Kuala Lumpur and Saigon

via Emirates and Singapore First Class

January 2024

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 as the snow plow crew 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 my Presidents Club "upgrade" is one step below a semi, perfect for parking in LA.

For those into Instagram, my Instagram video on my AA flight to Los Angeles.

Emirates at LAX

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.

Emirates First Class to Dubai

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 Bordeaux.

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.

Emirates First Class Lounge at DXB

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 always 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.

Emirates First Class to Kuala Lumpur

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.

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

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.

Kuala Lumpur

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.

Evening in Kuala Lumpur

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.

And an Instagram video of my evening in KL.

Malaysia Airlines to Saigon

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.

Park Hyatt Saigon

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.