Bangkok free and easy

No itinerary planned for this June  2025 trip as we have been to Bangkok numerous times.

Gotta clear my RCI points and hardly you can find Anantara Riverside Bangkok available. I have paid SGD236, was charged RM797.08 for my seven (7) nights stay there.  Flight through Batik Air where it cost RM482 per ticket is a good deal.

Not sure what to expect, upon arrival at Don Meung airport, we took grab to the hotel and was allocated room at their 3rd floor (anantara vacation club rooms). There is tea break provided at the same floor at 3 - 5 pm with 2 types of drinks, 2 types of cookies and 2 types of finger food (mini bagel with shrimp, smoked salmon, tuna sandwhich, ham & cheese sandwich).

Anantara also provide complimentary boat shuttle to Sathorn Pier which is few minutes walk Saphan Taksin BTS, Icon Siam, Rivercity so is actually quite convenient.  There is a covered walkway to Riverside Plaza where you can have your meals, massage, snacks, shopping. 

With so many times waiting for shuttle boat, is quite serene looking at the boats passed by at Chao Phraya River. 

Day 1 (Plaza Riverside)

Lunch at Bangkok Bold after hotel check in, their som tam is fragrant with very fresh lime, tomyum was good too and we had Koong Ob Woonsen as well. Total bill THB650.

Dinner we had simple pizza (THB238) to share. We had rum and raisin ice cream at Swenzen (THB69) 

Fare from Don Meung airport to hotel THB564 (Fare THB408, Toll THB140, Foreign payment fee THB16)

Day 2 (Chatuchak)

Saphan Taksin BTS to Siam BTS, change Sukhumvit line and stop at Mo Chits BTS, walk few minutes to Chatuchak.  Good that the morning rain and the day is very comfortable to explore that huge area. Plenty from pets, plants, clothing, food, souvenirs, massage. Had brunch in that area cost us THB300 only.

Dinner was kar moo (braised pork knuckles rice) THB325.

Day 3 (Chinatown)

We took hotel complimentary boat ride then another public boat ride to Chinatown.  Each had small bowl of fishball noodle soup (THB212). Then we tried the tiny Siew Mai (steam pork dumpling) sold by old uncle using a cart. 6 pieces for THB21.  Dessert at Nam Doa Huu THB210 with 3 Pattongo (THB20), if you need kaya add on THB25.  After Chinatown, we alight to Icon Siam.  Had Pang Cha tea there (THB200).  Back to hotel for a rest before we head out later to sister's condo at Lao Prat via BTS & MRT then hop onto their car.  Dinner we had with my younger sister, her husband and his family (parents and sister) at Niitaya Kai Yang Nawamin branch closer to the parents' house. Quite a few years we last met his parents in Bangkok.

Day 4  

We met up with sister after her lunch appointment at Central Embassy. Took BTS to Phloenchit. We had brunch at the food court for their crispy osyter omelette (THB190), had a stroll, bought some souvenirs, then for some dessert (THB406) before back to her condo for dinner with my another sister who was coincident in Bangkok to visit her daughter/my niece.  Dinner was just next to the condo (THB600).

Day 5

We explore Thalat Phlu food  market as recommended by my Bangkok sister. Grab from hotel to that area was THB100. Had the delicious Tongleng fish ball noodle THB180. Lunch at Tek Heng Michelin Bib Gourmand for its Crispy Rice Noodle and Fish Maw soup THB415. Bought the dumpling (THB65) and Tako THB36 at Khanom Wan Talat Phlu on Soi Thoet Thai 25 back to hotel. Evening we went to Asiatqiue then stop at Icon Siam  before taking grab (THB92) Bangkok Chim Chun for dinner (THB598).  The boss was friendly and we chatted a while about some chinese immigrants history as his father was from China. Grab back to hotel cost THB140. 

Thalat Phlu is the area of shooting the movie How to make million before grandma dies.

Day 6

Hubby suggested grab (THB230) to Thon Buri, quite a huge area selling live seafood, vegetables, clothing, lots of street food.   We had river prawn, osyter, crab, squid cost us THB1300. Massage at Tonsakpakkai for 2 pax THB1020, hubby 2 hours, myself 1 hour). After massage, we had noodles, banana fritters, sweet potato ball  before heading back to hotel. 

Day 7 

Went to Peppery Thai Bistro Icon Siam for brunch (THB824), tried their delicious curry crab. Met sister and her husband for dinner at CentralWorld. 

Day 8

Grab to airport (THB477 + Toll THB50) for our flight home via Batik Air.  Glad that it was on time.  Hubby's dragon pass managed to get us access lounge and he was able to bring a companion. More of thai food again before boarding.

Back home we still miss Thai food and had our dinner at Thai Restaurant next day. LOL.

Our Journey to Nature Retreat

It has always been my spouse's dream of homestay business.  This opportunity came when a few of my sibblings wish to retire on their own land, doing some farming and self sustain during retirement.  We traveled to KKB, Sungkai, Karak to explore the land available.  Finally we settled with Valley @ Bentong together with my brother who bought the same area.

We explored a few names and finally came up with La'Vista.

Lets read his version of story:

La Vista Nature Retreat 🏡 

@ The Valley 🎄

Meaning of La'Vista~The sight/the view in Italian. 

 

 

Most retirees are bored with ‘too much free time’ so they are…

… starting businesses for fun and extra income. 

After the novelty of retirement is over…

… and after taking all the trips and relaxation they need…

… retirees who have been busy a big part of their lives are now feeling…

 

😕 Bored and not stimulated

😕 Cooped up

😕 Unproductive

 

So comes the time to..

Reside   |   Retire   |   Relax

 

Time to turn a hobby into a small  business is a great way to earn some extra money - while having a good time.😃

This is how the idea of La' Vista Nature Retreat @The Valley came across. Getting this small plot of land overlooking The Valley and Titiwangsa mountains range with daily fresh breezy environments. 

 

The journey begins when my spouse and I decide to get a small plot of land in this quiet little town of Karak just an hour slow drive from the bustling city for our retirement. 

Returning to nature's embrace among the emerald glades where the air is fresh and crisp. Enjoy our golden years in a neighborhood gifted with rain forest's tranquility and the nourishment of earth and soil in the surrounding pastures. 

We made countless trips to this little town meeting up with property agents looking for a small manageable plot of land. Going in and out of every plot of land available for sale. Some that need a 4wd to access into the deep jungles looking for the plot that suits us until we spotted Lot 705 @ The Valley. Going into retirement age where our earnings is limited we need to make the right choice. After months of scouting around we have finally decided The Valley but with 138 lots of divided uncleared lands in Phase 2 to choose from is not an easy task. We repeated our scouting again but this time is within the vicinity of The Valley. Going in and out countless time to get the real feel of this area. Coming here in the wee morning waiting for the sun rise and looking for the piece with lots of morning mist. In the afternoon to be sure that it's not scoring hot and in the evening looking for the sunset view is not an easy task. Until we stop at plot no 705 he has this strong feeling that this plot suit our requirements. Just manage to glance through the thick uncleared plot i just fell in love for the view overlooking the valley and mountains. After having a deep thought we finally decided to embark on next adventure here. 

 

 

We had enjoyed pumpkin, hog plum, Roselle for the start while waiting for other fruit trees to grow,. Now we having lots of vitamin from passion fruits.  

Building a house took us a long time as the contractor is busy with other projects in the same area.  Finally in August 2024, all is finally done. Then we still need to think of what else to beautify the area and it still continues.  

Till February 2025 while we still celebrating Chinese New Year and had not much time to overnight so we can complete whatever task needed there.  We were busy too when my father was admitted since end November and then passed on 2 January 2025. So lthe plan to stay over halted.

Finally we have the curtain for first room, had our fridge in before we started to plan our sleep over.

First time we overnight on 3 May 2025 with elder son, nephew, his wife and daughter. With help from elder son, he set up the big camping tent which we intended to put as permanent that fit for 3 to 4 people.

We slowly improve the place with necessities for the small pantry area. With the place ready for overnight, we now usually travel down Friday evening and thus have enough time to look after the fruits trees, discussion with contractor etc on Saturday morning and leave by noon or late afternoon.

Before that we usually leave from home 6-7am, be in karak an hour later for breakfast and then start our routine and left by 1 pm. 

We have now decided only to rent out the empty land for camping but not in a hurry to do so as we realised by 9am is already hot, so we have just planted a few trees.

Hubby is always waiting for weekend as this is his favorite second home.

Childhood Dream

His childhood dream came true...

Since childhood, I often found myself captivated by the beauty of nature. The gentle rustling of leaves, the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, the fragrance of ripe fruits , the chirping sounds of birds and the misty fresh morning breeze were a constant source of inspiration for me. 

My childhood dream is simple; to own a small plot of orchard land with a small farm house on top of a hill. Little did I know that this dream would eventually came through when one day my wife's siblings planning to look for land away from the bustling life of the city. Since it's weekend we followed them along until we stop by this plot at Lot 705 The Valley, Karak.

Growing up as a kampung (village) boy I would cycled and spent hours wandering in the rubber plantations, swimming in the cold crystal clear stream that flow across the rubber plantations, admiring the way the sunlight filtered through the leaves while we swam. The experience of picking ripe mangoes and guava straight from the branches felt magical.

I fantasized about having my own orchard, a personal sanctuary where I could cultivate fruits and share the harvest with friends and family. This vision was not merely about farming; it was about creating a space filled with joy and connection to nature.

As the years passed, I remained steadfast in my dream. I like plants, animals and farming. I learned about sustainable farming practices through the Internet, added knowledge to my passion and helped me visualize the orchard that I dream of. 

During one of the outing scouting for land near Karak, my heart raced with excitement when we reached a hillside piece of uncleared land. After months of searching, I finally stumbled upon this idyllic plot that perfectly matched my vision. It was a small 1.1acres plot to be exact, sun-kissed hill overlooking the Titiwangsa range surrounded by trees and boasting fertile soil. Also a small natural spring water pond at the edge of this land.  I could almost see my hopes flourishing. I knew that I had found the place where my dream would come to life.

With determination and a clear purpose, I purchased the land and planned according to my dream. The journey was not without its challenges. My wife and I spent countless hours planning with the contractors clearing the land according to my plans, understanding the unique personality of my hillside land, build my little farm house and planting fruits saplings. I faced the unpredictability of weather, pests, and other obstacles that tested my solving skill. Yet, each setback only strengthened and deepened my commitment to nurturing this dream.

This year 2025 is going into the third year, my little plot started to transform into a orchard of my dream. All the fruits trees grew sturdy.  I embraced the rhythms of nature. Looking forwards for years to come during fruits seasons I can share the bounty of my dream together with families and friends. The orchard became a sanctuary, a place for reflection and connection not only with nature but with those dear to me.

Owning this orchard on a hillside was more than just fulfilling my childhood dream; it has fostered a deeper appreciation for the environment and a commitment to sustainable living. My childhood dream of owning a small orchard with a small farm house on a hilltop has blossomed into a reality that I am cherishing deeply. It is a reminder of the importance of perseverance, passion, and connection to nature. My orchard stands not only as a testament to my childhood aspirations but also to the beautiful journey of growth and fulfillment that comes when we dare to dream. I look forward to nurturing it for many more years to come, continuing to create memories that will last a lifetime amidst the serene beauty of the hills. 

Xiamen - Chaozhou - Wuyishan

Never cross my mind about visiting Xiamen. My elder sister in law wished to visit. She has not been travelling for past 2 years looking after her grand daughter. Coincidentally my friend wanted too and have been eyeing on itineraries.

She coordinated 10 pax private tour ( 4 pax from her end) and my side 6 pax. I was busy with juggling work, home, visiting my late father in Hospital Serdang. She liaised on all the details.

She suggested MLS Holidays but since we are not comfortable with that Company, she has suggested to have almost the same itinerary but arrange by her contact at Orient City Tours Sdn Bhd, Kuantan.

The ground arrangement was RM4200 and group air fare with Xiamen Airline RM1800. Total RM6k per pax inclusive travel insurance. Hotels were combination of 4 and 5 star.   

Quoted ground arrangement included

9 nights hotel with hot buffet breakfast

One way high speed rail from Fuzhou to Wuyishan

One way high speed rail from Wuyishan to Xiamen

Tipping for guide and driver

Chinese speaking guide

Our flight via Xiamen Airline

18/2/2025 0800/1205 hrs

27/2/2025 1925/2350 hrs

Day 1 Arrival Xiamen (Dinner: Lobster, Abalone, Seafood Feast)

Island Ring Road - view of Golden Coast, Yandang Mountain, World Trade Twin Towers

Shapowei

Jimei School Village

We overnight at Ling Ling Hotel.

Day 2 Xiamen - Quanzhou (B. L Minnan, D:Quanzhou Style)

Spirited Away Sea Train, Ling Ling Animal Kingdom and International Circus. Quanzhou West Street and Xiao Xicheng

Overnight Days Hotel Great Wall

Day 3 Quanzhou - Putien (B,  L Xinghua, D: Mazu themed)

Xunxi village (photo session with no make up, unedited 10 original photos per person. Putien ; Historial, cultural district of Xinghua, Gujialou, Wenfeng Palance.  

Oernight Depo  Hotel

Day 4  Putien - Fuzhou (B, L Putien Flavor, D Fuzhou Street Food)

Mazu Temple  include speed boat and round trip electric car, Xianliang Port - Birth place of Mazu, West Lake  Pearl of Fujian Garden, Linzexu Memorial Hall, Three Lanes and Seven Alleys

Overnight Sofis Hotel Pingshan

Day 5 Fuzhou - Wuyishan (B, L Wuyiwen Gong Banquet, D Wuyi Tea Banquet

Transfer to train station, scenic bamboo raft along Nine Bend Creek, Wuyi Palance, Song Dynasty Style Fang Song Ancient Street, Spectacular Impression Daongpao show .

Overnight Wyndham Garden

Unfortunately, this whole day was raining

Day 6 Wuyishan -Xiamen - Zhangshou (B, L celebrity favorite private dishes, D : Fujian Buddha Jump Over the Wall

Hight speed train back to Xiamen

Gulangyu Island, World Unesco Cultural Heriate, Langtau Road , Zhongsan Road

Overnight Duoling HotSpring Hotel

Day 7 Zhangshou - Yongfu - Hua'an-Zhangshou

B, L Hakkay, D Taiwanese

Hua'an Tulo 

Zhangping Yangfu Cherry Blossom Garden

Overnight Duoling Hotspring hotel

Day 8 Zhangzhou  - Chaozhou - Shantou (B, L Chaozhou, D: Chaozhou Pun Choi)

Chaozhou Ancinet city with electric card, Guangi Gate Ancient City Tower, Paifang Street, Xiangzi Bridge, Binhai Long Corridor

Shantou - Xiaogong Park, People's Square

Overnight Dreamland Hotel

Day 9 Shantou - Xiamen (B, L Xiamen style, D: Seafood Feast)

Damei Ancient Village

Dragon Boat Pool

Gualai Hall

Day 10, After Breakfast, Bailuzhou Park, Huandao Road Pearl Bay Beach, Lunch, transfer to airport. 

From this trip, I learnt about the history of Xiamen and Chaozhou where significant waves of the Chinese immigrants to Malaysia beginning 19th century. I am glad I have visited.

Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay

I have been to Hanoi twice, Halong Bay once but not yet to Sapa. Hubby's cousin sisters and second sister are going, so he said why not we join them.  Though I am not keen, I just follow his wishes. As I felt the road trip to Sapa is quite long 5-6 hours. The last trip we went with my two boys and my late mom was 11 years ago to Halong Bay, in August 2013.

Glass Bridge area

They have booked via GTT for 7 days 6 nights via Malaysia Airlines depart on 6 April 2025.  We have paid RM3967 per pax as we do not need travel insurance through travel agent which cost RM132 per person.

The highlights

Cat Cat Village

Rong May Glass Bridge

Halong Bay 5 star cruise

30 min cyclo riding in old town

French bread & Egg Coffee

Hanoi Sen Buffet Restaurant

Hotels will be 4 star with 2 nights in KK Sapa Hotel, 1 night Venue Cruise and 3 nights in FTE Ba Dinh Hotel.

Day 1 (meal on board, lunch, dinner)

Depart 6 April 2025 by flight MH752 0940/1210 hrs to Hanoi. Arrive, we were sent to Bun Cha Huong Lien.  It is now known as Bun Cha Obama, noodle with pork shop visited by Obama. It was delicious! We then visited  Ba Dinh Square (monuments, President's palace where President Ho Chi Minh read the proclamation of independence etc),  We then visited the Tran Quoc Pagoda before we left for dinner and finally check into hotel.

Day 2 (B, L, D)

Heading to Sapa 5 hours by coach. We had lunch at Lao Cai area. Visit Lao Cai International Border between Vietnam and China. Then proceed journey to Sapa. Once reached Sapa, we need to transfer to a smaller van as tour bus is not suitable for the small routes in Sapa. After we checked into hotel, we assemble again after 15 mintues and went for visit in Sapa. 

Stroll along the village home of Black H'mong ethnic. Had a drink admiring the view. Visit Sapa Church. Dinner was hot pot at town area..

View from room balcony KK Sapa Hotel

Day 3 (B, Buffet L, D)

Morning view from room was misty. After breakfast, we proceed to Fansipan Mountain (3143m) by cable car, This place is worth visit. We walked up to the Big Statue Buddha base, board a tram to go up to the peak.  For return, you can choose to take the tram or walk down (about 30 minutes). After buffet dinner, we proceed to visit Rong May Glass Bridge and then continue with Cat Cat Village and end the day with western food i.e soup, salad, pizza, pasta and chicken . It was indeed a tiring day.

Fansipan Peak

Day 4 (B, L, D)

Next morning after breakfast, we transfer back to Hanoi. After lunch, visited Temple of Literature,  cycle tour around 36 Old Quater area, had dinner then check in hotel.

Day 5 (B, L, D)

Transfer to Halong Bay, Unesco World Heritage Site via Jetty in Halong City. Overnight on Venus Cruise.  Meals on board was good only setback no drinks not even plain water. provided which you need pay separately. Enjoyed activities such as kayaking, bamboo boat ride to Dark and Bright Cave, night squid fishing.

 

Lobster served on board for dinner

Dinner

Floor Plan Level 2 of cruise ship

Day 6 (B, L, Buffet D)

After brunch onboard disembark and drive back to Hanoi

Enjoy high tea with french bread aka banh mi and egg coffee at Hidden Gem Cafe. Walk around 36 Old Quater Area.Enjoy the water pupper show. Buffet dinner at Sen Buffet Hanoi.  Indeed lots of fresh seafood served besides plenty of other food. We loved the crab, oyster, clam and squid.

Day 7 (B, Meal of Board)

After breakfast, we left the hotel at 9.30 am, 30 minutes transfer to airport for return flight. MH 753 1300/1740 hrs.

Overall a good trip. Local guide Mr Hung could speak English well.  He used to bring locals to Europe tours and talking about safety, he mentioned Vietnam is safe comparing to Italy, Spain and Paris.

Sapa the city of fog, a place you should visit.