All posts tagged: Thailand

Maya Spa @ Khaoyai

Published by Beatrice

As I wanted to drive to visit Muthimaya, where I stayed for a work trip 4 years ago, N and I decided to visit Maya Spa, which is situated in the Kirimaya-Muthimaya Resort. Maya spa is definitely premium – 1900bht for 2 hours Thai massage. But it was really worth the calming, relaxing experience with quality deep (painful) massage. Honestly, it felt more like a sports massage! As part of the free value added service in Maya spa, the masseur also gave me free hair braiding service. First time I got my hair braided 🙂 Other places in the Khaoyai region you may also enjoy: Thailand – Khaoyai region Resort – Sala Khaoyai (I) Resort – Sala Khaoyai (II) Attraction – Khaoyai National Park Attraction – Gran Monte Vineyard Attraction – Palio Massage – The Housekeeper of the Mu Si – Only 300baht for 1.5hr Foot Massage! Restaurant – Vino Restaurant – Mori Street Food – Meatball Noodles

Mori Japanese Restaurant @ Pakchong, Thailand

Published by Beatrice

Read about this mysterious Japanese restaurant along a river, and also looks and taste authentic Japanese, so we decided to check out Mori before heading the Airport from Khaoyai. To be frank, this place was very hard to find because there is no proper site or address, so have already pinned it at the bottom of this article on googlemaps so you can use your GPS if you want to visit! We had a simple quick meal as we were rushing to the airport. The sashimi is imported from Japan and Norway – recommended as it’s super value for money for its freshness. We also tried the beef and tonkatsu set lunch and both tasted authentic Japanese and was around SGD$10-$12 per set. Agedashi Tofu was soft and fresh. The only dish I would not recommend is the chawanmushi. It was overcooked so rather than being soft and wobbly, it was rather rubbery. Also, do not ask for mayonnaise; it is neither like the Western nor Japanese mayo but more like diluted, sour cream. But overall, …

Vino di Zanotti Italian Food @ Khaoyai, Thailand

Published by Beatrice

I am so excited to write this post because Vino di Zanotti @ Khaoyai is easily one of the best Italian meals I ever had! Vino Khaoyai is opened by the main Zanotti Group, which has a few restaurants throughout Thailand focused on fine dining and quality Italian products. Vino is just opposite Palio, so it’s relatively easy to find. Vino has alfresco seats which are perfect for cool evenings in Khaoyai, and has a live jazz band playing in evenings as well. So my tip is to go for dinner (rather than lunch) so you can sit outdoors and enjoy the music and occasional breeze. So, first up, the most creamy amazingggggggg appetizer – Burrata Cheese!! (Tip: this is not on their usual menus, so ask if they have it as a ‘special’!) Firstly, the presentation already tantalizes one’s taste buds. With the vinaigrette and cherry tomatoes, this dish looks like a dessert! Secondly, this is a huge serving of Burrata. In Singapore, the bigger ones I have had at Brunos is probably only half of this serving, and at …

Palio Khaoyai

Published by Beatrice

If you want to feel like you are in Italy (or Europe) in this part of the world in Asia, Palio is the place to go! Palio is a shopping centre housed in a picturesque village on the way to the entrance of Khao Yai National Park, about 2 hours drive from Bangkok. This cluster of strikingly coloured Baroque-style buildings built like a little village will be hard to miss on the drive. There is no entrance fee, just 20baht for parking. Palio gives me the feeling that I get in Disneyland – free and happy – complete with accordion music in the background. Maybe because for Asians, being in Europe is associated with being on a holiday, so all Thais and tourists appear very happy in this ornately designed town. It also helps that Palio is elevated at higher altitude so it is usually at least 5 degrees cooler than in Bangkok. Even if you feel warm, you will be welcomed by rows of cool juices and food booths pathing the way from the carpark to …

Gran Monte Vineyard, Khao Yai

Published by Beatrice

Before my first drive to Khaoyai in 2009, I never knew vineyards existed in Bangkok. It was pleasant driving along rows of grapes then, and so I knew I had to bring N back to visit a winery in the area, and so I chose to re-visit Gran Monte. Khaoyai is suited for wine-making despite being in the tropics because the lower regions of Khaoyai are around 350m above sea level, with the average daily temperature throughout the year around 23°C, and Gran Monte is one the wine makers in the region successfully coaxing Chenin Blanc, Syrah and Viogner grapes. According to Gran Monte, blending with its natural environment, the beautiful surroundings of Khao Yai has inspired the brand name “GranMonte”, which also translates as “big mountain”. They also pride ourselves on the use of organic farming techniques important in preserving our environmental surroundings, and also necessary for producing excellent quality grapes. Entering the shopfront, you will be welcomed by all their local produce including organic vegetables, various jams, fruity body lotions and raisins. They have small tasting …

Sala Khaoyai (I)

Published by Cheng Nicholas

Easily summarized, Sala Khaoyai is one of the best boutique resort experience we ever had! This is our second Sala experience, after Sala Phuket (another amazing experience for another entry), and I am so glad we chose Sala. (Small Tip and Advice is to book early and go on weekdays (Sun/Mon counts) as we got 50% off the rates. P’Chatbodin (Orn), the chief service staff in Sala Khaoyai, is incredibly friendly and helpful. He takes huge ownership to be a great host and is definitely very proud of Khaoyai and Sala Resorts; he is so willing to share all the information about the area and the resort when I told him I am going to feature Sala Khaoyai in my writings. So I learn the Sala hotel chain belongs to the owner of the Central Group. Yup, that big shopping chain in Thailand! The owner first conceptualized Sala Khaoyai as a summer home that he retreats to relax. Eventually, he had so many requests he decided to open a resort, but he kept it to seven rooms …

The Side of Thailand More People Should See

Published by Cheng Nicholas

Having worked and lived in Bangkok for a short period of time from 2009-2010, I had the privilege of exploring some of the interesting sites around Bangkok such as Ampawa and Ayutthaya. Among them, Khao Yai left the deepest impression because of the 13 degreesC night (yup, you read it right – it does get so cool especially from Nov-Jan at night), which is very rare cool weather in this part of the world near the equator. I also recalled European looking architecture with vineyards so Khaoyai is a short getaway to feel far from our Asian roots. So when we had a chance 3 weeks ago to plan a short trip over the long weekend, I decided to re-visit Khaoyai and also introduce N to this beautiful province of Thailand. Khaoyai is a beautiful mountaineous province, 2.5 hours drive from Bangkok, and is a popular short weekend getaway spot among Bangkok city folks to switch gears over a slow weekend. For me, I hardly repeat my eating and travel spots as I want to …