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.

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.

Anantara Hua Hin

With booking through RCI,  we got ourselves a room for 7 nights stay at Anantara Hua Hin, about 2.5 hrs from Bangkok. This resort is oceanfront.  We paid SGD229 (RM780.45) booked early December 2024.

Upon arrival, only that I know that it was a Club Lagoon View Junior Suite after looking at their website.

Benefits that come with the room as Anantara Privileges for Suites Guest

• Overlooking the Lagoon
• Private balcony or terrace
• Terrazzo soaking tub
• Nespresso machine
• Daily complimentary laundry or pressing of 4 pieces garment
• 20% discount of 60-90 minutes spa treatment 
• 150% discount for food and drinks serve in Lagoon Pool
• Exclusive Access to Lagoon Pool and Spa with a quite zone of swimming pool
• Complimentary refreshments from 10am to 5 pm 
• Complimentary canapes and selection of cocktails, wines and beer from 5-6pm
• Complimentary shuttle to town and Market Mall
• Late check out till 4pm

There are swimming pool, gym, tennis court, small badminton area, table tennis and daily scheduled activities. 

There are six dining options 

Issara Cafe - breakfast

Sea Fire Salt - oceanfront

Loy Nam - poolside

Rim Nam - thai cuisine

Baan Halia - Italian fine dining

Sala Siam - contemporary lounge

Overall it was a satisfactory stay, quick check in/check out, comfortable room. Glad that we were able to have a short break with no fix time/schedules.

Beijing

Business cum leisure should be the correct term for our 6 days 5 nights trip to Beijing.

Print China Exhibition being held in New China International Exhibition Centre, Beijing from May 15 - 19. We attended 2 days on May 15 - 16. We arrived May 12 at 6.35 am, used the hotel shuttle and lucky our  room at Vienna Classic Hotel was ready for us to check in early..

My both sons have to clear their annual leaves, thus fist time able to join us to attend exhibition.

We wanted to visit Forbidden city and Tiananmen square only to realize you have to book online 7 days and 1 day in advance respectively even though there is no charges. So we went to Pop Land (entrance fee RMB80) as suggested by business partner, Ting.  

Since younger son is travelling from Singapore, he only managed to check into hotel by 6pm.  We went back to hotel after Pop Land and had dinner with him at restaurant downstairs.

Day 2

Next morning is by cab to  Unversal Studio (entrance RM298), we were there whole day and the morning queue was long by 9am, its opening hour.  After Universal Studio, we took their subway to Hou Hai for dinner and stroll. But after dinner, it started to rain heavily and difficult to get a cab.  We walked to nearest subway and then took cab back to hotel

Day 3

We booked a van with driver (RMB1100) for 10 hours. Firstly after picking up Ting's group (3 pax) and then to our hotel (6 pax), first stop Great Wall Mutianyu by cable car.  After half day there, the driver took us to nearest restaurant for lunch.  After lunch we proceed to Beijing Olympic Park.  After this stop, we were sent to restaurant near to exhibition hall for 6pm dinner arranged by our China Principal.  After dinner, we were sent back to hotel by Principal's driver.

Day 4

Morning was chauffeur driven to Exhibition Hall, after half a day, both sons went for their visit to Tiannament Square etc. They had their own dinner.  We were invited for dinner by China Principal.

Day 5

Since younger son's flight back to SG today, we had brunch with him at 10.30 am at the restaurant 2 minutes from hotel. He should have go back on Saturday but during booking, he said the ticket is expensive by RM300 is to travel back the next day, thus he decided to leave on Friday.  After he left about 12 noon via hotel shuttle, we proceed to exhibition driven by Principal's driver.  We had dinner arranged by Principal. 

Day 6

Our flight is 1.5 hours delayed but check in time remain unchanged.  We left our hotel by 1 pm using the complimentary shuttle by hotel to Beijing Capital International Airport. Not much to eat at Dragon Pass Lounge in the airport, some snacks, instant noodle/porridge and beverages. Finally boarding and looking forward to home.

Explore Hua Hin

When I saw there is unit available at Anantara Hua Hin, I asked my other half if he is keen since I have points to utilize before RCI points expiry July 2025. The last trip we went was year 2014, that long ago! We went by car driven by Vich, sister's boyfriend at that time, now they are married. 

Our Air Asia flight landed 3.20pm Thai time, after immigration we went to Hertz counter where hubby has booked Toyota Yarris (RM879.14) with Klook for our trip. We waited about 30mins before we got the car and set our waze to the resort. We reached Med Krudsai, restaurant by the beach at 6.40pm, had our dinner which we find not too good, simple crab fried rice was not tasty at all, lucky the steamed blue crab was fresh, somtam is not crunchy, bbq squid was too hard(THB1035). 

Finally we checked into hotel after a whole day journey. The toll paid twice along the way THB90 and THB50. 

Day 2 

We had brunch at Jek Piek follow by stroll at Chatchai wet market (5am till 4pm). By the way, market is hubby favourite place! At Jek Piek we had chicken rice, porky soup and 2 drinks cost THB170 and bought delicious tako (THB30) from roadside stall. After brunch, we passed by a stall selling fried banana, pineapple fritters and sweet potatoes ball at Thanon Naebheart. At wet market we bought preserved century egg (which hubby tried at night which he said creamy good), dried squid strip and mango sticky rice. 

Back to hotel, we had complimentary drinks at the Lagoon pool and bar before heading back to room. 

Saphan pla night market which we explored in the evening. Parking was THB40.  You can park further and walk over. Had the stir fried squid egg (THB60) there. Thereafter we went to Hua Hin night market and wanna get our Chim Chun at Jek Piek, but no tables and kitchen closing 7.30pm. So we left and had road side stall pad thai and coke THB70 and dessert THB60 instead (soya milk bubble tea and glutinous sasame ball in ginger syrup at Thanon Naebheart. Back to hotel, we  checked out swimming pool area and sat by the beach, listening to wave and saxophone played by musician at Sea Fire Salt restaurant facing the sea. 

Day 3 

We drove to Aunty Meaw โจ้กป้าเหมี่ยว for delicious porridge with pork and innards also egg (THB40), mini Pau 3 for (THB20) and half boil egg breakfast (THB20). The owner a 75yo lady asked me if I am teochew. Hahaa.. Found kakinan (same dialect). She looked so happy when I took a photo with her. 

Khao Takiab - This hill is situated at the southern end of Hua Hin, 4 kilometers from town. Visitors can go up the hilltop to enjoy a bird's eye view of Hua Hin, There is a temple call Wat Khao Takiap situated on top of the hill. The nearby Khao Takiap Beach offers mostly bungalow accommodations. 

Massage for an hour at Sabaidee massage and spa. Hubby took foot and myself thai massage, total spent THB600. We have given masseuse each THB100 as their tips. Then off we went to Lek Seafood, crab fried rice, squid steam lemon, bbq river prawn and oyster omelette and toddy drink cost us THB910. A Malaysian stopped his car to ask the owner for direction to Standing Buddha. He reminded me that is one of the place in mind that I wanted to visit. 

After lunch, we went explored and found it. The giant golden Buddha Statue standing 200 meters tall against the cliff has become a landmark of Khao Takiab. Glad I visited after walking down about 135 steps and after that walked up the same again to get our car.

Wanted to buy Famous Mango Sticky Rice but it closes earlier maybe finished. Went to the banana fritters (THB20) stall as hubby wanted to eat. Back to the private pool area, had complimentary juice and tea to go with the banana fritters. 

We had a rest before I head out alone to Lagoon Bar at 5.30pm which serve daily happy hour drinks (alcoholic and non) and canapés offering 5 - 6pm. Few type cocktails, beer, red and white wine to choose from. So many European/American guests filling up all the sofas here enjoying themselves. 

One of the benefit we were given free laundry 4 pieces of garments daily. Also 15% good discount at Lagoon Pub, 20% discount for 60-90 mins spa treatment which we did not utilise, complimentary shuttle to town.

We went to Tamarind (Thurs till Sun) and Cicada weekend (Fri till Sun) night market. Tamarind is more of food, some souvenirs stall. As for Cicada more of arts, souvenirs, lesser food stall. Both with live singing. It was real happening packed with people having beers.  Parking at Tamarind cost you THB50 per entry.

We had our noodle dinner, not far from hotel each person a bowl cost THB80

Day 4, we woke up late and went to Pranburi Forest Park. Hubby has coconut milk shake (THB65) but I dare not coz stomach not well, could be from the oyster omelette from yesterday lunch. 

We explored to a homecooked restaurant ร้านอาหาร กับข้าวตายาย​ for lunch after google nearby restaurant but it seems not too near. We ordered crab omellete, fish cake, clear Tom Yum prawn, cabbage. The bill came up to THB520. The portion was generous and we nearly could not finish all 😅. 

Back to hotel, we had a rest and then head out at 5.30pm for a drink and canape, daily complimentary by the hotel. We played a short while badminton, had a stroll near the beach, laze around the beach chair before heading back to room for a bath as we planned to go out for light dinner not too far from hotel, about 5 minutes. We saw these few stalls side by side and decided to have a try. We shared a plate of fragrant chicken rice THB40 and ice tea THB30. Still cheap ya eating in this small town. 

Day 5
Breakfast at Jek Lek, he had Tom yum noodle and I had porridge. Bought the Patonggo and kaya as dipping THB20 to try out.  Still the ones in Bangkok China Town unbeatable. Went to Hua Hin Railway Station. Follow by Huay Mongkol. Gave a donation and gotten the Luang Phor Thuad amulet. There is also a deer park and another temple nearby. Back to hotel before we head out at 5pm for Jek Leik Chim Chun (THB25). Then we went to Hua Hin Market Mall, walked around and had Swensen 2 scope ice cream, our favourite rum and raisin and almond mocha, their signature THB138 before heading back for the night. 

Day 6
We went to Chatchai wet market, bought the century egg (THB8 each), then had chicken rice, same row at Jek Piek for brunch. Then off to Rajabakti Park, end in Bluport Mall before heading back for a rest. 

Our dinner  5 minutes from hotel
ร้านข้าวต้มโฟนลิงค์์์ (Phonelink Restaurant), about 5 minutes from hotel, a thai chinese restaurant open 5pm till 4am. Had snapper in tamarind sauce, morning glory and Tom yum prawn (THB595). Back to hotel sat at the lobby listening to live singing by a duo singers

Day 7 
Our last brunch at Jek Piek, we had noodle soup, tomyum mama noodle. Porky soup and fish cake. Total spent THB260. Hubby's favorite banana fritters and pineapple fritters where it's batter is so fragrant. Spent Thb50. The stall is closed on Wednesday as we passed by yesterday and was closed.

 
Enjoying our moktail at lagoon bar before going back to our room. It was so windy today. Our last day here before we check out early tomorrow heading to Bangkok 

 

Dinner at Phonelink Restaurant, afraid of can't finish we had asparagus, crab meat roll, goong on woonsen, dessert, a drink THB415. 

We went to Twelve Victory Money Changer to change our USD100 to THB3345.  However if you use USD20 denomination to change, you will get lesser i.e. THB3280.

We ending our night here with Swensen. How can we leave without having our favorite Rum and Raisin! We ordered 5 scoop mixture THB239 2 rum, thai milk tea, vanilla, mocca almond. 

Day 8

We woke up early to prepare ourselves. By 7.30am we were ready to check out from hotel, returning the key to lobby.  Travelling back to Bangkok, we stopped to fill up the petrol to full tank (THB910) and returning the car to Hertz bu 11am at the arrival.  Immigration clearance was fast, we had street food (noodles) THB345 near terminal 2 before heading in to gate.  We ended in Miracle Lounge using hubby's dragon pass. We still had ample time as boarding was 2.15 pm. 

The flight was delayed 45 minutes due to rain where off loading and loading the luggage was interrupted. 

Anyway, we enjoyed the vacation.