The Movement Control Order (MCO) has really affected everyone's life after CoVID-19 decided to drop by in late 2019. Ever since, our daily activities have never been the same. Prior to September last year, the pandemic situation allowed us more freedom to travel within Malaysia. So, looking back to past overseas travel while I'm stuck at home. We boarded Air Asia towards Don Muang Airport, Thailand on 19.3.17 at 1005 hrs and landed at 1250 hrs. Boarded the bus to Mo Chit bus terminal to catch an 3.5 hours express bus ride to Pak Chong, to collect our rental car, a Nissan March.
The day started at 0600 hrs and after breakfast, headed towards Khao Yai National Park. Reached at 0910 hrs and not planning to enter the forest reserve, we visited the Information Centre next to the entrance instead. If you're a hiker, you may consider the walk inside the forest reserve, ranging from 30 minutes to over 5 hours and sight a few waterfalls along the way. It was quite warm, so we gave it a pass. That's me at the national park's entrance for the touch-n-go obligatory travel snapshot.
Reached our next destination, PB Valley Winery, at 1006 hrs. We're surprised at seeing a vineyard in this region and we took a tour on the tram which brought us to the brewery. Massive stainless steel tanks with wooden casks at another section, to age the wine. At the Tavern, we were introduced to the wine during the sampling session. Wine is white but made red with the grape's skin. Interesting knowledge sharing. We were then brought to the grape farm and the fruits were hanging so low that I could take a bite without an effort to reach out.
What's a visit to Thailand without a massage, right? We had ours at The Bloom and the kids were part of the program also. We paid Bht1200 for the 4 of us. With our muscles soothed, and a short drive later, we reached the Chocolate Factory where we bought some premium chocolate to savour. We had our luggage with us as we had checked our earlier, to save time. Changing hotels is fun as we get to try different experiences. It's not inconvenient at all and we enjoy our travels this way.
After 1.5 hours drive, we reached the next hotel at 2020 hrs guided by Waze. Such an isolated place but we managed to locate it. Away from the city's hustle and bustle. After checking in and dropping our luggage in the room, off to dinner we went, which was only 10 minutes away. At Bht606.00, we enjoyed a hearty Thai dinner with tomyam as the main dish that must be had - both clear and coconut milk versions should be tried. After having had our fill, we were back at the hotel at 2150 hrs, to get a good night's sleep in chilly weather, at 22 degrees Celsius.
The day began also at 0600 hrs, waking up to calls from the cicada. Enjoyed recording the sounds of nature. Checked out at 0836 hrs and reached Farm Chokchai where they had cows and goats for us to feed. We let the kids play with the ATV each and it was a generously big area for them to ride their hearts out. The Thais really know to create touristy places of interest and this is a well managed park. You can buy milk and grass to feed the cows and the goats. It's fun. Give it a try.
Returned the car at Pak Chong at 1125 hrs and received our deposit refund of Bht4000. At 1144 hrs, we were in a minivan headed towards Bangkok and we alighted at Chatuchak BTS station at 1410 hrs. Took the train ride to Chit Long station, and after an hour's walk (with sightseeing and drinks along the way), checked into Metro Platinum Hotel at 1540 hrs. It's our first time sleeping on double decker beds in our travels. A late lunch is the next activity, followed by a walk in the city.
When we're still able to walk, it's good to make full use of this bodily function to enjoy the sights and experiences in Life. At 1840 hrs, we reached the Platinum Fashion Mall and we had to go through the metal detector scanner, which is a standard feature at every mall. Palladium night market is next on the agenda at 1945 hrs. Cheap, cheap again! Think of your luggage space limit before heading on to buy every item on this street. Fashion is always up-to-date in Thailand and it's affordable. Having tired our feet once again, another massage session bides us, at 2115 hrs. Late dinner of salt baked fish and somtam at 2240 hrs and by 2320 hrs, we were back at our double decked beds.
Breakfast the next day was had at 0850 hrs and we checked out at 1000 hrs. Brought the kids to the Dinosaur Planet theme fun park exhibition at 1050 hrs. After 2 hours, we then left for Badge, Em Quartier. Lunch was had at 1330 hrs and completed at 1430 hrs. Next, we headed towards Chit Lom and gave offerings to the Erawan Shrine at 1510 hrs. A bunch of joss sticks cost Bht50. Took a Bht150 tuk-tuk ride back to the hotel to collect our luggage bags. To Don Muang hotel we went, in a taxi at 1608 hrs and reached at 1636 hrs - Bht500 and Bht7.00 toll charges.
Since it's going to be late when we arrive back in Kuala Lumpur, dinner was had at the airport. The balance of the Thai currency was emptied at the souvenir shops. And not missing the Black Canyon Coffee, which originated from Thailand. Boarded the plane at 1840 hrs and by 2355 hrs, we were back home in Shah Alam. We always bring the kids along to see the world, for them to conclude in their own ways, with their own experience.
