The Thai Pirate - Thai Blog and Travel Stories

Koh Larn - 30 minutes off Pattaya Beach

There's a little island off Pattaya called Koh Larn, around a 30 minute boat ride from Pattaya Beach. I'd heard of it but only recently had a chance to check it out.

The anticipation of the journey, and the ferry journey itself are fun. Although its a bit of a squeeze, once everyone is on board, its not usually a problem to get comfy and enjoy the ride (travel light). And it's only 30 baht one way ... For those in a hurry, there is the option of taking a speed boat for 300 baht return per person, although I didn't take one myself so don't know the exact deal.

There are numerous beaches to go to, and navigating which ferry goes where, I would imagine, is a bit of a nightmare if you don't have an accompanying Thai handy. Luckily I did (several) so it was all pretty straightforward for me, I just carried bags, small children, and followed (as usual).

(pic above - one of the smaller beaches) The first thing that hits you as you walk across the boat piers are the curving, golden, busy beaches .... They are large, long and generally 'fill up' quite quickly (depending on the time you arrive).

If you are looking for hard evidence of the Russian invasion of Pattaya, you can find it here. One of the beaches we went to had Russian flags flying high, for all to see.

Getting up close and personal with armies of semi-naked Ruskies is an experience in itself. They are a tough nut to crack. It's very hard to get 'on the inside,' so to speak, much more so than our other European and American friends. Is it all down to a communication barrier? Not in this case I think. They generally keep 'themselves to themselves', in my experience. Mind you, that hasn't stopped the Thai's. Their entrepreneurial spirit will always endeavour to find a way, and it never fails to impress me when you see a Thai talking confidently in Russian, whilst taking a food order.

(pic above: our crew) The beaches are nice, not Phuket, but nice. Better than Pattaya, and Jomtien (just harder to get to).There are a few decent little shops and markets dotted around, and of course, food... And booze. We had some great food, but beware, some of the more exotic seafood has prices that will make you wince (especially when feeding a group, and no doubt increased moreso if the local's smell a foreign wallet ;)

If you've got a few days to kill in Pattaya and are looking for something to do, then get a ride to Koh Larn. The ferries can be caught from just beside Walking Street (helpful website here).

Scary Croc Feeding at Million Years Stone Park - Pattaya

Wow, if you're in Pattaya one day and fancy trying something interesting, head down to Pattaya's Million Years Stone Park for an afternoon.

You may have to fight your way through crowds of Russians, but the feeding of the crocadiles is a must see.. The 'thunk' sound made when the croc's snap their jaws shut is quite thought provoking, ..... sounds just like two cricket bats slamming together.

Some of these crocs are h-u-g-e... The rest of the park is good as well, with a live croc show (mad thai fella putting his head in croc's mouth, etc) plus other animals. Good for a family jaunt - website here www.thaistonepark.org

Room with a View - The Dusit Thani, Hua Hin

Folks just took a trip out to Thailand to see the nipper. They booked into the Dusit Thani in Hua Hin. We've stayed there many times since our first visit in 2008 as it really is a great place. There is alot of competition in Cha Am / Hua Hin for nice hotels, but for service and value we all love the Dusit.

It has it all, nice restaurants, sea and clean beach, and a whacking great pool / koi pond to boot. With a view like this from the balcony, you could spend large portions of your holiday just hanging about in your room! Their website here.

Face to face with the playful nature of the Thai...

I was recently met with an incident in North East Thailand last week whilst doing some work for an expat in his home. He wasn't at home at the time, but his wife, and 2 of her friends were there. It was a hot day and I was in the garden digging a hole whilst they watched (I guess it's a fairly unusual scene for a Thai, watching as a foreigner get his hands dirty digging a hole).

When I stepped aside for a break, one of the girls motioned forward and handed me a small pink box. The wife and her friend were laughing in the background, and as I looked down at the box all I could notice was a small heart motif on the front, but, amongst the laughter, adreneline and heat, I was caught a little off guard. Alai? I said as i fumbled about, having then realised she had given me a packet of condoms.

'She wants to know if you can show her how to use them,' said the wife, as they all rolled about in fits of laughter.

Now to a Western male, this is a fairly clumsy come on. But effective!.. I mean, if this had happened at two o'clock in the morning, inside a foggy English nightclub that's one thing, but in the middle of the day... at somebody else's house... Surely this is a mistake? I'm not used to this kind of thing....

In retrospect, I think my reaction of trying to shag her round the side of the house was a mistake.. Us guys are obviously reading too much into this kind of thing...

I've had many other, similar type instances that have nearly made me spit out my M150 -but one springs to mind.. I was, again, at a strangers house, discussing their home... this family are known to my Thai family, the father is close friends with my father-in-law. We are standing there, and the conversation turns to my mother-in-law, and then the wife blurts out, with a snigger 'yes, I know her (your mother in law) she is very fat isn't she haha!'.

Camera focus on Western male, and you can see the comment whirring around in the eyes, as the brain tries to figure out how to react.... you don't even have to be fond of your mother in law to be offended, this brutal (but true) comment, from a stranger, can leave you feeling a little uncomfortable.

It is all easily laughed off as always, and soon forgotten. But what I am I trying to say?

Are the Thai's missing that 'politically correct' filter, that has been slowly coded into our Western minds?

Condo in Central Pattaya for Sale

Have my farang estate agent hat on now.....

Nice fully furnished 2 bedroom condo in Central Pattaya, all the trimmings etc.

2 minute walk from Walking Street, beach views from the 5th floor.

Recently decorated to a high standard, also includes good sized balcony, kitchen, 80 square metres of space.

All for a seriously competitive price - it could be a great investment, being that currently Pattaya property is on the down low....... in two or three years time, a condo in this location should be worth alot more than what you buy for now....

Anyone interested I can meet you at the location to show you round - email ben@thethaipirate.com