Honeymoon in Krabi

:: Work Hard, Play Hard ::

But in our case, we play hard first then work hard later. It wasn't because of bad planning at all. I've booked 4-months in advance for return flight ticket during Air Asia's promo fair @ RM 93 only per person. The initial plan was to stay in Krabi for 4-days from 29th June to 2nd July 2019. But then, a day before travelling (exactly on 28th June) my husband received an order from his CEO to attend an important meeting in Bangkok on 2nd July. Since Air Asia's policy doesn't offer for flight re-routing, we have to purchase another tickets from Krabi to Bangkok, and from Bangkok back to Kuala Lumpur. While my husband is having his prime meeting, I can meet up my Thai friend, Tusneem. And on the same time, I can do an inspection for upcoming Bangkok trip 2-weeks after that. From carrying some light swimming wear, he had to bring along his laptop and a complete working attire together. 

Let's have some fun in Krabi

For this 4D3N Krabi trip, we managed to get a very affordable package @ RM 300 per person; inclusive with hotel stay with breakfast, return airport transfer, city tour with lunch; and choices of 1-hour free massage or 1x dinner at hotel.

:: Krabi La Playa Resort ::

 

During my first visit to Krabi in 2012, I stayed at a 4-star Mercure Krabi Deevana Resort. But now the hotel is no longer under Accor group. The name has changed to Deevana Plaza Krabi Ao Nang. Both Krabi La Playa and Deevana are not Halal hotels in Krabi. If you are looking for a hotel with Halal breakfast and at the best location, I will suggest Ao Nang Princeville. I'd experienced dinner by the swimming pool before. However, please do expect mosquitos! 

6-9 years ago, there's a Night Market along the Ao Nang beach-side road, all the way up to McDonalds. But on my recent visit, the street market has been moved to one corner and only few steps away from Krabi La Playa. Hence, it was easy for us to find best local cuisine at reasonable price. We totally enjoyed the fresh fruits, home-made ice cream, Thai pancake, Pad Thai, grilled seafood, fresh coconut etc. As I've been told that the night market in Krabi Town still operated. Some of my friends willing to rent a scooter and drive approximately 30-mins to/fro. 

:: Krabi City Tour ::

Before Krabi has their own airport (roughly 20 years ago), people were taking a flight to Phuket and travel by land all-the-way to Krabi via Phang Nga (I've been to Phang Nga Bay or also known as James Bond Island) or we Malaysian travelled by road via Malaysia-Thai border and thru' Trang to reach Krabi like in my previous trip in 2013. 

10km away from Krabi Airport, there's Tiger Cave Temple. Some temples are under renovation. 

The Crab Statue which is located by the river is a new tourist attraction in Krabi Town. 

Apart from night markets, you may shopping at Jee-Or Souvenirs Shop, Big C (there's a good souvenir shop on the 1st floor); and Outlet Village Krabi.

 

 

 

:: Island Hoping ::

For the 4-Island hoping by long-tail boat, we paid for RM 45 per person including snorkeling gear, professional (and funny) guide, picnic lunch and hotel pick-up & drop-off. Such a great deal, right? But actually the rate excludes a compulsory Marine National Park entrance fee at 400 baht. I know it's quite expensive but I heard that the money will be channel for the conservation and beach cleaning program. If it's for a good cause.. so, why not? 

I've been to Phi Phi Island for 4-5times (click here and here for the entries) from Phuket. Although Phi Phi Island is under Krabi territory and closer to Krabi than Phuket, but I rather to get my vitamin-sea from their wonderful Tub Island, Poda Island, Chicken Island and Railay Beach (3km away from Ao Nang Beach). Each island has their own specialty and uniqueness such as you can see or experience yourself (if you dare enough) the real Rock Climbing at the Bat Cave or Phra Nang Cave; or the beauty of tombolo at Tub Island during low or high tide.  

first stop - Railay Beach

 

second stop - Chicken Island. Can you spot the head of the 'chicken'?

 

third stop - Tub Island during low tide. We enjoyed the crystal clear water!

Forth or the last stop was at Poda Island for the picnic buffet lunch; before we went back to Ao Nang pier in the late evening.

:: Bye Bye Krabi, Hi Hi Bangkok ::

No, we don't have time to go to Emerald Pool. Next!

Itinerary beyond ordinary - Bangkok

Unusual itinerary to inspire next adventure..

It's been 7 years since my first visit to Bangkok, Thailand; one of the most busiest cities in the world. Somehow I still cannot stand and understand the level of congestion there. Especially on Friday's afternoon and evening. Hence, this time around (actually the trip was on June & July 2019) I experienced the motorcycle ride services in order to avoid the heavy traffic jam. Don't worry, it's safe! And it's proven.

In this short video, I took the ride from Gate 1, Chatuchak Market; to Mo Chit Station BTS SkyTrain. And from there I travelled around by train. The rail services however quite convenience, fast, practical and definitely cheap. The train fare for a single journey is from 15baht per ticket. Tips : please standby small change/coins for the ticket machine. Or else, have a long queue at the ticket counter. 

A g'day at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Railway Market

7 years ago, this Bangkok Railway Market as not as popular as today. Compared to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which is only 40km away from this Railway Market. Both Railway & Floating markets have their own uniqueness. Personally, the first time I saw this kind of bizarre concept of railway market is via a Philippines's 2004 Movie named "Bcuz of U", also starring by a famous Korean singer Sandara Park (2NE1). But now, I've seen it live in front of my own eyes. 

Although it's dangerous, but the train is quite slow (maybe 10km/h) when passing by the market area. They said that the market was there first, then they built the train line right thru it but the market refused to leave. And now, due to that tenacious-minded of local people; the place has become one of the iconic tourist attraction in Thailand. The traditional wet market selling fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood too. The best part is when the seller slowly and patiently remove some of their products to give a way for the train to pass by. Please get yourself updated on the train's arrival/departure time; and make sure you arrive at least 15-30minutes earlier to eye-witness this special moment.

It's a bird, it's a plane... no, it's a train

ASIATIQUE The Riverfront

This large open-air mall, I believe built from old warehouses or former docks is also a new attraction in Bangkok. Apart from good dine-in and shopping area, this place also provide lots of chargeable activities including Sky Wheel, Merry-go-round, Muay Thai Show, Haunted House and many more.

Facing the Chao Phraya River, this Asiatique have a beautiful river view during both day and night time. For Muslim visitor, there's NO Halal Restaurant available, but there's some stall selling Halal food at the river bazaar. For Non-Muslim, you may get some exotic food here. As such, crocodile meat.

But if you come early, you can grab cheaper Halal food at the food court next to Bang Uthit Mosque in front of Asiatique. Both food court and mosque closed around 8-9pm, whereas the Asiatique closed somewhere midnight.

this is nothing.. if compared to

Crocodile Meat for sale

Last but not least...

Mall hoping

MBK (Mah Boon Krong) Mall, Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Square and Hard Rock Cafe are located at one same area. Siam is the former name of Thailand. All reachable by BTS, and just walking distance from Siam Station. Since I am not a spender, my lovely Thai friend took me to After You Dessert Café after the window shopping. Back in Malaysia, we have similar café named MyKori Dessert Café. Oh ya, Chaolay Seafood is very nice Halal restaurant that located at the 6th floor (lot 6A03), MBK Mall. Highly recommended!

 

 

Itinerary beyond ordinary - Hatyai

Unusual itinerary to inspire next adventure..

Back in year 2012, I didn't managed to get an affordable transportation to Songkhla. The taxi fare from Hatyai way higher than the ride cost to Ao Nang Beach in Krabi. Although Ao Nang is 10x further than Songkhla from Hatyai city center. You may view the entry (written in Bahasa) by clicking here. 

Since the main idea is to visit Songkhla, we decided to join a group of people travelling from Kuala Lumpur by bus, instead of taking public transportations or self-drive. Alright, so what can you find in Songkhla? Apart from viewing the Gulf of Thailand and quick shopping.. 

Golden Mermaid sculpture @ Samila Beach

there's a story behind this CAT & RAT statue

a big "yes" to coconut ice cream on hot dry sunny day

all-you-can-eat Steamboat BBQ Lunch

Oh ya, along the way to the steamboat restaurant, you can view the giant of sleeping Buddha at Wat Laem Pho, Ko Yo ( Songkhla Lake ). Sorry, no picture taken as we were in moving vehicle.

Unfortunately cable car at Tang Kuan Hill is not operated that time, so we 'alternatively' went to Masjid Songkhla or Songkhla Central Mosque. They said that this mosque is famous not only because of the beauty, but also it become the solemnization place where most Malaysian guy plans to have second or third or forth wife/wives. #kahwinlari

Another version of Taj Mahal, perhaps

Last but not least, in the middle of the journey to Songkhla; enroute we visit Chang Puak Camp. Chang means "elephant" in Thai language. There are lot of activities you can enjoy inside the premise, such as elephant ride, monkey show, ATV ride, archery etc etc etc. And we decided to watch some baby elephant show. 

Oh ya, almost forgot about this one. 

I can say that this is the best bee farm ever in Thailand. I've been to the one in Chiang Mai, Phuket and 2 other outlets in Bangkok; but nothing can compare to this Thep Prasit in Hatyai.

Phuket 2018

When all Malaysian were excitedly taking part in last General Election, I was just quietly staying home waiting for the result. Because why? Because driving all the way back to Johor and rushed back to KL on the same day would be tiring, especially in the worst traffic jam! I know, it's the worst excuse you ever heard. But what should I do when I need to fly to Phuket exactly on the following morning.

Yeap! Last year, I have to go to Phuket on 10th to 13th May 2018. It's also a week before Ramadhan~

I have to be there to arrange a Grand Dinner for 80 pax at

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket

 

And this is the hotel room

 

When in Phuket, I also visited...

Cashew Nut Factory

 

* I'm holding a real gun... it was so heavy, though *

Phuket Fantasea Show

 

This is considered as the third time I went to this Theme Park to watch the Cultural Performance. But this is the first time I ever watched the full version of it; from the beginning till the end of the show. Before this... I fall asleep.. twice! (seriously). Not to say that those chicken ain't cute, the elephant didn't poop on the stage, the acrobatic show wasn't impressive, the dances aren't beautiful and outstanding.. But I can't help myself when the traditional music was so soothing and relaxing.. On the other word, it is literally lullaby to my ear. Well, I can't barely understand what the show is all about due to language barrier.. no offense!

Night walk in Patong, Phuket; including Bangla Road

Not to forget the Hard Rock Cafe & Shop

Must try the PANCAKE from the droll-worthy street food 

and the local cuisine... TOM YAM, of course!

That's all for now.

More photo to be uploaded in my Phuket 2019's entry