Shangri-la Hotel, Jakarta
“Solid, reliable brand” I have always been fond of the Shangri-la group. I remember when I was a little boy, my parents took me to Shangri-la Singapore for dinner. They had the most beautiful tea cup I have seen –…
Hotel Nine, Phnom Penh
Brutally frank: Though a sister establishment to Monument Hotel, Phnom Penh, it had none of the latter’s friendliness. The staff has a sneering superciliousness. When I called the reception at night, no one bothered to pick up. The hotel looks…
Monument Hotel, Phnom Penh
This little gem of a hotel is located right in the middle of Phnom Penh city. It is 5 mins on foot away from Independence Monument and it’s along the same street as the Pricewaterhouse Cooper Phnom Penh office. Because…
Nopparat Thara Beach, Krabi
Much quieter, longer than Ao Nang beach. Perhaps prettier too. There are hotels and restaurants and hotels here too, though in a less tourist-centric atmosphere than Ao Nang Beach. There are a couple of bars on the beach. Come night,…
Ao Nang Beach, Krabi
The epi-centre of tourist activity/ madness. An assortment of near-identical shops selling Thai-themed tank tops/ T-shirts (Chang beer tank, any one?), counterfeit fashion, restaurants (Thai, Western, Italian, Kebabs, Indian), tours, you get the idea. There is also a Burger King,…
West Railay, Krabi
This is quite a pretty beach. There are chic resorts here.
Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Phnom Penh
Venerated mainstay along Sisowath Quay. Consists of a bar/ restaurant and a hotel. Brutally frank: Venerated? More like overated. The décor is not particularly pretty nor does it exude old-world charm, despite being a historic address. The staff can’t really…
Strawberry Park Resort, Cameron Highlands
The old stalwart of Cameron Highlands still stands on a beautiful ground full of pretty flowers. The rooms have gone through renovation and are suitable modern and spacious. I stayed in a Studio room and the bathroom was also very…
