Nana Plaza in Bangkok

Bangkok Hot Spots

Located in Sukhumvit Soi 4, Nana Entertainment Plaza is Bangkok's sleaze central. Notorious for its racy themed go-go bars - from school-girl and leather dominatrix to ladyboy - it's literally a 'sex mall', with three storeys of eye-popping activity all focused around a square-shaped central atrium. Unlike at the better-known Soi Cowboy or Patpong, Nana is a 'more adult' scene. That means no families, no markets and few curious tourists strolling in for a look. It is still worth a look if you are looking for an exotic visual experience, and a photo to talk about when back home.

Walking down Soi 4 from Sukhumvit Road, you'll know you're approaching Nana when you spot the line of street vendor carts preparing an array of weird and wonderful bites. These include 'som tum' (spicy green papaya salad), 'kai tod' (charcoal-grilled chicken) and fried insects, among other odd delicacies - comfort food for the bargirls who mostly hail from Thailand's northeastern Isaan Province.
Young girls in halter tops and short mini-skirts can be found filling up bags of crispy invertebrates, which they chop up and eat with rice and a dash of 'nam prik', chili and shrimp jam (watching them refuel on these down-to-earth pleasures, even joining in, makes for an interesting diversion from the other sorts of pleasures found here)

Nana Entertainment Plaza

Greeting you when you pass beneath the monstrous 'Nana Entertainment Plaza' entrance sign is a mass of glowing neon signs, yelling at you from all directions. Shouting even louder than the neon is the intriguing cast of upfront characters - ladyboys and girls - who will try and accost you... it's all light-hearted and unthreatening.
On the ground floor are mostly open-air beer bars to choose from. Girls will try to tempt you in for a drink or a game of Jenga but not much really happens here. The shows and the A Go Go Bars with naughty names like Lollipop and Red Lips are located on the first floor.  Girls here will step into your path and will try to drag you in for a look with a naughty laugh.

Nights in White Satin

Ascend up the escalator to the first floor and it's mostly go-go bars. These include Spankys, Fantasia and Rainbow 3. Rainbow 4 is one of the biggest, with hordes of Japanese-looking girls attracting a busy mix of Westerners and Japanese spectators.
G-Spot, Cassanova and Temptations are among the most popular, and it's no surprise - they're ladyboy bars and put on dazzling shows. Angel Witch, on the left, with its lesbian and dominatrix shows is also a big hit. A lot of thought and energy clearly goes into the costumes and performances here - girls in elegant but provocative strips of white satin were strutting gracefully to 'Nights in White Satin' on our visit.
For relative calm, head for Big Dogs bar on the left corner of the entrance. This is a humble watering-hole, with beers and a raised terrace view onto the street and alleyway.

Nong Khai Naga Fireballs – The Mysterious Phenomenon on Mekong River

At the end of Buddhist Lent each year, along the Mekong River, there is an event that remains a mystery for the people of the Nong Khai province. Annually, on the night of the 11th lunar month, the natural wonder of Naga fireballs appears for those who come to observe the phenomenon. Naga Fireballs or Bang Fai Phaya Nak Festival, the famous spectacle where hundreds of flaming orbs rise up from the river, annually attracts people from all regions of the country to gather along the banks of the Mekong River to observe the amazing and unexplained fireball event.
The Naga Fireball festival will be held on the full moon night of 11th lunar month, also the end of Buddhist Lent  in Nong Khai province. This fireball phenomenon occurs over takes 1-3 days only at this time of year. What people will witness are mysterious fireballs that erupt from the surface of Mekong River in a relatively short flight before they are extinguished. There is no sound, no smoke, and no fragments from the fireballs have ever been retrieved. Typically the fireballs are visible only after sunset and local legend is that the fire balls come from Naga, a Thai Dragon.
Based on the Buddhist Legend, the Naga or the king serpents are ferocious mythical animals that lived in underwater dwellings. Naga can alter their physical appearance to be anything from human to snake. Once they came to know the Lord Buddha, they admired and respected Buddhist teachings and devote themselves to be followers. It is said that the Naga produces these precious fireballs to welcome and pay homage to Lord Buddha when the Lord Buddha comes back from the heaven on the 11th lunar month.

In contrast, some scientists say that this is a natural phenomenon occurring from methane gas ignition. Some people think that it is a man-made hoax. However, no matter what causes the fireballs, supernatural phenomenon or fun ruse, the event is nonetheless a great opportunity for Thai people to come out and celebrate the end of Buddhist lent and to enjoy a fun and spiritual evening.
Many Thais, especially rural villagers, maintain a strong faith and it is a significant religious event to pay respect to the river and to the Naga. For all involved, every time of the red-pink Naga Fireballs bursts upwards the people will greet it with joyous cheers.

To witness the Naga fireballs, there are several spots along Mekong River in the Nong Khai area for watching; for example, Pha Tang village in Sangkhom district, Hin Mak Peng Temple in Si Chiangmai District, Pak Khat District, Rattana Wapi District, etc. The most eventful Naga Fireball exhibition can be seen at Phon Phisai District. If you set out to see these fiery orbs of the mighty Mekong River, just make sure you talk to the locals to find a good place from where to watch.
The Naga Fireball festival will also feature food stalls, Naga legend information, Naga Fireball exhibitions, night bazaar, long-boat races, light and sound show, and other events. If you like to join in the fun and be part of the crowd, the Naga Fireball Festival promises to be unique and enjoyable.

Saving and Gaining Face

After you arrive at your Thai hotel. You are hot, tired, sweaty and are looking forward to a relaxing and invigorating shower. You dump your bags, take off your clothes, and head for bathroom. You turn on the shower -- and nothing happens. You check all the controls, but it simply doesn't work. You call room service, wait for twenty minutes, and no one comes. You put on your clothes and go down to reception.There is the smiling receptionist. 

Now the thing that the Westerner ( Farang ) will do is to complain, annoyed if necessary."I have paid a lot of money for this room, and I expect every thing to work properly, and a quick service, is that too much to expect"? In Thailand, an  attitude like this will get you nowhere.

Unless the staff are used to Westerners, you will get an embarrassed smile and probably no action. 

There are two factors at work here. One is that Thai society is highly non-confrontational . It is rude and a sign of weakness to show anger. The only time a Thai shows their anger is when they have lost control over their feelings and that can be sometimes dangerous, and their actions are unpredictable. Thais can find it hard to accept that Westerners can openly show their anger while still being outwardly in control. So the angry tourists you see are  potentially harmful beasts, and are therefore treated to a smile and little else.

So, if you want a peaceful life, never show anger in front of Thais, which is  easier said than done, but well worth the effort, and good for your self-discipline.

The other factor here is saving face . By complaining, you are making the hotel staff, lose face. In a losing face situation, most Thais will back away and avoid contact as much as possible. It is better to express yourself in a way that allows them to gain face. So, in the case of the faulty shower, if you want the best response, say something like "Oh dear, I am so hot and tired, desperate for a shower, but I can't get it to work. It is probably just that I am a silly Western ( Farang even better ), but can someone help me?" 

The response to this approach will be almost immediate and helpful.

By asking for help and putting yourself down, you have given them a chance to gain face by helping you, and they will almost always be delighted to do whatever they can.
If approached the right way, Thais are the most helpful and friendly people I have ever met. If you ignore their cultural ways then you may regret it!

Bangkok Nightlife

After the sun goes down, Bangkok get its second breath. The heavy traffic subsides and the mad rush is over.
The city is full of night time pleasures, and all areas can be reached by tuk tuk or taxi or for even cheaper travel the BTS ( Skytrain ) or MRT ( Underground system ). So be prepared for a great night out!
There are five major areas these being:-

1. Chidlom - Ploenchit  -  This area's well heeled mix of office suits, ex pat executives and high society Thais makes for a nightlife scene that falls into the upmarket bracket. Think high class restaurants and lavish wine bars with great atmospheres, there are no markets or dens of sin here. 

2. Silom  -  Thailand's 'Wall Street' is by day a place of financial institutions, law firms and multinational corporations. However at night Silom slips out of its suit, transforming into a bustling shopping street and night market, selling such things as bootleg DVDs, trinkets, T shirts and fake watches. These are set next to raucous streets namely red light district Patpong, Soi ( Street ) 2 and Soi 4. 

3. Sukhumvit  -  The nightlife here is exciting, ever evolving, cosmopolitan and can be reduced to three main pursuits: drinking, dancing and debauchery. There are countless pubs and bars most of which are American or European styled, with pool tables and draught beers on sale. They usually close about 1.00am. The hot spots are in Nana Plaza which has Thai style bars and go-go bars mostly set in a three story complex of raucous activity all focused around a square-shaped central atrium.

4. Khao San Road  -  This area takes off at night, neon lights burst into life, music begins blasting out from street side sound systems, while the masses start mapping out the long, alcohol-soaked night lying in front of them. There are no shortage of choices to the upscale 'Silk Bar' and 'Cinnamon', to the quiet tranquility of the back-alley 'Hippie de Bar', or the crude charms of a kerb-side cocktail shack complete with plastic stools and ghetto blaster there is something to suit every mood , taste, budget and cleanliness. Some of the thrifty even opt to purchase beers from the local 7/11's and drink in the street, hobo style.

5. Radchadapisek  -  Young party goers, or those looking to recapture their misspent youth, should head for Royal City Avenue more commonly known as RCA, this long road is one of the few government-designated nightlife zones. Which means they are legally allowed to open until 2.00am. It is busy everyday but especially at weekends when it is full of well dressed young things in their late teens and early 20s and also backpackers bored with Khao San Road scene, there is Hip Hop, R'n'B, House and Trance. Some of the clubs are so packed you can hardly move. There is also a girls-only bar called 'Zeta' catering for the blossoming lesbian scene. 

Soi 6 ( Soi Yodsak ) - Pattaya

Soi 6 in Pattaya is located in Central Pattaya between Beach Road and Second Road it is also called Soi Yodsak.
 

Have you come to Pattaya for the culture,food,beaches and shows? then stop reading now!
Soi 6 is for red blooded males and maybe a few females as well, its a Soi like nowhere else in Pattaya, it is sexy, sinful and a little bit seedy as a lot of the bars are dimly lit and small.
I take my newcomer friends to Soi 6 as soon as they arrive, so I can throw them in at the deep end, the look on their faces is a sight to behold, within a few yards of starting the walk they are accosted by pretty, scantily clad girls a lot of whom will run up to them and try to pull them into their bars saying "hello sexy man I want to be with you!" if you say no it's fine but be prepared to be attacked by the next wave of girls at the next bars.
If you decide to go in one of the bars of your own accord then, unless you specifically ask for a certain girl sitting there, then the girl whose turn it is will follow you in, I don't know how they do it but the girls know who's turn it is and strictly stick to it. Once inside then it is up to you, they will first ask you if you want to drink anything which usually you do, nearly all the customers buy the girl a drink and sit with them. The girl will then ask do you want short time with them, which means going at the back or upstairs for whatever you want, I'll leave that to your imagination! I actually have never gone short time with them, but I believe it is about 500 baht, if and when I go in the bars I just chat and have a few drinks, honest! There are a couple of British bars/pubs along the Soi where you can buy bitter beer,cider,guinness and lager, and is frequented by mainly British farangs having a breather from the outside excitement. The bars/pubs are called The Lord Nelson and The Queen Victoria, the queen vic sells very nice food and both have very reasonable rooms for rent, the prices of which depends on the season, they both have websites, so check them out.

If you fancy a ladyboy  ( kateoy ) then there are some on Soi 6 but there are a lot on the back of Soi 6 which is called Soi 6/1.
So if your after some daytime fun and games with your friends, or even alone, I cannot think of anywhere better, it is a place you will never forget, believe me.

A Girl for the Night or maybe longer?

You have come here for the girls OK?

 
That's fine, so have many other men, and 99% of them will go home with everlasting memories of the ladies of Pattaya, and after their experiences, will realise that the loneliest place in Thailand is the 'Bangkok International Airport Departure Lounge'!

OK first of all finding a girl in Pattaya is easier than crossing the road, mind you, that's not so easy sometimes!

The most popular bars are along Second Road, Sois ( Roads ) 6,7, and 8 which run between Beach Road and Second Road and of course the famous Walking Street. The easiest, is to wander in and out of the various bars wherever you are, as they have a festive atmosphere most of the time. As you sit down they will say "welcome" and "do you want a drink?" One or more of them will try and engage you in conversation, the ones who speak English well have probably been there some weeks, and those who can't speak English, and just sit there and smile, have only just arrived. After you have made your choice then you can pay the ladies bar fine, which is the charge levied by the bar for taking the girl away from her work, all bars charge this, and it varies from bar to bar, but is between 300 and 450 baht. Once you are ready to leave with your lady you can either, agree a price there and then or like me, decide in the morning after weighing up the pros and cons of the nights action. The lowest I have paid is 500 baht and the highest is 1,500 baht, I have known some lovestruck men pay a lot more but you do not have to. When arriving at your hotel the girl will hand in her ID card, this for your protection if god forbid there was problems. Up in your hotel room she will act shy and go in the bathroom, shower and come out wearing a towel, they all do this, but as soon as they get in bed they will let you remove it. Some girls are more promiscuous than others, so either tell them at the bar what you like or take pot luck.

In the morning she will politely hang around and wait for you to pay her, once you have paid her she will leave, unless, you want to see her again, then remember you will have to pay the bar fine for every day she is with you but she may charge you less.

Beware some girls will say "I love you" and most of the time they do not mean it,( the very odd time they do!)
because they think you are an easy touch and want you to go on shopping trips with you hoping that you will buy them clothes or jewellery etc, so be warned! 

I fell for this on my first trip, but never again, but then I did not have this blog to read.

Have a good time

I will tell you more about the Thai Bar Girls in later blogs.

Travelling to Udon Thani

If you are considering travelling to Issan especially Udon Thani here are a few suggestions for your travel.
 
Rail Travel 

 
The North East line crosses the Issan plateau via Khon Kaen to Udon Thani and the on to Nong Khai which lies on the Mekong River and borders Laos.
There is an Eastern spur which goes to Nakon Ratchisima ( Korat ) , Buriram, Surin, Sisaket before finishing at Ubon Ratchisima again on the border with Laos.
The Udon trains timetable from Bangkok are as follows:-

Departs 06.20  Arrives  18.10
Departs 16.30  Arrives  05.05
Departs 18.40  Arrives  07.35
Departs 20.00  Arrives  09.14

The 6.20 train does not go through to Nong Khai

Cost

1st class sleeper  1177 baht
2nd class sleeper 689 baht
3rd class seat 245 baht
at the present time 49.55 baht to 1 pound

By Road
Bangkok is 560 miles from and can be a bit scary first times if you have not driven in Thailand before fuel is about 35 baht per litre

By Air

Cost is about 3000 baht and takes 1 hour if you book well in advance with Air Asia you can get it as little as 750 baht for a return trip

By Bus

Bangkok ( Mochit Bus Station )  to Udon Thani
VIP air conditioned buses leave every day only 24 seats at a cost of 990 baht
1st class air conditioned buses leave every day but have 40 seats at a cost of 732 baht




 

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