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Bangkok restaurant reviews

December 9, 2013 by David Herd

Sirocco at the State Tower

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Bangkok restaurant reviews,  I guess I’m allowed to call myself a Bon Vivant  given my obsession with eating out at good restaurants. Lets start with the most spectacular restaurant in the whole city. The view from the Sky bar at Sirocco is amazing, the restaurant is very popular with the trendy Bangkok crowd, the food is good but the price is ridiculously high.

Sirocco on the 64th floor.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Sirocco is one of the world’s great Sky bars.

Seafood salad at Sirocco

Bangkok restaurant reviews

As you would expect the food at Sirocco is excellent.

Centre-Point hotel from Sirocco.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

A very good hotel near the river and the Sky train.

Magnificent sunset at Sirocco.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

I’m sure Bangkok has more sky bars than any city in the world.

Breeze on the 53rd floor.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Here is a tip if you want to save some money, have a couple of pre dinner drinks at the Sky bar  on the 64th floor then go down to Breeze on the 53rd floor and dine there, much better value.

Spectacular lights at Breeze.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Far less expensive than Sirocco.

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Shangri-La Buffet

Bangkok restaurant reviews

The 5 star Shangri-La hotel on the river has several restaurants to choose from. I found the best value was their incredible buffet featuring Sushi, Alaskan crab, shrimp, Dim Sum, soups, B-B-Q & a terrific selection of deserts. Free flow wine & beer was included for 2,250 Baht or $90 AUD.

There was a nice surprise when I paid the bill,  received a 15% discount for using my Platinum Visa card. So the price came down to $65. Considering I had 5 glasses of wine from Chile, it was super deal.

Seafood at the Shangri-La

Bangkok restaurant reviews

If you want a great buffet in Bangkok look no further.

Dinner cruise

Bangkok restaurant reviews

The Shangri-La has a dinner cruise leaving at 7.30 every night.

Vintage at Silom

Bangkok restaurant reviews

What a great find this was, I was strolling around the back streets of Silom and stumbled across this very nice Italian restaurant with super friendly staff.

Bangkok restaurant reviews The Vintage

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Good food, nice atmosphere, a large selection of wine & friendly staff, what more would you want?  😀

Fettuccine with scallops & rock lobster  at Vintage

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Very good food at Vintage.

 Vintage at Silom

Bangkok restaurant reviews

You will find the Vintage at 19 Silom Soi 21

Basilico Pizzeria in Soi 33

Bangkok restaurant reviews

At the other side of the city in Sukhumvit Soi 33 is another very good Italian restaurant Basilico Pizzeria. Good atmosphere and excellent pizzas. Have a pre dinner drink at “The Office” a very good sports bar just around the corner at Sukhumvit Soi 33, Wattana.

 Bangkok restaurant reviews

Bangkok restaurant reviews

For over 10 years I have been going to the Bus Stop in Sukhumvit Soi 4 Nana to have their Oxtail stew. I spent 3 days in Bangkok last week and managed to have it twice for lunch even though the price has almost doubled in 4 years, it is still only 350 Baht or $10 AUD.

I introduced Pothole & he is also hooked.

Soi4Nana6 (1)

Here is my friend John Martin AKA Pothole at the Bus stop Sukhumvit Soi 4 Nana.

I had an unhappy experience at the Bust Stop in Soi 4 Nana in Bangkok 2 weeks ago. For many years I have been ordering the oxtail stew which is fantastic, lunch on the Thursday was excellent, then I returned for dinner on Friday night and they only served 2 pieces of oxtail instead of the normal 3. I complained as the price of B350 remained the same, well the chef was quite rude and unhelpful and refused to make it right, so I paid for my wine and left. After around 16 years of enjoying this great dish I guess it is time for a break, just saying………

Bus Stop Soi 4 Nana

Bangkok restaurant reviews

 

Don’t expect too much at the Bus Stop, it’s a good value bar with excellent low priced food, and the Oxtail is to die for.

Hanrahans Irish pub

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Right next door to the Bus Stop is Hanrahans Irish pub & sports bar. Good pub food and lots of screens showing all the popular sports.

Quintessential English breakfast.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Breakfast 180 Baht or $6 AUD.

Monsoon restaurant in Soi 8 Nana, great food.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

A couple of streets away from the Bus Stop is a terrific restaurant in Soi 8, Monsoon.

Calzone at Monsoon in Bangkok restaurants reviews

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Bill Austin from England likes Monsoon.

Beef & Oyster sauce at Monsoon.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Prior to the beef I had a very good pumpkin soup, my friend had an Australian steak which was magnificent.

Great prawn dish at Monsoon

Bangkok restaurant reviews

One of my favourite Bangkok restaurants.

Terrific new restaurant.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

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

Enjoying a red wine at Pirate Chambre

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Put this excellent restaurant on your bucket list.

Oysters at Crab and Claw, 7th Floor Emquartier.

Bangkok restaurant reviews

  Lobsters, New England Clam Chowder and a good selection of oysters (Kumamoto, Calm Cove, Royal, etc…) and fresh home-made pasta.  Lots of choices at this popular establishment. The lobster roll is Crab & Claw’s signature dish, however it will set you back around B1000.

Gulliver’s

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Always good value at Gulliver’s in Sukhumvit Soi 5, excellent bar to watch your favorite sports. Food is consistently good & terrific atmosphere for a sports bar as is the one in Beach Rd Pattaya.

Bangkok from the Moon bar at Vertigo

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Vertigo and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel located at 21/100 Sathon Tai, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10500. Another breath-taking view of the Bangkok skyline. Sit back and enjoy the Bangkok city view.

Terrific food court at Siam Centre

Bangkok restaurant reviews

A great variety of food here.

El Mercado El Maginifico

Bangkok Market Grocery Restaurant

  El Mercardo as well as being an excellent restaurant pride themselves by including in their charming complex a premium fresh supermarket offering reasonable prices which is most certainly dedicated to food enthusiasts.

 Bon Vivant Bangkok

Bangkok restaurant reviews

Thanks for dropping by folks, here I am at Sirocco paying a huge amount for an Australian red, however the view is worth it. Thanks for visiting my Bangkok restaurant reviews photo blog.

Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter.    

 

                          Here are some more posts to check out

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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Free Cancellation. 
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

 

Click ohere for some very good restaurants in Pattaya

 

 

Bangkok Go-Go bars

 

Siam Center food court

 

Bangkok night life at Soi Cowboy

 

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This gallery contains 1 photo.

Bangkok Grand Palace

November 28, 2013 by David Herd

Iconic Bangkok Temple

Bangkok Grand Palace 

Bangkok Grand Palace

Bangkok Grand Palace is quite remarkable, put it at the top of your list of places to see. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.

The photo above is Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha as seen from the Outer Court.

Big crowds arrive every day.

Bangkok Grand Palace

The late monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), used to reside 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.

Phra Si Ratana Chedi

Bangkok Grand Palace

Phra Si Ratana Chedi, a 19th-century stupa built in Sri Lankan style enshrining ashes of the Buddha.

Entrance to Wat Phra Kaew.

Bangkok Grand Palace

As regards the historical legend of Wat Phra Kaew, it was originally known as the “Wat Pa Yia”, (Bamboo Forest Monastery) in the Chiang Rai province of Northern Thailand. The wat was struck by a lightning storm in 1434, when the octagonal Chedi broke up and revealed the Emerald Buddha (made of Jade), locally known as Phra Kaew Morakot. From there it was moved, initially to Vientianne and finally to Bangkok where it was deified in the temple by the original name, Wat Phra Kaew.

Another legend mentions that attempts made by the King of Chiang Mai to possess the statue after it was found in 1434; these failed thrice because the elephants transporting the statue refused to proceed beyond a crossroad in Lampang. The King of Chiang Mai considered the incident to be a strong divine directive and allowed the Buddha statue to remain in Lampang, where it remained for the next 32 years in an exclusively built temple.


Lots of photo opportunities at the Bangkok Grand Palace

Bangkok Grand Palace

The Palace is a photographers paradise.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Royal Pantheon)

Bangkok Grand Palace

The Royal Pantheon was constructed during the reign of King Rama IV in 1855. He intended to place the Emerald Buddha here but the building was not completed until after his death. His successor, King Rama V, considered the building too small to accommodate the congregation at royal ceremonies so the Emerald Buddha was not placed in this building. A small gilt stupa belonging to King Rama IV was placed there instead.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat

Bangkok Grand Palace

The throne hall forms the front or the facade of the entire building group. In front of the throne hall is the Rathakit Field; on either side of the throne hall are the Phrom Sopha Gates. The throne hall is constructed in an eclectic style, a blend of Thai and European (more specifically Renaissance or Italianate) styles. The lower part of the structure is European, while the upper part is in Thai-styled green and orange tiled roofs and golden spires or prasats.

Bangkok Grand Palace, Monks at the Throne Hall.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Their orange robes are a great contrast to the trees in the background.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Bangkok Grand Palace

The Bangkok Grand Palace is probably Thailand’s number one attraction.

Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Two elephants and one lonely guard on duty.

There are lots on nice hotels along the river with fabulous views.

Fantastic monuments.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Absolutely spectacular.

Gold, gold, lots of gold.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Give yourself plenty of time as the Palace is huge.

Smile

Bangkok Grand Palace

  Mother & daughter having fun at the Bangkok Grand Palace.  

The students wanted to interview us for a project.

Bangkok Grand Palace

I guess they had a project from school to interview a foreigner. 

We could be twins.

Bangkok Grand Palace

Thanks for visiting Bangkok Grand Palace photo blog, put it on your bucket list.

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When I’m in Bangkok I like to stay in Sukhumvit Soi 11, here is an excellent budget hotel, if you USE THIS LINK you will get a great rate of around B1100 per night, or $30 USD.

Bangkok Budget Sukhumvit Hotels

The best Bangkok budget hotel I have ever stayed in.

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

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
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1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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Click here to see my post on Krabi.

 

Here is a great Bangkok shopping Mall

 

Check out my Pattaya webcam

 


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

 

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Koh Larn Island is close to Pattaya

September 27, 2013 by David Herd

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

Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn Island is close to Pattaya, in fact it is only 35 minutes by ferry from Bali Hai Wharf at the end off  Walking St. Many people take the speedboats every morning from Pattaya beach, they cost between 1,500 and 2,500 Baht depending on the size of the boat.

Pattaya City sign

Koh Larn Island

I guess Pattaya wanted to be like the Hollywood of Asia.


Thousands head for Koh Larn.

Koh Larn Island

Every morning thousands of Chinese tourists head for Koh Larn.

Dolphin seafood restaurant.

Koh Larn Island

As we get under way we pass the Dolphin seafood restaurant which doesn’t look too impressive in daylight but when lit up at night it is quite spectacular. One the right overlooking the bay is the Pattaya Hilton.


 

Royal Cliff Hotel.

Koh Larn Island

Looking to the left or Port to be more accurate we see the Royal Cliff Hotel, it opened in 1974 & in fact was where I stayed on my first visit to Pattaya in 1980. Look closely and you will see the elevator that takes you down to Cosy beach.

Behind the ferry is Royal Cliff hotel.

Koh Larn Island

Please always make sure you have a life jacket close by.

Koh Krok.

Koh Larn Island

Koh Krok is a small island about 8 km off Koh Larn, popular for diving and snorkeling.

Na Ban pier Koh Larn

Koh Larn Island

Ferries go to both sides of the island, Tawaen beach is on the other side.

The crowd arrives.

Koh Larn Island

B30 is great value for the 40 minute trip.

Tawaen Beach.

Koh Larn Island

Every morning on Pattaya beach thousand of tourists, mainly Chinese (some Indians) climb aboard at least one hundred speedboats and head for Koh Larn. There is one place on Koh Larn where they all gather like lemmings, Tawaen Beach. They really should change the name to China beach, they are all here crammed together like sardines, but I guess if you come from China you are used to crowds. 

Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

Two Russians among 2000 Chinese on Tawaen beach at Koh Larn.

Tawaen Beach.

Koh Larn Island

 

As you can see the water is so much nicer than Pattaya.

Glass bottomed boat for viewing fish.

Koh Larn Island

Boats of all shapes and sizes come to the island.

Fresh seafood at Tawaen beach.

Koh Larn Island

Lots of fresh seafood here, the restaurants are huge and packed with people from 11 am.

At 11 am everyone is hungry.

Koh Larn Island

Thousands of Chinese tourists visit every day. They travel by speedboat not by ferry.

 

Tawaen pier.

Koh Larn Island

This is the most crowded beach on Koh Larn Island.

 Sangwan beach

Koh Larn Island

Unless you are completely crazy and love being swallowed up by thousands of Chinese tourists, walk 5 minutes around the corner to a much quieter and more peaceful Sangwan beach.


Beautiful Sangwan beach Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

Now this is more my style, not so busy and close to the pier.

Lookout point at Sangwan beach.

Koh Larn Island

The colour of the water here reminds me of when I was in Cancun in 2001.

Photo shoot at Sangwan beach.

Koh Larn Island

The water here is so clear and clean unlike Pattaya beach only a short distance to the east.

Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

At the north of the island is a delightful little beach named Tai Yai. Almost deserted with beautiful clear water. Only one small Thai restaurant but very few people on the beach.

Posing on Tai Yai beach Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

Gorgeous young girl striking a pose on Tai Yai beach.

The only restaurant on Tai Yai beach.

Koh Larn Island

A very peaceful part of the island.

 

 Samae Beach

Koh Larn Island

The solar array looks like a weird spacecraft.   There is a very nice, large Resort located just steps from the beach called Xanadu. They have free shuttle service from Naban Pier for their guests. They also have a conference hall that can accommodate 200 people.  

Samae Beach Koh Larn Island

Koh Larn Island

  Here I am with my friend Irina from Ukraine in November 2014.  

Ferries waiting for the crowds.

Koh Larn Island

Make sure you check the timetable so you don’t miss the last ferry.

David Herd at Koh Larn Island.

Koh Larn Island

Well folks, many thanks for visiting my blog on Koh Larn Island, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed being there. Please send the link to your friends https://fivestarvagabond.com/

Sabai Wing Soi 1 North Pattaya

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Sabai Wing Soi 1, 3 swimming pools and nice rooms, 100 meters from BigC, great value at only $30 usd per night as of 2017. I live in the high-rise in the background, Markland. For a great room rate book here.

For something a little more upmarket overlooking the beach book through THIS LINK.

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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. 

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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
Free Cancellation. 
Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
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 That’s all folks

1g Duck

 

Pattaya live webcam
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When you come back from Koh Larn check out the Pattaya beer bars

 

Make sure you see the LadyBoy show in Pattaya.

 

Some great views in Pattaya

 

Check out Walking St

 

Counter only started June 16 2020.

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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
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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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  • Lyme Regis Jurassic coast

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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

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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

 

Pattaya live webcam
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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

 

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Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

August 24, 2013 by David Herd

Fabulous Kyoto

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan, originally developed in the Middle Ages, in front of Yasaka Shrine. The district was built to accommodate the needs of travellers and visitors to the shrine. It eventually evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan.

Gion shop

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

A great window display.

Wonderful Japanese garden in Kyoto

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

In my eyes this is perfection.

The magnificent Kinkakuju temple.

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.

Hanami-koj St Gion.

fd216f3b-5756-45a4-8f35-6792102ce04c

Part of the Gion district has been declared a national historical preservation district. Recently, the City of Kyoto completed a project to restore the streets of Gion, which included such plans as moving all overhead utilities underground as part of the ongoing effort to preserve the original beauty of Gion.

Gion

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

Gion is my favourite part of Kyoto.

Nijo Castle.

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan
The castle is an excellent example of social control manifested in architectural space. Low-ranking visitors were received in the outer regions of the Ninomaru, whereas high-ranking visitors were shown the more subtle inner chambers. Rather than attempt to conceal the entrances to the rooms for bodyguards (as was done in many castles), the Tokugawas chose to display them prominently. Thus, the construction lent itself to expressing intimidation and power to Edo-period visitors. The building houses several different reception chambers, offices and the living quarters of the shogun, where only female attendants were allowed. One of the most striking features of the Ninomaru Palace are the “nightingale floors” (uguisubari) in the corridors. To protect the occupants from sneak attacks and assassins, the builders constructed the floors of the corridors in such a way as to squeak like birds when anyone walks on them.

Check out the Kiyomizu-dera buddhist temple.

So many wonderful restaurants in Gion.

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

Good food & beautiful faces, what more could you ask for?

 Jyuunidanya restaurant in Gion

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

Probably has not changed for hundreds of years.

Kyoto Tower

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

Kyoto’s iconic landmark is a very convenient place to stay, for an excellent room rate just book through THIS LINK.

 Kyoto railway station

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto

Best station I have ever seen.

Japan is full of surprises

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

In this country there is the ancient & the new. 🙂

  A beautiful Japanese lady

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

This is Ake and she provided me with a real surprise. It was a wet Monday evening so I found a small bar to enjoy a few drinks and a light dinner. An hour or so later Aki came in with 2 of her friends, they all said hello to me and joined me at the bar. After a couple more drinks they invited me to join them at another bar where they were meeting friends. I said “please wait a minute while I pay my bill here”, Ake said “don’t worry I have already paid it”.  You could have knocked me over with a feather, so off we went and the night got better and better. 🙂

Aki’s friends Jun and Alice

Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto Japan

  It’s always great meeting the locals. 🙂

My 3rd visit in 2018

Gion Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district

Certainly one of my favourite cities in Japan.

Make sure you visit the Pontocho Entertainment District 

Thanks for visiting my Gion Temples Geishas Kyoto photo blog.

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

Bangkok Hotels                    Pattaya Hotels
 
Pattaya live webcam
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That’s all folks

1g Duck

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

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. 

Click here to see another Japanese post

 

A very quaint Tokyo street

 

You gotta love the Ginza

 



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Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast

August 7, 2013 by David Herd

Cambodia, interesting friendly & mysterious.

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast is about 3 hours by bus from Phnom Penh. We were sad to leave the city however with the high May temperature we were looking forward to relaxing on the beach while sipping on a few cold beers.

Nice sand & lots of activity

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

The beaches were more crowded than usual due to a public holiday. Never the less it was great to enjoy the casual atmosphere and sea breeze.

Busy beach

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Public holiday to celebrate the Kings birthday.

One of the many beach bars.

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Lots of casual bars along the beach where you can get a nice cold beer.

Old boat in Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Sihanoukville was the place of the last official battle of the United States Army in the Vietnam War, although the incident took place outside Vietnam. The Mayaguez incident of 12–15 May 1975 involved US forces and the Khmer Rouge. Currently, divers at Koh Tang, one of the Sihanoukville islands where the major battle to free the USS Mayaguez took place, can see two shipwrecks on the sea floor 40 metres (130 ft) down.

Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Reminds me of Pattaya 30 years ago.

Nice beach with fine white sand.

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

I will visit again in October 2017.

Sokha Beach Resort

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Luxury five star hotel on the beach, for a great room rate book here.

Sokha Beach Resort

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Lovely grounds and right on the beach.

The bride at the Sokha Hotel

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Ah! The blushing bride. 🙂

Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

These little guys are always hungry.

The navy arrives

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

I’m fairly sure is was the U.S. Navy.

David Herd & Tony Murphy with Ziggy.

Sihanoukville Cambodia coast

Ziggy was running a small hotel in Sihanoukville in the town center, next time I return I will stay on the beach.

My main impression of Sihanoukville is don’t expect too much in the way of luxury unless you check into an upmarket hotel, just enjoy the casual atmosphere and super low prices compared with other Asian countries.

Thanks for visiting my Sihanoukville Cambodia Coast photo blog.

 
 
 
 

Tip. Here is a very good site with lots of travel tips & advice, please click here.

Super tip. Book your hotel here, get a great deal & pay later or cancel.




               

Here are some more posts to check out 

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            Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you            
 book through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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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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That’s all folks

1g Duck

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Angkor Wat Cambodia spectacular

August 6, 2013 by David Herd

Angkor Wat Cambodia 7th wonder of the world.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Angkor Wat Cambodia one of the 7 Wonders of the World was built in the first half of the 12th century, situated in Cambodia’s northern province of Siem Reap, it is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It extends over approximately 400 square kilometres and consists of scores of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as communication routes. For several centuries Angkor, was the center of the Khmer Kingdom.

I was quite overwhelmed by this amazing ancient kingdom, to me it is far more impressive than Egypt’s Pyramids. I feel Cambodia is many things, friendly, spectacular and sad all at the one time. In Ankor Wat you are very close to the  Khmer Rouge “Killing Fields” which surely must rate as one of the most atrocious barbaric  periods in human history. I really don’t wish to write about the details of this crime against humanity, which disregarded human life and produced repression & massacres on a massive scale. If you want to find out more please let Google give you the answers.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Stretching over some 400 square kilometres, including forested area, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire of the 9th to the 15th centuries, including the largest pre-industrial city in the world. The most famous are the Temple of Angkor Wat and, at Angkor Thom, the Bayon Temple with its countless sculptural decorations.  

Angkor Wat Cambodia, amazing ancient ruins 

Angkor Wat Cambodia

My lasting impressions are of the breathtaking ruins, beautiful children & Cambodia’s unbelievable history.

Beautiful faces in the ruins.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Sadly, poverty is everywhere in Angkor Wat Cambodia, and I can’t help wondering what % of the billions of dollars in aid ever gets to the people who really need it? Particularly when you see so many government officials driving around in luxury motor vehicles. Oh well, apart from that it is a fascinating country, hopefully at the end of this post I can provide you with a few travel tips for you to consider. One of the many lasting memories for me are the beautiful smiles on the faces of the children who have so little, when it comes to material possessions, yet so much true happiness in their hearts.

Another beautiful face among the ruins

Angkor Wat Cambodia

The children always have a smile for you.

Below a “not so” beautiful face among the ruins.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Everywhere you turn there is a magical sight to see.

Looks like a giant claw

Angkor Wat Cambodia

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Fascinating carvings

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Angkor Wat Cambodia northern province of Siem Reap, is one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia. It extends over approximately 400 square kilometres and consists of scores of temples, hydraulic structures (basins, dykes, reservoirs, canals) as well as communication routes. For several centuries Angkor, was the centre of the Khmer Kingdom.

Magic scene at Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Located six kilometre north of Siem Reap, Angkor Wat Cambodia is one of the largest of Khmer monuments. Built around the first half of 12th century by King Suryavarman II, the temple’s balance, composition and beauty make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Though ‘Wat’ is the Khmer (Cambodian) word for temple, the westward orientation of the structure is atypical of temples. Scholars believe that the architecture and sculptures are that of a temple where Lord Vishnu was worshipped but it was also built as a mausoleum for the king after his death.

Lots of strange things to eat here.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

I would be a little wary of shopping here. 🙂

Eat it at your peril. 🙂

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Find me a Burger King quickly please. 🙂

Hungry Kids

Angkor Wat Cambodia

I prefer giving to kids food rather than money.

The Red Piano

Angkor Wat Cambodia

A good place for a cool drink.

 Angkor Wat Cambodia, a Long road out of Eden.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

That’s my friend Jock chatting to a girl.

David Herd & Jock Granger.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Here is my Sydney friend Jock Granger, he is about to retire after many years as a Qantas steward.

Beautiful bride at Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

We were lucky to be here when the wedding was in progress.

The wedding party arrives.

Angkor Wat Cambodia

They look wonderful all dressed up.

The temples are a popular wedding location

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Travel tip. Take a boat down the mighty Mekong river to Phnom Penh.

Regency Angkor Hotel

Angkor Wat Cambodia

Good location with excellent facilities, book through THIS LINK for a discount.

Book here for the best hotel rates, you can chooses to pay later or cancel if you wish.                 

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.               

 

 Soi Cowboy                  Nana Plaza                    Patpong

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Rio de Janeiro                  Singapore                    Eastern Europe
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               Great hotel room rates anywhere in the world if you book
                  through these links below.  Book now & pay later.
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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

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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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  • Patpong red light district

 

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