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Art and soul on the River of Kings

Posted on 23/12/202209/01/2023 by admin

Travel writer John Borthwick takes us on a guided tour of Bangkok’s waterside Creative District.

I could laze for hours like a wannabe rajah, watching the Chao Phraya River’s all-day parade of barges, ferries and scuttling longtails. The one thing better to do is go exploring its Bangkok waterside bars and galleries in the what’s now known as the Creative District.

Narrow “soi” lanes, lined with traditional two-storey shophouses run down to the river from historic Charoen Krung Road. It is along these lanes that local creatives and entrepreneurs have turned a grimy auto spare-parts district into an intriguing zone of street murals, speakeasy bars and hole-in-the-wall eateries.

The Creative District is just a short distance from Saphan Taksin BTS station or the Si Phraya ferry pier. I head to it, exploring northwards from Soi 44 up to Soi 30. Here’s a little of what I find.

Sarnies Café, Soi 44. Yes, “sarnies” as in old Australian slang for a sanger, a sandwich. A once-decrepit boat repair shop has been flipped into a cool coffee and snack house. Like the original Sarnies in Singapore, this corner shop is all about proper coffee and what happens when Thai ingredients meet Aussie-style grub.

Jack’s Bar. Soi 42. Quite literally a watering hole at the end of the road, Jack’s shack teeters over “the River of Kings” at the end of Soi 42, aka Wat Suan Phlu. Think plastic chairs, cold beer and a hot afternoon fading to sunset. Add spicy eats and another cool sundowner.

Harmonique, Soi 34. Long-established Harmonique restaurant hides behind a blink-and-you-miss-it portal. Inside, a massive banyan tree shades stone-top tables and Chinese lanterns. The menu spans Thai and international fare but the ambience is the real dish.

Hidden Milkbar. Soi 32. This curious establishment is, I’m told, the interpretation by a Thai photographer who has lived in Australia of an Aussie-style milk bar. They serve shakes, drinks and snacks but I keep missing its opening hours, so the mystique grows.

BUKRUK Wall Art, Soi 32 to 28. Bangkok’s 2016 BUKRUK Urban Art festival saw artists from around the world invited to create street art here. Stroll along these connecting sois and be ambushed by the vivid results.

House No. 1, Soi 30. This neoclassical 1900’s building on Captain Bush Lane was Siam’s first official postal address. It once housed the trading company of Louis T. Leonowens, the W.A.-born son of Anna Leonowens — she of “The King and I” fame or infamy. Not open to the public.

Vhils Street Mural, Soi 30. Portugal’s elegant riverfront embassy, established in 1820 is the oldest diplomatic residence in Thailand. In 2017 the visiting Portuguese artist Vhils was given free rein along the embassy’s long street-front wall and hammered himself a brilliant place in mural history.

Warehouse 30, Soi 30. Seven renovated warehouses between Soi 32 and 30 form a hub of the creative district, encompassing boutiques, galleries, cafes and co-working spaces. Don’t miss what looks like an army disposal store that’s stacked with vintage clothing, music and eclectic memorabilia.

ATT 19 Gallery, Soi 30. An innovative family turned this century-old, former Chinese schoolhouse into a mixed-use retail, art and exhibition space. Design and fashion, plus exhibitions by emerging artists hum within its old teak and brick walls. And for life support there’s BAAB — the Bad Ass Asia Bar.

Jua, Soi 28. Jua bar lurks far down a shady lane in a former shophouse gambling den. Specialising in “artisanal” sake and tapas, it bills itself as “an American twist on a traditional Japanese yakitori joint.” Go on, investigate. Baan Rim Naam, Soi 22. Stretching along the riverfront, this reincarnated 19^th century warehouse is perfect for democratic afternoon drinks or just watching the river roll by like time. By night it gets more formal about its Thai tapas menu, cocktails and classic dishes, so book well ahead.

Koh Lanta Mangrove Tours with Pimalai Resort & Spa

Posted on 08/12/202227/12/2022 by admin

Pimalai Resort & Spa is highlighting the importance of conserving coastal mangrove habitat with a selection of private eco tours for guests.

Mangrove habitats are critical to the health of coastal areas, not only do they provide breeding conditions and nurseries for many species of tropical fish, but they also absorb massive amounts of carbon, and provide a natural barrier to erosive powers of the ocean.

The location for these three-hour tours is Yee Peng Village on the east coast of Koh Lanta where, a bridge will welcome guests and on the other side, a path takes one deep into the mangroves.

You can spend around 15 minutes exploring the mangrove forest on your own, then jump into a gondola or longboat to go through small canals sneaking into the mangrove.

Gondolas were traditionally used to transport mangrove timbers to charcoal factories. When mangrove forests became protected, Tung Yee Peng Villagers reinvented their boats for eco-tours.

Lanta Old Town was originally a sea gypsy settlement and several decades it transformed into a village influenced by trade. There are now many shops, restaurants and homes built on stilts.

The Old Town has a distinct Chinese influence and a very slow, laid-back feel. Walking around looking at the lanterns provides a sense of days gone by. There is no charge to visit Old Town Lanta Community Museum – a converted former Sheriff’s Office that was built during the reign of King Rama V which provides a glimpse of early community life in Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta Lighthouse or ‘Pat-Cha-Chote-Wa-Chi-Ra-Pa’ inside Koh Lanta National Park was in service to warn mariners of dangerous shallows and perilous rocky coasts. Visitors can climb a cliff to see the lighthouse closely and enjoy the stunning view over the two bays of the Mu Koh Lanta National Park. The lighthouse and National Park Nature trail are only a 15-minute scenic drive from Pimalai.

Pimalai conducts three-hour day and sunrise mangrove tours by gondola including transfers, tour guide, snack, tea/coffee and drinking water and three-hour tours by longboat including transfers, tour guide, kayak and drinking water.

For more information, rates and bookings visit www.pimalai.com

A Bite-Sized Tour of Big Chinatown

Posted on 23/11/202223/12/2022 by admin

Bangkok at times can seems like the Thai version a Russian babushka doll. It opens to reveal neighbourhoods within villages, villages within towns and towns within the Great City of the Angels. John Borthwick takes us on a deep dive…

Bangkok’s largest town-within-a-city by far is Yaowarat, reputedly the world’s oldest, of not largest Chinatown. Wanting to drill deeper into this complex place I join an Urban Adventures’ walking tour called “Chinatown Sights and Bites”.

We start where Chinatown’s most-visited attraction Wat Traimit, the Golden Buddha Temple, is home to a massive, five-metre, 5.5-tonne Buddha statue made almost entirely of, yes, gold. Our guide, Khun Ae turns out to be an unstoppable raconteur as he unfurls a shaggy-dog legend of the 13^th century Buddha statue’s loss (centuries ago), discovery (by whom?), disguise (beneath stucco), displacement (by flood), re-discovery (by luck), revelation (by accident) and then ultimate relocation here to Chinatown.

We head on through a maze of side streets where chillied, steaming, stir-fried aromas billow from fiery woks, pinging our lungs, eyes and appetites. Khun Ae steers us down a narrow walkway alley where painted doors open onto hobbit-size homes, to arrive at a tiny, three-table eatery. He orders bowls of tom sap, a zinging, Thai-Lao soup that stars pork, ginger, galanga and lemon grass. I leave nothing but the spoon in mine.

Powered-up, we’re soon on unsung Soi Phat Sai where the Easae tea shop, run by the same Thai-Chinese family for four generations, has served traditional brews since 1927. Taking our seats at old circular tables, we maintain traditions, old and new. There’s an abacus by the cash register, a WiFi password on the wall and, as foreigners, us fitting in perfectly by sticking out.

We roll further along to Bangkok’s largest and most important Chinese shrine, the 1871 Dragon Lotus Temple — Wat Mangkon Kamalawat. Beneath the fierce, bulging-eyed gaze of its giant warrior statues the city’s Chinese community come to make merit at the wat’s incense-clouded altars and then to have their fortunes told.

Soi Itsara Nuphap, Chinatown. Copyright, John Borthwick

Emerging from a backstreet, we’re suddenly on Chinatown’s famous main drag, Yaowarat Road, a broad, neon-blitzed thoroughfare that’s programmed to perpetually buy, sell and eat. In feng shui terms Yaowarat is a “golden dragon area” — that is, the ideal place for turning a baht or buck. Or preferably a million of either. If Chinatown is a golden dragon, this is its jewelled spine.

Beside apothecaries, goldsmiths and Blade Runner-style alleys we snack on delicious skewers of grilled pork and chicken fresh from a street hawker’s cart. Exotica aside, busy Yaowarat is the engine-room of the thriving Thai-Chinese economy and, in truth, is much more about high finance and trade than the Orientalism of its street show.

I can’t eat another thing, which is fine because we’re leaving behind Yaowarat’s endless progressive feast. Our final destination will be mojitos, not food. At the venerable Grand China hotel we take a lift and then follow Ae up narrow stairs to a little-known roof bar where the view of sunset across the Bangkok skyline is the real attraction. In a city that’s home to a dozen lofty sky bars boasting 360-degree views and flocks of trending mixologists, the Grand China’s less celebrated watering hole is, to be generous, only 50 percent as flash — but gloriously so. At half the altitude (23^rd floor), with half the view (only 180-degrees) and drinks at half the price, it might just be twice the fun.

Surviving Suvarnabhumi, the Secrets of Bangkok Airport

Posted on 15/11/202223/12/2022 by admin

Travel writer John Borthwick shares his top tips for navigating Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport, aka Bangkok Airport, is pronounced in elegant, Thai-style tones as Soo-wanna-poom. And not phonetically as blunt Sue Varna Boomy. Alternatively, is known among many expats by the nickname, “Swampy”. Ironically so, since the airport was built on a former wetland known as the Cobra Swamp.

Where is it?

Well-designed and well-run Suvarnabhumi is 35km by road from central Bangkok. The easiest way to reach it is by the Airport Link train from downtown Makkasan or Phaya Thai stations. The 26-minute trip costing 45 baht (A$1.80) delivers you to the basement level of the airport. Alternatively, a taxi that takes a little, or much, longer depending on traffic, costs around 400 baht (A$16) and brings you right to the Departures hall doors.

The Big Picture

The terminal which opened in 2006 is a long, low structure that resembles a series of angular, wave-like forms. The world’s tallest free-standing control tower looms 132 metres over it. Departures, at the highest of the airport’s five levels, occupies an open-plan space with high ceilings. As Thailand’s principal domestic and international air hub, and servicing over 65 million passengers a year, Suvarnabhumi gets busy and is vast, so plan accordingly. It is wheelchair-friendly, has electric transfer buggies (by arrangement), lifts to all levels and accessible toilets. Face masks are not required.

Departure Checking-In

Check-in rows for the multiple airlines stretch across the entire, length of the Departures level. Signage in English and information screens direct you to the appropriate row. Traffic flow is efficient but Suvarnabhumi is very spread-out so take account of the long walking distances in the full departure sequence. If you’ve purchased eligible duty-free goods and hold the necessary VAT refund papers you need to have the items inspected (don’t pack them in your checked luggage) and have the forms certified while you are still “landside”. That is, before passing through Security and Immigration. This VAT processing desk is at the far righthand end of the Departures hall.

Security

After checking-in you proceed upstairs to Security at the mezzanine level and then down to Immigration, where queues can be long. Tip: towards the righthand end of the Departures hall is a dedicated but low-key entrance for Buddhist monks, infirm passengers and “Over 70” seniors, including foreigners. Definitely use it if you’re eligible. Security is thorough and polite, and involves the usual laptops out, belts off, no liquids, and similar shakedown. But it doesn’t end there. Later, at the boarding gate to Australia-bound flights (and selected others) there is a final, manual inspection of carry-on items for all passengers. Again, allow plenty of time.

Killing Time

Having cleared Immigration you descend a wide ramp, at the foot of which is a long, large, colourful sculpture from Hindu (not Buddhist) mythology depicting an episode called the Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Other than this there are few features of Thai cultural note, with shopping and imbibing being the main events. If shopping bores you, head to an airline lounge should you have access. Free WiFi is available in most areas.

Booze and chews

“Landside” (before Security and Immigration) on level three there are numerous restaurants, bars and cafes. Similar outlets are also located “airside”, offering Japanese, Western, Korean, fast-food franchises and of course Thai food.

Water fountain for able and disabled users, at Suvanabhum Airport.

Retail Ambush

After Immigration if you’re eligible for a duty-free goods refund present your paperwork at the dedicated VAT desk. You’ll be paid in Thai baht, which you can then spend on more duty-free goods such as spirits, electronics, photographic gear, cosmetics and the usual brand-name apparel, although nothing is notably cheap. Several large outlets specialise Thai handicrafts, souvenirs, silks and packaged foods.

Other Stuff

Baggage storage: if you’re in transit or for whatever reason need to store luggage, there are two Left Luggage counters, at Level two and Level Four. 100THB/day per item. Level Two (Arrivals) has rows of bank counters, car hire offices, ATMs, SIM card sales outlets and hotel booking booths. If departing from the airport to the city or other Thai towns, head downstairs to the taxis and coaches on the ground floor, or further down to the basement for the Airport Link train. Also at this lowest level are money changing booths offering probably the best rates you’ll find anywhere, as well as short-term sleeping accommodation. More: bangkokairport.net

Thailand’s Ten Best Beaches

Posted on 15/10/202202/11/2022 by admin

Guest blogger John Borthwick gets plenty of sand between his toes in researching the best of the Kingdom’s shoreline.

Ao Manao, Prachuap Khiri Khan. The postcard-perfect arc of Ao Manao, or “Lime Bay” — aptly named for its pale-green waters — sits just south of Prachuap Khiri Khantown. The sands are wide, the waters clear and small beachfront eateries dish up fresh soft-shell crabs and tom yam soup.

Rock-climbing at Railay Beach — Railay Beach, Krabi

Rai Leh Beach, Krabi. Rai Leh (aka Railay) sits on isolated Phra Nang peninsula, a longtail boat ride from Ao Nang. Towering limestone heights and turquoise depths attract spider-persons who climb Rai Leh’s vertical cliffs. Meanwhile other visitors just want to wallow in the general, Andaman Sea beauty.

Aow Yai beach and Andaman Sea, Ko Phayam island, Ranong.

Ao Yai Beach, Koh Phayam, Ranong. Little Phayam Island floats off Thailand’s west coast, seemingly in the Sea of Amnesia. Its gem, Ao Yai Beach offers three km of wide, sands, an easy shorebreak and monsoon season surf. Late afternoon gets gorgeous when the cicadas and the sunset crank up their volumes.

Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Koh Lanta, Krabi. Sit below a fire-and-brimstone sunset, looking west from Ba Kan Tiang’s swoop of pure sand and water music, and you know why you came to Koh Lanta. “The island of long beaches” has many but this one also offers good accommodation plus views of the uninhabited Koh Haa islets.

Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani. Samui has plenty of beaches, with long, broad Chaweng and next door, the smaller Lamai being the most popular ones. The Gulf waters are clear and calm, the sands are well stocked with trinket peddlers and there are bars, restaurants and shops galore if that’s what you’ve come for.

Hat Sai Khao, Koh Chang, Trat. Also known as White Sand Beach (“Off-White Sand Beach” might be a more accurate), Hat Sai Khao is a sweeping shoreline on the country’s second largest island. With ample accommodation and commerce it is made for a seafood-eating, novel-reading, do-little sort of holiday.

Jomtien Beach, Chonburi. Jomtien is your retreat when the partying at nearby Pattaya becomes too much, or you just want more space on the sand. Five-km long Jomtien has cleaner water, whiter sands and fewer motorised aquatic dangers than its neighbour. And when the sun goes down there is much good dining at the beachfront row eateries.

Mai Khao Beach, Phuket. Stretching along the northwest coast of Phuket, and far from the clamorous Patong-Karon-Kata strip, you’ll find Mai Khao (“White Wood”) Beach. This 17-km skein of dreams is the sort of shore where beachcombing careers are made. More importantly, it is also a national park and sea turtle-nesting zone.

Na Dan Beach, Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Remember when a beach was a beach and not a shopping mall with sand? Na Dan is stilllike that — no hawkers, looning power craft or hectares of rental chairs. Remote and dreamy, it remains palm-fringed with nine km of shoreline and vast blue skies above.

Natai Beach, Phang Nga. Cross Saladan Bridge at the northern tip of Phuket and you enter another world, mainland Phang Nga province, a place of long, casuarina-shaded beaches and small rural towns. Here the empty, snoozy Andaman shore of Natai Beach is home to a turtle sanctuary, seafood stalls and tranquility.

Beach Survival Tips

— Rips. Andaman waters can appear deceptively calm but there are often currents and undertows. Fatalities happen. Almost no beaches have lifeguards.

— Jetskis. Unsuspecting tourists are frequently forced to pay for mythical “damages” by unscrupulous jet-ski hirers, notably in Pattaya and Phuket. Simply do not hire or use one.

— Speedboats. Popular beaches in Pattaya, Phuket and elsewhere are alive with transfer speedboats, parasailer tow craft, banana boats and jetskis. Injuries happen. Use a swimming enclosure with pontoons if there is one.

Words and photographs © John Borthwick 2020

JW Marriott redefines luxury in Khao Lak

Posted on 29/09/202208/10/2022 by admin

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa is embarking on a new era of luxury hospitality in southern Thailand, as it unveils a newly transformed five-star beachfront retreat.

The resort has been reimagined with new activities, experiences, restaurants, bars, and accommodation, with a vision to become a “destination within a destination”.

An hour’s drive north of Phuket, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa has revealed a significant extension: 76 Deluxe Lagoon Pool View Rooms, 28 Deluxe Lagoon Pool Access Rooms, 20 Family Pool Access Studios, two One-Bedroom Villas and a Two-Bedroom Villa.

With seamless, naturally lit living spaces, lush gardens and a private pool, the 140-square metre Two-Bedroom Villa will be a heavenly hideaway for families, friends, couples and honeymooners seeking a private space to unwind together.

The new accommodation is complemented by fresh facilities, including a pool, which at 2.4km, is the longest in Southeast Asia. With water slides, wave pools and a fountain trampoline, there are water features for all ages.

With 11 dining and social venues, the resort is a culinary destination in its own right. This portfolio of restaurants now includes DRIFT Beach Bar & Grill.

With a fitness centre, water sports, cultural classes, and the serene Quan Spa the resort offers leisure facilities to suit everyone. The kids’ club offers an array of entertaining and educational activities, inspired by southern Thai culture and offshore excursions to the idyllic Similan and Surin islands provide an opportunity for guests to experience some of the best snorkelling spots in Thailand.

The recent renovation has also created an outstanding new option for the MICE sector with a brand-new JW Grand Ballroom that can host up to 800 guests for corporate conferences, special events, and one-of-a-kind weddings.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa will soon be complemented by a sister property, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort Suites: 52 two-bedroom suites, which will add another element of spacious and flexible accommodation to this ever-evolving destination.

More information HERE.

Update 23 September 2022

Posted on 23/09/202228/09/2022 by admin

Sawasdee ka everyone…

What is happening in TAT?

Our new Director, Mrs. Busakorn Prommanot, also known as Khun Apple, has finally arrived in Sydney last week having gone through a lengthy Australian visa processing. If you’d like to meet with her or give her a warm welcome, please reach out to Busakorn Prommanotdirector@thailand.net.au.
TAT will release The MICHELIN Guide Thailand at the end of this year. For 2023, The MICHELIN Guide Thailand will feature for the first time Northeast Thailand or Isan – to be represented by the four key cities of Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen – in addition to Bangkok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Phang-nga. These four cities have been selected to represent the Northeast region’s distinctive and flavourful cuisine, as well as its remarkable natural and cultural heritage.

Destination Highlight: Kamala Beach, Phuket

First thing that comes to mind when we talk about Kamala Beach would be the ultra-luxury resorts. That’s how this beach got its nickname, the Millionaire’s Mile. Kamala Beach is a tranquil beach on the west coast of Phuket, popular with families and travellers who prefer a quiet holiday. Kamala’s location is perfect, only 6km north of the busy and action packed Patong and just south of Laem Singh beach. Kamala was originally a small fishing village, with the local population being mainly Muslim. Over the years Kamala has also become a popular destination for retirees and long-term visitors that stay in the small hotels, villas, and apartment rentals.

The fishing village atmosphere remains, and it’s not unusual to see local fishermen casting their nets. Until recently the nightlife at Kamala was rather laidback with a few reggae bars and restaurants, however with the opening of Café Del Mar Beach Club and HQ Phuket Beach lounge the nightlife here has certainly ramped up.

Product Highlight: Andara Resort & Villas Phuket

One of Phuket’s beloved resorts keeps guests returning year after year for a reason. This lavish, spacious hideaway is situated on the west coast of the island in Kamala Bay. Offering a collection of oversized one to four-bedroom suites, most with private pools and ultra-luxe 3 -6-bedroom pool villas complete with your own private chef and villa attendant. We recommend taking advantage of the multi-bedroom suites and bringing your besties along for a stay in the popular pool suite, with 200-400 sq. metres of privacy including a spacious indoor lounge/dining room area. You want to make sure you don’t miss the daily poolside cocktail specials at the main resort pool, and bespoke wellness treatments at Andara Spa. The resort even has its own yacht, The Celebrity, ready for private charters in the beautiful Andaman Sea. If you want to know more, check out Andara Resort Video.

Kind Regards,

TAT Oceania

InterContinental Khao Yai Resort evokes the golden age of train travel

Posted on 15/09/202210/10/2022 by admin

The InterContinental Khao Yai Resort has opened its doors, welcoming guests to explore the golden age of train travel.

To celebrate the opening, the resort has curated a wide range of enriching experiences and outdoor adventures designed to uncover the secrets of the destination.

Transported Back in Time

The resort was designed by award-winning designer Bill Bensley, who was inspired by the region’s history as gateway for rail transportation to Northeast Thailand during King Rama V’s reign. On arrival, guests are ushered to a check-in area styled like a ticket counter, where a stationmaster bell rings to welcome them and they are served a glass of yellow dragon fruit juice, a fruit the area is famous for.

Adorned with railway memorabilia – from vintage trunks to old tickets – the arrival area sets the stage for the rest of the stay, and each of the 45 rooms in the main buildings is adorned with wall hangings inspired by the vintage railway signs that once hung in train stations around the province.

Curated Experiences

Developed exclusively for Intercontinental guests, the resort offers a series of curated adventures through Khao Yai’s lush mountains and landscapes. Highlights include Welcome to Khao Yai, visiting to Baan Sa Nam Sai, one of the oldest communities in the area, Khao Yai Life & Legends, a chance to experience the traditional way of life here, visiting the Tha Maprang community, or the ‘Tour de Khao Yai,’ cycling around the resort and its surrounds.

Experience-Led Dining

With a focus on culinary expertise and the use of locally sourced, organic produce, the resort offers an eclectic selection of authentic culinary experiences. Somying’s Kitchen is a farm-to-table concept; with most ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own organic farm, whilst local farmers will also contribute to the pantry. Tea Carriage, set in a heritage railcar, offers a formal afternoon tea set with optional Champagne, rosé or sparkling wine pairings, as well as a selection of Signature Iced Coffees and Teas.

Transformative Wellbeing

Complimentary stretching, Hatha Yoga & Pilates group classes are on offer, whilst a Resident Healer will guide guests through their personal wellness journeys. A Cross-Fit-inspired fitness centre overlooks views of Swan Lake and a series of jogging and cycling tracks wind through the resort.

A Commitment to Sustainable Stays

Sustainability has remained a key priority since the construction stage of InterContinental Khao Yai Resort; Bill Bensley and his design team made use of locally sourced materials and upcycled train carriages in the resort design, in line with BENSLEY’s pledge to create sustainable hotel design solutions.

In line with IHG’s commitment to reduce plastic waste by removing bathroom miniatures, InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is one of the first in Thailand to introduce European luxury brand Byredo in a full-size format. Wooden keycards and biodegradable eco-friendly cleaning products will be used across the resort, whilst the culinary team work closely with farms in the region to source seasonal ingredients and minimise food waste.

Later this year, a French brasserie and speakeasy bar will be added to the selection of dining offerings, with a spa and the brand’s signature Planet Trekkers programme further enhancing the guest experience. A range of 19 railcar suites and villas will also be unveiled.

More information HERE.

Update 9 September 2022

Posted on 09/09/202210/09/2022 by admin

Sawasdee ka.

Did you know that yesterday was R U OK day? A day when we are reminded to start a meaningful conversation whenever you spot the signs that someone you care about might be struggling with life. Everyone (including children) can have these R U OK conversations; you don’t need any qualification. Listening and giving someone your time might just be what they need to help them through. Hope we all can be aware and do our part.

Destination Highlight – Pattaya

We’ve covered Pattaya previously, but since our recent trip is still fresh in mind, we’d like to cover some attractions that will give you reasons to (re)visit Pattaya.

Have you been to Sanctuary of Truth? It is not a temple; the place is best described as a visionary environment: part art installation, religious shrine, and cultural monument. It is made entirely of wood (no metal nails) and commanding celestial view of the ocean. To me personally, the place gave a sort of calming energy. What’s incredible are the stories and teachings that make you reflect – thus the name of the place, Sanctuary of Truth.

How about Nong Nooch Garden? It is one of the largest botanical gardens we’ve been. If you are into gardening, you will be blown away with the variety of plantations they house. Their Dinosaur Valley would drop your jaw even if you’re not a dinosaur enthusiast. More than 100 species of dinosaurs were moulded to excite tourists; the place will certainly take you back in time.

Product Highlight – Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Seeking a top-notch summer / family holiday?

Beachfront
Amazing waterpark
Family luxury hotel
Family club lounge
Outdoor play area that features three-level playground (slides, trampoline, raft game, playground tower, and a digging pit.)
Indoor play area features arts and craft, junior cooking class.
The Lost World Adventure Land was just launched August 2022; you can zipline and navigate your way across a choice of two obstacle courses in the sky.

I’d say a family could easily spend a week within the property without needing to go outside. They are an absolute entertainment centre for those who love enjoying the sun, water, soft adventure, with lots of fun family activities to be had. Certainly, is one of our top household’s favourites.

Have a good weekend everyone.