Pattaya

Today we set off for pattaya beach. Was an early start as we had to catch the boat to an island at 9am and we were not sure if traffic was with or against us. After an hours drive on the new highway we were in pattaya which is home to 5 star hotels and go-go bars. The luxurious Hard Rock Hotel and Sheraton nestled in the Pattayawood hills.

Koh Larn was our destination, an island just off the coast from pattaya city. It was a nice boat ride there in just under 40mins it was the first time for both of us. We landed on the beach via a long tail boat and the coordinator informed us of the activities. Immediately the display of assault rifles and handguns in the picture of the booklet caught my eye. I asked AL to confirm that we could infact fire live rounds from real assault rifles with confirmation we were shortly on our way up the hill and over to the otherside of the island. On arrival in true Thai style was the firing range broken down and like something out of a movie. Sure enough there they were shotguns, m16’s, magnum’s, .38’s, 9mm all the colours of the rainbow. With some kind words from AL’s we were allowed to take some snaps for free with the guns.

After firing off a few rounds and playing Rambo with the guns it started to pee down. We were stuck at the firing range and had a conversation with the locals about the island. We also got some tips about some good diving spots on neighboring islands. We headed back to the beach for a feed and some beers. The rain had stopped and the sun was shining, hence the beach was dotted with bikini clad tourists. Unfortunately for me they were unable to speak English. Still I managed to get a few snaps. After a few hours we were back on the boat to pattaya. We picked up AL’s girlfriend and headed for some dinner then we checked into the resort. This was really nice, with soft bed tv and also a hot shower….now you may ask why I would want a hot shower? Well believe it or not but it was rather refreshing. The warmish cold shower for some reason just doesn’t cut it. After a dip in the lagoon pool and a good nights sleep it was back to pattaya city for some lunch on the beach and then hit the shopping mall which most sporting and label producers have an outlet store. Managing to pickup some nice threads and another visit to the markets it was goodbye to beer and back to BKK.