here somewhere.

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Red wine, graffiti and guitars.

Beautiful Brazilian girl.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Check out this wonderful Brazilian girl doing the Samba in Paraty.  

  You sexy thing.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

  How sweet she is. 🙂 

My favourite photo

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

  It’s Probably not hard to guess why this is my favourite photo, a rose between two thorns, I don’t think so. 🙂 Paraty grew in the 18th century as a strategically important port for exporting the gold mined in Minas Gerais. When shipments in nearby Rio began to attract the attention and ambition of pirates and privateers from rival European powers, the Portuguese began using Paraty as their safe port for getting their gold to Lisbon.

Beautiful old colonial buildings.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

This church is one of the most photographed buildings in Pataty, it features among the towns architectural landmarks, the waterfront Capela de Santa Rita, a whitewashed church 

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Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Every time there is a high tide the water flows in and all the Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil turn into rivers. 😀

 Dinner & vino in Paraty

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Sudzi & I enjoying dinner in Paraty, I can’t wait to visit this wonderful Brazilian gem once again.

One of Sudzi’s photos

Cobblestone Streets Paraty Brazil

 Sudzi is actually a professional photographer back in Australia.

Let the games begin.

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

I decided to be colour coordinated with the wall.


 

The good ship Lolipop 🙂

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Ok time to explore the surrounding islands.

Waiting for the bus to Rio

Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil

Although the Cobblestone Streets of Paraty Brazil is only a short drive to Rio there are so many people I know who have never made the trip, they have certainly missed out on a wonderful experience. As I said earlier Paraty is only 3 hours from Rio so do yourself a huge favour and put it on your itinerary.

 
 
Magnificent Brazilian girls dancing Samba in Parity.


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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

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.

 

 

Check out these great posts


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Krabi beach resort Thailand

August 28, 2013 by David Herd

One of my favourite places in Thailand.

Krabi beach resort Thailand.

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

Krabi beach resort Thailand is far more relaxed & lay back than many other Thai resorts. It seems to me the biggest % of tourists come from Scandinavia, consequently there are quite a few Swedish & Norwegian restaurants, which suits me fine as I love Skagen.

Lots of good restaurants in Krabi.

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand is growing fast, in the last few years Tesco, HomePro, Big C have all opened and a new International hospital is in the final stages of construction. Krabi has a reputation of being a true Thai countryside location and with the now enlarged Krabi International airport is seen as the ideal balance between convenience and lifestyle. People are being drawn to Krabi in search of the idyllic beach life that Phuket and Koh Samui offered a decade ago but are in danger of losing as they get bigger. International residents are catered for, although on a smaller scale than Phuket, with regard to immigration services and English speaking staff in local government offices. Entertainment options are on the increase as are true International standard Hotels and attractions. To cater for the inward surge of potential residents, many real estate companies have emerged building high quality villas and homes specifically for foreigners.

Krabi beach resort Thailand massage huts.

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

Here in Krabi they really focus on Thai massages which are one of the world’s great pleasures for around $12 for two hours. That price was in 2013, sadly now with the AUD exchange rate it’s $18.     

 Massage under the trees

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

A fabulous way to relax in Krabi.

Silicon on the sand.

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

I’m not sure if this person is male or female. 🙂

Bus in Krabi.

Krabi beach resort Thailand

The easy way to get around the village.

Long-tail boats take you to the islands.

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

Krabi beach resort Thailand in the southern province on the Andaman seaboard with perhaps the country’s oldest history of continued settlement. After dating stone tools, ancient colored pictures, beads, pottery and skeletal remains found in the province’s many cliffs and caves, it is thought that Krabi has been home to Homo Sapiens since the period 25,000 – 35,000 B.C. In recorded times it was called the ‘Ban Thai Samor’, and was one of twelve towns that used, before people were widely literate, the monkey for their standard. At that time, c. 1200 A.D., Krabi was tributary to the Kingdom of Ligor, a city on the Kra Peninsula’s east coast better known today as Nakhon Si Thammarat.  (Thanks to Wikipedia)

A little piece of Paradise

Krabi beach resort Thailand

Quite a crowd walking on the beach today.

Dropping anchor in Krabi

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

Struggling against the wind.

Krabi beach resort Thailand Ao Nang Beach

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

A nice beach with clean water & sand.

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Limestone outcrops.

Krabi beach resort Thailand

The Ko Lanta National Park, also in Krabi province, includes several coral-fringed islands with well-known diving sites. The largest island, Ko Lanta Yai, is the site of park headquarters, and is also home to Chao Le, or sea gypsies who sustain themselves largely through fishing. The islands are best visited during the non-monsoon months of October through April.

The rock faces at Railay Beach near Ao Nang have attracted climbers from all over the world and each year are the venue for the Rock and Fire Festival. There are several Rock Climbing schools at Railay beach.

 Ao Nang beach is where I prefer to stay.

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

Krabi is a relaxing beach resort thailand

November 2008, 12 hour taxi ride.

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

Sadly Les passed away in March 2020, RIP.

Here is our happy taxi driver

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

It was a long 12 hour trip from Pattaya to Krabi.

Krabi beach resort Thailand

Krabi beach resort Thailand

Krabi is well worth a visit, put it on your bucket list.

Koh Khai

Krabi beach resort Thailand

Koh Khai is a group of famous tiny islands a 15 minute speedboat ride from Phuket’s east coast. There are 3 islands: Koh Khai Nai, Khai Nai Island and Koh Khai Nok, their names get a little confusing, especially once you know that ‘Koh’ means ‘Island’ in Thai.

 Warren & David Herd at Ao Nang beach in Krabi.

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

Thanks for visiting my Krabi beach resort Thailand photo blog.  
 

Krabi Beach Resort

Krabi beach resort Southern Thailand

  For an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK. 

 
  Here are some more posts to check out               

Holiday Inn

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

Fabulous views, excellent restaurants & a very good room rate if you book through THIS LINK.

Krabi Resort

Krabi beach resort ThailandThis resort is in an excellent location & only $32 USD per night. Use THIS LINK to get a good discount.

The building in the middle is the Holiday Inn, on the left is the Amari Hotel which is another very good five star hotel. Use THIS LINK to book for a very good room rate.

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

 
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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)

If you enjoyed this post check out Walking Street as well.

 

 

 

It’s only a short distance from Krabi beach resort Thailand to Phuket.

 

Koh Chang is the 2nd largest island in Thailand

 

The Tiger zoo is worth a visit

 

Check out these great posts



Counter only started june 16 2020.

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Florianopolis Brazilian Island

August 28, 2013 by David Herd

Welcome to Paradise

Florianopolis Brazilian Island.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Florianopolis Brazilian Island, the photo above is Joaquina beach which is famous throughout the world for surfing. Florianopolis is a wonderful Brazilian city, on January 11, 2009. Newsweek placed Florianópolis in the “Ten most dynamic cities of the world” list in 2006. Veja magazine, a Brazilian publication, named the city as “the best place to live in Brazil.

Barra da Lagoa Florianopolis.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

This was a great place to stay, close to lots of good beaches.

Barra da Lagoa beach.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Barra da Lagoais a fishing village, surrounded by nature and a small town with services like restaurants, pharmacies, supermarkets, public transportation. Barra da Lagoa Beach has good waves, clear water and a tropical rain-forest, this makes Barra da Lagoa the kind of place you can easily loose track of time! 

Barra da Lagoa

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

You can spend the afternoon fishing with the locals or explore trails that lead to natural pools and stunning sightseeing spots, simply relax and enjoy the sunset from Prainha, an almost private beach just two minutes away.

Barra da Lagoa

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Please click on Google + to help my page ranking.

Having fun with the friendly locals.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

My friend Antonio in the blue cap is an extraordinary guy who I met in Florianopolis, in 1999 he rode a bicycle around the world representing UNICEF. His unbelievable journey resulted in meeting Pope Paul at the Vatican and Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan.

Jägermeister shots

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

When in Brazil do as the locals do. 🙂

No dog so he walks his bird.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Reminds me of the song “Come Fly With Me”.

Florianopolis wonderful Brazilian Island

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

These buildings remind me very much of Lisbon.

Let the games begin

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Everywhere in Brazil the beach is everyone’s favorite place.

David Herd living like a king in Paradise.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Recently, Florianopolis has become one of the most popular destinations in Brazil for people who are looking for superb beaches, beautiful scenery, interesting culture and friendly people. It has also experienced a real estate boom, with Brazilians looking for a better quality of life away from the chaos of the big cities, especially from the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul.

Beautiful beaches everywhere in Flori.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

The city proper currently has an estimated population of 420,000 people. The Greater Florianopolis Metro area is home to about 1 million people. Florianopolis is a wonderful Brazilian city which should go on the bucket list for anyone intending to visit this wonderful country.

Joaquina beach

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

A little slice of paradise.

Does my bum look big in this?

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

My apologies folks but this is a question women have been asking their husbands for years.  😆

Our apartment in Barra da Lagoa.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Only a short 10 minute stroll to the beach.

You don’t mess with these guys.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

  From what I have heard they are as mean as they look.

I would like to inspect the end of that tattoo.

 

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

This lovely lady worked on the beach at Barra da Lagoa.

Tall & tanned & young & lovely

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Now that’s a girl worth following. 🙂

Joaquina beach

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Absolutely stunning.

Farewell from Flori.

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

What a fabulous part of the world. 

Thanks for visiting my Florianopolis Brazilian Island photo blog.

That’s all folks

Florianopolis Brazilian Island

Brazilians don’t need a visa to visit Thailand. Please check out my webcam.      

Pattaya Beach live webcam

Click bottom right hand corner for full screen.

                   Here are some more posts to check out 

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Chiang Mai with Tone        9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)   191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck                 

More photo blogs here;

   I remember hearing this great Brazilian band for the first time 1n 1999 walking down the main street of Foz where  the borders of three countries meet, Brazil, Paraguay & Argentina.

Click on the photo below for another post on Brazil.

 

 
Counter only started June 16 2020.

 

This gallery contains 5 photos

Sydney World’s Best Harbour

August 5, 2013 by David Herd

Wonderful harbour, golden beaches & sunshine.

Sydney World’s Best Harbour

Sydney World's Best HarbourSydney harbour best in the world, it is as exciting city, I admit to being biased when talking about this great city, I was born & raised here in the middle of the last century. I have flown into Sydney hundreds of times and even now it still takes my breath away. Most of this post will centre around the fabulous harbor because without a doubt it is the best the world has to offer.

View from Drummoyne bay.

Sydney World's Best HarbourFor several years I was fortunate enough to live on the waterfront in Drummoyne, a few miles west of the city, and every day from my balcony I would marvel at the city skyline and Harbour Bridge. My boat was moored in front of my home and every weekend you would find me on the harbour visiting quaint little beaches and wonderful restaurants. The photo above was part of my view.

Here is a stunning view of the Sydney city skyline.

Sydney World's Best HarbourSydney is rather fragmented due the harbour splitting it between north & south, personally I prefer to stay north of the harbour, but Darling Harbour on the west of the city is a great location, as is the famous Bondi Beach which is located in the eastern suburbs. Make sure you catch a ferry to Manly from the city and you will see why Sydney Harbour is regarded as the best in the world. So do your research and pick the district where you would like to book your hotel.

Circular Quay, the gateway to the city. 

Sydney World's Best HarbourGrab a seat here and soak up the tremendous view.

Sydney World’s Best Harbour

Sydney World's Best HarbourA huge ship is moored right opposite the Opera House.

Ferries at Circular Quay

Sydney World's Best HarbourA short trip to Manly across the magnificent harbour should be on the top of your list.

Centrepoint Tower.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

Centrepoint tower which naturally has a revolving restaurant stands 309 m (1,014 ft) above Sydney. 

Anzac Bridge

Sydney World's Best Harbour

The ANZAC Bridge, replacing the earlier Glebe Island Bridge, is a large cable-stayed bridge spanning Johnstons Bay between Pyrmont and Glebe Island close to the central business district of Sydney, Australia. Wikipedia

Darling Harbor in Sydney

Sydney World's Best Harbour

The Grand Mercure hotel in Darling Harbour.

The Oaks Hotel in Neutral Bay.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

One of my old haunts for many years, the Oaks is one of the best hotels in Australia.

The Oak tree at the Oaks hotel

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I have so many wonderful memories of enjoying a beer or two with friends at this great hotel.

Mr Wong, good Cantonese restaurant.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

Mr Wong’s is a very good Cantonese restaurant off Bridge St in Sydney not far from Circular Quay.

Mr Wong at 3 Bridge St.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

Mr Wong’s has a great atmosphere and very good food, put it on your list.

The famous Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

No doubt this is the best harbour in the world.

Please click on Google + to help my ranking. 

 

Climb the Harbour Bridge.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

My English friend Bill Austin said “lets go climb the bridge”,I said “thank you, but I think at this stage I will decline”, Bill being an ex Para military man had experienced about 500 jumps out of planes, many at night into enemy territory. I on the other hand have a great fear of heights, in fact let me tell you a little story about my brief stint in the fire brigade. I was 22 years of age when I passed the simple entry exam for the NSW fire brigade, everything was fine in the first 2 weeks, I was learning all the riveting information about the contents of a fire extinguisher and driving around Centennial Park in the fire engine.

Suddenly they produced what they claimed was the highest ladder in the country, 130 feet they proudly quoted. All the new recruits had to line up to climb to the top, drop a hook attached to your belt over the top rung of the ladder, then lean backwards trusting the hook would hold you. My turn finally came, I pointed out to the instructor there was nobody up there that needed to be rescued, so if he didn’t mind I would rather decline his request. As you can imagine he wasn’t happy, so after many heated words had passed between us I wandered into the front office and laid my helmet and axe on the counter, resigned and went home. So ended my career as a fearless fire fighter.  😳

This pastime is more my preference.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

Forget about climbing bridges or jumping out of planes, I prefer to do battle with a wonderful Queensland Mud Crab. OK, so maybe he was dead and posing no threat, but there is no finer meal in Australia than a 1.5 kilo monster washed down with a Margaret River Chardonnay.

 The Manly Ferry.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

One of the best things to do in Sydney is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay in the city to Manly one of Sydney’s famous beaches. Enjoy some fish & chips by the beach and try to keep the seagulls from stealing your food.

Fish & Chips + Oysters.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

Here I am at Manly with my friend Sue from Shanghai.

The Corso in Manly.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

In 1787, Captain Arthur Phillip of the Royal Navy left England with a fleet of ships to establish a colony in New South Wales. He was to be it’s first Governor. In January 1788, the fleet arrived at its destination, Botany Bay, which was found to be unsuitable for settlement, So, on 21 January, Phillip with others travelled north and examined Port Jackson, so named by Captain James Cook in 1770. They spent three days exploring Port Jackson and Phillip, impressed by the “confidence and manly behavior” of a group of aborigines in the northern reaches of the harbour, called the place “Manly Cove”.

Doyles at Watson’s Bay.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

On the opposite side of the harbour from Manly is Watson’s Bay, I have forgotten how many times I ate at this famous Sydney harbour side restaurant throughout the 70’s & 80’s, in fact I could almost drive my boat blindfolded from my waterfront home in Drummoyne about 40 minutes west of here.

Doyles in 1981.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

This was Doyles 32 years ago in 1981. On this original site, Doyles opened Australia’s first seafood restaurant in 1885. The restaurant has been family owned and operated for over five generations. With both indoor and outdoor dining, Doyles is located right on the foreshore of Watsons Bay overlooking the magnificent panorama of Sydney Harbour.

Flashback, Doyles 1982.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

Here I am at Doyles with Helen Burke, my girlfriend at the time, enjoying one of our countless lunches on beautiful Sydney Harbour. Who said nostalgia was a thing of the past?

Did I have any fun in the 80’s?

Sydney World's Best Harbour

So maybe I am going back a long way, over 30 years in fact, however the fun we had on Sydney’s beautiful harbour will never be forgotten, and you can still live this same great life in Sydney today.

Dining solo (again) at Mr Wong.

Sydney World's Best Harbour

More photos of Mr Wong HERE.

Check out the super hotel rates from Agoda

Sydney is magnificent

Sydney World's Best Harbour

Put this venue on your bucket list.

What a harbour

Sydney World’s Best HarbourMy only complaint is that I can’t afford to live there anymore. 🙂

Well folks, many thanks for visiting my Sydney Harbour photo blog about the town where I was born. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed growing up there.

Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/

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Soi Cowboy (25)          Osaka 1st night (17)       Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy 

                                     

             Chiang Mai                      Pattaya                      Chao Phraya river

Chiang Mai with Tone        9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1)   191de3bb-38fc-45cd-bce7-ef24081c554b

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

That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Sit back and check out the slide show.

 

What a wonderful World

David Attenborough - Wonderful World - BBC - Full HD 1080p

             

 Here are some more posts to check out

         Life 2015                     Family history                   Life 1982

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  Adelaide 1972                 Iron Bar Freddy               Sydney 2006

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Thailand 2008                Gold Coast Babes               World trip 2003

Fun in Pattaya-116         92bfa275-a122-4078-9970-1e24188a5917        CopacabanabeachNov2003-124

             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              01a75360-9573-473f-acba-3a187f779b7f
 That’s all folks
1g Duck
Pattaya live webcam 
 
9a1fec74-4461-46cd-8663-97f5893c8f6e (1) 

50 Reasons Why Australians Are The Luckiest People On Earth

 Click here to see my 2010 Sydney post.

https://fivestarvagabond.com/circular-quay-and-bondi/

Super deals from Agoda
Click on the photo below to see more of Sydney harbour

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

This gallery contains 5 photos

Bangkok travel tips with photos

August 2, 2013 by David Herd

Bangkok, one of Asia’s most dynamic & exciting cities.

Bangkok travel tips with photos, I hope I can offer some travel tips & advice to help you plan your trip to Bangkok one of the great Asian cities.

Bangkok travel tips

Below is the magnificent Sirocco restaurant at the Dome in Bangkok, a magic experience awaits you, located on the 63rd floor with breathtaking views of the City of Angels, ph(66) 2624-9555 click here.

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can’t be too careful with your company
I can feel the devil walking next to me

Murray Head released One Night in Bangkok in 1984.

Murray Head - One Night In Bangkok "From CHESS"

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 2 hours north of Bangkok.

Bangkok travel tips

An excellent adventure.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Bangkok travel tips

The Grand Palace  is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. The present monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), currently resides at Chitralada Palace, but the Grand Palace is still used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand.

 
MBK shopping center Bangkok

Bangkok travel tips

Lots of bargains to be had here.

Bangkok is famous for it’s traffic jams.

Bangkok travel tips

Bangkok travel tips, it is so much easier to get around the city using the Sky Train.

Bangkok is famous for its Street food.

Bangkok travel tips

Thai people love to eat out on the street, it is so cheap it’s not worth the effort to cook at home.

They not only eat on the street they shop there also.

Bangkok travel tips

Street vendors are all over the city selling all types of gadgets, food etc. 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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

 
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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
d0c59ff5-7f2b-41b5-9312-4556d4a62037          bangkok travel tips
 
 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 
 

 

Super travel tips & information.

Hotel bookings. For the best deals in Asia, book now and you can choose to pay when you check out.

MBK is one of the best shopping centers in Bangkok, see the above photo, if you want to stay in a good hotel connected to the shopping mall then Pathumwan Princess Hotel is the place for you.

Pratunam market. If markets are more your thing you should stay at an older hotel, the Indra Regent which is across the road from Pratunam markets, which I think are the best in Bangkok. This is a major market selling clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. Enter the small alleys and jam-packed small streets and you will find yourself in the middle of a clothes-maze. Prices are very cheap, you may have to pay retail prices for single pieces.


Bumrumgrad hospital,  great place for all your health needs & checkups

Check out the best rooftop bars in Bangkok.

Bangkok taxis are very cheap, but avoid catching them from outside your hotel, walk up the street a little and always confirm the meter is on before you depart. Many drivers will try to charge an over the top fixed fare, politely decline, get out of the taxi and wait for another one. You can easily negotiate a 2 hour taxi trip to Pattaya for only 1000 Baht.

A Longtail boat river cruise is a great way to see Bangkok, the most popular choice for travelers is stating from the Central Pier at Sathorn (easily access from BTS at Taksin station) cruise to the north and get off at Tha Chang Pier (N 03 pier). The Grand palace wall is opposite to this pier. Views from this route are really fantastic. The fare is just 10 Baht.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 2 hours north of Bangkok is also a must do tour. Here is a nice little YouTube video of the market.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market near Bangkok, Thailand

 

 
 Please be very careful in Bangkok

This shocking incident took place on August 23 2013, don’t let it happen to you.

Two Thai policemen have been arrested and authorities were hunting for two others yesterday for allegedly kidnapping and extorting money from Italian tourists. The officers were arrested in Bangkok on Friday after Interpol lodged a complaint against them, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported yesterday.

Danillo de Vito, 51, and Antonio Di Muno, 62, were allegedly detained by four policemen last Monday, hours after they arrived in the kingdom on holiday, while withdrawing cash from an ATM, Metropolitan Police commander Suebsak Pansuri said. They were accused of using a fake ATM card, and told to pay 2 million baht ($64,515) for police to drop charges.

The Italians managed to reduce the amount by half and alerted their relatives in Italy to the scam when calling them to ask for the money. Their relatives alerted Italian police who passed on the complaint to Interpol. Police found the two Italians in a Bangkok motel on Tuesday, after they had already transferred the money to Thailand. The two men were unharmed.

Police have also arrested an Uzbekistani national, Muhiddin Sharipov, who acted as interpreter for the police officers, The Nation newspaper reported yesterday.

Bangkok travel tips & other posts I have on this great city I hope will help you enjoy this great city.

Click on the photo below to see my post on Chiang Mai.

 

Two hours south of Bangkok is Thailand’s sin city Pattaya, click here.

 

 

 

Jet Ski scammers

bangkok travel tips

 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.

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

 

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Fabulous French Riviera.

August 1, 2013 by David Herd

Fabulous French Riviera

St Tropez

Fabulous French Riviera or Côte d’Azur, what can I say that has not been said or written about before. So I guess I’ll just highlight my favourite parts of this famous coastline, and try to pass on some travel tips and advice. For the best deals on hotel bookings with a choice of when to pay + a lowest price guarantee, just click here.

Magnificent motor yacht 

french riviera

One thing is certain, no matter how big your boat is, someone will stop beside you in a bigger one. The wealthy are always trying to out do each other, well good luck to them, I like most people love to see how the rich & famous live. That is not an example of the rich & famous below, that’s me David Herd and my friend Jodie O’Neill from Australia.

St Tropez

french riviera

Strangely enough my two favourite places are at opposite ends of the Riviera, St Tropez for sheer opulence, people watching, & great restaurants and bars. Beside the Italian border is Mentone a much more subdued city but with many things to offer the tourist. You can leave your car at the hotel and jump on a train to have lunch at Nice or Monte Carlo, or go the other way into Italy. St Tropez is not on a railway line so once you are there the car is your only option. The photo below is the St Tropez flea market open every Saturday at 6.30 am, these are the biggest Paellas I have ever seen.


St Tropez Saturday market.

french riviera

The biggest paella I have ever seen.

Pebbles on the beach at Nice.

french riviera

One of the most popular cites on the Riviera.

  This does not look comfortable

Fabulous French Riviera

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

:)

The harbour at Nice.

french riviera There are thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes along the whole French Riviera, no matter where you go you can smell the money.

Monte Carlo harbor & Castle.

Monte Carlo Monaco At the end of the 12th century B.C., the Romans occupied the region. Monaco is part of the Province of the Maritime Alps. During their occupation, the Romans erected at La Turbie, the Trophy of Augustus, which celebrates the triumph of their military campaigns.

Mentone

Fabulous French Riviera

Menton was a real surprise packet, a great place to be based, close to Italy as well as the French Riveria.

Art gallery Mentone

Fabulous French Riviera

Lots of interesting shops in Mentone

The Sultan arrives, chopper on-board of course. :)

Antibes Mediterranean resort

There is so much wealth here on the Fabulous French Riviera.

Paella in Antibes

Spanish Paella

Great food, here I am eating Spanish food in France.

Antibes

Antibes French Riviera 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.

Cafe de Paris in Monte Carlo.

Cafe Paris Here are my friends Jodie O’Neill & Deborah Holliday putting on the ritz at Cafe de Paris in Monte-Carlo.

Another Cafe de Paris in St Tropez.

The Cafe de Paris St Tropez

People watching is the main pastime in St Tropez.

St Tropez’s most famous face, Brigitte Bardot.

Brigitte Bardot Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot; born 28 September 1934) is a French former actress, singer and fashion model, now an animal rights activist. She was one of the best known sex symbols of the 1950s and ’60s. Starting in 1969, Bardot’s features became the official face of Marianne (who had previously been anonymous) to represent the liberty of France. Bardot was an aspiring ballet dancer in early life. She started her acting career in 1952 and, after appearing in 16 obscure films, became world-famous in 1957 with the release of the controversial film And God Created Woman. She later starred in Jean-Luc Godard’s 1963 film Le Mépris. Bardot was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress for her role in Louis Malle’s 1965 film Viva Maria! Bardot caught the attention of French intellectuals. She was the subject of Simone de Beauvoir’s 1959 essay, The Lolita Syndrome, which described Bardot as a “locomotive of women’s history” and built upon existentialist themes to declare her the first and most liberated woman of post-war France. Bardot retired from the entertainment industry in 1973. During her career in show business, she starred in 47 films, performed in several musical shows, and recorded over 60 songs. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1985, but refused to receive it. After her retirement, Bardot established herself as an animal rights activist. During the 1990s, she generated controversy by criticizing immigration and Islam in France, and has been fined five times for inciting racial hatred.

Nice & Antibes are very nice places, Monte Carlo is unbelievable and over the top as you would expect, and as for Cannes in my book, forget it, unless you are there for the film festival. Below is the world famous Monte Carlo Casino, perhaps the most famous landmark on the French Riviera.

Monte Carlo Casino

Monte Carlo Casino

Thanks for visiting my Fabulous French Riviera photo blog.

Lets finish how we started

Fabulous French Riviera

It’s a long way to Byron Bay. 🙂

That’s all folks

Playing Blackjack sexy girls

                            Here are some more posts to check out
 
         

 

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

 

 

Super travel tips.

Hotel bookings. The best deals including your choice of when to pay, now or later, + best price guarantee.

A good hotel in St Tropez is Les Palmiers, 150 Euros per night. Click here.

One of Europe’s best markets is in Ventimiglia over the border from Mentone every Friday.

You can fly Singapore Airlines from Asia to Nice via Milan.

Lots of tourist information here on this very good site.


La mer - Mr. Bean holiday

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Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

July 24, 2013 by David Herd

My favourite cuisine.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants, there are many  to choose from, however you can never go wrong at Fuji, excellent Japanese food at reasonable prices. Spotlessly clean with well trained staff. The Caterpillar roll above is my favorite dish, however their menu offers so many good choices of beautiful fresh Japanese food. There are almost 100 restaurants in this chain throughout Thailand, to see their locations please click here.

Salmon at Fuji

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

One of the many mouth watering dishes at Fuji in Big C shopping mall on 2nd rd.

Fuji chefs at Big C in 2nd rd.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Agoda is a great place to book your Pattaya hotel.

Oishi Ramen low cost Japanese.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Oishi Ramen is another chain of very low cost Japanese & Thai food, I have lunch at least twice a week at the Big C mall on 2nd road north Pattaya. The Salmon and salad shown above with bottomless Green Tea costs 220 Baht or $7 usd, great value. More information about Oishi click here.

Oishi Japanese Buffet Restaurant

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

The buffet is excellent value at around 500 Baht or $15, eat as much as you want. I don’t rate the food as highly as Fuji however you can’t beat the value.

Tuna Ichiban

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

There is a new shopping mall in Pattaya Klang with many good Japanese restaurants to choose from, my salmon sashimi was absolutely fabulous.

Tuna Ichiban at Harbor shopping mall

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

High quality food at a reasonable price, what more could you ask for?   

Tokyo Teppanyaki

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

I was surprised at the number of Japanese restaurants here.    I had an excellent prawn teppanyaki and miso soup for lunch.

Anego

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

 Excellent food here at Anego however I still think 200 Baht for a glass of wine is too high.

Anego Gioza

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Anego was at 226/11 (soi 5 BeachRd.) Pattaya. Now in 2nd Rd behind Lisa bar in North Pattaya.

Chamiko in Soi 3 North Pattaya.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants   

Finally hidden away in Soi 3 North Pattaya is Chamiko, it is kind of like eating in a private home. Good food, low cost and friendly staff. I walked past this strange little restaurant for 3 years without entering, now I eat there at least once a week. Open for lunch and dinner and closed on Mondays. Good food at a very low price, the best chicken Yakatori in Pattaya for about $3.  😀 Another example is you can order the two plates shown above + two glasses of South African wine for a total cost of $20 including tip, priceless.

Chamiko is a very casual atmosphere.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Here are some crazy friends of mine enjoying dinner at Chamiko. From left to right is Juergen (German), Larry (Austrian RIP), Dah (Thai) & John a.k.a Pothole (Australian).

Sushi at Chamiko

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Only about B300 or $12 aud.

Sadly Chamiko is now closed permanently.

Genki in Soi 4.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

A little gem hidden away in Soi 4 next to a row of shops which include Saithorn massage, is Genki. A very authentic Japanese restaurant with a nice outdoor area. Last night there were 50 Japanese male diners and one Caucasian, me.

That is always a testament to the quality of the cuisine, just count the number of Japanese diners.                      

An interesting dish at Genki.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Baby clams were delicious.

Sadly Genko is now closed permanently.

Sukishi at Central Festival.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Sukishi is an excellent Japanese BBQ restaurant in Central Festival shopping mall.          

Another favourite at Central Festival

Best Pattaya Japanese 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.

June 27 at Ronin Soi 16/2 Naklua

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

Hamish & I both thought Ronin was an excellent sushi restaurant with tonnes of atmosphere.

Shakariki 432

Pattaya Life Absolutely Perfect

An excellent authentic Japanese restaurant in 2nd Rd opposite Mike Hotel. 

Upmarket & sophisticated.

Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants

We both agreed we prefer the rowdy atmosphere at Genki in Soi 4.

Miyazaki at Central Marina

Miyazaki Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant

I can’t believe how lucky we are living in Pattaya with so many great places to eat, every possible cuisine & price range, from five star hotels to street food. Since Terminal 21 opened on October 19 2018 Central Marina has lost half it’s customers, I do feel sorry for their loss of business, on the other had it’s much quieter & more peaceful. 

NZ tender beef.

Miyazaki Japanese Teppanyaki restaurantRare, juicy & tender, cooked to perfection. 🙂 I ordered the special set of NZ beef, vegetables, miso soup & rice at a low price of B280 or $11.70 AUD.

Sabai Wing Soi 1 North Pattaya

Pattaya low cost budget hotels

Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $30 usd per night as of August 15. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.

Thanks for visiting my Best Pattaya Japanese restaurants photo blog.                         

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

 

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

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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
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Check out one of the most famous streets in Pattaya

 

Here is a very interesting Pattaya hotel

 

One of the best shopping malls in Bangkok

 

Krabi is one of my favourite places in Thailand

 

Here is my post on a tiger in Thailand

 

 
 
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David Herd-Pattaya-Thailand

June 26, 2013
by David Herd
Comments Off on David Herd, here’s my bio.

David Herd, here’s my bio.

My name is David Herd, I have a passport, camera, kindle, & I really love to travel. David Herd, here’s my bio. David Herd, I have been living in Thailand for the last 8 years. Where has the time gone? … Continue reading