First time Thailand experiences and my Pattaya memories.
I have been coming to Thailand since 1988, the first time on vacation to Pattaya with friends and my Dutch girlfriend. I have seen and experienced a lot since then and try to describe how and what. Let me start at the beginning and how I experienced it, the nostalgia with all its memories, I try to send my mind on vacation, it is also said that nostalgia is dreaming backwards. In any case, I cherish the memories and often play the movie back how it all went, was, started and ended.
Little step may be the beginning of a great journey.
Let's just start with the air travel, the trip to Thailand, to 'Don Muang', which was then the 'International Airport of Thailand'. It was the first plane ride for me and all of us, and then immediately so long, but as I remember it it wasn't too bad.
When we arrived, we immediately noticed the height of the people, they were smaller and the wall you had to face, the clammy heat, it was hot here. And I will never forget the grumpy, angry looking immigration, the Thai customs who really took it easy.
Booking a cab for the first time, in those days you had those square Volvos, the so-called limousines but there were five of us so we rented a mini van. It took a while because we had to stack a lot of suitcases on the roof. Finally we were on our way and it was no fun, a 6 hour trip in the crowds.
Right through Bangkok, no toll roads, many accidents and lots of honking, very very chaotic. After experiencing this, I always do a quick prayer when I have to participate in traffic in Thailand. After the first time, often went on vacation alone or with a good friend and we always took a passenger car. I was very happy with the toll roads and with the new airport which can get you to Pattaya in an hour and a half.
First stay in Pattaya at the 'Palm Garden Hotel' in 1988.
Arriving in Pattaya, I checked into the 'Palm Garden Hotel' in North Pattaya, on the recommendation of many acquaintances who stayed there and all the Dutch kickboxers who also stayed here. After that I went there one more time and then picked other accommodations to stay. These included 'Mr Mac', 'Lek hotel', 'Flipper Lodge', 'Windmill hotel' and the 'Holiday Mansion hotel'. I stayed in these hotels throughout my vacations with satisfaction. After that, it was mostly apartments (Soi Bongkot) condos (Jomtien) and houses ('Soi Jiraporn', 'Suksabai Villa', 'The Village') as I stayed and moved in for longer periods.
End of era 'Palm Garden Hotel', North Pattaya, 2022.
Also this nostalgic place, my first hotel will be demolished and has to go for new construction, the 'Palm Garden Hotel' in North Pattaya has to go too and with pain in my heart will be demolished mid 2022.
I started training in one of the most famous Muay Thai training camps Thailand had and that was the famous 'Sityodtong Muay Thai Camp' in Pattaya led by the now deceased 'Yodtong Senanan' (28-08-1937 - 08-02-2013). How much I enjoyed training there, the experiences, meeting some of the world's best such as 'Samart Payakaroon' and 'Kongtoranee'. In 1988 Samart was training hard just like 'Kongtoranee', and there were the Dutch top kick boxers and good acquaintances of mine, 'Rob Kaman' and 'Ramon Dekkers' (who unfortunately died too soon, 04-09-1969 - 27-02-2013), two of the all time greats. I am still very grateful that I ended up in Pattaya at my youth, came to train in this most famous camp and got to know the best 'Muay Thai Fighters'.
Old Lumpini Stadium Bangkok.
This was a very special and beautiful experience for me in 1988 when I visited the famous Lumpini Stadium with my friends under the guidance of 'Yodtong Senanan', the owner of the famous Muay Thai training camp.
Also trained for a time at 'Sport Garden' in North Pattaya and at the 'Golds Gym' which was then at the end of 'Walking Street' and later moved to 'Soi Lucky Star'. Had private training sessions with famous fighters in Rob Kaman's garden where he had a ring with a nice pool next to it. Also trained at 'Scorpions gym' which later became 'Golden Glory' and with Ood who had a small Muay Thai camp next to his beach club at the 'Dongtarn Beach, Jomtien'.
Later also often went to 'Gym International' on the 'Pattaya Third Road'. All this in the times from the beginning in 1988 until 2010. Moved to Nakhon Ratchasima and enjoyed training there at 'Fitness First' in the large shopping mall 'The Mall'. After two years I went to Hua Hin and trained at 'Letic Gym', when we left for Bangkok I trained for another 6 months at the branch of 'Fitness First' at Sukhumvit 40, really good gyms.
Back to the beginning of my Thailand adventure, back to 1988, I love all the flashbacks, the moped, I had two back then, a small one with a basket on the front and an off the road Honda 125 cc, where I flew down the Buddha Hill in the sharp hairpin. This hill was all clay soil with the 'Buddha' under construction and white in color.
I'm sure I've forgotten a lot, but this came to mind. A lot has changed in 35 years, I cherish the times when 'Soi Bua Khao' was a directional traffic to North and it was just red clay you drove on. It was one way back on the Pattaya Second road to south, so not like now for the last 20 years one way to north. The old speedboats, the old jet skis, very old low cabs, and I could go on and on. In 1988 it was already a small town, formed from a fishing village, but now it has become a very big city.
First time a Songtaew, a Two Row Bahtbus.
Also never forget my first ride in a blue cab, a 'Songtaew'. They were made for very small people, I'm not tall but always had to sit in it crouched down. Later in the course of years these Blue open taxi's were made a lot higher.
I also remember taking my first step into the 'Mike Shopping Mall', with entrance on Pattaya 2nd Rd and Beach Rd, was also a lovely place to go up to the roof and take a swim in the pool from time to time. The 'Royal Garden Plaza mall' with the well known 'Airplane against the outside wall' and formerly known for its many freelancers and also long known for 'Riply's believe it or not'. But the times before when it was just a simple tasty food court on that floor were top times, nice cheap food in the afternoon and always full of female beauty.
The most famous bit of beach for me was the bit of Ood and Tuum on 'Dongtarn Beach' in Jomtien. Was also because of all the famous and all the Dutch fighters came there, it was actually a combination of 'Thai boxing', 'Palm Garden Hotel' and 'Dongtarn beach' at Ood and Tuum.
First sauna, spa and Thai massage experience.
My very first time taking a Thai massage was around the corner where we were staying, 'Silom Sauna' located in soi 2 of the Pattaya 2nd Rd. This was in 1988 and many more visits followed during the years and sometimes I would also take just across the street or a little further where you had the fish bowls as Sabailand and Sabai Dee. I also often went behind Palladium where you got really good thai massages and not to forget; the 'TBMI', the 'Thai Blind Massage Institute' where blind Thai men massage really well and skillfully.
First time to Koh Larn island, 1988. Amazing time, relaxing, beautiful and very quiet.
My first time to Koh Larn, the beautiful island off the coast of Pattaya. The first time in 1988 we had our private beach, really a beautiful stretch of white beach and with blue clear water. Not to be compared to this century, actually I can say the last 20 years, with a great big crowd leaving daily from the Bali Hai pier to this island, which is now a tourist attraction with thousands of visitors every day.
In 1988, I was allowed to experience leaving in a small private yacht from Jomtien and going there with a few close friends. Only 2 boats at the beautiful water, the once from us and the one from the beach owner who had that time eight beach chairs end a very small place to eat something. How we enjoyed the silence, the beautiful views, the water, the jungle and the small restaurant or what was supposed to look like it which had prepared a delicious lunch with lots of fresh fish especially for us. What a special time and would never have wanted to miss this 35 years ago.
First jet ski I rented on the Dongtarn beach at Jomtien in 1988.
The first jet ski I rented to play for 20 minutes. I rented the Jet Ski on Dongtarn Beach near the police station in 1988. It was a great experience, just a pity it stopped 4 times on open water. Over the years the Jet Skis have become much more modern, as well as the many ways to scam you with those jet ski, be careful, it's not the late 1980s anymore.
First manicure on the beach.
I remember this too well, the services offered of manicures and/or pedicures on the beach. Can still remember that it was 100 Baht for one part and 200 Baht for both. I always told them to disinfect their files and nail clippers well, there were cases of people getting a nasty infection from dirty material from these beach girls.
Look at him enjoying himself, you may have a bias because of his belly or appearance, is your right but he is enjoying himself on the beach with such a treatment.
First local English newspapers in Pattaya.
I was happy in 1993 with the Pattaya Mail in the English language, I always read it with pleasure. This newspaper was the first and longest lasting English language one in Pattaya. You also had the Pattaya Today but I don't know exactly what year this newspaper started, but I bought it often for 25 baht.
First time in Korat, the Isaan.
I will never forget the first time in Nakhon Ratchasima in 1990, I was walking around and was in the center at the shopping center 'Klang Plaza'. To my surprise I saw a kiosk out there where they sold foreign newspapers and down the stairs there was a Kentucky Fried Chicken, I couldn't believe my eyes, was the only foreigner here and was a KFC. That was a very nice experience and it tasted excellent. Over the years Thai people have gained some weight. They love the Mc Donalds, Burger King and KFC, they are everywhere now, and usually fully packed. Fast food is populair in Thailand.
First night time experiences.
I will never forget my first evening in Pattaya, we walked out of the 'Palm Garden Hotel' and ended up next door in the bar area of Soi 2. I did not know what I was experiencing but because I had my Dutch girlfriend with me I could not really let myself go, fortunately. I was able to take everything in, one thing was certain, I did like this life here.
Populair place was the 'Walking Street' with some nice side soi's, One of those, Soi Diamond had the 'Baby go go's 1, 2 and 3' and the famous rotating 'Carousel Bar'. We all know the various 'Walking Street Signs' at the beginning of this 'International Meeting Street' This famous welcome sign has been replaced quite a few times over the last 30 years.
The 'Caligula', 'Tahitian Queen', 'Nevada Rock', 'Dollhouse', and always sitting downstairs watching that 'Thai Show Boxing' and then going upstairs into the disco, the 'Marin bar'. The pit we called it and always in the middle of the night at 03.00 lucky number, great times. After that the most moved to 'Marine 2', this place opened after 03.00.
Also a popular place to go in the late 80s was the famous 'Best Friend Bar' a bar complex about 300 meters before the 'Walking Street' on 'Beach Road'. Here you could sit at a bar and in the middle was a ring where at least real Thai boxing fights took place. Many hours, days, weeks, years spent there, and sometimes i went inside the Blue Lagoon, an a go go entertainment. Also the bar at the end with a small swimming pool was a party remember.
Best friend bar at the beginning of this century.
Later in the 90's it became busier with the go-go business, the coyote clubs and many bars. I'm not going to mention them all by name but I had fun in Soi 2 and Soi 4 in North Pattaya, e.g. 'Cherry bar', 'Atlantic', 'Honey Pot Coyote Club', 'Lek Classroom', 'Utoo bar', Soi 7 and Soi 8 in Central Pattaya, 'The Reeves', 'Sailor bar', 'Anna Jet' and many many more.
Anna Jet Soi 7.
The well known Soi 7, at this pic it's already not that busy as a few years before at this famous soi with 'Anna Jet', the famous party bar, occasionally a drink but not for the whole evening, the music was usually too loud for me. But sometimes I walked out of the door when it was ready to close and had a good time, probably because of the company.
Soi 6 of course, an populair 'In the Afternoon Street'. Had always a good and fun time there and also 'Soi Pattayaland 2', see the picture below from 2005, it was a great street years ago with many nice and never forgotten memories.
I remember there times that it was everywhere busy, not easy to walk and full of Thai girls everywhere. I saw it changed to a nice street with a lot of 'free lancers' and every year less foreigneers, but still a lovely Soi. 'Soi Post office', Soi 13/1 and 13/2 and 'Walking Street' with 'Peppermint', 'Coyote a go go', 'Happy', 'Electric Blue', 'Casino club', 'Teazers', 'Heaven Aboven', 'Sharky's', 'Misty's', 'Beach Club', 'Coyote club', 'Lucifers", 'Tony's', the old and new 'Insomnia', 'Marin bar 1 and 2', the 'Boom bar' and many more fun entertainment businesses experienced over all the years.
The 'Old Peppermint' at the groundfloor of the Walking Street before it moved upstairs next to the 'Marin Bar'.
I want to mention Two another great bars, complete different styles, but i had in both wonderful times; The 'Buffalo Bar' at the Pattaya Third Road and the 'Bamboo Bar' at the South Pattaya Road. Also a place what i never will forget is 'P72' a bar and restaurant in 'Walking Street'. I have very special memories there, going way back, over 30 years ago I had really great times there.
The entrance to the 'Old Insomnia' above the 'Lam Morrison House of Rock' at the 'Marin Plaza' in South Pattaya. Great times had there, but even when we walked that way, it was so crowded downstairs that we quickly went to another nice place to enjoy. The 'Insomnia Vip Card' from years ago, I think from around 2005 or even earlier. The 'Insomnia Clubs' in 'Soi Diamond' and 'Soi Marine' in South Pattaya and the Gentlemen's Club 'Party Bar' in Soi 8. Had great times at all three places.
Later 'Soi made in Thailand', 'Soi Honey Inn', 'Soi Bua Khao', 'Soi New Plaza', 'Soi Diana' were added, too many to mention. Simon's bar complexes in North and in South, Naklua and of course 'Soi LK Metro', it was being built, I rode on my moped through a very empty street, from 'Soi Diana' to 'Soi Bua Khao' everything was under construction and for rent. Well 1 building was already a business, that was a gym and at the time it was for sale for 500,000 Baht with a rent of 15,000 a month.
I didn't do it but in retrospect a bit of a regret because it was gone a month later and 'Champagne a go go' was born there. Now it is a big nightlife area, I personally have good memories of 'Club Blu', 'Fcuk bar' and more places at this street, the busy and well know LK Metro.
I must not forget three other nostalgic places, 'Star Dice' in North Pattaya, 'Hollywood' in Central Pattaya and the 'X-Zyte' on the Pattaya 3rd road. Had great times there.
The 'X-Zyte', I had such a nice time in this very special entertainment business the 'X-Zyte' on the Pattaya 3Rd and next to the small soi X-Zyte, it hurt me very much to see that the this well known and famous business closed and then was razed to the ground. Very unfortunate and with nostalgia i think back to the golden times I had inside.
August, 2011, the bulldozers came to destroy the X-Zyte.
'Soi Bua Khao' I came regularly to Pook, always found it cozy between the ladyboys of 'Pook Swan House', I could get along with them and a lot of acquaintances of mine. Golden times there, also in the 'Pook bar' in Soi 6.
'Soi B.J.', a great name for a small street. Sign of Soi BJ off Walking Street in South Pattaya.
Check this page for much more entertainment in Pattaya
Another special nostalgic place was near the intersection of the Pattaya 3rd road and the south Pattaya road, just before the intersection when you're driving on the 3rd road towards Jomtien you have a very small side street, and you had a very special nice little store there 'Carre Blanc' with a French owner. Delicious drinks you had there and and a great time.
Famous bar games in Thailand.
Had never experienced it before, this way of communication. You sit down at a bar and order something to drink. A Thai girl asks you where you're from, what your name is and if you're on vacation and immediately after that "Do you want to play a game? Very strange but it also has something, but the first time I really thought, 'little toddlers they are'. I have done it many times, the domino game for 20 Baht, four in a row for 20 Baht and building a tower with wooden stones. Of course money was often involved because the Thai love a challenge and certainly gambling.
Western Union Big C North Pattaya.
Western Union at the North Pattaya location of the Big C. The second home for many over the past decades, even I have used this service for various reasons. The mostly foreigner sponsors knew where to find this place in their home country and the mostly Thai women knew where to collect their sponsorship money.
Heavy rain and tropical storms in the tropics.
Also the memory of the first tropical rain storm, I had never seen it rain so hard, what a spectacle that was, what a beautiful experience.
But it's not so much fun anymore, a short heavy tropical rain can make you hurt, make driving and walking impossible and more importantly; within a very short time the streets can be flooded.
These photos of 'Soi Bua Khao', 'Soi Leng Kee' and 'Soi Honey' were taken after a heavy rainstorm lasting less than ten minutes. The sewers and drainage system simply cannot handle the amount, a very big problem for large parts of this beautiful country.
