Island Safari Tour - Phang Nga

Phuket is known to offer plenty of great tour excursions at very affordable prices, just like Krabi. On our recent visit to Phuket, we found that the tours offered were more or less the same as the ones in Krabi.

Welcome to Island Safari

In Phuket, you will find many tour operators trying to promote the common tour packages such as snorkeling in Koh Phi Phi, kayaking in James Bond island and jungle safari in Khao Sok. Since the both of us had experienced Koh Phi Phi and kayaking during our trip in Krabi, we decided to go for something more adventurous. We took the 'All-in One Adventure' which included elephant trekking, elephant show, monkey show, fish spa, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), flying fox and white water rafting. Oh! and before I proceed, FYI this trip we were accompanied by 3 of our friends; the Powerpuff girls or better known as Watermelon, Raspberry and Coconut.

Refreshment

Our trip started off with a pick up transfer from our hotel in Patong to Phang Nga in a seat-in coach (provided with the package). After about an hour and a half's journey, we arrived at Island Safari Phang Nga where the ATV, fish spa and all the elephant and monkey activities were conducted.

Feed me!

To understand more about this place, first you need to know how it functions. Tour operators from all around Phuket and Phang Nga will gather all their customers who took the similar package, here for registration before being split into a few groups. The reason for this grouping is to ensure that all activities will be occupied and run concurrently; leading to less or zero waiting time.

Disappointing ride

For our group, our first activity of the day was the 30 minutes elephant trekking. To be honest, the ride was quite a big let down especially for the both of us, as the elephant ride we experienced in Krabi was much better organized. Here, riding time was cut short by half (15 minutes instead of the advertised 30) and the elephant caretakers didn't even bother to help us take any photos (Again, unlike the one we had in Krabi). Some of the caretakers were even seen spending much of the 15 minutes talking on their phones, instead of properly guiding our elephants on the trail.

Fish Spa

Next up, was the fish spa. After the short elephant ride, we were all hot, sweaty and excited to dip our feet into the cooling aquarium. However, the moment we tried to dip our feet in, we were stopped by one of the staff who informed us that our legs had to be cleaned before we could enjoy the fish spa.

Hygiene first

Baby Piranha

So we sat back, relax, and let the lovely staff cleaned up our feet. They also served each of us a simple refreshment (provided in the package) which consisted of a syrup drink, a mandarin orange and two rambutans whilst our legs were being treated by the little fishes. It was relaxing and enjoyable, unlike the disappointing ride.

Return to base @ 20kp/h

We then moved on to the next adventure; all-terrain vehicle or commonly known as ATV. The 30 minutes ride was quite fun, but it could have been better if the management looked into investing more, to keep the vehicles in tiptop condition. Safety, should always be top priority. Unfortunately, this was not the case as we found that the brakes in all our 5 vehicles did not function properly. One of the Powerpuff girls had to change her vehicle not long after leaving the base as her brakes totally failed to respond. Talk about terrifying!

Posing

The ATV ride was followed by the least-awaited activity of the day; the monkey show (Toothpick & I are not big fans of monkeys). In this show, two monkeys were used to perform acts such as weightlifting, cycling, basketball and plucking coconuts.

Poor monkeys

Although we are not big fans of monkeys, seeing them being chained up all the time  (even when they're performing) was very sad and cruel. Furthermore, using them to ask for tips was just as inappropriate. I seriously doubt the money collected will be used to upkeep these poor monkeys.

I'm not gonna do it!

The biggest disappointment of the day had to be the elephant show. The moment we were introduced to "Ladyboy" the elephant, we knew there was something amiss. Apart from the normal greeting acts, Ladyboy was told by the caretaker to perform an obscene act. This poor elephant was forced to erect its penis. Lucky for us, Ladyboy was reluctant to perform on that day and that segment of the show had to be called off after a few failed attempts. God knows what punishment Ladyboy received after we left. I have personally written to the management of Island Safari and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) about this issue. We hope that action will be taken before more animals are treated unfairly and inappropriately in Thailand.

Lunch

Following the show, we adjourned to a new destination where the flying fox and white water rafting activities were operated. It was located about 30 minutes away from where we were coming from. Lunch (provided in the package) was served upon arrival and we were given an hour's break before we continued on to our next activity.

Warning! The following activities can be very addictive and it is not suitable for the faint hearted as well as the elderly, and children.

First, we had to keep all our belongings in the locker including my camera (that was why I didn't get any shots of this), and then moved to the counter to get our safety gears. Next, we had to climb up a steep 100 feet pathway to the flying fox station. If half way up you start questioning whether you should proceed, don't worry because you can still make a U-turn. But I think riding the flying fox down is actually safer than turning back and walking down the steep pathway. The ride down was really fun and exhilarating, and there is basically no other words to  adequately describe the feeling better, other than your own experience.

Dam - where they release the water

Then came the last activity of the day which was also the most-awaited one; the 5km white water rafting (Class II-III). Each of us were required to wear a crash helmet and life jacket for safety purposes. Don't worry if you can't do rafting as each raft will be guided by two experience staffs. All you need to do is just follow what they say and paddle hard OR you can just let them do all the hard work but reward them with a big tip at the end of the trip.

For first timers, this ride is more than sufficient for an adrenaline rush.

Verdict :

Other than the disappointing animal shows, the activities in this tour is definitely one of the best around. For the price of 1300THB per person, it was a pretty good deal and worth every Bath. In Malaysia, RM130 couldn't even get you a return transfer to a Water Rafting activity alone in Gopeng. 

Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 7/10 (Banned the animal shows!)

• Value for $$$ - 9/10 (totally)

• Recommend to a friend? - Maybe (only the second half)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 6/10 (Good except for the way they treated the animals)

• Value for $$$ - 9/10 (So many different activities, Where else can you find such a deal?)

• Recommend to a friend? - Conditionally (Only if they stop the indecent and cruel animal shows)

Dusit D2 - Chiang Mai, Thailand

Hotel Review in Chiang Mai

Reception area

If you are looking for a modern + stylish + hip hotel with perfect location, 5-star sleeping experience, top notch service and excellent breakfast in Chiang Mai, Dusit D2 is your ideal choice. Perfectly located right in the middle of Chang Klan Road - just a few steps to the infamous Night Bazaar and about 20 minutes walk from the Walled City of Chiang Mai.

Room

Bathroom

Chaise Longue

The quality of their first-class service is second to none and Dusit D2 is definitely one of the contributors to Thailand's renowned customer service. The staffs are courteous, friendly and attentive  without being intrusive, and around whenever needed. We employed the services of the hotel to book for our dinner cruise and it was well-arranged by the front desk. However, the dinner cruise booked by the hotel was disappointing as the food serve in the cruise was little and of low quality.

Breakfast - cold section

Breakfast - homemade pastry selection

Breakfast in Dusit D2 is one of the best I have ever had. It has a large variety to choose from. Croissant, bacon, eggs (cook anyway you like), Thai fried rice and smoked salmon (Toothpick's favourite) are just some of the choices to start your day with. They even had a free flow of freshly squeezed mandarin orange juice! We also noticed that the hotel allowed a guest to take away an extra large cup of fresh milk from the buffet for free. Talk about excellent customer service!

Hotel Lobby

Pool

Whether you are in Chiang Mai for its charm and culture or simply to host a business meeting, Dusit D2 will deliver an experience of sheer delight, and you will certainly feel pampered without burning a hole in your pocket.

Verdict :

Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 9/10 (very cultural)

• Food Overall - 9/10 (breakfast is good)

• Hotel Overall - 9/10 (call it "Dusit A1")

• Cleanliness - 9/10 (sparkling clean)

• Value for $$$ - 9/10 (good deal from MATTA fair for RM400 per pax - 4D3N + tours)

• Recommend to a friend? - Yes (perfect holiday for everyone)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 9/10 (This lovely hotel added value to the whole trip)

• Food Overall - 9.5/10 (super yummy breakfast)

• Hotel Overall - 9.5/10 (love everything about this hotel)

• Cleanliness - 8.5/10 (hotel is clean, outside is somehow polluted)

• Value for $$$ - 8.5/10 (very good deal)

• Recommend to a friend? - Yes (love Chiang Mai)


Address :
100 Chang Klan Road
Tambol Chang Klan,
Amphur Muang,
Chiang Mai 50100,
Thailand.


GPS :  
N = 18° 47' 9.5", E = 98° 59' 59.7"


Google Map :
18.785972, 98.999917

Krabi, Thailand

toothpickandsandal in Krabi

Journey to Ao Thalane

We have heard a lot about Phuket but not much hype has been given to this little limestone town until the past few years. Located about two hours' drive away from the bustling town of Phuket, Krabi has almost everything of what Phuket has to offer in terms of quality resorts, good food, tour excursions, and street markets but minus the a-go-go bars. If you are a honeymooner, couple seeking for tranquility or traveling in a family, Krabi would be your perfect choice of holiday but if you are a single man looking for fun, perhaps Phuket is still the best option out there.

Underwater world in Koh Phi Phi

Back in Sept 08, Toothpick and I spent 4days 3nights in this charming resort in Aonang known as "Krabi Resort" - the only beachfront resort in Aonang beach. The location of this hotel is certainly one of the best if Aonang is your choice as it is only a few minutes walk to the main street where shops and restaurants are. We took the Bungalow - Deluxe room and it was only a few steps to the beach. Rooms are spacious with more privacy compared to their normal deluxe room. Breakfast selection was above average and you may want to grab a seat outside and enjoy the breathtaking view while having your meal.

Yummy Food outside Krabi Resort

Snorkeling in Hin Klang Reef

You will never need to worry about feeling lonely or bored in Thailand. Krabi, just like most tourist destinations has a handful of restaurants and tours that are easily accessible. There are many good and reasonably-priced Thai-seafood and European restaurants in the Aonang main street. After a wonderful meal, take a stroll down the street where you can simply plan an island hopping activity or a half day sea kayaking outing in advance with the local tour agents. They will arrange for someone to pick you up the next morning. If water activities are not your thing, there are other tours such as elephant trekking, rock climbing, ATV adventure and etc. I have personally experienced the sea kayaking + elephant trekking as well as a full day Koh Phi Phi excursion and I think that this is a perfect combo if you only have a short stay in Krabi. 

Bungalow Room

Crystal Clear Water Near Maya Beach

It is almost impossible to leave Thailand empty-handed and Krabi is no exception. The local market along Aonang's main street has lots to offer from varieties of men and women clothing to fashion accessories, water sports equipment, and local souvenirs. There are also many tailors available if you are planning to get a suit or evening gown for a good deal. They can have your garment ready in 2-3 days. Prices may vary from shop to shop and make sure you get a good tailor who can provide at least 3 fittings and of course most importantly, a BARGAIN!!

Trekking with "Chang"

Verdict :

Sandal says :

• Trip Experience - 8.5/10 (will definitely come back again)

• Food Overall - 7.5/10 (steam sea bass with lime is a must to try)

• Hotel Overall - 7/10 (good location but need refurbishment)

• Cleanliness - 7/10 (good enough)

• Value for $$$ - 8/10 (worth every dollar)

• Recommend to a friend? - Yes (perfect beach holiday)

Toothpick says : 

• Trip Experience - 8.5/10 (Krabi is a perfect place for holiday)

• Food Overall - 7.0/10 (seafood is good but not authentic Thai)

• Hotel Overall - 7.5/10 (love the beachfront)

• Cleanliness - 7/10 (ok only but still cleaner than Malaysia)

• Value for $$$ - 8.5/10 (a good bargain, it's even cheaper than traveling locally)

• Recommend to a friend? - Yes (will definitely recommend to everyone)