Pattaya By Night

Pattaya used to be a "rest and recreation" town for American military personnel during the Vietnam war. That is why there are still a lot of bars with sexy Thai women at their front doors to entice customers. This town comes alive at night specially at the Walking Street where most of the bars are located.

Nevertheless, the town has transformed itself into a more wholesome and family oriented place but at the same time maintaining its original sleazy establishments which have become tourist attractions by themselves.

The beaches of Pattaya are also beautifully lighted at night and provides for a colorful view during a night stroll along the beach. This town does not seem to sleep becoming some sort of a Las Vegas of Thailand minus the casinos.

Pattaya By Day

I rediscovered Pattaya on a recent trip to Thailand. It is now easy to travel to Pattaya from Bangkok. There are aircon buses at the airport in Bangkok that will bring you direct to Pattaya for only 106 Baht and the trip takes less than 2 hours on a direct expressway route to Pattaya. The trip is sometimes even faster than the travel time to downtown Bangkok hotel from the airport and is even cheaper than the airport shuttle.

Another option is if you are already in Bangkok and not traveling from the airport, is to take the Bell Buses that will pick you from your hotel for the trip to Pattaya. This cost a reasonable 350 Baht which is less the total cost of taking a taxi to the bus station and then the bus to Pattaya.

Anyway, the Bangkok Pattaya bus service from the airport is a pleasant ride on a really good bus with ample leg room and comfortable seats. I enjoyed the ride as much as my stay in Pattaya.

Pattaya now is more progressive but is not crowded with people and does not suffer from the traffic congestion of Bangkok. Choices for shopping and dining can now rival Bangkok. There are a number of big and modern malls, good restaurants, and reasonably priced hotels. And everything is actually cheaper in Pattaya. The place is also by the beach and therefore provides for a more relaxing vacation.

I particularly enjoy the foot massage here which for reasons unknown to me seems to be better than the ones I tried in Bangkok. And again it cost less. Next time I go to Thailand I will be making Pattaya my base instead of Bangkok.

Peacefully Beautiful Bantayan

If you are after a beautiful beach that is peaceful and quiet for a really relaxing vacation, Bantayan Beach in Cebu is the place to go. Its long stretch of powdery white sand beach rivals Boracay. And sea here is calm, more pristine, and cleaner. It does not have the seaweeds that are common in Boracay shores.

The place does not have the variety and number of bars and restaurants that makes Boracay vibrant and alive. Bantayan instead provides a more laid back beach life, down to basics of really have a relaxing and fun time in a truly beautiful beach.

This island paradise is a 3 hour bus ride to the town of Hignaya from Cebu City. From Hignaya you take a 1 hour ferry to the port of Sta Fe in Bantayan.

Sunsets at Boracay

Boracay continues to be the Philippines top beach destination. Deservedly so because of its really fine white sand beach and clean waters (except during the summer season). For people who like the good life, there are plenty of good restaurants and an active night life.

But for me the main attraction is still the beautiful beach and an added bonus to this is the glorious sunset of Boracay. Watching the sunset by the beach is calming. Another way is to take a Paraw ( local sail boats) and watch this early evening event from a boat. The latter has increasingly become popular.

Hoi An: Blast from the Past

One of the most popular destinations in Vietnam is Hoi An, a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is a well preserved 15th to 19th century town which used to be trading port.

Hoi An is interesting because of the old houses most of which now operate as restaurants, shops, art galleries, and hotels catering primarily to tourists. Vehicles are banned from entering the town so you can enjoy a leisurely walk around. It is also known for its good food and there are restaurants that offer cooking lessons. However, I prefer the food in Hue.

From Hoi An, you can bike to Danang, a fine sand beach community for a relaxing time by the sea.

Amazing Water Puppet Show

If you are going to Hanoi, you have to find time to watch the water puppet show at the Thang Long Theater. I had very low expectations when I went but I was really glad that I did because the show was absolutely entertaining.

The one hour show had puppets in motion like dancing and fighting in waist deep waters accompanied by a narration and Vietnamese music. It is an amazing show and its always a full house so it is best to buy your ticket in advance.

Historical Hue

One of my favorite places in Vietnam is Hue which used to be the Royal Capital of Vietnam. It has a lot of historical places like a fortress, pagodas and royal tombs.

But one really makes the place distinct is that it is in Hue that you will find the best food in Vietnam. Perhaps it is because it is where the royalty used to lived which is why they have food that is really fit for kings and queens.

I can not remember the names of the flour based dishes that I had but I vividly remember how good the food tasted that just writing about it now makes me want to go back again to Hue if only for the food. The desserts with beans and sweet soup are also heavenly.