Sharing is caring ♥

Showing posts with label Thailand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thailand. Show all posts

Monday, September 22, 2014

[Accommodation] Mercure Krabi Deevana, Thailand


I just received the most awesome birthday gift ever! Million thanks to Nuffnang, DiGi Telco, Malindo Air, Mercure Krabi Deevana and Asia Web Direct, I've won a 3D2N paid beach getaway (inclusive of flight + accommodation with free breakfast and hotel transfer) to Krabi! I almost jump in joy when I read the message from DiGi Telco as I've never thought that I will be travelling to overseas so soon after Macau trip in June.

I know some of you must have seen my updates of Krabi trip in Instagram or Facebook (thanks to DiGi's unlimited data roaming with Dtac at RM32/day) and hoping to see more pictures of it, but today I will be posting about the hotel that I've stayed in Krabi, Mercure Krabi Deevana.


"Mercure Krabi Deevana offers chic accommodation in contemporary low-rise buildings located a short distance from Ao Nang beach. With 213 stylish rooms and suites, each with a private balcony, guests can enjoy the resort's excellent facilities and benefit from gracious and personalized service from the welcoming Mercure team. The brand new resort features an exceptional restaurant and bars, three large outdoor swimming pools, a kid's pool, a restful and rejuvenating spa, and outstanding meetings and events facilities. Conveniently located a 30 minute drive from Krabi International Airport and 20 minutes from Krabi Town, the Mercure Krabi Deevana is the ideal choice for leisure guests, as well as corporate meetings and incentive travellers."

Upon arrival, we were greeted by their staffs and they're all so helpful and friendly. The check-in process was quick and they always try to fulfill our requests (eg. king bed instead of two twin bed, any specific view from the room's balcony). Then she show us around the hotel while leading us to our room. Fyi, Mercure Krabi Deevana does provide free shuttle bus to Ao Nang beach (which you need to reserve at concierge beforehand) as it's not located by the beach but 10 minutes walking distance.




Library and Internet corner right beside the lobby filled with a wide range of books, local and international newspapers and magazines. DVDs can also be borrowed to watch in your own room too.


While Starling Lobby Lounge on the opposite. They do serve international snacks and beverages, with live music adds a little extra sparkle in the evenings. I've been wanted to try it out but we always walk back to hotel with bloated stomach at night.


Thailand is always famous for its traditional Thai massage, hence most of the hotels in Krabi have their in-house spa facilities.


Swan Spa offers an extensive menu of rejuvenating massage and body services, each created to aid relaxation and improve wellbeing. They feature 1 private twin room with a Jacuzzi and steam room (couples are welcome!), 2 private single rooms, and 3-bed rooms for foot massage and authentic Thai massage.


Further down here's the Kingfisher Restaurant, which is Mercure Krabi Deevana's signature restaurant offering Thai and International cuisine served in the open-sided or alfresco on the terrace, from buffet breakfast to extensive lunch and dinner menus.


We've never skipped the buffet breakfast at Kingfisher Restaurant during our stay especially when you have such amazing view of this even though we need to leave at 8:30AM for activities.


As I've mentioned, Mercure Krabi Deevana has three large swimming pools and a kid's pool and they all are looking amazing. With broad shade giving parasols and comfortable sun loungers at the poolside, it's definitely the perfect spot for a refreshing dip and relaxation throughout the day and early evening.


They do provide parking space for guests too, but you will need to email them for detailed information.


I must say they've done a good job on cleanliness of the hotel as I do not see any rubbish in the corridor, swimming pool or any other areas.


Tadah, here's our 33-square-metre superior room with a king size bed! Like the usual hotel rooms, it's equipped with bedside reading lamp, flat screen LCD TV with cable channels, IDD telephones with voicemail, Wi-Fi connection (they will provide you the Wi-Fi password upon check-in), coffee and tea making facilities, mini bar and safety deposit box.


No doubt it's really comfortable but the only thing that I dislike is they have two pillows only. I'm the type of person who like to sleep with many pillows around me hehe. :P


Bathroom which includes a refreshing rain shower and Mercure branded toiletries. Double thumbs up that the housekeeper will change everything new everyday (eg. towel, tissue paper and even toiletries) especially when I have a fetish about cleanliness. They do provide two bottled water for free everyday too.


Little did you know that the bathroom has a huge glass window that can see through which adds a little bit more of romance. Of course you can also pull down the curtain if you wish for more privacy.


Best part is they have a private balcony for each and every rooms, the perfect spot to chill at night in a more economy way. :P


Nice view from our room overlooking the swimming pool. If you're wondering, those are deluxe pool access rooms where you can slip off a private terrace and into the swimming pool. How good if we're staying in pool access room aww...


Normally we will seek for guesthouse or homestay when we travel to overseas (except with family) to save money and we don't really stay in the hotel most of the time. But this time was an exception as it was sponsored by Mercure Krabi Deevana and Asia Web Direct and I'm so glad that we have a pleasant stay here in Mercure Krabi Deevana. Being ranked at 7th out of 84 hotels in Ao Nang, Krabi by Tripadvisor, I gotta say they have outstanding customer service,  quick check-in and check-out processes, great location as it's walking distance from Ao Nang beach and other stores (free shuttle bus is also available) and well maintained cleanliness of the hotel.

Overall, I'm very satisfied during our stay here in Mercure Krabi Deevana, except that we're not staying in a pool access room. I will definitely come back here again because 3D2N is never enough for me! Stay tuned for more updates about Krabi. :)


Mercure Krabi Deevana
186 Moo 3, Ao Nang Soi 8, Ao Nang Beach,
Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi 81000 Thailand.



Tel: +66(0) 7563 9999
Email: H7539@accor.com
Website: www.mercurekrabideevana.com | www.facebook.com/MercureKrabi

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Update as at 14/08/2015:
Mercure Krabi Deevana is now called Deevana Plaza Krabi-Aonang and you may visit their website at www.deevanaplazakrabi.com. As I've browsed through their website, there are nothing much changes of the management or facilities but the name itself. For those who're interested for room reservation, be quick because they've having early bird discount of 30% (inclusive breakfast) from now till 31st October 2015 for all room types! ;)

Monday, May 12, 2014

✈ Day 3 in Bangkok: Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, Sukhumvit

Voila! I'm back with another travel post! Yes, it's May already and I'm still blogging about Bangkok which I feel really sorry about that. Anyway, today I'm going to blog about Terminal 21, one of the latest shopping mall in Bangkok. They don't offer the cheapest price in town but what attracts me the most is its cutting-edge concept; one floor one theme shopping mall. It is decorated based on well-known streets in cities such as Rome, Paris, Tokyo and London, and now you can travel the world inside the mall itself! What a great idea isn't it? :)

Floor themes:
LG Floor - Caribbean
G Floor - Rome
M Floor - Paris
1st Floor - Tokyo
2nd Floor - London
3rd Floor - Istanbul
4th Floor - San Francisco (City)
5th Floor - San Francisco (Pier)
6th Floor - Hollywood


Caribbean Beach Town theme decorated with a beach, sea anchor and a lighthouse in the centre of the shopping mall. Just like the usual shopping mall, there's a Gourmet Market at LG Floor, banks and convenience shops.


Had a stroll in the city of love, Paris :)

Move on to 1st Floor, Tokyo!



Upon arrival, we can see lots of (fake) sakuras and a giant size Maneki Neko beside the escalator. 


Tokyo is actually one of my favourite themes and it's so well-decorated that I thought I was escorted to Tokyo for a second. You will find more ladies' boutiques here while men's wear on the 2nd Floor with themed London.


Looking at these Turkish lanterns, you can tell we're in Istanbul now! This floor is reserved for mini-shops of shoes, bags, jewellery, gifts and decorations.


Not forgot to mention that you must visit the toilets (every floor, literally) in Terminal 21 because it's simply amazing and astonishing! Just like the shopping mall itself, they have different themes each floor too. I love how they put so much effort even in decorating the toilets and it's not stinky at all. Yes, we did visit every floor's toilets and selfie in front of the big mirror but I'm just too shy to upload them all :P

Another one with subway station theme and it looks so real! :O


One of the highlights of the shopping mall, the longest escalator in Thailand up to 36 metres where you can go all the way down to M Floor, Paris from 3rd Floor, Istanbul. It's pretty scary actually!


Toilet hopping again and it's Caribbean theme this time! One of my favourites actually :D





Here we are, Golden Gate Bridge at San Francisco (City) and this floor is all about Thailand's famous restaurants while international restaurants and food court Pier 21 located at San Francisco (Pier).

Pops! A group photo while we're resting and recharging for night market later :P



Up, up to the highest floor, Hollywood, the place that I've been dreaming to go! As usual, it contains a cinema, fitness centre and IT & Mobile products zone.

A picture with Sheriff Woody since we're here in Hollywood already :P




After a long day in Terminal 21, we traveled back to Siam Square for dinner and night market and this picture is actually taken outside Central World in conjunction with Christmas! I gotta they have much better and prettier decorations than our country T_T

Anyway, we had so much fun in Terminal 21 and I think it's way more than an usual shopping mall. I will definitely revisit this place because it's simply amazing! Their stuffs are not cheap but it's pretty unique and good quality indeed. Remember to bring your camera with full battery and dress nicely for photo opportunities and you will need half day to discover the whole shopping mall. Happy shopping!


Terminal 21 Shopping Mall
2,88 Sukhumvit Soi 19,
Sukhumvit Road, North Klongtoei,
Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.



Transportation:
BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit line to Asoke station and take exit 1. It is connected to M Floor of Terminal 21 Shopping Mall.

Operation hour: 10:00AM - 10:00PM daily
Website: www.terminal21.co.th | www.facebook.com/TERMINAL21


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previous posts of Bangkok:
Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/01/day-1-in-bangkok-wat-pho-temple-of.html
Asiatique, The Riverfront: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/02/day-1-in-bangkok-asiatique-riverfront.html
Som Tam Nua, Siam Square: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/02/day-3-in-bangkok-som-tam-nua-siam-square.html
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Siam Discovery: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/04/day-3-in-bangkok-madame-tussauds-wax.html
Travel Guide to Bangkok: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/04/travel-guide-to-bangkok.html

Thursday, April 24, 2014

✈ Travel Guide to Bangkok

My blog stats has been increasing tremendously recently and I found out it's because of my recent travel blog posts. It's really rare that I received such high stats and I really wanna thank you guys for reading and supporting me all this while. Today, I'm gonna take a break from the usual travel posts but I'll be doing a guide to Bangkok instead as I find that travel blog are really useful when I was planning my itinerary; where to shop, eat, transportation and etc. So I think it would be great to share my itinerary and some travel tips especially for those who are travelling to Bangkok for the first time.

1. Currency
For me, currency rate is one of the most important point when I'm travelling to overseas because it can make such a huge difference of how much Thai Baht I can own for RM1. I've found two currency exchange offices which offer the lowest rate in town; one at Kepong Village Mall and the other one located in front of Fahrenheit 88/Lot 10 (the corner shop where you will see if you're walking from Lot 10 to Fahrenheit 88). Fyi, I exchanged at 10.28 on 22nd December 2013.

2. Accommodation
I stay in Lub D Hostel in Siam Square during my visit to Bangkok and it's actually one of the top hostel in Bangkok. Perfect location where it's just right in front of the BTS National Stadium station, walking distance to shopping malls in Siam and Pratunum. Since we're on budget and we didn't plan to spend much time in hotel, so we seek for hostel instead of hotel. It costs us about RM60 per night per person. I will be doing a review on Lub D Hostel on a separate post so for the moment, please visit siamsquare.lubd.com for more information.


3. Transportation
If you have done research on Bangkok's traffic or been there before, you should know they have really bad traffic just like Kuala Lumpur. So I would suggest you guys to take BTS Skytrain to tour around the city instead of taking taxi or bus especially during rush hour unless you're going to floating market or somewhere far away from town. However, keep in mind that you should ride on metered taxi only or else they will charge you double the taxi fares.

Tuk-tuk (three-wheeled motorized vehicle) is also one of the famous transportation in Bangkok. However, there are some tips you should take note before ride on a tuk-tuk and beware of scams:
1. Always agree on the price and bargain before you ride on a tuk-tuk as they always charge more on foreigners.
2. Do not ride on a tuk-tuk during rush hour or long journeys.
3. Avoid the "friendly" tuk-tuk drivers who may present themselves as guides and offer you rides to floating market or tour around the city.

If you do really want to experience a tuk-tuk ride, go for a short distance journey and ask the receptionist of your hotel about the price of a tuk-tuk ride to avoid scam.


4. Airport transfer to hotel
I would suggest you guys to take public taxi instead of bus or train from airport to your hotel for time saving. Look for the public taxi signboard as soon as you pass the immigration counter and claimed your luggage, then you will see a big counter outside the airport and lots of public taxi queuing out there. Write down your destination to the counter girl and they will assign a taxi driver for you. You're recommended to print out the hotel address in Thai or map for the taxi driver in case if they can't read in English. From airport to Siam area cost around 350-400 THB and it took approximately 30 minutes. On a side note, if you're flying AirAsia, you will be landed in Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), but not Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

5. SIM Card
Having mobile phone data access in foreign country is great as you can keep in touch with your family, search for attractions or restaurant reviews and etc. However, I did not purchase SIM card when I was in Bangkok as we were so busy shopping for the whole day that we didn't have time to use our phone. Besides, hotel, restaurants and even massage center do provide free WiFi for customers. Hence I wouldn't suggest you guys to purchase SIM card if your main objective is shopping only unless you can't live without Internet like my friend who was using her phone 24 hours even when we were shopping, eating or taking train.

If you insist to get a SIM card, you may purchase DTAC Happy Tourist SIM from any of their mobile service center, airport, 7-11 and Family Mart. They have two types of package, namely SIM 49 and SIM 299. SIM 49 costs 49 Baht and you will get 15 Baht free call. However, you will need to top up for Internet usage. For the first time top up at 150 Baht or more you will get free 30MB Internet (valid for 7 days). While SIM 299 costs 299 Baht and you will get 100 Baht free call and free 7 day unlimited Internet. For more information, please visit www.dtac.co.th/en/prepaid/products/touristsim.html.


6. Weather
It's a must to check their forecast weather before you're flying off to that country. The weather was rather chilly when I was in Bangkok. Silly me that I thought Bangkok will be in hot season for the whole year just like Malaysia, so ended up I was wearing a tube dress and caught cold on the first day. Fall sick during trip is such a big turn off so make sure you do your research beforehand and bring appropriate clothing. For your information, during June to November it's rainy season, December to February is cool season (great time for sightseeing), and March to May is hot season (remember drink plenty of water!).

Photo credit: Google


Feel free to ask my any question about Bangkok as I've done research and planned the trip on my own, so I'm kinda familiar with the places. Even after I came back from Bangkok, I still keep myself updated of news of Bangkok and various attractions. I will be doing a top 5 shopping places in Bangkok based on my own experience, how do you think? :)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previous posts of Bangkok:
Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/01/day-1-in-bangkok-wat-pho-temple-of.html
Asiatique, The Riverfront: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/02/day-1-in-bangkok-asiatique-riverfront.html
Som Tam Nua, Siam Square: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/02/day-3-in-bangkok-som-tam-nua-siam-square.html
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Siam Discovery: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/04/day-3-in-bangkok-madame-tussauds-wax.html

Monday, April 07, 2014

✈ Day 3 in Bangkok: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, Siam Discovery


"Millions and millions of people have flocked through the doors of Madame Tussauds since they first opened over 200 years ago and it remains as popular today as it ever was. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good, old fashioned curiosity. Visitors get the unique opportunity to take an emotionally charged journey through the realms of the powerful and famous. Unleash your true feelings about the personalities you love and loathe, get up close and personal with the world's most talked about poeple and relive the times, events and moments that made the world talk about them."

After MIA for few weeks, I shall continue and finish up my Bangkok travelogue before I fly off to another destination. So during our trip to Bangkok, we've made a visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Siam Discovery since none of us have been there before and we don't have any wax museum in Malaysia too. Madame Tussauds wax museum in Bangkok can be divided into 8 zones; red carpet, music zone, art & science zone, TV zone, leaders zone, sports zone, history zone and film zone. So now let's go to leaders zone, meet and interact with some of the most influential spiritual and political leaders in recent history.

With Barack Obama, the president of United States. We look like one big family right? :P

Then hop on to art & science zone to meet some of the world's most creative brains and discover more about their achievements.

Pablo Picasso with his masterpiece (Y)

Silpa Bhirasri, who also known as the "Father of modern art in Thailand".

Ludwig van Beethoven, I think everyone knows him right? It's such an honour to take up music lesson from Beethoven himself (Y)

After the piano lesson with Beethoven, let's go and meet sports stars like Wayne Rooney, Yao Ming, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham! Fast-paced and interactive sports zone lets you follow the running track and challenge legends from the world of football, golf, boxing, basketball, tennis and weightlifting. To make things more interesting, they have install some games like Xbox too.

Doing sit up with David Beckham definitely feels good right? :P


Weightlifting was too hard for three of us urghhh

Close up shot of Yao Ming, the famous and also the tallest basketball player in NBA.

After that, it's time for some rock and roll with your favourite music stars. In music zone, you will get up dress up with Beyonce, sing with Madonna and relive the magic of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean video. Madame Tussauds has just made my dreams came true awww :)

Nichkun Horvejkul, one of the main reasons why we are here 

And we just can't stop taking pictures with him as if we're seeing him in real person #butfirstletmetakeaselfie

Jamming session with Beyonce and Ad Carabao woohoo!

"Wherever there are Chinese people, the songs of Teresa Teng can be heard." One of the most popular Chinese female singer around the world :)

Film zone; where you will get to experience your favourite big screen moments and step into a scene from the popular Red Eagle film. Pose with wolverine and do your Kung Fu moves with Bruce Lee.

Spiderman, the superhero *buing buing*

I can break the bricks with bare hands like Bruce Lee too *aja!*

Apart from the human figures, they have characters like Doraemon too! However, I don't remember I've seen Hello Kitty there as they mentioned in their website. :(

Was invited to the Oprah Winfrey Show and have some chit chat session with her :P

The best part is yet to come. Welcome to the red carpet and get ready to mingle with the A-List people such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh and etc.

Meet Jackie Chan. One of my favourite Asian stars :D

Nicole Kidman, look at her curvy S line omg :3


Lady Gaga, who is always known for her wild, theatrical flair and statement outfits.

And lastly, Marilyn Monroe with her signature pose. Too shy to pose like that :P


Before we leave, there's a special zone displaying the process of wax sculpting, materials that they use, and history of Marie Tussaud, the founder of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. And guess what, they use real hair for wax figures and they attach it onto their head one by one personally. Not forgot to mention that every wax figures has different hairstyle especially braids like the picture below. I wonder how long does it take for a wax figure to be done. (Y)


I think we have made a wise choice by visiting Madame Tussauds Wax Museum despite our busy schedule as we only have 4D3N in Bangkok. We had so much fun in here! We get to meet and interact with these international superstars and influential people, catch a glimpse of their daily life, and learn more about history too. At first I was afraid of these wax figures and not dare to go near them because they look so real as if I'm looking at the real person. I really admire those wax sculptor for their hard work and patience. Seriously it was a great experience and I wouldn't mind to visit Madame Tussauds wax museum again in other countries as they have many other wax figures too. Cheerios!


Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
Siam Discovery, 6th Floor,
989 Rama 1 Road,
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330.

Tel: +66(0) 2658 0060



Opening hour: 10:00AM - 9:00PM daily
Entrance fee:
Adult: 800 THB
Child: 600 THB
(You may book earlier through online or early bird up to 40% discount, please refer here for more information)

Website: www.madametussauds.com/Bangkok

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previous posts of Bangkok:
Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/01/day-1-in-bangkok-wat-pho-temple-of.html
Asiatique, The Riverfront: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/02/day-1-in-bangkok-asiatique-riverfront.html
Som Tam Nua, Siam Square: www.yuhjiun09.com/2014/02/day-3-in-bangkok-som-tam-nua-siam-square.html

Popular Post