Korea- Day 2- Seoul- Namsangol Hanok Village

Beginning of Day 2, a whole new day in a whole new country...
After lingering in the hostel, we walked to our next destination Namsangol Hanok Village.  We walk through Namsangol Park.

Look at the beautiful flowers, ahhhhhhh.... can't resist taking picture of pretty flowers

 

Below is the Namsangol Hanok Village and its surroundings. 

 

Next, we had our breakfast at a nearby restaurant, we wanted to try everything, thinking about the cost, nah... we ate kimbap and some noodles (udon).  

Here is the website for more information on the location and how to get to Namsangol Hanok Village:

http://www.visitseoul.net/en/article/article.do?_method=view&art_id=497&lang=en&m=0004003002009&p=03

Korea- Accommodation in Seoul- Seoul Youth Hostel

Since our accommodation was booked by our friend....
This was the place that the booked for us to stay in Seoul Youth Hostel. We booked the whole dorm room because we had 6 person and accommodation in Seoul is very expensive.

The dorm room was clean, white bed sheets, but with only one toilet, we took turn using it. However, they have common bathrooms outside too and a common area with TV and drinking water.

This two nights was alright. Nevertheless, the last night it was noisy as they had school children staying next door for their school holidays. These children just ran and shouted without supervision and without any supervision from the adults. For what we paid for, I think we just had to bear with it. Don't worry our friend told us that there were other rooms that we could choose from for 2 persons (Maybe you can look for those, if you need better privacy)

This is how the dorm room looks like. 

The next day, we found out that  they have a common kitchen area where you can buy ingredients and cook. Plus a small rooftop garden with very nice chairs.

Pro: Clean.
Cons: Could get a little noisy.

Korea Continuation of Day 1

Excited about landing in Korea and the food that Korea offers... we went searching for food, sadly many places that we went were close or getting ready to close. We were so hungry that we landed up in a Japanese Restaurant... Japanese Restaurant? yes, in Korea an eating Japanese food? yeah, we couldn't help it, listening to our stomach cries urging for some food...... we had no choice...

Eating in Korea... definitely you must have research, not cheap, especially eating in this type of restaurant....
Sorry I'm unable to provide names of the food...

After eating at the Japanese restaurant, we came across a small stall selling Tteokbokki (Korean Rice cakes). We jumped for joy (watching korean drama and seeing people going to those small stall to eat Tteokbokki, we wanted to experience it). Running towards that stall, we pointed to this rice cake and ask our friend to ask the lady how much does it cost for a bowl. Influenced by the all the K-drama, holding the bowl of Tteokbokki- and eating with toothpicks... wow.... I had to take that picture...

Korea-Day 1

(May, 2011) Gee... Once I step out of the airplane, the weather was so cold. Started putting on my jacket, my leg was shivering, Why? I looked down and saw myself wearing short pants. Aiyah, that is the problem of being stubborn and not listening to my friend- who told me to wear long pants.

It dawn upon me that I'm in another country, which is even more challenging because they do not use international languages like English or Chinese... Good thing I had my friend to translate everything (Thanks friend!) Usually, I would learn some important words to get me through and have a crash course on that language, as it is really comical and fun to see how we communicate with the locals, but I guess I was too lazy and reliant on my friend. Hehe!

We took some time to take the airport train and walk to the main terminal, Incheon International is Really Big. Immigration took some time as they wanted to know the exact hotel that we are staying and the phone no. So pls fill in all the details.

After taking our luggages, we follow our tour guide and to find out that this is the first time to the Captial City Seoul. Ok, blind leading the blind, at least he can speak and read the language. So we rush for the Airport Railroad Express (Arex) to Seoul, we bought the card T-Money for easy use in Seoul. There are 2 escalators leading to the train, but it leads to the same place. We were rushing like mad to get into the train, only to find out that the Arex waited like 5-10 mins before closing the door...Anyway, safe on the Arex to Seoul Station, Approximately less than 1 hour.

Korea

Korea, Korea, Korea... Because of the Korean drama that gets you so addicted too and Korean Music that is oh so touching, Korean Wave is spreading to every part of the world. I have been to Korea before and this is the second time. First time was 8 years ago, went with the tour group, so have been to places that they usually takes you- like Nami Island, Soraksan, Autumn in My heart drama location, Jeju Island. This time around, I have a Korean friend and he decided to take us around... Yahoo!...Touring Korea from a local point of view, Not every time we get to have such tours. We book air asia ticket when they first offer to fly to Korea for RM 300+ return ticket per person (inclusive of luggage and meals). We save a lot on the flight tickets.

Lets Start off... Kaja!

Korea- Here I come

Coming Soon: Stepping foot in Korea... Will write about my Korea Trip

Koh Samui- Transportation

Transportation in Koh Samui is different from the rest of Thailand. Usually we take tok tok around, as it is cheapest type of transportation. In Koh Samui, there is no tok tok, only jeep and taxis or rent your own car.

Jeep- Is it more expensive than other parts of thailand, just a 4-5 minutes ride could cost B50 per person ,they might even ask you for B100.

Taxis- Taxis is even worst they charge more exorbitantly and the, taxis driver work together to fix the price.

We rented a car and it was quite reasonable, just that petrol price is expensive.

Beware of Taxi drivers!

Koh Samui Day 4- Airport

We requested for the airport transfer from the hotel. I thought that the airport must be a small airport we no shops and nothing to see at all. I was proven wrong, the airport- was so cool, it is an island airport, first time seeing such an airport. It has a touch of islander feel, but with modern shops. The two rows of shops, we ample of space for us to walk. they had Swensens too...

Could not resist Swensens, so went in to have an ice-cream. Love the airport so much. I think everyone starts to relax at the airport that they forget about their flight, therefore, I saw some rushing for their flight as they were late and attendant running around directing them to their Gate. We didn't want to make the same mistake, for this reason we went early to the Gate.

Are you drooling?

How surprise we were that there were tea, coffee and other drinks, muffins and snacks, we did not want to touch it at first, as we do not want to incur unnecessary expenses. but after asking we were told that all those are free for us to eat... everyone happily took a drink. The seats at the gates is not your ordinary airport waiting seats... in straight rows of five. No it was all in the island concept, with chairs made out of rattan with cushions, tables in between. Fascinating! felt like we were in first class. I would vote this one of the interesting and comfortable airport that I have been too.

Must go early to the airport and enjoy the islander airport.

Koh Samui- The Resort- Promtsuk Buri

Promtsuk Buri is just a small, family run resort therefore don't expect swimming pool as the beach is the resort natural swimming pool. The resort consist of individual Bungalows- Four different types: Garden Court, Mini Deluxe, Seaview and Beachfront.

During our stay we stayed in two types of Bungalow- Garden Court and Beachfront. Garden Court Bungalows- is nearer to the reception. While the Beachfront is nearer to the beach, but not located on the beach itself. But the concept and the bungalows are really beautifully design inside and outside. Making it look luxurious but without the luxury price. I have seen Bungalows like that costs so much, but the owners did a good job by not compromising on the quality of accommodation and yet making it affordable. The bathroom though is opened air, very close to nature. The restaurant is nicely design, having a cup of coffee and breakfast in the morning, since it is opened air, the breeze from the sea is so cooling. The scenery of the beach is beautiful with white sandy beaches, blue sea water and green mountains, making it a picture perfect view.

Breakfast is provided, but with limited options, no problem for me. The staff there are helpful and kind. You can use the internet at the reception.

Before jumping into booking this resort, there are some things that you will need to take note of:

Location: It is quite far to Lamai or Chaweng town, and transportation cost in Koh samui like taxi and jeep is expensive. Unless you rent a car or just want to stay in the resort and enjoy the scenery and beach if not you might have to rethink about this place, as the location isn't convenient located in town.

Mosquitoes: Be careful of Mosquitoes during rainy season.

Beach: There are some rocky parts while swimming in the sea, so be careful not to hurt your feet.

Other than that, all seems good to me.Normally I would like to stay in at least a 3 star hotel. I decided to stay in this resort because I like the concept, design, price and the beach. I would recommend it if you would like to just stay in the resort and relax by the beach but without burning a hole in your pocket. Good for honeymoon goers with a budget and not wanting all the extras- that other hotel offer. Would definitely stay here again.

Rating:

Room: clean, nicely design

Location: Not in town. not near shops.

Facilites: Simple resort, no extra facilities

Service: Good-with personal touch

Picture of the Resort Beach

Picture of the Beach

Picture of the Resort Beach

Koh Samui Day 3-Driving around whole of Koh Samui

Morning View of the Resort Beach

Breakfast @ Resort

Day 3 after breakfast at the hotel, initially my plan was to go on another island hopping-Ko Tao & Koh Nangyuan, ever since yesterday boat trip, everyone wanted to rest from boat ride, instead we rented a car to travel around the whole of Koh Samui. There are so many beaches that i wanted to see how they look like.

Obtaining a map from the hotel, we started our journey from Lamai Hua Thanon- Bang Kao to Thong Krut to Taling Ngam to Nathon to Maenam to Bo Phut and Chaweng back to Lamai.

Taling Ngam- we could see the five island from the beach. Then we went to have a look at the Ban Sabai Sunset Beach Resort and Spa- very luxurious, honeymoon resort, secluded and far from town.

Taling Ngam

Taling Ngam- Can you spot  the 5 islands?

There are 5 islands but my picture only show 3...sad

BoPhut- Fisherman Village- Is a long stretch of shops, with restaurant facing the beach, ice-cream parlor-movenpick...Spend time shopping. We went up to Signature Samui Beach Resort- The view from the hotel was splendid, more expensive, higher class hotel, catering for honeymoon vacationers and weddings.

My favourite picture

Fisherman Village

The Restaurant near the beach- with good view of beach

Signature Samui View

Chaweng- Back to Chaweng, crowded with people, full of hotels. Went to Tesco-to check out their products. In tesco, look out for the travel size shampoo for Pantene, head and shoulders & facial wash... all around RM 2-3, quite cheap as it is manufactured in thailand. Drove to view point-nice view, you will be able to find it on the map.

Chaweng Viewpoint in the Evening

Back to the hotel.

Dinner: Sala Thai Restaurant.- Restaurant was full of people. Waiting time was quite long. The Mango Juice was not as good as the restaurant on the first day, it was more watery. Ordered Pad Thai, Tom Yam (Yum Yum!) Chicken, Steam Fish and Curry. Feels like we had a such big appetite. The food wasn't that great too maybe because they were rushing, lack of taste.