Tonight after work, Piyawat and I drove a couple of hours to Nakorn Ratchasima province to visit Kao Yai National Park for a weekend birthday celebration (his birthday, not mine)
On the way we stopped by the famous Chok Chai Farm and Steak Restaurant. I have been looking forward to eating here ever since I saw it by the side of the highway on the way to Isaan. I haven't had a decent steak in Thailand yet, but I figured that maybe since this place was so famous, and the cows were raised right there on the farm behind the restaurant, then this would be the place.
To make a long story short, I am still looking for that first good Thai steak. My New York Strip was expensive, tough, and overcooked. The service was terrible, the room was freezing, and worst of all, I left hungry.
In any case, Chok Chai is very close to Kao Yai, but since it was already late by the time we finished eating, we got a hotel room in nearby Pak Chong. That was an adventure in itself. Judging by the big lobby of the Landmark Hotel, the 800 baht (US$20) price was good deal. The first room we were given was down the hall from the meeting rooms where a huge loud party was going on with Thai people dressed up like Cowboys and Indians (the scene was amusing in itself, but I want to get some sleep tonight!). The second room was on the top floor but when stepped off the elevator we were in pitch darkeness because all of the electricity on that floor was turned off. Finally we saw the room but it was very musty and a little scary because no one ever stays there. The third room did not have a hot water heater. Finally, the fourth room was acceptable. After all, we are paying 800 baht so we want the best!
Tomorrow we drive the remaining 30 KM to Kao Yai. I am really looking forward to doing some hiking and seeing some wild life (and I don't mean "Cowboys and Indians" style!)
Well worded. Amusing and very realistic. Brings back fond memories of amusing times.