Kuala Lumpur and Saigon via Emirates and Singapore First
Feb 18, 2024, 5:43 am
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Kuala Lumpur and Saigon via Emirates and Singapore First
Off to Malaysia and Vietnam!
With another 4 day hall pass from Mrs. SFO777 this week, I’m off on another quick round the world including wonderful Emirates and Singapore First Class, and not so wonderful Malaysia and Vietnam Airlines, plus positioning flights to/from LAX on American and Delta.
Despite the overnight Denver snow, I arrived with just enough time to visit the new Capital One Lounge in the A concourse.
Very nice.
With some tasty looking food options.
Denver DEN to Los Angeles LAX
American AA 3129
CR7
7:21a-9:10a (sked)
8:04a-9:45a (actual)
January 8, 2024
Boarding was delayed when a snow plow driver cut the water line to our plane, pulling out a valve. Fortunately, there was a replacement valve on site and our delay for only 40 minutes or so.
On board at last.
Yeah that looks cold.
So why is it that passengers don't open the shades?
First stop is deicing, a smart move after the overnight snow.
Breakfast courtesy Capital One Lounge To Go. Better than AA's snack basket.
OK folks, we're an hour into the flight and only one of you has partially opened their shade. Go figure.
As always as LAX, fake AA gets a fake terminal.
Just like PS. LOL.
A half hour later, I'm at the Avis lot where today's Presidents Club "upgrade" is one step below a semi. Good luck parking this sucker in Marina Del Rey.
For those into Instagram, my Instagram video on my AA flight to Los Angeles.
With another 4 day hall pass from Mrs. SFO777 this week, I’m off on another quick round the world including wonderful Emirates and Singapore First Class, and not so wonderful Malaysia and Vietnam Airlines, plus positioning flights to/from LAX on American and Delta.
Despite the overnight Denver snow, I arrived with just enough time to visit the new Capital One Lounge in the A concourse.
Very nice.
With some tasty looking food options.
Denver DEN to Los Angeles LAX
American AA 3129
CR7
7:21a-9:10a (sked)
8:04a-9:45a (actual)
January 8, 2024
Boarding was delayed when a snow plow driver cut the water line to our plane, pulling out a valve. Fortunately, there was a replacement valve on site and our delay for only 40 minutes or so.
On board at last.
Yeah that looks cold.
So why is it that passengers don't open the shades?
First stop is deicing, a smart move after the overnight snow.
Breakfast courtesy Capital One Lounge To Go. Better than AA's snack basket.
OK folks, we're an hour into the flight and only one of you has partially opened their shade. Go figure.
As always as LAX, fake AA gets a fake terminal.
Just like PS. LOL.
A half hour later, I'm at the Avis lot where today's Presidents Club "upgrade" is one step below a semi. Good luck parking this sucker in Marina Del Rey.
For those into Instagram, my Instagram video on my AA flight to Los Angeles.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 18, 2024 at 5:51 am
Feb 18, 2024, 5:45 am
#2
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Emirates at LAX
After running a few errands, I'm back at LAX a couple of hours later.
With no line at PreCheck, I was in the Bradley Terminal a few minutes later.
Up the Level 6 and the Emirates Lounge.
At T-50, I headed off to my gate.
After running a few errands, I'm back at LAX a couple of hours later.
With no line at PreCheck, I was in the Bradley Terminal a few minutes later.
Up the Level 6 and the Emirates Lounge.
At T-50, I headed off to my gate.
Feb 18, 2024, 5:47 am
#3
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Emirates A380 First Class to Dubai
So excited to be spending 24 hours with Emirates on my way to Kuala Lumpur. First up is Emirates’ A380 Los Angeles-Dubai flight, one of the longest nonstops in the world… at 8,339 miles and nearly 16 hours, the perfect flight time to relax, eat, drink and sleep.
Los Angeles LAX to Dubai DXB
Emirates EK 216
A380
3:35p-7:30p +1
January 8, 2024
Departed 14/14
Nice amenity kit with actual take home sizes.
Wonderful in flight service, excellent food and some marvelous wines.
Amazing Grand Cru Burgundy.
Caviar to start.
Delicious cream of mushroom soup.
Very nice...
Fabulous chicken biryani.
Wow...
And a glass of Paradis.
The best lav in the skies.
Time for bed and a wonderful 8 hours of sleep.
Today's route.
Almost over Baku, our September destination for Azerbaijan F1 race.
Instagram video of my Emirates flight to Dubai.
So excited to be spending 24 hours with Emirates on my way to Kuala Lumpur. First up is Emirates’ A380 Los Angeles-Dubai flight, one of the longest nonstops in the world… at 8,339 miles and nearly 16 hours, the perfect flight time to relax, eat, drink and sleep.
Los Angeles LAX to Dubai DXB
Emirates EK 216
A380
3:35p-7:30p +1
January 8, 2024
Departed 14/14
Nice amenity kit with actual take home sizes.
Wonderful in flight service, excellent food and some marvelous wines.
Amazing Grand Cru Burgundy.
Caviar to start.
Delicious cream of mushroom soup.
Very nice...
Fabulous chicken biryani.
Wow...
And a glass of Paradis.
The best lav in the skies.
Time for bed and a wonderful 8 hours of sleep.
Today's route.
Almost over Baku, our September destination for Azerbaijan F1 race.
Instagram video of my Emirates flight to Dubai.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 20, 2024 at 7:26 pm
Feb 18, 2024, 5:49 am
#4
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Emirates Concourse A First Class Lounge Dubai
As I stepped off the plane in the A gate concourse, I was met by an Emirates First Class representative, who escorted me down an escalator to the front of security and then by elevator upstairs to the massive A gate concourse First Class Lounge. The stars aligned tonight as both my arriving LAX flight and my departing KUL flight operated from the A gate concourse.
As batmandds and I always do, I made the rounds of the multiple bars and restaurants to check out the wine selection. And my efforts were rewarded with the discovery of a fabulous 2012 Solaia and the same wonderful 2013 Bouchard Chevalier-Montrachet I had enjoyed on board.
Time for dinner where I appear to be the only customer this evening.
OMG...
The Butter Chicken was outstanding!
A little work in one of the Business Centre private suites before headng to my flight to KL.
Instagram video of my visit to the Emirates First Class Lounge.
As I stepped off the plane in the A gate concourse, I was met by an Emirates First Class representative, who escorted me down an escalator to the front of security and then by elevator upstairs to the massive A gate concourse First Class Lounge. The stars aligned tonight as both my arriving LAX flight and my departing KUL flight operated from the A gate concourse.
As batmandds and I always do, I made the rounds of the multiple bars and restaurants to check out the wine selection. And my efforts were rewarded with the discovery of a fabulous 2012 Solaia and the same wonderful 2013 Bouchard Chevalier-Montrachet I had enjoyed on board.
Time for dinner where I appear to be the only customer this evening.
OMG...
The Butter Chicken was outstanding!
A little work in one of the Business Centre private suites before headng to my flight to KL.
Instagram video of my visit to the Emirates First Class Lounge.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 18, 2024 at 10:18 am
Feb 18, 2024, 10:13 am
#5
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Emirates First Class to Kuala Lumpur
My memorable day with Emirates continues with an outstanding 7 hour 77W flight to Kuala Lumpur, including direct boarding from the First Class Lounge. Wonderful in flight service, excellent food and more marvelous wines.
Dubai DXB to Kuala Lumpur
Emirates EK 344
777-300ER
9:40p-8:30a +1
January 9, 2024
Departed 2/8
Sure it's old First but I still love the 77W First cabin.
But of course...
After departure, a glass of another amazing Grand Cru Burgundy.
Tonight's menu...
Showtime: Emirates First Class style.
Another glass, thank you.
Wonderful Vietnamese Coconut Chicken.
Whoa, the 2014 Chateau d'Yquem...
As the cabin lights dimmed, the ceiling turned into starry starry night. And I slept for a solid 4 hours.
Less than an hour to KL.
Another gorgeous sunrise.
Instagram video of my Emirates flight to KL.
My memorable day with Emirates continues with an outstanding 7 hour 77W flight to Kuala Lumpur, including direct boarding from the First Class Lounge. Wonderful in flight service, excellent food and more marvelous wines.
Dubai DXB to Kuala Lumpur
Emirates EK 344
777-300ER
9:40p-8:30a +1
January 9, 2024
Departed 2/8
Sure it's old First but I still love the 77W First cabin.
But of course...
After departure, a glass of another amazing Grand Cru Burgundy.
Tonight's menu...
Showtime: Emirates First Class style.
Another glass, thank you.
Wonderful Vietnamese Coconut Chicken.
Whoa, the 2014 Chateau d'Yquem...
As the cabin lights dimmed, the ceiling turned into starry starry night. And I slept for a solid 4 hours.
Less than an hour to KL.
Another gorgeous sunrise.
Instagram video of my Emirates flight to KL.
Feb 18, 2024, 10:15 am
#6
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Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
OK, KL rush hour traffic is miserable.
And finally at my home for the day and night, the excellent Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
And an amazing Globalist upgrade from a basic room.
With a spectacular city view.
The GH Club Lounge.
Instagram video on the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
OK, KL rush hour traffic is miserable.
And finally at my home for the day and night, the excellent Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
And an amazing Globalist upgrade from a basic room.
With a spectacular city view.
The GH Club Lounge.
Instagram video on the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
Feb 18, 2024, 10:18 am
#7
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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Kuala Lumpur
What a delightful day in exciting Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant city filled with impressive skyscrapers and colonial (British) architecture. The Grand Hyatt is a wonderful luxury hotel in the heart of KL with amazing views of the twin Petronas Towers. The Hop On Hop Off Ronda-Ronda KL bus is the perfect way to see some of the city sites in 90 minutes.
90 minutes later, back at Petronas Towers.
A quick stop for late lunch at Bijan...
Instagram video of my day in KL.
What a delightful day in exciting Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant city filled with impressive skyscrapers and colonial (British) architecture. The Grand Hyatt is a wonderful luxury hotel in the heart of KL with amazing views of the twin Petronas Towers. The Hop On Hop Off Ronda-Ronda KL bus is the perfect way to see some of the city sites in 90 minutes.
90 minutes later, back at Petronas Towers.
A quick stop for late lunch at Bijan...
Instagram video of my day in KL.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 18, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Feb 18, 2024, 11:01 am
#9
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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Also, I believe that the train to the satellite terminal is out of service, as I had to bus in on my arrival the day before.
Feb 18, 2024, 12:16 pm
#10
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Join Date: Nov 2007
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My Evening in Kuala Lumpur
My great night in KL included two rooftop bars and a Michelin star restaurant, and all within walking distance of the Grand Hyatt. First stop was Marini's on 57, located at the Petronas Tower complex. Then off for a wonderful dinner at Michelin 1 star Beta-KL, featuring a variety of regional Malaysian food with a modern twist. And to finish, over to the Banyan Tree Hotel and the rooftop Vertigo Bar.
First stop is Petronas Towers and Marini's on 57...
A short walk from Petronas Towers is 1 Michelin star Beta-KL.
Great ambiance...
... wonderful service and food.
Today's menu...
And beverage pairing...
Yellow Conger Eel...
Smoked Duck with Pickled Radish, Tumeric and Coconut.
OMG... 0% yeast bread with Tapioco and Red Chili Emulsion.
Refreshing Watermelon with Sea Grapes and Tuhau.
Fabulous Beef Short-Ribs with Tempoyak, Mushroom Garum and Jicama.
Barranundi with Betel Leaf and Fern.
Dessert time. First up was Loyang Vol 4, with Bambangan and Coconut
Since it was just me, fascinating reading for books on the table.
And to cap an amazing meal.. Gula Melaka, with Buah Perah and Roselle. Bravo Beta-KL, truly deserving your Michelin star.
Walking off dinner...
With a short walk to the Banyan Tree Hotel.
And rooftop bar Vertigo.
Great views and ambiance.
.
My great night in KL included two rooftop bars and a Michelin star restaurant, and all within walking distance of the Grand Hyatt. First stop was Marini's on 57, located at the Petronas Tower complex. Then off for a wonderful dinner at Michelin 1 star Beta-KL, featuring a variety of regional Malaysian food with a modern twist. And to finish, over to the Banyan Tree Hotel and the rooftop Vertigo Bar.
First stop is Petronas Towers and Marini's on 57...
A short walk from Petronas Towers is 1 Michelin star Beta-KL.
Great ambiance...
... wonderful service and food.
Today's menu...
And beverage pairing...
Yellow Conger Eel...
Smoked Duck with Pickled Radish, Tumeric and Coconut.
OMG... 0% yeast bread with Tapioco and Red Chili Emulsion.
Refreshing Watermelon with Sea Grapes and Tuhau.
Fabulous Beef Short-Ribs with Tempoyak, Mushroom Garum and Jicama.
Barranundi with Betel Leaf and Fern.
Dessert time. First up was Loyang Vol 4, with Bambangan and Coconut
Since it was just me, fascinating reading for books on the table.
And to cap an amazing meal.. Gula Melaka, with Buah Perah and Roselle. Bravo Beta-KL, truly deserving your Michelin star.
Walking off dinner...
With a short walk to the Banyan Tree Hotel.
And rooftop bar Vertigo.
Great views and ambiance.
Feb 18, 2024, 12:18 pm
#11
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Malaysia Airlines Business Class to Saigon
This morning I’m off to Saigon, flying Malaysia Airlines regional Business Class on a short 90 minute flight.
Easy check-in at the exclusive Business Suite (formerly First Class) check-in area. KLIA was very user friendly with quick and easy passport control.
Passport control...
Sweet model plane collection.
The regional Business Class "Golden Lounge" is comfortable but nothing special.
Just in case you forget...
Security is at the gate and was pretty slow and inefficient.
Kuala Lumpur KUL to Saigon SGN
Malaysia MH 750
737-800
8:55am-10:00am
January 11, 2024
Departed 12/12
Once on board, pleasant and friendly cabin crew with pre departure drink service.
Major demerits for no Wi-Fi despite teasing Wi-Fi signs. Apparently all that meant was that you stream their limited movies to your personal device.
Today's breakfast menu...
Showtime: Malaysia style...
Excellent breakfast with delicious Malaysia chicken satay.
On approach to Saigon.
On time arrival and fortunately I had paid $70 for personal meet and greet service which jumped the immigration queue of 300+ using the diplomatic lane
Instagram video of my Malaysia flight to Saigon.
This morning I’m off to Saigon, flying Malaysia Airlines regional Business Class on a short 90 minute flight.
Easy check-in at the exclusive Business Suite (formerly First Class) check-in area. KLIA was very user friendly with quick and easy passport control.
Passport control...
Sweet model plane collection.
The regional Business Class "Golden Lounge" is comfortable but nothing special.
Just in case you forget...
Security is at the gate and was pretty slow and inefficient.
Kuala Lumpur KUL to Saigon SGN
Malaysia MH 750
737-800
8:55am-10:00am
January 11, 2024
Departed 12/12
Once on board, pleasant and friendly cabin crew with pre departure drink service.
Major demerits for no Wi-Fi despite teasing Wi-Fi signs. Apparently all that meant was that you stream their limited movies to your personal device.
Today's breakfast menu...
Showtime: Malaysia style...
Excellent breakfast with delicious Malaysia chicken satay.
On approach to Saigon.
On time arrival and fortunately I had paid $70 for personal meet and greet service which jumped the immigration queue of 300+ using the diplomatic lane
Instagram video of my Malaysia flight to Saigon.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 18, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Feb 18, 2024, 1:30 pm
#12
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Park Hyatt Saigon
The stunning Park Hyatt Saigon is a wonderful oasis of luxury and tranquility in this hectic city of 9 million. Classic design with beautiful decor that reminds one of a fabulous Paris hotel. Add in a exceptional Globalist upgrade and the PH Saigon was such a treat.
My drive from the airport was an eye-opener with more motorcycles and scooters than cars, and all with seemingly no traffic rules. What fun!
Park Hyatt Saigon.
Stunning decor.
Crazy Globalist upgrade on a basic free night award.
Instagram video of my stay at the Park Hyatt Saigon.
The stunning Park Hyatt Saigon is a wonderful oasis of luxury and tranquility in this hectic city of 9 million. Classic design with beautiful decor that reminds one of a fabulous Paris hotel. Add in a exceptional Globalist upgrade and the PH Saigon was such a treat.
My drive from the airport was an eye-opener with more motorcycles and scooters than cars, and all with seemingly no traffic rules. What fun!
Park Hyatt Saigon.
Stunning decor.
Crazy Globalist upgrade on a basic free night award.
Instagram video of my stay at the Park Hyatt Saigon.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 18, 2024 at 2:56 pm
Feb 18, 2024, 2:56 pm
#13
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Saigon
After settling into the Park Hyatt, I headed across the street to Hoa Tuc, one of a dozen quaint restaurants down a quiet alley.
Then navigated crazy Saigon traffic for some sightseeing.
Central Post Office.
Notre Dame Cathedral, under renovation.
After an afternoon power nap, down to the PH bar 2 Lam Son and then Grab to dinner at Cloud Nine.
Instagram video of my day and evening in Saigon.
After settling into the Park Hyatt, I headed across the street to Hoa Tuc, one of a dozen quaint restaurants down a quiet alley.
Then navigated crazy Saigon traffic for some sightseeing.
Central Post Office.
Notre Dame Cathedral, under renovation.
After an afternoon power nap, down to the PH bar 2 Lam Son and then Grab to dinner at Cloud Nine.
Instagram video of my day and evening in Saigon.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 18, 2024 at 3:57 pm
Feb 18, 2024, 3:56 pm
#14
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Vietnam Airlines Business Class to Tokyo
Finally a use for my Delta Sky Pesos!
My long 24 hour trek home to Denver starts with a 3:45am wake up and 6:20am Vietnam Airlines flight to Tokyo. Saigon airport was empty just before 5am and I was in the pleasant but dated Lotus Lounge a few minutes later.
Business Class check-in.
Rather impressive food spread at any time let alone at 5am.
My tasty sampler.
Saigon SGN to Tokyo NRT
Vietnam Airlines VN 302
A350
6:20am-1:45pm
January 12, 2024
Departed 3/24 !!
The good news is that the flight was on time, food was good and Business Class was virtually empty with only 2 other passengers.
The bad news was that I still get nightmares thinking about the dreadful seat and cabin colors. Jeez, was Stevie Wonder the decorator?
OMG, these colors are nauseating.
Not the most comfortable seats but the crew was lovely and made a bed for me in an adjacent seat to sleep later on.
Today's menu, on a photo copy paper. LOL.
And wine and drink list. Not terrible but I'm waiting for Singapore.
Still no Wifi. Not impressed.
Showtime: Vietnam Airlines style,
The kaeseki Japanese meal was surprisingly good.
On time arrival at Narita.
My Instagram video of my Vietnam Airlines flight to Tokyo Narita.
Finally a use for my Delta Sky Pesos!
My long 24 hour trek home to Denver starts with a 3:45am wake up and 6:20am Vietnam Airlines flight to Tokyo. Saigon airport was empty just before 5am and I was in the pleasant but dated Lotus Lounge a few minutes later.
Business Class check-in.
Rather impressive food spread at any time let alone at 5am.
My tasty sampler.
Saigon SGN to Tokyo NRT
Vietnam Airlines VN 302
A350
6:20am-1:45pm
January 12, 2024
Departed 3/24 !!
The good news is that the flight was on time, food was good and Business Class was virtually empty with only 2 other passengers.
The bad news was that I still get nightmares thinking about the dreadful seat and cabin colors. Jeez, was Stevie Wonder the decorator?
OMG, these colors are nauseating.
Not the most comfortable seats but the crew was lovely and made a bed for me in an adjacent seat to sleep later on.
Today's menu, on a photo copy paper. LOL.
And wine and drink list. Not terrible but I'm waiting for Singapore.
Still no Wifi. Not impressed.
Showtime: Vietnam Airlines style,
The kaeseki Japanese meal was surprisingly good.
On time arrival at Narita.
My Instagram video of my Vietnam Airlines flight to Tokyo Narita.
Last edited by SFO777; Feb 18, 2024 at 7:50 pm