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Bangkokhooker’s Fishing in Thailand: My favourite payponds

By Bangkokhooker

April 3, 2011

Hello everyone and welcome to my first Bangkok Diaries post.

I’m a Thai person who has spent a little bit of time studying abroad. When I got moved back to Thailand three years ago I decided to pick up my childhood hobby, fishing. Soon enough I found myself spending more time at fishing venues than at the bars. After realising that most of the information, regarding fishing in Thailand, was either in Thai or through some fishing tour company I decided to contribute my share to the international community who are interested in the angling arts by starting a blog.

Living in Thailand, I often hear many of my friends complain about the lack of things to do in the South East Asian City of Angels. Sooner or later people get sick of all the cheap booze, the dingy bar scene and the hustle and bustle of the urban jungle. Little did these friends of mine know that inside this concrete jungle of over 11 million inhabitants (or was it 9 million? I lose count) there is a thriving fishing industry. It started becoming even more clear to them when popular fishing TV shows, like River Monsters, started checking out Thailand’s fishing potential (speaking of fishing shows in Thailand here’s a quick run down).

The most popular places to go fishing in Bangkok are at pay ponds, artificial bodies of water filled with fish where anglers can pay a fee in order to have a go at catching them. You know, sort of like going to a “lounge” instead of trying your chances at a night club. Pay ponds can be the time-starved Bangkokian’s answer to the weekend outdoor activity. Rod rentals, fishing guides, restaurants and all sorts of creature comforts can be found at most fishing ponds meaning that that the avid angler would not have to invest in buying his/her own gear while there are facilities for the angler’s tag-alongs to enjoy because let’s face it, nothing kills the moment more than a whiny partner (unless you are Jackie Chan’s character from Rush Hour, that’d be funny).

Compiled here are some of the ponds that I have been frequenting including some basic details such as price, the type of fishing, target fish species, pond location and creature comfort ratings. As for google locations and further details, click on their respective links to check them out.

Pond name: Bungsamran.

Operating hours: They are never closed, NEVER.

Target species: Mekong giant catfish, striped catfish, Siamese giant carp and arapaima.

Fishing type: Bait fishing.

Location: Nawamin soi 42.

Contact: 02-734-9272, www.bungsamran.com.

Price: B400 for Thais or farangs with work permits, B1,000 for farangs without work permits. B20,000 for the arapaima fishing license.

Summary: The fish here are BIG and quite commonly break people’s rods. Anyone with some money can rock in and catch a monster fish with the help of a paid guide (B1,000). It would be the perfect bait fishing pond if they don’t have the evil racist double-pricing. An un-geared visitor without a working permit or fishing skills can be expected to pay around B3,000 for a great day of fishing.

Creature comforts: Simply the best of any pond. An internet cafe, convenience store, cafe, restaurant and very cheap massages (B120-180 per hour). You can even rent personal fishing bungalows (B800-5,000). Also toilets are clean. This is the perfect place to bring a non-fishing significant other.

Gear rental: Yes.

Pond name: Sukuna.

Operating hours: Open daily 10am-10pm.

Target species: striped catfish and Mekong giant catfish.

Fishing type: Bait fishing.

Location: Soi Mungkorn-Kandi Km. Soi entrance is located at 8 Theparak, Muang Samut Prakan. About 30km from downtown Bangkok.

Contact: 02-755-4433.

Price: B100 per rod on weekdays, B120 per rod on Saturdays, B150 per rod on Sundays and B60 after 6pm everyday.

Summary: Sukana is the poor man’s Bungsamran. Most of the fish here are the smaller striped catfish but those waiting to catch a Mekong giant will have a chance with a little more patience. Plus, the pond doesn’t discriminate in pricing. The people here can also mix your bait for you in their mixing machine free of charge.

Creature comforts: The pond has many little stone gazebos scattered across their lush grassy grounds making this quite the nice place to take someone on a date. The restaurant here is not bad and the toilets are clean.

Gear rental: yes.

Pond name: Amazon BKK

Operating hours: Open daily 6am-9pm.

Target species: Arapaima, red tail catfish and red tail/tiger hybrid catfish.

Fishing type: Lure and fly fishing.

Location: Ratchmontri road near Phutthamonthon sai 1.

Contact: 081-426-4203.

Price: B500 per rod for full day, B300 per rod for half day.

Summary: Here is an affordable pond where one can catch exotic fish species such as the arapaima and the red tail via artificial fishing without having to break the bank. The venue and is not too big and neither are the fish (arapaimas are about 50kg max but mostly around 5-10kg) but hey, it’s cheaper than Bungsamran’s B20,000 fee.

Creature comforts: Amazon’s setting is quite gorgeous. A lush green garden filled with a variety of plants surrounding several hand carved Bungalows, this place is quite fantastic to bring a date except for the toilets which aren’t that welcoming.

Gear rental: No.

Pond name: Pilot 111.

Operating hours: Open daily 6am-9pm.

Target species: Barramundi, giant snakehead, striped snakehead, spotted featherback and rock catfish.

Fishing type: Lure and fly fishing.

Location: Bangna-trad kilometre 39.5.

Contact: 086-316-8773.

Price: B500 per rod.

Summary: With eight different ponds and so many fish species divided into separate ponds as well as very little trees in the way this is easily the best lure and fly fishing pond at the moment.

Creature comforts: The facilities here are basic but very clean. The manicured lawns, the spotlessly clean restaurant and bathroom makes you feel like you’re at a golf club.

Gear rental: No.

Pond name: Texas Chuan Chom.

Operating hours: flexible, just call the owner.

Target species: Barramundi, giant snakehead, striped snakehead and rock catfish.

Fishing type: Lure fishing.

Location: Thanon Pracha Samran, Khlong sip song, Nong Chok.

Contact: Saek – 081-383-4151.

Price: B100 to fish in one pond and B200 to fish in all five ponds.

Summary: This humble little pond is run by a passionate lure fisherman who is obsessed with the Texas rig method of fishing. The striped snakehead pond is dedicated exclusively to this fishing method. This pond is for the serious angler and is exceptionally difficult but worth the challenge.

Creature comforts: They have a bamboo gazebo that sits on top of one of the ponds and they have a pretty good kitchen here. The bathroom needs a little work but it’s not the worst I’ve seen.

Gear rental: No, but the owner will lend you his and can sell you some rubber lures.

That’s it, I hope this can inspire some of you to pick up the wonderful art of fishing in this wonderful city. Until next we meet, fun times and tight lines!

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Bangkok – Renting Modern Condos VS Older Condos – A closer look

By CondoBangkokOrg

July 25, 2010

It seems these days everyone wants a Modern Bangkok Condo with large square meter (metre). Most of the clients that call us about renting all seem to be trending towards getting larger square meter (metre) for their baht. Very rarely do we get clients who will accept an older condo.

So the question is can you get a modern condo which is also a decent size?

The answer to this depends on how flexible you are with your requirements. The biggest difference between the two is square meter (metre), in that Older Condos provide much more space than newer units. Case in point, Sukhumvit Soi 59 which has a cluster of new and old buildings located not too far from each other.

A closer look at the difference between 2 buildings in the same Soi;

Moon Tower – Built in the 1990’s with facilities such as a pool, gym, sauna, squash, a beautiful garden area to relax in and 24 hour security. A fully furnished 2 bed, 2 bath condo here offers 202 square meters (metres) renting for 50,000 baht/month. The units here are very clean and the building itself is maintained quite well.

59 Heritage – This building was just completed this year (2010) and has facilities such as a pool, gym, steam room, garden area and 24 hour security. A fully furnished 2 bed, 2 bath condo here offers a mere 70 square meters (metres) of space for 45,000 to 50,000 baht/month.

Some quick math and we realize that the difference is not subtle but substantial. For almost the same price you would get 132 square meters (metres) more, that’s almost another condo in itself.

Similarly a new 1 bed, 1 bath condo would be around 42 square meter (metre) for 20,000 baht/month as opposed to an older unit with modern furniture offers a 1 bed, 1 bath condo around 63 square meter (metre) for the same price.

Again the question arises is it possible to get a modern condo with larger square meter (metre)? The answer is yes it is, but you have to make some sacrifices in your requirements. There are some older buildings that have completely renovated the entire building including majority of the units, to be clean and modern with very desirable square meter (metre). There is a building like this in On Nut that offers great value for money where a 2 bed, 2 baht condo is completely modern at a 135 square meter (metre) for only 40,000 baht/month. I know what you’re thinking, who wants to live in On Nut? Well I did mention you would have to flexible with your requirements, didn’t I?

So all in all is it possible to get a Brand NEW Modern condo with large square meter (metre)? The answer is unfortunately No because they just don’t build them like they used to. But you could find older buildings which have been renovated to look modern.

If you are in search of new modern condos then visit www.condobangkok.org, alternately if you don’t mind older buildings have a look at this site www.relianceps.com.

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Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok

By thaistory

June 21, 2010

Neilson Hays Library boasts a collection of 20,000 English language books, subscriptions to numerous newspapers and magazines (both local and international), a rotunda specially reserved for art exhibitions and a courtyard with a café gallery.

Click here for a library review.

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Why Do Cute Thai Girls fall for Farangs?

By Danny.Nomad

January 22, 2010

Interracial relationships involving Thai women and foreign men are about as easy to spot on the streets of Bangkok as the ubiquitous carts selling noodle soup. Why do many Thai ladies choose to pass over Thai guys and date white men from halfway around the world? After all, most foreigners don’t speak much Thai, know all that much about the culture, and often live thousands of miles away. Are Thai women genuinely more attracted to foreigners, or is it all about the money?

In fact, there are many possible reasons why a Thai lady might choose to date a foreigner. Four of the most common reasons are money, fidelity, worldliness, and just plain physical chemistry. Without implying that all interracial relationships are motivated by one of the above reasons alone, they serve as a useful starting point to understand some of the different “types” of Thai ladies that prefer dating white guys.

A. Miss Gold-Digger

Her reason for dating foreigners: Money, cars, jewelry, real estate.

Her profile: She might be a poor village girl with a large, dysfunctional family she needs to support, or a middle-class Bangkok girl who just needs to have the latest brand name fashion handbag or mobile phone. Either way, she’s attractive and knows it.

Her target: An older, wealthy, and generous guy who knows the value of being with an attractive younger girl and isn’t shy about paying for it. She doesn’t mind a one-night stand as long as its well-compensated, but her goal is to find a guy who will be her steady ‘sponsor’ for a few months or years – or at least until she finds an even better prospect.

How to spot her: Asks you questions about your income or assets, wears expensive jewelry or clothes despite having a low-paying job (or none at all).

Where to find her: Shaking her booty at a go-go bar, or hunting for older guys on the internet.

How to win her over: Take her out for a movie with VIP seats, followed by a shopping trip at the Emporium.

B. Miss Broken Heart

Her reason for dating foreigners: Fidelity. The bad reputation of many (mostly lower class) Thai guys for womanizing, drinking whiskey, and gambling.

Her profile: She fell in love at a young age with someone from her hometown, maybe got pregnant and then abandoned with a young child the moment her boyfriend found another girl. Moved to Bangkok to work and send money to her relatives upcountry, who are looking after her child.

Her target: A decent, loyal, caring foreigner who is willing to settle down in Thailand and support her and her child. In return, she’s prepared to be a loyal, caring, and dutiful wife. She’s willing to date someone substantially older than her, as long as she’s convinced he’ll be by her side for the long haul.

How to spot her: Often is a single mother, complains about Thai guys being “no good”, looking for a guy for marriage.

Where to find her: On the internet, or perhaps even serving drinks at a hostess bar along a quiet soi.

How to win her over: Don’t try to get her into bed on the first date, show interest in her child(ren).

C. Miss Misunderstood

Her reason for dating foreigners: Worldly, respects women as equal partners.

Her profile: She’s a middle-class or upper-class Thai lady who studied at a good university, maybe even lived abroad. She’s frustrated at dating Thai guys who expect her to be pretty, cute, and devoid of personality, and who would be shocked if she dared to express an opinion about, well, anything. Has a good job and is economically self-sufficient.

Her target: An attractive, educated foreign man from an equivalent social class who treats her as an equal, respects her thoughts, and cares about her goals and aspirations. Prefers a long term relationship over a short fling.

How to spot her: Speaks fluent English, not shy about expressing an opinion, fashionable dressed.

Where to find her: Trendy yuppie bar or café.

How to win her over: Be intelligent, well dressed, and respectful. Don’t speak to her in pigeon English, she probably speaks better English than you do. Indicate your level of education and career goals without bragging about how much money you make. Show an interest in her personality.

D. Miss Farang Crazy

Her reason for dating foreigners: All about finding a cute piece of white meat.

Her profile: She’s a girl in her lower-20’s who probably had a huge crush on David Beckham a few years back, and is on the hunt for any guy who vaguely resembles him. Money isn’t her priority, as she comes from a middle-class family or already has an older ‘sponsor’.

Her target: An attractive, white guy of a similar age with sex appeal for a one night stand or for a summer fling.

How to spot her: Ignores everyone who doesn’t fit her target.

Where to find her: Trawling the backpacker bars of Khao San Road, or anywhere else where young foreigners hang out and drink.

How to win her over: Dress like a teen idol, gel your hair into the latest style, and practice your dance moves because this girl is all about the physical. Don’t even bother if you’re over, say, 30.

Conclusion

Next time you see a interracial couple on the streets of Bangkok, don’t jump to any conclusions. Thai women are a mixed bunch, and may date foreigners for all sorts of reasons. If you’re a foreign guy interested in dating a Thai girl, you might want to reflect on what you bring to the table – and what kind of lady is likely to fall for you. Will you end up living a quiet life with a village girl in house nestled amidst rice fields? Enjoying a string of flings with girls you met on Khao San? Buying a condo and car for a knockout showgirl who ditches you when the funds run dry? Always keep her motivations for dating you in mind, and you’ll be sure to enjoy great times with the ladies in Thailand.

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Yoga Practitioner in Bangkok Park

By thaistory

June 20, 2009

Posted by Voicu Mihnea Simandan

Not so long ago I wrote about the benefits of archery. Today, we will briefly look at some of the health benefits of yoga. The pictures were taken in one of the many parks in Bangkok.

yoga-bangkok-thailand-1

Yoga increases body flexibility.

yoga-bangkok-thailand-2

Yoga keeps your joints, ligaments and tendons in good condition.

yoga-bangkok-thailand-3

Yoga helps with detoxification.

yoga-bangkok-thailand-4

Yoga makes your muscles strong.

Voicu Mihnea Simandan is a Romanian expat who has been living and working in Thailand since 2002. He is the author of “The Ironman. A Play”, a book for children well-received in educational circles.

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Parin Archery Open Championship 2009

By thaistory

June 5, 2009

Written by Voicu Mihnea Simandan

Although archery is not as popular as muay thai or takro, there are still a few Thai archery clubs where amateur and professional archers can train. One of these clubs is Parin Archery, a private club ran by Parinroj Palasunthon, also known as Ajan Parin or Khru Wai. Ajarn Parin is a well-known Thai archer who has done well in multiple national and international archery championships. Since April 2009, he is also a member of the Thai national archery team.

Sunday, May 31, 2009, Ajarn Parin organized the first edition of Parin Archery Open Championship 2009. The event took place at Hua Mark Archery Field in the Hua Mark Sports Complex on Ramkhamhaeng Road in Bangkok. The championship was open to all archers, no matter of age, gender or equipment. The competition accepted archers shooting both recurve and compound bows.

Ajarn Parin preparing the score cards.

Out of the 40 archers who are part of Parin Archery, 12 of them took the time and participated in this relaxed and fun event. Two of them were foreigners: one from Romania and the other from France. The youngest archer was 8 years old while the oldest one was 54 years old. The event lasted the entire morning and all the participating archers shot at the 18-meter target.

Because of the big age gap between the archers, all adult archers (over 18 years of age) entered the competition with a 20-points handicap. After each archer had shot 30 arrows, the following competitors were rewarded with Parin Archery medals:

Compound (mixed)
1^st place: Napatsorn Unkarn (Ploy)
2^nd place: Narabodin Anutaporn (Indy)

Recurve (mixed)
1^st place: Chan Chukeaw (Chan)
2^nd place: Benjamin Anutaporn (Benny)
3^rd place: Parvit Soontornjitakarn (Vit)

Archers at Parin Archery Open Championship 2009

Archers at Parin Archery Championship 2009

According to Ajarn Parin and the participating archers, the first edition of Parin Archery Open Championship 2009 was a success. “We’ve already started organizing our second archery championship, which will take place towards the end of June,” said Parinroj Palasunthon.

Parin Archery is open to all foreigners and Thais, the club being a member of the National Archery Association of Thailand. Upon successfully registering with Parin Archery, all members will also be granted membership to the National Archery Association of Thailand.

If by now you’re still not convinced that archery might be the next great thing for you or your children, here are some of the benefits of archery:

- keeps you physically fit (especially your upper-body);
- corrects your body posture;
- helps you clear your mind (through meditation);
- creates a good self-image;
- boosts you attention spam;
- gives you a feeling of freedom and empowerment;
- increases your self-confidence;
- teaches you teamwork skills.

Archers from "Parin Archery Club"

In case you do not have the necessary equipment to practice archery, Ajarn Parin can help you choose the most adequate bow style. Fortunately, this is not done through a third party, but straight from Parin Archery Shop, thus considerably reducing the costs.

Anyone interested in archery is most welcomed to contact Ajarn Parin at 081 4141 558 or through his website. You can also pay Ajarn Parin an impromptu visit at Hua Mark Archery Field. He is always there training or coaching his students. Don’t be afraid to approach him. His English speaking skills are quite good!

Voicu Mihnea Simandan is a Romanian writer who has been living and working in Thailand since 2002. He is the author of “The Ironman. A Play”, a book for children well-received in educational circles.

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