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40 AND FABULOUS
THE BANGKOK AIRWAYS NETWORK IS FILLED WITH NATURAL AND CULTURAL GEMS. MAKE THE MOST OF THEM WITH THESE 40 MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES. TEXT BY LAURA DANNEN
IMAGINE A WORLD WITH boundless travel opportunities – where would you go? What would you do? To celebrate Bangkok Airways’ 40th anniversary, we’ve put together a list of our top 40 activities from all our destinations – everything from touring Angkor Wat, to swimming with whale sharks in the Andaman Sea, to relaxing in Japanese hot springs. Here are some of the best activities the region has to offer.
1 KAYAK THE SEAS OF ANG THONG MARINE PARK
North-west of Samui, Ang Thong Marine Park has all the caves, lagoons and uninhabited beaches anyone could ask for and is perfect for kayaking. Tours leave from Koh Samui’s Th ongsala and main beaches like Haad Rin. Daytrips start from 1,800 baht. tel +66 (0)77 286025, http://samui.sawadee.com/angthong
2 COOK AN AUTHENTIC THAI CURRY
“Learning how to cook local cuisine will help you understand why food is so important to Thai people,” says Elizabeth Nabnian, co-owner of Chiang Mai Cookery School. Courses offer an introduction to ingredients and shopping at the local market. From 990 baht. 47/2 Moon Muang Road (opposite Tha Phae Gate), tel +66 (0)53 206388, www.thaicookeryschool.com
3 GET SOAKED
Expect to get wet on Bangkok’s Khao San Road during Songkran, the Thai New Year from 13 to 15 April. What started as Thais sprinkling water on their elders’ hands to show respect has mutated into people dumping buckets of water on each other. Don’t forget to bring your water gun. www.khaosanroad.com
4 PRAY FOR WORLD PEACE
On 6 August 1945, Hiroshima became a casualty of World War II – save for the Genbaku Dome. The preserved building now serves as the Hiroshima Peace Museum. Read first-hand accounts of that day at this World Heritage site and pray for harmony at Peace Memorial Park. Entrance fees cost 50 yen (adults)/30 yen (kids). 1-2 Nakajimama-cho, tel +81 (0)82 241-4004, www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp
5 SURF IN THE MALDIVES
Catch a wave with Australian surf school Tropicsurf at Anantara Resort Maldives. The swells in the Indian Ocean rival Bali’s, with different breaks for different skill levels. Coaches will even videotape you on your board and give you pointers. US$95 per lesson. www.anantara.com
6 RUINS BY NIGHT
The birthplace of the Thai alphabet (and Thai culture, some say), ancient Sukhothai has amazing ruins – but how much better would it be to see them glowing at night? Sukhothai Historical Park lights up temples from 7 to 9pm, creating a haunting glimpse into the past. From 30 baht. Tourist centre, tel +66 (0)55 643241
7 CLIMB LIMESTONE KARSTS
The Railay karsts – or limestone rock formations pocked with gorges and caves – are ideal for climbers of all skill levels, and offer an amazing view of the world’s largest exposed coral reef. Get guidance and gear from reputable outfitter King Climbers Rock Climbing School. Sessions from 1,000 baht. Tel +66 (0)75 695286, www.railay.com
8 CAMBODIAN HISTORY, BRICK BY BRICK
“Our architecture from the 1950s and 1960s is uniquely Cambodian and is increasingly being acknowledged internationally,” says Geoff Pyle of non-profit Khmer Architecture Tours, which offers bus and bicycle tours of colonial and new Khmer architecture around Phnom Penh from US$5. A downloadable walking tour map is also available. www.ka-tours.org
9 STAY ANOTHER DAY IN LUANG PRABANG
Sustainable tourism is more than a catch phrase – in Luang Prabang, it’s an opportunity to invest in the people and products of Laos. Visit Kopnoi (tel+856 (0)71 260248, www.madeinlaos.com) before September and enjoy a multimedia event which displays exhibitions on various cultural and natural activities. www.stay-another-day.org
10 CRUISE ON A CONVERTED RICE BARGE
Escape Bangkok’s buzz and opt for a dinner or overnight sail down the Chao Phraya River on a rice barge converted to a luxury ride by Manohra Cruises. Sip on a cocktail as the floating markets and riverfront homes slip by. Prices from 750 baht. Tel +66 (0)2 2477-0770, www.manohracruises.com
11 HEAD DOWNRIVER
Yangshuo, a river cruise from Guilin, has narrow cobblestone streets, cormorant fishermen, limestone karsts, excellent bike paths, Western-style cafes serving cappuccinos. Most definitely worth visiting. www.yangers.com
12 EXPLORE THE SECLUDED FIVE ISLANDS
Take a longboat tour of the Five Islands off Koh Samui’s west coast. Known for its bountiful birds’ nests which are used in a Chinese delicacy, this area is normally off-limits, but this tour gives you a glimpse of how the nests are harvested. From 6,000 baht for two. Five Islands Restaurant, tel +66 (0)77 415359, www.thefiveislands.com
13 BUY A BESPOKE AO DAI
Watch the artisans at Le Si Hoang’s shop hand-paint your own traditional or contemporary Vietnamese dress and trouser suit, custom-fit and made of silk, chiffon or brocade. Afterwards, visit the teashop above Hoang’s store to view his collection of ao dais. 36-38 Ly Tu Trong, Ho Chi Minh, tel +84 (0)8 822-3100, www.sihoang-art.com
14 WITNESS EARLY MORNING ALMS COLLECTION
Wake by 6am in Luang Prabang, Yangon or Sukhothai to see Buddhist monks collect their daily alms of rice and other food from the community – a symbolic exchange of physical and spiritual nourishment. Monks clad in deep red and saffron-colored robes then retreat to their active monasteries around town.
15 SOAK AWAY YOUR TROUBLES
Whether you’re relaxing in artificially blue water or wrinkling away in a natural hot spring or onsen, Beppu is the place to go. Rent a private bath at Shibaseki onsen (4 Noda, tel +91 (0)97 767-4100) for 1,570 yen per hour if you want to escape the crowds. Take a train from Fukuoka to Beppu on the JR Nippo line.
16 TAKE AFTERNOON TEA
What better way to enjoy a quiet minute than with afternoon tea at this luxurious Yangon hotel on the river? The Strand Cafe at Strand Palace offers a Burmese/Western menu, reflecting the history of British colonialism and Myanmar Buddhism. Rooms start from US$450++. 92 Strand Road, tel +95 (0)1 243977, www.ghmhotels.com
17 SIP A SINGAPORE SLING
Th row peanut shells on the floor at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, the birthplace of the Singapore Sling (a fruity gin cocktail). 1 Beach Road, tel + 65 6337-1886, http://singapore-raffles.raffles.com
18 STRETCH OUT WITH A THAI MASSAGE
Known as passive yoga, traditional Thai massage is great for relieving pressure points. At the Potalai Thai Wellness Centre, the masseuse helps to stretch your entire body. From 1,200 baht. 28 Soi Yothinpatta 3, Praditmanuthum Road, tel +66 (0)2 508-1238, www.potalai.com
19 DISCOVER DIM SUM
Try Shenzhen’s tasty dim sum – a Chinese meal of dumplings and other delights. Have the pork buns and egg tarts at Laurel in Portofino, in the heart of the swanky Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) area. Xiangshan Street, Nan Shan District, tel +86 (0)755 2693-6888
20 PICK UP A BARGAIN (OR THREE)
It’s easy to lose yourself in Bangkok’s Chatuchak Weekend Market, with about 9,000 stalls selling everything from furniture to toys to noodles. Vendors compete for your attention by wearing crazy clothing, playing music and shouting. Try to find such a cacophony at a regular mall. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 6pm. www.tourismthailand.com
21 SAKE IT TO ME
Hiroshima, one of Japan’s largest sake producers, is the home of more than 600 types of jizake (premium sake made by boutique breweries). Be warned: This rice wine may look innocent, but at 13 to 16% alcohol, it can knock out even the most seasoned drinker. Chokotto-ya, 12-26 Kanayama-cho, tel +81 (0)82 245-7770
22 TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR OF ANGKOR
Discover the stories behind Angkor Wat’s bas reliefs from archaeological expert Charles Higham in the Temples of Angkor Audio Tour. Download from www.tourcaster.com or at Boom Boom Room (Old Market Area, Siem Reap, tel +855 (0)12 433116).
23 RIDE AN ELEPHANT
First off, the island is shaped like an elephant. Secondly, Koh Chang’s English translation is “Elephant Island”. So, if you don’t ride an elephant out here, you’re not doing the place justice. Ban Kwan Chang elephant camp, Jungle Way, 14 Moo 3, Klong Son, tel +66 (0)89 223-4795, www.jungleway.com
24 DISCOVER GOLD
Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s holiest Buddhist shrine, sits in the heart of the capital city of Yangon. Its temples and stupas are covered in gold and fitted with more than 4,500 diamonds. The breathtaking 2,500-year-old pagoda contains ancient inscriptions in Burmese, Pali and Mon – two ancient languages. www.shwedagonpagoda.com
25 SEE THE SAKURA LIKE A LOCAL
Cherry blossom season marks a spring awakening and is one of the most beautiful times to be in Japan. To avoid the clamour of the tourist crowds, head the advice of a seasoned sakura-watcher.
“For a raucous atmosphere, head to the Hiroshima Castle grounds or to the Motoyasu River next to Peace Memorial Park,” says Paul Walsh of Get Hiroshima, the city’s leading what-to-do guide. “If in a more contemplative mood, try Shukkeien Garden or the beautiful Mitaki Temple grounds.” www.gethiroshima.com
26 CLIMB TO A SACRED HILLTOP IN CHIANG MAI
As the story goes (according to the temple’s website), the Thai king in the late 1300s placed a Buddha relic on the back of a white elephant, saying: “May this holy relic perform a powerful miracle to compel the elephant to stop when it arrives at a suitable place to establish a pagoda for the relic.”
One long walk later, the elephant arrived at Doi Suthep hilltop, where it trumpeted, spun around and died. The pagoda remains today; climb 309 stairs or take a tram. Admission costs 30 baht. www.doisuthep.com/english.html
27 UNDERWATER RUBDOWN
Before you imagine sharks working out the kinks in your neck, picture instead Huvafen Fushi LIME spa’s two underwater, glass-enclosed massage rooms for a novel view of the Maldives’ sea life. Six above-water rooms with glass floors are also available. Tel +960 (0) 664-4222, www.huvafenfushi.com
28 TRY ON THAILAND’S HOTTEST NEW DESIGNERS
Lifestyle complex Playground! houses everything from a Starbucks to an appliance shop, but it’s the floor of designer clothing that features fashions by Thailand’s finest. Soi 18, Thonglor, tel +66 (0)2 714-7888, www.playgroundstore.co.th
29 LEARN TO KICKBOX THAI-STYLE
“Fight now, hurt later.” At the Phuket Muay Thai Camp and gym, students follow this “Rule of Combat”, among others, as they learn Thai kickboxing or muay thai. Originally used in battlefield combat, muay thai has since become an intensive workout for both genders. Daily rates from 500 baht. Tel +66 (0)76 281090, www.phuket-muay-thai.com
30 SET SAIL FROM PAKSE TO SOUTHERN LAOS’ 4,000 ISLANDS
Though some of the islands are technically sand bars, there are still hundreds of relaxing, scenic spots in Si Phan Don (literally, “Four Thousand Islands”). Lonely Planet recommends a two-night trip from Pakse to Don Khong aboard Vat Phou, a steel-hulled barge turned into a floating hotel. From US$350. www.asian-oasis.com
31 GET ARTSY
The largest collection of its kind in Asia, Fukuoka Museum of Asian Art houses more than 1,700 modern and contemporary pieces from 21 Asian countries and regions – a wide scope that stretches to Pakistan, Mongolia and Indonesia. Level 7-8, Riverain Centre Boulevard, tel + 81 (0)92 263-1100, http://faam.city.fukuoka.jp
32 HAVE YOUR FORTUNE TOLD AT WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE
Visitors to this Hong Kong temple oft en come seeking their fortune. They light incense, kneel before the altar, make a wish and then shake a bamboo cylinder until a fortune stick falls out. A soothsayer then interprets your fortune. Wong Tai Sin is said to grant every request. Admission $2 donation is recommended. Lung Cheung Road, tel +852 2854-4333
33 MEET CHINA’S ANCIENT WARRIORS
It is estimated that 8,000 life-size warrior statues – an underground terracotta army – guard the Mausoleum of the Emperor Qin Shihuang. Much of this World Heritage site has yet to be excavated, making it worth visiting. Entry costs RMB90 (US$10). Bingmayong, www.bmy.com.cn
34 PICK OUT A PARTY DRESS
Phnom Penh’s fashion designers are putting Cambodia on the couture map. Stop by Romyda Keth’s flagship Phnom Penh boutique, Ambre (37 Rue 178, tel +855 (0)23 217935), for one of her bold dresses made of Khmer silk, or try Kulikar Sotho’s Kambuja boutique (165 Ang Duong Boulevard, tel +855 (0)12 882682) for everything from casual to eveningwear.
42 fah thai _ march / april 2008
35 RIDE THE PEAK TRAM
Rising more than 550m above sea level, Victoria Peak boasts some of the swankiest homes and best views of Hong Kong. To get there, take the Peak Tram – a 119-year-old funicular railway. It costs HK$33 (US$4) for a round-trip. Tel +852 2849-7654, www.thepeak.com.hk
36 SKY HIGH
Located on Thailand’s East Coast, the Pattaya Park Tower is (according to its website) the first and highest seaside tower, with an observation deck on Level 55 and three rotating restaurants. 345 Jomtien Beach, Pattaya City, tel +66 (0)38 251201, www.pattayapark.com
37 LEARN TRADITIONAL WEAVING
As airports around the world increasingly become destinations of their own, Sukhothai Airport recreates a slice of Thailand with traditional pottery and weaving demonstrations. www.bangkokair.com
38 SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS
Find some of the best diving in the region in the Andaman Sea off Phuket. “We’re a part of the Indian Ocean, so the marine life is more diverse than in other areas of Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore,” says John Williams, of Siam Dive n’ Sail.
Keep an eye out for the whale shark – the world’s largest fish, which can weigh up to nine tonnes and grow 12m in length. Siam Dive ’n’ Sail, 68/14 Patak Road, Kata Beach, tel +66 (0)76 330967, www.siamdivers.com
39 TAKE A SPIN
At 42-storeys high, the just-opened Singapore Flyer is now the largest observation ferris wheel in the world, beating Britain’s London Eye by 30m. Passengers take 30-minute rides standing in capsules the size of small buses. Marina Bay, tel +65 6374-8829, www.singaporeflyer.com.sg
40 FLYING FISH
For hundreds of years, Guilin’s fishermen have trained cormorant birds to bring in their catch from the Li River. The birds dive into the water, catch fish and return to the boat, where the fishermen retrieve the fish. www.guilin.com.cn
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