my 2nd suan pheung trip

'narak' (cute) is what best describes Suan Pheung district coz there is a wide array of narak stuffs. from

hotels,restaurants,cafes and animals---the sheepie sheep (which is the very symbol of the district).a popular weekend destination especially to Thais and worth discovering for the foreigners.you don't need to go any farther to have a feel of Swiss or foreign atmosphere..

we stayed at Villa Moreeda--a modern hotel nestled next to the picturesque Scenery Vintage Farm.with only limited rooms available,you surely will love the serenity and feeling that you're one with nature..the natural rush of water from the river next to our room,crickets chirping,the baah's and mehs of the sheep nearby and the warmth and hospitality of the staff   

our flamingoes room..the rooms are named after different types of birds

Honey Scene Steak&Bar @ Scenery Vintage Farm

they're all grown up!

Swiss Fish&Chips Restaurant @ Swiss Valley Hip Resort

very special thanks again to Mrs.Chatchareepun for always tagging me along wherever they go

Villa Moreeda: http://www.villamoreeda.com/en/

Scenery Vintage Resort: http://www.sceneryresort.com/

my first suan pheung trip: http://untaintedheart07.blogspot.com/2011/09/fluffy-trip.html

can't get enough of Hua Hin!

The province of Hua Hin is located 200 km. south Bangkok and is 2-3 hours drive.I've visited the place several times on various occasions and whenever I get the chance, I never turn it down (libre naman kasi).Hua Hin is consists of two districts, Cha am (north) and Amphoe Pran Buri (south). I really can't get enough of Hua Hin...a perfect beach getaway destination far from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

                                               long stretch of white sand beach of Hua Hin

 the view down-under..from the topmost floor of

                                                            Grand Condotel Cha-am

                           The Duke's...serves a wide array of Thai and Italian cuisines.

                            it was built during the period of King Rama VI.

                            not only that, the open air teak wood villa functions as an art gallery.

                            (but don't be disappointed if u can only find very few displays)

                               a perfect panoramic view of the beach while dining at The Duke's

                                         Sofitel Centara Grand Resort and Villas Hua Hin

                                                     

                                                 afternoon tea at Museum Tea Corner

                                                    mouth-watering cakes and scone

                                             giant dried squid available along Hua Hin's road

         

                                               the vendor shredding the squid using his

                                               improvised heat-operated shredder

                                        from the above picture to this...shredded giant squid                            

                                                   a perfect partner with wine

Wat Wonders of Bangkok

For many, Valentine's Day is not an ordinary day. It is an extra-special day especially to two people inlove. However, I have a different view of the heart's day. It is not solely for lovers or couples but it is for everybody. It is not the only time of the year when we say our 'iloveyous', present our gifts of roses and chocolates and take extra effort to make our loved ones feel special and treasured. Everyday can be Valentines Day. Moreover, I deem this occasion as the time to reexamnine our relationships with people whether romantically or non- romantically.

This year's heart's day was a different one. I got to clebrate it with my girl friends.Just to give Valentines a different twist and considering the fact that we can't spent it with our loved ones, we decided for a wat-hopping.

Part of my goal for this year, I set my mind that I must visit places I want to and to explore not just Bangkok but Thailand as much as possible. I just have to make the most out of my stay in this magnificent country.

A non-ordinary Valentine's Day of four ladies on the loose...

Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most important and highly visited temples in Thailand.

I houses the famous Emerald Buddha
(taking photos inside is prohibited)

A miniature model of Cambodia's Angkor Wat

Mythical giant guardians (yaks)

Despite the scorching heat of the sun, I did have a great time marvelling at the beauty of the pagodas and the elegant architectural design of the structures. Since we finished touring around Wat Pra Kaew past 3 p.m., unfortunately the Grand Palace was already closed.

It is important to abide the rules when entering Wat Pra Kaew. Be reminded to follow the dresscode: short and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. However, you can rent sarongs and trousers.
Also don't forget to take off your shoes when entering the temple as a sign of respect. In addition refrain from sitting with your toes pointed towards the Buddha images.It is considered rude.

Over all, visiting Wat Pra Kaew was worthwhile and fun because I had to do some role playing. I had to pretend to be Thai because I was with two Thai ladies and a French-Laotian friend who can converse in Thai very well. Since Thai can enter the place for free, they asked me to pretend to be one of them. So, were exempted from paying the entrance fee and off we went.

Next stop Wat Pho....Temple of the Reclining Buddha

the Reclining Buddha is gold plated and is 46 meters long and 15 meters high

buddha's mother-of-pearl-feet

Wat Pho is considered as Thailand's first university and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.


Since it was still Valentine's, and through the generosity of our godmother (Mrs. Chatchareepun), we ended the day by a dinner cruise along Chaopraya River

entertainment on board
traditional thai dance

So far this year's Heart's Day is very memorable to me. I may not be with my loved ones to celebrate this special day, but the fact that somebody remembered to make this day not just not ordinary day is very touching and heart-warming.

Special thanks to Mrs. Chatchareepun (our godmother and the kindest person I ever met so far), Proud, Kryst (for the additional photos) Pe Deng and Pe Kun.