[Hotel Review] Moradok Thai Guesthouse (Ayutthaya, Thailand)

12:10 AM AYUTTHAYA, BACKPACKING, HOTEL REVIEW, MORADOK THAI GUESTHOUSE, THAILAND No Comments

If you are an adventurous and not “fussy”, this guesthouse is a good bargain. Located in Ayutthaya, this small guesthouse is run by a friendly Thai lady (married to a Swiss man), Gina. It sits next to one of the many temple ruins of Ayutthaya.

Do not attempt to walk from the railway station because it is not that near (despite google map saying otherwise). Instead, you can easily request for a pick up – free of charge, from the guesthouse owner herself. At bargain price you will get basic room with beds, blankets, ensuite bathroom and a cheerful entertainer, Samsee. The bar starts early and you can make friends here (I am not joking!!!). Breakfast is pretty standard – toast, eggs, fruits and coffee; and it is usually included in the price you pay for the room.

In front of the guesthouse is a traditional Thai massage place and a restaurant. You can also rent bicycle from the guesthouse at a very cheap price. Additional service at the guesthouse includes tour packages for many activities in Ayutthaya you want to do.

Location wise – this place is within walking distance to many Ayutthaya main attractions. Take a map at the counter and start exploring this ancient city. If you need to buy anything, you are only 2 minutes away from the 7eleven and the local night market.

You can book Moradok Thai guesthouse from AsiaRooms easily. My personal rating: 3 ½ stars.

Read entries on my experience in Ayutthaya

Day 3: Ayutthaya on Foot

Day 4 - Ayutthaya on water

Read More

Day 7: Revisiting Siem Reap

12:29 AM ANGKOR, BACKPACKING, BAKHENG HILL, CAMBODIA, FLOATING VILLAGE, FROM KL to TAIWAN, MORADOK THAI GUESTHOUSE, PUB STREET, SIEM REAP, TONLE SAP, TRAVEL, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

The last time I came to Siem Reap was about 4 years ago. I remembered celebrating my birthday in Siem Reap after SIGA 2007 completed. I have always wanted to come back again to Siem Reap and see more.

Here I was, having breakfast at Oudum Angkor Villa after waking up from a good night sleep. A family friend is from Cambodia and he had given a name for me to contact while in Siem Reap – to arrange a tour. Funny, his name is Yusuf – same as the guide given by the guesthouse. Soon I found out that both Yusufs know each other and have been working together for quite some time.

Fascinated by geography subject while in high school, this time would really want to see the largest fresh water lake – Tonle Sap Lake. Although it is dry season, there are still people who make living from the lake. The journey from the guesthouse to the boat area was about 20 minutes. Along the way I cannot help from noticing the road which is highly elevated from the land and houses are built with high columns. Later I learnt that Cambodia is a country with huge (I mean huge) delta flat area. The houses are built with high columns because the land area will be flooded – many of the land area are part of the lake.

The boat rent including tour cost a standard US$20 rate. The area where you are to take the boats are still under construction – I am sure once it is done, it will be comfortable and highly convenient for many tourist.

Extremely low water level – about 1 meter in depth, made the maneuver of boats extremely slow and difficult. The water was too murky due to the dry season and low water level. Along the canal up to the vast lake area, there were many idle boats with people living inside them. Funny I could also see many naked children running or playing on the river banks while adults were mainly netting fish. After about 20 minutes ride, the boat entered the lake area. It was so wide and vast I felt like I was boating in sea. Not so far I could see hundreds of floating houses. These are floating villages whereby the people have been living on the lake for ages. During the flood season, these villages will move their houses near to the canal instead of being so far in the lake.

It was floating residential with shops, and even school are on water. One disturbing scene during my whole visit in Siem Reap, especially here at the floating village, was seeing small kids in dire state helping their parents selling on small boats. Although it was a clear poor condition, many of them still could smile and laugh happily; which made me wonder how life could have been for them if situation is different. The view from rooftop of a floating restaurant was mesmerizing.

On the way heading back to town, we made a stop at a Muslim Restaurant. It was next to a mosque somewhere in a small residential area. It is the area where, Yusuf, my guide, lives. Lunch was traditional chicken soup with fried eggs and some vegetables – total US$5. Then we headed to the newly built Angkor National Museum. Entrance with audio aid is charged at US$15, but the knowledge gained here is more than enough to understand about the great Angkor and Khmer civilization. The museum was very well organized starting with the basic of Hinduism influence to the establishment of Angkorian civilization and Cambodia in general. Many of the artifacts are from the ruins discovered from old temples all around Cambodia. Contrary to Thailand, Cambodia is an extremely great reflection of Hinduism – from the beginning of its empire. Walking and admiring the history and knowledge on my own awed me in many ways, especially how great the Khmer empire was.

After 2 hours touring the museum, my guide brought me to the Angkor historical area ticket booth. The prices are pretty much fixed. Take note that there are several types of entrance fees ranging from US$20 to US$60 and tourist are to buy ticket on their own (You are required to be photographed for the ticket).

The intention was to experience the beautiful sun set scene from Bakheng Hill. I wonder how it would be during the peak season. This old temple is located on a hill so you will have to push yourself up the hill. For those who do not have good stamina, a slow walk is possible for the climb – but you need to get there early. If you have additional cash, perhaps you would want to climb up the hill with elephant. There are several elephants available for tourist going up to the hill. It was a magnificent view from the above, minus the crowd. Also, many Angkorian temples have very steep stairs with narrow steps – be careful when you are climbing up and down.

I had to skip dinner – too much of rice since I arrived to Siem Reap. After a short rest, another Yusuf took me to the famous Pub Street. Here, you can see so many establishments of disco, pub and restaurants. As it is filled with entertainment so many tourists are seen here. All the shops here are refurbishment of the old French quarter building. The shop owners are only to do minor refurbishment, so you can still see the French architectural from the building blocks. After pub street, I wanted to see how the local spend time at night. So we headed to a similar place about 5 minutes motorcycle ride. In Malaysia we go to mamak for drinks and watch football. Here in Cambodia, people spend time in open bars – many now are built with modern western influence.

The day ended at about 1.30am. The ticket bought earlier will allow me to visit the Angkor area tomorrow. Check out Day 7 pictures here >> Day 7 – Siem Reap in Action

Read More

Day 5: Pit Stop in Bangkok

1:46 AM AYUTTHAYA, BACKPACKING, BANGKOK, FROM KL to TAIWAN, KHAO SAN ROAD, MORADOK THAI GUESTHOUSE, SAWASDEE KRUNGTHEP INN, THAILAND, TRAVEL, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY 1 Comment

Day 5 – I was supposed to check out from Moradok Thai Guesthouse in the morning. It is a good habit to do all the packing the night before if you are moving out in the morning. You may not anticipate accident ;-)

Instead of taking the 9.30am train, I decided to take the 10.28 train heading to Bangkok. Moradok Thai serves the same set of breakfast; toast, eggs, fruits and coffee/tea. I am not sure of others, but it was enough for me. Initially I requested a tuk tuk from the guesthouse (obviously I do not think I could carry my heavy bag and walk) to the railway station. However, Gina (the owner) was nice enough to give me a free lift to the station. There were a few new guests having breakfast as well. They have just come from Bangkok and heading to the north, just like others.

Arriving at the station gave me a better view of the whole situation since I arrived in the evening a few days before. The station police was very helpful of showing me the counter. The announcement and signs at the station were all in Thai’s which worried me a bit. The same station policeman was kind to alert and show me the platform of the train I am about to board.

It was a third class train coach which had come from the north and there were already passengers on board. Lucky for me, I found a seat near to the train door. Oooppsss!! I have forgotten to mention this - throughout my journey I feel so ignored; mainly because I look like the Thais. On the train, there were many people staring at me and a few did try to talk to me. Unfortunately since I am not Thai, I have no clue what they were trying to say. LOL..!!!

Anyway, I feel extremely pleased to be able to see with my own eyes people selling food and drinks on train – just as seen on TV. Highlight of the day was me buying a traditional food (which I have no clue the name of the food. I did try to ask the seller, but he could not understand). It was a pancake sandwich style stuffed with grated coconut, raisins and sugar (see picture). Another thing I saw, which made me smile was when I saw a fruit (type of berries, I think) which I used to eat when I was a little kid. Back in my dad’s kampong house when I was small, there was pokok buah cermai, grown on the house area. The berry looking fruit was extremely sour tasted – but I remember always picking them from the tree and eat them happily. Seeing the fruit in the selling basket brings back all those sweet memory.

I immediately head to the ticketing counter to get myself a train ticket to Arayanprathet for the next day. However, it was not possible for me to get an advance ticket. My worry was not being able to get a ticket for a very early train (it is scheduled at 5.55am). The hotel I booked in Bangkok is supposed to be nearby the Hua Lamphong railway station, according to internet review. I am so thankful now that I did not try to walk and find the hotel. Instead, I decided to get a tuk tuk to reach to the place. It was right decision – it was an almost 20 minutes tuk tuk ride.

This short Bangkok stay brings me to the famous backpacker’s area. When the tuk tuk drove into the area, my sight was filled with foreign tourists. The whole stretch is full with guesthouses, hostels and Inns. This area is great for backpackers, but I am not sure of traveler from Malaysia or Muslim countries would be comfortable staying here. Ninety five (95) percent of the tourist here are from the Westerners.

My room was not ready when I arrived, so I head to a small café nearby to have my lunch. Salad, toast and eggs were my choice since the menu is full with meat-based dishes. After about an hour, I walked back to the hotel – Sawasdee Krungthep Inn. The location of this Inn is a bit end of the stretch, but it is not so quiet or isolated. My room was on the third floor (no elevator) – thanks to my exercise routine before I embarked on this journey I have no issues climbing the stairs.

I have been to Bangkok several times before this trip. Hence, I was not looking forward to any major sightseeing attractions. Next to the check in counter is a travel representative. Ms Ju was nice to explain to me about bus service from Bangkok directly heading to Siem Reap. After some calculation I realized that the cost travelling to Siem Reap as my original plan is more than if I were to take a direct bus. There I decided to purchase the bus service. It leaves Bangkok at 7.30am and expected to arrive in Siem Reap at 5.30pm.

After getting myself refresh, I decided to follow the ‘white’ tourists. I am sure they must be heading somewhere and by observing I realized that since there are so many of them, it would be easier for me to get to somewhere without having to ask (I am still being confused as local =.=”).

To my surprised, after walking about 10 minutes, I am at the intersection leading my way to the famous Khao San Road. This area is heaven for backpackers to do shopping. The road is filled with street’s vendors, selling from t-shirts to durian, from books to hair braiding service, etc. I got my hand drawn with henna – cost me 200 Baht, as a souvenir. While walking I could hear loud music sound – it came from a mini parade by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Apparently, the Songkran festival is coming in a week’s time. The mini parade was to invite everyone to join many activities around Bangkok during the festival.

The road was long (I think double the length of Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur). At the end of the road is another stretch full with silver jewelry shops. It is heaven for silver jewelry wholesalers and retailers. If I were to come for shopping, I would just walk into one of the shops and buy something for myself.

Worried that I may have problem finding my way back (it’s getting dark), I walk back the same route which I came before. It was funny to take a short-cut via a shop (named Travellers) from the Khao San road to the road heading to my hotel. You have to climb the stairs from the front and climb down the stairs at the back of the shop. There is even a big sign at the front and back entrance, “This is not the end of the road. It is short cut to the Khao San Rd”.

I took the opportunity to switch on my netbook and check updates on facebook as well as this blog before climbing up to my room. Since I have an early day and a long travel journey the next day, it is an easy decision to get myself into bed early. This hotel also has wake-up call service – at least I can get them to wake me up at 6am, enough time for me to get ready and check out for day 6.

Check out Day 5 pictures here in facebook – Day 5 : Pit Stop in Bangkok

PS. Please let me know if you are not able to view the pictures after clicking the link.

Read More

Day 4 - Ayutthaya on water

8:52 PM AYUTTHAYA, BACKPACKING, FROM KL to TAIWAN, MORADOK THAI GUESTHOUSE, THAILAND, TRAVEL, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY 3 Comments

Always remember to change your watch to local time – every time you reach to a place with different time zone!

Day 4 – I had a feeling that due to late night and after party on the second night in Ayutthaya, there was no way my ears would catch the sound of the morning alarm. TRUE, enough!!! It was a bad feeling seeing time was almost reaching noon. I wanted to see more of Ayutthaya and by waking up late means I have missed breakfast and will have to less time to roam the city. After a quick shower, I immediately walk out the guesthouse vicinity. It was funny when I realized that I was not late, but I saw the wrong time on my phone (didn’t change time to reflect Thailand’s time).

Thanks to Tom & Aaron, two cute Londoners, I followed the direction heading to Chao Phrom Market, hoping to be able to see more action of Ayutthaya people. It was supposed to be 20-25 minute walk (according to them, it took about 10 minutes by tuk tuk) but since my walking speed is not that fast, it took me around 45 minutes before I see a sign to the market. While walking the area I saw the buildings which were on the opposite site of “something”. I quickly realized that behind the shop rows is the Chao Phraya River.

A quick pit stop at the bank (to get some local cash) also provided me opportunity to ask the bank officer of where to get a ticket for a boat ride. After walking for about 5 minutes, I saw a small sign “Boat Ride around Ayutthaya”. Looking at the map I noticed that I was on U-Thong Road. Although it was a small shop, I was greeted nicely and the owner of the place extended help greatly when I inquired about the boat ride. For a single ride of approx 2 hours tour, the charge was 500 Baht. The ride will make 3 stops at famous temples. This was my opportunity to the island of Ayutthaya on water. Later the evening I was informed by Gina, the owner of Moradokthai; that the guesthouse could arrange a similar boat ride for half the price I paid.

Anyway, for those who are extremely fussy about safety and comfort, the boat ride which I paid for perhaps would not be suitable for you. Along the way, I noticed that there are so many type of boat services with tourist; which I believed can be searched and chartered accordingly using a proper tour service.

I love the thrill and excitement of the ride. It was obvious that Ayutthaya is famous with old and new temples. Throughout the entire journey I saw many beautiful buildings and structures along the river side. In addition to it, there are so many houses in between the temples, with people living there. Several times I could see children playing and swimming in the river (which are behind their house, I supposed). Many of the traditional houses along the river side reminded me of many of the kampong houses back in Malaysia.

First pit stop was at Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Although it was only a 15 minutes stop, I could not help from being awed by seeing the beauty of this great old temple. The structure is pretty much similar to those temples I saw the day earlier. However, this temple showcased the most numbers of Buddha statutes as compared to the others (that I have seen). Everywhere you walk and see there are Buddha statutes (complete and partial) in different sizes.

 After the old temple, the boat made a stop at another temple. This time is a new temple which is undergoing some refurbishment. My camera was focusing on a group of monks, who were cleaning the dock and stairs at the river bank. They seemed extremely happy doing the cleaning part – there was an event earlier in the morning, I was told. Besides Buddha statue this temple houses so many black rooster statutes – big and small. I tried to get some clarification of the roosters and its meaning but failed. There was not anybody who could speak English when I was there (in fact I was the only tourist walking). Well, at least I know a fact now that black roosters do have significant in Buddhism.

The last stop was at a temple which houses the biggest Buddha statue in Ayutthaya. I could not believe my eyes when I entered the praying hall. It is sitting in Wat Phanan Choeng. Before I got the chance to see the Buddha statue, I roam the temple vicinity and accidentally went to the tomb area (only when I saw pictures of people on the mini stupa, then I realized of the area and its function). Outside Wat Phanan Choeng (on the riverbank) is a floating restaurant. While the boat was making a turn, I saw people standing at the railing of the floating restaurant. Better, in the water there were so many fish swimming in complete chaos trying to get the food from the people at the railing. It was exciting moment.

Two hours on the boat with no breakfast to start with made me hungry. Mr Boat ride was also nice enough to ‘motocycled’ me to Chainam Restaurant (recommended by Lonely Planet). I had my breakfast and late lunch while Ayutthaya rained. The menu was bilingual so it was easy for me to choose the food. For a simple pineapple shake, fried mee with vegetable & egg and friend prawn cost me 335 Baht, I think it is reasonably priced.

The afternoon ended with me being pampered – an hour of traditional Thai massage. In front of the guesthouse is a Thai Massage house. An hour of whole body traditional Thai massage cost only 250 Baht. For a person who usually got bruises after any massage session, this session was nothing but relaxing and comforting. My eyes were closed but I can sense the effort and energy used by the lady masseur – and surprisingly she used almost all part of her body for the massage. Sound physical, eh? Well, it was not an abusive one J At the end of the day, I walked out from the massage place feeling relaxed and my body was surprisingly light.

Later in the evening I went to a bistro nearby with a young & handsome Danish guy, together with Gina and Samsee (the owner of the guesthouse) for dinner. There was live acoustic music at that place. The ambiance was nice. I was already exhausted after dinner (it was pretty late dinner) so I decided to go to bed early.

In total, the day ended perfectly for me. I have packed all my stuffs for my next route - A short stop at Bangkok before heading to Siem Reap.

See great pictures on my facebook here>> "Ayutthaya. This time on Water"

Read More

Day 3: Ayutthaya on Foot

2:13 AM AYUTTHAYA, BACKPACKING, FROM KL to TAIWAN, MORADOK THAI GUESTHOUSE, THAILAND, TRAVEL, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY 2 Comments

The day just ended, crazily. I believed due to my hectic initial travelling journey had made me not waking up when alarm rang this morning. Nevertheless, I managed to get a late breakfast at the guesthouse.

When I was checking in yesterday, in front of the registration counter is this hall of guest pictures. Later the day I found out that the owner of Moradok Thai Guesthouse had quit her banking job, married a Swiss man and came to her home town, here in Ayutthaya to run this guesthouse. So far I have had nothing but great hospitality. I am staying single but to my surprise I was given a big room (with 3 beds) to myself. It is full house here, so I guess whatever available is being handed away.

Anyway, I met so many people here – they are also backpackers. Most of them are in pairs or groups and not surprising to me they are all Westerners. Initially it was an awkward moment for me to sit in together with them – I am too Asian looking. After a while conversation started and stories shared. I am on the same boat as them. All of them are on the road no less than 1 month.

OK. After breakfast I thought of renting a bicycle from this place to do some self tour around the city. A British couple (Sam & Miranda) had nicely invited me to join them to do some sightseeing. They were also thinking of getting bicycle. After quick review we realized that all of us had not been riding for quite some time. Hence our journey on foot began.

Our guesthouse was not so far from a few of the attractions of the city. Probably due to the lack of map reading skills, we ended up walking a longer route before our eyes caught some excitement. From far we could see the ruin of a large temple. Then we saw elephants with people on the road. We had to follow the elephants – they sure know all the interesting parts of that area.

We walked for more than 4 hours and mesmerized by the sceneries – big time. Started from Rochana Road, where our guesthouse is, it was a straight walk until we saw Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. The pedestrian walkway is awesome. You would not be bothered and will feel extremely safe even though the main roads are wide. There are trees giving shades and it was a lucky day for me since the sky was nicely covered with clouds and it was slightly breezy.

On the same road of the National Museum there are several other in-house type attractions. I wanted to see the famous WATs (aka temples) so we keep on walking. Major eye opener for me was Wat Phra Ram and Wat Maha That. We did also stroll around Phra Ram Park. The whole area of the park alone are many smaller sized wat, scattered around, complimenting the green and beautiful lake of the area.

While we were walking back to our guesthouse, there are many stalls which have just started in operations. You can see food and drinks sold along the main road, but my attention was the stretch where you can see all sorts of plants, flowers, fish, and other stuffs mainly for landscaping.

It was the owner’s birthday. We had a party from 5pm until super duper late, here at the guesthouse. It is so interesting to see different people from different places who have come here to just travel.

Check out pictures for the day here on facebook (Click on the picture, below)

Read More