Thailand........... the Land of Smiles
Recently, I travelled to Thailand from July 31 to August 4 for a short holiday with a group of friends. Prior to leaving on this vacation it was necessary for me to attend the Australian embassy here in Hong Kong to renew my passport which to meet was a joyous occasion. For a person who suffered a flying phobia all of my life up until 3 years ago when it became possible to travel, you can imagine my delight at having to renew my passport having filled up all 32 pages of the previous one with stamps from different countries that I have visited since the start of 2006. Needless to say, I've gotten 64 page one this time as these days I am always ready and eager to hop on a plane to any destination as flying has become an absolute delight rather than a terrifying experience.
The Kingdom of Thailand includes an irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, ruins of ancient kingdoms, inspiring temples, breathtaking natural beauty and renowned hospitality. No wonder Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in South-east Asia. From the pounding dance clubs of Bangkok, the tranquil villages along the Mekong River, the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, Thailand has something on offer for every traveller.
Landing in Bangkok on a Thursday afternoon and proceeding to the Banyan Tree Hotel after a short limousine ride I was immediately impressed by the warmth, friendliness and carefree charm expressed by the Thai people.
Staying on the 56th floor I had a great view of the surrounding city and precincts. Bangkok became Thailand's capital in 1782. Prior to that it was an outlying district of Thonburi, a trading post in the mid-18th-century. The government of the day seeing that Bangkok was close to Siams capital, Ayuthaya, and noting Bangkok's military significance built a fortress there on the banks of the Chao Phraya and suspended their huge iron chain across the river to block unwelcome arrivals. In modern times, Bangkok grew and numerous roadways were added and the constitutional government established. Today Bangkok is noted as a financial hub of mainland Southeast Asia.
After visiting Bangkok we departed for Phuket province a short flight to the south. The Pearl of the South in the land of smiles, Phuket is Thailand's largest and most visited island. The economy revolves around tourism but still retains its loyalty to real Thailand culture.
Formerly called Ko Thalang, Phuket combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of the Southern Thais as well as the Chao Leh, a seminomadic, seafaring people who rely on fishing and boat building. The island's location on the main sea trade route between China and India historically raised the importance of Phuket as a trading station and fishing centre. In more modern times, rubber farming was introduced to Phuket. This industry drew other ethnic groups including Chinese immigrants and southern Thai Muslims. Thailand is one of the largest exporters of rubber in the world.
In more recent times, the 2004 tsunami wreaked havoc on the island's southwestern and western coasts and took many lives. Some of the damage is still evident although it appears that Phuket has recovered well from this natural disaster. In September 2007 a budget airlines plane crashed at Phuket airport. The tragic accident temporarily closed the airport at that time.
I stayed in a Lagoon villa at the Banyan Tree Hotel at Laguna resort. These villas are large and have their own very private swimming pool. Mine also had a rear access from the courtyard to a small jetty landing on the lagoon where guests could relax in banana lounges. My stay there was extremely pleasant and my compliments go to all of the Banyan Tree's staff for their great service. While staying at the Laguna resort were also able to venture out and explore some of Phuket including massage and spa at the palatial Sukko Spa in Amphur Muang, the Patong Beach area where we dined most nights and were able to sample some of the night life and shopping. If anyone is looking for good places to eat then Baan Rim Pa and the Savoey at Patong Beach as well as the Watermark restaurant at the boat Lagoon Marina at Muang deserve a mention.
Returning back to Hong Kong on a Thai Airways flight wasn't all that bad either or too hard to handle. When I walked into the front of the Thai Airways flight and saw the new capsule seating with the wide aisles, I could have been forgiven for thinking that I was in a Gold Class theatre somewhere. The words "I'm impressed" kept coming into my mind.
We plan another holiday to Thailand soon, this time to Chiang Mai as we are keen to experience nor all that wonderful Thai culture. For me, will be another opportunity at whittling away at those 64 pages in my new passport.
Until next time, don’t forget to wipe………………………..
The Kingdom of Thailand includes an irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, ruins of ancient kingdoms, inspiring temples, breathtaking natural beauty and renowned hospitality. No wonder Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in South-east Asia. From the pounding dance clubs of Bangkok, the tranquil villages along the Mekong River, the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, Thailand has something on offer for every traveller.
Landing in Bangkok on a Thursday afternoon and proceeding to the Banyan Tree Hotel after a short limousine ride I was immediately impressed by the warmth, friendliness and carefree charm expressed by the Thai people.
Staying on the 56th floor I had a great view of the surrounding city and precincts. Bangkok became Thailand's capital in 1782. Prior to that it was an outlying district of Thonburi, a trading post in the mid-18th-century. The government of the day seeing that Bangkok was close to Siams capital, Ayuthaya, and noting Bangkok's military significance built a fortress there on the banks of the Chao Phraya and suspended their huge iron chain across the river to block unwelcome arrivals. In modern times, Bangkok grew and numerous roadways were added and the constitutional government established. Today Bangkok is noted as a financial hub of mainland Southeast Asia.
After visiting Bangkok we departed for Phuket province a short flight to the south. The Pearl of the South in the land of smiles, Phuket is Thailand's largest and most visited island. The economy revolves around tourism but still retains its loyalty to real Thailand culture.
Formerly called Ko Thalang, Phuket combines Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of the Southern Thais as well as the Chao Leh, a seminomadic, seafaring people who rely on fishing and boat building. The island's location on the main sea trade route between China and India historically raised the importance of Phuket as a trading station and fishing centre. In more modern times, rubber farming was introduced to Phuket. This industry drew other ethnic groups including Chinese immigrants and southern Thai Muslims. Thailand is one of the largest exporters of rubber in the world.
In more recent times, the 2004 tsunami wreaked havoc on the island's southwestern and western coasts and took many lives. Some of the damage is still evident although it appears that Phuket has recovered well from this natural disaster. In September 2007 a budget airlines plane crashed at Phuket airport. The tragic accident temporarily closed the airport at that time.
I stayed in a Lagoon villa at the Banyan Tree Hotel at Laguna resort. These villas are large and have their own very private swimming pool. Mine also had a rear access from the courtyard to a small jetty landing on the lagoon where guests could relax in banana lounges. My stay there was extremely pleasant and my compliments go to all of the Banyan Tree's staff for their great service. While staying at the Laguna resort were also able to venture out and explore some of Phuket including massage and spa at the palatial Sukko Spa in Amphur Muang, the Patong Beach area where we dined most nights and were able to sample some of the night life and shopping. If anyone is looking for good places to eat then Baan Rim Pa and the Savoey at Patong Beach as well as the Watermark restaurant at the boat Lagoon Marina at Muang deserve a mention.
Returning back to Hong Kong on a Thai Airways flight wasn't all that bad either or too hard to handle. When I walked into the front of the Thai Airways flight and saw the new capsule seating with the wide aisles, I could have been forgiven for thinking that I was in a Gold Class theatre somewhere. The words "I'm impressed" kept coming into my mind.
We plan another holiday to Thailand soon, this time to Chiang Mai as we are keen to experience nor all that wonderful Thai culture. For me, will be another opportunity at whittling away at those 64 pages in my new passport.
Until next time, don’t forget to wipe………………………..
posted by Alan at
11:42 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home