Napa on 26, Bangkok

For Western style fine dining in Bangkok, Napa on 26 is a great choice.  I celebrated my big birthday here and was quite happy with the experience.  First, the decor of the restaurant is pure class and comfortable.  The tables are nicely spread out so you can enjoy a bit of privacy and peace during your meal.  The chairs are some of the most comfortable that I have experienced in a restaurant.  The table for two was nice and large.   Second, the service was polished and prompt - almost up to the standards of a fine restaurant in New York City.  Finally, the food was excellent for the most part - highlights were the duck confit (special of the night), braised short ribs and Caesar salad "Napa" style.  I didn't care for the carpaccio though.  Beautiful presentation and wonderful flavors.  My only compliant was that things were slow coming out of the kitchen.   In a very classy move, the chef came to our table to apologize as he was short staffed due to the recent holiday.

The wine list is very good for Thailand although the pricing is absolutely astronomical compared to the US or Europe.    I attribute this to the massive tax levied against wine imports into Thailand.  I was stunned to see how expensive wine was on the shelf at Foodland market.  However, if you are a baller you can choose such trophies as Mouton, Lafite, DRC and Screaming Eagle off the list at Napa on 26.  Corkage is a very reasonable 500 THB so you are much better off bringing your own bottle than buying off the list.    Wine service was excellent with beautiful stems and prompt service.  Highly recommended. 

Back in Bangkok

Made it out of rustic Laos back to civilization in Bangkok.  Flew on Nok Air into the old international airport at Don Muang.  Equipment was an old 737-400.  Not much to see with the thick haze hanging over the Kingdom of Thailand today.  

Feels great to be back here, I always feel so comfortable.  I have about 24 hours left in my trip now before my flight to LAX.  Back at the hotel sipping on a cold Leo and watching the news about the big quake in Japan.  Some horrible shots of the tsunami rolling over the coast line. 

My hotel in Bangkok is a brilliant place - Baan Sukhumvit Soi 18.  Excellent location near MRT and Skytrain.  Comfortable rooms with big baths.  Friendly service and a delicious breakfast.  Super quiet too.  I highly recommend it.

Dinner tonight at the Huay Kwang nightmarket.  Can't wait!

Lima Coco Resort, Ko Samet

I am lukewarm on this place.  If it wasn't for a spectacular piece of sand in front of the property I would say avoid it entirely.  I have two main issues with this place: service and hot water.  The service is badly lacking for a resort.  Heck, it is lacking for a lowly motel.  On top of it all the staff is so unfriendly.  Come on now!  This is Thailand, people are supposed to be friendly.  Most of the time the staff is just standing around while they could actually be doing something productive like clearing tables or taking orders.  There is no hot water in the showers.  Not a huge deal if you are paying a low price but I paid more than 100 USD per night.  Not acceptable.  Wi-fi is only available near the front desk, another minor annoyance and it is sloooow.  I'd tell you to stay at the other resorts on this fine beach at Ao Prao although they will set you back some serious baht. 

Oh, and check out the photo below from the bathroom.  Don't put your toilet paper in the toilet?  

Great day on the beach in Samet

We spent the entire day lounging on the beach in front of Lima Coco.  This area is rather secluded with a fine stretch of sand.  On either side of us are two spectacular resorts ($500 per night places). The water is warm and clear with a greenish hue.  A perfect place to cool off every so often.  The weather yesterday was close to perfect with just a light haze.  For refreshment we enjoyed many cold Singhas, fresh coconut juice and incredible banana shakes, all served at our beach chairs.  Lunch was served on the beach too.  Pad Woo Sen for me and it really hit the spot.  In the afternoon we rented a kayak for an hour.  Good exercise and nice views.  Rough life, I know!

Off to Bangkok this morning and Laos tomorrow.

Ko Samet, Thailand

We departed Bangkok early this morning for a bus and boat trip to the island of Samet.  The trip took about 3 hours in total.  The weather has been not so hot all day.  Light rain in the morning and no sun.  I'm not a huge fan of the hotel I booked on this island - Lima Coco.  The beach is real nice though.  Very quiet and relaxing.