Content area
Full Text
IF you are going to spend five days in Bangkok, ANUSHA K. recommends spa treatments, absorbing age-old Thai history and getting a taste of its intriguing culture.
THAILAND is a combination of natural beauty, historic temples, mouthwatering delicacies and warm hospitality. To encourage more tourists to savour these, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently organised a media familiarisation trip - To Bangkok And Beyond - to sample health and wellness facilities in Bangkok and those in the provinces of Ratchaburi, Petchaburi and Prachuab Khiri Khan. Here, we will learn more about the culture, customs and lifestyles of its people. Come away with me. There's so much to enjoy.
DAY 1
After a two-hour flight out of KLIA, I arrived in Bangkok. Thailand had suffered a drop in the tourism dollar after some political upheaval last year. Slowly but surely, they are putting it all behind them now. And why not? They do have a myriad of things to offer.
Besides the festivals, nature and cultural heritage, Thailand is also focusing on inter-regional tourism, such as joint packages between Malaysia and Thailand.
When in Bangkok, the five-star Amari Watergate Hotel is a good place to lay your hat. It is conveniently located within the city's bustling Pratunam shopping and business district on Petchburi Road. Not to mention easy access to the two airport expressways, a great place especially for shopaholics as malls and street markets are only a walk away.
That first night seemed to call for a cultural show and dinner at Siam Niramit. The show starts at 8pm but you can be there as early as 6pm to enjoy a host of outdoor entertainment. There's the Thai Village which portrays differences among the four regions via architecture, food, livelihood, tradition and music. Or, you could also go elephant feeding, have a traditional Thai massage, or check out the music and dance performances. I took a boat ride around Siam Niramit for a quick visual sampling.
Then, I walked around tasting the delicacies from each village and watched the women weave silk and listen to Thai folk songs.
The scrumptuous Thai-Western buffet is a must-try if you love hawker food.
Siam Niramit: Journey to the Enchanted Kingdom of Siam is performed on a stage...