DECEMBER 2011

Amazing Thailand

Thailand is a wondrous kingdom, featuring Buddhist temples, exotic wildlife, and spectacular islands. Along with a fascinating history and a unique culture that includes delectable Thai food and massage, Thailand features a modern capital city, and friendly people who epitomize Thailand’s “land of smiles” reputation. Located in the center of Southeast Asia, Thailand is truly at the heart of the region. A map of Thailand will reveal a country whose borders form the rough shape of an elephant’s head: the head and ears forming the mostly landlocked northern and eastern provinces and the trunk extending down the Malaysian peninsula between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The geography of Thailand features many natural borders with neighboring countries: a mountainous border with Myanmar (Burma) to the north and west; a long stretch of the Mekong River separating Thailand from Laos to the north and east; and the Mekong River and the Dongrak Mountains delineating the border of Cambodia to the east. Covering an area of approximately 200,000 sq miles, Thailand is the 50th largest country in the world.

Thailand Weather
Thailand has a tropical climate and temperatures typically range 66-100 degrees Farhenheit. Monsoon rains fall predominately from May to July and cooler, drier weather occurs around November and December. Despite the geographical boundaries of Thailand all falling within the tropics, Thailand’s four primary regions are each geographically distinct from each other. The weather in Thailand is generally hot and humid: typical of its location within the tropics. Thailand can be divided into three general seasons: “hot” season, rainy season, and “cool” season, though Thailand’s geography allows visitors to find suitable weather somewhere in the country throughout the year. Fortunately for beach lovers, Thailand’s two coasts have slightly different rainy seasons, allowing visitors to find sunny beaches nearly year round. On the Andaman or west coast, where Phuket, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands lie, the southwest monsoon brings heavy storms from April to October, while on the Gulf of Thailand or east coast, where Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao lie, the most rain falls between September and December. While the monsoon on the west coast brings a fairly steady season of continual rain that forces businesses outside the major tourist destinations to shut their doors for the season, the east coast storms are more similar to the north’s, generally sunny days with occasionally heavy downpours.

The Nature of Thailand
Thailand is a country with abundant natural resources, including a wide variety of flora and fauna, and distinct ecological zones. There are over 100 Thailand national parks, including more than 20 marine parks, and each park features unique attractions, outstanding facilities, and opportunities to see animals in Thailand. Those interested in trekking, mountain biking, photography, birding, camping, scuba diving, or getting up close to exotic animals in Thailand have many options to choose from.
A visit to a Thailand beach or one of the many Thailand islands is an opportunity for visitors to relax, experience exotic marine life, or even learn to scuba dive. However, across Thailand, whether at a beach, island, or Thailand National Park visitors will discover unique flora and fauna and distinct ecological zones, from the temperate forests of the northern mountains and the plains of central Thailand to the savannahs of the northeast and the mangrove forests of the southern coasts. Animals in Thailand include not only elephants and monkeys but also bears and whale sharks, the world’s largest fish. A visit to a Thai beach is often the highlight of a trip to Thailand, with favorite destinations including Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, and Krabi.

The People of the “Land of Smiles”
While the official Thai language is widely spoken throughout Thailand, many Thais also speak and understand English, though more so in Bangkok and the major tourist areas.  As visitors to Thailand also include many Europeans and other Asians, Thai people’s language skills often also include these other languages to varying degrees.  The Thai language itself is challenging to master, but Thai people are happy to help foreigners learn a few words to help them get around.  However, English is typically the common currency for cross-cultural conversation as Thailand hosts visitors from around the world.
Roughly 95% of the Thai people are practitioners of Theravada Buddhism, the official religion of Thailand, religious tolerance is both customary in Thailand. Buddhism, which is based on the teachings of the Buddha, “the enlightened one” is a compassionate and tolerant religion, the aim of which is the alleviation of suffering. Consequently, Thai people are very respectful of the religious beliefs of others and are very open toward discussing their Buddhist values with visitors. In fact, there are many opportunities in Thailand to visit Buddhist temples to learn about or study Buddhism and perhaps to learn to meditate.

Keeping Informed
With the recent flooding in Thailand, it is important to keep informed. Visit www.thailandtourismupdate.com for the most up-to-date news and flood information. There are many places you can travel very safely to, and have a normal, wonderful Thai holiday. Chiang Mai is functioning perfectly as usual, and open for business, as are all the fabulous beach resorts in the south. While several major tourist attractions in a few central provinces have been temporarily closed due to the floods, they represent a very small portion of the many thousands of tourist attractions throughout Thailand.
For more information about traveling to Thailand, please visit www.tourismthailand.org

NOVEMBER 2011

Thailand’s Songkran Festival, Spas, and Green Tourism

By Marian Goldberg
I went to Thailand for the Songkran Festival, but I fell in love with the country’s spa and wellness culture, and I learned more about its Green Tourism initiatives.
Songkran (www.songkran.net) is the Thai New Year, but it’s a little bit different from the frigid and blustery New Year that we have in the Northeastern United States. First of all, it’s not in January. The 2012 dates are April 13-15. Secondly, of course you do not have worry about snow, but look out for water! Not rain but water pistols, water balloons, and even buckets of water. Everyone is celebrating the sun’s shift from one zodiac to another and the beginning of the solar year with a chance to cool off in H2O.
At one New Year’s Eve soirée in Bangkok, although dressed in my finest, I enjoyed the water with my feet. I took off my shoes and meandered along the wet grass between the tables of traditional craft-makers and food and drink stalls. The cool water seeping through the spaces between my toes was utterly soothing to my hot, tired feet that had spent the daytime hours exploring Bangkok’s historic Grand Palace and Wat Po, also known as the “Temple of the Reclining Buddha” and dodging exuberant locals’ make-shift plastic water bottle sprayers along Khaosan Road.
I grabbed a green coconut with a short plastic straw and a plate piled with spicy Thai noodles, and moved closer to the platform stage, where Thai festival music blared through portable speakers. I was fortunate enough to negotiate a spot on a white folding chair just in time for the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre performance of the Hun Lakhon Lek, a classic Thai small puppet play. What a treat! Not only does this troupe remain the sole guardian of this dying art form, but the performers even had their puppets come over and hug individual members of our group after the show!

Spa and Massage
When it comes to wellness tourism, two places come to my mind – Japan for its natural mineral hot spring baths and Thailand for its culture of massage. It seemed every place we turned – hotels and resorts, of course, but even hospitals, mall beauty product specialty shops, and day spas located on floors in nondescript buildings that looked like city office towers, offered massage services. We even visited Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School (www.watpomassage.com) in a 1950s style building on the compound of Wat Po. This is the first traditional Thai medical school certified by the Thai Ministry of Education. It teaches and certifies students, age 18 and up, currently from 135 countries, in traditional Thai massage. Most courses are taught in English and tourists can study on two week or longer holiday-learn vacations. Between 10,000 - 20,000 students enroll per year. I met the CEO/Director, Mr. Serat Tangtrongchit, who in 2012 will have been with the school for 50 years. He was originally a pharmacist, who received his Master’s Degree from Brooklyn College in New York.
Other Spas where I experienced varying massages included Spa Botanica (www.sukhothai.com/spa) at the Sukhothai hotel, where guests can choose mild, medium or deep tissue pressure point massage, Thann Spa and Tea Café at the Geysorn Plaza mall (www.thann.info), where I first was introduced to their amazing spa and aromatherapy products that I would later find ubiquitous in Europe. At Thann, I was especially impressed with the background of the therapist. She had studied massage in several countries, but she also went through Thann’s own rigorous training course. She was very fastidious about evaluating my “condition” before I selected my specialized massage therapy.
I also inspected the cosmetic medical treatment facilities at Bangkok Hospital (www.thailandmedtourism.com). Rooms were decorated with a homey décor and reminded me of the interior design at the former New York birthing centers where I had my children 12 and 16 years ago. My favorite spa treatment was at S Medical Spa (www.smedspa.com). The therapist stood up behind me and leaned back with all her body weight as she pulled my arms behind my head. She rubbed her thumbs intensely into my soft flesh to reach the buried muscle. The pain was intense, and I had to breathe in and out deeply. But, when it was over I glowed. I don’t think I felt that good in years!
Our small group left Bangkok and traveled north about three hours to the Six Senses Resort at Hua Hin (www.sixsenses.com/Evason-Hua-Hin). Here we enjoyed private villas with our own private cabanas and pools. The spa here used purely natural ingredients – freshly ground cucumber and carrots for facials, and stone ground coffee for my coffee body scrub. I felt thoroughly rejuvenated after the body scrub, but I think my skin got a natural coffee tan, and I smelled like my kitchen after brewing coffee for a Sunday brunch gathering with my friends. At the Barai at Hua Hin (www.thebarai.com) I learned about the meditative qualities of design. Designed to reflect a Turkish bath, I was intensely affected by the play of light and shadow through mini geometric windows carved into red-ochre cement. Most memorable was the organic lunch and smoothie chosen to match my treatment type – water, fire, earth or sky and the view from the restaurant terrace to the quiet beach, where the waves subtly coasted to shore.

Green Tourism
At a press conference at the end of my visit, Thailand announced its new “Green Tourism Initiative” with a speech by Ms. Supaporn Prach-Umpai of TEATA, the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (www.teata.or.th). TEATA’s 65-Member Specialist Tour Operators all strive toward sustainable tourism promotion with the principals of minimizing the impact of their tourism on the natural environment, conserving nature and culture, supporting and encouraging local involvement, and practicing effective tourism management for social and economic sustainability. TEATA has also designated Green certification for: hotels, restaurants, community, tour guides, and tour operators, and they are promoting destination and theme routes. These area theme routes include: Central: Prajuab Khirikhan, Petchaburi, Samut Songkram, focusing on Canal Life of Yesteryear and Flavors and Fragrances of Central Thailand; North: Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, focusing on Wisdom and Wellness and the Cultural Crossroads; Northeast: Korat, Surin and Ubon Rachatani, focusing on Silk Roads of Siam and Zest of Isaan; and the South: Krabi, Surrathani, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, focusing on the Fascinating Fishermen’s Life. Further information on this initiative can be obtained from the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) offices in North America. Visit www.tourismthailand.org/us or call 212-432-0433.

MAY 2011 FEATURE

Thai the Knot

Whether your clients are looking for the perfect backdrop to hold their nuptials or an ideal honeymoon retreat, this year the Tourism Authority of Thailand is actively seeking out new ways to place their Kingdom at the top of the list for that fairytale wedding. In February, the TAT invited renowned wedding industry personality Jacqueline Johnson to give a special seminar at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre. Ms. Johnson shared insight on the latest wedding and honeymoon trends, including projected spending habits for 2011. According to her, “When it comes to love, clients absolutely will spend money despite a sluggish economy. Couples still dream of that fairytale wedding or honeymoon experience.” The presentation also touched on how to reach wedding and honeymoon clients through social networks, bridal shows and alliances. On Valentine’s Day, the Tourism Authority of Thailand launched a micro-site dedicated to making wedding and honeymoon planning easier than ever, both for couples and their travel planners. The new website (www.Honeymooning-in-Thailand.com) offers dozens of customized honeymoon packages from some of the destination’s most exotic locations, along with luxurious properties and renowned spas.

“Honeymooners are such an important part of tourism in Thailand, and we’re thrilled to debut this innovative site, serving as a one-stop shop for booking a honeymoon,” said Srisuda Wanapinyosak, director of TATNY. “Properties throughout Thailand will be offering specialized packages, so we encourage newly engaged couples to check out the site regularly for new deals.” Below is a sampling of Honeymooning-in-Thailand.com offered packages.

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers – Bangkok
Celebrate the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers’ “Memorable Honeymoon by the River Package,” including three-nights’ accommodations in a Junior Suite; luxury round-trip airport transfer; daily breakfast; sparkling wine and fruit basket upon arrival; turndown with chocolate elephant, heart-shaped cake and a bouquet of roses; dinner cruise on the legendary “River of Kings;” 60-minute massage at Mandara Spa; and early check-in and late check-out. Year- round rates for this three-night package begin at $840 dbl/occ. An additional night rate starts at $157. Visit www.sheraton.com/bangkok

Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok – Bangkok
Conveniently located in downtown Bangkok, the Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok provides the perfect setting for leisure and relaxation. The “Memorable Honeymoon Package” includes a two-night stay in a Premium Deluxe Suite; round-trip airport transfer by hotel limousine; honeymoon set-up with rose petals on the bed; welcome fruit, flowers, daily newspaper and pillow menu; daily breakfast buffet; one champagne breakfast with Moet et Chandon; dinner for two at the property’s Suan Bua restaurant; a body scrub and two-hour Aromatherapy treatment; exclusive benefits and privileges at The Club Executive Lounge; all day coffee, tea and juice service; afternoon tea from 2-4 p.m. as well as cocktail hour and canapés from 5-7 p.m.; happy hour at Blue Sky; 24-hour in-room internet access; and late check-out. Year round rates start at $777, dbl/occ. Visit www.centarahotelsresorts.com/scp

RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort – Chiang Mai
Savor the perfect setting to celebrate the “I do” at RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort Chiang Mai with the launch of its “Unforgettable Honeymoon Package.” This package offers mesmerizing options, including three-nights’ accommodations in a boutique deluxe room with pool access; round-trip airport transfers; welcome drink and fruit, a bottle of sparkling wine; daily breakfast; one dinner; RarinJinda Golden Memoirs, including a five-hour spa package; three Hydrotherapy pool treatments for the couple; half-day tour to elephant camp including an elephant ride; fitness center with yoga and aerobics’ classes; and free Wi-Fi internet access. Year-round rates start at $999 dbl/occ. Visit www.rarinjinda.com

Pimalai Resort & Spa – Krabi
The island resort of Pimalai or “purity place” is far from the crowd and provides an ideal setting for romance. Guests can enjoy the “Luxury Island Honeymoon Package,” including five-nights’ accommodations in a Deluxe room; round-trip transfer from Krabi Airport; sparkling wine; two candlelit dinners and a serenaded sunset cruise with cocktails and canapés; a private beach barbecue; a two-person massage; as well as a sentimental “blessing” on the beach. Year-round rates begin at $3,000, dbl/occ. Visit www.pimalai.com

Sri Panwa – Phuket
Known as one of the top properties in Thailand, Sri Panwa is perched high atop Cape Panwa and commanding breathtaking views of the Southeastern tip of Phuket. Their “Special Honeymoon Package,” includes two-nights’ accommodations in a pool suite or a one-bedroom pool villa; daily breakfast; Sri Panwa special gift set; round-trip airport transfers; a bottle of sparkling wine; a 60-minute couple’s spa treatment at Cool Spa; one three-course candlelit dinner; floral turn-down service; late check-out; 20% discount on a la carte massage sessions and 10% discount on spa packages at Cool Spa; Wi-Fi and ipod in village; in-room fruit basket and mini bar, replenished daily. Year-round rates start at $1,500, based on double occupancy. Visit www.sripanwa.com

Melati Beach Resort & Spa – Ko Samui
Honeymooners are invited to relax and embark on an unforgettable journey with Melati Beach Resort & Spa’s “Honeymoon Package.” The special package includes four-nights’ accommodations in a Grand Deluxe room with daily American breakfast; round-trip transfer from Samui Airport; a welcome fruit basket and flower arrangement in room upon arrival; one bottle of sparkling wine; a candlelit dinner for two at View Pha Nang Restaurant; 60-minute Aroma Massage for two; late check-out; complimentary shuttle bus to Chaweng Beach; complimentary internet access; 20 percent coupon for food and beverage at View Pha Nang and Kan Sak Thong; and a 10 percent discount for laundry service at hotel. Rates for this four-night package start at $1,000, based on double occupancy, available year-round. Visit www.melatiresort.com

For more information on all honeymoon packages being offered, visit www.Honeymooning-in-Thailand.com or www.tourismthailand.org