Pleasant surprise upgrade to a private pool villa. Didn't do much this time. Just hotel and golf :)
Showing posts with label Thailand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thailand. Show all posts
Friday, February 28, 2014
Feb CNY & Phuket
Back to SG for a short CNY break. I loveee CNY foods and the usual gatherings with relatives are always nice. Even squeezed in a Phuket trip :p
Pleasant surprise upgrade to a private pool villa. Didn't do much this time. Just hotel and golf :)
Pleasant surprise upgrade to a private pool villa. Didn't do much this time. Just hotel and golf :)
Monday, November 12, 2012
Chiang Mai 26-28Oct12 (2)
After the segway tour, we were really excited and relieved to find a massage parlour that looked pretty decent (too many dodgy ones around). I highly recommend this Tong Ta Massage as it's super cheap and good! So relaxing that I didn't even bother with the free wifi. It's at the start of the Night Bazaar street I think. Some stalls were open during the day but judging from the merchandise, I can see how this bazaar would have been too touristic & dull for us. Did some shopping at Boots (similar to our watsons) just opposite.
Continued walking to the Whole Earth Restaurant (88 Sri Donchai Rd) also recommended by a friend. As usual we over-ordered but the fried fish was excellent.
Full and satisfied, we walked back to the hotel and crashed. We were tempted to veg out the rest of the evening but I had the inkling that their much-talked-about Saturday Market should not be missed. So we left the hotel around 8pm for Wua Lai Market at Wualai street. We were pleasantly surprised by the uniqueness of the market and we super highly recommend it! Lots of mystery meats, street sushi, traditional thai nimnoms, creative handicraft, on-the-spot handicraft, performances... Love the authencity of it. A true local market that caters for the local crowd, not like those commercialized ones that can't wait to get their hands on our $. The street is long but we gladly walked the entire stretch. Too bad about missing out on their Sunday Market.
Indeed on the last day we had a long breakfast, lazed by the pool, ordered room service, lazed some more, checked out at 3pm, and had a foot massage near the hotel before leaving for the airport. I love our holidays =)
Continued walking to the Whole Earth Restaurant (88 Sri Donchai Rd) also recommended by a friend. As usual we over-ordered but the fried fish was excellent.
Full and satisfied, we walked back to the hotel and crashed. We were tempted to veg out the rest of the evening but I had the inkling that their much-talked-about Saturday Market should not be missed. So we left the hotel around 8pm for Wua Lai Market at Wualai street. We were pleasantly surprised by the uniqueness of the market and we super highly recommend it! Lots of mystery meats, street sushi, traditional thai nimnoms, creative handicraft, on-the-spot handicraft, performances... Love the authencity of it. A true local market that caters for the local crowd, not like those commercialized ones that can't wait to get their hands on our $. The street is long but we gladly walked the entire stretch. Too bad about missing out on their Sunday Market.
Indeed on the last day we had a long breakfast, lazed by the pool, ordered room service, lazed some more, checked out at 3pm, and had a foot massage near the hotel before leaving for the airport. I love our holidays =)
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Chiang Mai 26-28Oct12 (1)
Flew direct to Chiang Mai on Silkair. They don't fly everyday but the timing is excellent. Departed first thing in the morning and arrived at the airport before noon, upon which we took a cab straight to the Alpine Golf Resort (~45mins). It's a very scenic course surrounded by vast mountains. We really enjoyed it but we advise against taking the expensive buggy as it's buggy on cartpath only and we ended up walking a fair bit. Quite silly really. Also, the weather's no longer as cool as it used to be. Almost as hot as Singapore and we even got caught in a sudden downpour. Weird climate these days...
Reached The Chedi hotel at 6-ish. We were treated to a free upgrade to the club suite as they were fully booked. How nice of them! Late arrival has its perks. We love how huge the room is. Straightaway we decided to stay in on the 3rd day instead of checking out early to play golf :p Naturally we opted for room service instead of going to the night bazaar (which fortunately we did not).
Had a late breakfast next morning. The buffet selection is very limited but you can order quite a number of things on their ala carte menu. Riverside outdoor area can get crowded but there's reason for it. Spiral staircase leads to the gym. This hotel restaurant occupies a restored colonial British Consulate building and we love the style. Overall a very neat and peaceful accom that can pass off as a recluse resort.
Finally headed out to the city center. Main mode of transport is tuk tuk. Things are pretty closely-knit so moving area isn't any hassle. Recommended by a friend, we went for a Segway Gibbon Tour! S was rather reluctant as the machine looks intimidating but I managed to get my way ;) Ok, Segway is "the world's first electric, self-balancing personal transport vehicle". Pretty cool. We started off with some training with the instructors, then went out to the streets! Can be a lil wobbly at first but it's surprisingly easy to get used to. Unless you're like the punky boys who zipped around like F1 cars and eventually met with some flips and falls. So I'd say it's actually potentially dangerous.
Reached The Chedi hotel at 6-ish. We were treated to a free upgrade to the club suite as they were fully booked. How nice of them! Late arrival has its perks. We love how huge the room is. Straightaway we decided to stay in on the 3rd day instead of checking out early to play golf :p Naturally we opted for room service instead of going to the night bazaar (which fortunately we did not).
Had a late breakfast next morning. The buffet selection is very limited but you can order quite a number of things on their ala carte menu. Riverside outdoor area can get crowded but there's reason for it. Spiral staircase leads to the gym. This hotel restaurant occupies a restored colonial British Consulate building and we love the style. Overall a very neat and peaceful accom that can pass off as a recluse resort.
Finally headed out to the city center. Main mode of transport is tuk tuk. Things are pretty closely-knit so moving area isn't any hassle. Recommended by a friend, we went for a Segway Gibbon Tour! S was rather reluctant as the machine looks intimidating but I managed to get my way ;) Ok, Segway is "the world's first electric, self-balancing personal transport vehicle". Pretty cool. We started off with some training with the instructors, then went out to the streets! Can be a lil wobbly at first but it's surprisingly easy to get used to. Unless you're like the punky boys who zipped around like F1 cars and eventually met with some flips and falls. So I'd say it's actually potentially dangerous.
Anyway, we rode on the Segway and visited some of Chiang Mai's main attractions. Very touch-and-go. Not that I really minded cos standing on the machine can get tiring too! Conclusion: Great for a new experience, not cheap (S$65pp for a 2hr tour), dangerous if exceed 6 persons per group.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Bangkok (28-31Aug11)
The previous time I was in bkk my friend recommended a tailor who's supposedly really good. There are many tailors in bkk but the choices are so endless that it's hard to differentiate one over the other. How many times would you go there to custom make your clothes anyway? Surely you don't want to end up paying for a job poorly-done. Hence this recommendation was very much appreciated. You can opt for 2 fittings for precision and the final product can be delivered to your hotel. I was very satisfied with the workmanship and snug fit of my first made-to-measure suit and shirt!
Naturally I returned to them during this trip to have more shirts and pants done. The outcome wasn't as good as expected as the 3 pants varied from one another (fits quite differently) even though they were supposed to be the exactly the same, just with different fabric. Oh well, the lack of consistency put me off a lil but based on overall quality I'd probably still return. Prices from 1000THB (~S$40) for pants and 1500THB (~S$60) for shirts.
For cheap shopping, head to Platinum fashion mall. Several small store units selling casual wear & accessories. Almost like a cleaner/organized version of the well-known Chatuchak market which is hot, humid, dirty, messy & crowded. If it's your first time here, manage your time properly! For meals, the foodcourt (top floor) offers a cheap option with decent variety & quality. For breaks, grab a original coffee at Black Canyon Coffee. Not cheap cheap but surprisingly fragrant.
Save some time to go to another nearby shopping center - Central World. What I always do is buy Triumph/Wacoal lingerie in the Isetan there. Half the price you get in Singapore! Never been interested to explore this place much but apparently it is huge. Lots of high street fashion brands + 3 department stores. It's your preference. Read more about bkk's shopping malls here.
Oh I forgot to mention, situated in front of the mall are 2 shrines: Phra Trimurti (The God of Love) on the left and Ganesh Shrine on the right. I pray, offer some incense, and make a small donation.
Evening came and how better to end the day than a nice soothing massage? The Asia Herb Association (website) is one parlour that I frequent because it's big, has 4 branches along Sukhumvit road (I've only been to Soi 24), uses individual "huts" for massage rooms, looks clean (if you know what I mean) & professional. More importantly, the masseuses are consistently highly-skilled. That's what I like. To know for sure that you won't get a crappy massage. Prices at 650-1200THB (S$26-48) for a 2hr full body massage. Do book in advance to avoid being turned away.
Oh, massage session didn't end the day; seafood did. =D At a convenient location just 5mins' walk further into Soi 24. Found the restaurant on the internet. Was pretty fun "shopping" around for our seafood & vegetables as you can see from the shopping cart. If unsure, you can ask for help from one of the many staff. **Please take note that the prices shown (by weight) DO NOT include cooking services. You have to pay additionally according to size of dish & style of cooking.
Found the restaurant too touristy and as a result, expensive by bangkok standards. Ingredients were fresh but the cooked dishes tasted bland. I'm sure there are many other seafood places in bangkok that can top this. Also, their tagline "If it swims we have it" is total bullshit!
You know what? I'm so guilty of being a glutton (or gourmand if I may). Despite being stuffed with seafood, I insisted on packing dessert back to the hotel. Not just any dessert mind you. It had to be mango sticky rice, and only from this particular roadside stall at Sukhumvit Soi 38. The best I've ever tasted and I'll never stop going back. There's a really good pad thai stall opposite as well. But nah, I'm greedy but I'm not a monster.
More shopping the next day at Mah Boon Krong (MBK) shopping center. The 3 aunties seem to prefer this to Platinum shopping mall. It's more spacious and carry a wider variety of goods. Pad thai at the foodcourt was pretty good too. Spent a significant amount of time there, then off to Pinky's 2nd fitting, then to Siam Paragon shopping center.
On the last day I brought them to Chinatown (Yaowarat road) to buy some fruits, veggies & local foods. If you wish, visit the Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha) at the start of the road and from there walk all the way down. Try spotting a stall that sells superbly tasty roasted water chestnut. Go for the mini chestnuts instead of the normal-sized ones. Will end off with a photo of the 3 aunties I've been talking about - my mum & her two sisters :)
Naturally I returned to them during this trip to have more shirts and pants done. The outcome wasn't as good as expected as the 3 pants varied from one another (fits quite differently) even though they were supposed to be the exactly the same, just with different fabric. Oh well, the lack of consistency put me off a lil but based on overall quality I'd probably still return. Prices from 1000THB (~S$40) for pants and 1500THB (~S$60) for shirts.
Name: Pinky Tailor (website)
Location: 888/40 Ploenchit Road Pathumwan, Bangkok
(Near skytrain station E2 Ploenchit. Once you see Mahatun Plaza Arcade, turn and walk all the way in)
For cheap shopping, head to Platinum fashion mall. Several small store units selling casual wear & accessories. Almost like a cleaner/organized version of the well-known Chatuchak market which is hot, humid, dirty, messy & crowded. If it's your first time here, manage your time properly! For meals, the foodcourt (top floor) offers a cheap option with decent variety & quality. For breaks, grab a original coffee at Black Canyon Coffee. Not cheap cheap but surprisingly fragrant.
Save some time to go to another nearby shopping center - Central World. What I always do is buy Triumph/Wacoal lingerie in the Isetan there. Half the price you get in Singapore! Never been interested to explore this place much but apparently it is huge. Lots of high street fashion brands + 3 department stores. It's your preference. Read more about bkk's shopping malls here.
Oh I forgot to mention, situated in front of the mall are 2 shrines: Phra Trimurti (The God of Love) on the left and Ganesh Shrine on the right. I pray, offer some incense, and make a small donation.
Evening came and how better to end the day than a nice soothing massage? The Asia Herb Association (website) is one parlour that I frequent because it's big, has 4 branches along Sukhumvit road (I've only been to Soi 24), uses individual "huts" for massage rooms, looks clean (if you know what I mean) & professional. More importantly, the masseuses are consistently highly-skilled. That's what I like. To know for sure that you won't get a crappy massage. Prices at 650-1200THB (S$26-48) for a 2hr full body massage. Do book in advance to avoid being turned away.
Oh, massage session didn't end the day; seafood did. =D At a convenient location just 5mins' walk further into Soi 24. Found the restaurant on the internet. Was pretty fun "shopping" around for our seafood & vegetables as you can see from the shopping cart. If unsure, you can ask for help from one of the many staff. **Please take note that the prices shown (by weight) DO NOT include cooking services. You have to pay additionally according to size of dish & style of cooking.
Found the restaurant too touristy and as a result, expensive by bangkok standards. Ingredients were fresh but the cooked dishes tasted bland. I'm sure there are many other seafood places in bangkok that can top this. Also, their tagline "If it swims we have it" is total bullshit!
Name: Seafood Market
Location: 89 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtoey, Bangkok
Expenditure: 5000THB for 4 (S$50 pp)
You know what? I'm so guilty of being a glutton (or gourmand if I may). Despite being stuffed with seafood, I insisted on packing dessert back to the hotel. Not just any dessert mind you. It had to be mango sticky rice, and only from this particular roadside stall at Sukhumvit Soi 38. The best I've ever tasted and I'll never stop going back. There's a really good pad thai stall opposite as well. But nah, I'm greedy but I'm not a monster.
More shopping the next day at Mah Boon Krong (MBK) shopping center. The 3 aunties seem to prefer this to Platinum shopping mall. It's more spacious and carry a wider variety of goods. Pad thai at the foodcourt was pretty good too. Spent a significant amount of time there, then off to Pinky's 2nd fitting, then to Siam Paragon shopping center.
On the last day I brought them to Chinatown (Yaowarat road) to buy some fruits, veggies & local foods. If you wish, visit the Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha) at the start of the road and from there walk all the way down. Try spotting a stall that sells superbly tasty roasted water chestnut. Go for the mini chestnuts instead of the normal-sized ones. Will end off with a photo of the 3 aunties I've been talking about - my mum & her two sisters :)
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