Just to share some personal thoughts on my Patts getaway and meetup with esteemed joetys and chonburifc last weekend.
Patts is surreal, with majority population either -local migrants from other parts, tourists (in-transit)and foreigner residents. It's still the tail end high season, so you can't help but notice the hordes in hotels, WS and other attractions (invitably includes beer bars, arb nam joints).
Thanks to chonburifc's guided tour, I had different insight to Patts (beyond WS). Eye opener to Russkie and Korean presence. Near Jomtien, you even Russkie "town" with own shops, massage and laundry! And food courts/restaurants have russian text on menus and signs. Jomtien precinct smells money alright, with nice and clean boulevards. And beach sure looks more "swimmable" than main Beach Rd's.
We even managed to hit Sattahip, very much thai naval "turf" with U-Tapao airport. You don't see many tourists here. And we had had (possibly) best fishball nooodles in thailand in this kopitiam. Suit our blander sg taste buds. 2 bowls noodles + side dish + 2 drinks for princely sum thb150 only (and chonburifc thinks it's not cheap). He's even commuted 40km from his base to fix his craving (or if he's had a bad hair day in office!)
Didn't sample arb nam joints, but had a few mid afternoon beers at looksee in Rasputin (sounds russkie?). Quite luxurious setup, similiar to better ones in Ratchada Bkk. You have the popular Sabai establishments not far off.
As for WS, little to add to what others have not already experienced (or written about). Baccara agg is nicer, more comfortable than some of other aggs (some quite grotty, where you wouldn't want to imbibe more than 1 pint). SuperBaby and Supergal aggs more tuned to asian clientele (with more kao2or fairer types). Insomnia disco was packed like sardines, with prospects of FLs (so I hear) but I couldn't check it out or get in minus ID.
Also did soi Buakow, more laid back and popular with local farangs with cheaper drinks pricing (half of WS! thb60 for a beer vs thb120++).
Was honoured to be acquainted with both chonburifc and joetys (straight talking and successful businessman). Appreciate both made time/effort, and tcss was enlightening too. Am lousy with pics, so no visuals here
PS: Bells bus service ex Bkk airport is good for commute with transfers to specific hotels. But I didn't have luxury of time, so had private taxi service from Mr T - to Patts thb1000 (incl tolls) and return thb900. Both ways, I had 2 different lady drivers with good spoken english and comfy cars (Camry, Altis).
