Just now, KhunLA said:

Same with Krung Thep malls. Thais & expats taking advantage, as parking is a must for us, and most other self drivers.

Guess I am a home body. If no reason to go like shopping then we are nowhere near malls. Did have to go to Thai Watsadu yesterday to pick up a new pump. Made the purchase and came on home. No hanging about.

Could well have been that I wanted to get home and get going on the ribs I was doing up.😄 I had a rub on them for 24 hours.

Just now, KhunLA said:

Not enough people here to support a real mall, and love a good food court, especially when AC restaurants are silly priced, like HH or BKK. A few vendors here are reasonably priced, other cater to weekend crowd and not the best value.

We do seem to be upping our dining choice when at BKK visiting daughter, as can't remember last time we hit a food court when there.

We really do dine in 95% of the time at home, and guess that falls in with one of our hobbies. Fills in quite a bit of our time also. Wouldn't be happy living here if we had to rely on restaurants, as not enough variety. Fine if all you want is a burger & pizza, or same 5-10 repetitive Thai dishes.

I like the township but to be honest without Ao Manao Id skip it. I think that area makes the town appealing. No ear infection for me. The weekend market is good but the nightly market intown is lame. Ban Krut has 600 baht bungalows beachfront and the beach is better. But Ban Krut lacks basic shops. More of a resort town.

Just now, marin said:

Guess I am a home body. If no reason to go like shopping then we are nowhere near malls. Did have to go to Thai Watsadu yesterday to pick up a new pump. Made the purchase and came on home. No hanging about.

Could well have been that I wanted to get home and get going on the ribs I was doing up.😄 I had a rub on them for 24 hours.

A mere 24 hours? Pah! I do three days 😊

Though I create marinades, rather than rubs. Have yet to put a rub together. Might try that next.

Are yours dry?

Just now, KhunLA said:

Disagree, as Hua Hin's Blueport & Market Village are quite busy with farang, and most seem to be expats. Another major advantage to malls, for expats, is easy parking, and a big plus for us. Same with Krung Thep malls. Thais & expats taking advantage, as parking is a must for us, and most other self drivers.

Those 2 malls have lots of expats. Without those malls I'd skip Hua Hin as it's a concrete jungle along the beach. I go there to buy clothes. Pranburi beach is nice without all the large hotels.

Just now, IsmeUno said:

Are yours dry?

Yup, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun spice, smoked paprika, and just a little brown sugar.

Hopefully can repeat the last time I did them up. Late January or early Feb I did these up.

Just now, marin said:

Guess I am a home body. If no reason to go like shopping then we are nowhere near malls. Did have to go to Thai Watsadu yesterday to pick up a new pump. Made the purchase and came on home. No hanging about.

Could well have been that I wanted to get home and get going on the ribs I was doing up.😄 I had a rub on them for 24 hours.

Sounds kinky! I like malls. Great for walking as outside is humid. Market Village always has specials on clothes plus the food court is better than any Central Mall. It's not the biggest mall but probably the best mall I've been to apart from MBK. On a hot or rainy day go to a mall. Walk around, eat, buy a shirt. Better than watching tv.

Just now, marin said:

Not even close to Koh Chang. Kae Bei is turning into one happening spot on Chang and is nice as heck was there in January. White Sands and Klong Prao are both much nicer beaches. At night there are open air barbecues on the beach with fire shows.

There is a good reason why Chang and Kood are getting so popular with both Thai and foreign travelers.

Perhaps on Google they look as nice, but sadly that is not so. I am not saying they are not nice, but dont compare to the islands IMHO.

Koh Chang was nice a long time ago. Once they started all the fire show nonsense and built multi-storey buildings to replace the beach bungalows, it was time to move on.

The last thing you want is a 'happening spot'.

Just now, IsmeUno said:

Koh Chang was nice a long time ago. Once they started all the fire show nonsense and built multi-storey buildings to replace the beach bungalows, it was time to move on.

The last thing you want is a 'happening spot'.

It was great 15 years ago. So was Lanta. I skip the islands now. Too many farangs. Too many hotels along the beach. The tourists and developers ruined Lanta. It was paradise before. No charm anymore.

Just now, IsmeUno said:

Koh Chang was nice a long time ago. Once they started all the fire show nonsense and built multi-storey buildings to replace the beach bungalows, it was time to move on.

The last thing you want is a 'happening spot'.

I prefer Kood as its much more laid back. Read no cars. But if I have friends from abroad I tend to choose Chang to take them to. Easy to drive, and a real Thai island adventure. Cheaper and easier than having to fly to the southern islands. I first came here in 1978 and fell in love with the southern islands. Still love Thai islands to this day. Monday I will be on the Thai islands. 😁

Just now, marin said:

Yup, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun spice, smoked paprika, and just a little brown sugar.

Hopefully can repeat the last time I did them up. Late January or early Feb I did these up.

I do marinades as they permeate all the way to the bone and tenderise the meat. I guess dry rubs can meld with the moisture in the meat to have a similar effect. What say you?

Though I would likely leave them for even longer than 24 hours to allow the herbs and spices to permeate the meat.

Started some on Thursday. Ready for the Barbecue on Sunday.

I may give a dry rub a try later this month and let you know how they compare.

Just now, marin said:

White Sands and Klong Prao are both much nicer beaches.

Those beaches are ok. Nothing special. Kantiang Bay on Lanta was better but ruined by developers. Pranburi, Ban Krut and Bo Thang are just as nice as any island beaches. Plus they are cheaper.

Kood is isolated and expensive. Nicer beaches but not worth the trouble.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Those 2 malls have lots of expats. Without those malls I'd skip Hua Hin as it's a concrete jungle along the beach. I go there to buy clothes. Pranburi beach is nice without all the large hotels.

Agree, without the malls, and docs, when cruising by, we wouldn't leave hwy 37. Nothing in HH for us. Only hit Market Village when running low on Daiso coffee filter paper. Good BK and an OK beef massaman (new) vendor at Blueport, and we'll got there before MV, as parking is more convenient.

HH really does nothing for us. Use to be a good pit stop, on the way to Phuket from Udon. They even ruined the Jazz Festival which was stellar, until they banned alcohol advertising, and Heineken basically stopped supporting it. I attended the first 8 ish festivals.

Just now, IsmeUno said:

Koh Chang was nice a long time ago. Once they started all the fire show nonsense and built multi-storey buildings to replace the beach bungalows, it was time to move on.

The last thing you want is a 'happening spot'.

I can't see that Koh Chang has changed much since I went there in 2010 - can't change too much due to all the forest and hills. If you are talking decades ago then fair enough - I can wax lyrical about huts on the beach on Koh Samui back in 85.

But I think Koh Chang still is fairly natural and few taller buildings. Been looking now at some prices for low season and some are ridiculously low for top hotels. Often the rain comes and goes and it's not bad - from time to time there is a bad storm though. Coming from winter so willing to put up with some bad weather for what is often long empty beaches. Normally went with girlfriend but now friend only so a bit weird going alone but that's another story ...

Just now, IsmeUno said:

I do marinades as they permeate all the way to the bone and tenderise the meat. I guess dry rubs can meld with the moisture in the meat to have a similar effect. What say you?

All forms of pork and lamb I would marinade save ribs. The ribs I find do not take the marinade as well as a rub. 24 hours on the rub, then wrap in foil 1.5 hours in a low oven say 130 degrees. Take out and leave in foil. Finish low and slow on your barbecue away from direct heat. Seems to work well every time. I make nice skewers of both pork filet and lamb leg. Marinade up to 48 hours. Base is always onions and garlic sauteed in olive oil, then add spices and what you like for flavor.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

I like the township but to be honest without Ao Manao Id skip it. I think that area makes the town appealing. No ear infection for me. The weekend market is good but the nightly market intown is lame. Ban Krut has 600 baht bungalows beachfront and the beach is better. But Ban Krut lacks basic shops. More of a resort town.

Ban Krut and Thung Wua Laem, are two of the only Gulf beaches I'd swim in. Were always regular stops on the way to Phuket. If surf cooperating, didn't even bother going to Phuket, and stopped around 2010, as it got so congested.

Now we just look at the surf, and if near, need surfside bungalow, or what's the point. Lean more toward the limestone karsts of Krabi, Surat & Phang Nga now, or a few areas with nice rolling hillside views from the bungalow.

Way different from prior years, decades, when most holidays revolved around beaches and diving, 1991-2010, after getting certified diving. Prior to that, pre-TH, and it was the opposite, mountains, camping and non salt water nature.

Just now, Fat is a type of crazy said:

I can't see that Koh Chang has changed much since I went there in 2010 - can't change too much due to all the forest and hills. If you are talking decades ago then fair enough - I can wax lyrical about huts on the beach on Koh Samui back in 85.

But I think Koh Chang still is fairly natural and few taller buildings. Been looking now at some prices for low season and some are ridiculously low for top hotels. Often the rain comes and goes and it's not bad - from time to time there is a bad storm though. Coming from winter so willing to put up with some bad weather for what is often long empty beaches. Normally went with girlfriend but now friend only so a bit weird going alone but that's another story ...

Decades indeed. Samui changed enormously too. I don't bother going back there either.

Of course there are still pockets with some character.

Just now, marin said:

All forms of pork and lamb I would marinade save ribs. The ribs I find do not take the marinade as well as a rub. 24 hours on the rub, then wrap in foil 1.5 hours in a low oven say 130 degrees. Take out and leave in foil. Finish low and slow on your barbecue away from direct heat. Seems to work well every time. I make nice skewers of both pork filet and lamb leg. Marinade up to 48 hours. Base is always onions and garlic sauteed in olive oil, then add spices and what you like for flavor.

Ribs similarly prepared though with a wet rub/marinade, often with fresh herbs such as rosemary. Given enough time can really permeate into the meat. Expats that don't cook are really missing a trick.

Just now, Fat is a type of crazy said:

I can't see that Koh Chang has changed much since I went there in 2010 - can't change too much due to all the forest and hills. If you are talking decades ago then fair enough - I can wax lyrical about huts on the beach on Koh Samui back in 85.

But I think Koh Chang still is fairly natural and few taller buildings. Been looking now at some prices for low season and some are ridiculously low for top hotels. Often the rain comes and goes and it's not bad - from time to time there is a bad storm though. Coming from winter so willing to put up with some bad weather for what is often long empty beaches. Normally went with girlfriend but now friend only so a bit weird going alone but that's another story ...

Low season its good value but high season you pay double. My old fav was 1000 now 1400. In high its 3000.

The island is poor for motorbike riding due to hills. South part is dangerous.

Also gets bad rips at Lonely Beach. People die each year.

Ive riden bikes on many islands and Ban Krut/Bang Saphan beats them all. Nice flat roads. Low traffic. Restaurants on the beach at cheap prices.

But if you want a nice resort with pool to relax Chang low season is hard to beat.

Just now, IsmeUno said:

Decades indeed. Samui changed enormously too. I don't bother going back there either.

Of course there are still pockets with some character.

Expensive flights, excess tourists, rip off cars. Too popular for its own good.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

But if you want a nice resort with pool to relax Chang low season is hard to beat.

You are then dealing with the rain, one of wettest areas of Thailand.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Expensive flights, excess tourists, rip off cars. Too popular for its own good.

Been going for over 45 years first there in 78. Going back Monday. If you stay in the right place and have friends its still very fun. Will also be going to Phangan as my friend I stay with is blessing the Temple he renovated and put up monks quarters. Here you can read about it. Before and after 40 year difference Samui.

Just now, marin said:

You are then dealing with the rain, one of wettest areas of Thailand.

Been going for over 45 years first there in 78. Going back Monday. If you stay in the right place and have friends its still very fun. Will also be going to Phangan as my friend I stay with is blessing the Temple he renovated and put up monks quarters. Here you can read about it. Before and after 40 year difference Samui.

I always say it's people who can make the difference. Your company, yourself and the people you meet.

Good people will find other good people.

Just now, marin said:

You are then dealing with the rain, one of wettest areas of Thailand.

Been going for over 45 years first there in 78. Going back Monday. If you stay in the right place and have friends its still very fun. Will also be going to Phangan as my friend I stay with is blessing the Temple he renovated and put up monks quarters. Here you can read about it. Before and after 40 year difference Samui.

Went to Chang in rainy season for 2 weeks. Rained at night. Days were sunny. Paid 1000 for a room that was 2500 in high. Nice island for doing nothing.

Kpn is nice. Id go back there perhaps. Ban Krut and Bang Saphan have 600 baht aircon beachfroot bungalows though and i enjoy short train trips so hard to choose elsewhere. Kpn is longer train ride (all day) to Surat then a ferry so more time, more cost and the island is more expensive. Otherwise you train to Chumphon then ferry tao onto kpn. Or expensive flight. Not sure its worth it. The beaches are not that great and you wont find a beach bungalow with aircon for 600 anymore.

On 4/23/2026 at 11:06 PM, Jingthing said:

Just say Banglamung.

Sorted.

Chonburi, even better.

That is what I say at any police checks, en route, when they ask "Bai nai?"

Rainy season rocks, and do most of our O&A during. Have only been 'rained in' for maybe 1 day. Most raining is overnight, if any, or short daytime spritz. Always helps to peek at weather and current reviews.

Less tourist, less congestion, less expensive, fresh air, everything green, picturesque, no air pollution, less brutal sun, and the opposite of high, dry & smog season.

Just now, KhunLA said:

Rainy season rocks, and do most of our O&A during. Have only been 'rained in' for maybe 1 day. Most raining is overnight, if any, or short daytime spritz. Always helps to peek at weather and current reviews.

Less tourist, less congestion, less expensive, fresh air, everything green, picturesque, no air pollution, less brutal sun, and the opposite of high, dry & smog season.

Less smoke, less farangs, cheaper hotels. Yep its awesome. Mostly rains at night or short shower days. Sitting on a porch bungalow beachside listening to rain is great too.

I looked at google maps. I see Robin Hood pub is soi 33. I don't think I've been there. Went to 1 Suk pub in 10 years and can't recall the name. Not my scene.

It is really is funny to see an old guy lose his marbles online and make up stories.

100% wrong on all his guesses lol

Just now, Rockyroad said:

I looked at google maps. I see Robin Hood pub is soi 33. I don't think I've been there. Went to 1 Suk pub in 10 years and can't recall the name. Not my scene.

It is really is funny to see an old guy lose his marbles online and make up stories.

100% wrong on all his guesses lol

Robin Hood Tavern is in the Avenue complex in Pattaya.

Just now, IsmeUno said:

Robin Hood Tavern is in the Avenue complex in Pattaya.

Google maps says there is one in Sukhumvit where the creepy guy lives. He goes looking for other drunks to talk to.

Just now, Rockyroad said:

Google maps says there is one in Sukhumvit where the creepy guy lives. He goes looking for other drunks to talk to.

An attempt to bring the thread back on-topic 😊

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