Wat Rong Khun, The White Temple of Chiang Rai

Date Visited: 14th April 2014

My friend and I decided to go our own separate way when we went back to Chiang Mai from Pai. She is interested with Rainforest Canopy Zipline whereas for me, I ended up took 1 Day Chiang Rai Excursion Tour. Frankly speaking, I was never worry of taking the tour alone as I went through that experience when I was in Melbourne few years back. But what cause me to take the one day excursion to Chiang Rai alone? All mainly because of this temple - Wat Rong Khun. 

#1: Wat Rong Khun from far away - Always jam-packed and crowded with tourists

Well-known among the foreign visitors as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is the most recognisable temples and most visited attractions in Northern Thailand. When our van arrived this temple, from far away I could literally see this temple is indeed jam-packed and crowded especially with tourists from Mainland China. But that ain't going to stop me from joining the crowd of visiting this marvellous and stunning temple. 

#2: White temple reflected on a large pond

It was like love at first sight when I saw this white temple for the very first time. It touched my heart instantly for the minute I saw it and without I realised, I had fall in love with this contemporary Buddhist and Hindu temple. Honestly to say, I have visited quite number of temples either in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and even in other parts of Thailand but none of them gave me a very deep impression like what Wat Rong Khun did.  

#3: The white colour signifies the purity of the Buddha 

Wat Rong Khun was built by a famous local visual artist who decided to completely rebuilt the temple and using his own money to fund the whole project. To date, the extension is still ongoing and when its completed, the white temple compound is expecting to have nine buildings including a hall of relics, a meditation hall, an art gallery and living quarters for monks. Despite spending huge amount of money by the local artist to rebuild the whole temple, the admission to the wat compound is absolutely free of charge. How generous and humble he is, right? 

#4: The bridge leading to the main Wat

#5: The bridge of "the cycle of rebirth" - Hundreds of reaching hands that symbolise desire

#6: The main temple - Unfortunately no photo is allowed to take inside and one must take off the shoe before entering

#7: Up close to the temple's chofa - perfect carving 

#8: Even the view from behind can be breath-taking 

What You Should Take Note:

1) Dress respectfully like no revealing clothes.  

2) Phototaking is not allowed inside the main temple.

3) Remove your shoes before entering a temple building. 

How To Get To Wat Rong Khun

The journey from Chiang Mai to here takes almost 2 hours. So, if you wish to visit here without taking any exercusion tour, at least spend a night in Chiang Rai. Take bus from the old bus station nearby the night bazaar in the center of Chiang Mai town and the ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm daily.

Admission Fee: It's free of charge.

My full and lengthy post on 1 Day Chiang Rai Excursion Tour will coming up next. So stay tune! 

Brief Travel Guide of Pai, Northern Thailand

It was another impromptu trip again. When my friend told me that she is heading over to Chiang Mai for Songkran Festival, I told her that I love to join her cause Chiang Mai has always been one of my travel wishlist. So right after I came back from South Korea less than two weeks, I flew off again to Northern Thailand. Instead of focusing the well-known cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, my friend and I decided to cover Pai, a small but artsy and hippie insipired town situated 3 to 4 hours from the north of Chiang Mai. So basically this post is about the basic and brief travel guide of Pai.

How To Get In Pai: 

The one and only way to travel to Pai is fly into Chiang Mai first. For Malaysia case, so far AirAsia is the only carrier that fly directly from Kuala Lumpur with two flights daily; EDT at 6.55 am and 2.45 pm. The flight duration to Chiang Mai takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes and as for the time difference wise, Thailand is 1 hour behind Malaysia. 

We booked the morning flight and once we landed in Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), immediately we took songthaew (photo as below) to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. Make sure to inform the driver that you are taking bus heading to Pai cause Chiang Mai has two official bus stations and both are located quite distance away from each other. The driver quoted us 100 baht each (approx. to RM10.50) to the arcade bus station and we agreed with that. 

#1: Songthaew, a covered pick-up truck serves a bus or even taxi 

Upon arrival at Arcade Bus Station, look around for the Pai counter at the old bus station, which just across the road from the new bus station. Most of the times, we asked around the friendly local and they were indeed being very helpful. To Pai, one can either opt of ordinary public bus or privately-operated mini buses. Of course, we opted for the latter one for more convenient. The earliest bus from Chiang Mai to Pai starts at 6.30 am and the last service would be around 5.30 pm. The mini bus runs every hour and it costs 150 baht (approx. to RM16). The journey takes about 3 and half hours with a 15 minutes quick break at Mae Sae. 

#2: Pai counter at the old bus station. One way with mini bus costs 150 baht and the journey takes about 3 and half hours ride. 

Over the years, Pai is not just popular among the Western travellers but I noticed there are many tourists from China love to visit here too. So it is wise to purchase bus ticket bound to Ching Mai as soon you reach Pai. Even purchase a day in advance like us, it could be sold out like hot cakes. Just when we thought to buy ticket in the morning return to Chiang Mai, it was sold out and the only available time was after 4 pm. 

Where To Stay In Pai

There's a wide selection of accommodations in Pai, ranging from budget to mid range and there are now even luxury hotels. I personally prefer to stay nearby the bus station cause this is where the night market situated. My friend and I didn't book any lodging beforehand and only browsing around once we arrived Pai. We're lucky to stumble upon a small little hotel that cost 500 baht per night for a private air-conditioned room attached with bathroom. Can you imagine after divided into two, it only costs us 250 baht (approx. to RM26) - it's freaking dirt cheap! 

#4: LiLu Hotel - Only cost 500 baht per night for a private air-conditioned room attached with bathroom

How To Get Around Pai

An ideal option to explore Pai would be by renting motorbikes as majority of the attractions are placed further away from Pai town centre. These can be rented from most agents along the Pai Walking Street from as low as 100 baht per day. Besides the basic rental, do take into account to include 100 baht for helmet deposit, 40 baht for damage insurance and 40 baht for theft insurance. 

What To Do and See in Pai
Spending 3 days 2 nights in Pai, my friend and I managed to cover majority of the attractions in Pai.

1) Chinese Village (Santichon) - Early settlement by the Yunnanese hill tribes who crossed the border to escape themselves from the Communist rule. Their houses were built from mud and straws and there are few shops opened selling different type of Chinese teas. [7km away from Pai town]


2) Mo Paeng Waterfall - Popular among the locals and foreign tourists, this waterfall is slightly easier to access compare to the rest of the waterfalls. This is a three-tiered waterfall which flows through a verdant green valley and on the upper section of the waterfall, there is a small looking-pond of natural water making visitors decided jump into for swimming. I love to do so but unfortunately I didn't bring along any extra clothes with me. [12 km away from Pai town]


3) Oia Village - Apparently it wasn't a village but in reality, it's a luxury resort. Oh boy! How I wish I could afford to stay here? The whole area is resembles alike Greek Island making like I was transported to Greece instead. And because there was like no other visitors while we were there, oh well we had whale of time to do plenty of phototaking here and there around this area. Plus, it's free of entrance and no one was there to stop you at all. [1km away from Pai town]


4) Wat Phra That Mae Yen - This small temple is situated not far away from the Pai town. Before one could reach up the temple, one must climb up the long flight of staircases but trust me, it's absolutely worth the climb as it offers another striking view of Amphoe Pai, from houses to the rice fields. This is another best place for sunset viewing. [2km from Pai town] 


5) Pai Canyon - I can say this is one of the not-to-be-missed attraction. To be frank, this spot is best to visit for sunset from the viewing platform but guess the luck was on our side too as we got to witness impressive sunrise overlooking the stunning lush green scenery. [8km away from Pai town]


6) WWII Memorial Bridge - It believed that this steel truss bridge was built by the occupying Japanese but unfortunately it was burnt down by the Japanese soldiers when the World War II ended. So the current one was actually transported from Chiang Mai in order to replace the ruined bridge. It then became known as the "Tai-Pai Bridge". [10km away from Pai town]   


7) Coffee in Love - This is one of the most prominent cafes in Pai offers beautiful scenery while enjoying a cup of fresh coffee.


8) Pai Walking Street - Nothing much to offer during the daytime but once the sun gives way for the night, the whole street is clustered with vast range of souvenirs, unique handicrafts, clothes, food and more. I will claim this place to be more alike Pai Night Market instead. The walking street is so alive, colourful and a great introduction to the sights and smells of the local products. I would highly recommend to stay not far away from this walking street so you can spend more of your time here. [Within Pai Town]

If you are looking for a more laidback and relaxed atmospehere, Pai is most certainly what you are looking for. I can say this is one of my most favourite city to lay back and relax after Luang Prabang of Laos. 

I left my heart in Pai

Last but not least, don't forget to buy postcards and send your warmest greetings from Pai

To view more of my photos, you can check out on my Flickr album - click here.

Date Visited: 10th - 12th April 2014

Summary of My 5D4N Hatyai, Thailand (2013) Travelogue & Travel Expenses

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Hatyai, Thailand for 5 days and 4 nights. Plus, by end of this post, I also share on how much I spent throughout my trip.

Day 1: 21st June 2013

Stay: Centara Hotel

From Hatyai International Airport to Centara Hotel, we took taxi which cost 320 baht per ride.
As for the hotel room, the rate per night is RM192.10 for a superior queen room inclusive breakfast.

Shabushi by Oishi at Lee Gardens Plaza 

We had our late lunch in Shabushi, a Japanese restaurant serving shabu-shabu and sushi in a buffet style. It cost 345 baht per head. Each patron is given 75 minutes to enjoy their meal, or else additional cost will be charged.

Day 2: 22nd June 2013

Klong Hae Floating Market

We took tuk-tuk to this floating market and it cost 420 for a return trip. The driver agreed to give us 3 hour to venture around. Most of the time these tuk-tuk drivers would eventually approach you everytime step out from the hotel, especially if you are staying nearby Lee Garden Plaza. Klong Hae Floating Market is only open from Friday to Sunday. Generally, the vendors start to operate from 3pm to 9pm.

Day 3: 23nd June 2013

A Day Tour Around Hatyai

We got the best price of 1,000 baht for our day trip around Hatyai and Songkla. Normally, the tour starts from 9 am until 4 or 5pm at least but we ended earlier cause the weathers was unbearable hot. Throughout this trip, we managed to visit Wat Hat Yai Nai, Hatyai Ice Dome (Admission Fee: 300 baht for adult and 200 baht for children), Chang Puak Camp, Songkhla Aquarium (Admission Fee: 300 baht for adult and 200 baht for children), The Great Serpent and Golden Mermaid Statue.

Day 4: 24th June 2013

Big C Supermarket, Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Sky Buffet & Gelate

A day before leaving Hatyai, my friend and I decided to go Big C Supermarket for local snacks. And as usual, we took tut-tuk. Expecting to pay 100 baht per ride cause it's located quite distance away from the city center. After shopping, we had Fuji Japanese Restaurant for lunch. Not just they served great and delicious Japanese meals but the prices were pretty attractive and reasonable. As for our dinner, we had the famous sky buffet dinner located on the highest floor of Lee Gardens Plaza in Hatyai. Imagine for the price tag of only 169 baht, it's no harm for us to try before leaving this place permanently on the next onwards.

Extra Feature:

• Keep Calm & Travel to Hatyai (Sneak Peek)

And the following is the details of my travel expenses that I spend for my 5 days and 4 nights trip in Hatyai, Thailand:

(The exchange rate by the time I changed; RM10.42: 100 baht)

NOTE:

1. The cheapest airfare I ever bought! When can I get this kind of fare again? 
2. 15kg baggage allowance for my flight from Hatyai to Kuala Lumpur.
3. Stayed for 4 nights throughout the trip, which including the breakfast as well. Highly recommended hotel to stay when in Hatyai. 

My shopping hauls from the floating market 

My food hauls from Big C Extra Supermarket 

We Eat, Shop & Sleep in Hatyai: Day 4 - Big C Extra, Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Sky Buffet & Gelate

Date Visited: 24th June 2013

I know that my friend and I had spent too many days in Hatyai alone but frankly speaking, we really enjoyed our laid back trip. As it was our last day before leaving Hatyai on the next day, we decided to shop for local snacks and after searching from the net, we took tuk-tuk to the nearest Big C Supermarket.

#1: Big C Extra

Big C is one of the biggest supermarket chains in Thailand selling quality products at affordable and low prices. It's not just visited by the local but by the foreign visitors as well, especially the one in Bangkok where you will be surprised that majority of the customers there were eventually foreign visitors.

#2: My food haul - Lays Potato Chips & Glico Biscuit Sticks 

Done with shopping, our next activity would be fulfilling our hungry tummy. We didn't waste any of our time of choosing what and where to eat cause both of us already decided to dine in Fuji Japanese Restaurant which situated within the building. We had it once before in Don Muang International Airport of Bangkok and we love to have it again. Not just they served great and delicious Japanese meals but the prices were pretty attractive and reasonable.

#3: We ordered Fuji Special Bento Set and Takoyaki. Total damage = 498 baht for two

Back to our hotel which just 10 minutes away by taking tuk-tuk, we continued our day with foot massage. It's like everytime I went Thailand, massage is one of the things I will do, beside shopping and eat. Simply because it's cheap - an hour of massage for only 200 baht. Where can you get this price back in Malaysia, right?

As for our dinner, I came across a blog whereby there is a famous sky buffet located on the highest floor of Lee Gardens Plaza in Hatyai. Imagine for the price tag of only 169 baht, it's no harm for us to try before leaving this place permanently on the next onwards.

#4: Sky Buffet is actually located at 33rd floor, not 10th floor as what stated above

#5: The buffet mainly served authentic Thai cuisines with few Western meals

It's free seating, therefore you can choose whenever you want to sit and dine in. Of course, my friend and I prefer to sit nearby the window to enjoy the view overlooking of Hatyai city. The restaurant is kinda huge, which I personally think can accommodate up to 1,000 people at least. Food wise, they served authentic Thai cuisines such as green curry chicken, Thai fish cake, Tom Yam Gung and few Western meals such as fried chicken and fries. They also served desserts too. But to be honest, the food was so-so only. Nothing to shout about but for the price of 169 baht, I can't complaint much anywhere.

#6: View overlooking of Hatyai city

#7: Gelate - Not from the sky buffet but from one of the shop within Lee Gardens Plaza and this is how we ended our day

We Eat, Shop & Sleep in Hatyai: A Day Tour Around Hatyai

Date Visited: 23rd June 2013

Initially on the third day in Hatyai, my friend and I decided to continue shopping but not until we were approached by a almost middle aged lady for a day tour around Hatyai. After haggled for almost ten minutes, we finally agreed with the price offered of 1,000 baht travel around with her tuk-tuk. Be make sure to do research of the market price beforehand, or else you will likely being ripped off with with absurdly high prices. I always do my research earlier at least, by reading blogs, TripAdvisor and so on.

Wat Hat Yai Nai

Not far away from the Hatyai city center, we started off by visiting Wat Hat Yai Nai, which known as Temple of Wisdom. This temple is well-known for a gigantic statue of sleeping Buddha, named Phra Phuttha Hattha Mongkhon. With the measurement of 35 metres long, 15 metres tall and 10 metres wide, Wat Hat Yai Nai is claimed to be the third largest reclining Buddha in the world. No admission fee is required, just a small donation would be appreciated.


Hatyai Ice Dome


I knew about this place exist but we came here without any early preparation; wore short pants and slippers which is totally insane! But we glad that we were provided with thick coats and warm gloves before entering. Upon entering, we were amazed with the beautiful colourful ice sculptures being displayed around such as our proud iconic, KLCC as well as other famous landmarks around the world. It was really pretty impressive and we were indeed enjoyed the ice cold feeling inside but just make sure in case you are interesting to visit here, please wear long pants and shoes.

Admission fee: 300 baht (Adult) and 200 baht (Children)
Opening Hour: 10 am to 8 pm

Chang Puak Camp


Chang Puak camp is the place for those who are interested with elephant trekking activities. Besides elephant trekking, they even offer other fun activities such as ATV and archery. However, we just dropped for few minutes for phototaking and left instantly. I'm strongly disagree with elephant riding activities, especially after seeing the animal cruelty exposed. It's indeed heartbreaking.

Songkhla Aquarium


After more than 40 minutes of ride from Hatyai district, we reached a small, beach side town of Songkhla and the first place we went was Songkhla Aquarium. Our tour guide convinced us to visit this home to a great variety of both fresh and salt-water fish. Don't expecting this aquarium as big as the one in Singapore or even in Langkawi as it was quite small but sufficient enough for a visit in less than an hour. If you are bringing small kids with you, then this would be one of the recommend place to be but if not, well perhaps you could just skip this place cause honestly speaking, nothing much to see here. The only thing we enjoyed the most was the feeding time performance.



Admission fee: 300 baht (Adult) and 200 baht (Children)
Opening Hour: Tuesday to Sunday (Close on Monday)

The Great Serpent

One of the popular attractions around Songkhla is the statue of "The Great Serpent" found on the sea shore. This Nag is highly respected in southern Thailand as it believed to bring happiness and good fortune to the population of the town.

Golden Mermaid Statue


Probably Songkhla's most photographed tourist attraction, this golden mermaid statue sits on a rock on the Samila white sandy beach. A visit to Songkhla is incomplete without seeing this statue and this is the reason why I agreed to take the day tour trip, just mainly for this.

Besides the places we went, eventually there are even more places you could consider when visiting Hatyai such as:

• Hatyai Municipal Park
• Tang Kuan Hills of Songkhla
• Hatyai Cable Car

and more but we decided to end the trip earlier as we were exhausted and the weather was unbearable hot. 

Bangkok & Hua Hin Version 3.0 (Sneak Peek)

I just came back from my recent trip to Bangkok and that's explain why I didn't update my blog recently.

This is my third visit to Bangkok, after two years and I'm looking forward to go again. See, I told you that Bangkok has indeed put spell on me. I just can't help myself from going back over and over again.

Not just Bangkok, this time we managed to go Hua Hin as well for 3 days 2 nights.

Hua Hin is getting more attention and popular lately, especially among foreign visitors for its interesting and charming theme parks such as Santorini Park, The Venezia, Swiss Sheep Farm and more.

#2: A day tour around Hua Hin cost 1,800 baht

That is one of the reason why I choose to be back Bangkok, instead of other cities. The other reasons:

#3: Shopping around Pratunam area

I admit that I shopped a lot when I was in Bangkok cause they were freaking cheap, from the top to the bottom. I could get a nice and decent top plus with good quality for only 120 baht (approx. to RM14) and a dress for 200 baht (approx. to RM23). I can't deny that Bangkok is indeed ladies shopping paradise.

#4: Aroi mak mak! (means very very delicious in Thai)

Besides shopping, a trip to Bangkok and Hua Hin is about food, food and food. Tom yam gung, Thai fish cake, pad thai, coconut milk sticky rice with sweet mangoes, fresh seafood - I just love Thai cuisines.

#5: Thanks to AirAsia for the cheap fare

Cheap shopping, delicious food and cheap massages - that's explain why Bangkok always my favourite city to be. Anyone love Bangkok as well? 

[Note: Just when I wish to go Bangkok again, I received another invitation to there but I rejected due to work commitment. So sad]