Another visa run and hadn't been to Ban Laem for over 18 months so that , plus being clean out of xanax , meant it was time for another visit. However, the weather was crap so rather than getting the visa first then hitting a beach we decided to overnight in Chanthaburi on the way out and get the visa on the return drive since Ban Laem is only 1 hour from the town
Using google maps the Kasemsarn Hotel looked like the best bet , being both clean ( according to net reviews ) and near the old part of this historical town.
It also has a sheltered car park :
Apparently this is the oldest hotel in town ( a claim I find hard to believe ) and has been in the family a long time. Every 5 years the owner redecorates and I must say ...... nicely done. Even the annex to the toilet is thoughtfully decorated.
Room was a bit small and cost 980 baht not including breakfast . However , it was spotlessly clean and had a very comfortable bed with soft pillows.
The little balcony had a pleasant enough view as well.
Public areas also very well maintained
After checking in we went to the shopping area to eat and check out the local Chatuchak market a short drive away on the other side of the river.
First stop was this cheap steak house opposite the market
Cheap and enough to keep us going until the evening. You never get large portions in Thai style steak houses but this was o.k. by the average so no complaints.
Chatuchak market is opposite :
Pretty typical sort of market boxed in by a large Robinsons store and this colourful building
Since Ms Bangyai started her own market stall she has taken a new interest in fashion, to my eternal regret.
And to paraphrase Mark Twain , she never prospects without striking gold . The amount of shorts she seems to need suggests that in her previous incarnation she was a centipede.
Without any further fear of being arrested by the BIB for vagrancy , it was safe to drive back to the hotel for a rest. On the way we passed the KP hotel. Well situated for shopping but the net reviews report it as being a bit grubby and entertaining noisy guests, down to buy jewelry.
Part two to follow .