Tag Archives: Thailand

Emerald and Blue Pool, Krabi – Thailand

10 Monday Feb 2014

Posted by in Thailand, Travel

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Emerald and Blue is probably one of the most amazing natural pool / lagoon I’ve seen so far (I know there probably is many more out there… but, I’ve not have the opportunity to see them yet). Mum told me the colors reminded her of the China’s JiuZhaiGou Valley (Valley of Nine Villages). This natural pool is located within the National Park in Krabi. It’s located about 20+km from the main town. Entrance fees for tourist is about 200baht. You can head there on your own or simply join one of the day tours offered around the town.

Jungle trekking

It’s quite easy to navigate inside the park. From the main entrance, there are visible signboards guiding your way. It’s about 800m of uphill trek to the Emerald pool or better known as the Sa Morakot in thai. From there, you need to hike another 800m to the blue pool / lagoon. I would recommend you reach there early in the morning and head straight to the Blue pool first before heading back to the Emerald pool. But, if you reach there around noon then, I propose you take a nice cooling dip in the Emerald pool before making the 2nd leg of the trekking. It can be quite HOT trekking the second leg as there’s not much shade along the way.

Huge Trees

The Blue pool is not big but the color of the pool is really breathtaking. We were told that if we clap, we will see bubbles coming out from under the ground. Interestingly, it did !!! But, I suspect it has something to do with the vibration caused from the bouncing of the sound causing the bubbles to be released underground. You can see how the water has little waves / ripples on it caused by these bubbles. It was really beautiful and peaceful here. Our guide warn us not to try swimming in it as it’s much deeper than it looks.

Blue Pool 01 Blue Pool 02

The Emerald pool was semi-crowded by the time we make our way there. Becareful when getting in as the stones / slopes are SUPER slippery. It’s really dangerous to try and walk in. Word of advice – slide in on your bum 😉 AND, be really careful when getting out. I went crashing into a couple trying to get out. LOL. Lucky they were a good sport and laugh it off (Sorry again!!!). Finally, hubby manage to get out and fish me out. Phew.

Emerald Pool

There’s proper shower cubicles here. It’s not the super clean type but at least it doesn’t stink ! It was really lovely to wash off with the clean water after the effort spend trying to crawl out of the Emerald pool. hehehe.

If you are heading to Krabi and enjoys nature, Don’t miss this. 🙂

Chabuton Ramen – Bangkok, Thailand

06 Thursday Dec 2012

Posted by in Gastronomy, Oversea Restaurants, Thailand, Travel

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The poster claims that the owner / chef Yasuji Morizumi-san of this ramen-chain being a “King of Ramen” caught my eye while I was strolling in Central shopping centre (The newest addition of big malls in Bangkok). On top of that, he is also the owner of the world’s first ramen shop to appear in the Michelin Guide.

Interesting… How can I know try, right? Ramen Menu

I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen and my colleague had the Shio Tonkotsu Ramen. As we were keen to try other side dishes, we ordered the small bowl version at 130 thai-bath (RM13++).

My version is slightly creamier version of the Shio version. Personally, I kind of prefer the Shio version more (it’s a classic case of the other side is always greener… hohoho), but, the original is actually quite good. I like that the noodle texture is really nice and bouncy. The tonkotsu (pork bone) soup is not too salty (unlike some Ramen place I’ve been too). I actually love the pork slices even tough it’s quite fat. The good thing about it is that it was cooked really well that the fat melts right away when inside your mouth. Tonkatsu Ramen

As for the side, we ordered the chicken karaage (friend chicken) and also the Negi (spring onion). The chicken was ok – Nothing fantastic. I love taking my ramen with heaps of Negi. Yum yum…So, I was very happy they offer the availability to order one whole side of it.

Chicken Karaage

Negi

Do I love it? I guess. It definitely has one of the better soups I had tried so far. I drained the whole bowl of soup. Hehehe…

Does it live up to its King of Ramen title? I don’t know. I not yet tried ALL the Ramen in this world to justify that.  ;p

Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket

28 Tuesday Jun 2011

Posted by in Thailand, Travel

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What a mouthful for a hotel name but what a glorious and amazing hotel. Hub and I sneak away to Phuket, Thailand for a little holiday last week – 5 days 4 nights of total relaxation and pampering.

This hotel is actually located on an island call Siray that is connected by bridge to the main Phuket Island. Hence, it is away from all the main activity area of Phuket town and also Patong beach.

Stepping out from the Phuket airport, the heat and humid hit me instantly but was glad we were quickly ushered into a nice cold van. The drive from Phuket airport to this hotel is about 45-50 mins (depending on the traffic and your taxi driver).

Turning left from the road into Westin, we were greeted by a wide space looking out into the sea. The view was breathtaking. To top it off, we were served with appetizing some sweet sour ice cold drink (which tasted a little of preserve plum + lime) and a nice cold hand towel. Registration was quick and we were presented with our room key after 5-8 mins. Our bags were tagged according to our room and we were transported to our room via the buggy. On the way to our room, the staff kindly pointed out the amenities around us. Hub and I was so mesmerised by the beautiful view we kind of just nod politely at him without really understanding what he was saying. (sigh.. we felt so bad – but, we did tipped him generously. Hehehe)

The first thing I did when I walked into our room was to head straight to the famous Heavenly bed (which I will blog about in a separate post). After settling our stuff and freshen up, we quickly head back out to just enjoy the ambience. The rooms are all strategically placed to get maximum sea view from your own balcony. They have 3 pools – Horizon Pool, Splash Pool and Prego Pool. (Personally, I prefer the horizon pool as the view from the pool was really stunning plus the water actually looks cleaner)

The hotel also offers a great selection of beach and water activities. Hub and I manage to squeeze in some time for kayaking. It was my first time and it was really scary. When the wave hit the kayak, I thought we would have flipped. Thankfully hub has some experience kayaking and he patiently teach me some tricks and helping me not to freak out. After 15-20 mins, I learn to relax and enjoy paddling. Hehehe..

Don’t worry about food as the hotel has 6 restaurants and bars. Or, you can easily hire a taxi to Phuket town (for 300 Baht) / van to fit 13 ppl (500 baht).

For those who wish to pamper your self, check yourself into the Heavenly Spa to rejuvenate. The price is not cheap at around 2,800 baht for a 50 mins heavenly massage. Since I was there for a seminar, we were given a 25% discount. So, I decided to give it a try. It was definitely relaxing and I felt so pampered after that. Since you are already there, might as well give it a try, right? :p

Definitely one of the most beautiful hotel / resort I have ever been to !! Would love to come back here… 🙂