Chinatown Bangkok of Thailand (Yaowarat)

Date Visited: 13th February 2013

After the unbearable heat in Wat Pho, also known as Temple of Reclining Buddha, we then proceeded to our next stop, Chinatown to fulfill our hungry tummy as the time was approaching lunch hour at that moment. And because we bought One Day River Pass of Chao Phraya Tourist Boat where we can have unlimited rides on the tourist boat, therefore we went back to the pier and wait for the boat to our next desired destination.

#1: Get off at Ratchawongse Pier (N5) in order to get to Chinatown

Once we got off at Ratchawongse Pier, we followed the crowd and walked along for 500 meters before reaching the intersection of Yaowarat Road, this is where the home of Bangkok's sizable Chinese community. There are many small streets and alleys filled with variety kind of shops and vendors selling all different types of goods; such as accessories, clothes, bags, shoes, household items and more. Not forgetting, the wide selection of delicious and scrumptious of street foods are available here as well. By the time we were there, it was still Chinese New Year celebration and therefore, the whole street was decorated brightly with red lantern.

#2: A visit to Chinatown is incomplete without spotting the Chinese Arch

#3: Spotted signboard with Chinese characters in the central of Yaowarat Road

Our main intention to visit Chinatown was mainly to fulfill our crave toward Chinese cuisine and searching for a decent Chinese restaurant seems to be so difficult that we almost lose our patient and hope searching for one. Luckily enough, we noticed one but then, we need to wait for almost half an hour as the restaurant was fully occupied.

#4: A decent Chinese restaurant serves relatively affordable and good Chinese cuisines

After waited for almost an hour, we were being served to a table for 10 people. After browsing through the menu given, and these were among the dishes we ordered:

#5: Barbecued pork (Char Siu)

#6: Seafood fried rice. Kinda disappointed with the portion cause we thought can serve up to 4-5 pax

#7: Stir Fry Kailan with Shrimps

#8: Dim sum

#9: Jellyfish cooked with sesame oil and chilli sauce

#10: Mixed vegetables

Conclusion, nothing to shout out for this restaurant and it was merely for our hungry tummy filling. After that, we continued to explore around this vibrant Chinatown before moving on to our next destination, Terminal One as well as to one of the best restaurants for an authentic mouth-watering Thai cuisine in Bangkok, Nara Thai Cuisine afterthen. The path of the central Yaowarat Road, which bisects the area is believed to resemble a dragon's curvy body, making it an auspicious spot for business purposes. From the colourful lights of the gold shops to the healing herbs and spices found in the Chinese medicine stores and the ancient tea shops, there are plentiful glimpses of traditional Thai-Chinese culture.

#11: Lined with many herbs and spices shop as well as gold shops.

#12: Creative artwork spotted in Chinatown

Would I be back for more? Probably nope, cause after visited 6 Chinatown so far (Kuala Lumpur, London, Manchester, Melbourne, Singapore and Bangkok), I would probably think the one in Singapore is way more better than this one.

How To Get To Chinatown 
Take Chao Phraya Tourist Boat and get off at Ratchawongse Pier (N5). Walk along Ratchawongse Road for 500 meters to reach the intersection of Yaowarat Road.

Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Date Visited: 13th February 2013

One thing that one should do regardless in which part of Thailand is visit at least one of their temples. It doesn't matter whether you are in Bangkok, Hatyai, Chiang Mai or even Phuket and this was exactly what I did whenever I visited Thailand. As for Bangkok, there are number of notable and glittering temples you could put in part of your itinerary - Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Kallayanamitr Temple and more. Since I went Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo before with my friend, hence I opted for the rest with my family.

#1: Chao Phraya Tourist Boat - One Day River Pass for 150 baht

Just like my previous trip, I brought my family by taking the most enjoyable and fascinating route which was by taking Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. One of my readers did ever suggest me to take the boat which mainly occupied by the local Thai cause it will be more cheaper but to think of that, it will be overcrowded and because I was bringing a big group of 10 people, I think Chao Phraya Tourist Boat will be better option. Perhaps next time for the local boat.

#2: Our first pitstop - Tha Thien (N8) for Wat Pho

Wat Pho, which also known as Temple of Reclining Buddha is one of the oldest, largest and definitely most significant temples in Bangkok. The royal monastery is perhaps best known for the 46 meter long Reclining Buddha housed in its Ordination Hall. 

#3: Wat Pho is open daily from 8am to 5pm and the entry fee by the time I visited was 100 baht (approx. to RM10)

#4: In case worry that you might getting lost, try to take the photo of this tourist map.

To be honest from what I observed, Wat Pho is not as huge as Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo. It was eventually crowded with tourists and travellers but then not as crowded as the latter temple. From the map above, the main focus is pretty much on Phra Vihara of the Reclining Buddha, where Reclining Buddha housed. Before entering hall, all the visitors are required to take off their shoes and fret not, each of us were given a plastic bag to place our shoes.

#5: The 46 meter long and 15 meter high gold-plated Reclining Budda, the eyes and feet inlaid with mother of pearl brings to mind the Lord Buddha's entry into Nirvana.

#6: We're queuing to drop coins in 108 bronze bowls as it is believed to bring good fortune, and to help the monks maintain the wat.**

#7: 108 bronze bowls in the corridor indicating the 108 auspicious characters of Buddha.**

#8: Outside the temple, the grounds contain numbers of stupas which locally known as "Chedi"

#9: Beside stupas, there are few halls and a central shine for the visitors to enjoy the beauty and magnificent of this temple.

#10: A beautiful welcome sign situated right to the Reclining Buddha's hall

One true fact about Wat Pho is it is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Nowadays, it has became an important centre for the teaching and administering of traditional Thai massage. So if you are looking for the real traditional Thai massage, I believe you should know where to head to.

Important Note Before Entering Wat Pho

Visitors are required to dress appropriately before being allowed entry to Wat Pho. Shorts and short sleeves are not allowed to enter.

How To Get To Wat Pho

From Tha Tien Pier (N8), walk straight to the main road, Maharaj Road and turn right. The temple is on your left. And because Wat Pho is located just next to Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo, perhaps you could consider visit both temples in a day.

**Photos credit to my sister. P/S: I still think my Sony NEX is still best. 

Foodie Friday: Nara Thai Cuisine in Erawan Bangkok

Date Visited: 13th February 2013

Whenever I travelled, it's hardly to spot me having my meals at the local fine dining restaurants. Firstly, budget is my main limitation and secondly, I prefer to hunt foods in small eateries or even in the street markets. However, for my latest trip to Bangkok with my family, thanks to my dad's friend for introducing us to one of the best restaurants for an authentic mouth-watering Thai cuisine in Bangkok, Nara Thai Cuisine.

#1: Nara Thai Cuisine

Nara Thai Cuisine is a well-known and notable Thai restaurant in Bangkok for its authentic and richer Thai dishes served with highest quality ingredients. No surprise that this up-scale restaurant has been recognised as one of Thailand's Best Restaurant for 5 consecutive years (2007-2012). There are two branches in Thailand and we went to the one situated in the lower ground floor of Erawan Bangkok.

Because most of the staffs can speak and understand English, hence we didn't have any difficulties when taking the order. Plus, the menu comes with English explanation. Most of the meals we ordered are mainly Thailand's signature dishes and except for Stir Fried Kale (I dislike eating veggies), all are exactly my favourite dishes.

#2: Thai Fish Cake with sweet peanut sauce (THB210)

#3: Stir Fried Kale (THB140)

#4: Tom Yam Kung (THB350) - Contained prawns, squids, and mushrooms.

#5: Green Curry Chicken (THB220)

#6: Pineapple Fried Rice with Cashew Nuts

#7: Chicken Pandan (THB165)

 

#8: Ended our dinner with Coconut Ice-Cream as our dessert

Although the prices seems to be slightly higher comparing to the rest, the foods were simply enough to satisfy our craving towards authentic Thai cuisines. The service portion for most of the dishes were pretty sufficient for 3-4 pax. In the event if my budget is not my biggest obstacle, for sure I will return to this restaurant again. It's absolutely highly recommended for those who is looking and craving for authentic and richer Thai cuisines. After all, "Life Is Too Short To Eat Bad Foods".

Nara Thai Cuisine Branches

1) Lower Ground Floor of Erawan Bangkok

2) 7th Floor of Central World

Opening Hours for both branches: 10am until 10pm daily.        

NOTE: It's non-halal restaurant.

Hotel Review: Centre Point Pratunam Hotel Bangkok

As I just came back from Bangkok before going there again with my family, hence it's not difficult for me to search for the right place to stay with my family. Location wise, Pratunam is always my priority choice as it is one stop for everything - shopping, foods, entertainment and more. I came across Centre Point Pratunam when I stayed in Period Pratunam Hotel of Bangkok previously, which was just few stones away. Centre Point is well-known for serviced apartments in Bangkok and most of their chain apartments are located in great and ideal location. After discussed with my family, we decided to pick Centre Point Pratunam as our official accommodation as I think it would be perfectly fit in for a group of family like us. 

#1: The main entrance of the hotel

#2: Gracefully designed of the lobby floor including the reception counter as well as indoor and outdoor lobby.

While waiting for the check-in process to be done, we were being told that there was a complimentary coffee, tea and cold drinks served everyday at the small bar situated at the lobby. Not just that, we were so surprised when the friendly staff at the counter told us that our rooms were being upgraded for free. Initially we booked four different deluxe rooms but we were given two Grand Suites and two Presidential Suites. It's absolutely beyond our expectation. As we were greatly astonished and impressed with the look of the lobby area, we can't wait to check out the hotel rooms.

#3: Artfully decorated and luxurious single room with a king bed attached with private balcony or verandah besides it.

The Presidential Suite was literally located in the top floor and upon entering the room, we were completely blew away with the design of the room given to us. The rooms are designed with a touch of modern luxury and tastefully furnished with luxury amenities such as a king size bed, living room, kitchenette and dining area.

#4: A zen feeling private balcony where one could even have a bath while overlooking the breath-taking view

#5: The dining area where my family and I could gathered and had meals together

#6: The kitchenette that equipped with cooking utensils, cutlery, fridge, microwave and even washing machine. 

#7: Living room with not only comfortable sofa and tables, it even equipped with CD and DVD player and stereo system.

#8: Spacious bathroom that house a separate bath tub and shower stand completed with bath amenities

#9: Complimentary breakfast on the first day only

We decided to book the room with complimentary breakfast only for the first night, whereas the rest of the day, we decided to dine outside cause we believe there are more foods for us to explore. Variety wise, the breakfast serves plenty of choices including both local and international spread such as fried rice and noodle, sausages, eggs and more. They even serve variety of cakes and pastries for the guests to choose from.

#10: Outdoor swimming pool

However on the second day while we were exploring Bangkok, one of my family members was being told to check-out immediately as our rooms which being upgraded were mainly for the first night only. They didn't even tell us properly during the check-in process which made me quite disappointed with their unprofessional and not-well trained services. It was kinda rush for us to pack everything especially the shopping loots we just bought but luckily enough, they gave some time for us to do so.

#11: This is the actual room we booked eventually - Deluxe Premium room

As much as I love the luxury suite rooms, I have to face the reality that these were the actual rooms we booked initially. Although the deluxe premium rooms were not as grand and elegant as the suite rooms, it was equally spacious room and perfectly fit 3 of us. Each room houses a king size bed (and we requested to add another single bed) with air-conditioner, TV, sofa, small dining area and basic kitchen equipments.

#12: That's our daddy cooked for his naughty children 

#13: Our hearty breakfast cooked by daddy

Despite the unprofessional services which I mentioned earlier, overall my family and I had a pleasant and comfortable stay in this service apartment hotel. The main plus point of this hotel is it is strategically located in Pratunam area and hence convenient for both leisure and business travellers.

Date Stayed: 12 February - 17 February 2013 (5 nights)
We booked the rooms directly from their official website -  http://centrepoint.com/index.aspx

Travel to Bangkok with Royal Brunei Airlines

Date Visited: 12th February 2013

When I went Bangkok for the very first time in October 2012 (click HERE), this beautiful and exotic city made me fall in love instantly and from there onwards, I wish and pray hardly that I could able to go there again. I even wish that I could go Bangkok every year cause it is one of my favourite cities I've been to. Who knew right after I back from my maiden trip within less than half year, my wish was granted whereby my family and I went Bangkok last year for Chinese New Year holiday.

Chinese New Year is the only time where all my siblings will be back for holiday and gather together.  And because of that, my father took this opportunity to have a family trip, or else it's difficult for us to do so. Initially, my dad almost signed up with tour company that cost almost RM3,000 per pax and luckily I managed to stop him from doing so. Imagine with that amount of money, I could travel and shop like crazy in Bangkok twice. So ended up, and once again I in charge of becoming the tour planner or tour leader as well as their so-called "tour guide"; from booking the airtickets, reserve hotel rooms to arrange tour for 10 people.

As there is no direct flight from Kota Kinabalu directly to Bangkok, we didn't have plenty of choices to choose from, either taking Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia and transit in Kuala Lumpur for few hours, or the last resort would be taking Royal Brunei Airlines and transit in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. After taking all the considerations especially in terms of fare, finally we chosen Royal Brunei Airlines as our official carrier for our Bangkok Family Trip.

#1: Air stewardess of Royal Brunei and we flew with Boeing 777 from Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan

It's been a while I never flew with this prestigious airline cause according to my parents, I used to travel with them like almost every week when I was a little young girl. Talking about their aircraft, the seat was pretty comfortable and the legroom was so wide and spacious. Even for those who have long legs like my dad and his friend, they didn't seem to have any problem with that as well. Because the flying distance betwen Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan was relatively short, we were being served with fresh and sweet fruit juices only. I didn't take many photos cause I thought we will flying with the same aircraft for the flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Bangkok.

#2: But then I was totally wrong! Changed to smaller aircraft with 3-3 seats instead.

#3:

#4: In-flight meal. Frankly speaking, totally tasteless.

#5: After 3 hours and 15 minutes flight, this was the sign that finally we reach Bangkok.

#6: Stay connected in Thailand with Happy Tourist Sim for only 299 baht

Lucky me cause before flew to Bangkok, I always use one of my all time favourite blogs when comes to Travel & Food - KampungBoyCityGal as part of the reference for my trip planning and I happened to come across their blogpost about the sim pack which I can stay connected throughout my trip in Thailand. In case you are just like me who can't live without Internet, purchase Happy Tourist Sim 299 which cost for 299 baht only (approx. to RM30) to get 100 baht free call plus 7-days unlimited internet.

As we were landed in Suvarnabhumi Airport, this sim card was purchased at the arrival hall on second floor, Gate 7. If Suvarnabhumi Airport is not your arriving port, no worry as you may easily get this from 7-Eleven, Mobile Retailer Shops and DTAC service centre. 

To find out more about this sim card, http://www.dtac.co.th/en/prepaid/products/touristsim.html

Right after we done with purchasing of the sim card, we saw someone holding a paper with my name on it. Earlier, I had arranged our shuttle service with the hotel beforehand as there were 10 of us. As much as I love to travel using their public transport especially the airport rail link, somehow I have to take into account of my family members' conditions - especially in terms of convenient and hassle-free, unlike when travel alone or with friends.

#7: Our stay throughout the 6D5N visit in Bangkok - Centre Point Pratunam Hotel Bangkok [Will blog more about this hotel in the upcoming post]

We were so surprised that our deluxe room was being upgraded to Presidential Suite upon check-in but then, it was literally for first night only. Except for the unprofessional services rendered, this is one hotel which I would highly recommend.


#8: It was quite late by the time we arrived Bangkok and decided to hunt for foods in Platinum Mall, which just few minutes walk from our hotel.

#9: My shopping haul on the first day.

Hotel Review: 11@Century Hotel, Johor Bahru

I've been to Johor quite number of times but most of the times, either I stayed at my friends' house or mainly just for stopover to Singapore. So when I about to go Johor for Legoland, I asked my sister, who is currently working in Singapore and she always went to Johor for weekend trip, asking her which hotel would she recommend me to stay and she suggested me this - 11@Century Hotel, Johor Bahru. 

#1: Overview of 11@Century Hotel

As we reserved the room through Agoda.com, all we need to do was printed out the hotel reservation number and showed our identification card upon check-in. The check-in process was smooth and hassle-free and the next thing we know, we were given room card as well as breakfast coupon without any deposit needed.

#2: Standard queen size room

The size of the room was moderately spacious and it looked very modern and descent. The room was pretty simple which equipped with a queen size bed, LCD flat screen, free WiFi internet access and in-room safety box. There is no mini bar, table and chair provided within the room and in case you need hairdryer, iron and ironing board, you need to request from the housekeeping or counter desk, which I found it's kinda troublesome.
 

#3: Bathroom with standard toilet amenities provided

When we looked into the bathroom, we were quite surprised with the huge size of the bathroom. Like I mentioned above, there is no hairdryer within bathroom and they will provide you upon request.

#4: Complimentary coffee and tea making facilities

The room was adequate comfort but there still need a room for improvement when comes to cleanliness. We spotted quite number of small cockroaches not just inside the room, but also in the bathroom. Well, of course we weren't afraid of those cockroaches but somehow felt kind disgusting seeing them crawling within the room.

#5: Complimentary breakfast buffet

Throughout our stayed here, we were entitled for complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. The buffet spread was pretty simple with the range from Asian to western meals such toast bread, eggs, nasi lemak, fried noodle, baked bean and fruit juices.

#6: The main plus point of this hotel was it located very near to KSL City Mall

Travel Tip

If you plan to go to JB Sentral for entering Singapore Woodlands customs, it took less than 10 minute drive and the taxi fare mostly cost less than RM10.

Date Stayed: 24 January 2013 - 27 January 2013 (3 nights)

Rate We Paid :  RM115.00 per night for a standard queen size room inclusive breakfast (Booked via Agoda.com)

Disclaimer:
This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hotel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

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