June 24, 20196 yr Author 3 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said: Yup, it’s a hike for sure, late afternoon is the best time and yes a stick is recommended for the monkeys !! But it’s a great view from the top !! Great pics, thanks, they really help me get a sense of the place. Looks pretty nice!
June 24, 20196 yr Author 13 hours ago, Golden Triangle said: As I mentioned in an earlier post my Mrs went up there while I was still in me scratcher sleeping the sleep of the innocent ???? But yep, I can't remember how many steps to get up there 400 comes to mind, but I told the Mrs no way was I going up there,on our travels down south we did find another temple perched on top of a mountain with well over a 1000 steps to get up there, Air Ambulance would be required for me LOL - I'll see if I can find a picture of it, I have one somewhere ???? I think you're referring to the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi. That climb is 1260 steps, and I did it last October. My philosophy is, once you start something, you don't give up - but, OMG, did I end up paying dearly for that. I'm a pretty big guy, around 105 kilos, and I thought I was in OK shape, playing badminton and exercising regularly. My hiking companion was a Thai friend who weighs around 50 kilos (not to mention being considerably younger than me!), and he didn't seem to have any problem, either on the way up or down. One thing I hadn't considered was that my legs were reasonably strong on the hike up - but the hike back down uses completely different leg muscles, and I was forced to cling to the hand railing for about the last half of the journey back down (and I noticed other [considerably younger] visitors doing exactly the same thing on their way down as I was on the way up). By the time I reached the bottom, just walking was truly a struggle. By the next day, and thereafter, my thighs were absolutely killing me, and I suffered for two weeks before the symptoms subsided. I later realized that I had done the equivalent of climbing up and down a 120-story skyscraper (with a leisurely snack at the top), in about 3 hour's time. What...was...I...thinking? ???? The "path" to the top is essentially a staircase, with very little in the way of horizontal travel. But I must admit, the views at the top were spectacular, with a 360-degree panorama. The whole experience was very memorable - for a number of reasons. Air Ambulance, indeed!
June 24, 20196 yr Quiet very quiet, that's the main attraction. If I could find suitable long term accommodation I would move there. john I never found a bar although I was assured there was one. Don't think I looked to hard.
June 24, 20196 yr 26 minutes ago, funlovinkid said: I think you're referring to the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi. That climb is 1260 steps, and I did it last October. My philosophy is, once you start something, you don't give up - but, OMG, did I end up paying dearly for that. I'm a pretty big guy, around 105 kilos, and I thought I was in OK shape, playing badminton and exercising regularly. My hiking companion was a Thai friend who weighs around 50 kilos (not to mention being considerably younger than me!), and he didn't seem to have any problem, either on the way up or down. One thing I hadn't considered was that my legs were reasonably strong on the hike up - but the hike back down uses completely different leg muscles, and I was forced to cling to the hand railing for about the last half of the journey back down (and I noticed other [considerably younger] visitors doing exactly the same thing on their way down as I was on the way up). By the time I reached the bottom, just walking was truly a struggle. By the next day, and thereafter, my thighs were absolutely killing me, and I suffered for two weeks before the symptoms subsided. I later realized that I had done the equivalent of climbing up and down a 120-story skyscraper (with a leisurely snack at the top), in about 3 hour's time. What...was...I...thinking? ???? The "path" to the top is essentially a staircase, with very little in the way of horizontal travel. But I must admit, the views at the top were spectacular, with a 360-degree panorama. The whole experience was very memorable - for a number of reasons. Air Ambulance, indeed! This is the one I'm thinking of, it also has a couple of aeroplanes at ground level one on top (piggy back) of the other, I have no idea what the relevance is ???? PS: My Sony digital camera was on full zoom and still had a problem seeing it ????
June 24, 20196 yr On 6/23/2019 at 1:05 PM, funlovinkid said: I happen to live in the Pattaya area (4 years now), so I'm familiar with your description above, and that's definitely NOT what I'm looking for. I moved here primarily as an escapee from the infamous smoky season in Chiang Mai, and I like all the amenities that Pattaya has to offer - with the exception of the nightlife that you describe. Also, I live at the beach (Jomtien), and I love it - but it would be nice to be able to actually swim in the water without getting sick, which is impossible anywhere around here because of the pollution and street runoff into the ocean. I'm hitting my early 60's, and beginning to feel myself slowing down a bit, enjoying a bit more peace and quiet than I did in the past. But I'm wondering if PKK would be outright boring. I hear Hua Hin has all the amenities, but is too often swamped with Bangkok tourists and traffic, which doesn't sound very appealing. So, does PKK have any amenities that a typical Westerner would want (some air-conditioned restaurants, a supermarket catering to Westerners [like Villa Market, say], a hospital with English-speaking staff)? I guess this was the gist of my original posting. you picked the wrong place pattaya has 2.5 particle pollution exceeding WHO health safety levels for all of high season and more...
June 24, 20196 yr 23 minutes ago, jonwilly said: Quiet very quiet, that's the main attraction. If I could find suitable long term accommodation I would move there. john I never found a bar although I was assured there was one. Don't think I looked to hard. Re bars thing Shops and restaurants double up as bars and meeting places and are scattered around the town (re a walk in drink type bar eg in Pattaya/Bangkok not many if any around) Promenade is busy in the high season Re accommodation basic housing may start as cheap as 5k ish but many cheap ones maybe rented out or reserved all year even occupants arent there theres stuff around but probably need a Thai to be with you to ask around. Re number of people around in town.... a visit in December /January is going to be way different than in july/ August
June 24, 20196 yr Quiet very quiet, that's the main attraction. If I could find suitable long term accommodation I would move there. john I never found a bar although I was assured there was one. Don't think I looked to hard.Top Deck and Maggies overlooking the beach are small but okay.
June 24, 20196 yr Cheers Poohy and Andrew any info useful, planning a trip down later this month for a look around, stayed at Golden Beach hotel when I was last down there for a month, hoping to find somewhere cheaper. john
June 24, 20196 yr Prachuap Beach hotel is beach front and around 800baht/night. Rooms 07,08,09 are nearer the beach and give best views especially from higher floors. They have a new hotel just behind but never stayed there. Rooms are small but good enough for a couple and they have family rooms also. Stayed at Sun Beach way back (was run by a young Thai/German couple then) and although decent is way down the south end of town so bit of a stroll to restaurants & weekend market but no drama if you have wheels.
June 24, 20196 yr On 6/23/2019 at 12:33 PM, cornishcarlos said: I don't tend to study posters details, like location ???? But I don't blame you, trying to dissuade the crowds.. Like a lot of places, they are only a few people from being spoilt I won't tell anyone else how nice it is there, you're secret is safe... Bang Saphan Noi is dead quiet even at New Year. If you want virtually no night life and a quiet vacation by the ocean, it's the place to be. A few small resorts dot the coastline along there.
June 24, 20196 yr 4 hours ago, jonwilly said: Cheers Poohy and Andrew any info useful, planning a trip down later this month for a look around, stayed at Golden Beach hotel when I was last down there for a month, hoping to find somewhere cheaper. john Been into town today Town is virtually deserted (afternoon rain does not help) i am sure most hotels will be empty unless they cater to government parties eg Hadtong and Grand so you will be able to take your pick Be prepared for some restaurants etc closing some days .Tis low season ! Weekends bring Thais so livelier then
July 17, 20196 yr Hua Hin is correct forum as PKK is one hour south. Throw some questions out here and see how you get on.
August 15, 20196 yr What is the hospital situation in PKK? Seriously thinking of leaving Chiang Mai after 15 years of choking myself to death. But just turned 65 now I have to think about my future needs. Hospitals are plentiful here in CM. Had my house valued and it's not worth any more than it was when I brought it.....so much for sale here, but it can be sold if I accept that, and I know for sure there is an awful lot of stuff for sale in PKK right? PKK being quiet would be ideal for us, don't drink or smoke....in other words ..no fun anymore lol We were coming for a month last year but I had to cancel as I was ..well...sick !! Wife's family all live in Surat Thani so it would be much closer to them than we presently are, half a day in a car should do it I reckon? Thanks
August 15, 20196 yr Two hospitals, one on the airforce base that we can use for day to day illnesses, they do not do surgeries. Main government hospital is excellent, 50 baht for a consultation. For inpatient treatment they have the normal public wards, private rooms and vip rooms. All the specialists come from private hospitals on specific days for consults and surgery. Anything major and you are transported to a bigger hospital in Hua Hin, bit over an hour away. I have had a few surgeries in the Prachuap hospital including orthopedic, could not fault the service and the price was probably 10% of what you pay in a private hospital. Only downside is that sometimes you have a 2 hour wait due to volume of people.
February 9, 20206 yr Gents in the event of the Chinese GP taking place on the 15th of March is there anywhere in PKK which shows the GP on TV ? When I used to stay in Cha Am I had one place I could watch the race on. I do not want to have to leave PKK as I do enjoy a beer or two while watching. I have booked in to a place for 60 days to escape this years burning season/smog in Chiang Mai. john
February 9, 20206 yr Yes Jon, Top Deck put on the GP and the F1 every season. Top Deck restaurant and bar, 56 Chai Talay. Two storey building on the waterfront about 600 metres south of the fishing pier.
February 9, 20206 yr Thank you Mr T. I know where Top Deck is located, very kind of you to help out. john
February 14, 20206 yr Now down in PKK, luvverly quality of the air to breath. Visited the Top Deck for my evening meal, good aussie steak, tasted better than most I have had in Thailand. Ask the waitress how many Frangs fall down the stairs, nice smile and giggle. Looking forward to 2 quite months down the blunt end and very nice small hotel I am staying in. John
February 15, 20206 yr 12 hours ago, jonwilly said: Now down in PKK, luvverly quality of the air to breath. Visited the Top Deck for my evening meal, good aussie steak, tasted better than most I have had in Thailand. Ask the waitress how many Frangs fall down the stairs, nice smile and giggle. Looking forward to 2 quite months down the blunt end and very nice small hotel I am staying in. John Thank you John, happy you enjoyed our place and hope you enjoy the rest of your stay. The staff here are way too happy, I must pay them too much.
February 15, 20206 yr 13 hours ago, jonwilly said: Now down in PKK, luvverly quality of the air to breath. Visited the Top Deck for my evening meal, good aussie steak, tasted better than most I have had in Thailand. Ask the waitress how many Frangs fall down the stairs, nice smile and giggle. Looking forward to 2 quite months down the blunt end and very nice small hotel I am staying in. John Whats the name of the Hotel please ? Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here.
February 15, 20206 yr Your Place Apartment, nice new hotel less than one year old, spotlessly clean and nice folk. They will do a deal for long stay, I am here for 60 nights or until Chiang Mai's air clears. john
February 21, 20206 yr I notice a serious parade start in PKK town yesterday. I asked one young girl about it and she says Yes and it goes on for a couple of weeks ! Anyone know just what is happening as traffic was terrible driving back from a decent meal on sea front. john
February 22, 20206 yr Annual Red Cross fair, opening day yesterday. It does run for 10 days but most of it is between the pier and monkey mountain. Pretty lively and entertaining most nights.
February 22, 20206 yr Cheers, anything helps, I asked the girl on the desk at my hotel and she did not know, knew there was a parade but not why. john
March 8, 20206 yr Good Morning Mr T Following our pleasant chat yesterday, after my nice lunch. I would like to inform you on the timings for the Australian GP next weekend. The only times that seem practical to view are as follows the other events taking place before mid day. 3rd Qualifying Sat Mar 14 2020 13:48:00 GMT+0700 (Indochina Time) Thailand time Sat Mar 14 2020 14:00:00 Race Sun Mar 15 2020 12:10:00 GMT+0700 (Indochina Time) Thailand time Sun Mar 15 2020 14:10:00 I will be in Top Deck during the coming week and hope to see you for a chat on this and forthcoming races and to take advantage of your recommended Taxi driver, for I do enjoy a beer or two with my race. john
March 13, 20206 yr Morning Mr T. As you are probably aware the Aussy GP has been cancelled. I will be in on Saturday for lunch but will not require the services of the Taxi driver you recommended. john
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