I remember years ago after a rough Saturday night I would find myself walking into the Corner Restaurant for a Sunday morning breakfast, with coffee and a book, maybe a little news or just a relaxing morning with friend. I have always searched for places to chill out in. Places that encourage conversation, reading, or just sipping something nice and feeling the atmosphere. Where are some of your favorite places?

Looking out to sea from the deck of the Baan Bai Boon restaurant Namrin Beach after eating the best food in Thailand ( for me ) is just about heaven on earth. I also enjoy a cocktail on the deck of the Rayong Resort overlooking their private beach and the Island.

Virtually anywhere along the Mekong.

In Thailand it's a tiny stream that comes tumbling down the mountain from Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. It's relatively cool in hot day and there are always butterflies of many types.

Bed.

Wow, those all sound really nice. I can only imagine some of these as I have never seen the ocean, with my own eyes, anyway.

The Mekong seems like a peaceful river, a slow moving one. I live near Kansas City in America and therefore close to the Missouri river, which is big and slow, muddy as well. It doesn't seem to compare though to the Mekong in nice relaxing spots though.

The butterflies are beautiful as well as the rocks. I have noticed in many pictures Thailand as fascinating rock formations. I am not a geologist so I can only wonder why.

Of course, Thad keeps it simple!!! How is the view from bed?

Thad keeps it simple!!! How is the view from bed?

Wall with window, ceiling or wall with door, never a dull moment

Wow, those all sound really nice. I can only imagine some of these as I have never seen the ocean, with my own eyes, anyway.

The Mekong seems like a peaceful river, a slow moving one. I live near Kansas City in America and therefore close to the Missouri river, which is big and slow, muddy as well. It doesn't seem to compare though to the Mekong in nice relaxing spots though.

The butterflies are beautiful as well as the rocks. I have noticed in many pictures Thailand as fascinating rock formations. I am not a geologist so I can only wonder why.

Of course, Thad keeps it simple!!! How is the view from bed?

There are lots of interesting rock formations around Thailand where lime stone gets washed away by the water falls

But I still love my little stream tumbling down from Doi Suthep

Most of the big rivers, like the Mekong, are brown from disolved silt. But it is still a lovely big river once you get away from dense population centers...

But the Missouri River in Montana is pretty special also... At least the places on the Missouri that I travel...

Wow, those all sound really nice. I can only imagine some of these as I have never seen the ocean, with my own eyes, anyway.

The Mekong seems like a peaceful river, a slow moving one. I live near Kansas City in America and therefore close to the Missouri river, which is big and slow, muddy as well. It doesn't seem to compare though to the Mekong in nice relaxing spots though.

The butterflies are beautiful as well as the rocks. I have noticed in many pictures Thailand as fascinating rock formations. I am not a geologist so I can only wonder why.

Of course, Thad keeps it simple!!! How is the view from bed?

The Mekong from Vientiane.

Never been that far North, looks magic

I've drank a few beers sitting right there watching the sunset. There's all these little cafes set up, just a few tables and chairs and a tub full of Beer Lao and ice.

I suppose it qualifies as relaxing.

Gonna be corny and say that the most relaxing place for me in Thailand is lying in the arms of someone who cares about me. Doesnt really matter where it is then, the moment just feels wonderful.

Gonna be corny and say that the most relaxing place for me in Thailand is lying in the arms of someone who cares about me. Doesnt really matter where it is then, the moment just feels wonderful.

Not corny at all, eek. I've said many times the one thing I miss most about being married were the lazy mornings when I made breakfast for the two of us and we just sat around and talked. Now I just make something to eat and sit in front of the TV to dine.

Pattaya, taking a swim in the pool early in the morning. It can be a very relaxing (and inexpensive) place for a holiday if you are not a big drinker and can (mostly) ignore the lures of the flesh. Hotels with all the amenities are cheaper than anywhere else in the country and Thai and foreign food are sold at non-tourist prices.

The girls are friendly and pleasant and mostly leave you alone - if you want to be left alone - outside of the Go-Go bars. However, they are close by if you are in the mood. 

You obviously never stayed at the same hotel I and a mate did once. The cleaners burst into his room... while he was unpacking! and demanded he pay for the mini-bar bill that the previous occupant had managed to avoid. Apparently it would come out of their pay otherwise.

We had a huge row with the management and stormed off down the street with our cases and a flock of touts and tuk tuks in hot pursuit offering better hotels, massages, ladyboys... what ever our hearts desired.

Hilarious, but not relaxing! :lol:

Edit: But then again he may have drank six beers and used four condoms in the 15 minutes he had the room!

You obviously never stayed at the same hotel I and a mate did once. The cleaners burst into his room... while he was unpacking! and demanded he pay for the mini-bar bill that the previous occupant had managed to avoid. Apparently it would come out of their pay otherwise.

We had a huge row with the management and stormed off down the street with our cases and a flock of touts and tuk tuks in hot pursuit offering better hotels, massages, ladyboys... what ever our hearts desired.

Hilarious, but not relaxing!   :lol:

Edit: But then again he may have drank six beers and used four condoms in the 15 minutes he had the room!

Quite honestly, the first thing I try to do is make them take all that junk out of the room. I've had too many problems with hotel staff insisting that I pay for something that I did not use. Actually, the last time I stayed at the Diana Inn - which I love - the manager ended up saying that he would have to pay for the "missing" items personally.

They had refused to take the crap out when I checked in and I had not brought anyone to the room nor touched it myself, so I just refused to be fleeced. 

I noticed some hotels now just provide an empty fridge.

I suppose the little they make out of a minibar wasn't worth the hassle. Everything is usually available on the room service menu though.

Went on a golf tour to Australia some years back stayed in a good hotel and was shocked two days into the tour when money went missing from some of the tourists safe deposit boxes. Whole of the counter staff claimed no money had ever been left in the first place !!!!

Well what to do ?

Sadly for them, we had not told the hotel we were the Royal Hong Kong Police Golf team and our hosts starting on day three were......yep the local heads of State and Federal police. Funny we got the money back..........

In Thailand stayed, at the Acacia Lodge in Patters whilst second house being built. Each and every safe deposit box turned over, sadly not the same result as above. Beware safe Deposit boxes in second line hotels.

You obviously never stayed at the same hotel I and a mate did once. The cleaners burst into his room... while he was unpacking! and demanded he pay for the mini-bar bill that the previous occupant had managed to avoid. Apparently it would come out of their pay otherwise.

We had a huge row with the management and stormed off down the street with our cases and a flock of touts and tuk tuks in hot pursuit offering better hotels, massages, ladyboys... what ever our hearts desired.

Hilarious, but not relaxing! :lol:

Edit: But then again he may have drank six beers and used four condoms in the 15 minutes he had the room!

Quite honestly, the first thing I try to do is make them take all that junk out of the room. I've had too many problems with hotel staff insisting that I pay for something that I did not use. Actually, the last time I stayed at the Diana Inn - which I love - the manager ended up saying that he would have to pay for the "missing" items personally.

They had refused to take the crap out when I checked in and I had not brought anyone to the room nor touched it myself, so I just refused to be fleeced.

Same happened to me. I think it is a common scam and now I won't go into the room until the staff remove the stuff from the fridge. They don''t over do it... just a few items so you won't get too upset and pay the difference.

Went on a golf tour to Australia some years back stayed in a good hotel and was shocked two days into the tour when money went missing from some of the tourists safe deposit boxes. Whole of the counter staff claimed no money had ever been left in the first place !!!!

Well what to do ?

Sadly for them, we had not told the hotel we were the Royal Hong Kong Police Golf team and our hosts starting on day three were......yep the local heads of State and Federal police. Funny we got the money back..........

In Thailand stayed, at the Acacia Lodge in Patters whilst second house being built. Each and every safe deposit box turned over, sadly not the same result as above. Beware safe Deposit boxes in second line hotels.

Happens in Angeles City all the time in the Philippines. That is one of the many reasons why I don't go back there. In Pattaya one year I was staying at one of the Sawadee hotels and it happened in one of their sister hotels... cleaned everyone out..

For me and my family it is up in the Mae Wong National park in Khampeang Phet province.

It is about 15 km up the road from the house and we go up most Sundays.

The girl is my friends daughter and last month she started work as a ranger up there.

The staff up there are friendly and some speak English.

You can get up as far as Chong Yen (the last photo) where the road stops and for the really fit there is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall only 9 km walk each way down the track.

Up there there are cabins to rent and you can camp as well.

The sad news for some is that the nearest 7/11 is about 100 km away and there is no electricity either.

There is however peace and tranquilty.

I gotten get up along the Mekong when I get to LOS, these pictures are stunning. Yes, the Missouri can be pretty but really only in untouched places like Montana. Around my neck of the woods it's filled with garbage and smells so bad. Along the river here is not somewhere you want to be.

For me and my family it is up in the Mae Wong National park in Khampeang Phet province.

It is about 15 km up the road from the house and we go up most Sundays.

The girl is my friends daughter and last month she started work as a ranger up there.

The staff up there are friendly and some speak English.

You can get up as far as Chong Yen (the last photo) where the road stops and for the really fit there is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall only 9 km walk each way down the track.

Up there there are cabins to rent and you can camp as well.

The sad news for some is that the nearest 7/11 is about 100 km away and there is no electricity either.

There is however peace and tranquilty.

We enjoyed our day in the national park you took us to, guess this is it.

Ahhhhh, Bill, wot say when we come thru' next time, we try this?

You can get up as far as Chong Yen (the last photo) where the road stops and for the really fit there is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall only 9 km walk each way down the track.

My gal and I are hoping for next year, early.

Have our 1st wedding anniversary in Manilla, May.

For me and my family it is up in the Mae Wong National park in Khampeang Phet province.

It is about 15 km up the road from the house and we go up most Sundays.

The girl is my friends daughter and last month she started work as a ranger up there.

The staff up there are friendly and some speak English.

You can get up as far as Chong Yen (the last photo) where the road stops and for the really fit there is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall only 9 km walk each way down the track.

Up there there are cabins to rent and you can camp as well.

The sad news for some is that the nearest 7/11 is about 100 km away and there is no electricity either.

There is however peace and tranquilty.

We enjoyed our day in the national park you took us to, guess this is it.

Ahhhhh, Bill, wot say when we come thru' next time, we try this?

You can get up as far as Chong Yen (the last photo) where the road stops and for the really fit there is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall only 9 km walk each way down the track.

My gal and I are hoping for next year, early.

Have our 1st wedding anniversary in Manilla, May.

Hi Pete

Errrr

Remember that it is about 9 km each way to walk and everything you need to take you have to carry.

For me I think I would need an off-road electric wheelchair with drinks cabinet, a/c, a dam_n great big battery pack and an eyebolt on the roof for a helicopter lift.

For me and my family it is up in the Mae Wong National park in Khampeang Phet province.

It is about 15 km up the road from the house and we go up most Sundays.

The girl is my friends daughter and last month she started work as a ranger up there.

The staff up there are friendly and some speak English.

You can get up as far as Chong Yen (the last photo) where the road stops and for the really fit there is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall only 9 km walk each way down the track.

Up there there are cabins to rent and you can camp as well.

The sad news for some is that the nearest 7/11 is about 100 km away and there is no electricity either.

There is however peace and tranquilty.

We enjoyed our day in the national park you took us to, guess this is it.

Ahhhhh, Bill, wot say when we come thru' next time, we try this?

You can get up as far as Chong Yen (the last photo) where the road stops and for the really fit there is supposed to be a beautiful waterfall only 9 km walk each way down the track.

My gal and I are hoping for next year, early.

Have our 1st wedding anniversary in Manilla, May.

Hi Pete

Errrr

Remember that it is about 9 km each way to walk and everything you need to take you have to carry.

For me I think I would need an off-road electric wheelchair with drinks cabinet, a/c, a dam_n great big battery pack and an eyebolt on the roof for a helicopter lift.

Yeah, about same as my place into CBD and back.

Paths may not be as good.......hehe

I like the idea of a Off Road Wheelchair, yeaaaaaaaah

With the suggested extras,

When you want to people watch:

The Happy Beer Garden on Suriwong, directly opposite PatPong, brilliant for many reasons, seeing the FNG's walking into a world they have never inhabited before and walking out in quick time with a new squeeze.

Having a 'no pressure', quiet drink and a chat with the waitresses, being chatted up by a 'walkby', and offered a freebee from a ladyboy that has fallen and hit every branch on the ugly tree on the way down.

For pure relaxation:

Lumpini Park, a sanctuary in the midst of chaos

Paradise:

My apartment on Maerampheung, long golden sands, few tourists, and sunsets that were made in an alternative universe that I have ever known.

Walking & Drinking:

The Dreaming Spires, buildings of historic importance, quiet beers and rumours of Tolkien, Lewis, Pullman and Newman, echoes of Martin Luther and the rippling waters of the Isis, Thames and Cherwell winding their way through an historic city of wonders and knowledge.

Back in Time:

Walking round Kilfinane, catching an impromptu tune, pub to pub, friendly smiles, yarns of old, a retelling of lineage, a song will evolve, the crowd will rise to a rousing chorus.

Offers of Lunch from people I barely know, building hay bales, being caught in a traffic jam of bovine indifference, aunties of 90, cousins of 3, blackrock mountain and Corks's Blarney.

But most of all:

My son and all it involves.

Oxford was fantastic, mossy. I will definitely make a return trip to the UK.

For me it was a walk on the Yorkshire Dales. Absolutely peaceful. Wouldn't want to live there, but a terrific place to get away.

But, since we are talking about Thailand, guess it would have to be the beach in front of my house at sunset during low season in between full moon parties.

When you want to people watch:

The Happy Beer Garden on Suriwong, directly opposite PatPong, brilliant for many reasons, seeing the FNG's walking into a world they have never inhabited before and walking out in quick time with a new squeeze.

Having a 'no pressure', quiet drink and a chat with the waitresses, being chatted up by a 'walkby', and offered a freebee from a ladyboy that has fallen and hit every branch on the ugly tree on the way down.

For pure relaxation:

Lumpini Park, a sanctuary in the midst of chaos

Paradise:

My apartment on Maerampheung, long golden sands, few tourists, and sunsets that were made in an alternative universe that I have ever known.

Walking & Drinking:

The Dreaming Spires, buildings of historic importance, quiet beers and rumours of Tolkien, Lewis, Pullman and Newman, echoes of Martin Luther and the rippling waters of the Isis, Thames and Cherwell winding their way through an historic city of wonders and knowledge.

Back in Time:

Walking round Kilfinane, catching an impromptu tune, pub to pub, friendly smiles, yarns of old, a retelling of lineage, a song will evolve, the crowd will rise to a rousing chorus.

Offers of Lunch from people I barely know, building hay bales, being caught in a traffic jam of bovine indifference, aunties of 90, cousins of 3, blackrock mountain and Corks's Blarney.

But most of all:

My son and all it involves.

Maerampneung !!!

Love it love it love it...................You are a wise man to relax there mate, what a beach.

Oxford was fantastic, mossy. I will definitely make a return trip to the UK.

I am afraid I did not do it justice that day, although it was a great day all round.

The old fella in the Saxon Tower, both had water problems one had rising damp the other had sprung a leak

Maerampneung !!!

Love it love it love it...................You are a wise man to relax there mate, what a beach.

You know it then S', where have you stayed on the beach?