Leaving the bar stool ...

[KhunLA]

Do y'all get O&A (out & about), exploring TH, if only your own or neighboring provinces ?   Even I got O&A the first 2 years here, when not owning a car, via public trans, bus & train.   Which I wouldn't recommend unless needed, as not the most comfy.

 

I accidently Google 'Chiang Rai', and a slideshow pops up in top of search results, and as it played, I realized;  seen it, seen it, seen it, seen it.  Nice feature of Gsearch.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Chiang+Rai&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

We're good for more than a few times a year, just to break to boredom, and see something new: a view, a new coffee shop w/view, a beach, a valley from above.  I get bored easily.  Save local exploring for 'smog' season, as not too bad locally, or head to less popular/unknown places due south.  Then out the door during rainy season to popular, or smog'd in places/north of us, when not rainy season.

 

Did all the history (& touristy), Khmer ruins, Wat'd out after 20, though some unique; wood, marble, different architect, or location, that view again.  They seem to be gifted primo locations.  Beaches beaches & beaches, aside for the popular ones.

 

Any favorites, feel free to post (not soi 6), and hopefully with a Gmap link, as always open to suggestions.

 

HAPPY TRAVELS

[Lacessit]

I haven't propped up a bar stool for nearly ten years now.

IMO Chiang Rai is an ideal jumping-off point for the Golden Triangle sights. Phu Chi Fa, Phayao, Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan, Doi Mae Salong, Mae Sai markets, Chiang Saen Skywalk.

I keep finding new things the average tourist never sees.

Exhibit 1 is a lily pad farm near Phan. The pads will take people up to 85 kg.

Exhibit 2 is a restaurant past Rajabaht University on Highway 1, well off the main drag. It was built by a Thai couple who worked in the Netherlands for about ten years as IT consultants. They  liked Dutch architecture so much they replicated it.

Exhibit 3 is Doi Mae Mon, the only place I have seen hydrangeas growing in Thailand. There may be others.

[Robin]

"Exhibit 3 is Doi Mae Mon, the only place I have seen hydrangeas growing in Thailand. There may be others."

Local lady selling plants in house next to ours had several Hydrangea cuttings growing, but did not know their name.

She gave them to khun wife when she closed her shop.  Now surviving in our garden. In UK hey are classed a Half-hardy shrubs, so no reason why they should not grow in N Thailand.

[KhunLA]

39 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I haven't propped up a bar stool for nearly ten years now.

IMO Chiang Rai is an ideal jumping-off point for the Golden Triangle sights. Phu Chi Fa, Phayao, Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan, Doi Mae Salong, Mae Sai markets, Chiang Saen Skywalk.

I keep finding new things the average tourist never sees.

Exhibit 1 is a lily pad farm near Phan. The pads will take people up to 85 kg.

Exhibit 2 is a restaurant past Rajabaht University on Highway 1, well off the main drag. It was built by a Thai couple who worked in the Netherlands for about ten years as IT consultants. They  liked Dutch architecture so much they replicated it.

Exhibit 3 is Doi Mae Mon, the only place I have seen hydrangeas growing in Thailand. There may be others.

Very nice ????  Thanks

 

'Phu Chi Fa' is on my 'pop in for a peek' list come July, after the family visit at Nong Bua Lamphu.

 

Taking note of the others, THANKS again ????

 

Hopefully this will turn into very interesting thread,  Need to bookmark.  Off to the park with the dog, will need to had a few favorite spots myself later.

[Kwasaki]

On holiday for about 2 years at first retiring and driving around Thailand.

 

Get out and about on motorbike trips all over Thailand still now.

 

Take the Mrs in the truck to places she likes to go sometimes.

 

I don't get bored I have my hobbies and farmland to go to.

[Lacessit]

39 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Very nice ????  Thanks

 

'Phu Chi Fa' is on my 'pop in for a peek' list come July, after the family visit at Nong Bua Lamphu.

 

Taking note of the others, THANKS again ????

 

Hopefully this will turn into very interesting thread,  Need to bookmark.  Off to the park with the dog, will need to had a few favorite spots myself later.

Phu Chi Fa is a fairly strenuous walk which requires good footwear. Halfway up, there is a side track which leads to a marker delineating the border between Thailand and Laos. At the top, I was looking down on a village in Laos about 1000 feet below.

Every January, Thais flock there to camp and watch the sunrises.

 

Some years ago, I did a big circuit through the top half of Thailand. I'm a bit long in the tooth for the big trips now.

Many memories. One in particular was a meeting hall near Udon Thani, built by a holy man by villagers to thank him for banishing the tigers who were plundering their chickens.

It has a wooden floor, which is polished daily by volunteers using coconut husks.

Walking on it in bare feet is a great sensation, like walking on silk.

This is in the mountains on the way from Loei to Phetchabun. Don't ask me what an Easter Island replica is doing here, this is Thailand. Gorillas don't belong here either, even if they are only straw.

[KhunLA]

3 hours ago, Lacessit said:

I haven't propped up a bar stool for nearly ten years now.

I went for the 'click bait' title thread ????

 

Haven't sat on a bar stool myself for a long time, and can't even remember finishing 2 lg beers (490ml) at the house.  Love a good beer but chasing after an alcohol buzz doesn't interest me any more.

 

Love the terraced farming, and was on way to see some at Mae Chaem area: https://changpuakmagazine.com/en-article/Pa-Pong-Piang-/417037/

 

Which required cutting through Doi Inthanon NP.  At check point, stated Mai Chaem destination and waved through, fee free.

 

Knew of the terraced rice field & waterfalls at the park, but didn't realize both are basically roadside.  Ended up staying a couple days, and since very early covid, the rangers didn't make the rounds to see who's staying without paying park fee.  Unscripted stay, but checked 'terraced farming' off the list, for now, along with couple decent falls taking no effort to see.  Surely better (next time), but that was too convenient & comfy stay.  My snaps:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jrTCunVpXhpjA1tW7

 

Not exactly 'off the beaten track' / unknown places, more the purpose of the thread, but if in the neighborhood.

https://www.google.co.th/maps/search/waterfall/@18.5373195,98.4742083,13.04z/data=!4m7!2m6!3m5!2sGHVJ%2B424+Sirithan+Waterfall,+Ban+Luang,+Chom+Thong+District,+Chiang+Mai+50160!3s0x30dbac7308fcebbb:0x672f8c9543094cc3!4m2!1d98.5800835!2d18.5427521?entry=ttu

 

We stayed here:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mae+Klang/@18.5458276,98.4960512,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipPghMLOvJz4ZDua1diqfTJma2N_rWo47ZNlR-60!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPghMLOvJz4ZDua1diqfTJma2N_rWo47ZNlR-60%3Dw200-h86-k-no!7i6104!8i2621!4m7!3m6!1s0x30dbaa3ead621785:0xe524eae22522a098!8m2!3d18.5458276!4d98.4960512!10e5!16s%2Fg%2F11bwfxh3qc?entry=ttu

[KhunLA]

More off the tourist's path, and IF in the neighborhood.  2 waterfalls, easily accessible, no trekking necessary, 1 being roadside.

 

Along the way to/from Ranong, roadside, good for a stretch of the legs, and some chicken & rice if vendor still there.  Nothing special, but if on Hwy #4, you'll be driving right by it.  On a curve and actually easy to miss::

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Punyaban+Waterfall/@10.0648375,98.6695783,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipPkrjN4NistwgA62AYTG7aUFf_AcOCGL7LNXzyt!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPkrjN4NistwgA62AYTG7aUFf_AcOCGL7LNXzyt%3Dw86-h114-k-no!7i3024!8i4032!4m17!1m8!2m7!1swaterfall!3m5!2sRanong!3s0x305645e5447ac1b1:0x10223bc2c364cd0!4m2!1d98.704075!2d10.0112745!3m7!1s0x305647a210df287f:0xff0dfe866b417df4!8m2!3d10.0653024!4d98.6700257!10e5!15sCgl3YXRlcmZhbGxaCyIJd2F0ZXJmYWxskgESdG91cmlzdF9hdHRyYWN0aW9umgEkQ2hkRFNVaE5NRzluUzBWSlEwRm5TVU5TYVRWaGVHMVJSUkFC4AEA!16s%2Fg%2F11ry8mkdr5?entry=ttu

 

This one, closer to home, Prachuap Khiri Khan.

My snaps:

https://photos.google.com/search/_p0xac298c1c1995ccbe_Namtok Sai Khu

 

and a bit off Hwy #4, mere 10kms, short stroll from parking, no fee:  

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Namtok+Sai+Khu/@11.2481594,99.335083,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipNkyuoESA0yTh1thU3jov0Uc1bokv5SQvc2NnOo!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNkyuoESA0yTh1thU3jov0Uc1bokv5SQvc2NnOo%3Dw114-h86-k-no!7i4032!8i3024!4m12!1m3!2m2!1swaterfall!6e1!3m7!1s0x30fed705f5f4d4c9:0xac298c1c1995ccbe!8m2!3d11.248322!4d99.334004!10e5!15sCgl3YXRlcmZhbGxaCyIJd2F0ZXJmYWxskgESdG91cmlzdF9hdHRyYWN0aW9umgEjQ2haRFNVaE5NRzluUzBWSlEwRm5TVU5vTUhKTWVWVkJFQUXgAQA!16s%2Fg%2F11b67qtwk1?entry=ttu

 

[n00dle]

9 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

More off the tourist's path, and IF in the neighborhood.  2 waterfalls, easily accessible, no trekking necessary, 1 being roadside.

 

Along the way to/from Ranong, roadside, good for a stretch of the legs, and some chicken & rice if vendor still there.  Nothing special, but if on Hwy #4, you'll be driving right by it.  On a curve and actually easy to miss::

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Punyaban+Waterfall/@10.0648375,98.6695783,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipPkrjN4NistwgA62AYTG7aUFf_AcOCGL7LNXzyt!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPkrjN4NistwgA62AYTG7aUFf_AcOCGL7LNXzyt%3Dw86-h114-k-no!7i3024!8i4032!4m17!1m8!2m7!1swaterfall!3m5!2sRanong!3s0x305645e5447ac1b1:0x10223bc2c364cd0!4m2!1d98.704075!2d10.0112745!3m7!1s0x305647a210df287f:0xff0dfe866b417df4!8m2!3d10.0653024!4d98.6700257!10e5!15sCgl3YXRlcmZhbGxaCyIJd2F0ZXJmYWxskgESdG91cmlzdF9hdHRyYWN0aW9umgEkQ2hkRFNVaE5NRzluUzBWSlEwRm5TVU5TYVRWaGVHMVJSUkFC4AEA!16s%2Fg%2F11ry8mkdr5?entry=ttu

 

This one, closer to home, Prachuap Khiri Khan.

My snaps:

https://photos.google.com/search/_p0xac298c1c1995ccbe_Namtok Sai Khu

 

and a bit off Hwy #4, mere 10kms, short stroll from parking, no fee:  

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Namtok+Sai+Khu/@11.2481594,99.335083,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m8!1e2!3m6!1sAF1QipNkyuoESA0yTh1thU3jov0Uc1bokv5SQvc2NnOo!2e10!3e12!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNkyuoESA0yTh1thU3jov0Uc1bokv5SQvc2NnOo%3Dw114-h86-k-no!7i4032!8i3024!4m12!1m3!2m2!1swaterfall!6e1!3m7!1s0x30fed705f5f4d4c9:0xac298c1c1995ccbe!8m2!3d11.248322!4d99.334004!10e5!15sCgl3YXRlcmZhbGxaCyIJd2F0ZXJmYWxskgESdG91cmlzdF9hdHRyYWN0aW9umgEjQ2haRFNVaE5NRzluUzBWSlEwRm5TVU5vTUhKTWVWVkJFQUXgAQA!16s%2Fg%2F11b67qtwk1?entry=ttu

 

you need to learn to edit tracking links

[KhunLA]

19 minutes ago, n00dle said:

you need to learn to edit tracking links

Please enlighten, 

 

Check that ... just figured it out myself.

[KhunLA]

THANKS ????

[Hanaguma]

Lovely place near Chiang Rai is Doi Tung Royal Villa. It is a Royal Project with beautiful gardens and great coffee.  Like all Royal Projects, very well kept and picturesque.

[Kwaibill]

Not able to trek about much at the mo’, but my Thai wife has been so good about taking me to interesting places. Eight years so far. Hope karma grants me another ten or so, here.

[Lacessit]

I seem to stumble on unusual places through no design of my own.

 

One time, I took a wrong turn going to Alpine Golf Club in Chiang Mai. The road was a dead end which ended in a clearing, under what was an earthern dam wall.

There was a well in the clearing. My GF got very excited, and set me to garnering any containers available in the car. She said it was a sacred well, and the water had therapeutic properties.  Later, she asked me how I knew the well was there, I said finding it was accidental.

 

Below is Chiang Mai Erotic Gardens, a real hoot. Run by an eccentric Thai lady with a Dutch husband. Close to the Samoeng turnoff.

[Rimmer]

troll post removed

[brianthainess]

Gave up the bar stool when i got my sofa, did my out and about a very long time ago no need for it anymore.

[Sandboxer]

Did the travelling thing years ago, got the tshirt, all good and fun at the time.

 

Now, my bar stool is the most fun and reliable thing this place has to offer me and they'll have to use the jaws of life to pry my rigor mortis'd azz from it. Happy as a clam on it~

 

Wish all happy travels and/or stooling ????

 

-Norm

[bignok]

Pak Chom to Chiang Khan best drive. Chiang Khan is pretty cool.

 

Temple in Phu Ruea outstanding.

 

Bueng Khan has waterfalls and 3 whale rock, wat phu tok.

 

Silver Temple is cool at night in CM.

 

Phattalung is cool. Caves and temples free.

 

Nakhon ST great main temple free.

 

Ao Manao just great chilled beach

 

 

[DJ54]

If you like motorcycle ride it’s a great place … easy to spend a couple weeks enjoying the countryside..plenty of decent hotels along the way 

[Lacessit]

15 minutes ago, DJ54 said:

If you like motorcycle ride it’s a great place … easy to spend a couple weeks enjoying the countryside..plenty of decent hotels along the way 

I can usually find a hotel for 500 - 700 baht/ night. All I want is a big bed for myself and my GF, clean linen and towels, and effective aircon. Almost always we find it.

[moogradod]

I do not get out enough. This may be partly because I need a wheelchair for longer distances and hiking is no more (spent a long time in Switzerland where hiking is superb and I did it up and down many mountains and skiing in winter). And as my wife and myself like to eat our destinations are to a large extend determined by what food we can get. The next culinary tour (in Bangkok) is already in planning. We have seen the majority of temples and old buildings.

 

But I know we both miss a lot. So this thread is more than welcome and you even have some nice photos. Thank you.

[Burma Bill]

7 hours ago, Lacessit said:

7 hours ago, Lacessit said:

IMO Chiang Rai is an ideal jumping-off point

 

Yes indeed and thanks. Your photos brought back happy memories of my 4 years as a Tourist Police Volunteer based in Chiang Rai. One of my favourite spots was Doi Tung (out of high season) up in the mountains where I took lunch and admired the beautiful gardens and Swiss style chalet created by HM The King Mother.(my photo - the chalet is behind the trees, top right)  

 

[KhunLA]

Thais do gardens quite nicely at times.  One in Udon Thani area, if there or passing through.  A bit further off the main road, but very nice drive out to

Phu Foilum

Gmap

 

[KhunLA]

Moving on ... may need to change the title to the 'coffee shop series', as seems to be our 'attractions of late, or views from.

 

If in the area, need a pit stop with a view, as most on main roads or just off of.  From latest outing (Surat Thani):

 

Pass on the food, but bevs are OK:

Annrin Cafe

 

Better food & coffee, vew not so much:

Caligo Coffee Factory

 

Honorable mentions, as we didn't actually sample, but all 3 within 15 kms of each other.

Bridge Hill Cafe

 

If wanting to overnight in the area, for 1 or 2 days, Along with being in the middle of these cafes, then:

Khao Sok River Home Resort

[jerrymahoney]

I am pretty much a home body here in Thailand -- the only time I get around is when my tropical horticulturist friend from Florida comes here and I end up going with him (translator?) to places as above "a tourist would never get to" Particularly we once spent a few days in the back area sof Queen Sirikit Garden out side Chiang Mai.

This is a picture cropped o him and one of his hybrid gingers in Florida.

[KhunLA]

If viewing the coastline (Gulf) is more your thing, then these may interest.  These locally where we are, PKK:

Bay Camp Cafe

If in the area, and on the way to Wat Ao Noi, good spot for munch of bev:

Three Ser Cafe

 

Great view from any of the restaurants fronting Ao Prachuap.   Best from 'The View", as not obstructed by any parking.   Good food & pricing.  Don't recommend western food, but Thai food never disappoints:

The View Restaurant

Don't know why, but Gmap deleted earlier listing & photos of 'The View'.   It is connected to Hadthong Hotel, so more photos from:

Hadthong Hotel

 

Of course the swimmer's beach for the area, is Ao Manao, with more than a few vendors fronting the bay there.  Along with peeking around the 'museum' area:

RTAF Wing 5

Ao Manao

Gmap

 

 

[KhunLA]

If just passing through, not wishing to leave Hwy #4 @ PKK municipality, then a few roadside places w/westward view.   Only one we've stopped in a few times:

Good View / ครัวกู๊ดวิวประจวบฯ

[biervoormij]

I find it difficult to pry myself off the bar stool but get out from time to time to do what I call playing tourist.

I recently took a long trip on my small motorbike to the Yasothon Rocket Festival. Messed up and booked the hotel on the weekend of the election and had to scramble to find a room the following weekend. My mistake ended up being a good thing because I got to attend different festivals in small towns in the area and then the big one in Yasothon.
 

I just got back from a trip to Bangkok to see friends that are visiting Thailand. Have always wanted to take the train from Bangkok to Samut Songkhram and decide no time like the present. I really enjoyed the train trip and sort of funny being the only tourist on the train when pulling into the Mae Klong stations with tourist everywhere.

I noticed that there are songthaews from Mae Klong to Damnoen Saduak. I can't recall why I decided not to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating market in the past. Would people that have visited Damnoen Sadual recommend that I add it to my list of places to visit when I pry myself off my bar stool?

[KhunLA]

2 minutes ago, biervoormij said:

Would people that have visited Damnoen Sadual recommend that I add it to my list of places to visit when I pry myself off my bar stool?

Not as a special trip, but if in the area, sure, pop over for a peek.  Been there myself a few times, as like the area.  The floating market part of the area, is the least interesting aspect of the area.  Definitely a tourist trap, with a few well known, overpricing scams in play.   Good for a photo opt, and that's about it.

 

One of the Krung Thep canal markets are better.

Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market, Krung Thep

 

Along with easy to get to, via public trans:

Gmap

 

If headed to Damnoen Saduak, it's a nice lush area, with a few things to peek at while there:

Damnoen Saduak

 

[biervoormij]

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Not as a special trip, but if in the area, sure, pop over for a peek.  Been there myself a few times, as like the area.  The floating market part of the area, is the least interesting aspect of the area.  Definitely a tourist trap, with a few well known, overpricing scams in play.   Good for a photo opt, and that's about it.

 

One of the Krung Thep canal markets are better.

Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market, Krung Thep

 

Along with easy to get to, via public trans:

Gmap

 

If headed to Damnoen Saduak, it's a nice lush area, with a few things to peek at while there:

Damnoen Saduak

 

Thanks will add both Khlong Bang Luang and Samnoen Saduak to my list.

 

I think I may have gone by Klong Bang Luang on Saturday when on a longtail boat tour through Thonburi right before arriving at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen.