Thailand | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Aussie Expat Pattaya Thailand

April 10, 2021 by David Herd

Aussie Expat Pattaya

Aussie Expat Pattaya Thailand, my 10th year living the dream, life is very easy here & costs me around 40% compared with living in Australia. People often ask about the life here so I thought I would put some details together, at the end of the day a picture is worth a thousand words. 🙂 The photo above is the view from my condo, I’m on the 20th floor of Markland which is one the corner of Beach Rd & Soi 1. I was paying B18,000 pm currently the rent has been discounted to B15,000 due to Covid 19. This equals $625 AUD.

There will be lots of links in this post for you to follow to other blogs.

Aussie friends at Terminal 21

Shane, Bill & Greg all came over for dental work, you pay about 1/2 of what you would in Australia. In November 2019 one of these guys had these procedures, 1 x Implant – 1 x Root canal – 2 x removals and a complete clean which took 2 hours’ worth of grinding, price B55,000 or $2,640 AUD. He says the average price in Sydney for an implant ranges between $3,500 – $5,000.

Check out Terminal 21 on THIS LINK.

Fabulous food

Pattaya has about 1,300 restaurants as well as their iconic street food. This BBQ seafood buffet is at the Holiday Inn which is only 200 meters from my condo.

Drifters cafe at Jomtien

Here is a fabulous beachside bar which is owned by an Aussie guy. They specialize in pizzas & Aussie pies, take a look at THIS LINK.

My friend Tony Murphy at el Mercado in Bangkok

I try to visit Bangkok fairly often, only 90 minutes in a private car, at a cost of B1,400 or $58 AUD, otherwise take the bus door to door for $16. Take a look at THIS LINK for more about el Mercado.

Cooling off in Koh Chang.

Thailand’s 2nd largest island is worth visiting, only about 4 hours drive from Pattaya. Beside Koh Chang you can consider Koh Samui, Phuket or Koh Larn which is adjacent to Pattaya.

Iconsiam shopping mall Bangkok

Iconsiam is the newest & biggest mall in Bangkok, others include Central World, Siam Paragon & EmQuartier.

From my condo

The view at night is breath-taking.

What a magnificent sunset

Pattaya has the best sunsets I have ever seen, & believe I have seen a few. 🙂

My regular motor bike taxi

His name is Pradu & the price is between B40 & B60 for most areas of Pattaya.

Mango & Sticky Rice

An iconic Thailand desert. Talking about deserts there are many more examples on THIS LINK.

Long sandy beach at Jomtien

Just south of Pattaya Jomtien beach stretches for miles.

Naklua fish market

Just a ten minute bus ride north of Pattaya, fabulous fresh seafood. If you wish, they will cook it for you.

Aussie Expat Pattaya with A bunch of other Aussies at our local bar.

I have been drinking at the Atlantic bar for 20 years, check out the history on THIS LINK. There are hundreds of beer bars & sports bars in Pattaya, find them on THIS LINK.

Party time at the Atlantic bar

There is never a dull moment in Pattaya. 🙂 Lots of photos on THIS LINK.

You will never go hungry in Pattaya

Here is Patrick at his Belgium Steakhouse.

Walking Street

Walking St Pattaya is wild & sexy, defining what really put Pattaya on the map in the early days. Sure today it’s bigger, bolder & brassier, however there now is so much more to offer in this great part of the world besides the traditional heart of Pattaya.

Infamous Soi 6

Only 5 minutes walk from my condo this is where you can get into all sorts of trouble, see for yourself on THIS LINK.

Here we are at Mae Pim

Mae Pim beach, boats & sunsets, a beautiful onshore wind & peace and quiet. Only 90 minutes from Pattaya and 2 hours from Bangkok airport. The peace & quiet only applies between February and October, the 3 months over Xmas is a different story when the crowds converge on this delightful beach side resort.

Hi ho hi ho it’s off to work we go…

When living in Pattaya always expect the unexpected. 🙂 Beach Rd of coarse is a one way street & they are traveling against the flow. Many more strange sights HERE.

That’s all for now folks

I hope I have shown you how a typical Aussie Expat enjoys life in Pattaya.

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started April 12 2021.

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Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

March 23, 2021 by David Herd

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant

Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant is located behind the Unixx condo in South Pattaya. It’s on the ground floor of the Pattaya Heights Condo & is rated by TripAdvisor 165 out of 1,100 Restaurants in Pattaya.

Warn atmosphere

The food and service is excellent, don’t let the location deter you, this is a very good restaurant.

Ride em cowboy

I don’t suppose you can really call Thomas Shelby a cowboy, Birmingham is a long way from Texas. 🙂

What about the food you ask?

Sorry it took so long, on our first visit my old mate “Pothole” & I both had the corned beef which was very good but nothing like what we have in Australia. Both of us however thought the cabbage was the best we have ever tasted in our lives. This was the daily special at B350, or $14.80 AUD.

A week later we returned for the hamburgers

Pothole really enjoyed the Wagyu beef hamburger, however the real surprise packet were the sweet potato fries, absolutely delicious. Good value at B190 or $8 AUD.

For me it was the Wagyu sliders

Very good indeed even though I struggled a little to get through the three. 🙂 Very good value at B175, or $7.40 AUD.

Shepherds Pie

The owner E.T. made 2 servings of Shepherds pie especially for Pothole & myself, it was absolutely delicious. I only ate 1/2 of mine & took the 2nd half home to eat tomorrow. Pothole of course not only ate the lot, but washed it down with 2 pints of Guinness which is a meal in itself. 🙂

Lamb Shank

We have not tried this yet, I borrowed this photo & the one below from their website.

They open for breakfast as well.

Very convenient for those living in the building.

We certainly will return

There are lots of other dishes on the menu I want to try.

Having a party?

Here is a great room for celebrating a birthday or a divorce, totally separate from the main room.

Terrific decor

Coupled with an interesting menu.

A pensive Pothole

I just had to include a shot of Pothole, normally he doesn’t travel past Soi 6, but for the good food & service at Peaky Blinders he is happy to make an exception. 🙂

Many thanks for visiting my Peaky Blinders Pattaya Restaurant photo blog.

Here are some of my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Upmarket Chinese Food Sydney

Food review Pattaya Thailand

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started March 23 2021.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Old cars Pattaya Beach

March 21, 2021 by David Herd

Old cars Pattaya Beach

Old cars Pattaya Beach is a combination that will attract the crowds. In fact today March 21 2021 there were more visitors to Pattaya than I have seen for over a year. All over the world young guys love cool cars and hot babes. 🙂

What a star this guy is. 🙂

This is a trend that is new to me, tacking a hunk of iron on the back of the beast. 🙂

Old cars Pattaya Beach, is this attractive?

Perhaps I’m missing something, but this hunk of metal does nothing to improve the look of the car, what do you think?

From a different angle

No matter which way I look at it I’m finding it difficult to see the point. 🙂

I’m a big fan of flash cars, take a look at THIS LINK to see what I used to drive.

This hot rod has about one inch of road clearance. 🙂

Obviously he would avoid any rough surfaces. 🙂

The question is….

How low can you go? 🙂

Check out the fabulous cars at the Holiday Inn classic car show in 2016, just follow THIS LINK.

Here is number 2017

Not sure what this number signifies.

Mellow Yellow

It’s certainly nice to see a crowd visit Pattaya on a Sunday morning.

Now here is a good looking beast

Sadly I didn’t get what model it was.

This car may have been the cutting edge of technology.

If it hit you it would cut you in half. 🙂

That blue is a terrific colour

It would certainly turn some heads.

Classic Car Friends Pattaya

Classic Car Friends Pattaya is based on the idea to bring people together who are interested in Classic Cars and in creating a network which will support and help Classic Car owners, collectors and enthusiasts in all their CLASSIC CAR needs and activities.

Thanks for visiting my Old cars Pattaya Beach photo blog, the links below will take you to my most popular blogs.

Here are my most popular posts.

Pattaya live webcam

Beautiful Brazilian beach babes

Copacabana beautiful beach babes

Nana Plaza Bangkok sex sin sleaze

Sexy Cherry Bar babes Pattaya Thailand

Tim Bristow Iron-Bar Freddy Tropical Joe

Atlantic Bar North Pattaya

Sexy Soi Cowboy Bangkok

Beautiful Budapest

Australian seafood

Counter only started March 21 2021.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

March 8, 2021 by David Herd

Sicily Pizza Pattaya

Sicily Pizza Pattaya is located on the dark side opposite Maprachan Lake about a 25 minute drive from Beach Road. A popular family restaurant serving some affordable delicious Italian food.

A pre lunch drink at the bar

Orange juice please, I’m driving. 🙂

There is the pizza over on the right

On my next visit I’m having a pizza.

Looks very tasty indeed

Perfect meal for two people.

Bruschetta Di Montagna

This was my choice of entre. I think I may be mistaken with the name of this dish, my apologies.

Fresh Melon & Prosciutto

This is the entre I should have ordered. I had a taste & the melon was delicious. 🙂

Delicious mushroom soup

Very tasty with lots of truffles.

A huge lamb shank

Very tasty indeed, a little expensive at B690, or $29 AUD. Patrick’s Steakhouse has a similar dish for B390. A little smaller perhaps.

Fire up that pizza oven

A good pizza with red wine is hard to beat. 🙂

A very interesting wall

The featured lady has been given an extra leg. 🙂

Location

As I mentioned earlier it is located on the dark side opposite Maprachan Lake about a 25 minute drive from Beach Road. This friendly establishment is certainly worth the drive, it offers very good food & service with a nice atmosphere. On the way you will pass 3 or 4 other interesting looking restaurants.

Thanks for visiting my Sicily Pizza Pattaya photo blog, check out the links below for some interesting restaurants I have visited all over the world, including a review of popular Pattaya venues.

Thanks also to my friend Hamish Elton for introducing me to this interesting Sicilian venue. Here is a LINK to Sicily Pizza.

Check out these great food photo blogs from around the world.

World is my oyster

Tokyo fabulous food

Upmarket Chinese Food Sydney

Food review Pattaya Thailand

Good English restaurants

Amazing World Food

Fresh seafood Bangkok

Steakhouse New York

Korea restaurants Itaewon

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started March 8 2021

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Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles

November 29, 2020 by David Herd

Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles

Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles were all on display the weekend of November 27 & 28. Thousands of Thai people headed for the beach for lots of food & two nights of noisy fireworks.

Dine on crocodile

It tastes like chicken, with a mildly fishy flavor, and is often chewy, depending on preparation. I’m told it tastes like chicken, with a mildly fishy flavor, and is often chewy, depending on preparation. Maybe one day I’ll try it. 🙂

Look out here it comes

Being so close the noise is deafening. 🙂

Always spectacular

Also very noisy indeed. 🙂

on the beach right amongst the action

These guys are only around 80 meters from the drop zone.

Time for some food

This guy is cooking quale on a rotisserie.

The quale looks delicious

I remember many years ago living in Sydney, quale was a favourite dish of mine at a popular restaurant in Leichardt.

The food stalls look terrific.

A couple of years ago the council banned alcohol sales along Beach Rd.

Quite an amazing variety of food

These Thai vendors really work hard to provide good food to the thousands of people watching the fireworks on the beach.

Two nights in Pattaya

Then they pack up & leave.

Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles

It was so good to see the thousands of people (90% Thai) gathering in this seaside city with all the Covid-19 problems that have destroyed so many jobs & businesses.

Witherspoons corner Beach Rd & Pattaya Klang

Rarely do you see many customers in this new Beach Rd bar, however it was a great spot to watch the fireworks.

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles photo blog.

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started November 29 2020.

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Sportsman Pub Restaurant Pattaya

November 16, 2020 by David Herd

Established in 1997

Sportsman Pub Restaurant Pattaya in Soi 13 has an excellent reputation for excellent food & service. Current TripAdvisor ranking is 31 out of 1,096 Restaurants in Pattaya.

Sunday roast

Well known for their “all you can eat” Sunday roast.

That gravy looks good.

Always crowded on a Sunday as you can imagine.

English breakfast as you would expect.

These day I don’t visit for their excellent breakfas because they don’t open till 9 pm which is too late for me.

Here is an interesting dish

Chicken curry Chinese style with fried rice, + battered prawns on the size.

Apple pie with custard & ice cream.

Make sure you leave room for this terrific desert.

Sportsman Pub Restaurant Pattaya

Careful when ordering this tasty meal, very vey spicy. I asked them to tone it down for me but it was still rather hot. 🙂

Cottage pie

Excellent dish for B295, peas & gravy were perfect, carrots a little overcooked, was too much for me, so I took half home for lunch tomorrow. 🙂

I really like this photo

Ideally located between beach road and 2nd road on soi 13, very good food both English or Thai. A superb breakfast & Sunday lunch with a very good selection of beers. Whatever sport you want the staff will try & find for you, free WiFi as you would expect

For more information on the excellent venue just follow THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Sportsman Pub Restaurant Pattaya photo blog. The Sportsman Pub and Restaurant has become an institution in Pattaya. Opened in 1997, the emphasis is on traditional and home-cooked English pub fare with all the trimmings. A recipient of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence, the Sportsman prides itself on a welcoming and all-embracing atmosphere which includes all live sporting events on seven big screens.

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started November 16 2020.

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Hong Kong Noodle Pattaya

October 31, 2020 by David Herd

Very good Dim Sum

Hong Kong Noodle Pattaya is one of my favourite lunch spots at Terminal 21. Located on the top floor near Pier 21 food court. There are so many places to dine here, the last time I checked I think there were 90 food outlets. For a guide just follow THIS LINK.

Interesting decor

At the moment in November 2020, they like many others are struggling to attract customers due to the Coronavirus. In fact many businesses all over Pattaya have shut their doors.

One of the best soups I have had in Pattaya

On the left hand side you will see a giant seafood dumpling, it was very tasty indeed. 🙂

Prawn Shumai

Prawn or pork? Forget it, just order both. 🙂

I forget the name, but delicious as always

Sometimes I will order two of these.

BBQ pork bun

Certainly rates as one of the usual suspects. 🙂

I must admit Dim Sum is probable close to being my favourite cuisine, just behind Japanese. 🙂 My favourite was The Peak at the Dusit Thani, sadly they closed in 2019.

OK, lets ordrer two more

As they say in the classics, too much Dim Sum is never enough.

Thanks for visiting my Hong Kong Noodle Pattaya photo blog, take a look at the choices you have on THIS LINK.

For a guide to the various categories just follow THIS LINK.

To see how this fabulous mall was created from the very beginning just follow THIS LINK.

Another of my favourite lunch time restaurants is on a lower floor next to Foodland, give Hawker Chan a try, you won’t regret it. 🙂

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started October 31 2020.

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Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

October 17, 2020 by David Herd

Great location

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has 1,388 rooms and suites & convention and meeting facilities that can cater for over 1,000 people. Situated in Soi 22 & walking distance to BTS Skytrain Station Phrom Phong, Emquartier & the Emporium.

Credit for all the photos must go to the Marriott, the high quality of these shots inspired me to write this photo blog.

The Lobby

As you would expect there is Complimentary Wi Fi in the lobby & all rooms.

ABar Rooftop

I don’t know of any city in the world with more rooftop bars than Bangkok.

Surrounded by a concrete jungle. 🙂

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has everything you could wish for in a luxury Bangkok hotel.

Goji Kitchen + Bar

Specializing in Parrilla-grilled meats and ocean-fresh seafood, Goji Kitchen’s expert chefs use only the best ingredients to create memorable dining experiences.

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park ABar

Being an Australian pensioner sadly the bars & restaurants are a little above my budget.

ABar Seating Area

There are so many choices to sit & enjoy the great views of Bangkok.

ABar Balcony

The balcony looks very nice as well.

Perhaps a game of 8 ball while sipping a cocktail?

The facilities at this magnificent hotel are endless.

The Sky Suite

The penthouse duplex unit is nestled on the 37th and 38th floor of the hotel building, featuring a spacious space of more than 1,002 square meters in total, transforming the top levels of Bangkok’s largest hotel into the guest’s own private residence. Marriott Marquis’ new crown jewel features two luxurious levels of living space, three bedrooms (one master with a super-king bed and two spacious doubles), a huge marble master bathroom, two further en-suite bathrooms, a spacious living room, pantry, and a huge entertainment area complete with a grand piano and a circular dining space with seating for up to 16 guests. The entire suite is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, encompassing spectacular views of Bangkok’s ever-changing skyline. Crowning atop the suite is the outdoor Sky Garden guests could privately unwind with family and friends. Privacy of exclusive guests is also guaranteed with private lift access.

ABar Rooftop

Looks like a good spot to watch the sunset.

Rooms are beautiful

As you would expect. 🙂

You may prefer a suite

For an excellent discount just book through THIS LINK, you will have the option of paying later or a free cancellation.

Sunset cocktails

A perfect way to start the evening. 🙂

Here is Michael Hogan

Michael is a fellow Australian from south east Queensland, he is the execrative chef at the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. This photo was taken when he was at the JW Marriot on Sukhumvit at Nana. Here is what they say about him; Executive Chef Michael Hogan is pushing the envelope on local cuisine at Goji Kitchen & Bar! Showcasing stellar products from small, regional farms and turning them into contemporary fares, inspired by Thai staples.

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

Thanks for visiting my Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park photo blog, & don’t forget to use THIS LINK for a discounted room rate.

Lots more interesting posts here;

Counter only started October 2020.

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Hawker Chan Hollys Coffee

September 3, 2020 by David Herd

Hawker Chan Hollys Coffee

Hawker Chan Hollys Coffee are both at Terminal 21 in Pattaya, I visit both for lunch at least once a week. Being a creature of habit I always order the same dishes. Hawker Chan is located next to Foodland & Hollys Coffee is upstairs on Tokyo Street.

Here are your choices

Lots of delicious choices at very low prices. The noodle dishes are my favourite. Having said that I will have to make an effort to try some of the other dishes on offer.

Noodles & pork

Crispy pork belly & noodles is only B130 or $4.15 USD & totally mouth watering. The sauce they use with this dish is a fabulous taste.

Slight difference from the previous dish

It’s always difficult to decide between the roast pork or the pork belly. 🙂 You have to admit that is a great problem to have.

It’s worth mentioning the restaurant & tables etc are always spotlessly clean, & the staff very efficient.

Hollys Coffee

I think this may be the best pancake I have ever eaten, a little expensive for Thailand at B170 or $5.40 USD but worth every cent. 🙂

Living on Beach Road is so convenient, I can walk to Cental Marina in 5 minutes, Terminal 21 in 8 minutes & Central Festival in 10 minutes, that gives me access to about 250 restaurants. 🙂

I have never tasted a pancake so light & fluffy, it's the sort of desert you dream of. For many more terrific Pattaya deserts please just follow THIS LINK.

Hawker Chan Hollys Coffee

Put Hollys pancakes on your bucket list.

Thanks for visiting my photo blog. My lunch at these two restaurants totals B300, or $9.55 USD.

Check out my Pattaya webcam here.

Get a very good discount on Pattaya hotels by using THIS LINK.

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started September 3 2020.

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Art of desert Pattaya

August 2, 2020 by David Herd

Art of desert Pattaya

Art of desert Pattaya is a far more interesting subject to me than the Art of War for instance, written by Sun Tzu in the 5th century. For some excellent images of the Art of Desert here is a LINK on Pinterest.

The photo above was taken at the Pullman Hotel at Wongamat Beach.

Belgian waffles at Patrick’s Steakhouse

Many people in these troubled times of Covid-19 will feel they are living in their own winter of discontent, well to brighten up their day just check out some of my favourite deserts in beautiful downtown Pattaya. 🙂

Great pancake at Leckerle

Researchers have found pancakes in the stomach of Otzi the Iceman, human remains dating back 5,300 years. In ancient Greece and Rome, pancakes were made from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk.

Magnificent Crème brûlée

France, England, and Spain all claim to be the country where crème brûlée had its origin. The first printed recipe for a dessert called crème brûlée is from the 1691.

A special from The Bistro at Soi Yamato 13/1.

Tripadvisor rate this small restaurant very highly at #6 of 1,085 Restaurants in Pattaya

Mixture from the Mantra

Sadly the Mantra closed it’s doors in 2018, their Sunday buffet was the best I have ever seen anywhere in the world. Here is over a decade of dining on THIS LINK.

Mango & sticky rice

The iconic Thai desert needs no introduction, it’s simply wonderful.

Hollys Coffee

Without a doubt this is the best pancake I have ever eaten. 🙂 This company was established in 1998 and opened Korea’s first espresso shop that year. Its shops offer espresso, coffee, tea, specialty coffee- and tea-based hot and cold drinks, a variety of pastries and other snacks and coffee supplies.

Banana pancake

Absolutely delicious & only B40, or $2 AUD.

The finished product

Surely must be the best value in Pattaya, or perhaps even the northern hemisphere.

Thanks for visiting my Art of desert Pattaya photo blog, I will certainly add more delights as I discover them.

Check out my Pattaya webcam here.

Get a very good discount on Pattaya hotels by using THIS LINK.