Yellow Flower Field @ Pai

The best things in life always come at the most unexpected moments. 

While on a private tour with Reverie Siam in Pai, Thailand, we drove pass this gorgeous yellow flower field on the way to see a monk bridge. 

I ran down from the car and into the field. Like a kid in candy land, I had the whole place to myself. Acres of yellow flowers and not a soul in sight, I was thrilled beyond belief.

The land was actually a paddy field in between harvest and planting season, and during this blank period, the farmers would plant these tall yellow flower plants to fertilise its soil. At the point these photographs were taken, this gorgeous yellow flower field would be chopped off to get ready for paddy planting in a month's time. 

If you're ever in Pai during the month of July, do contact Review Siam (ask for Pira) for a private tour for Pai, and ask them to drop you off at this secret place nobody else knows. It's 2500 baht for half day tour in a van (up to 4 people) and they will bring you to all the touristy and some not so touristy places and activities. 

Time to Visit

Late June - Mid July

Private Tour
Reverie Siam Resort
476 Moo 8, Vieng Tai
Pai, Mae Hong Son
Thailand 58130

Telephone
Tel: +66 (0)53699870

How To Travel To Pai, Thailand

Pai used to be a backpacker's best hidden find. 

A hipster's trove. An artist's sanctuary. 

Over the years it has attracted more and many international tourists. But you can still find many creative elements in this small township located far from any major city. 

Getting here is no straight forward affair, but given the appeal of this place (more on that later), it has not stopped visitors from flocking here all year round. 

There are three ways to get to Pai: 

1. Drive to Pai

2. Fly, then Drive to Pai 

3. Fly

Sounds simple enough? Here's the deal. 

Pai is located at least 100km from the nearest city with an airport. And that's not all, the road to Pai is filled with many twisted turns, sharp corners and sometimes steep roads through rolling hills. 762 turns to be exact. It's the perfect recipe for motion sickness. 

Let's talk about Option 1: 

762 turns. 

That's the amount of turns you need to go through if you were to drive from Chiang Mai to Pai. 

You can find vans/mini-buses from tour operators that will bring you from Chiang Mai to Pai, the rate is a reasonable 150 baht (one way), but can you imagine being crammed up at the back of the a van going through all those turns with a Thai driver up front? 

The smartest decision is to rent a car, be the one to drive, and have motion sickness pills ready for your passengers. 

It's a 3 hours 150km drive with the first hour being a smooth straight expressway, and then you make a left turn into route 1095 to begin your hellish topsy turvy journey into Pai. 

Second Option: 

Fly, Then Drive 

This option only makes sense if: one, you want to explore the township of Mae Hong Son; two, you enjoy a good drive. 

Because by choosing this route, you only cut off 50km of driving distance. And while the route is also filled with windy roads, there are parts of the drive where the turns are not as sharp and can be rather enjoyable going up and down the mountains. The weather can also be rather pleasant when you reach a certain altitude. 

Taken on the way from Pai to Mae Hong Son

Third Option: 

Fly

There are no commercial flights getting into Pai, but there is a small airport here. Why? Because there used to be flights coming into Pai, however at the time of writing, that flight route is no longer available. 

But there is a way, if you have 8 people in your group and are willing to splurge a little, charter a plane (probably a fokker) from Chiang Mai at approximately 20,000 baht (~ USD600, one way), that's 2500 baht (USD75 or RM320) per person. Not a bad deal if you ask me. 

Disclaimer: I have not tried this option but I was told this information by one of the owners of Reverie Siam. 

Best Cheesecake in Kuala Lumpur

After reading Wilson's post on best cheesecake in KL, I had to try it for myself. 

So on a free weekend, I shimmy my way to Lot 10 to get a taste of this cheesecake. 

Located on the 4th floor of Isetan, Lot 10, The Tokyo Restaurant Bar & Cafe was crowded around lunch hour. There was a small queue that took 10 mins to clear. Not too bad. 

The seatings were small to fit more people, unless you're able to get seated at the outdoor sofa chairs next to the escalators, be prepared to sit in close proximity with strangers.

It took a while to call for the waiters as they were busy allocating seats to incoming patrons. But once ordered, my cake came fairly quickly. 

First off, the cheesecake was really good. Easily the best I had in KL. Despite it being called a 'cake', it tasted more like very dense cream compacted into a mould. It's sweet but not cloying (yet), the dollop of cream on the side was sweeter and you could combine it if you prefer an even sweeter note on your cake. I found it better to just eat to cake on its own. 

At RM18 per slice, I was given a table fork to eat this with, which in my opinion, would be better if a dessert fork was provided. 

60% in and I was slowing down. It was proving to be too rich for my stomach to handle or consume. It was still delicious no less, but indigestion (lactose intolerant, I know I know, I can't stay away from dairy alright) was making me stop. So I abandoned the cheesecake 85% in. It was the best I could do. 

See how disporportionate and awkward the table fork was (to be used) on a delicate dessert such as this? 

Looking around, I was the only solo patron who ordered the cheesecake, everyone else had a slice in pairs. Probably a wiser decision. 

Would I come back again? 

Yes, but only with a friend. 

The menu looked fairly interesting, would like to try the beef curry with omelette rice, and the happy hour buy 1 free 1 cocktail (before 7pm) was tantalising enough to lure me back. 

Tokyo Restaurant Bar & Cafe

4th floor, Isetan Mall, 

Lot 10, Bukit Bintang, 

50250, Kuala Lumpur

Opening: 11am - 11pm 

Contact: +603 2119 2622

How Gardens Mall Butchered Our Malaysian Flags and Got Away With It?

There I was standing at the West Entrance of Gardens Mall waiting for my uber ride who decided to miss a turn and was making his way round the mall to get to me. 

I idled for a while before planting my bottom down at the nearest support next to Fresco and let my gaze wandered. 

That's when I moved my sight upward and saw this. 

5 Malaysian flags (plus minus) hanging at an awkward angle in equal distance apart. 

But wait, only it wasn't an awkward angle, the flags seemed to have been cut (to fit the shape of the roof, no doubt). 

I squinted just to make sure it wasn't the actual design of the flags.

Nope. It was cut alright. The edges looked stringy and unrefined. 

Is this illegal?

"It has to be illegal?" I heard myself say. 

Only that, it is not. 

A quick search showed that while there is an extensive guideline on how to treat, display and care for our flags (here's a 30-page data and guidelines on our Jalur Gemilang, aka flag of Malaysia), there is no law against defiling/burning/cutting our national flags. 

(reference 1)

Guidelines aren't laws. 

According to CILISOS lawyer Fahri Azzat in regards to the incidents where 9 Australians wore Malaysia flag underpants in public: 

"There is no specific offence of flag burning per se. I imagine they would have to rely on a more general law like Section 504." - Fahri Azzat. 

(Section 504 - Intentionally insulting or provoking someone to break the public peace. Punishment is up to 2 years and/or a fine.)

So while you can get arrested for not standing up when the National Anthem is played (under the National Anthem Act), you can get away with burning the Malaysian flags. 

"This can't be right."

"There must be some consequences. "

I heard you say.  

Yes well, it is deemed highly disrespectful. 

But you're not against the law. 

So Gardens Mall might just be able to get away with ripping our National Flags to create a better architectural visual flow. 

What do you think? Is this acceptable? Or do you think it's time we change our law? 

Nasi Lemak Burger (Malaysian Version) by myBurgerLab

myBurgerLab is launching the controversial Nasi Lemak Burger tomorrow in all their outlets. So I shamelessly texted Renyi for a taste of the burger because I really really really don't want to queue we're best friends like that.

Why controversial? Because of this post.

It was in response to the viral Nasi Lemak Burger by McDonald Singapore. 

Because you know, Nasi Lemak originated from Malaysia and no one does Nasi Lemak better than us. DUH. 

Naturally many people got insulted by this and when Channel News Asia picked up the news, it went out of control and the rest is viral history. 

At the end of the day, I really just wanted to eat Nasi Lemak Burger and Singapore was too far to travel for a burger, so for two whole weeks I drooled over photos of this blasted burger all my Singaporean friends were posting. 

When myBurgerLab introduced their version, you could imagine my elation. The burger was the biggest I've seen of myBurgerLab's burgers and the fried chicken stood out the most.

How was it?

This video sums it up.

The fried chicken was crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, perfectly cooked.
The base was the peanut butter mix with crunchy Ikan Bilis (anchovies) spread on the bottom bun, it was the perfect balance to the whole burger.
(you would notice a strong peanut butter taste if your first bite was directed at the bottom bun, so try to fit the whole burger as your first bite if that's possible, considering how large this burger was).

The rendang was rich, aromatic and thick, on its own it's nothing extraordinary, but paired with their sambal, a runny egg yolk that burst when you take your first bite, the crispy succulent and tender fried chicken resting on tangy pickled cucumbers, it's like a raving music festival. No, nothing about this was elegant. The whole experience was raw, rugged, and screamed umami-ness. It was messy, loud and ugly, but oh so good in every sense.

(after I wiped my burger clean)
Me:     Can I be honest about something?
Renyi: Yea, sure.
Me:      I have never liked myBurgerLab burgers until now.
Renyi: Well, that's why we always create new burgers.

Good answer.

Here are more photos for your pleasure.

Holiday Inn Chiang Mai Review

Chiang Mai has never really struck me as an appealing city to travel to, sure there are plenty of hipster cafes, night markets, and cool temples in town to explore, but there seems to be a missing element of allure that made me want to go back for more. 

Though I admit the last time I was here, I had tons of fun (granted, it was Songkran Festival); and given that 9 years have established since I last set foot here, it was high time I gave this much beloved city another chance. 

After spending a week in the countryside of North Eastern Thailand (read my list of 9 road less taken places in Thailand), all I really wanted was a no-fuss well facilitated hotel with proper service to recharge before moving on my journey up North. 

Holiday Inn came highly recommended to me, and I was connected to the extremely friendly manager Mayy; who in her director's blessed heart, upgraded me to the executive room.

One thing I really appreciate about staying in Holiday Inn Chiang Mai was this: upon arriving at the airport, I didn't need to fret about addresses, I only need to mention "Holiday Inn" and everyone from information to taxi driver knew instantly where to bring me. The affair was pretty straightforward. 

Got my luggage, got in a taxi, bam, I am ready for check in (didn't even need to carry my own bags). Bliss. I'm sure flash packers can relate to this. 

Back to the hotel. Walking into the room took me by surprise. The room was massive, a rarity in modern Chiang Mai given the increasing land value in recent years. Holiday Inn is an old but well maintained establishment with 45 sqm of space in each room (85sqm for their suites, 526 rooms in total), that includes a long wardrobe corridor, office desk, toilet with separate shower room and bath tub, all from the price of RM240 or 1850 baht after tax (~USD56) per room per night on Agoda. 

That's insanely affordable if you ask me. 

Breakfast for two and room with river view will require an additional RM110.

At 25th floor, best sunset view in Chiang Mai. 

Strong water pressure with constant stream of hot water meant I took my opportunity to properly wash my hair. My king-sized bed was clean, soft and came with soft and firm pillows. I had the best sleep in over a week. 

Swimming pool was basic at best, the gym looked more promising though I didn't utilise it either. I did, however, take a shuttle from the hotel to the night market located few minutes away in the evening, which was really convenient. And provided me with enough entertainment for my first day of arrival. 

You could easily spend several hours just walking from end to end at the night market. 

The next morning I got down to have breakfast. Holiday Inn serves an international buffet spread, which meant you get the basic sushi, pancakes, rice and noodles, pastries and jams, salad and fruits; the highlight was of course, the bacons. And kudos to the chef for making scramble eggs on point. 

The ups: 

Very spacious, clean and comfortable room at a great price. It can't get better. It also has the best view of Chiang Mai from their executive river view rooms. The name of the hotel is well known throughout the city so you don't need to worry about getting lost in Chiang Mai, just ask any local and anyone can direct you back to your hotel. Concierge and receptions were both very helpful and spoke sufficient English that allowed easy adjustment for any first time visitors to the country. There's parking for anyone who has a car. 

The downs: 

While being close to the Chiang Mai's night bazaar is a plus point, it's pretty far from all the artsy and cool hip places of Chiang Mai located in the North West, and a little distance away from the old town of Chiang Mai in the East where all the touristy sights are. Holiday Inn is located at a rather inconvenient location of South Eastern part of Chiang Mai. However this is easily solved if you have a car or are open to hiring a taxi or getting an Uber ride. 

The neutrals: 

The hotel is a little dated. But the upkeep is great. Despite the years, the rooms and lobby are very well maintained. 

Verdict: 

Business purpose and a quick stop over makes this hotel an excellent choice given its convenience and services. The key elements are no fuss, comfortable, clean, spacious and worry-free. If you want a hotel that's situated in the hub of everything, this is not the hotel for you. Other than the night market, you would need to drive/ride a little distance to get anywhere. For the price, the service and room (with view) you get are unbeatable.  

Holiday Inn ChiangMai

318/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road

Tumbol Wat Kate

Amphur Muang 

Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand 

Contact: +66 53 275300

Rating: 

Cleanliness: 5/5

Comfort: 4.5/5 

Service: 4.5/5

Value: 5/5

Food: 3/5* (based on breakfast buffet alone)

Location: 3.5/5

Facilities: 3.5/5

Ambience: 3/5