Blogs from Eastern Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 6

Day 10.Some did an early shop, this morning, before some of us got up and brought back the days rations. BEER....and some other stuff like food. Although the food out here is fabulous its difficult to break tradition so it was eggs all round, boiled, fried and scrambled, followed by fresh fruit and toast. We spent the rest of the morning swimming and reading before getting ourselves ready to go out for lunch. A table had been booked at a restaurant called Saffron -on-the -Sea, we had visited 2 years ago because it had been so good then and we weren't disappoined, prawns cooked in five different ways - heaven A little retail therapy on route home .... another day in paradise... read more

Day 8. Woke up to a beautiful day, had breakfast and set off down the western side of the island where most of the action is. The Eastern side is less developed so not as many shops for the ladies, very important. We decided to drive to the other end of the island and work our way back, about a 45 min drive. At the furthest point lies Ban Bangbao Jetty, a concrete jetty reaching out into the bay with improvised shops on either side, built over the water on stilts. At the very end of the jetty is a lighthouse and moorings for the pleasure boats that abound. We had a leisurely lunch on the jetty of squid. battered and grilled, extra large king prawn, 6 to a half kilo, and some veggy stuff full ... read more

When most people speak or read about Pattaya, images of sleaze and human desperation are summoned. It is certainly not a place associated with style nor with wholesome family vacations, and so clearly not one that would easily figure on our itinerary, let alone be the place to end our grand Asian adventure with. However, when dear family friends generously offered to treat us to a few days at a nearby resort, we thought it was nevertheless too kind an offer to refuse. With an ever so slight hint of apprehension, I decided to trust the good judgment of these friends, confidant that they would not bring our little family into the midst of everything I like the least about Asia- exploitation, corruption, and crowds. I’m pleased to report, we were not only right to trust ... read more

31.12.2012 Suksanwanpimai!! (Happy New Year) It's New Year's Eve and we are sitting by the pool sipping mango and coconut shakes in the shade of an orange umbrella. We've just come off the beautiful Khlong Hin beach where we've been swimming, playing frisbee, and generally relaxing since after breakfast. Are we really the luckiest people in the world right now? Yes!! The feeling is Sabai Sabai. We decided to spoil ourselves with three nights, to include New Years Eve, here at Cham's House. (Couldn't face the vodka fuelled techno pounding revelry expected at the lower budget Russian oriented resorts). Cham's House is currently under construction, and though surreptitious, they are willing to do good deals for this period, as they are still snagging and training to become the 4.5 star resort they are claiming to be. ... read more

Koh Kut must be another word for paradise. If it isn't, then I'm declaring it now. I only wish I could have seen it 10 years ago. The island is fairly big and very hilly with loads of jungle and some very old and massive trees, some coconut plantations, rubber plantations, 2 beautiful waterfalls which are strong even in the dry season, an untouched east coast which is only accessible by boat, and of course the gorgeous west coast beaches and mangrove fringed lagoons. But Koh Kut is also about some really lovely people. Wan has given me two Thai and two Oil massages since I've been here. She is truly Wan-derful!! Her magical hands stretch and pummel very muscle into submission; and all the remaining London demons are exorcised swiftly. Wan and her three daughters ... read more