He do not really know how to speak or listen English but my friend Tatt can still talk to him by using alot body and sign language, its funny to see how both of them talk and best of all, this guy understand . .

A very clean and cosy car that his car also won a few awards that he send into competition for the street car exhibition. He is only available during the weekend, as he tour people around as extra income on weekend. Usually he is fully book by the locals and if you would like to engage him, best is to find some one that can speak Thai to him. If you were to call him directly, you will be finding it hard to communicate.

Coming to Bangkok besides girls doing heavy shopping or shop till drop, it would never be perfect if you do not do their Massage. Its a combination not complete if you step into Bangkok whereby for us massage is a must which is what they are famous for. Thai Massage. Goft introduce this place to us Urban Retreat which is very well know to many international tourist for their good service and massage.

I asked Goft ‘ Weiii..y so high class, not the normal shop that on the streets?’ she answered she just wan us to enjoy the best and its more well trained, those on the road site later break your bone then you know. We all just laughed~

And of course the best you have to pay different pricing. Those little shop on the streets can go as cheap as RM30 or 300 bhat for 2 hours massage, as this place is more upclass and the pricing would be double form those little shop. We choose our package ‘Thai Massage with Herbal Ball’ cost us 900 Bhat = RM 90 which the pricing is quite similar to Malaysia already. (for more pricing on packages click here)

When you went in, you will be greeted by their friendly staff at the reception and its extremly full on that day. Luckily Goft help us do booking and we saw alot of walking in customer were turn away because its full house for whole day.

all of us reach this place were already very tired and indeed a massage is a MUST now! Nancy just cant wait to hit into the room and enjoy the massage as you see her look . .  half dead~ keke

We were first brought to this place to wash our feet clean . .

please ignore my hairy legs. .

Then the masseur will lead you to respective room and for couples do not worry, they have lots of couple room or room in pair ..

So for this round me and Steven will be in the same room . .

and we have to change into their outfit.. Thai Style . .:D. I was very tired and doze off while they were doing massage for me and of course not fully asleep and I just love how they twist and turn on my body after the whole massage I felt so loose and light now. Energetic back and ready to hunt for more food!

No wonder Goft wanted to bring us here, a recommended Massage place if you do visit Bangkok.

They have 3 location in total and all are located easy acess of public transportation.

If I am not mistaken – this outlet is the location of BTS Phrom Phong

Contact:

BTS Phrom Phong Branch: +66(0)2204 1042-3

Phrom Chai Branch: +66(0)2204 2008-9

Asoke Branch: +66(0)2229 4701-3

For all location of the 3 outlet (click here)

After that head back to hotel area to change and do some street walk ..  Our Hotel is White Palace Bangkok (to view click here). Conveniently right outside our hotel there are alot of things to see and buy as it hit about 6pm it will be night market which we do not have a chance to pay a visit cuz we are in hectic schedule . .

Taking a short stroll along the streets to look for transport to head to Paragon to meet Goft for dinner. .

One thing that Tatt cant stand is he keep bugging me to take the picture of the heavy wiring located on top of the pole. .  he said that this is so outdate that most of these cable wire are under ground and not still put up there. Its very dangerous ..

Pic #1

Pic #2

Pic #3

The biggest shirt I have come accross is only XXXL. .  and for the first time we seen 20 XL and this is how big the shirt is. So in Bangkok if you are very big in size, this area have what to offer you . . I think this shirt can fit 6 of us perfectly. .

Our hotel is just down the street then you can see Baiyoke Hotel which is another nice hotel that my friend recommend to stay.

In Bangkok, the most famous mode of short distance transportation is called Tuk Tuk a mini bike with 3 wheels that can fit max 4 small size person in it . .

Tuk Tuk that attracted many tourist to ride on it but actually there is not much difference comparing you taking Taxi. If you would like to experience it, its good to try out . .

But just beware that these Tuk Tuk know that you are foreigners or tourist they will try to rip you apart on the fare. Some are very ridiculous especially those Tuk Tuk around this area. We board on the transport and they insist us to visit a few tourist destination spot as told us its on the way, and we look on to our map its heading different way and we told them where got in the way, the place we want to go turn left, and you want to turn right!!! no no no.. please take us to the place we want to go. .  Yet they still insist we should visit the place and we ask how much is the fare he mention a ridiculous price. We said don wan can drop us some where and he just drop us right on the spot and went off . . .

So just beware on those Tuk Tuk  . . .as some places are quite okay like those in China Town. . .

Pic #4

Pic #5

Pic #6

Pic #7

Pic #8

Pic #9

so we end up taking taxi there and taxi fare is quite cheap. So from experience now we know that taking taxi is better ..

Pic #10

Pic #11

and this round Tatt bugging me to take on the pillar of those highway..like spider..

This hotel was recommended by my friend as she previously stayed here that with cheap price and strategic location. Right outside this hotel there is a very long night market which we have miss it due to insufficient time.

Hotel is pretty decent which is simple and nice that is hidden behind some housing and office area. . .

A simple double room, neat and clean is something that we are looking for as most of the time we will be out and just need a place to rest. If I am not mistaken this place we paid about RM120 per night book over Agoda.

White Palace Bangkok - http://www.whitepalacebangkok.com/

Location:
40 Soi Petchburi 15 (Somprasong 3), Phayathai
Rajtavee Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Tel: 66 (0) 2255 2701

Right after we throw all our luggage into the hotel room, we head to one of the most anticipated or well known or all my friend said its a must go market. The locals call them J.J market.

One thing that I have in common with Goft is our taste bud pretty much the same and by far what ever she recommend the food so far all of us are very satisfied! When we were back from Pattaya we head to Chatuchak Market  where the most famous market in Bangkok, after that, then she recommend that we MUST try out this place which is very famous for ramen is known as Ra-Men Bankara which she rate the best ramen in Bangkok so far in her preference list.

Bankara Ramen is also known as a famous franchise chain from Tokyo that very well known for its soup base that available in 4 different types.

I love the whole concept of this outlet, as the ambiance gives you a tradition of Japanese Culture on how those what we seen in the Japanese movie.

They also have private seating area more like a group of 6. . .. .

Or a bit more open dining area . . .

One of the unique thing is that this ramen shop provide you fresh garlic and the equipment for you to squash your garlic onto the noodle. . .

and this is what I call a Ramen shop that have sesame, chili oil and 2 other sauce ready for you to add onto your bowl of ramen to bring it up to your own preference taste.

Its a very simple menu that they have, then with the mini side bar there is those add on ingredients.

All of us having headache on what to order and it seems like every thing looks good!

Therefore we leave our dinner faith to Goft based on her recommendation.

]]> http://www.taufulou.com/2011/12/30/day-4-part-2-ramen-bankara-ramen-bangkok/feed/ 1 http://www.taufulou.com/2011/12/19/bangkok-trip-day-3-part-4-pattaya/ http://www.taufulou.com/2011/12/19/bangkok-trip-day-3-part-4-pattaya/#comments Sun, 18 Dec 2011 16:53:48 +0000 Taufulou http://www.taufulou.com/?p=5515 Right after floating market, we are already hungry and before we came here, Nancy is the one that actually came to Bangkok many times and she highly recommend us to visit this restaurant which is made of condom. . YES!! you heard it right..Condom, as actually its some of the mannequin that filled with full condom decoration like clothes and others.

In the first plan, we are suppose to head to Condom & Cabbage, Bangkok as we have very tight schedule so we slide it and decided for Condom & Cabbage Pattaya instead as the have totally different environment compare to the one in Bangkok.

Let me tell you why Nancy highly recommend this restaurant is because of a reason. This restaurant promotes health and safety use of condom in sex life by fun and amusing manner and not only that as ALL the proceeds from the restaurants are used to fund the social development programs of PDA. So, that is why so Nancy insist us to come.

One thing which is very different compare to Bangkok that to head to the restaurant, you have to walk thru this mini garden trail for 2 minutes that is dimly lit up and its fun to have something different where by usually the restaurant you go, is right at your door step!

You will go thru a few sections of the garden till you reach this huge and spacious Tropical Jungle area as actual fact, this restaurant is sharing a garden with this beautiful resort.

So as you reach, you will be greeted by this 3 person wearing condom all over their body.

Then as the waitress guide us to the main dining area, we are suprise on how big this area is, as this section is on the upper deck of the hill side where by you can choose to be on top of the hill that over look the sea or head down there next to the sea . . .

Of course we choose head down there to be next to the sea . . and it seems pretty occupied. Its really a huge restaurant on a jungle style.

As we hike down, there are a few more tiers like another 2-3 more sections besides the upper deck.

All of us tired + hungry + sticky and grateful to be seated down at the moment at this beautiful area. One thing we find that, if you come here around sunset, I am very sure that its going to be a very beautiful place. If you do have a chance to stop by here, please do so during sun set and tell me how it feels. .

You will be very surprise on the variety of the menu they are offering and not only that, its the pricing the most important and we thought that we might got ripe off in such a pleasant dining ambiance but we are wrong!!!

This fried prawn fritters are perfect, crispy on inside out and the prawns are very fresh. Dip it with the thai chili sauce to make it more perfect.

Mix Veggie that are in plain fried yet it goes along very well with white rice. Simple and aromatic!

Green Curry Prawn, as the prawn is fresh with solid in meat and a bit coconut milky that is not too spicy, mild and the taste is totally very different from the one available in Malaysia as theirs is a bit sweet too, Mix with rice make it flood, perfect!

In Thailand of course you must not miss Tomyam but in this restaurant we tried out 2 different version of tomyam, one which is similiar like Malaysia Style Spicy tomyam (Tomyam Talay) @ @ 200 bhat. Its cook to perfection that its spicy, abit sour and sweet in taste because of the seafood that cook along.

To compare of course this Tomyam Prawn @ 200 bhat, stoods out to be better as the clear version of tomyam which lean towards more on sour spicy that the after taste kicks in after you drink it which is a bit more challenging and very nice in taste!

I always love Phad Thai Gung Sod @ 90 bhat, therefore come here also will not miss, fried with wok hei, noodles are quite sticky and squeeze along with lime and mix everything together, is how the way they eat it. Taste Fairly good but it leans towards a bit more on the sweet side.

Basil Chicken is another great dish that cook till the flavor absorb to the meat, which is not too dry, with the sauce that they use that  pairs very well with the flavor. I don like Basil but this taste pretty good.

Pandan chicken is nothing special just that the sauce is very good, sweet in the first taste spicy at the end!

This is another challenging dish, looks simple but use the pork and dip along with that bowl of sauce, super spicy as you do not feel it at first as after a few more pieces of the meat with the sauce, your whole tongue gets numb, as the challenge is we just cant stop eating, as it taste sooooo good!

Stir Fried Chicken with nut and dry chili, something also not to be miss.

One thing, as we are super full from so many dishes and the total bills comes to about 2236 bhat which surprise us alot! Its a cheap bill we would say. Food here is good, and well price, so do not miss if you do come to Pattaya!

As we walking out, we love the sign that place around the garden’s . . Just suitable to be use locally ..

Location:
Cabbages & Condoms Resort & Restaurant (Pattaya)
366/ Moo 12 Phra Tam Nak 4 Road,Nangprue
Banglamung,Chonburi 20150

Tel:(038) 250556-7

Website: www.pda.or.th/restaurant/

After satisfying lunch, so we went to check in our hotel which is very late and long day hectic travel day we have and they all were cursing me why plan till so hectic as I said, its a short trip so have to fully utilise it. Kekekeke .. .

I have to thank Goft for helping me to arrange this superb accomodation as this Grand Hotel Pattaya which is smack right in the middle of Pattaya hottest night life street! Scroll further down to check out the street! Its a 3 minute walk out from the hotel to reach the busiest night life street.

We check into our hotel as we book 2 rooms, my room which is the biggest more like a family suite that have a huge living room + 2 bedroom that comes with queen size bed each which is a Family Room.

Huge room that comes with a toilet each so need not cramp for toilet on the next morning.

All basic necessity is provided. After a quick refreshment and we quickly head out to our next destination which is :

Location:
103 Moo 10, Soi 14 Walking Street
South Pattaya, Pattaya City,
Chonburi, Thailand 20260

Tel: 66-38-429-696

Website: www.grandhotelpattaya.com

email: info@grandhotelpattaya.com

Hard Rock Hotel that most of them wanted to get the merchandise and end up they did.

All of them got a bag each and only me and Steven did not because don have our size and their size is pretty odd that M and L are quite huge in difference.

Location:
Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya
429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road,
Cholburi 20150, Thailand

Tel: +66 38 428755-9

Website: pattaya.hardrockhotels.net

Rooms Reservations: rooms.pattaya@hardrockhotels.net

Next of course we head to the most happening street in town, which is Walking Street Pattaya. Walking street is the most famous street in (soi) Pattaya that host many good bar, clubs, strip club and many more. Some people rate this street as one of the most exciting street to look for fun that with 1000 meter long of fun street as besides bar there are also places like Gogo Bars and of course hostesses. You will surely find your fun here.

I would rate this is one of the best place for night life in Thailand, as I have visited nightlife in Phuket, Hatyai and Bangkok and I rate this the best. You should probably spend about 3 days 2 nights here itself!

A Go GO bar.. means what? you should drop by here to find out yourself~

More types of bars

Open concept type of pole dancer bar  . .

Alcatraz A Go Go

Well, according to my friend and Driver Moulin Rouge is one of the hottest one in the street whereby you should drop by to visit especially mens. . .

As we walk along the streets and we finally decided to hit the bar that looks the coolest and decent of all . ..

Walking Street bar that seriously have a big vintage car smack right at the side of the wall. . .

See how strong these women can do? Well, a piece of advice from my friend that, if you hit to any bars in Pattaya especially girls, do not take drinks or beer from strangers as chances of the drink got spike is 90%. Well, if you want to have a fun memory adventure in Pattaya, you can try that . .:p

By Looking in the web that our hotel have a very nice scenery during sun rise as  I miss out the sunrise I just went up to take a quick glimpse of it. . The view up here is just superb! A very relaxing feeling that overlook the whole place of Pattaya. After a quick check out we head back to Bangkok for our continuation of city adventure.

Then we stop by at the highway rest stop and its freaking huge compare to those ones in Malaysia. They have many restaurant, also shops that sell local delights.

Next to check out in our list is Chatuchak Market, Bangkok!

So the driver told us that this temple is very nice and decided to drop us here for a quick prayer and we did also with some donations.

Further inside the city its like super long beach covers along with night entertainment which I will put inside another posting (so do watch out)

Last time I remember I came accross a blog that there is a new mall opening and with huge open air concept area for F&B outlets by the beach side facing the sea and I could not remember what is that mall called already. Regreted didnt key it down and we ended up in this new mall Central Festival at Pattaya which is the Largest beachfront lifestyle mall Shopping Mall in Asia.

Very nice Interior and well design mall, easy to walk around ..

Best of all they have like indoor weekend market style ..

After a quick walk, we were very hungry and head out, manage to peek outside the mall that they have a street of kopitiam style food and we quickly head there to hunt for food. There are about 9 stalls side by side and one of the stalls that attracted us in is PORK LEG!

They are hot, thirsty and hungry . .

this is the super star that makes us choose this stall that comes to Thai must not miss Pork Leg

This is the most sinfull of all yet one of the best!!!

we ordered one stripe of fried pork as I choose myself what part I wanted and its super crispy, the meat is soft and dip along with their own homemade sauce is superb! A MUST HAVE!

Then followed by Pork leg, braised till meat is soft, pork skin near to melt in mouth and add in their own gravy to make it more moist.

Tomyam seafood as we find that the different taste of Pattaya cooking style and Bangkok cooking style as Pattaya taste of soup heading  more sweet and sour not too spicy. .

Tomyam pork definitely taste much better compare to the seafood one.

Fried Omelet that is drench in oil yet very aromatic and we add on a bit chili sauce to perfected it. .It was indeed a satisfying meal . .

As everyone is very satisfied now, we head to the beach area to take a peak as we have very limited time in Pattaya .. .

Feels like I am at Batu Ferringi just that they have lots of beach umbrella side by side .. .

AS the weather is killing us, all of them want to head back to the mall then only we saw superb architecture of Hilton hotel that overlook the beach front which is inside the Central Festival Mall.

Savadeekap with mr.MacD

One of the thing I realize is that this little desert stall is every where in Bangkok and also even in Pattaya, Ice Monster, that I often saw alot people queuing for it. As this round we nearly melt from the weather outside, we decided to try out by enjoying the mall air condition.

Under customize section, you can get to choose the ice and toppings you want as we are lazy to choose we choose the one in the menu.

Overall, we didnt really like the desert as find it a bit too sweet to our liking, very milky and the texture is more like Ice Kacang ice based top with some fruits and milk/ chocolate syrup.

Then second day as we head to city area, we check into our second hotel at Pulai Spring Resort nearby Johor town . .One of the reason we get this hotel because its not too expensive for a 5 star hotel and best part is, the facilities they have. . .

With its natural flora and founa, Pulai Spring Resort is a 5 star resort that smack nearby the city also a known by many golfers often come here for their 18-holes Championship USGA class golf course. It is one ultimate challenge to golfers with memorable signature holes amidst the varied terrain, water elements and changes in elevation.

We book ourselves at this Cinta Ayu All Suites 3 bedroom and when we unlock the door, then sprung open. . we were surprise how huge and spacious the room is. With big living  room area, very nicely build kitchen that filled with many utensils that conveniently do light cooking.

This Suits can easily accommodate at least 6-8 pax with a size of around 1.1k sq. .

This is the share bath room between room 2 and 3 . .

This is room 3 with no window seeing and filed 2 single bed and air condition in this room was super cold!

This is my room, room 2 with swimming pool view. .

This is the master bed room with king size bed which is another huge room ..

walk in wardrobe style. . .

A huge bath room  . . .

and this is our unit facing pool view. . .

Then we went to kaypo on another couple’s room that book on 1 bedroom suits.

huge toilet with 2 entrance that one direct from the bath room and one access from living room . .

ample kitchen area and also living room . . .

and their view is facing golf course.. .

After checking out each other’s room, we decided now to check out on their facilities. .  Its seriously a huge place to walk .. .

After we had our lovely breakfast at famous French Bakery (click here) then head to this floating market. This post is more picture than write up . ..

It was sardin pack with lots of people, and we were drop off by our driver.

It was burning hot morning and humid as we were walking we can feel the heat penetrating to our bone.

Looking at the map, its a huge man made floating market .. . .

To tour around the whole market by using the boat, it can be hired at a price. .

Okay.. What is so special about this shop?  La Baguette is actually a french bakery that serve many types of bread, pastries, deserts and not to miss their signature crepes. Open its door to public in year 2003 and there is where they have started to increase their popularity among locals and foreigners. Its a special place with unique design and very nice ambiance that just makes you want to stick in this shop longer.

When you walk into the shop, there will be a ice cream bell ringing on the door then you will be greated with a smile by their friendly staff. The whole shop is painted fairly white with the shine of the early sun into the shop makes it even brighter. Menu on the ceiling are fitted with chalkboard style  with menu nicely printed on it.

The whole shop was nicely decorated and it certainly blend in perfectly to give you the feel its a french bakery shop.

Most of us are very excited as for the first time, we come into a french bakery shop and we love the ambiance and interior design alot. Very simple and cozy, making us walk around and busy hunting food at the menu and some of us busy camwhore around the cafe.

Its divided into 2 sections, one is bakery and pastries and another side is deserts, crepes and gelato.

This is what Goft told us that must not miss. Their signature crepes.

and just look at the pastries and desert fridge, its fill with lots of selection and I just stare them for quite a while, too bad it was in early morning that I do not have appetite for these, if it were after lunch, I think I am going to force my friend to at least try 1/3 of the fridge.

It was pretty pack in the morning and people just don wait for their seats even though we came first, they tend to go after what is available table to them. Then only I told the waitress that we came first only she advice another family on the issue.

I like the setting of the cafe, that filled with book classic wooden shelf, small wooden table and chairs with old clock on the wall, huge 3 seater sofa at a corner and some huge single seater sofa, makes it very French ambiance.

This is how the three of them sunk their ass on the cosy sofa till don want to move their butt.

 Annie busy taking pictures with her new camera.

]]> http://www.taufulou.com/2011/10/26/bangkok-trip-day-3-part-1-great-breakfast-french-bakery-la-baguette-pattaya/feed/ 3 http://www.taufulou.com/2011/10/24/kampung-homecook-food-johor/ http://www.taufulou.com/2011/10/24/kampung-homecook-food-johor/#comments Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:06:43 +0000 Taufulou http://www.taufulou.com/?p=5119 To further our experience in Johor, things got more interesting after we have check into our lovely hotel Pulai Desaru Beach Resort then most of our schedule for the day got arrange by the hotel person, as we requested something unique. . .

Then we were brought to this lovely kampung (village) after 35 minutes ride from the hotel which is quite a journey . ..

Honestly, this is my very first time visit a rumah kampung that I step my foot inside it which I am excited. No public that can come to this area as this house was specially choosen by the hotel team as to promote local culture food and dining experience to their customers.

The hotel team hunt down many kampung house, as they got a strict criteria to be in the list, 3 of the most important criteria is must be a rumah kampung, kitchen must be clean and always stay hygiene before, during and after cooking, lastly must be a low income group with skills that can cook.

They help to promote this selected village on food and also enables those family to get extra income to get into better living which I think they are doing a good job much better than our ruler.

all dish were prepared and we are just responsible to eat.

All this malay classic dish are home cook style.

ikan masin, homemade sambal, fried chicken, cekodok pisang, veggie are all old school .. .

This is by far one of the best malay food that I have come across, which is very authentic and old school, the ikan masin(salted fish) is fried to crispy and to get the perfect combination, you have to dip along with some sambal.

Sambal is so good that for the first few mouth, you do not feel the spicyness, as it progress, your tears and sweat will drip, spicy and sour blend very well and we are looking to ta pau back the sambal..to bad that the auntie do not do in mass as only to accommodate this few dish.

I have long not eaten cekodok pisang that I cannot remember how it look and taste like till I saw this back. Very soft, using bit rotten banana to get the strong taste of it and it was cook perfectly.

we enjoy the process of shooting the dish as this is the first time we all shoot by sitting down and the food is on the floor. .

This curry might look very simple, and watery, but it taste sooooo goood till we drink it like soup.

This teko is not meant for you to drink, as it is meant for you to wash your hand before you eat, as there are no fork and spoon are given, therefore the only option is you have to use your hand.

Why? they want all the people that dine in here, to blend in to the local malay culture which is using hand to eat your rice. The base at the bottom of the teko is to store the dirty water.

This is how we eat our rice, taking all the dish that you want, and put it on your plate, then use all your 5 fingers pressing it all together and use your thumb to compress it like a small solid ball so that you can bring it up, if not you will only ended up with a few rice drops on your finger before you putting inside your mouth.

Their homemade coffee is good too, not too robust in flavor, mild and aromatic which is a satisfaction ending after the meal.

This is how a malay house look slike and nearby some of these locations, they do offer homestay. Great to those of you like to experience our local Kampung house accomodation.

There are a few ways of calling this house:

1) Rumah Melayu

2) Rumah Kampung

For more info you can read in Wikepedia: Rumah Kampung 

The secret cook behind all the superb dish is this makcik and we did a little donation for her as her husband was diognose in hospital on that day. We wish him recover soon.

Found a perfect spot.. and just plank~

Well, it was a great dining experience that we do not get to do it everyday, and the only method to come in here is to stay in Sri Pulai Resort then they will arrange for you. This is by far the best malay food we have come across and if you do drop by Johor and happen to stay in the resort, this place is Highly Recommended!

*Halal

After a short stroll, we were all starting to get hungry as Goft plan to bring us to street food opposite this mall, because it rained, we had to dine in. As we scout around for nice food, Goft recommed us 2 place which is  a place for steak Tony Romas, which is a big no no as it is available in our country . .then next she suggested:

After reaching the place and just by looking at their displaying set outside the restaurant, all of us become hungry.

Ootoya Japanese Restaurant that is one of her favorite place to dine also which is located directly next to the food court, that had this little open concept area nearby the food court. After I google up I also found that they have a few branches in Singapore.

Did not know there are so many people, and we were told to be seated and wait for another 4 more numbers then reach us. While waiting, and all of them were so hungry, and have to start hunting in menu to find what we want, and once we were seated down, the waiter did not even move away as we were pointing here and there for the order.

Price wise pretty reasonable that ranging from 120 bhat – 500 bhat.

I like their green tea because there are a slight burnt taste of brown rice that I always prefer my green tea to have.