biggles

I still remember the bar in Jomtien years ago where the girls would play naked, for a tip. Unfortunately you would then likely tip them to get dressed again!!

No TM6 but Immig want to see your boarding pass

Is it still the same Brit owner? Must have had it 15+ years if it is.

We just spent 6 nights staying on Bui Vien St, our 3rd trip to Vietnam and HCMC. In Bui Vien the emphasis is on the street, and drinking rather than inside bars or gogo like in Pattaya. Businesses take over the sidewalk and road with tables/chairs to sell food and drinks. The noise level is huge with each venue competing for customers. Black T shirt Security guys try to herd you into their place, as do some girls. 'Walking St' is a misnomer that can catch you unawares. It is only blocked to traffic at weekends. Even then you get bikes passing. Mon to Fri it's very dangerous, riders speeding thru, often eye-balling the sights. Traffic only has a narrow thru way due to the volume of pedestrians and the street encroachment by businesses. As you can see from the video, it's a noisy, vibrant place.

Whenever I read these reports of how Thai Immig treat, often elderly, retirees, I am thankful that I decided to retire to the Philippines. I got the SRRV Retirement Visa 14 years ago and I have NEVER visited an immig office since. All handled thru a govt agency, the PRA. Very helpful and efficient. Partner and I have visited Pattaya, usually 4-5 MO nths a year, on 60 day TV or 30 day entry since that time with no dramas. Philippine immig makes it very easy for foreigners to stay. You can actually enter on a visa free entry and just pay to extend for upto 36 months. Unfortunately they often make it bloody hard for their citizens to leave!!

Just settling in to our long term rented room (13 years) in Pattaya. Here for 39 days again. Came via 15 days in Vietnam, which was good, but different.

Did u clock the number plate?

Back Australia in 1973 I had a metallic blue 1968 Mustang with the 390 c.i motor. Boy, could that thing go but the suspension left a bit to be desired. I loved it. Sold it (more space needed) for a 1967 Ford Falcon GT, a classic Oz sedan and the first in a line of hot V8 sedans from Ford and GMH. We thought they were so fast but when I look at their performance data now, many recent sedans beat them.

Sailor bar has done a major expansion, increasing the table capacity and now looks out onto Soi8. They must have confidence in their future, tho its never been a 'girlie' bar and now even more a restaurant than before.

Are u in OZ, that's bloody hot!

Not many tourists would stay for more than 30 days and would enter Visa Exempt? Sounds good till you read the fine print.

I retired 27 years ago at 51 and spent a lot of time travelling in ASIA, first solo then with my partner of 14 years. We spent 5 months a year in Pattaya where we still keep a place. Now at 78 it is getting a bit much, tho we leave next week for 2 weeks in Vietnam and four in Pattaya. Will seriously have to consider how much longer I want to do it, but she really loves it so what's a guy to do!!

Harborside mall is pretty deserted now so parking should be easy. A bit further to walk tho.

Must be fun going around corners!

You also seem to think that you know more than a man who has been manager in some of Pattaya busiest gogos for 20 years. He also still has personal contact with owners, managers and staff, who would be more likely to speak the truth to someone they like and respect than some random nobody. Now that takes some ego, even for you.!!