Somewhere over the rainbow…

Chiangmai Again

My kids love Chiangmai because they had a great memory on their previous trip. The boutique resort did a good job in keeping the kids busy with their rabbits and friendly service, and they had fun visiting the zoo, Night Safari and Tiger Kingdom.

For me, Chiangmai is a very small town, which I don’t mind visiting once in a while but definitely not for long stay. It’s very cultural and simple, and the city gal inside me would be screaming to go home soon.

Since BIL has set up a branch in Chiangmai, it’s not surprising that he picked Chiangmai as his annual company trip for his staffs. Not all workers went though but there were around 40 pax of us already. We tagged along since I don’t have a lot of staffs, and I shared some of his staffs. Generally, SIL will plan any event and I will just pay our share and go along. Save me all the hassle. LOL!

We flew there after hubby finished work, and arrived in Chiangmai after 9.15pm. The van left early but came back again. By the time we checked in, it’s almost 10.30pm but we went looking for supper. There was an art and food fair opposite Amari Rincome Hotel, so we didn’t have to walk too far to get food.

After stuffing ourselves silly with food, we went to bed and Zzz for the night. Everyone was so tired.

The next morning, we decided to revisit Chiangmai Zoo. Kids wanted to see pandas so we went along with SIL’s family and another partner’s.

They left early because the workers were arriving and SIL needed to check in for them. We stayed behind and continued visiting the rest of the zoo. This zoo is really hilly, so forget about walking here, especially if you are coming with kids!

Going back to hotel after visiting zoo

We went dinner on our own since both kids were very tired, instead of joining SIL. We did manage to check out some stores and did some shopping at the air fair, nothing too fancy like a two step stool, but the kids were happy with their loots.

The next morning, we gathered with the staffs at 6am. No joke. SIL planned to pay tributes to the monks. Another Thai cultural thing which I learned in Thailand.

Just remember not to touch the monks, especially for women.

After that, we went to Doi Suthep, a popular temple in Chiangmai. Both kids were very grumpy by now, considering that they woke up early and so tired with the long steps.

Isabelle din even wanna look at the camera.

But they got a good nap when we drove down hill. Our next step was the elephant camp. It’s not our first visit but the kids could not wait to feed the elephants.

But the kids were not as daring as they were last time.

For dinner, we went for Lanna food and cultural show. SIL said the food sucks but hubby and I couldn’t tell, we still ate a lot.

Isabelle went dancing with Thong Thong.

The next day was pretty relaxing. We had breakfast late, and checked out an hour later. We were going to change to another resort called Krisdadoi, which has pretty gardens. The workers were going to have camping there.

But before that, we stopped by another temple.

Thai people really like to pray.

We arrived at Krisdadoi in the evening. The sun was almost setting, so I didn’t snap a lot of photos then.

Isabelle was very excited for her first camping, but Justin wanted to sleep on the bed in our room. LOL! So, only Isabelle slept in the tent with hubby. I must say the resort is very thoughtful. The tent comes with mattresses, pillows and blankets. With Chiangmai cool weather, sleeping outdoor is pretty nice.

We had camp fire that night, and everyone had a great time. I must say that this trip is pretty enjoyable. Let’s see where are we going next year, if we manage to hit our sales target.

Bye for now Chiangmai.

Back from Pattaya

We spent 3 days in Pattaya, but too bad the water festival only starts on 19th April in Pattaya. We were there early, but a lot of water splashing had been going on, but in “smaller” scale.

The kids had a great time this year, and unlike last year when they were so scared of being splashed or splashing someone, they totally enjoyed being wet this time.

I shall upload the photos in FB soon.

Koh Chang Island

It’s our first trip to Koh Chang island, and we joined BIL’s company staffs on this trip. There are about 40 of us, so we traveled in 4 commuter vans by starting the journey at 5am plus. It’s that EARLY! I’m so glad that the kids didn’t make a fuss when they woke up at 4am, and they were pretty excited about the trip.

At about 1pm, we reached the jetty to catch the ferry to Koh Chang island. It’s really that far from the city!

The ferry reminds me of Penang. But they don’t allow passengers to be in the cars, so most passengers have to get to the top rack after packing the vehicles.

Isabelle on the ferry

It took us about 45 minutes to get to the island, and here is a group photo of all of us.

Sorry, got to put small small.

The roads on this island are very winding and steep. I would advise that you get the local transport or tour vans instead of driving on your own. Oh man, really kiasi lang…

After checking in at the hotel, we went for the first activity of the day: The Tree Top Adventure. The adults had some team building games here, while the kids enjoyed themselves on the high rise net and catching crabs on the beach. Hubby and I watched the kids, with the help of a worker.

My adventurous boy just jumped on the net as soon as he saw it. It was about 10 ft high from the ground. O.o

The kids spent a lot of time on the net, with a worried mommy watching closeby.

Hubby had a lot of fun too.

Some team building games

Catching crabs on the beach

Hubby saw this from the bottom and decided to dump the babysitting job to me and joined in the adult fun.

Ok la, you deserve to have some fun. (Actually, it’s the mommy who’s too afraid of the height. )

Ah, really look like a lot of fun, hanging from one tree to another.

Our city kids enjoyed exploring the nature

But the mommy was almost running out of breathe chasing after them from one spot to another. Justin is SOOOOO adventurous now, and Isabelle follows him everywhere. Faint…

We spent about 3 hours here, and after that, all of us got back to the hotel. It’s been a very long day so all of us were dead exhausted. We went to bed early after a quick dinner, and called it a day.

The next morning, the kids got up bright and early and they were excited for the day’s event: Snorkeling!

Checking out the tadpoles in the pond while waiting for our transport.

The route to the pier was bl*rdy scary. So steep and winding la.

Hubby snapped this for me at the pier.

He said if he’s not holding the camera, the kids won’t know that mommy is there when they see the photos next time. The boat ride took about an hour to reach the snorkeling spot. So, it’s another bumpy ride.

Kids knocked out on the boat. Isabelle refused to let go of the bread for fish feeding. LOL!

Since the kids were napping, we stole some time to snap some photos.

I didn’t snap much on this snorkeling trip as I left my camera on the boat. Watching the kids in the sea is more important! But anyway, we had other cameras around.

Finally got to feed the fish.

Justin and daddy in the sea, with fish flocking towards them.

I found that the corals here are not as pretty as Phuket and Similan Islands, but for some workers, it’s their first snorkeling trip, so they were happy about it. As for Justin, it’s his second trip. He was happy to see the fishes but at the same time, too afraid when they were getting close to him. LOL!

We had a dinner and mini party on the last night in Koh Chang, and the staffs had great fun with the games and gift exchange.

I have a pressie.

On the last day, we dropped by the beach near the hotel. I noticed that there are a lot of foreigners here, mostly Russians.

Beach on Koh Chang island

Enjoying the sand.

That concludes our trip to Koh Chang and more photos are uploaded in FB.

Then this week, we will be going to Hua Hin beach with hubby’s family members. We are going to be very roasted and tanned again.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

We have heard so much about floating market in Thailand, but we have only gone to the one in Pattaya, and it’s not exactly a traditional floating market. Thus, hubby suggested that we checked out Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is about 2 hours drive from the city, on the last day of 2009.

The moment we arrived at the market, the kids complained about the smell. LOL! I guess they have all grown to be city kids, so they are not as adventurous as before. We were persuaded to take a boat ride about the market, and it took about an hour ride, including a visit to a coconut sugar farm.

The kids were not interested in the making process, but they love the coconut sweets. I regretted that we didn’t buy more too.

Snapped this at the coconut sugar farm.

After that, we went on a bumpy and faster boat ride to a nearby temple. Justin was so  worried that he didn’t have a life jacket, and he swore that he won’t come to this floating market again. LOL!

Hanging on tight to daddy.

Nonetheless, he was back to himself again when we stepped on the shore at the temple and was told that he could feed the fishes here. The kids love fish feeding, and that’s something we do often in Bangkok.

After that, we headed back to the market for lunch, and the food was prepared on the boats by the canal. I was worried about the cleanliness of the food since none of us have any medical travel insurance. But luckily, the boats are packed by the side of the market, and they use tap water for washing and cleaning the utensils. Frankly, hubby and I haven’t had any food poisoning in Bangkok, but the kids had one pretty bad one, but it’s not due to any tourist spots.

Overall, I think a floating market is a major attraction in Thailand, if you are interested to understand the culture of the local Thais.  But my kids said they won’t go back there again.

Phuket and Similan Island Trip

Hi there! We are back!!! It’s only 3 days away to Phuket and Similan Islands and it’s toooooo short for us. But then, this is a budget trip so we can’t afford to spend sooooo many days on the pearl of Andaman. Nonetheless, we had a great time, and photos are uploaded in FB already, so go take a peep.

Here’s a summary of our trip:

Day 1:

We reached Phuket at about 1pm and rushed to Ramada Resort. Everyone got changed and rushed for a quick bite at Mcd, before going to Marriott for family photo shooting. Yeap, we had some photos taken by Aaron, and I can’t wait to see them.

Of course, we had some hiccups here, like hubby lost his ring, and then his Crocs (but later found by Aaron). After dinner, everyone called it a day as we were all so tired…

Day 2:

Got up very early to Similan Islands. It’s a national park, so I LOVE IT!!! It’s not as commercial as Phi Phi, and if you really like nature and well preserved islands, go to Similan or Surin. Worth the diamonds $$$ and time spent on boat, I tell you!

Don’t ask me where she learned to pose like this….

Justin’s first snorkeling trip. He’s so happy to see jellyfish, clown fish, coral reefs and other sea creatures.

Day 3:

Spent the day at Karon beach and Ramada Resort only. We didn’t have plan to go for a tour in the town, so the kids spent some time at the Kidz Club.

Justin’s at Karon beach.

Isabelle had a great time at Ramada’s Kidz Club.

In short, it’s a nice trip but 3 days is indeed too short. I would love to go there again and my kids can’t agree more.