TR 0119 Tiger Airways - Departing Bangkok Don Muang International Airport 2.50pm - Arriving Singapore Changi Airport Budget Terminal 6.15pm

Bangkok, Thailand Day V

Too soon, it seems we are due back home again. We took photos at the lobby and our favourite cafe while waiting for our ride to the airport.

It rained midway, and as the driver took the non-expressway route, it was a long and rather gloomy journey.

Checking in, found that my luggage would exceed the limit, and was advised to carry on my backpack. Belatedly, realised I had items in the backpack that would not clear security. True enough, we had a long wait (sorry, guys), while they registered that I had a penknife and a swiss-army and I had to sign that it was in the custody of the captain throughout the flight.

Then had a long wait for our flight to be called. Luckily we managed to get seats together. We had a slight turbulence duringt he flight due to the wet weather, so IL was a bit disturbed. Never knew she had a problem with flights. Interestingly, she preferred not to have the window seat so I had a great view of the sun setting.

Touching down, still had time for some shots at the runway.

Clearing customs was a breeze, especially with the automated gantries.

I was again plagued by customs though, who wanted to check through my luggage after detecting metallic stuff (a panel on a chopstick set, my nephew's belt, some notebook). The greater probelm was of course getting the luggage shut again. Sigh.

But felt better when I saw that not only Bro & Sis came to fetch me, but Dad and my darling. Had missed the munchkins lots.

Bangkok, Thailand Day IV

Set out to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Couldn't quite find the entrance I was used to, but anyway our shopping expedition begun. AD proved that guys can be more leceh than gals to have around when shopping as we kept losing him venturing into some shop or another.

We ran into the Pakistani family we first met on the Pattaya trip. They were also amused that we managed to meet again.

I got most of the things on my list, plus quite a few which are not on it. Midway, as we were just thinking of where to lunch, it started to rain pretty heavily. And for the first time of all my Bangkok trips, I experienced Chatuchak in a flood. We hurriedly rolled up our pants and stayed at a T-shirt shop where I helped to translate for AD who was bargaining for a whole load of T-shirts. Had fun chatting with the shopkeeper too.

We decided we've had enough shopping and after a long wait in the rain, took a cab to Pratunam again, where IL wanted to get the boxing gloves we had seen the other day. Bought a few other stuff along the way, before deciding to go back to the hotel to dump all our stuff.

We took a short rest before proceeding to MBK to eat... and shop again. I finally decided to get another luggage case to bring back the nephew's stuff. We conveniently dumped all our shopping in and AD most kindly lugged it around.

Then back to the hotel to pack! We really bought a lot of things.

Bangkok - Pattaya, Thailand Day III

We were barely served breakfast when the van to bring us to Pattaya arrived. Hurriedly requested that our breakfast was packed.

Van was pretty comfortable. Went around Pratunam area to pick up a few other families before setting off. Ride was a bit bumpy. I enjoyed the sights along the way while AD and IL napped.

Reached Pattaya town around 10+. We were told we had 50mins of free time before the boat to take us to Coral Island arrives.

Decided to check out jet-skiing. Was great fun. Can be a bit scary thinking we were out in the open sea, but sure was thrilling.

Was half wet by the time we were done and met the rest of the group, who probably had just been standing around while waiting for the boat.

We were told that we could try parasailing at the middle of the boat-ride, where there was a "launch-pad" in the middle of the sea. Was game to take it, but changed my mind as it was such a short ride.

We continued on the boat-ride to Coral Island. A very bumpy ride as the waters were choppy and we were at the bow of the boat.

One of the mothers laughed when I said "Ouch" out loud. The lady pleasantly chatted about how she was from Pakistan and the family was just from a holiday in Saudi where they took 6 hours to fly over to Thailand.

Was a bit of a shock when we reached Coral Island as it was so touristified. Even worse than Patong Beach, I thought. There were umbrella-shades and beach-chairs all over the beach, rows of shops lining the seashore and buoys all over the sea.

We had another "briefing" before free-time on meeting times. Scrapped snorkelling and decided to go sea-walking. Had to take a boat out to further up the sea.

Were given rubber shoes to change to, then a briefing in simple signs while in the water and other procedures as well as warned that we might have problems with the water pressure on our initial entry. We would be given helmets pumped with oxygen when we go around 5m into the seabed.

Did not have much problem regarding the water pressure. But the helmet was way too heavy for me even in the water. Had a panicky moment when I first went down and I tipped with my whole helmet filling up with water. Doesn't help that the waters was a bit murky and I couldn't see anything.

The guide was however experienced and very reassuring. He quickly righted me and helped me to regain my balance. Found I needed to hold on to my helmet to help me to balance. Felt a bit like moonwalking (Not that I've tried it).

The guides made up kneel on the seabed while they gave us various sea organisms to hold.

Then bread for us to feed the fishes. Was amusing to see all the tiny fishes crowding you and nibbling at the bread.

Wondered if the ticklish niggling I felt at the back of my neck were fishes. I wouldn't want to bring back any!

Spend quite some time underwater, with the guides helping us to take photos with their underwater cameras, and them fooling around taking off their goggles.

When we went back inland, most of the groups had started on lunch. In lieu of halal food, had a vegetarian meal and not so appetising for me.

Roamed about after lunch. The tide has receded, so we had to go way out if we wanted to swim or take the banana boat as originally planned.

I decided to take a shower instead. Changed into drier clothes before meeting IL and AD who were bumming on the beach-chairs.

After a while AD and IL also decided to shower down while I relaxed. Walked around the other side of the island before giving up and just waiting for the boat to pick us up.

We took a glass-bottomed boat for part of the trip back but could not see much as the waters was pretty murky.

Changed over to the normal speedboat. Ride seems to be less bumpy, or maybe it was because we were at the middle of the boat this time round.

The tide was not quite high enough for the boat to go far in, so got wet again trying to wade to the seashore.

The van brought us to the Gems Museum next. Managed to find water to wash ourselves, but felt bad that we were dripping wet. Was pretty impressed with the Lights & Movement technology of the presentation, but we were not allowed to take any pictures.

Bummed at a corner waiting for the van to bring us back to Bangkok. There was some shuffling around, so we didn't get the exact same travel-mates. A Singaporean lady who had made a fuss about being seated with her son ended up beside me and struck up conversation. She seemed quite nice but I was so tired and was developing a headache. so waited for a lull before I just closed my eyes and dropped out of the conversation.

IL & AD were thinking of going either MBK or Pratunam for dinner, but I begged out with my splitting headache. They instead bought me back dinner from Twin Tours. So sweet!

Bangkok, Thailand Day II

Woke up early for breakfast. But finished too early for any of the agencies to be open.

Tried calling around, then decided to check out the neighbouring Tourist Information Office.

Mr Bee was pretty helpful, but found that we had missed the pickup for the Pattaya day-trip and could only book one for the next day. Asked after a few other tours but didn't book any.

Mr Bee kindly gave directions on where we should go.

Walked to Bo Bae Market. Not very very far but not so near either. Was melting by the time we reached. So many people, so many stalls but didn't buy anything. Took pictures along the railway, which was also the squatter town.

Walked over to MBK. Midway had to stop at a minimart to reenergise ourselves. Then a stop by a shop for IL & AD to get some football jerseys.

The airconditioning was so rejuvenating when we finally reached MBK. Some shopping then lunch at the Food Court. MBK foodcourt has 2 new halal eateries in addition to the old one.

Food was not bad. Our drink was huge but satisfying to quench our thirst. Had the
durian and mango glutinous rice as takeaways.

Proceeded to Pratunam. Miraculously found the shop with jumbo-sized clothings for the nephew. The shop owner finally just brought me to the storeroom at the back so that it would be easier for me to find the colours and patterns I wanted.

Called Mummy to confirm what other clothings he would need going off to boarding-school. Was very scary pulling out things left right and centre but in the end didn't do that much damage to my finances. Was tempting to get him more stuff if not for the difficulty in bringing the things back.

Walked around some more. Got some more stuff at Pratunam Centre before going back to the hotel.

Showered and went out again to Siam area. Disappointingly, didn't find anything interesting at Hard Rock cafe.

Timing was just right to catch a movie. The theatre at Siam Square was fantastic! Seats could be adjusted to lean back and there's roomy leg-space.

Had to stand up to pay respects to the King just before the movie started. Too Fast Too Furious 3 was not bad.

went to Haagen Daz next. Had brownie and Teppanyaki. It not only looks good but taste fantastic too.

Couldn't find a cab at the late hour, so took a tuk-tuk. I'm sure IL and AD had fun on their first ride. *evirl grin*

Packed our bags in anticipation of an early day tomorrow.

Bangkok, Thailand Day I

Haven't totally recovered (or unpacked) form the last trip then off to the next one. IL messaged to say she would be picking me up.

Dropped by to pick up her hubby at the workshop where he had sent the business van for repair after an unfortunate accident. Dropped by the family restaurant for a while before setting off to the airport.

First time taking budget airline, and to the Budget Terminal. It is seriously, spaciously empty. Parking is just conveniently outside the Halls. Departure Hall only had one public eatery, Han's (not the halal one).

Took some pictures while waiting for AD. IS left just a few minutes before he arrived.

Checked in. My bag is still heavy despite my efforts to bring as little as possible.

The boarding pass was just hand-written and the counter staff told us to look out for the departure gate on the screen.

Roamed about the shops inside. Finally stopped for a bite at Polar's Cafe, the only halal eatery around.

The departure gate was still not featured on the screen. I think to prevent anxious people from queueing too fast. AD however predicted the gate and we waited there minutes before the announcement over the PA system.

Managed to get seats together. Seats quite cramped. Flight was rather uneventful.

Clearing Thai customs took a while as usual. Jumped from one queue to another but the line still wasn't quite moving.

Did not have to wait long for the bags though. Took the airport limousine since the normal taxis had a pretty long queue.

City Apartments wasn't too impressive but ok. walked out to the minimart for some drinks and snacks. Had late dinner at the neighbouring Twin Towers Hotel. was so sleepy waiting to get served.

Went back and tried to plan our Pattaya day-trip. Since all the agencies have closed, could only postpone it until the next morning.

Krabi, Thailand Day IV

Received a call from Khun Wen just as we were about to go down for breakfast. She reconfirmed the time for pick-up, and informed us that complimentary lunch and a city tour would be provided.

Somehow she gave me the impression that she was down at reception. But when we went down, there wasn't anyone I'd thought could be her.

A Thai lady however chatted me up asking when we were returning to Singapore. But she spoke English too well to be the same person I've communicated over the phone with. She gave me the impression she was the owner of the place, judging by the way she interacted with the staff. Further enforced when later a group of cameramen came perhaps to do the advertising on the place, since the staff were also nicely dressed that day.

Khun Wen called again when we went back to the room, delaying pick-up as another couple would like to join us for the City Tour.

We spent the time amusing ourselves by taking photos.

First stop was lunch when Khun Wen finally picked us up. It was jsut a roadside stall, but the food was good.

Next stop Tiger Caves Temple. The temple sat atop some hundres of steps up the mountain.

Which of course we did not go to.

Ventured about the grounds and into a lower cave. There was a eeriely realistic statue of the Chief Monk at the entrance of the cave. How eeriely realistic? Well the 4 of us were staring horrified at each other asking the silent question whether there's an actual living guy inside the glass box! The tour guide took one look at our shocked faces and quickly explained taht it was just a wax statue!

Further inside the cave was the resting place of the tiger that started the legend of the place. There was a curious frame with various religious symbols, which apparently was a symbol of world peace.

Then went to a store doing fund-raising for the tsunami victims. Got some T-shirts as felt the rest of the stuff were way too expensive.

We were then dropped off for shopping in Krabi town. Looks like any Malaysian town, with the ladies in Muslim headgear and dress on and about.

Our things were transferred to a different van, which was taking us back to Phuket. The ride seems longer this time around.

Struggling with our things, I somehow had the bright idea of packing HD's paper bags and mine into my spare bag right in the middle of the line at check-in. Somehow managed to stuff everything.

Flight back was rather uneventful. HD and I get to sit together this time around.

HD's parents kindly picked us up and sent me back. Thanks, HD.

Krabi, Thailand Day III

Woke up to a rather cloudy morning, thus scratching our plans for island-hopping.

First breakfast at the Verandah. Eggs any style, plus coffee, fruit juice and mini-selection of cereal and bread.

As we were breakfasting, had the curious sight of Muslim women arriving and going somewhere further up our B&B. Now where do all these Muslim people go to eat???

When we explored the lane after breakfast, found a bank beside our B&B. The streets were still quiet, shops not open yet although it was already 11+ Krabi time. Weather was bright and clear now, but we had missed the pickup times for the island trips. Went back to our rooms for more cable.

Ventured out around 1+ Krabi time when we figured the shops should have begun to open.

Ventured further up the main street and finally found a halal eatery. As we were scrutinising the menu at the front, we were waved in by a guy around our age.

Nobody seemed to be approaching us when we entered the restaurant though, making us wonder if it was not open yet like the experience the previous day. But someone finally approached us with the menu.

Lots of variety, but somehow don't sound as scrumptious as lunch the previous day. Decided to order the King Prawns. The lady taking our order started on about our order but could not understand her. She called over the earlier guy, who apparently could speak Malay. she began explaining what was the ingredients in the dishes we ordered. Beats me why she had to do that.

The guy meanwhile decided to sit down and entertain us. Said he had noticed us wandering around the day earlier. Asked us what we had been doing (err.. nothing?). Even offered to lend us motorbikes so that it'd be easier for us to go around. I'm sure he was quite puzzled why the Malaysian girls that we professed to be didn't know how to ride bikes!

Lunch when it finally came was pretty disappointing. My prawns sure showed no semblance to being king of anything. And since the restaurant was just by the road, we kept getting attacked by flies, and then me by a kitten who tried to jump onto the table.

Decided to walk down to the beach. Though shops have started to open, it was still pretty deserted. Everyone else must have gone to the islands. Barely 15min into enjoying the beach though, it started drizzling.

Rushed back to the main road. And decided on some more spa pampering.

Shopped for a bit then went back to the tailor. Our clothes weren't ready yet, though. So had takeaway of fried chicken with glutionous rice from a roadside stall. Then bought chilli sauce from the minimart.

It might not look like much, but it sure was yummy. Wanted to enjoy the ice-cream we left in the fridge the day before but it apparently had melted down.

More TV, more reading before we ventured out to the tailor again. The shop was pretty busy when we reached. Had to wait a while before trying out our clothes again. Mine were fine, but HD had to get her pants refitted again.

The tailor promised to deliver her pants to our reception by midnight and packed nicely the rest of our clothes.

Phuket - Krabi, Thailand Day II

Breakfast was a pretty relaxed affair. Roamed about the gardens for some photos before checking that we had all our things and meeting Khun Phayon.

Set off for Krabi. Khun Phayon asked us what we would like to visit along the way: Elephant Farm, Natural Products, Museum. All of which we answered negative.

We finally agreed to the Natural Products since he seemed rather crestfallen. Was apparently the very same place I went to the last time I was in Phuket. Wasn't interested in dried fruits. Instead got some brooches, clips and postcards as souvenirs.

It was a very amazingly long ride. More amazingly when we checked by map later the distance covered. Lucky for us the van was a nicely conditioned ride.

Arrived in Krabi around midday. Even Khun Phayon got a bit lost as the B&B we were staying at apparently was new. Funnily enough we missed it although it was just by the roadside.

I admit to being a bit wary that it's just a B&B, but the place was nice and spacious enough. Love the furnishing!

Tested the Cable TV (Lotsa English channels!) then explored the sleepy town. Couldn't find a single Muslim eatery after walking around the streets. Found one stall, but it was apparently not open yet.

The girl pointed us along a lane which looked pretty secluded. But since it was bright daylight, decided to explore. Found a resort. Apparently there was a rainforest-themed restaurant further in.

Food was fantastically delish. Price still reasonable. And cool ambience, especially when rain started falling down.

After the rain had ceased and we had cooled ourselves down enough, we set off again. Finally found a tailor that was open and checked out the pricings.

The owners were pretty friendly and we were persuaded to tailor our stuff with them. After much walking around the shop for the right materials, then much flipping of the pattern books, finally decided on what we wanted. We were informed to return late in the evening for a first fitting.

Returned back to our room to cool down. Enjoyed the MTV, napped, read. Had a call from our Krabi agent Khun Wen to confirm our pickup for the transfer back to Phuket Airport. Asked regarding the tours they had, but did not book any.

The streets were bustling when we ventured out again for our fitting. I was feeling pretty deadbeat in contrast.

I'm still amazed at how fast and how well these tailors could come up with the end-product. Had some minor refitting then we were told to come back the next evening.

MI0756 Silkair - Departing Changi Airport Terminal 2 4.25pm - Arriving Phuket International Airport 7.25pm.

Phuket, Thailand Day I

HD and I cut it pretty close checking in. We had shared a cab and she had difficulty getting one on her side. Ended up the last checking in I guess and the staff could not assign us a seat together. Strangely enough, there was a someone who wanted the middle seat, so we got the window and aisle instead.

However, since there was another couple who might not be taking the flight, she told us that we might get reassigned at the gate.

Roamed a bit to get some last-minute stuff for HD. Then rushed realising it was already Last Call and the gate was apparently very far away.

Got reassigned seats at the gate. Went in just before a rowdy group of what F15 would "fondly" refer to as kataks. Overheard one of them telling the stewardess their seat number, a row behind mine. Already had a bad feeling.

Sat down. Made myself comfy. HD and I got seats separated by the aisle. Then true enough, a couple of the kataks were in my row. And so began my very long long long plane ride.

I don't care if you think I'm stuck-up or snobbish, but I can't stand stuck for almost 2hrs of people reeking of smoke, booze, and insistent on striking up conversation with uninterested parties.

Was so relieved when the plane finally touched down. Hurried HD along before we got stuck in a queue with certain amphibians.

Found our guide Khun Phayon easily. Though he was mildly surprised since he was expecting a Mr. Apparently his office regularly changed the salutations of clients, for some reason.

Was a pretty long ride to the hotel, which was on a lane off Patong Beach, but in the midst of rows of shops.

The hotel was pretty nice and of resort-style like the one we stayed in in Bali.

Rested a while before setting off to walk about. The nearby night-markets were rather boring and had so many huge dogs lying about. Were too lazy to go to the markets along Patong Beach so pampered ourselves at a spa instead.

Very nice languid sleep.