Malaysian Muslim Foods

 It interesting to note that in Malaysian there are various type of Muslim foods be it restaurants or street foods. Every state in Malaysia they have their own taste and style. I am not a professional foodie but I'm a food lover, sometimes I go for the extra miles to get first hand experience because different people has different preference and taste. 

My sheer desire to indulge and enjoy delicious foods drive me to every corner in many parts of Malaysia. And I keep my fingers cross in keeping a sincere and open mind in giving a fair views on whatever food I manage to get my taste bud tested.

Malaysia Celebrity Chef Datuk Wan

Northeastern Of Thailand Nong Khai

Nong Khai

Nong Khai is a city in the northeastern state of Thailand which lies along the Mekong River. In 2007 a bridge was built with sponsor from the Australian Government and completed in 2009 and named Friendship Bridge. It is a get away bridge to Vientiane 25 km up river, after the completion of the bridge many tourist flout over to extended their passport here. Further 300 km north of here is a small town called Luang Prabang an UNESCO village dated 7-8 century.

Phra That La Nong

 The Buddhist Lent festival is the most popular time in Nong Khai, with plenty of locals  flout to witness the  Fire Naga Ball. The fire ball resemble an orange sun rise out from the river to the height of 6-9 meter and disappear after 5-8 second. The Buddhist Lent festival fall on the full moon in October. During full moon tide is always on its peak and Phra That La Nong is almost covered about 90%. On this particular night a mystic fire ball shoot out from the water near this La Nong.

Sala Keoku

The other popular site for tourist is this Sala Keoku Park. The park has similarities with Buddha  Park in Laos, in 1978 Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat and his followers started construction, nobody knows why Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat built another on the Thai side. Most of the  statues has  Buddhism and Hinduism ideology. 

Chinese Temple

Mekong River

Historical Site

For travelers whom like to mellow and laze, this is a very good place. When I was there I meet a lot of travelers whom are enjoying the laid back society, communities & environment. During the day light you can just walk around the town or maybe cross over to Laos by bus, spend a day there and come back during the evening. Most of the shops prefer USD. currency in Laos, so be prepared. Feel like mingle with the locals you can pick a interstate bus to Loei overnight, Uttaradit, Phrae or Lampang and  subsequently to Chiang Mai. I feel that another 20 yrs down the road these places will be not the same any more, with all the developments. 

Tips: 

Nong Khai is easy to visit, just a night train from Bangkok to the last stop at Nong

 Khai in the morning. Railway station to the town center is just about 4-5 km. There are a numbers of economical guest house, chose near the river, during the night there is a popular restaurant in the city center, walking distance, and a small night market, a few bars. Railway fare USD25.from Bangkok. Tutut to the city center Bhd 50-80.

Amphawa Floating Market

This is one of the popular Floating Market in Bangkok.

For those who are making a day trip to this floating village it is advisable to joint in the boat trip. The boat trip will take you to visit a few interesting places, especially the river-bank houses, a famous wat which was covered with tree roots, and get to know how the people live at riverbank. 

The Tree Roots Temple Wat Bang Kung

Railway Morning Market  

Victory Monument, 

This is where the central Van Hub for major Transport to the outskirt of Bangkok,.

Tips: 

The easiest and economical way to visit Maeklong is by Van at Victory Monument. First you visit the Morning Train Market at about 8.30 am, there are 2 trips each morning that goes through market. Go early ask the station master when the next train departure through the market then  find a place have breakfast or walk aroundthe market,  after the railway experience then find a tuttu head to Ampawa floating market. Book a boat trip. After finishing your trip ask the local where to wait for the van to Bangkok, just outside at the main road.    

Wats Of Chiang Mai

Wats Of Chiang Mai

In Thailand, Chiang Mai Wats has oldest history than most wats in all Thailand. When you visit Chiang Mai you will noticed that there are a lot of influence from Burma and Laos. During the early days there are also wars between these neighboring state.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep   is a Theravada Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai Province, The temple name after the mountain where it is located. It is a sacred site to many Thai people. The temple is 15 km from the Chiang Mai city and situated at an elevation of 1,073 meters. From the temple, beautiful views of downtown Chiang Mai can be seen.The original founding of the temple remains a legend and there are a few varied versions. The temple was founded in 1383 when the first stupa was built.Some say when the king's White Elephant  reached the site she do not want to move further, and the villagers say this is a auspicious land to built a temple. From then...this temple become one of the famous temple for the locals.

The Replica of  Jade Buddha

 Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Main Gate To Wat Suthep

Hmong Tribe Dancing

Hmong Children

Dragon Path To the Phra That Doi Suthep Temple

Wat Chedilung

The construction of this Wat started in 14th century by King Saen Muang Ma, after his death the king's widow continue to build this Wat and only completed by King Tilokarat. At one time  the Emerald Buddha was enshrined in this wat, shortly after the earthquake in 1551 the Emerald Buddha was move to Luang Prabang, Laos the neighboring kingdom. Until today this Wat is very popular with the locals, A festival in honor of the city pillar is held every year in May and lasts 6–8 days.

Wat Phra Singh

Construction on Wat Phra Singh began in 1345 when King Phayu, the fifth king of the Mangrai dynasty, had a chedi built to house the ashes of his father King Kham Fu. A wihan and several other buildings were added a few years later and the resulting complex was named Wat Lichiang Phra. When, in 1367, the statue of Phra Buddha Singh was brought to the temple, the temple complex received its present name.

  

Ho Trai

This Ho Trai in Chiang Mai is very similar to the one in Lamphun. Not every Wat has a Ho Trai. You noticed that most Ho Trai is elevated to prevent from floods because it's a library and keep all important Buddhist scriptures.  

Wat Phantao Viharn Phra Singh 

This beautiful Wat structure are made of wood. I found this temple very unique in Chiang Mai, its has Burnese architecture. A Viharn, a sermon hall should be respected by all visitors and has many Buddha images. This is where worshipers performing religious rites.

The city center of Chiang Mai is in fact full of Wats. Wat Phra Singh built in 1345 during King Phayu ruled. But the most popular wat is the Wat Chedi Luang built in 1401, part of the Chedi was damaged during an earth quake in 16th century. 

Tips: The old town is best visit by bicycle, There is no heavy trucks or buses inside the old town other than tourist bus only.

City of Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. It is the capital of Northern Thailand and was a former capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Mai means "New City" and was so named because it became the new capital of the Lanna Kingdom when it was founded in 1296, succeeding Chiang Rai.

Transportation to Chiang Mai is easy, there are 3-4 options. My preference is by Night Train, where you saved one night of accommodation and will allow you to enjoy the beautiful morning views of the mountain and country scenes and cost BHT800 2nd class with a sleeper, choose the evening departure and lower berth sleeper, travel time about 12 hours from Bangkok. fare is not much different from  express bus. Another option is by plane, there are a few trips from Bangkok with the budget airlines.

                                                                                                                        City Gate

The above are city gates that guard the city from enemies, beside the gates there are moats that also served to prevent enemies of entering. Each gate has two moats, left and right and about 1.5 Km in length. Today, inside within the four gates we called old city. This old city has regulated guidelines to preserved the old ambivalence, about 1 Sq Miles . One can rent a bicycle or motor bike and roam easily within the old city.                                                                           

 The Moat

During festivals the moats will lights up and display colorful water fountains which make the city beautiful during the night. The most popular festivals are the 'Yi Peng' & 'Loi Krathong' which held on the same day for three nights, fall on November each year on 15th day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. These festivals are organized by the municipal, anybody who wants to participate are always welcome. When visiting during these festival is an add bonus for visitors, during day time you may want to explore out of the city for day trips. Day trip to Doi Ithanon is recommended, it is one of the highest mountain in Thailand. The trip cost BHT 800(2014) including lunch. start 8.30am to 5.00pm pick-up at hotel and back.(tips for tour guide & driver optional). There is a beautiful Queen's Sirikit garden, waterfall, tribes villages, handicraft center, etc...etc. A worthwhile trip. You have to book early, either thru hotel or walk in office (walk around and ask for itinerary).

 

Doi Ithanon Summit Queen Sirikit Garden

Beautiful Ladies Dancing On The Float

Tradition Float With 5 Snake Heads

International Float For Asean Theme

Flowers By U Students.

Hot Air Paper Lantern

Foreigners Lighting Lantern.

Foreigners Participating Group Dance & Singing

Float By Students

Modern Cosplay

Ground Display

Taiwan Theme

 

The Crowds

Water Lanterns (Loy Khratongs)

During the 3 nights of Yi Peng festival you will witness Floats Procession, with beautiful ladies sitting,  dancing or singing on the floats. The Procession 

will occupied throughout the night and will leads you to the Yi Ping River to release the Water Lanterns and  Hot Air Paper Lanterns.

This is a huge festival. For those who wants to visit during this festival should have early booking of accommodation.

Three Kings Monuments

'Three Kings' monument -- King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Mai, King Ramkamhaeng of Sukothai and King Ngam Muang of Payao. You can easily find this Three Kings Monuments inside the old city.

Chinatown Chiang Mai

The Arch represent China Town, but not many Chinese shops you can find here. I frequent this market when I am in Chiang Mai because of its economical and delicious foods where locals eat. This market has  a stall selling the best Chiang Mai famous Herbal Spicy Sausage, When Thais visit Chiang Mai they will never leave without the Herbal Sausages. During the night there is also a small night market where you can find plenty of traditional Chiang Mai foods, which are very popular with the locals. There is a small stall selling the Chiang Mai's Nom Chin, a local white noodles with plenty of vegetables to add on with no extra charge.

   

Nom Chin Noodles

This is tradition dish called Nom Chin, a white noodle with curry or clear soup with free run of vegetables , each bowl cost Bht 15.

At the night market this is the most famous stall selling fried chicken.

This is one of the most famous street foods in Chiang Mai. At 6.00 pm all the foods stalls will start preparing for business. The above is  

a Braised Pig Trotter Rice stall (cowboy lady).

Nights Street Foods 

Desert 

Fried Eggs

Local Lunch Pack

The Local Delicacies

Tips:    Chiang Mai is best visit during the winter season. In November they celebrate Yi Peng & Loi Krathong in grand scale. If you are coming from Bangkok it is highly recommended to travel by train with sleeper on evening train. Before you reached Chiang Mai wake up early, get ready your camera go to restaurant car order a coffee and enjoy the scenic views. Train Cost Bht 800 Bht. 12 hours trip. Most seasoned traveler used Chiang Mai as their main hub to explore others neighboring towns or provinces e.g. Mae Hong Song, Pai, Mae Sariang, in the Western Loop, Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Doi Angkhang. Mae Sai. in the North Loop, Lamphun Lampang in the South. etc.etc..