New situations and changes to the way we normally do things are always a bit uncomfortable. Think about it. Your first day starting a new job, or the uncertainty that comes with starting that business you’ve been dreaming about for years. Maybe it will be venturing out into the world post covid-19?
Travel is a beautiful and wonderful opportunity to learn more about our world. Maybe you can think back to the first time you traveled on an airplane or your first trip overseas? The anticipation, organisation and excitement is palpable. And probably for the first time in history the whole world has had to miss out on these feelings and opportunities for awe and wonder.
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Travel in the time of Corona
But as the seasons that govern our world routinely change, we’re starting to see the ice melt and life begin to spring up out of the winter covid-19 has shrouded us all in.
Our travel writer returned just in time from the most wonderful trip to Thailand organised by their Tourism Authority. The purpose of this trip was to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of travel to Thailand. We’re sure that after weathering this pandemic there will be endless more years of travel to the land of smiles.
Traveling to the land of Sawadeeka, Pad Thai and Royal Palaces is something you have to do. Even if it is just once. But trust us you’ll want to keep on going back.
Read on, and reminisce if you’ve travelled to Thailand before. Daydream and start planning for the day the sun shines on the world again and we are able to travel, if you haven’t yet been.
This expedition takes us on a trip to the capital city of Bangkok, 80 km north to the ancient city of Ayutthya and 3 hours to the city of Rayong on the eastern gulf of the country- well known for its azurite blue seas, providing a great opportunity for snorkeling.
Ibn Battuta, a medieval Moroccan scholar when writing on the importance of travel, said “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”. And who ever said no to a good story?
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Bangkok
Even amidst the then breaking news of the Coronavirus becoming a national pandemic, our arrival to the Bangkok airport was seamless. We walked through infrared scanners and marched through the airport with palms facing forward- prepared at all times to have sanitiser spritzed onto our hands. There was a feeling of safety in this country in spite of the news that more and more countries were reporting their first cases of the coronavirus.
Arrival
We were introduced to our guide for the trip. A lady in a salmony-pink golf shirt who would soon become one of the best parts of the trip. The locally-owned travel agency Local Alike has a business model like no other. Local Alike partners with various real people in the city you are exploring. They partner with local communities to show tourists the realities of what life is really like for them. The experiences that we had with local communities were immersive and fun. We were welcomed with open arms into homes and communities of people who were excited to share their culture with us. Thinking back on it now, this was a kind of gift that given our present circumstances will not be available for a long time.
The Lit Hotel
Located in the arts and culture hub of Bangkok’s downtown is the Lit Hotel.The modern but cosy design provides the weary traveler with a central base for their adventures. The quirky layout of the rooms lend itself to exploration as you venture to figure out where everything is located. Leaving the hotel after you’ve had a restful nap, the streets call and beckon you on to come and see what they have on offer. The sights, smells and energy in some ways are reminiscent of the non-stop pace you find on the streets of New York. But you are soon reminded that this is Bangkok when seeing the multi-functional street carts preparing all sorts of freshly made noodle dishes, or various kinds of skewered meat and seafood ready to be grilled.
137 Pillars Hotel
Sheer luxury and opulence is personified at this hotel/ long-term residence. Bangkok is a city where east meets west, with its towering temples glittering in gold paint, the glitzy bars and a pleasantly chaotic buzz. 137 Pillars provides a stunning urban escape for the modern city dweller. Be prepared to be bowled over by the panoramic city landscapes and beautiful regal blue of the hotel interior. Enjoy an expertly made citrusy negroni while you wait for the sun to dip behind the skyscrapers.
Where to Eat
Ever felt like a fine dining meal was out of your budget? Well with the rate of the rand to baht- experiences like this become more attainable. Two of these being dinner at the Siam@siam Design Hotel as well as a visit to the Michelin star awarded menu at Nimitr Restaurant, located at the 137 Pillars Hotel.
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Siam at siam Design Hotel
This hotel boasts being the first hotel in Bangkok with a rooftop bar, and is where you will enjoy your 11- course tasting menu of conceptual dishes that introduce you to the many flavours and regions within Thailand. One of the dishes that will have you raving is the deep fried palo duck with smoked yellow chilli and pickled egg yolk.
Nimitr
Elegance and romance are what you can expect when experiencing an evening at Nimitr. The word in Sanskrit translates as ‘sweet dreams’, and if anything your gastronomical experience here will be a dream come true. Each course of your meal can also be served with a perfectly paired wine. We even spotted some South African vintages on the list!
Ayutthaya
This ancient city used to be the capital city of Thailand as it was the main trading post. The royal family had their residence here and when looking at a map you will see how the mighty Chao Phraya River surrounds the entire city.
Thann Wellness Destination
Your welcoming here is with ice cold towels infused with mint essential oils. Feeling the cooling towel against your warm face and neck is a refreshing interlude before the main act. The main act being your stay at this world-class wellness destination. Arriving at your room you will find a set of chic resort wear of varying neutral hues set out for you. Relish in each one of your premier spa treatments or learn something new in a Thai cooking class. Each meal that you are served is intentionally thought out and its importance explained. Learn about the significance and versatility of the butterfly pea- from it’s colour changing ability in cocktails to the sky blue colouring of your coconut rice. Sunsets at Thann are special. Hues of peach and powdery pink light up the sky as you watch the sun disappear over the water.
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Where to eat and explore
A visit to Ayutthaya is not complete without visiting the ancient temples that are located within a walking distance of one another. But if you’re keen on the experience- rent a bike (around R25 a day) and really do things like a local. If two wheels aren’t your idea of fun try a tuk-tuk ride (R100 an hour) that is well priced too. The architectural ingenuity of Ayutthya’s Temples are moving and will have you in wonder of the craftsmanship.
A leisurely and enjoyable meal experience is a slow cruise on the Chao Phraya river. Make sure to book a delicious lunch of local Thai delicacies. A favourite being the ‘son-in-laws eggs’ which are deep fried boiled eggs, topped with a jammy tamarind and peanut relish. Delectable!
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Rayong and Koh Samet
Before your transfer to the island of Koh Samet make sure to stop in the city of Rayong. This is where Local Alike has a relationship with fishing community leader Khun Tam. This community is a close knit group whose main income comes from fishing and the support of tourists who play a role in bettering the livelihoods of community members. In this small village you can enjoy lunch next to the harbour and pop into the local shops selling vintage-style kitchenware.
Paradee Beach Resort
After driving to the jetty in Rayong, a speed boat then transports you to Paradee Beach Resort. The speed boat trip is 15 minutes of bobbing along the waves with the wind in your hair. On arrival to the island you will be met by many of the staff members. This very special welcome demonstrates the posture of the Thai people as a whole. One of generosity with their time and effort in welcoming you to the land of smiles.
Days at Paradee start with early morning swims in the ocean. Delicious breakfasts overlooking palm trees. Pools and the endless blue of the sea. Your villa on the island is spacious and palatial. There is a large rain shower head with an open roof. A bathtub that is the size of a jacuzzi and fresh Thai fruits delivered to your door every morning. Sit on your patio and listen for the euphony of island sounds.
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*Our trip was sponsored by Amazing Thailand South Africa. To plan a trip or to find out more, visit Amazing Thailand South Africa, call at +27 11 463 8195 or email: [email protected]
