My Time in Thailand: Bangkok, Pattaya, Bang Saen, Koh Larn & Isaan
I’ve just finished another trip around Thailand —Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Larn, Bang Saen, Korat and Udon Thani. From wild city nights to relaxed local beaches and proper Isaan life, it was a solid mix.
Here are my honest thoughts.
My Time in Bangkok: From Post-COVID Quiet to Full Chaos
I always arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. It’s big with some lovely sculptures and Thai artwork, but it’s full of expensive luxury shops aimed at Chinese and Middle Eastern tourists. The restaurants and bars inside are average and overpriced.
Bangkok is still a city of extreme contrasts. Shiny high-rises, futuristic skyscrapers and world-class air-conditioned malls one minute, then dodgy broken pavements, run-down streets and shanty towns the next. Private investment has gone crazy in some areas, but government spending on basic infrastructure (roads, pavements, drainage) hasn’t kept up. The inequality is very visible. The city isn’t the cleanest either. Many canals are pretty filthy and a lot of streets are grubbier than they should be.
Sukhumvit Road is where I spent most nights. It’s seedy, yes — but the people-watching is top tier. I only went into Nana Plaza twice. It’s extremely pervy. Instead, I preferred buying cheap beers from the street markets, sitting on the kerb with snacks, and chatting to whoever was next to me while watching the street chaos.
Walking the full length of Sukhumvit is really good fun. You start in the middle of all the bars, hustle and bright lights, then as you go further east it slowly thins out and becomes surprisingly quiet and serene near the parks. Then you do a u-turn and walk back into the craziness — when the shit bars and their overpriced drinks close, and where the real night craic begins. Locals take over with more beer and food. The late-night street energy is still brilliant.
Thai street food is decent, especially for snacking while having a beer. The burgers and toasties in 7-Eleven are surprisingly brilliant too — they happily microwave them for you.
Ladyboys are very visible working the streets, but I also saw many living normal lives — working in banks, shops, on buses, etc. In big cities, there lifestyle really doesn’t seem to be a big deal.
Traffic in Bangkok is mad. Motorbikes and cars drive faster and more recklessly than anywhere I’ve seen. Be very careful crossing the street — they won’t stop for you. No wonder so many people die on the roads here.
Tuk-tuks are insane. They drive like absolute maniacs and charge stupid tourist prices in busy areas. I mostly used Grab instead.
River boat taxis (Chao Phraya Express Boats) are definitely worth trying and easy enough to figure out once you do it a couple of times. Great cheap way to see the city.
The city has changed since my first post-COVID visits (2021-2022). It’s much busier now with more large groups from India and the Middle East. Some of the behaviour from these groups is pretty annoying.
King’s and royal portraits are everywhere. The reverence for the monarchy is real — he is respected almost like Buddha. Talk ill of the King here and you’ll quickly get a swift smack across the back of the head. Respect is non-negotiable.
There are way too many stray dogs on the streets. Most look haggard, flea-bitten and rough. It feels shameful and they can be dangerous too — rabies is a real risk if you’re not careful.
Cannabis and dope shops are everywhere now, but from what I saw, it doesn’t look like the big successful business many hoped for. I had zero interest anyway.
On the cultural side, I really enjoyed the National Museum and the Art Gallery — both very interesting, affordable, and worth seeing. I also recommend a Chao Phraya River cruise — it’s a great way to see the city from the water.
I did a great day trip to Maeklong Railway Market (the train that goes through the markets) and the nearby Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you can get a boat ride. Both were brilliant and unforgettable.
Good: Insane contrasts, elite people-watching, late-night street energy, river boats, museums, day trips.
Not-so-good: Overpriced bars, sleaze, broken pavements, dirt, traffic chaos, inequality, stray dogs.
Temples & Buddhism in Thailand
Thailand is full of temples — big, small, golden, and ancient ones dotted all over the country.
The Thai people are genuinely deep spiritual people. Their respect for Buddha is real and visible everywhere.
I visited so many temples that I eventually needed a temple detox.
But they are interesting places and it’s cool to see the strong relationship Thais have with Buddhism.
My Time in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima)
Korat, otherwise known as Nakhon Ratchasima, feels very different from Bangkok. It’s not as crazy or overwhelming — it has its own relaxed charm. More like a proper upcountry city with a bit of everything.
I spent most of my time in the countryside around Korat, walking every day in the fresh country air along the canals and taking in real Thai country life. It was peaceful and refreshing. The city itself has a nice centre centred around a lake area, some good cafes, impressive modern malls, decent infrastructure, solid restaurants, and the occasional good bar.
You’ll also spot quite a few statues of Korat cats dotted around the city — which makes sense, as this is where the famous Korat cat breed comes from. Korat also has a lot of cool parks and Buddhist complexes scattered around. A real highlight was visiting Phimai Historical Park nearby — a Khmer-built temple complex that’s basically a mini Angkor Wat. It’s an amazing place and feels like a hidden gem.
The Good: Calm countryside walks, fresh air, canal paths, nice lake-centred city area, good cafes, cool parks, Buddhist complexes, Korat cat statues, impressive malls & restaurants, and the Phimai Historical Park. Much more relaxed than Bangkok.
The Not-So-Good: Not as exciting or varied as Bangkok if you want nonstop action.
My Time in Pattaya & Koh Larn
I spent some time in Pattaya but it was quite different from my usual visits to a place like this. I actually didn’t do the single-man thing and hit up many of the bars — very unusual for me. This time I was mainly there for the beach and the hot weather.
Koh Larn (the island off Pattaya) was one of the highlights of the whole trip. You get the ferry over from Bali Hai Pier (takes around 40-60 minutes). It’s an amazing little island with great beaches and views. Very peaceful once you get away from the main dock.
Loads of day-trippers get off at the pier, but rent a motorbike (no cars on the island) and head further out and you can easily escape the crowds. I stayed three days and would have happily stayed longer. After the last ferry leaves, it gets really quiet — perfect for R&R. You can easily find a deserted beach to yourself. Not much going on at night, but that’s exactly why you’re there.
Mainland Pattaya beach was fine for relaxing and swimming (though strange how few Thais go in the sea). Walking Street is still massively entertaining even if you don’t go into the bars.
Good: Koh Larn was excellent, good beach access, hot weather.
Not-so-good: Missed the usual crazy Pattaya energy this time.
My Time in Bang Saen: A Proper Local Beach Escape
Bang Saen became one of my favourite spots. It’s where Thais go to relax — long beach, good seafood, chilled bars, and very few loud foreigners. Evenings by the pier with locals chatting, drinking and playing music for hours was pure peace.
The Good: Relaxed local Thai vibe, great value seafood, friendly atmosphere.
The Not-So-Good: Beach isn’t the most beautiful in Thailand.
My Time in Udon Thani
I’ve been to Udon a few times, usually after doing Laos border runs from Nong Khai. It feels like a mini Bangkok for the older gentleman — not as overwhelming or expensive as the real thing, but still has plenty of good nightlife and conveniences.
The people here are noticeably more chilled than in Bangkok. It’s the opposite end of the country and you can really feel the difference in pace and friendliness. Good bar scenes (Day & Night Complex, etc.) but more relaxed overall.
Weather in Thailand
When it gets hot in Thailand, it gets very hot — the kind of sticky heat that drains you quickly. Air-con is essential.
Then comes the rainy season, which can be annoying with sudden heavy downpours that flood streets and disrupt plans.
Food & Beer in Thailand
Thai food is decent but overrated. It’s cheap, fills you up, and does the job, but it lacks the depth and variety of Vietnamese cuisine. Plus they have a crazy habit of eating a lot of bugs and crickets!
Pad Thai is the dish you’ll eat most and it’s genuinely good.
Thais also love putting a fried egg on top of almost everything.
For beer, the main local choices are Chang, Singha, and Leo. All are okay, but a cold Leo is the best of the three — crisp and refreshing.
The Good: Cheap food and beer everywhere, Pad Thai is reliable, cold Leo goes down well.
The Not-So-Good: Food is repetitive and often too sweet.
The Thai People
The Thai people are genuinely friendly, always smiling, and good-natured. Even in busy Bangkok you’ll still get plenty of smiles and small talk. In Isaan (Korat and Udon) and places like Bang Saen the friendliness feels even warmer and more natural.
They are also very family-oriented. You see big family groups eating together, grandparents out with grandkids, and family seems to be at the centre of life for most Thais. It gives a lot of the country a warm, grounded feeling.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I really liked Thailand. It has a good mix of very good nightlife when you want it, but it’s also very easy to relax by the beach or in a small upcountry town. You can go from full chaos in Bangkok or Pattaya to peaceful island life on Koh Larn or chilled Isaan vibes in just a few hours.
For sure it has a negative image — go go bars, tits and ass, and all that — but there really is another side to it. Amazing beaches, old temples, beautiful scenery, modern malls with everything you could want, and great people to match. Yes, I do like Thailand!
ACCOMODATION
Podstel Hostel Bangkok (3/5)
- 5 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
As part of the Bazaar Hotel, RedDoorz have a floor to themselves offering budget accommodation. But the upshot is that people which stay here can use some of the facilities of the luxurious hotel…..like pool, gym, dining areas, reception, etc…..
Staff are extremely friendly and efficient, cleaning staff too, and even though there are shared showers, toilet areas and a laundry area, that was fine…..they all were regularly cleaned and checked.
As I work online, I needed a single room, which was extremely small and with no windows, got very hot at times…… the air con was good, but then for sleeping, it was difficult as it made a noise…… the bed was also not the easiest to sleep on….. So it was difficult for me to get a good nights kip…..
Location was fine…. Even though you are very far from city centre, the surrounding area had a lot of restaurants and bars and 7/11’s to keep one happy during the week.
On the hotel ground there was a food market with many stalls selling food, drink and even marijuana!
Overall I wouldn’t return, just because I found it very difficult to sleep in the little room…… otherwise it was all good, especially the staff who were very pleasant and friendly, and the wifi was good.
Rooms: 3
Service: 5
Location: 4
The Home Hotel (2/5)
- QJ3V+W7X THE HOME HOTEL 119/1 Ramkhamhaeng 50, Hua Mak, Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10240, Thailand
Stayed 17 days here.
Positives: staff efficient and friendly enough……rooms cleaned and clean sheets/towels/coffee provided regularly, and lots and lots of bottled water…..which is good.
A 24 hour 7/11 near by and also a few cheap food stalls…..
Room nice and spacious, and bed is comfortable…..en-suite shower and toilet good.
Gym, although small, was very efficient for a good workout, and quiet too, which was great.
Negatives: walls were damp, leading to a small smell……..hard to get a decent sleep as there was a low constant sound of buzzing from a machine, like a generator, all night long from outside…….. and worst of all…..the internet was very poor.
The kind lady at desk moved me to another room to see if the internet was better……it was but ever so slightly, and the night sounds were also found in the new room.
Location is a bit out of town.
Overall, with the lack of a good nights sleep and the poor internet I can only give the Hotel a two out of five……even though the rooms and bed are comfy, and the staff are competent….a good hotel should have proper Wi-Fi these days, and better sound proofing…… IMHO.
Rooms: 3
Service: 4
Location: 2
5บีบี 5B&B (4/5)
- 5 Rama IX Soi 54, Phatthanakan, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Two star accommodation, but heh it is what it is.
Friendly service and can wash and dry clothes and has small kitchen. But my room had no internet n in the office where I had to go I got eaten by mosquitos.
Not much nearby in terms of good restaurants and shops
A box for the week, hot and no ventilation, despite the air con, and got a lot, a lot, of bites …..from mosquitoes (I hope and not something else!)
Shared shower and bathroom, fine, nice and hot shower with shampoo and gels available. Kind enough to offer free washing of clothes
Can not complain really as for about 35 euros for the whole week and the staff were very friendly…..so….it was what you pay for… 
Chanatinat Place (4/5)
19 12 Thongcomuthit Rd, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani, Chang Wat Udon Thani 41000, Thailand
19 12 Thongcomuthit Rd, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani, Chang Wat Udon Thani 41000, ThailandJust the one night here but hotel was decent, nice comfy bed, hot shower, easy to check in/out and good location, not too far from all the main attractions. also very affordable……. cant complain!
Rooms: 4
Service: 5
Location: 4
NIGHT TIME ACTIVITIES
Fitzgeralds Irish Pub (3/5)
- 12/1, 4 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
12/1, 4 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, ThailandOk place, better to be outside people watching than inside.
Staff ok, could be better
Pints fine
L 7 Café (4/5)
- 26 Sukhumvit 4 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
26 Sukhumvit 4 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, ThailandHas Guinness on tap, which wasn’t to bad all things considered, poured very well by the friendly bar man.
Friendly staff and nice relaxing place……albeit the Guinness was a bit pricey!
THE LOOK LOUNGE (4/5)
- 795 797 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Just dropped in for a quick recharge of my batteries and to get some wifi for my map for the journey home.
Even though it was near to closing time, and I think the till was virtually closed, the staff were kind enough to serve me a nice cold beer.
Fancy enough place, with cool staff. Cheers.
Morning Night (3/5)
- PHR3+M6J, Soi 4, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Right beside the Stumble Inn, similar enough type of place…..place for people watching……or gawking……lot of men on their own or small groups drinking, served by Thai girls.
Has two pool tables, which attracts a few, good to see the games are all light hearted, and not too competitive..
Hard to connect with anyone in a noisy busy place like this to be honest. just not my cup of tea.
The Bangcockney bar (2/5)
- PHQ3+H88, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Ladyboy bar, which I didn’t know when I entered (honest), ha ha but I knew sure enough when the the lady behind the bar serving me a beer had a tache, lol. Not that that matters in any case, its all part and parcel of Bangkok.
Beer was fine, all staff wearing football tops, some stranger than others ….Millwall?
A crowd came in and completely changed the dynamic and atmosphere of the bar. Looked like regulars, some of them seemed like they were on chemicals too either for body building, others for fun.
Added to that the blockers the lady boys are on, and you get a bar where there is a lot of pent up emotions and attitudes.
Well weird to experience and see. Could feel it in the air…..
Not the most friendly of bars and they have their clique
Witch’s Tavern (3/5)
- 20 Village 20-21, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Quick pit stop, for a beer and to take a rest
Looks like a fancy enough place, good crowd in, decent atmosphere.
Service was fine, beer no problems
Had an issue with the bar chairs, very wobbly and hard to sit still….. very strange design… bit silly.
Chequers British Pub (4/5)
- 5, chequers British pub, 11 Sukhumvit 4 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Nice cozy little place in amongst the madness all around.
Good to get some bearings and drop in for a nice pint in a friendly pub where the music isn’t turned to the max and people are actually making conversation.
Ordered a toasted ham and cheese which wasn’t the best at all, but overall enjoyed my hour or so here relaxing……
Shenanigans (3/5)
- 840 Surawong Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
840 Surawong Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, ThailandOrdered a beer and some spaghetti carbonara which came to about 9 Euros, a bit steep me thinks……
Dish was ok, beer fine…..not much happening in the middle of the day here so left……..
Nana Plaza (2/5)
- 3, 1 Sukhumvit Rd, เขต คลองตัน, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
An adult playground really, an enclosed space with many go go bars, top less bars, lady boy bars, and all the rest……very seedy, and a bit too much over the top.
All I can think and hear is the sound of cash registers as money is extorted from horny sad men……
Interesting to see, but not the best experience in the world, too artificial, too noisy, like a lighted up cattle mart with ogling customers and scantly clad young ones all trying to get each others attention.
No thanks! And its not that hard to pick up someone from a bar or on the street for one tenth of the price…..im guessing (cough!)
Stumble Inn (3/5)
- 1, 2-1/5 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
More or less the first place you meet on Soi Nana.
Arrived early in the day, a few knocking about….ordered a burger and chips, and a beer
Not bad at all, not brilliant either, but did the job
Thought the Chang was a bit off on the draught, not great.
Overall a good place to start as you wander down the street….I guess.
7th Heaven Roof Bar (5/5)
- 24/25 Lat Phrao 19 Alley, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Here twice during my short stay in this area of Bangkok.
First time a solo effort, sat down and ordered a jug of beer and some chips…. service was fast, beer was good and the chips were damn tasty – very good.
There was music from a young woman with a guitar, and I didn’t catch her name, but she was also very good.
Second time around, was with a friend, and we had drinks and chips again……
The views are great, the atmosphere is top notch, good service, and the place is not pricey at all……..
The only negative, is the menu is very hard to read……dark red in a dark setting, it not the best choice of colour – was difficult to see what exactly was on the menu!!!
Overall, recommended nice place to relax as the sun goes down over Bangkok (and I saw on my way out they do have Guinness on tap too, ah well next time!)
Koh Hop Bar (4/5)
- อาคาร 1 โซน F ชั้น 4 ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติสุวรรณภูมิ อินเตอร์) ยูนิต T1FW4 04 999 หมู่ 1 Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
Had the fried rice and bacon, with a beer Service with a smile and efficient
Food was good, well tasty and beer nice and cool
Nice place to sit down and while away the time.
Order came to about 16 Euros, which wasn’t bad.
Nothing to complain about. very good.
Robin Hood (4/5)
- P.B Building 597/1-3 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Just a quick drop in for a rest and a cheap pint. Friendly bar staff, fast and efficient.
Lots of football on all the various screens……good atmosphere in…(not as mad as the Irish bar round the corner but there you go, ha!)
Good place for the football on the box
P.J O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Sports Bar (4/5)
- 1108, 46-47 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
First start of the day, just from the airport, typical paddy straight to the Irish pub, ha ha
Still good to get a pint of the black stuff, not that it tasted too great, but fair is fair that’s a skill in itself to get it right so far away from home.
Ordered some chips, well tasty. Few in for an early midday Saturday, that was just building up…..sport on the box….
Lot of AFL on the wall, couldn’t see a whole lot of Irish sports stuff, which was a pity, maybe I didn’t see it…
Anyway nice enough bar…..friendly staff, good start…
O’Shea’s Irish Pub (Sports Bar, Hotel & Rooftop) (5/5)
- 595, 16-19 Soi Sukhumvit 33/1, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Celtic were after winning a game as I walked in so one can imagine the craic was mighty, and it was…….good fun, good pints, friendly staff, cracking atmosphere……..will return when back in Bangkok…..
The Rovers (3/5)
- 630 Sukhumvit 71 Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Midday Saturday, good crowd at front, a gang of fellas having the laugh and there was a spread on….
Didn’t know anyone but was kindly offered some food by one of the bar ladies, which was very kind of her.
Had two beers at bar, grumpy bar lady behind the bar serving could have at least cracked a smile or two…..maybe too early.
Anyway…….more like an Aussie bar than an Irish bar but there you go…
Rees Coffee (2/5)
Rees Coffee (2/5)- ชั้น 4, Gate F ขาออก, Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
Come and get ripped off with over priced beers.
Shame that once you are past security and customs there is no real bar in this shitty airport
PLACES TO EAT AND CAFES
Plara Der (2/5)
- 193 Lat Phrao 26 Alley, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Had spicy grilled pork neck salad, and spicy pork spare ribs, and khoa Gee.
Dishes were just about ok, fairly small portions especially as there was two of us…..the khoa gee, didn’t look anything like was advertised and I was expecting a few not the one we got!
Overall it wasn’t great, a tad bit disappointing, and we were both still hungry after we left which is always a bad sign for a restaurant.
Was cheap though, at less than 11 Euros……which I cant complain about to be fair.
Burger King – Suvarnabhumi Airport T1 (4/5)
- ชั้น 4 (อินเตอร์) ยูนิต T1DW4 ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติสุวรรณภูมิ อาคาร 1 โซน D (ตะวันตก 03 / T1DW4-04 999 หมู่ 1 Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand
ชั้น 4 (อินเตอร์) ยูนิต T1DW4 ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติสุวรรณภูมิ อาคาร 1 โซน D (ตะวันตก 03 / T1DW4-04 999 หมู่ 1 Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, ThailandBit of a hit or miss, mostly good, fast and efficient service, nice to sit at side, can be a quiet place in a very busy airport.
Swan (2/5)
- 31 Sukhumvit 4 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Fried pork in oyster sauce, bit pricey too at 150 Baht (4 euros), with a few beers.
Service so so, beers fine, atmosphere good, but food bland and just about edible.
See they serve Fried Egg dish! Which says a lot about the standard and effort of this tired “restaurant” .
The Good Corner (3/5)
- 309/10-11 Pajaksinlapacom Rd, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000, Thailand
Right on the corner, so catching all the passing crowd, was busy enough when I ventured in.
Menu had a lot to offer, I asked for a Thai beef dish but when I asked if it came with rice the waitress hadn’t a clue what I was talking about, which was a bit annoying, so just went for a burger and French fries, to play it safe. Ordered a large beer too.
Food came quick enough and although it looked pretty good, alas to say the burger was dry and rather boring in the taste…..pity.
Good atmosphere in the place though, got talking to a few ex pats. Ordered another beer, and left it at that Bill came to just over 9 Euros.
Thestaycafe Indian Touch (3/5)
- 72/1 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Needed to sit down, check my mobile and get my bearings…….had a beer and some breakfast, an omelette dish.
Food was just about ok, but service was very friendly….
Service: 5
THE COFFEE CLUB – River City (3/5)
- ชั้นที่ 1, โซน outdoor, 23 Soi Chareonkrung 22, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Ham and cheese toasty and a cup of coffee…..
They didn’t have a decent selection of teas unfortunately…..
Beside the river so the views are great, and there are plenty of chairs to sit and relax……teeny bit disappointing they didn’t have any wifi…..one of the main reasons I come into a place like this tbh
Food fine…..service good…….
Brunello Thailand (4/5)
- 15 Rama IX Soi 58, Suanluang, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Was here for two nights.
First time round, I went for the Parma ham and Buratta Pizza, with a Peroni, and after a Singha Lager coming to about 25 Euros, a teeny bit expensive, but the Pizza was damn good
Cant beat Parma ham, sweet and succulent small slices, love it, going well with the Buratta cheese….and a soft thin base, nice and crisp. Enjoyed it with my lager.
Nice to relax with good food after a hard day of work. Refreshing.
Second time around, I ordered the Fettuccine Brunello and a Chang Lager, just under 21 Euros.
The pasta nice and soft, loving the sauce, and the meat balls hitting the spot.
Lovely, only issue is I could have had more!
Restaurant has good food on offer, in a nice relaxed atmosphere, and the owner is friendly enough to take the time for a quick chat.
Service is friendly, fast and efficient. (Only negative for me was the price considering the location, but maybe because I am a tight ass!?)
Yord Laab Ped Udorn (2/5)
- 106 ถนน พระราม 9 ตัดใหม่ ซอย 49 Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Settled in here, hungry. Big place, with a big menu, but not a whole lot that looked appetizing to be honest.
Eventually went for the stir fried beef in oyster sauce and stir fried sweet leaf in oyster sauce, and since they didn’t do beer, went with coke and a lemon drink.
Service was friendly, if on the slow side
Dishes were not great at all, very bland, could hardly get any taste or flavours at all…. mixed the leaf with the beef made no difference…..all tasteless…. disappointing…
About ten euros.
Burger Bro (1/5)
Burger Bro (1/5)- Rama IX Soi 49 Khwaeng Suan Luang Khet Suan Luang Please select 443 ซอย 9 Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Don’t accept the Kings good money (cash), what a joke of a place……kip
And they have an ATM in-bedded beside them, clown world.
Café Amazon (5/5)
- 1323 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok
Lovely little café place, really cool décor, and very friendly staff.
Ordered chocolaty coffee that was well delicious.
Nice
Tum Tum Inter (2/5)
- 442, 20 ปาก Lat Phrao 26 Alley, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
442, 20 ปาก Lat Phrao 26 Alley, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, ThailandKaprao rice and egg, and meat, and some crispy meat with a beer…….
Was a bit disappointing to be honest, looked good but food was bland and rather tasteless…….the crispy meat wasn’t great at all.
But the real kick in the nuts was that it cost over ten euros…….which was a joke considering its Bangkok and I’m eating food I can get on the street for much less the price.
AND PLACES TO SEE
Lumphini Park (4/5)
- Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Nice enough park, massive too…….very busy with loads of people milling about, doing exercise and the rest.
Good break from the craziness off the streets nearby.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (5/5)
- Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand
Very interesting trip to see the floating market, in a tour group every thing was prearranged, so no haggling at side and straight onto a boat…….funny to see all the people selling their wares….fruits and veg, and food, but generally a lot of useless tat…….got a bit crowded on the river at the start with the boats on the engine powering through with no regards to us on the man power version……. still though all fun and games……
Once we got out of the market we did a big circle and it was good to see some dwellings and get a feel for the people who live by the river on a daily basis…..houses on big stilts….
The full circle was about an hour and very enjoyable….
Rom Hup Market (4/5)
- Phet Samut, Mae Klong, Mueang Samut Songkhram District, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
Phet Samut, Mae Klong, Mueang Samut Songkhram District, Samut Songkhram 75000, ThailandWent with a tour group, and started on the actual train a few stations back and arrived into the Maeklong Railway Market on the train.
After that we wandered around for a bit, then got ready, like the million other tourists as the train started off again, through the market, watching with interest as how fast and quick the sellers took down and then put up and out their wares…….all in all a tight squeeze and in less than a minute.
Very interesting to see…..
Bigcountry Experience (5/5)
- 23 Charoenkrung 24 , River City Bangkok Unit 159, Taladnoi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Very impressive tour with a very good host, Lucky, who was both entertaining and full of knowledge
We did the Damnoen Saduk Floating Market, and the Maeklong Railway Market, both very interesting and quite an experience.
Up early and collected in Bangkok, we took a small mini bus, a group of about 10, and the journey was about one hour and a half…… both ways
Arrived at a small station where we got on the train that leads to Maeklong. From there we got to see how the train goes through the market and how quick the sellers react. From here we went to the floating market, and we were straight onto a boat going down the river……past all the sellers and their wares…..
Both trips were very good and well worth doing……and best of all the tour organized was very affordable, from memory it was between 30 to 50 dollars, great price for a days adventure.
Recommended.
AND THE REST
BKK Sky Gym (4/5)
- ชั้น 4, The Bazaar Hotel Bangkok, 52 Ratchadaphisek Road, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
As part of the hotel/hostel I was staying, got to use the gym here
Very friendly staff, and a lot of good equipment and machines to get a good workout – a lot of space as well so even if its busy it doesn’t feel crowded.
The only negative was some of the trainers and clientele didn’t look well at all, some of them looked very unwell – perhaps a lot of visitors to the hotel need some fresh air rather than strenuous exercise, and as for the trainers – if they are affiliated with the gym or not – I’d be picky who id allow to do that on the premises – if they look unhealthy why are they training other people? Was funny to see. otherwise all ok…
MBK CENTER (1/3)
- 444 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Subdistrict, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Suffocating……….. not unless you are desperate
Basel itself isn’t quite as postcard-pretty as Bern with its medieval old town, or as glamorous as Zürich with its lake, or as international as Geneva. It’s more grounded — a working city with a strong industrial and pharmaceutical backbone, sitting right where Switzerland, France and Germany meet along the mighty Rhine. But it has its own quiet charm: the colourful old town, the impressive Münster overlooking the river, and that steady flow of the Rhine that locals treat like their own personal summer playground.
Living here gave me the chance to explore far beyond Basel. The hiking is absolutely amazing — there are so many trails in this country it feels like there’s nearly one for every citizen. Many times I’ve set off on a route and had the whole mountainside to myself for hours. The Swiss are so fit and active it’s almost unfair. I’ve seen grannies cheerfully booting up steep paths, and women carrying their newborn babies in slings while hiking up serious mountains. They make it look effortless. One word of warning though: if a Swiss sign says “20 minutes to the next checkpoint,” double that time in your head if you’re an Ausländer. Trust me — it’ll save you some suffering and a few choice words along the way.
I’ve also caught football matches in different cities and hit the odd rock and punk concert in venues scattered around the country. From the big, self-important city of Zürich — which tends to look down on the rest of Switzerland as if it’s the only cool place that matters — to posh Geneva, to tiny, wealthy Zug (the letterbox city where half the world’s companies seem to hide), to Bern — the capital that isn’t quite the capital but is goddamn beautiful with its arcades and river — to Lucerne with its picture-perfect lake, to far-flung St. Gallen in the east, to Schaffhausen and its dramatic Rhine Falls… every corner feels different, yet somehow unmistakably Swiss.
What really shows their independent streak is how they handled it all. Switzerland was one of the very few nations that held not one but three referendums on the COVID laws and vaccine passes. A good chunk of the population voted against them each time — even if the measures ultimately passed. You see that same independent-mindedness all the time in daily life: the cantons, the small valleys, and even individual regions often have their own rules and regulations, decided by the people who actually live there. It’s true representative democracy with a strong direct element — something that feels increasingly rare in a world where democracy often seems to have run its course.
Family life here has been wonderful. My kids speak Swiss German with that lovely Basel lilt, they run around in safe streets and excellent playgrounds, and they benefit from top-quality schools and healthcare. The rhythm of daily life suits me: trains and trams that actually run on time, clean air, well-kept forests and parks, and the ability to hop across borders for a quick change of scenery or a different supermarket experience.
The scenery, the incredible hiking, the multilingual efficiency, the pragmatic yet independent Swiss mindset, the people, the direct democracy, and the sheer variety you can experience in such a small country — it all adds up to something special. Switzerland didn’t just give me a place to live. It gave my family roots in a country that still feels a bit magical, even on the ordinary days when the bill at the restaurant or the train ticket reminds you exactly where you are.
Within the centre of the restaurant there are two bigger copper kettles where the house beer and seasonal beers are regularly brewed. The vaulted cellar is where most of the magic happens, located directly below the restaurant, where all the brews are fermented and stored until served cold at the bar.
So good that we didn’t even get to see most of the park, and the best part was it was free!!!
Last weekend did the Jura Canton Highest peak, Mont Raimeux, 1,302 m. Took a 5 hour and a bit route starting and ending from the small town of Moutier, in the direction of Raimeux de Belprahon, to the peak, Mont Raimeux, then down to Le Petit Pre, through the woods, and right around to the town of Corcelles and back to Moutier.
Anyway another peak off my list. 5 down now. Eager to up it to the 2000 metre ones now, but the football will be on soon (Euro Champs) so I am not sure how that will work out…… Would say this peak was easily my favourite so far…..
Mongolian food is hearty, built for the steppe – think tender mutton, beef, buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried pastries), tsuivan (stir-fried noodles), and salty milk tea (suutei tsai). But the scene has evolved: plenty of fusion spots now mix local ingredients with global techniques.
One quirky UB hallmark: the surprising number of Irish pubs. They popped up years ago – some say from expats returning after stints in Ireland, others joke it was just the era when “Irish bar” became shorthand for any proper pub. Whatever the origin, they’ve stuck around and become local institutions. They’re great for a pint, pub grub, and that sociable atmosphere where conversations flow easily. I previously wrote about that here > 
UB can be dusty or bitterly cold depending on the season – pack layers and respect the elements (that warrior resilience isn’t just talk). Transport is improving but still a mix of taxis, rideshares, and walking the lively streets. ATMs and cards are more widespread now with the money flowing in, but have some cash handy. Haircuts, dry cleaning, and everyday services are straightforward and affordable.
Overall, Ulaanbaatar captures that perfect tension: deep-rooted, land-connected souls driving a city that’s charging toward a modern, mineral-fueled future. It’s exciting, genuine, and full of that quiet pride. If you love a place with heart, history in the faces, and a buzz in the air, UB delivers.
A bit expensive and really doesn’t offer much in terms of decent entertainment, but not that bad for a quite drink and a chat in the day time.
I was a regular customer there and managed to get a tab running, which is always a bonus.
Don’t get me wrong – it’s not perfect. The food can still feel painfully plain if you’re not into sticky rice and mystery herbs. The heat will melt your face off on bad days. And the tuk-tuk drivers still haven’t nailed the concept of “actually knowing where anything is.” ATMs are well dodgy too — some work, some don’t, some might take your card, and others are painfully slow. Be careful with them. But after three trips, Vientiane feels like a proper breath of fresh (humid) air compared to the more intense pace you find in other parts of the region. Wide streets, a relaxed rhythm that actually matches the Lao pace, and a capital city that doesn’t make you want to bolt for the airport after three days. Pleasantly surprised doesn’t even cover it anymore — I’m properly sold.
Lao Beer is easily the best lager in Asia in my opinion — the classic lager is top notch, cold and crisp, and goes down dangerously easy. But they also do a very good IPA and a decent stout that are definitely worth trying if you see them. You’ll spot Beer Lao (and its various versions) everywhere in Vientiane, and you’ll be thankful every time.
The night markets along the Mekong are still brilliant for cold beers, grilled meats, and proper people-watching as the sun sets over the river.
The bed was very comfy and smelt lovely. The en-suite bathroom and shower were good, the shower hot immediately when turned on….
Extremely friendly lady to welcome me to the hotel, nice and chatty and very kind……
Came here three times for early morning breakfast.
Don’t know about the guesthouse, but the food was alright.
Just in for a quick beer and a rest. Service was friendly.
Texas Chicken Thatluang (4/5)
Joma Bakery Cafe That Luang (4/5)
Lavender Café (5/5) 
STAY AWAY
Amazing anger shown by a very unhappy and sad woman…….. and as for the man who took or orders……I wonder where he disappeared to!
The Office Bar & Tapas (5/5)
Late night dive, rough and ready and just how I like it Arrived here knowing full well it was a late night bar……and on a 3 day lash it was exactly what I wanted……
Wat Chan (4/5)
Wat That Khao (4/5)
Very nice place to visit…….very quiet and relaxing, lots of shade under the midday sun to take a nice break and take it all in.
The statue of venerated past King of the nation of Laos.
Qutub Minar — this tall historical tower and the grounds around it were actually well-maintained and impressive as a UNESCO site
Passed by and looked in, as it seemed interesting, I decided to try it out. Décor was very colorful and cool looking, very stylish and hip even for an old fogy like myself. Nice waitress showed me to my seat and gave me two massive menus, were like books…..one for food, one for drinks….Jesus h Christ, the size of them! ha
I don’t normally leave any food on the plate, but I was stuffed, couldn’t finish the good sized portions.
Recommended by my taxi driver, ventured in, hungry after a long day of sightseeing.
Ordered some ice cream for dessert, as I know Indian ice cream can be pretty good, but alas this wasn’t the case here…..pretty bland and no flavour. But I will let that pass as the main dishes were excellent.
Luckily the Chinese looking lad helped…….noticed the hungry foreigner not eating or drinking…. and gave me a menu, and bang I was ready to order.
Got a taxi there, and invited the taxi man in for some food as well. A nice gesture for sure, but it was funny to see the reactions of the staff to my new friend……very cold, and they just kept on staring at us. I felt it was a bit rude. Maybe I was imagining it, but it did take the shine off the food, which was very good. I wonder was it a caste thing?
Tried the fire and the ice Pann …load of rubbish……tasteless and just for the camera opportunity.
Hungry as hadn’t eaten all day, ordered two cheese sandwiches and some orange juice.
First sit down in Delhi
Saturday night, dull as dish water.
Wasn’t allowed in as the lads at door said it was for couples only… me thinks that was a load of rubbish…… I mean women are scarce enough in this city as it is!!!
Looking at the beer menu I think its a bit of an exaggeration to be called Lords of the Drinks, such was the scarcity of decent beers available…….went for Erdinger….not my favourite, but beggars cant be choosers.
Nice place to sit down before you get your plane, plenty of space and nice atmosphere.
Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, India. It is where some of his ashes are to be found and marks the exact location where Gandhi was consigned to flames and his last rites were performed, or so I read.
Didn’t learn anything or seen anything amazing.
