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.

Baanna kafe บ้านนากาแฟ coffee shop is not called banana cafe as your eyes may trick you to reading. We stopped past last year but realised we only explored half of there venue. Once you walk past the lake through the pine trees down the back there is a big hill that has some magnificent view overlooking the mountain and rice field.

If you turn the other way on top of the hill you can overlook which looks like accommodation of caravans all parked in a row with a little wooden bridge going to a small island. It looks like there used to be an island of sunflowers although they are all pretty sad looking now.

Overlooking the lake there is a platoon with a table and chairs if you wish to have the floating feeling whilst slurping your beverage. In the lake is a still floating duck paddle boat which has started to fill with water.

You may purchase some fish food for just 10 baht (50 cents) and feed the hungry koi fish in the lake. There is no shortage of fish as you can see below.

Baanna kafe บ้านนากาแฟ have a small selection of food and cakes to enjoy. Luna sampled the soup which was simple but tasty. As well as cake!

Baanna cafe have a Great Dane dog strolling around freely who is very friendly although he may check you out for a snack if you have food in your bag. He loves a good old scratch on the back and he loves to take selfies with you.

Inside the coffee shop you can rent a picnic basket that has a blanket, empty wine bottle and some fake fruit if you wish to have a photo shoot anywhere on the venue. The cost is just 20 baht for as long as you are there.

Getting to Baanna Kafe

As a tourist, I never realised how many amazing coffee shops there are scattered around Thailand. Now that I am living half the year here I find my family members on their days of love to go to visit the jaw-dropping ones. We are obsessed with driving all over Thailand & our friends can never keep up what province we are in.

This page will be an index of all of the posts. I will update this post after going to a new one so be sure to check back.

If you know of a good one I have missed please comment below!

Southern Cross Cafe

At Southern Cross, as you walk in you are greeted by the petting zoo of statue animals. Although the food is what makes this place stand out. Almost everything is made to order there and the best flavours of International and Thai cuisine can be tasted here.

I have almost made it through there whole menu you can read about it here

Moai Coffee ร้านกาแฟ โมอาย คอฟฟี่

Escape from Thailand to the Easter Islands for just long enough to take some photos. We saw this place on the drive camping in Suan Phung and stopped on the way home. I would not go out of my way to visit here but if it is on your way to where you are going definitely stop through.

If you want to see more pictures I from our visit CHECK THEM OUT HERE

House 1,000 wood Cafe & Farm – บ้าน ๑,๐๐๐ ไม้

Alongside the Bang Toei river is the great cafe and small farm. It has some fun free activities for the kids like getting water from the well, sandpits and has never-ending beautiful photo spots. If you are traveling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya or vice versa this would make a perfect stop for a bit of chill time.

If you would like to see my full post click here

Baanna Cafe – บ้านนากาแฟ

Baanna Kafe is in a beautiful location on a large rice field with a backdrop of mountains. There is an endless photo opportunity for a great photo and there is a resident Great Dane who is ever so friendly.

Our previous post on Baanna Kafe is here

Na Krung Kao – นากรุงเก่า

Na Krung Kao would have to be the biggest coffee shop/ restaurant we have been to in Thailand. The grounds have been designed over many rice fields to truly leave people wowed! If you were traveling from Bangkok to Ayutthaya this would be a great choice to stop by for a look!

If you would like to read more about Na Krung Kao I have a post here all about it

Menna มีนา cafe’ Kanchanaburi

Thai people love to do a day trip to Wat Tham Suea. Followed by a stop to the famous noodle cafe and Menna Cafe. It is a beautiful site located in Kanchanaburi overlooking a rice field and you can see the temple at the top of the mountain. I recommend you do all 3. But this post all about coffee shops so you will have to read about on the link below

You can read about this day trip here.

Ma Ha Cafe Boon – มา-หา กาแฟบุญ วัดหุบกระทิง

Ma Ha Cafe Boon is a great project that was started by the local temple. The head monk had a vision of empty land to be transformed into a paradise that benefits their community as well as teaches farming techniques and the way of Buddhism. That’s right all the profit goes back into increasing this project and supporting the locals.

You can read the full story here and check out more pictures of Ma Ha Cafe Boon – มา-หา กาแฟบุญ วัดหุบกระทิง

Tara Coffee ธาราคอฟฟี่

Tara coffee has a relaxing vibe to it with bean bags to chill on next to the Mae Klong river. Their menu is all presented with love. They truly give 110% in the presentation of food.

Check out my previous post on Tara Coffee here!

Rain Tree Coffee

Rain Tree Coffee Shop was one of the first themed coffee shops I visited outside of Bangkok. I really enjoy walking around there garden and looking at everything. You can combine a trip here with the unique77 as they are next door to each other

You can see my previous post here definitely worth a look

Unique 77 Cafe

If you are a car enthusiast Unique 77 is the place for you to go. The owner has a private collection of ever-changing cars you can go and drool over. Located next to Rain Tree Coffee why not just do both?

Check my earlier post about Unique 77 and see more cars!

Cafe Chedi – คาเฟ่-เจดีย์ – Suphan Buri

Cafe Chedi คาเฟ่-เจดีย์. It is located along the Song Phi Nong river overlooking the Sapan Khong Floating Market. If your feeling adventurous, They have hammock style nets to chill in overhanging the river.

Check out my full post on Cafe Chedi here!

Pin Fah Farm – ปิ่นฟ้าฟาร์ม -Pathum Thani

On the border of Ayutthaya district is this great farm where you can enjoy the surroundings of nature with some activities for the kids. The food is cheap, There is a petting zoo, paddle boats and can also feed the fish! Enough to keep everyone entertained.

Read more about pin far farm by clicking here

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

Pad Thai is the first dish that will come to mind for many when thinking of Thailand’s food. If your leaving Bangkok and heading west to Banpong, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi or possibly Suan Phueng for a day or longer I will share with you my favourite places to stop on the way for lunch/dinner for the best Pad Thai’s west of BKK.

I have been living in Banpong on and off for the last couple years so have been lucky enough to find the best for you to try. If you have never heard of Banpong it is in the Ratchaburi province and known as the city of nice people & I must say they are very friendly here.

Southern Cross Banpong – Quality

Would be my #1 favourite. It is in my opinion the highest quality ingredients and the sauce is to die for! I have enjoyed many consistently the same. The price is slightly higher but the flavours definitely are worth the wait!

You can read more here. I have reviewed this business previously.

Rain Tree Coffee – Funky Venue

I really enjoy the ambiance of Raintree Cafe, it has a homely feel and there Pad Thai Gung is fantastic. If your looking to take some photos as well they have a lovely garden area.

You can read more here. I have reviewed this business previously.

Banpong’s City Pad Thai – Street Food

Well i’m not sure what they are officially called but don’t let that stop you trying it. I have had alot of street Pad Thai’s over the years and would have to say this is by far my favourite. I always get the Pork (moo) and served with some crunchy pork fat on the side which I have never encountered before.

The map points to a tire shop. They pull up in the late afternoon to evening there. They don’t have an official google map point. Just look for the blue shirts!

Check our other resturants reviews

We love great food and quirky restaurants. To see more CLICK HERE

This is one of my favourite restaurants located in Ratchaburi. Nestled alongside the river with bean bags you can really kick back and relax and enjoy the river views. I love the way all there food is presented here at Tara, will a lot of love and passion. I would say don’t overfill on their main meals! Their desserts are amazing and you are not going to want to miss out on them.!

UPDATE– We were excited to pop back in as soon as the open-air restaurants re-opened after coveit 19 had us stuck inside for what felt like an eternity. We took Luna’s mum here for her first time and she loved it. Added some new pics for you to drool over!

Take a look at their food

Menu at Tara

Getting There

You will need a car to visit Tara Coffee.

Best Beef in Bangkok on Sukhumvit is one of my favourite all you can eat & drink venues in Bangkok. The venue is gigantic with over 100 tables and getting a table you will generally have to wait if get here much after 7 pm. It is all cook your own. You just put numbers next to what meats, vegetables & condiments you want and they just keep bringing it for 2 whole hours.

I’m generally not a fan of buffet-style all you can eat venues as I always the first to point out people sneezing, coughing and touching the food I want to eat. Not to mention the cross-contamination of the same tongs from the meats to seafood and then onto the fresh produce. But here they get it right. You order and they bring to you on small portions on little plates direct from the kitchen. At least this way the risk of handling of food is minimised dramatically

Opening Hours Of Best Beef Bangkok

4pm to 12am – 7 days
Meaning you would want to be seated no later than 10 pm to get your full 2-hour sitting

Booking a table at Best Beef Bangkok

You can call up to book a table in advance. Or get your hotel or Thai speaking friend to do for you.
Phone: 02 742 9416

You don’t need a booking but if you are arriving after 7 pm they are generally full. You can take a ticket and wait in the queue. Depending on how many people on your table determines how long you can wait. 2 & 4 persons seem to wait less time than bigger tables

Buffet Prices at Best Beef Bangkok

There are 3 options for the all you can eat buffet over 2 hours.

Option 1 – Buffet Only 299 baht
Option 2 – Buffet + bottomless soft drink 369 baht
Option 3 – Buffet + bottomless soft drink & beer 499 baht
Childrens Prices are based on height
-under 100cm free,
-100cm-120cm is 159 baht
*Do Note*
-Everyone who sits at the table must order the same option
-Prices above do not include service charge 10 baht per person + tax
-They will charge 100baht per 100g leftover (although we never have been)
-Beers will be given at 2 long neck bottles at a time

Is it worth getting the all you can drink beer package?

Well, they charge 100 baht per Large beer if you don’t. So if 3 out of 4 drink beer and 1 only want soft drink your bill will still be charged at 4x the beer package rate.
To make it have value over just paying as you go in this scenario you would have to drink 9 large beers between the 3 persons to come out in front. So 3 beers per person over 2 hours. Anything after that it just all a bonus. (The difference from food only price to including beer is 200 baht)

But… There is a reason its only beer. Beer bloats you so if you drink more beer, You are going to eat less food. If you plan on just having a snack and getting into the beers. You need to drink 6 Large beers per person in 2 hours and graze lightly (or heavily if u can) to make the beer package beneficial.

So the maths
1 large beer every 20 mins,
is 3 in an hour (300 baht)
is 6 in the 2 hours (600 baht)

1 large beer every 15 mins
is 4 in an hour (400 baht)
is 8 in the 2 hours (800 baht)

the cheapest I have seen Chang Beer is 47 baht a large bottle in Big C warm in a box of 12 – 564 baht.
So 10 large beers in 2 hours and you have beaten the system and eaten for free 🙂

But seriously drink responsibly. Don’t be a drunken twat in Thailand.

Other Options of Quality Steak

You can order high-quality wagyu beef from Australia or Japan as an extra at best beef Bangkok

Last visit the options where (although may change)

Australian Tenderloin 300-
Australian Rib Eye 280-
Australian Striploin 250-
Australian Chuck 200-

Japanese Hokkaido Wagu A4 650-
Japanese Toshigi Gyu F1 Striploin 520-
Japanese Kagoshima Wagu a4 Chuck 350-

Buffet Menu Options

Drinks Menu

How to order buffet at best beef

On the drink stand at the end of your table will be this form just fill out how many plates of what you want and give to the waiter or hold the paper in air for someone to collect. Don’t forget to write your table number in the top right corner

Cooking Options

There are 3 options to cook your food. Flat Pan, BBQ Mesh over hot stones or pot of clear herb soup. The grill & pot have a 30 baht additional charge

FryPan with butter

BBQ Grill

This option costs additional 30 baht

Pot with clear soup

This option costs 30 baht extra
Photo Coming Soon

Getting to Best Beef Bangkok

It is 500m / 7 minute walk from On Nut BTS station

Check out my other posts for Thailand

Check out my other posts for Bangkok

Check out their Facebook Page

We stayed for 1 night at Chom Dao Hotel & Resort. Arriving late and left early. The rooms where very spacious and everything was clean. We got the 2 last rooms available on Agoda the standard and the bungalow. We rang them and asked the price and was still more expensive than Agoda’s pricing so we booked online before arriving.

Can’t comment on the food or any of the amenities as was just a brief stop But if your budget allows I would definitely spend the extra 85baht and get the bungalow. They have 24 hour check in.

If your interested to know why we where in this area you can check How a Thai would spend 4 day’s in Isan post

Check Price for Chom Dao Hotel & Resort

Just enter your dates to find the lowest price!

Villa King Bed Room

The villa has a nice warm feel to it and it has a private car park at the entrance to the room. The room is stand alone so noise through the walls from your neighbour won’t be a problem. The room has a small private outdoor area with tables and chairs. The air conditioner worked well and the shower had hot water. The toilet had some discolouration to the seat and bowl but overall looked clean. Overall for a price tag of 425 baht (A$20) you will be happy here if in the area. I would recommend this room over the standard room just for the better ambience of the room.

Standard Twin Room

The standard room was like an apartment building. About 3 story’s high with stairs only and about 10 rooms per floor from memory.

We got a room on the bottom floor which was super spacious and clean but a little dated. Although for the price tag of 340 baht (A$16) per night you really can’t complain.

Overall

If I was in this area again I would definitely stay Chom Dao Hotel & Resort again. I would opt for the Villa if was available as you will feel a lot cozier & the private car park makes it super convenient.

Getting There

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
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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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