Leaving South Korea & My Shopping Loots

Date Visited: 26th March 2016 

Right after we done with spending time and hanging out with furry felines at Cat Playground Cafe, we went back to Namsan Guest House to pack our bags and immediately proceed with check-out process. Instead of taking public bus or express train, we rent a van for 65,000 won (approx. to RM202) straightly to Incheon International Airport. Of course the first two means of transportation are much more cheaper, but it's more feasible by taking van especially when we carried quite number of luggage bags (the consequences of shopping too much). 

Fun Facts of Incheon International Airport (ICN):
Do you know ICN has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture? It also has been rated the best airport worldwide every year since 2005. Apart from that, it is rated as the world's cleanest airport and the world's best international transit airport. Talking about duty-free shopping, I notice that the cosmetic and beauty products here are relatively cheaper than the rest airport I ever visited. Twice I flew into this airport, twice I bought fragrances and they were indeed cheaper.

#1: Korean Air - Our official airlines for trip to South Korea 

#2: In-flight meal - Korean spicy chicken 

As we're flying in Economy class, the maximum weight per bag is 23 kg only (unlike Malaysia Airlines where the maximum weight is 30 kg). However, most of the time I didn't exceed the maximum weight given except for my trip to United Kingdom and Europe 8 years ago. Are you ready with what I bought throughout 8 days and 7 nights from South Korea? Get ready! 

#3: My shopping loots from South Korea (Compare with my first trip - here) 

#4: Korean snacks is a must! 

#5: I'm a big fan of hand cream. Don't ask me why. Probably I love their packaging 

#6: Quilt fabric pencil case from Insadong Street. Each cost 2,000 won (approx. to RM6) 

#7: All these accessories in South Korea are freaking dirt cheap. Majority of them cost 1,000 won (approx. to RM3). Can be found is most of the shopping streets such as Myeongdong, Insadong and more. 

#8: Starbucks tumbler - Free drinks for every purchase

#9: Couple passport cover and luggage tags from N Seoul Tower 

#9: Backpack for only 10,000 each (approx. to RM31) 

#10: The one and only a set of fridge magnets I bought from N Seoul Tower 

#11: Fragrances from Incheon International Airport 

I have to admit that South Korea is one of my favourite countries when comes to shopping, after Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. 

Taiwan (2013) Day 7: From Taipei to Taoyuan & My Taiwan Loots V.2

Our flight back to hometown was 9.50 am, which mean we have to be in the airport by 8 am, at least to avoid all those unforeseeable circumstances - long queues at the counter, clear immigration and security checkpoints. 

How To Get To Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) from Taipei City

Up to date, there is no MRT link between Taipei to Taoyuan yet but don't worry as there are few available means of transport to reach TPE from Taipei main city. Just to bear in mind that TPE is situated roughly around 40 minutes away from Taipei. Hence, one is strongly recommend to make a move to the airport at least 4 hours before the departure time. 

1) By Kuo Kang (國光) Bus 

The cheapest option to choose from - for as low as NT$125. The bus depart from Taipei West Station Terminal A in Taipei Main Station. However, the journey to airport takes almost an hour and if you are in hurry or like us whereby our flights were in the early morning, maybe this would not be the suitable option for you as the earliest bus is scheduled to be at 4.30 am. 

2) High Speed Rail
Although it didn't reach the airport directly, this is the fastest method to travel from Taipei Main Station to HSR Taoyuan which takes roughly around 19 to 22 minutes only and a single fare cost NT$160. The earliest train is scheduled to be at 6.30 am. Upon arriving HSR Taoyuan Station, take U-Bus ticket No. 705 directly to TPE (around 15-20 minutes, cost NT$30).

3) By Taxi

Expensive but an ideal option for those who need to catch flight in early morning and most importantly, hassle-free. The taxi fare cost around NT$650 to NT$1,000, depending on the traffic conditions. We opted for this option twice because both of our flights were scheduled in the morning, like I mentioned earlier.

#1: Christmas tree between 2010 and 2013

#2: Eva Air Hello Kitty kiosk 

I personally think Taoyuan International Airport is one of the most creative airports I ever visited. Look at the waiting lounge, they're so interesting and fascinating and each of them is decorated with different themes, such as E-library, Skyline and more. 

#3: Waiting lounges with different unique themes

#4: Hello Kitty is like everywhere in the airport 

Taiwan is an epic shopping destination and offers a great shopping experience. With numerous of night markets, which sell everything ranging from delicious local snacks to quality clothes, accessories and souvenirs, this is where I literally find anything I need in Taiwan at affordable prices with excellent quality. Below are my shopping loots from Taiwan:

#5: My shopping loots 

#6: Winter wear which mostly I bought from Fengjia Night Market, Taichung

#7: Can't help myself from buying all these fukurou (owls) 

#8: Waterproof bag

#9: Luggage tags - Got them from Fengjia Night Market, Jiufen Old Street & Red House Ximending

#10: Handphone casing from Fengjia Night Market, Taichung

#11: Facial masks from main drugstore chains - Cosmed and Watsons

#12: Socks and masks from various night market 

#13: Adventure time pencil box for my brothers - They love this cartoon 

#14: Camera straps from Red House Theater, Ximending 

#15: Pineapple cakes from Tamshui Old Street 

#16: My favourite unhealthy snacks - Pocky with so many flavours which can be found in Malaysia

One luggage bag is certainly not enough and by end of the trip, I had to buy a huge woven shopping bag to store all my clothes whereas my luggage was used to store all my souvenirs. This is what they define as guilty and sinful pleasures. 

Japan (2013) Day 8: Goodbye Kansai Region & My Shopping Hauls

Date Visited: 18th October 2013

Every trip must comes to an end and so does this one. It's our final day here in Japan and of course, it's difficult to bid goodbye to this amazing and wonderful country - definitely one of the best countries I ever visited. Packed our luggage, check-out from the hotel and heading back to Kansai International Airport. From Kawaramachi-dori where we stayed, we hopped on Kyoto City bus to Kyoto Station and immediately from there, boarded on  Haruka Limited Express directly to the airport. The train ride takes approximately of 80 minutes.  

#1: Using ICOCA & Haruka we bought on the first day arrived - Check out the post HERE

#2: Search result from Hyperdia

#3: Kansai International Airport - Best part is there is a free WiFi!

Right after we done with all the process of counter check-in and dropping our luggage, both mommy and I ventured around for food and last minute shopping. We even found our favourite eatery, Kamukura Ramen which we had earlier in Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade and we really don't mind to have them for second time cause it's absolutely delicious and affordable too. I couldn't remember whether the price is same as the one in city but even it's different, only by slightly charges. 

#4: We ordered a set consists of shouyu ramen and donbori at Kamukura Ramen

And if you are looking for Japanese snacks and confectioneries like variety flavours of Kit Kat, popular Tokyo Banana, Royce Chocolate and etc, yes - they are available in the airport as well. Don't worry about the price cause I found out they are selling at the same price as the rest of the places. Hence, shop with peace of mind. Except for knick knacks and souvenirs such as fridge magnets, keychains, T-shirts and so on, these items are selling at more higher price.

#5: Shops and souvenirs

#6: Our official airlines for this trip unfortunately flight to Osaka from Kota Kinabalu is now cancelled.

#7: Departure lounge - I really love to be back Kansai again

#8: In-flight meal - Pasta and soba

#9: Definitely looking forward for another trip to Japan again

Because we flew with Malaysia Airlines which each of us has 30kg luggage allowance, hence we don't have to worry about over-limit issue. Most of the time, my bag weighted up to 20kg by end of the trip. So for this time around, what did I buy throughout my 8 days and 7 nights in Japan?

#10: My shopping haul - Obviously I bought more snacks and food

#11: Japanese cream coated biscuit sticks - My favourite one

Majority I bought from drugstores in Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, supermarkets, convenience stores such as Lawson and 7-Eleven. But I personally think Fran taste more better than Pocky.  

#12: Kit Kat in Japan are really unique and has more flavours

Updated: 

From top left to bottom left - Hojicha Roasted Tea Flavour (Kyoto), Matcha Green Tea Flavour (Kyoto), Cinnamon Cookie Flavour (Kyoto)

From top right to bottom right - Strawberry Cheese Cake Flavour, Sakura Matcha Flavour and Strawberry Flavour. 

A standard box of Kit Kat like the three on left one are sold at the price of 840 yen each and each box has 12 small packets. Mostly can be found in drugstores, convenience stores, supermarkets as well in Kansai International Airport, like I mentioned earlier. Somehow, I wish Nestle can produce and sell in a smaller box, similar to the in Sakura Matcha Flavour cause besides being too bulky, a box contains 12 same flavour seems to be quite a lot for me.

(Check out my old post here for other flavours of Kit Kat and how it looks like for a standard box.)

#13: More food hauls

#14: Porch specially made in Japan

#15: Three beautiful paper files bought from Arashiyama, Hello Kitty tote bag, themed T-shirt from Osaka, shorts and long pant from Uniqlo and both blue hat and tote bag from 100 yen store in Kyoto.

#16: Japanese amulets for health, happiness and safety

#17: My shopping hauls wouldn't complete without keychain and fridge magnets collection.

Majority of the ladies went Japan to buy beauty and cosmetic products but not for me. However, most of the reviews I came across were these items are incredibly cheap in Japan. So in case anyone of you are planning to go Japan for the very first time and love make-up, perhaps you could check them out. 

With this post, it concludes the end of my Kansai Region, Japan 2013 Autumn travelogues.

Next Post >>> Accommodations in Osaka & Kyoto 

Laos - Brief Travel Guide & Summary of My 8D7N Travelogue

As I got responses from my friends saying that planning a trip to Laos is not as easy as comparing to Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam due to limited of information, hence I would like to share not comprehensive one but brief and basic travel guide based my own first hand experience. 

Flying In Laos

From Malaysia, AirAsia is the only carriers flying directly from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos three times a week - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. From Kuala Lumpur, the flight to Vientiane took 1 hour and 45 minutes. Time difference wise, Laos is 1 hour behind Malaysia.

For Malaysian citizens, visa is not required when entering Laos and allow to stay up to 30 days.

Best Time To Visit Laos
This one tend to be very subjective cause as we know, weather is always unpredictable one. November to February is the peak season with cooler temperature. Accommodations tend to be fully book and charge slightly higher compare to off season. We went in end of July and early of August and caught up in the heavy rain throughout the first few days but then, we were rewarded with clear and beautiful blue sky at the end of our trip. Accommodations were incredibly cheaper too. 

Travel Around Laos

Generally, Laos is divided into three distinctive regions and I listed down those popular cities:

• Northern Laos -  the most popular one is Luang Prabang
• Central Laos - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, Plain of Jars
• Southern Laos - Pakse and Champasak

[Source]

Throughout my 8 days visit in Laos, I only managed to cover Northern and Central regions and frankly speaking, it was kinda rush trip. Hence, it is advisable to spend at least two weeks if you plan to cover all three regions.  

For your information, there are no trains in Laos eventually. So in order to travel from one city to another, the most economical and safest way is by taking minivans and VIP buses.  Minivans are quicker but small leg room which make a long journey less comfortable whereas typical VIP buses have extra leg room but slower compare to minivans. VIP buses also include a bottle of water and a stop for lunch or dinner but one thing I noticed about these VIP buses are often break down. Both types are usually air conditioned. 

Reminder: As most of the journey are extremely one stomach-churning bus ride and if you have susceptible motion sickness, remember to take motion sickness medication before embarking on the long bus ride. Trust me, you don't want keep throwing up throughout the expedition.

Language

Official language of Laos is Lao, which I found out it is closely related to Thai language somehow. However no worry about language barrier as nowadays, most younger Lao generally know some basic English as they have the eager to practice and learn English. I still remember vividly when both Jeff and I climbed up Phu Si in Luang Prabang, we were approached by a group of young monks and after they found out I wasn't Thai (not again), we have conversation for almost an hour. Never knew these young monks can speak English so well. Pretty interesting, right?

Currency Exchange

Lao currency is known as kip. I'm not pretty sure whether they accept Ringgit Malaysia or not but it's advisable be prepared with US dollar or Thai baht before going to Laos as these two foreign currencies are widely acceptable there. You can change Lao kip in airport upon arrival. Besides airport, both Jeff and I did perform currency exchange in main touristy area of Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

US$1 (Approx. to RM3.50) = 7,760 kip

There you go! My brief and basic travel guide about Laos and I hope the above information could literally help you in planning your trip to Laos. 

And the following is my simple travel guides of the cities I've been in Laos - Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, Plain of Jars and Luang Prabang which I include essential info such as accommodation, how to travel from one city to antoher, the ideal way of getting around, things to do and see and etc. Not forgetting too, as usual I do share the details of my travel expenses of what I spent throughout my 8D7N trip in Laos at the end of this post.

Vientiane & Surrounding Area 
 

Vang Vieng, A Laid Back Riverside Town


Phonsavan & Mysterious Plain of Jars


The Ancient City of Luang Prabang


Travel Expenses for 8D7N in Laos

1. Thanks to Jeff Chuah, a humble and friendly travel blogger for helping me to buy the airticket cause I was in Hong Kong at that particular moment.
2. Stayed for a night before depart to Vang Vieng. A three stars hotel which includes breakfast as well.
3. Stayed for a night. A twin bed room attached with private bathroom but without air-conditioned and breakfast.
4. Stayed for two nights. A twin bed room attached with private bathroom but without air-conditioned and breakfast.
5. Stayed for a night. An air-conditioned twin bed room attached with private bathroom. 
6. Stayed for a night. A fan twin room only. Shared bathroom. Not recommended.
7. Including English speaking tour guide, entrance fees and pick-up and drop-off from where we stayed. Lunch is not included.
8. Prepaid data sim card but then, it was only worked on the first day. 
9. Souvenirs such as T-shirt, fridge magnets, photo frame, two pairs of cushion covers and local handmade Tote bag.

And that's concludes my Laos travelogues.