I guess the beach was too far for the owners of Blue Island Cafe บลูไอส์แลนด์คาเฟ่. They decided to make their own piece of paradise. A marvellous way to chill out for the day on the white sandy beach or inside a kratom beach hut.

Blue Island Cafe is located about 20 minutes out of Ratchaburi City or around 90 minutes from Bangkok depending on what side you are on. A side trip to Blue Island Cafe บลูไอส์แลนด์คาเฟ่ would be possible if you were traveling from Kanchanaburi south towards Hua Hin or the other way around.

The Menu at Blue Island Cafe

A reasonable selection of food available all around 99 baht a dish
All the house-made beverages are 69 baht the same price as the cake selection

I would recommend you try the Tom Yum Dragons Egg.

A reasonable selection of food available all around 99 baht a dish
All the house-made beverages are 69 baht the same price as the cake selection

Video Walkthrough – Please Subscribe!

Opening Hours

Thursday to Sunday 10 am to 7 pm
Closed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

Getting to Blue Island Cafe

Overall Thoughts

If you are in the area definitely worth dropping in for a drink or for the day especially if you need some beach vibes in your life.

The one thing that would be nice to see is for them to not use disposable packaging and plastic cutlery for every item on the menu. I hate using plastic single-use plastics at the best of times and felt a little bummed that our family created so much waste for our lunch visit.

I never thought I would walk such a dangerous yet beautiful path for a coffee. The lush never-ending lily field with a raft of ducks running through the shallow muddy waters as we ventured closer to our destination. A tall tower in the far distance overlooking the plantation I am sure to conquer after replenishing my thirst of a much-needed coffee after my hour drive through the chaotic narrow soi’s of the rural roads. เวียน เดอ บัว คาเฟ่

A brief thought as crossing the rickety bamboo pathway “Is this going to hold my weight” as a bamboo panel becomes dislodged as we cross.

We arrived at the cute little coffee shop where there where a paddle of ducks leaving just as we arrived. Upon entering to the swift sounds of jazz music and a swing to take the perfect photo.เวียน เดอ บัว คาเฟ่

Climbing the tower of terror with the mother in law had a design that completely freaking us both out. The steps are spaced further apart than comfortably normal with nothing to break your fall other than the grass on your ass below. The slight sway as if we where a leaf falling from a tree in the storm that approached us. The view is worth the risk I must say

As we walked back from the tower of terror we took a safe path along the dry land. The path of a hobby farm where we witnessed the farmer watering his crops with a hose way past its expiry date to find a bucket catching the leak only to overflow into the lake below.

As we returned to the car the storm had set in and we said goodbye to the smiling cows and farm animals that never moved.

เวียน เดอ บัว คาเฟ่ –
Come visit the lotus cafe

Check our other coffee shop reviews

There is not much more to say than wow when you arrive at Na Krung Kao นากรุงเก่า. Which in english translates to “Old City.” Its located 11 minute drive before you arrive in Ayutthaya if you are coming from Bangkok. So far Na Krung Kao นากรุงเก่า is the largest venue we have visited. The rice field style coffee shops are gaining popularity rapidly in the last few years in Thailand, I’m always excited when I hear about a new one. There is so many picture perfect photo opportunity every few meters you wont be disappointed with your choice of stopping by.

If you walk down the bamboo road and cross the bridge, You can see the tower in the top left of the 3rd picture below of the huts

Tower View

There is a tower you can climb you can climb to a perfect veiw point from the rear of the property. I would wait for not to many people on it at one time as it does tend to sway a little when people travel up the stairs.

There is 2 or 3 restaurants as you walk into the complex I cannot comment on the food as we didn’t eat on this occasion.

Getting here

Check out our other coffee shops reviews!

Today we visited Ma Ha Cafe as we love going to new amazing coffee shops in Thailand. a great peaceful place to relax and unwind. It has an affiliation with the local temple next door. I believe they serve only snacks like cookies and possibly cake along with their beverage options.

During our visit in June 2020, there was still a little construction going on. Although I would say it is close to 90% finished. After translating the story I feel this place will just get better and better over time.

Translation of the story

So the story is all in Thai I will have Luna translate it for you. I apologize if get slightly wrong as some of the words are hard to translate into English.

The story is quite touching and makes me like the buddist religion more

Inspiration

In 2018
The head monk said I have a hope and dream to become the centre of the village on the 6 rai we have of empty land. He asked all the neighbour’s and people of the village to come to the empty land and to help do something to support the village.
1st invited to plant sunflower plants
2nd to plant a Rice plantation
3rd Vegetable garden
The idea was a community garden. Where people of the village come and take care in their spare time. All the benefits of the produce to give back to the people of the village. If they grew more than they needed they can sell some produce to help to survive
With the main intent to teach
the Buddhist way to share happiness and share benefit and to not be selfish

Start the project

When they first started the Buddhist learning centre project they had a lot of people come to visit to take photo’s and some came to buy produce that they grew. Some people just to come to look at the idea of the project 

Then beginning of 2019 the same head monk has the idea to have a cafe to sell drinks for visitors because it’s hot and people can relax and enjoy the serenity of the area more. After his great idea, it attracted even more people to come to visit.

Between all the monks in the temple and the people of the village, They came together to help create the idea and had everything built in just a 1 year. 

Then they come up with the name MA HA which is hard to translate as its a play on words but in general terms means  “Great” 

They have designed the area to be a mix of local Thai style mixed with modern style.

Come try come chill

Every one who come to visit the shop and project will fill up with knowledge, happiness and leave well rested after tasting quality coffee and enjoy the fruits of the seasons which benefits the local village when you buy.

Come collect good karma

All the money from the project of selling fruits and cold drinks goes to the temple and all the profits goes to the public benefit of the people and extending the project further. 
For visitor’s who come visit, they can relax and enjoy the atmosphere and drinks. They can also feel good because in buying something they have donated to a great cause which supports the project and helps it grow more as well as supports the people.

Come learn

In the Buddhist learning centre, they teach how to grow rice plantations & grow organic vegetables. They also have a banana park (which has many different spices of bananas) 
Another thing the can teach is how to farm many different species of animal’s and how to use the manure as fertilizer for growing organic. The Buddist learning centre has created a network for people who want to learn.

Rama 9 (the previous king) taught the Thai people to live within their means. They do not have to be rich to be successful or have happiness. If you have a small house and can take care of chickens, a cow, grow vegetables or can go catch fish what else do you need to have to have happiness. Not to feel money controls your life. To be happy with what you have around you and learn to survive off your land. This idea has helped influence this project.

Come shop

They changed from teak forest to become a local market to let people in that village come to sell anything they produce or craft on Saturday, Sundays and public holidays to create jobs, to create careers and money for the local people.

Take a look around

Feed the buffalo

You can make a donation of 10 baht and feed the buffalo grass that is placed next to the donation box. There was a massive male who looked a little intimidating at first although he just really wanted some grass.

He was friendly and let me pat him. Supa Larb (the pug) was not to impressed to get so close. There was a calf also who seemed excited and wanting to play with Supa Larb although his confidence was lacking.

Location

A common day trip for Thai tourist is to visit Wat Tham Suea Temple. It has breathtaking views with more to see than your normal temple. You will also be able to visit a Chinese Pagoda “Wat Tham Khao Noi” as it is located next door. There are 157 steep stairs to climb to get up to the top of Wat Tham Suea but if climbings not your thing not to worry they have a cable car that can take you up for a small fee of 10 baht.

The view – Im obsessed with panorama photos

How to dress

As with most temples in Thailand, it is advised out of respect to wear clothes that cover your shoulders & covering your knees. Watch for no shoe signs or the obvious pile of shoes and take yours off. Also, gym ware like lycra if you must take a sarong with you to cover your curves.

Opening Times

Monday – Friday 7.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m
Saturday to Sunday 7.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
Entry is free – Cable car 10 baht if don’t want to climb stairs

Rakkanna Noodle & Café

My Thai family said this was where we must eat after visiting the temple. It is a gorgeous setting of rice field overlooking the temple on the hill. The noodles where fantastic I had 2 bowls. They have some traditional Thai farming equipment & old fashioned umbrellas that you can take your next Instagram worthy picture.

Meena Cafe

Now it’s time for a coffee and one more gorgeous location. As featured in my “Jaw-Dropping Thai Coffee Shops Post” Not to worry it’s not far from the last 2 places.

Bridge on the river kwai

From this location, it is only a 30-minute drive to the famous bridge. I visited here to pay my respects on one of my first trips to Thailand and unfortunately, I have to try to find my photos to update here.

Kanchanaburi War Cemetery

Map of all these places

I have pinpointed all these places. You can easily save it to your google account and will be easily accessible.
CLICK TO OPEN
Then click the star icon to save to your account

Hotels in Kanchanaburi

Although I cannot recommend a hotel if you found this guide helpful and would like to support our page. You can by searching and booking from the link below. I use HotelsCombined and recommend them to find the cheapest hotels. We may receive a small commission from them in return which helps with our site costs. There is no additional charge to you.

A great way to spend half a day. You can walk around this wild life park and look at enclosures of birds, reptiles and native Australian animals like emus and dingos. But the kangaroos run free. Generally the kangaroos are safe to feed, Sometime the emus get a little excited and may peck your hand, It doesnt overall hurt but a child may get scared or hurt by them They also can be cheeky by grabbing the whole bag of food from your other hand. Emus are caged by low fences. There is special times to pat the Koalas and hold a snake, check the schedule prior coming as it may change. You can buy a bag of animal pellets from the front desk at same time as purchasing tickets for a couple of dollars. The kangaroos will surround you and eat out of your hands.

Prices

Adults $14
Students/Seniors $10
Children(4-14y.o) $7
Group discounts available
Animal Food Pellets $2 per bag

– The entertainment book has a buy one get one free for entry to the park
-Big 4 Members can receive 10% off

Koala Feeding & Snake Handling Times

COMPLETELY FREE Koala Feeding at 11am, 2pm and 4pm. You do not have to pay a cent extra for this experience.This activity is available and free everyday at Urimbirra

Snake Handling at 4pm Everyday. See these amazing reptiles up close at Urimbirra Wildlife Park and do not pay an extra cent, it is all included in the entrance fee.

Website

There official website is https://www.urimbirra.com.au/

Getting There

Address: Adelaide Rd, Victor Harbor SA 5211, Australia

There official details

OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 10am – 4pm INCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Phone: +61 8 8554 6554

After visiting Universal in Singapore few years ago was really looking forward to see what Universal Studios Japan aka USJ Osaka had to offer. Planning to get there early failed as my alarm was set but still on Thai time and being our last day we couldn’t reschedule. Whist we drove there I booked my tickets online for a discount, Ill share the link below. To arrive to an unexpected excessive charge, Carparking. At a 2500 yen for the day you can park right there how convenient. Why would anyone pay the premium parking for 3500 yen. Well after the walk there which takes about 15 minutes we should have just paid the extra.. You wont get me next time. Ill catch the train. We finally got to the gate at about 11am, Scanned our pre-bought tickets straight from the screen of my smart phone, skipping the large line at the ticket booth giving us express entry

4 things I would do differently next time visiting USJ Osaka.

1.Make sure I arrived at opening time (with pre-purchased ticket)
Check yourself to see what time they open as it vary’s with the season.

2. Pay for the express pass. It almost doubles the price of entry but it was super busy during our visit. We waited 1.5 hours for the Harry Potter ride which was up to 2h45m when we arrived. And waited about 70 minutes for spider man once we arrived. The only other ride I did was the flying dinosaur which was about 50 mins line up in the singe rider line which almost halved the time. These express passes are limited each day.

*TIP* USJ waiting times app is a must! (iOS & Android) it has the current wait times for rides to save waiting in huge lines.
We did notice the times changing a lot through the day the harry potter line halving . Also using the single rider lanes should save you some time if you are ok to not ride with your friends at same time.

3. Catch the train there – more about the options below

4. Check what rides/Attractions are closed – Although you may not have any option and already planning to go it was disappointing for us a couple of the attractions we wanted to see where closed for on the duriaton of our trip.
You can click here to check the closures

Where to book tickets online for USJ Osaka

I recommend getting your tickets and Express Pass through official partners, Voyagin or Klook. Buy your ticket online and go directly into the Park with your direct entry ticket, it’s that simple. Just Print or even easier just scan bar code on phone screen at the gate! Its also slightly discounted.

Super Mario World – Coming Soon!

Yes that’s right USJ Osaka has a real life Super Nintendo World set to open in time for Tokyo Olympics 2020.
They claim to be bringing Super Mario Kart to life in a way that takes theme park entertainment to an entirely new level and goes beyond what Nintendo fans and theme park fans have ever seen.

I’m excited, Are you? Check out the presentation video below

Looking around USJ

Spider Man 4k 3D ride

As you line up for spiderman you walk through a 90s style office “the Daily Bugle, New York’s premier newspaper company”
You will be handed 3d glasses to go on the visual experience of your life! We really wanted to go on this ride again but the wait time was so long.

Height Requirement
You must be at least 122 cm tall. (102 cm if accompanied by a supervising companion.)

Harry Potter World

The harry potter ride was another 3d ride at Universal Studios Japan. You are seated like a rollercoaster but it doesnt go fast and shows you all sorts of wonderful wizzadry as you adventure through the castle. Again another 90 minute wait. A real good reason to invest in a fast pass if your budget allows. There’s alot to explore inside here as well

Flying Dinosaur Ride

This ride was intense and a must do for any rollercoaster fan. It rotates you after you are seated to face the ground so you get the feeling of flight. The line here was incredibly long almost 2 hours but we got on a bit quicker using the single rider lane.

Get the train to USJ

From Osaka Station

If you are in Osaka this guide will help you get to USJ.
USJ is in the heart of the city
You are going to need to get to
Nishi-Kujo Station (西九条駅)
then transfer to the JR Yumesaki line.
This will take you to Universal City Station (ユニバーサルシティ駅).

Coming from outside Osaka on the bullet train

Get off the Shinkansen (bullet train) at Shin-Osaka
Go to Osaka Station,
Theres a direct train which takes 12 minutes
or refer to the official site for maps of other options

From “KIX” Kansai Airport

You will require 2 different train tickets coming from the airport. I have listed links to pre-purchase them

Catch the train Nankai Line Airport Express – FROM
Kansai Airport to Namba Station. – Book express ticket on klook (This is needed separate from IC- Card listed below)

(this part requires the train ticket mentioned below)
From Namba Station
Goto Nishi-Kuji Station
then Universal City Station

Train Tickets

Buying lots of tickets at each station is frustrating, You can buy a pre-loaded IC-card here at klook which I highly recommend saving the added stress of buying train tickets at each station. This pass is valid for JR West network including Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe .

The ticket is valid 10 years if you dont use all your credit or you can return it and get a refund of the deposit.

Opening Times & Show Schedules & Closed Attractions

If your really hoping to go to a specific ride or show. Be sure to check THIS LINK before going/planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan.

Map of Universal Studios Japan

Be sure to check my other Osaka Posts!

We plan to return to USJ after the Mario world is complete. Ill update more then!

If you liked this guide please help share the love by Pinning with Pinterest the image or sharing via social media Thanks!

Where to play pinball in Germany

You can play pinball at Freddy’s Pinball Paradise in Germany has over 100 machines located in Echzell which is a small country town about 45 minutes north of Frankfurt by car. Europe’s biggest pinball supplier who opens his doors for the public to play once a month on the last Saturday of every month.

The range of machines at Freddy’s

There is a large variety of the newest machines, Freddy telling me he gets a new pinball every 6 weeks now. Which sounds amazing to the average Joe but becoming a massive problem for him as he is just about to run out of room.

As well as going back to the old EM machines with the ding ding and rolling number scores. To everything in the middle. The machines were in great shape only finding one with some damage that was caused on the night.

What they don’t have

1st of there are no Gottlieb machines here. Freddy asked me what machines I have 3 of them being Gottliebs he laughed and said you won’t find them here. Gottlieb cop a lot of flack in the pinball world although I am personally going to find it hard to ever part with my Super Mario Brothers & Tee’d Off machines. Waterworld I may one day part ways with but not until I wipe the ridiculously high score off it!

You also won’t find any of the new company Spooky Pinball Machines here because their machines are not CE compliant. I had seen the CE written on electrical items before but was unsure what it meant. Here is a snippet from metlabs website explaining:
CE stands for Conformité Européenne (French), which means European conformity.  CE marking is a self-declaration where a manufacturer proves compliance with EU health, safety and environmental protection legislation and confirms a product’s compliance with relevant requirements.

I guess this is a good enough excuse to have to go to the USA to play them all!

Opening Hours of Freddy’s Pinball Paradise, Germany

Held on the last Saturday of every month

They were open from between (2 pm-5 pm) until 1 am. They sometimes stay open later depending on numbers. Check there official page as every month seems to have different opening hours.

Cost of Entry

20 Euro per person for entry. 97% of the machines are free to play. There is a side room with about 5 or 6 machines that have just been released which cost 1-2 euros a game. There are still many new machines you can play at no additional cost.

Beer & Food

Freddy’s Pinball Paradise have a bar stocked with German beer & has really reasonable priced drinks and some light food options to keep you going throughout the night. The barstools are hilarious you sit at the bar on a horse saddle chair.

Contact

If you have any questions Anita was very friendly via email answering anything I needed.
info@freddys-pinball-paradise.de
+49 (0)6008 917 7944
www.freddys-pinball-paradise.de

Accommodation near Freddy’s Pinball Paradise Echzell Germany

I’ve done all the hard work for you. Just type the date into the search box and you will get a price from all the suppliers to get you the cheapest price!

You can walk from this hotel to Freddy’s

This hotel is a 5 minute car drive

This hotel is a 10 minute drive

Parking for RV or Camper

I also asked as we were planning to drive a camper van there originally if there was anywhere we could park the night close by. Anita said it was fine too in their car park around their building.

Getting to Freddy’s Pinball Paradise

Driving would be the best option around 45 mins from Frankfurt Central and Frankfurt Airport. Although you can catch a train that takes around 1 hour from central Frankfurt.

Location if Driving

Address: Bisseser Str. 44, 61209 Echzell, Germany

How to get to Echzell from Frankfurt on public transport for pinball paradise

You would have to get on the train from
Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof it will take 1 hour on the train
It is 9 stops
To check train times or plan a trip CLICK HERE I pre-filled it for you
At the time of posting it was about 16 euro for the train

To Freddy’s From Echzell Train Station

The closest train station is a 5-minute walk / 450 meters.
You would have to catch the train to ECHZELL STATION and walk a short distance or catch a taxi / uber if they are available.

Pictures from September 2019

The saying goes if you haven’t been to these holy places, You haven’t been to Isan. Well, so the Thai’s tell me. This trip was planned by Luna as has been on her bucket list for some time.

We flew into Udon Thani for a 4 day holiday to visit an auntie who enjoys living in a temple with the monks. She picked us up at the airport and took us a couple of the surrounding sights. Following dropping her back at the temple that evening we borrowed her car to go explore some of the famous sites around Northern Thailand along the Laos border. You could easily combine a similar trip with a trip to Laos as there are 2 friendship bridges and multiple boat crossings. We were not prepared with sufficient paperwork of car ownership and visa for myself so we just explored to the Mekong River border in Thailand.

We were lucky enough to have use of a car for free. If you are renting one make sure you have appropriate licences. For Australians, we require an international permit as well as our original Australian licence card. We were stopped 2 times Isan once just licence check and the other was I was going to fast.

Appropriate clothing

If you are planning to visit temples remember to wear polite clothes and to cover their shoulders and wear something long to cover your knees. Alternatively, you could take a sarong with you for when entering holy places. Or 2 one for over your shoulders and waist.

I was wearing a rude shirt a couple of days because ran out of clean ones but I kept a polite one in the car and just put over the top when visiting.

Red Lotus Lake

From Udon Thani airport we drove just under 1 hour to Red Lotus Lake. We were offered a boat ride for 4 people for 500 baht which would last about 2 hours and take us out further to see the best parts. The best time to come and do the boat ride is just before sunrise about 6 am as this is when the flowers open up and are at there best but before 11 am as the sun gets too hot and they tend to close up. It was not the best season either so just skipped the boat trip. The Ideal time to go is December – February

There was a rainbow-painted bridge here which made a good photo stop. We ended up visiting another Lotus pond later on in the trip can read about it below.

Rotary Sun Clock Thai/Korean

Just over the other rainbow bridge a 2-minute walk there is a rotary club sun clock.

The translation in general says:
Memorial between Thai rotary club and Korean rotary club
Its a community economic development project to enhance community living for Kumvapee village, Sakon Nakhon province

Wat Kham Chanot

From Red Lotus Lake we drove another 1 hour 40 mins to Wat Kham Chanot. On the drive to this temple, there are a lot of offerings like I have never seen before from little stalls along the road. Such amazing crafting made from plants in a range of sizes starting as low as 40 baht up to few thousand baht. We bought one for us and one for our friend who knew we where going wanted us to buy one for them.

When entering the temple there is a large Naka Statue at the beginning of the bridge. First, you must remove your shoes. They Say your luck will only come true if you touch the statue from the head to the tail without letting go. Yes, it’s a few minutes walk as you can see behind in the photo below.

When parking the car someone sold us 2 small plastic bottles for 20 baht so we could take some holy water home with us. Unfortunately, we had no checked luggage and was confiscated at airport security.

They also allow you to wash away your sins by pouring water over you there too

The beliefs that Thai people have of Naka would come from India in many ways. Just like the Thai script that was adapted from India hundreds of years ago.

They believe that Naka is the god of water and able to inspire fortune and fertility. They offer flowers also known as Baisi for the chance of the winning lottery numbers or the chance to a bare child.

You will see Thai people scratching the tree or pouring powder (not allowed) onto the tree trying to find a reference to numbers. They believe these numbers are lucky for the lottery!

A Modern Buddha Pagoda -พระบรมธาตุเจดีย์ศรีมงคล

From red lotus lake, we drove about 90 minutes to this recently finished pagoda. As we got close could see it across the lake from the main road.

Upon entering you are greeted by 2 golden lions

As you enter the pagoda be careful as the tiles seemed quite slippery near the entry.

After looking around & praying on the bottom floor you can climb the stairs out the back and view again from the 1st floor.

After you can actually climb some more stairs at the back and there is a small museum of old artifacts and treasures to view above.

Small Naka Shrine By River

Next to the river a short walk there’s the neka (snake god) shrine

Feed The Fish

There were some ladies with a small store near the bathrooms at the entrance. They sell bread and seeds that you can go over and feed the fish from the sala (Gazebo). We bought about 4 loaves of bread and 8 of fish food and there was no shortage of fish going crazy for the food.

It is not allowed to go fishing or catch the fish within the compound of any temple.

Hotel stay at Chom Dao Hotel & Resort – Sakon Nakhon

After dropping auntie back at the temple we headed to the closest town for some dinner which wasn’t special enough to even mention and find a hotel close by. We chose Chom Dao Hotel as the price was incredible for what the photos showed. The only had one standard room (340baht) and 1 bungalow (425 baht) so we took them both. In Aussie dollars, that’s $16 & $20

For full review and photos check this post

The Next Morning, Breakfast with the Monks

As a westerner, this was quite a unique experience that was very far from the main touristy temple visits. The head monk who is apparently very holy and famous in Thailand talked with us for about an hour after they finished there 1 meal of the day. The monks in this temple only eat once a day although some other monks in different temples may eat twice a day.

It is custom for Thai people to go to the temple on their birthday. One monk asked us if who’s birthday it was thinking that’s why we came.

Anyone can eat with the monks but how?

Auntie explained to us we would have to arrive at the temple before 6 am with an offering of food. This food can be anything you make or buy along the way. We managed to buy 2 whole grilled chickens close to our hotel.

At the first sign of light, the monks leave the temple and walk around outside the temple seeking donations of sticky rice from the local villagers. As the sun was starting to come up around 6:10 am the 4 monks returned with there sticky rice offerings and placed there bowls on display, prayed and then sat down.

Local villagers started also arriving with there own offerings of food. The men take the rice to the monks.

The women start plating up the offerings from the containers and bags people have donated.

Once the food was placed into bowls it was put onto trays & then placed onto small-wheeled trays so the monks could take some food and pass it on to the next monk. Here it is important that only a man can be the one to push and take away from the monks. Women are not allowed to and women are also not allowed to touch a monk. A woman can push the food to the man who can then push to the monk.

Before they started eating the head monk said something into the microphone and done the interesting chanting that they do. I’m no expert on what they say or do all I know is it is quite hypnotic sounds.

Once the monks have taken a bit of all the offerings the remaining food is then offered to anyone who is in need or at the temple. If you are poor or have no money they welcome you to join. Although the welcome extends to anybody at all. After the people eat if there is remaining food it goes to the animals.

We feasted on some super local foods and I was lucky to try some very unusual fruits that were even not common to Luna as they are from deep in the jungle and not easy to find.

After breakfast and clean up the monk spoke with us for a while. We met 2 young twin boys who the monk adopted from a super poor family and parents were unable to take care of. The boys came to the monk as they needed 20 baht for school for the day. We gave them 100 baht each (A$4-5) and they counted the number of days that would help them for school. It was 5 days as they only need 20 baht a day.

We hit the road again for another day of adventure.

Wat Tham Pha Daen

This would have to be my favourite temple we visited. Just for the pure beauty of the landscape and massive Naka statue which looked amazing with the cloud formations of the day.

You can’t drive the whole way to this temple. The road is blocked off at a car park on the way up the mountain and you must pay 20 baht (return price) to get a van up to the top. I think this is purely because there is insufficient parking at the top.

This temple had a lot of interesting wooden things and stone carvings to admire.

Once you get up further you will get to a coffee shop which has a magnificent view!

Then the gigantic Neka statue overlooking pristine treetops and the big golden rock.

Dinner at Little Farm Hug Restaurant

We drove past Little Farm Hug Restaurant on the way to check out the best hotels to stay near the bars but we knew we wanted to eat there. I’m so glad we did. It was the best food we had on our 4-day trip. If we were staying longer we would have gone back.

To see the full review of Little Farm Hug Click Here to open a new tab! Believe me, you want to see this very cute farm-style restaurant!

Vince Hotel – Sakon Nakhon

Originally I had planned to stay in “The Hop Inn -Sakon Nakhon” but they were fully booked. Vince hotel was just around the corner. I chose this location because it was closest to the most lively looking bars in the area and wanted to have a few brews that evening. Whilst it was a Tuesday night we did manage to find a few places close by for a few brews.

The hotel had a very fancy look with a very budget price of just 444 baht per room ($A21). Whilst I would stay there again there where a few things they could improve on that matter to me more than a nice look.

• The sheets although seemed clean where stained in both rooms
• The towels were so stiff they were more like exfoliating towels
• There was a bit of mould in the bathroom in multiple places, Under the counter of the sink and in the shower.
• The general cleanliness could use improving

If you still consider staying at Vince hotel here’s
a link to cheapest price available

Or click the picture below and will search over 100 sites for the cheapest price of hotels close by!

Few Places For Some Drinks Close By

First stop was Golden Pond Coyote we sat down whilst some girls were dancing in their underwear. They looked sad and bored with only one senior citizen sitting in there not even looking at the stage. We sat for about a minute no one offered us menus or drinks the vibe wasn’t there so we left. There were about 10 girls inside the bar though if you wanted to know.

Second stop not too far away was hashtag hero cafe. They had a funky theme of superheroes memorabilia everywhere. They had a solo artist playing guitar there the main reason we went in. Was quite amazed she sang western songs very well. The artwork in the men’s room made me laugh but you will have to go there to see it yourself.

Third Stop we stopped past some big club looking thing but they where taking the signs in as we arrived not sure what it was so we skipped straight to the next place

Fourth Stop Country Road Saloon looks like on a weekend would be a great party. The outdoor seating is made of old red cinema chairs with cup holders. We where about to go back to the room and call it a night as the keyboard player/singer was not very entertaining when we heard a band start next door to our

Final Stop The Loft living bar – Had a full band play for about 90 minutes where we busted out and ordered a bottle of Sangsom and some soda had a bite to eat before turning in.

Lunch at บ้านฟ้าโปร่งสกลนคร

The feel of the restaurant is quite unique with a waterwheel and lots to look at. Whilst we dined in the air-conditioned room the decor is a very warm feeling. The food is all beautifully presented but I just found the food to be quite bland flavours. It could have been that I just drank too much whisky the night before and was in a bad mood but if you were looking for a nice venue to dine in different from the normal it’s worth stopping by. Do note the price here is quite high and the coffee was not the best.

Phra That Choeng Chum

Luna was very excited to come to this temple. Very famous and holy Luna told me. They say if you don’t come to this temple, you have never been to Sakon Nakhon.

By this time we arrived, I was hungover and sick of taking my goddam shoes off all the time. It was raining, I was grumpy and to be honest, I really didn’t care anymore about visiting temples.

Luna took some great photos below and heart here was pretty amazing with there was still a lady painting away. It’s definitely worth stopping by if you’re close by! I wish I went in now I seen the photos. So close.

Udomdetwat Mansion

Next stop was to look at some old french colonial-style buildings that were built in 1933 A.D. by Vietnamese immigrants. There where actually 3 buildings not next to each other in this area. We seen 2 and later realized we missed 1.

Cute Cafe Across The Road

Directly across the road from the mansion, there is a really cute cafe with great coffee should you need a rest and a coffee fix. Their bathrooms were clean but located upstairs. I think the owners really love Doraemon

Lotus Pond

We found this by pot luck as we were driving back and stopped for a look. They have a few bridges across the centre of the lake and was quite a lot of different coloured lotus to be seen. There was another big Naka statue here also as well as a playground should you want to make a family day out.

Riverside Hotel – วังน้ำก่ำรีสอร์ท

Thailand, Laos Market Monday & Thursday

An interesting market that is open twice a week we were lucky to be there on a Thursday morning. They have a range of interesting fruits and vegetables some I have never seen before as well as lots of clothes new & second hand, Shoes, Jewelry, Old money, The list goes on. This is quite a large market I would allow at least 2 hours if you want to walk the lot.

It is definitely worth stopping by if you’re here and see the 2 countries sell their wares. The stuff here is super cheap!

Open 6am – 12pm Mondays & Thursdays
although they where only just starting to pack up at 11 am in some places

Vietnamese Lunch At ดาวทอง อาหารเวียดนาม

I was excited to eat some Vietnamese food its not something you see a lot of in Thailand. In Australia, its become quite popular the last 5 or so years.

Wow, it was super cheap for restaurant prices! We ordered too much and ate it all and also got some Isan sausage to take away it was that good!

Read the full post with menus and photos here

Wat Phra That Phanom

After a delicious lunch, just a few streets away ventured into the temple through some amazing wooden carved door with every door a different design. They also had a different Chinese zodiac animal on the bottom of each door.

Although the temple is still under construction/ being renovated it is still a remarkable sight that can be seen all the way from the Mekong River.

Kaeng Krabao Park

We found this park by accident. As we were driving to the next location it there was a tourist sign saying something about rapids so we took a slight detour and went and found this lovely park. I’m still not too sure what the rapids they where talking about there where a few little ripples in the Mekong River although I’m not sure that’s enough to make a tourist sign for.

If you wanted a professional photo taken with the Naka statue you may be in luck. There were 2 people trying to take photos for you for a small price of 50 or 100 baht. They had a little stall with the prices on the side although they will definitely approach you before you see them. These photos did look good although we didn’t get one. I’m not sure why we would want a photo of some random people standing at the statue we were looking at.

Before you reach the river from the car park there is a large section dedicated to the Chinese Zodiac signs. A perfect time to have a photo with your year of the animal. Luna got mine wrong. I think she just wants a buffalo. I’m a tiger baby!

Wat Songkhon-Catholic Shrine Of The Martyrs Of Thailand

Opening Hours 8am-5pm

This was the one place Luna really wanted to visit again. She made a long bus trip with her grandma when she was a child. Luna vaguely remembered being able to walk around in the wooden houses carefully as the were old and could fall through the floor. Now they are roped off many years later to preserve.

The story, as I understood it was in 1940 the police came through and demanded everyone stopped worshipping Jesus under the Catholic church. These 7 children stood up in their belief and said we would rather die than not praise Jesus. All 7 were shot dead for refusing to quit their Christian faiths. This memorial is to remember the brutal Thai history. It is known as the 7 martyrs

Something I translated
They are regarded by the Roman Catholic Church as the ” Martyrs and Pope John Paul II were jointly proclaimed at St. Peter’s Basilica on October 22, 1989.

They have preserved the wooden house that they lived in. Although it is no longer safe to go inside as Luna remembers as a young child.

The Holy Well To Cure Sickness & Diseases

Across the road from the main entrance is where they have the holy well and another memorial with a lake.

The well was pad locked.

Overall a bit of interesting Thai history. If you manage to come during Mass hours I hear that have a good thrift shop. But we were too late.

We Slept In The Temple

So we had an early flight the next morning and had to leave at 4 am to get to the airport on time. We were offered a room in the Buddhist temple for the night. This was something new for me. I have never slept in a temple before.

Breakfast At King Ocha

This is a very popular and well known to locals as the place to eat breakfast. It’s cheap and will fill your belly for the morning. I had the eggs and the baguette. Its quite simple food I wouldn’t go as far to say it was amazing but it did the job and the locals may disagree with me as people just kept on coming.

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If you are driving from Adelaide to Melbourne or driving Melbourne to Adelaide, the Australian Pinball Museum is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs and have a few games of the silver ball. Games are reasonably priced with older machines at just $1 a game and they also have a range of the latest Stern machines priced at just $2 a game. (yes pinballs are still being made today)

All the machines are in very good condition and the owner and son have great knowledge in the area and can give you a walkthrough and explanation of the history. They have an ever-changing range of machines as back in the day they use to put machines on-site and their venue is not big enough for them all, Which keeps it interesting each time you may stop through there is generally something new to play. There is also a handful of arcade games there to play.

Tournaments

Australian Pinball Museum is hosting an IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) tournament on the last Saturday of every month. After you play 5 ranked matches you will then register on a worldwide leader board. I’m on there but I’ve dropped to 27,000 something 🙂

Opening Times

Open 7 days, 11am to 9pm, or by appointment (may close early if not busy).

Plan a Stay

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Located in Nhill

It about halfway between Melbourne & Adelaide located in Nhill Victoria at the Oasis Motel. It’s not hard to find Its on the main highway and a small county town.

There official website is http://pinballmuseum.com.au/

Where to find more pinball’s on site

If you are looking for other locations to play Pinball in Australia, Japan, China or New Zealand the members of Aussie Arcade keep an updated list. You will need to sign up to view the list but don’t worry it’s free.

Take a look around Australian Pinball Museum

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