Midguy1

I chose 2022 as when I expect to be in Thailand, but I "hope" to be back in the Autumn of 2021.

I've just spent about an hour and a half reading through all the excellent contributions and very interesting threads on this board about Moonlight. My patience waiting to return eastwards has now become somewhat impatient. I'm looking forward to visiting this bar.

Another couple of places I've enjoyed that I didn't mention in my earlier post. Cafe Ritzy (I think) on the main road going to Jomtien beach near the arch - delicious reasonably priced homestyle food. I don't believe it's there anymore, but ex pat friends tell me that theres a very similar restaurant in the complex - Cafe John - so I look forward to trying out there when I get back. Moonlight restaurant based in View Talay 7. A delightful and cosy place which is a bit more upmarket than usual, with prices to match and some interesting variations on the menu. I only discovered Moonlight after chatting up a handsome guy in a bar in the Complex where he told me he was a waiter there. Of course, I couldn't the resist going to sample the menu! Hope this place has made it through...

This is good news to hear! I'm already dreaming of a cocktail or two by one the pools. Fingers crossed and a little more patience and we'll be there.

Thank you for the recommendation. It's now on the itinerary.

I enjoyed Oskar Bistro on Soi 11. I once went with a couple of guys, we didn't feel uncomfortable, seemed quite a relaxed atmosphere.

My favourites are (no particular order): 1. Wherry, 2. Stella Artois, 3. Abbots, 4. Everards Tiger, 5. Peroni.

I'll travel. I'm not sure where (and right now i don't actually mind!), but I'll definitely be booking a trip - somewhere.

The pandemic has certainly made me feel rather down at times. Whilst I've been very fortunate to work from home and keep full employment, I've actually missed seeing people. Like many people, the only interaction I've had with work colleagues, friends and family has been online. What is keeping me going now is the twinkling of lights that are optimistically showing a route out of this pandemic - but I keep telling myself to be patient.

This is my fear too. I see above that one of the restaurants I was going to try is currently closed. On a brighter note I'm very much looking forward to the day that I will be allowed to return and patronise these places once again.

I'd forgotten about Natan's. I've had some nice evenings here, I especially like the ambiance and atmosphere.

The Serpent was excellent, although I found that I had to concentrate or I would lose the thread of the story.

Thanks for sharing those pics. I'm definitely now going to be researching Luang Prabang and the Plain of Jars. I've attached some pics from my Vientiane trip. I'll try and take some more interesting pics in future as hope to contribute more to this forum.

One of the pleasures of this town (in my opinion) is the large number of eating establishments available. There seems to be a wide and eclectic choice to suit most occasions and budgets. Like many people I haven't been back since the pandemic, but I've been to many on past trips and everyone has different experiences but here are a few of some of the favourites I've enjoyed so far: Top end: Cafe des Amis, Indian by Nature and Casa Pascal. Mid Range: Le Bordeax, Suggestions (went by motorcycle taxi out, but by grab back as further than I thought in the east side but well worth the visit), Cafe John, Wine Cellar Poseidon, La Bocca, Ruen Thai, Robin Hood Avenue. Budget: Food courts in both Central Festival and Terminal 21, a couple of restaurants on the street beside Tukcom (sorry can't remember their names), Nickys on Buakhao, Tinnies pie and mash. For future visits there are several more i want to try. Examples include Akavit, Retox, La Notte, Patrick's steak House, buffet at Hilton, buffet at centara. I've also spied several reasonable looking places in T21. I've heard good things about Au Bon Coin. I'd like to try some good Western style Chinese so will try the Royal Cliff Chinese restaurant. I'd also like to dip in and try some street food - just haven't been brave enough yet! Would love to hear of any suggestions and experiences - especially for Indian and Chinese restaurants in this town - any budget. Assuming they're still there when we're allowed back, of course.

A vote from me, too, for the Agate. Really like this hotel. Sad to see those pictures but pleased to hear they will be reopening.

When borders reopen, Vientiane is definitely on my list. I only visited once for 3 days but loved the city. I only hope that some of the quaint restaurants and bars have made it through the crisis, would really like to revisit them.

My favourite books were the Roald Dahl novels. The Twits, The BFG, Matilda, Charlie and the chocolate factory etc etc. Just loved how he managed to create such imagination in my mind!

I find the whole thing to be very sad. Unfortunately the family would be unable to respond in the way others easily can, would have loved to heard Oprah interviewing the other side of the story. I found some of MMs claims to be a bit questionable, e.g. the fact Archie would not be a Prince was due to rules made by George V in 1917, but never-the-less clearly H&M were unhappy. A tragedy all round.