Nakhon Ratchasima Korat Festival and Nightlife

Nakhon Ratchasima (นครราชสีมา - usually referred to simply as Korat or Khorat) is the provincial capital of Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Nakhon Ratchasima is a city (thesaban nakhon) in the north-east (Isan) of Thailand and gateway to Isan.

The province is located on the western end of the Khorat Plateau, separated from the Chao Phraya river valley by the Phetchabun and Dong Phaya Yen mountain ranges. Two national parks are in the province - the Khao Yai in the west and the Thab Lan in the south. The area around Korat was an important center already in the times of the Khmer empire in the 11th century, as can be seen by the temple ruins in the Phimai historical park.

Nakhon Ratchasima Named from the city of various Khmer ruins and the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo. The city is situated on a plateau, about 260 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. The city itself serves as the Gateway to the Northeastern Region.


Nakhon Tourism

Some of the main attractions in Khorat are Khmer ruins. Scattered around the province, these products of ancient wisdom shines through time. One of the Thailand’s finest Khmer ruins can be seen here next to Mon and Lao sites. In addition, Khorat has an abundance of natural attractions in its forests, hills, wildlife and waterfalls that are easily accessible in locations such as Khao Yai National Park .

Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo or Thao Suranari , Khorat is most well known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian .

Some of Tourist attractions in Nakhon Ratchasima are listed here :

1. Wat Phra Narai Maharat image of Narayana made of sand stone

2. Wat Sala Loi Chapel shape of Chinese Junk. Wat Sala Loi is located on the bank of Lam Takhong River, about 400 meters off the Northeast of the town. The main chapel, which received many awards from various architectural associations as a modern leading design of religious monument, is constructed in the shape of a Chinese Junk.

3. Maha Weerwong National Museum. Maha Weerawong National Museum opposite to the City Hall, exhibits various arts objects and artifacts donated to Somdet Maha Weerawong, e.g. sand stone Buddha images of Khmer and Ayutthaya period, Bronze Buddha images, different sizes ceramics and wood carvings from ancient monasteries.

4. Prasat Hin Phanom Wan Stupa built of sandstone. Prasat Hin Phimai is the largest sandstone sanctuary in Thailand almost situated in the center of Phimai Ancient city which carries a rectangular shape of 665 meters wide and 1,030 meters long.

5. Khao Yai National Park Thailand first national park. The Park comprises various mountains, two important rivers of Lam Takhong and Nakhon Nayok, with many rare species of fauna and flora and over 20 waterfalls. Camping sites in the park are available.

6. Phimai Historical Park Opens daily from 7:30 and costs 100 baht for foreigners. Parts of the park are older than Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Includes Khmer buildings, sculptures leading to the shrine, restaurant, and gift shop.

7. Dan Kwain Nakhon Ratchasima's main ceramics centre. Famous for its rough texture and rust-like colour pottery.

8. Lam Takhong Dam surrounded by shady trees. The Dam is located 62 kilometers before reaching the town on Highway No. 2. The construction had started in 1964 and finished 4 years later. The lake - like reservoir can contain up to 300 million cubic meters of water and irrigates 238,000 rais of paddy field.

9. Sai NgamLocated on the bank of the Moon River. Includes some of the largest banyan trees.

10. Prasat Nang Ram originally meant to be a nursing place during the 12th century in Khmer style.

11. Khao Chan Ngam Cave famous for pre-historic color paintings.

12. Archaeological Site At Ban Prasat Ancient bronze age artifacts in burial site that dates back 3000 years.

13. Muang Sema Buddhist Temple

14. Wat Ban Rai famous monastery of a well known monk, Luang Pho Khun Porisutho.


Nakhon Ratchasima Festivals and Events :

1. Thao Suranari Commamoration.
The annual event is held from March 23 to April 2 to commemorate the victory of Thao Suranari, the heroine who saved Nakhon Ratchasima from in evaders in the Reign of King Rama III. Cultural displays, exhibitions and fireworks are the highlight.


2. Phimai Boat Races
These popular races take place on the Moon River near the old Khmer city of Phimai during the second week of November. Besides the regatta there will be competitions of boats decorated to resemble the famous Royal Barges, entertainments, and stalls selling local products.

3. Phimai Festival
This colorful event is held at the same time as the Phimai boat Races in Phimai historical Park. Among the important activities are; the light and sound presentation; Buddhist, historical and cultural exhibitions.


Nakhon Ratchasima Nightlife
Nightlife in Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) may be not as crowded as Bangkok or Pattaya, but still nice and varied. We can see many bars with Thai live bands and discos playing Thai dance chart hits. Other foreigners are not a common sight in those Thai discos, but are normally welcome.

Like another Big Cities in Thailand, Nightlife in Nakhon Ratchasima can not be seperated with Massage Parlors and Thai Girl. For those who want to see a crowded market, try Korat Night Bazar. Korat Night Bazaar, heavily frequented by the Thais in the late evening, is located close to the city center on Manat Road, which is between Chomphon and Mahatthai roads. It is open everyday from 6 to 10 p.m.

For tourist want to try Thai Massage, a lot of Khorat Massage Parlors can fe found. There are no beer gardens as known from Bangkok but Khorat has several fishbowl massage parlors ("Mandarin", "New Palace"), some of them offering "extra services". For example, the "Chaopraya Hotel" on Jomsurung has room service for THB 700.

Khorat freelancers and Thai girls are spreading anywhere in the city. Freelancers hang out in front of the Japanese restaurant around the corner of the "Chaopraya". Their going rate is around THB 700.



Some of Nakhon Ratchasima Pub, Bars, and Nightlife Restaurants here :

Pub & Restaurant

Bule Saloon (บูเล่ ซาลูน) 264 Yommarat Road, Amphoe Maung, Tel: 0 4425 6538, (open: 06.00 p.m. - 01.00 a.m.)
Tawan Dang Sad sang deun (ตะวันแดงสาดแสงเดือน( มหาซน) ณ โคราช 88/9 Suebsiri Road (Tel. 0442611594
Tawan See Thong (ตะวันสีทอง) Chainarong Road five junction Tel. 0 44257257
Korat Ban- eng (โคราชบ้านเอง) 309 Sabpasit Road Tel. 0 44265988
Dok Mai Kafair (ดอกไม้กาแฟ) Mahatthai Road Tel. 0 44241307
Happy Land (แฮปปี้แลนด์) Mahatthai Road
Nam Jun (น้ำจัณฑ์) Suebsiri Road
The Party House (เดอะ ปาร์ตี้ เฮ้าส์) Suranaree Road, (open: 07.00 p.m. - 02.00 a.m.)

Food & Music Entertainment

K.R. (เค.อาร์) Asdang Road, Amphoe Muang, (open: 07.00 p.m. - 03.00 a.m.)
Pailin Square (ไพลิน สแควร์) Suebsiri Road, Amphoe Muang, (10.00 p.m. - 02.00 a.m.)


Photos of Nakhon Ratchasima here :


Lam Takhong Dam. Located on the edge of Friendship Highway (Mittraphap Road), forming a large reservoir with a capacity of 310 cubic meters of water, capable of helping a total of 238,000 rai of agricultural land, surrounded by and atmosphere of shady trees and beautiful views of nature, good to visit for recreation.



Night Bazaar Korat: Night Walking Street. The most popular place at night in Korat downtown, walking around, do some shopping, looking for something delicious for dinner. Good atmosphere there and it is a place you can see life of locals at night.



Phimai Festival. This colorful event is held at the same time as the Phimai boat Races in Phimai historical Park. Among the important activities are; the light and sound presentation; Buddhist, historical and cultural exhibitions.



Wat Sala Loi Is located on the bank of Lam Takhong River about 500 meters off the side-road to Northeast of the town. The main chapel, which received many awards from various architectural associations as a modern leading design of religious monument, is constructed in the shape of Chinese Junk.



Speed Disco and Ginza Plaza: Nightlife in Korat. Used to be called Speed disco, before that Scorpion..guess it have change name again now... Ginza is more of a massage parlour, beside another newly Disco. Both Disco are popular among local (anyway Korat is lack of tourists) where live bands with dancers perform. Pay 100B for a entry.. get into small chats with the local school girls, there may be chance some of the clubbers are also tourists from other province:)



Thao Suranari or Khun Ying Mo. Statue Of Khun Ying Mo. Apart from the famous statue of Khun Ying Mo or Thao Suranari , Khorat is most well known for silk weaving (in Pak Thong Chai) and a variety of top-notch quality handicrafts such as clay pottery products of Dan Kwian .



Dusit Princess Korat Hotel is located on Suranarai Road near Korat city centre. One of the most important cities of north-eastern Thailand, Korat has much to offer the visitor: from the ruins of the Nang Ram Sanctuary and Muang Sema Historical Site to the shopping at the Korat Night Bazaar. The Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at Khao Yai is also not far from the Dusit Princess Korat is only 45 minutes' flight from Bangkok.



Nakhon Ratchasima, generally known as " Khorat ", is Thailand’s largest province situated on sprawling northeast plateau. Located approximately 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, the city itself serves as the gateway to the lower northeastern region.


The Phimai Historical Park Dotted about Thailand’s great northeastern plateau are numerous temples of varying sizes; most of these structures are believed to be about a thousand years old.



Watch Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima) in Thailand Video. The night view of Korat in Thailand. Around Statue of Tao Suranaree. Sanook sanook!

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Ayutthaya Ancient Historic City Nightlife

Ayutthaya city is the capital city of Ayutthaya province in Thailand. The city is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Bangkok, and had served as for Thailand capital for 417 years before Athe city was destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767.

Ayutthaya is an ancient city found by King U-Thong or Ramathibodi in 1350. Now such ruins from Ayutthaya indicate that Ayutthaya was one of Indo - China's most prosperous cities. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya a Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical site in the heart of Ayutthaya city, has been included in UNESCO's list of world heritage since 13 December ,1991.

Ayutthaya was originally known as "Ayothaya" which refers to the capital of King Rama (see Ramayana). Ayutthaya was named after the city of Ayodhya in India, the birthplace of Rama in the Ramayana (Thai, Ramakien).

Among Thai cities, Ayutthaya's English name is probably the least standardized - it is also known as Ayotaya, Ayothaya, Ayudhya, Ayutaya, Ayuthaya and Ayuttaya.



How to get Ayutthaya

By Car
Alternative I: Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road.) then take Highway No. 32 to Ayutthaya.
Alternative II: Take Highway No. 304 (Chaeng Watthana Road.) or take Highway No. 302 (Ngamwongwan Road.); turn righ to Highway No. 306 (Tiwanon Road.), then take Highway No. 3111 (Pathum Thani - Samkhok - Sena) and turn right at Amphoe Sena to Highway No. 3263.
Alternative III: Take Highway No. 306 (Bangkok - Nonthaburi - Pathum Thani Road.) then take Highway No. 347

By Bus
Ordinary buses run between the Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) and Ayutthaya's main terminal on Naresuan Rd. every 20 minutes between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. The fare is 30 bahts and the trip takes around 2hours. Air-conditioned buses operate the same route every 20 minutes from 5.40 a.m. to 7.20 p.m. (every 15 minutes between 7a.m. and 5p.m.) at the rate of 47 bahts, the trip takes 1.5 hours when traffic to north of Bangkok is light, otherwise it will take two hours. Time Table

By Train
Trains to Ayutthaya leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station approximately every hour between 4.20 a.m. and 10 p.m. The 3rd class fare is 15 bahts for the 1.5 hour trip. Train schedules are available from the information booth at Hua Lamphong Station. Alternatively, call 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020, or 1690. Time Table

By Boat
There are no scheduled or chartered boat services between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. However, several companies in Bangkok operate luxury cruises to Bang Pa-In with side trips by bus to Ayutthaya for approximately 1,500 bahts to 1,800 bahts per person, including a sumptuous luncheon. Longer two days trips in converted rice barges start at 4,800 baht. For further information please contact the following companies:



Ayutthaya Tourism

As a major city in the past, Ayutthaya had ever being the world's largest city at the time. But, in 1767 the city was completely burned during the war. Now many ancient ruins and art works can be seen in a city as the tourist sightseeing.

The major sites are the Buddhist temples, Buddha Statues, Buddha Wat, and the ruined building.

There were three palaces in Ayutthaya: Grand Palace, Chantharakasem Palace or the Front Palace, and Wang Lang or the Rear Palace. In addition, there were many other palaces and buildings for royal visits located outside the city area of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, such as Bang Pa-In Palace at Amphoe Bang Pa-in and Nakhon Luang Building at Amphoe Nakhon Luang. out 30 Baht.

In addition to the ruins listed here, the inner city is also home to two or three museums worth a visit.

1. Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The three bell-shaped chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet have practically become a symbol of Ayutthaya. The temple stands almost in the center of the main area of the old capital.

2. Wat Phra Ram
Just across the street from Wat Phra Si Sanphet is the towering prang of Wat Phra Ram, an excellent example of a Khmer style temple from the begining of the Ayutthaya period.

3. Wat Ratburana
Closer to the current city center, Wat Ratburana was built in 1424 to hold the ashes of the king's two older brothers, who killed each other fighting over the throne.

4. Wat Mahathat
The temple was built in the early days of Ayutthaya in the late 14th century by King Borommaracha I. The story goes that the king had a revelation, and relics of the Buddha then suddenly appeared. The temple was built to house the relics.

5. Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
The temple was built in an original style within the compound of the Royal Palace, and goes back to the very first period of the establishment of the city The three Chedi at this Wat are some of the more complete remains in Ayutthaya and were the Royal Tombs for King Bormmatrailokanat and his sons

6. Wat Ratchaburana.
The temple was established in the 15th century and was built to house the ashes of the brothers of King Borommaracha II. In 1957 archaeologists uncovered a host of Buddha images and stone tablets in the temple crypts, during restoration. Also discovered were mural paintings which showed a strong Chinese influence .



Ayutthaya Nightlife
Nightlife in Ayuttthaya is pretty quite. There's not a great deal to do at night in Ayutthaya apart from having a drink in a couple of bars along Farang Street. The Jazz Bar has a little something else by featuring the talents of the Chaikawiphan Jazz Band who play drums, guitar, double bass and various percussion instruments (and sing) on the pavement outside the bar.

Bars in Ayutthaya consist mostly of those attached to specific hotels, and even those aren't open very late in the evening. The main traveller area lies in Soi Torgorsor between Naresuan Road and Pamaphrao Road. This lies west of the Chao Phrom Markets. This area contains a number of bars for you to check out that open slightly later than most of the other places in Ayutthaya. Some bars even contain projection screens perfect for watching the latest sports game.

But there's one area that becomes magical at night. And that is the 'Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park'. If you're a photographic buff, this is a good time to take some great photos!



Photos of Ayutthaya, ruined sites, Buddha Statue and temples here :


Ayutthaya full name Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya is an ancient capital and modern city in the Central Plains of Thailand, 85 km to the north of Bangkok.


Nightmarket at Ayutthaya. The night market sells all sorts of cuisines and means that you dont have to use the small restaurant attached to the bungalows which have "farang" style menus.


Jazz Bar: Chaikawiphan Jazz Band


Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park: Catch The "Light Show"


The three stately Chedi of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, a royal temple built in 1491 that honors three 15th-century kings.



Viharn Phra Mongkolbophit


Head of a Buddha statue that a tree’s roots grew around in Wat Mahathat


Wat Phra Ram


Wat Phra Si Sanphet


Wat Ratchaburana


Watch Temples of Ayutthaya video here

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Airasia Launches flight Medan-Phuket

Good news for low budget travelers and for Phuket lovers especially in Indonesia. Now Airasia Airlines, as the World’s Best Low Cost Airline is delighted to launch its two newest routes, Jakarta and Medan direct to Phuket, daily, in addition to its popular Jakarta–Bangkok and Bali-Bangkok routes.

These new routes will be operated from its newly opened hub, Phuket International Airport in Thailand. This is a great deal. Now every travellers from Jakarta and Medan is easier to visit Phuket.

Phuket, is the biggest island in Thailand, is long knowed for its exotic beach : Patong Beach. Now visiting Patong beach is not an expensive dream anymore.

Airasia give the Special fares start from THB 1,499 one-way for Jakarta-Phuket (249.000 in Indonesia Rupiah) and THB 999 one-way for Medan-Phuket (99.000 in Indonesia Rupiah), for travel from 3 December 2009-30 April 2010.

Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, is a fast-growing tourist and commercial center, while Medan is the commercial center of Western Indonesia. With a history going back to 1590, Medan is one of the original Straits Settlements, giving it the same kind of Chinese cultural influence as is seen in Melaka, Singapore, Penang and Phuket.


Special notes to book with Airasia flight to Phuket :

- Booking Period: 4 Nov 2009 – 9 Nov 2009,  25 Nov 2009 - 27 Nov 2009
- Travel Period: 3 Dec 2009 – 30 Apr 2010
- Travel Notes: Advance booking required, fares not available during embargo period


An exotic beach in Phuket



Thai Airasia Airbus A320

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Sungai Kolok Thai Malaysia Border Nightlife

Sungai Kolok (Sword River) is the border between Thailand and Malaysia, located in Narathiwat, southern province of Thailand. The town on the Malaysian side of the border is Rantau Panjang which is in the state of Kelantan.

Sungai Kolok (Sungai Golok) is famous for Malaysian for its cheap shopping and nightlife. Many indutries worker from Malaysia always visit and enjoy Sungai Kolok, especially the bars and local girls such as at Sumtime Bar.

But recently Sungai Kolok difficult to get more visitors. Sungai Kolok has suffered a series of bombings, arson attacks and killings as a result of the ongoing trouble in Thailand's far south and while none of these attacks have specifically targeted westerners. Since the Muslim riot in 2004, there are at least 4000 peoples died in South Narathiwat Province, Yala, Pattani and some places in Songkhla.

How to access Sungai Kolok :

Direct air-conditioned buses to and from Bangkok are the best bet for getting to Sungai Kolok. The border is also served by rail although there is no crossing. Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the closest major airport to Sungai Kolok, a 10-hour bus journey away.


Sungai Kolok Attractions :

1. Pa Phru To Daeng:
this large peat swamp near Sungai Kolok is better than it sounds, with some stunning scenery and waterfalls.

2. Sungai Kolok transportation hub:
the main attraction for most visitors who are just passing through, featuring a train station and buses and minibuses to destinations all over southern Thailand and Bangkok.

3. The usual stop after Sungai Kolok is either Hat Yai, or Rantau Panjang in Kelantan (the northernmost province of east coast of Peninsular Malaysia). You can also head to Pattani to expore Thailand's southern Muslim provinces.




Sungai Kolok, border between Thailand and Malaysia.



Hala Bala National Park at Sungai Kolok



Awaiting Train Station at Sungai Kolok



Sungai Kolok Shopping at Nightlife. Sales of Narathiwat's famous dishes, a local food contest, batik painting , shows and a tourism exhibition will be featured.



Sungai Kolok is famous for its nightlife bars and local Thai Girls

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Bangkok Gays Bars Silom Soi 2

Thailand is a heaven for Gays (Bisexual), as the country is one of the most tolerant in cultures. You may find a lot of gays or lesbians through the capital city, Bangkok.

Thailand has a thriving gay and lesbian bar scene, which attracts tourists from all over the world. Many cities are providing the gays area, such as Hatyai, Pattaya, Phuket. In Bangkok, the gay bars are concentrated along Silom Soi 2 and Soi 4, with Soi 2 being considered 'more gay'. Slightly seedier bars can be found off Surawong Road, along Soi Anuman Rachathon and Soi Tawan. Other bars can be found sprinkled along Sukhumvit, especially Soi 23, and Tanao Road in the Banglumpoo area. All of these bars cater to males only.

The Most famous Gays district in Bangkok, no doubt is Silom Soi 2. Silem Boy 2 is a short lane off Silom crammed with bars and restaurants that caters exclusively to the gay community. Soi 2 is widely considered to be 'more gay' than nearby Soi 4. The bars get hot and sweaty on Friday and Saturday nights and it's hard to move, let alone dance to the trendy underground sounds. Men wandering into these bars at the weekend can expect to be groped from all quarters.

Silom has the most to see, with three Soi’s offering some great gay venues. Silom Soi 2, featuring the famous DJ Station and other pubs, is very popular with the Thai community, making that Soi the most popular Soi on Silom. A two minute walk from there is Silom Soi 2/1, where @Richard’s Pub & Restaurant (Thai & western food) and G.O.D nightclub (after hours dancing) is located. About 4 minutes from there is Silom Soi 4, with Sphinx Restaurant, Balcony Pub, and Telephone Pub; all of them have good food.

In between Silom and Sathorn Road, there are several massage shops to stop in at to have a great massage and relax. On Soi Sala Daeng, you can have a great dinner at Fab Cuisine and next door is a new gay guest house, Baan Sala Daeng. For some fine dining check out Coyote Restaurant and Eat Me Restaurant on Soi Convent. Down a-ways on Naratiwat is the OmYim Lodge for a nice, reasonably-priced guesthouse.

And a trip to gay and lesbian Bangkok would not be complete without an encounter with a “ladyboy” (Katoey in Thai). The majority of ladyboys are “she-males” who are unable to pay for a full sex change operation, and so are exploiting their comfort with being with either men or women. They often do not comply to the generally subservient nature of Thai women, and can be fairly feisty, but they are also renowned for taking good care of their health.


Here is some of Thailand Bangkok Gays Bars and Pubs :

@Richard's
60/17 Silom Rd
Phone: (0) 81907-5560
Website: www.richards-bangkok.com
Email: info@richards-bangkok.com
» member discounts
Located in the small sub-soi between Thania and Soi 2, next to Freeman, where the Mix used to be, now (Jan 2006) owned by the eponymous ex-Telephone owner Richard and associates. Friendly, relaxed atmosphere, 70's music at a volume you can talk over, good food and drinks at reasonable prices. An interesting alternative to the Soi 4 bars.

Balcony
86-88 Silom Soi 4
Phone: (0) 2235 - 5891
Website: http://www.balconypub.com
Email: info@balconypub.com
» member discounts
An open-fronted (but air-conditioned) bar with popular terrace. Lots of seating around the bar, plus tables inside and outside to watch the passing parade. Friendly relaxed atmosphere with the cheapest food and drinks in the soi. Lots of fun things always going on - is the "fun" pub on the soi. Upstairs has a mini-karaoke and small Internet cafe. Open from 6:00 till 02:00 daily, with Happy Hour from 6:00 till 8:00 every day, and a mystery late happy hour as well.

Balls, the sports bar
Duangthawee Plaza, Soi Pratoochai, Surawong Road
Phone: (0) 2637 - 0078
Website: www.moana.co.th/balls
Located at the Rama 4 Rd end of the soi, open-air beer bar from the owners of Dick's Cafe just down the soi. Features big-screen TV (51") for watching the latest sports shows, well priced drinks and food is avaiable from the Dick's menu, and of course the friendly service you would expect from this group! Happy hours from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM weekdays, open from 5:00 PM weekdays, 1:00 PM weekends.

BAS Living Room
Silom Soi 4
Phone: (0) 2632 - 6982
Website: http://www.bas-4.com/main.html
New (Feb 2009) small intimate bar located opposite Sphinx. Friendly service, relxing atmosphere, drinks, cocktails, snacks, Wi-Fi, magazines, open from 6:00 PM till 2:00 AM

Club 4
114/10 Silom Soi 4
Phone: (0) 2632 - 8013
Small bar, located just next to Telephone, where Den used to be, has terrace and inside bar, usually fairly quiet, mixed trendy crowd.

Club Cafe
Silom Soi 2
Phone: (0) 86978 - 5221
Downstairst next to DJ Station, upmarket club/cafe similar to Expresso, somewhere to relax away form the intensity of DJ and some of the other bars in the soi - including Expresso late most busy nites!

Dick's Cafe Bangkok
Duangthawee Plaza, 894/7-8 Soi Pratoochai, Suriwong Rd
Phone: (0) 2637 - 0078
Website: http://www.dickscafe.com/bangkok/
Email: dickscafe@dickscafe.com
Popular stylish, classy bar in the heart of the Suriwong and Patpong scene, a very relaxing and pleasant place for lunch or a drink or something to eat before or after hitting the surrounding go-go bars! Open from midday till 1:00 AM.

Expresso
Silom Soi 2
Upmarket coffeeshop/bar located opposite DJ Station, popular place to unwind between dances. Open till late. Won the Metro award for best gay bar in 2001.

Happen
8/14 Silom Soi 2
Funky, high tech bar with dance music and karaoke, relaxed fun place for a drink before (or as a break while) hitting the disco. Friendly staff, open from 8:00 PM till late, usually busy after 11:00 particularly weekends.

JJ Park
Silom Soi 2
Phone: (0) 2233 - 3247
Bar with live music, both Thai and western and other entertainment - gets a lot of the disco crowd because it is in Soi 2, and is usually crowded late on the weekends.

Lounge 4
Silom Soi 4
Located just the other side of the Tiger Terrace from its sister venue Club 4 and attracting a similar crowd. Also has tables on the terrace opposite.

Maxis Bar & Restaurant
38/1-2 Duangthawee Plaza, Soi Pratoochai, Suriwong Rd
Phone: (0) 2266 - 4225 Fax: (0) 2266 - 4226
Website: http://www.maxisbar.com/
Email: MaxisBar@gmail.com
New (April 2008) bar and restaurant located right in the middle of the go-go bars off Suriwong Rd. Has outdoor terrace, downstairs bar and upstairs dining room. Open 10:00 AM till 2:00 PM.

Sphinx Restaurant and Pub
100 Silom Soi 4
Phone: (0) 2234 - 7249
Website: www.sphinxpub.com/
Email: info@sphinxpub.com
» member discounts
Upmarket bar and thai restaurant with Egyptian theme decor, great atmosphere, excellent Thai and western food, good range of wines, beers and spirits. Open from 6:00 PM till 2:00 AM every day. A comfortable, relaxing place for a drink at the bar or a meal. Lots of regular patrons, and usually gets a good crowd late on the weekends. Service always good from the friendly staff - the best place to eat and in the soi!

Telephone Pub, Restaurant & Karaoke
Silom Soi 4
Phone: (0) 2234 - 3279
Website: www.telephonepub.com
» member discounts
Probably the oldest and most famous gay bar and restaurant in Bangkok, with extensive Thai and western menu. Open from 8:00 till 02:00 every day. Always popular with locals, expats and visitors - the cruisiest bar in town, but learn to spot the frelancers! Now (June 2007) has a new karaoke lounge on the 3rd floor.

Some photos and pictures of Bangkok Gays location at Silom Soi 2 and Silom Soi 4


Silom Soi 2, featuring the famous DJ Station and other pubs, is very popular with the Thai community, making that Soi the most popular Soi on Silom.



Pubs in Silom Soi 2, Bangkok, just a stone's throw from the Saladaeng BTS Station. All taxi drivers know this area.




Soi 4 also has many other non-gay music bars, but the mixed atmosphere is very friendly.


Thailand Gays is more accepted in the society.


The majority of ladyboys are “she-males” who are unable to pay for a full sex change operation, and so are exploiting their comfort with being with either men or women.

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Hua Hin Beach Night Market Shopping

Hua Hin is a famous beach resort town in Thailand, and Thailand's oldest beach town resort, situated on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand and only 200 kilometers from the capital, Bangkok.

While the beaches of Phuket and Samui were discovered only recently and have since undergone rapid and sometimes destructive development, Hua Hin has already been the favourite Thai resort for over 70 years.

Hua Hin is unlike most other beach resorts in Thailand. If you are looking for bright lights and frantic all night action you will be disappointed there. It is very much a family holiday resort area with good shopping and multi-national restaurants including, of course, the best Thai seafood the country has to offer. Idweal Thailand summer holiday beach destination.

The main beach area fronts the town itself where many fine resorts are found. Beaches to the north and south . The beaches at Khao Takiab (Chopsticks Hill) and Takiab Bay (Chopsticks Bay) are just to the south of the town centre.

Hua Hin beaches stretch along the coast both north and south. For out door fun and adventure you can enjoy watersports, Elephant rides, All terrain Vehicle rides, fishing and boat trips. Khao Takiab Bay is a popular beaches with clear clean water and gentle waves, beach loungers and beach umbrellas for shade. Palm trees and Casuarana trees line the long beach at Takiab Bay. These beach areas are also popular for jogging and beach cycling.

The area also offers the opportunity to visit the temples of Khao Takiab, feed the monkeys, climb to the viewpoint. The Khao Takiab area has many temples includes many built many years ago. Snorkeling is available a few hours south . The River Kwai is just 3 hours from Hua Hin . The National Park at Sam Roi Yot (Three Hundred Peaks) is just 30 minutes south of town.

Hua Hin Nightlife
Hua Hin's nightlife offers little in the way of comparison to the hedonistic areas of Phuket, Bangkok and Pattaya. Due to its status as a 'Royal Town' tourism authorities have been making a conscious effort to preserve the heritage of the city.

Hua Hin has one or two soi's dedicated to Bars. Go to the Hilton and walk away from sea. Again there are too many to mention but one or two worth a visit are Jungle Juice (Selakam Rd), Bernys Inn (near the Hilton) a popular Golfers bar, Adrenaline Bar in the Pavillion village Hua Hin offers, beers, wines and cocktails and a happy hour every day from 5pm to 7pm. Lastly a popular favourite with expats and Golfers is the Roadhole on Poolsuk Rd.

There are two night markets in Hua Hin. The main night market is on soi 72 and is open nightly. The second is close to the Grang hotel just south of Hua Hin and is open every evening except Mondays and Tuesdays. The latter has a more local feel.


Hua Hin Nite Life Bars
If you are looking for good night life, I am afraid that Hua Hin is not the place for you. The picture at right says it all, outdoor beer bars with lots of male tourists and very few girls. The girls that they do have are not that appealing, they do not compare to the girls in Bangkok or Pattaya, overall the bar scene here is fairly pathetic. All of the bars are located near the Soi Bintabat area, on a map it looks spread out, but the sois are really little more than lanes, so everything in town is within easy walking distance. All of the bars in this area are "outside" style beer bars that are open air and do not have any real air conditioning.


Hua Hin Beer Bars
While nowhere near as widespread as in say, Pattaya, a generous smattering of beer bars can be found in Hua Hin, mainly around main strip Soi Bintaban. Don’t expect to be wowed by these unadorned drinking holes – they’re typically little more than open front shop houses with a few bar stools, a pool table, and a small arsenal of cheap alcohol.

Very basic and bare. However, if you’re open-minded they can be a lot of fun – drink, play pool, watch sports, enjoy loud music (usually soft rock or Northeastern Isaan music) and exchange chitchat or – if you’re willing and able – flirtations with the small posse of female hostesses.

Some of Hua Hin beach and nightlife photos and pictures


Hua Hin is the oldest beach in Thailand, located approx. 190km south of Bangkok and 92 kilometres north of Prachuab Khiri Khan



Bangkok to Hua Hin view from the Thaksin Bridge



Road from Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan



Hua Hin’s famous cabaret show, Blue Angel. It’s a small-scale show that’s large on ladyboy drama, glam, elegance and beauty. Shows at 20:00 and 21:45 every night.



The nightlife scene in Hua Hin is tame compared to say, Pattaya, The majority of the tourists and visitors that come to Hua Hin are couples and families, therefore, the nightlife scene in Hua Hin is tame compared to say, Pattaya, Koh Samui or Patong, Phuket.



Hua Hin Dusit Thani Beach Resort



There are two night markets in Hua Hin. The main night market is on soi 72 and is open nightly. The second is close to the Grang hotel just south of Hua Hin and is open every evening except Mondays and Tuesdays. The latter has a more local feel.



Many restaurants, pubs, bars , different kind of places which different atmosphere to sit , enjoy music and drink, some are open area places which seem popular beside street. The name of the street are Nares Damri Rd, - Phunsuk Rd, - Dechanuchit Rd, - Some part of Phetkrasem Rd. ( Satukarn Square )

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Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Bangkok

The Grand Palace may be one of the main tourist attractions in Bangkok. Since the founding of Bangkok as the Nations capital by King Rama I, The Grand Palace has been the major architectural symbol of The Thai Royal Family. In the present time, The Royal Family resides at Chitralada Palace while The Grand Palace is used for ceremonial purposes.

The main buildings within the Grand Palace compound were built for King Rama V, who was the first Thai King to travel to Europe.

Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace together are probably the number one tourist attraction in Bangkok. The Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple (wat) in Thailand. The temple containing the Emerald Buddha.

The grounds of Wat Phra Kaew actually comprises of many ‘wats’ (Buddhist temples), all of which are superb examples of classical Thai Buddhist temples from the current Rattanakosin style era. Polished gold stupas rise up among ornate pillars and roofs which are studded with small mirrors and cut glass, which on close inspection has the appearance of an intricate mosaic, but from afar simply glitters and sparkles.

The chief attraction here is the Wat Phra Kaew itself, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which was erected in 1782. This is the most sacred temple in the complex and Buddhist ceremonies are often held here. Adjacent to it is the Grand Palace – one of several Royal residences.


Grand Palace and Wat Phra Entrance Admission
Admission to the Wat Phra Kaew and Grand Palace compound is 200 Baht for foreigners, and free for Thais. The temple is open from 08:30 until 15:30. In order to enter you need to be wearing a long sleeved t-shirt and shorts or skirts also are not permitted, nor are flip-flop style sandals. However, any of these items of clothing are available for hire at the entrance if you are not dressed correctly when you arrive.


How to access Grand Palace and Wat Phra
To get to The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, ask any taxi driver or alternatively you can get an express boat from the pier at Saphan Thaksin (by BTS station of the same name) and alight at Tha Chang, from where you can walk to the main road and then you’ll see the temple grounds in front of you. If you are staying in Khao San Road or nearby, the temple is reachable on foot – you’ll need a map though.

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Photos and Pictures :

Grand Palace, a square mile complex of buildings begun in 1782 as a royal residence and home to the Emerald Buddha


Wat Phra Kaew Temple or Temple of the Emerald Buddha



Construction of the Royal Palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of Rama I.



A view of Grand Palace Bangkok at night



The Emerald Buddha, The Emerald Buddha is perhaps the most revered and valued Buddhist icon in all of Thailand and attracts thousands of tourists and Thai pilgrims every day.

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