Hidden temple tours light up again at abandoned wats in Bangkok Noi
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022
A second tour of hidden temples was launched on Saturday, this time in the capital’s Bangkok Noi district, as part of Creative Economy Agency’s efforts to help reinvigorate tourism through its “Unfolding Bangkok” project.
Two abandoned temples – Wat Phumarin Ratchapaksi and Wat Dusidaram Worawiharn – are the focus of the latest tour, which started on Saturday and runs until December 18.
Both ancient temples had been central to the daily life of the communities around them, but were abandoned during Bangkok’s rapid development as local residents became disconnected from them, explained Wichit Werungkhabutr, deputy director of the state-run agency.
The tours will use light and sound shows to tell the stories of the temples and their histories, while local communities will be integrated into the shows and related events, Wichit said.
The tours will include visits to popular restaurants in the area, as well as cooking and handicraft classes focused on local dishes and handicrafts, Wichit said.
His agency is working closely with local residents on the tours. Other partners include Urban Ally, Silpakorn University’s Faculty of Architecture, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The first hidden temple tours took place in Thonburi from November 12 to 20 to promote night visits to Wat Intharam Worawiharn, Wat Chataram Worawihan, and Wat Ratcha Khruet in the district’s Talad Plu.
Prayut welcomes this year’s 10-millionth tourist at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha showed up at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Saturday afternoon to personally welcome Thailand’s 10-millionth tourist – Hetham Almdlj and Njood Alkhuwaiter – for this year.
The couple had landed in Bangkok on Saudi Airlines flight SV846 at about 3pm. Prayut said it was commendable that Thailand managed to successfully attract as many as 10 million tourists in the first year after the pandemic. “Today we have welcomed more than 10 million tourists. We will not stop after this success and will underline Thailand’s popularity as a destination among international tourists,” Prayut said. Apart from Prayut, also welcoming the lucky couple were Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn, and Suvarnabhumi Airport’s general manager Kittipong Kittikachorn.
The tourists, described as the “luckiest” under the Tourism Authority of Thailand campaign, were welcomed with garlands, gifts, free air tickets and gift vouchers from several hotels, hospitals, shopping malls and other businesses. They were then chauffeur-driven to their hotel on a limousine. The couple has said they will be spending the next 10 days in Phuket.
Cool temperatures and fog entice tourists north for long weekend
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022
More domestic tourists will travel during this long weekend than last week’s, with cool and foggy weather in the North and Northeast pushing the regions’ occupancy rates to the top, according to a forecast by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
More people are choosing to travel during the Constitution Day long weekend because they chose to stay with their family on Fathers’ Day last weekend, the agency said.
It forecasts that the number of domestic trips from Saturday to Monday will reach 3.37 million and generate 12.620 billion baht in economic activity, and that the average occupancy rate will be 65%.
Occupancy rates will be higher in the North and Northeastern regions – 72% and 65%, respectively – the agency forecast, saying cool weather and foggy conditions in mountainous regions will draw tourists to the two regions.
Closer to Bangkok, the occupancy rate in the Eastern and Central regions is forecast to rise to 62% this weekend.
TAT’s list of the Top 10 provinces for domestic tourists during the Constitution Day long weekend puts Chonburi at the top:
Chonburi
Kanchanaburi
Chiang Mai
Nakhon Ratchasima
Rayong
Prachuap Khiri Khan
Chiang Rai
Phuket
Phang-nga
Nan
Chonburi topped the list due to its proximity to Bangkok and the abundance of natural sites it offers for one-day trips.
Chiang Mai is expected to have the highest occupancy rate, 81%, due to its cool weather.
Six of the eight other provinces on the list are major tourist destinations. Chiang Rai and Nan, which took the 10th spot, lack major cities, which are still a draw for domestic tourists, but their northern locations are still a draw during peak travel season.
According to its analysis of weekend tourism from 2018 to 2022, TAT found that long weekends are the most popular for domestic tourists and that the condition of the economy and purchasing power are the major factors in determining how far domestic tourists will travel.
When there is more than one long weekend in a month, domestic tourists generally select one for travel rather than take multiple long weekend trips, according to TAT research.
TAT plans ‘clinics’ to guide Thai tourism industry on path to recovery
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be holding special “tourism clinics” as part of its “Travel Thailand: More Amazing Than Ever” fair in Bangkok next week.
As part of its “clinics”, experts will be offering tourism operators advice on cutting down costs, boosting revenue and turning crises into opportunities. The seminars to be held include
Tourism trends in 2023 led by TAT directors from Thailand’s five regions
Business management ideas offered by the founder of Penguin Eat Shabu, Thanapong Wongchinsri
Reducing expenses and helping the environment as per the “Sam Pran Model” presented by Suan Sampran’s managing director Arut Nawarat
Using TikTok to improve brand image and market products presented by Digital Tips Academy founder Mantita Chinda.
Representatives of several financial institutions like Government Savings Bank, Bangkok Bank, Bank of Ayudhya, and Kiatnakin Phatra Bank will also be at hand to provide advice to tourism operators.
TAT will also hold a business matching activity for operators during the first three days of the travel fair and is planning a similar activity at Chiang Mai’s Empress Hotel on December 21.
TAT’s ‘Travel Now, Free Now’ fair to offer spectacular deals next week
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2022
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is launching the “Travel Thailand: More Amazing Than Ever” promotion to bolster the domestic tourism industry after the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Visitors will get to explore more than 300 stalls set up by hotels, resorts, restaurants and tourist attractions, some offering discounts of up to 70%, TAT deputy governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said on Thursday.
Some highlights are:
• One day trip to Ko He in Phuket, four islands in Krabi or Ko Lipe in Satun starting at 99 baht
• A night in a standard double room at The Chic Lipe, Satun for just 999 baht ++ from the original price of 2,500 baht ++
• A night at Keeree Warin Chiewlarn Resort, Surat Thani, for just 999 baht ++ from the original price of 4,000 baht ++
Every 5,000 baht spent at the fair can also earn visitors an 800-baht voucher (limited to 200 per day and one per person) that can be used at participating hotels, resorts and attractions.
There will also be a golden hour every day from 1pm to 2pm and 4pm to 5pm when people can buy a plane ticket, rent a car, book a room or buy a petrol voucher and get another for free (only at participating stalls).
The event also features concerts and stage performances.
THAI resumes Sapporo flights amid increase in travellers to Japan
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 08, 2022
Thai Airways International (THAI) has resumed its flights to Japan’s northern city of Sapporo due to higher demand during the tourist season.
Two daily THAI flights connect Bangkok and Sapporo, the capital of the mountainous northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Flight TG670 leaves Bangkok at 11.55pm and arrives in Sapporo at 8.20am the next day (local time). Flight TG671 leaves Sapporo at 10am (local time) and arrives in Bangkok at 3.50pm. The current schedule is valid until April 30 next year. THAI’s Sapporo flights, which were suspended after the Covid-19 crisis struck, have now become popular among travellers, particularly during the current high tourism season in Japan. The airline reported an average passenger load factor (cabin factor) of 75 per cent for the route. The national carrier is now flying to six airports in Japan — Tokyo (both Narita and Haneda), Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo.
Thanks to its size, Koh Chang boasts of many unspoilt beaches, waterfalls and diving spots. There is also plenty of hiking terrain thanks to forested hills and cliffs.
Its most popular beaches are White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae and Lonely Beach. Visitors also like checking out the Khlong Phlu and Than Mayom waterfalls as well as the Ban Salak Khok community.
The island also has many activities to offer including elephant rides, sailing and diving.
We advise travellers to stay overnight because the island is large and it will take more than just a day to explore. There are plenty of hotels to hang your hat with prices ranging between a few hundred to several thousand baht.
Koh Mak
This starfish-shaped island lies between Koh Chang and Koh Kood and boasts of sparkling beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Tourists can go snorkelling or jump in a canoe to go island hopping.
The less adventurous can pose for stunning photos at the Cinnamon Scenic Boardwalk that is part of the Cinnamon Art Resort and Spa or enjoy a cocktail at Koh Mak Cococape Resort.
Tourists can also check out Suan Yai Bay, Blue Pearl Bar, Laem Tukata, Laem Son and Ao Kao Beach.
There are plenty of hotels offering rooms at a variety of prices.
Koh Kradat
Designated as an “Unseen Thailand” location, this island lies to the northeast of Koh Mak.
It has a flat “paper-like” topography with Alocasia – kradat in Thai – trees growing wild, hence the name.
The 1,200-rai (192-hectare) island is covered in lush green grassland, perfect for the resident deer, while along its edge it has a long, white sandy beach with beautiful coral reefs.
This is the only island in Thailand that is privately owned and to visit, tourists will have to buy a package tour offered by Koh Kradat Resort.
Call (089) 099 7919 for more information.
Koh Kood (Ko Kut)
Despite being Thailand’s fourth-largest island, Koh Kood has remained an unspoilt haven of crystal clear waters, sparkling beaches, colourful coral and waterfalls.
There are several resorts on the island and the main activities other than relaxation are walking, canoeing or diving. Tourists can check out the Ao Salat or Klong Mard sea gypsy villages.
Tourists can also check out the Khlong Chao, Khlong Yai Kee and Huang Nam Kaew waterfalls, or sunbathe on Khlong Chao, Ao Takhian, Ao Tapao and Ao Phrao beaches to name a few.
There are plenty of resorts and mid-range hotels on the island for different budgets.
Black Sand Beach
Located in Trat’s Laem Ngop district, this unusual beach is one of only a handful in the world and is protected under Thailand’s natural destinations development project.
Locals believe that black sand is filled with beneficial minerals and wallowing in it will help improve your health.
Apart from the unusual beach, visitors can check out the Laem Ngop lighthouse and stop to admire a stunning sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.
Trat is earning a name for itself as a responsible tourism destination as travellers become aware of community-based tourism initiatives. Among these are the Ban Nam Chieo fishing village, where Buddhists and Muslims live and work in harmony.
Apart from enjoying peaceful surroundings, visitors can try a “chicken-coop spa” massage at the Ban Chang Thun eco-village – a strangely therapeutic therapy that can offer a perfect end to your vacation.
Why tourists are still burning 1 million baht for a couple of nights on Koh Kut
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2022
A fire at one of Thailand’s most exclusive island resorts has failed to dent its popularity among ultra-rich Thai and foreign tourists.
Eight months later, Soneva Kiri is operating normally with activities and restaurants at full capacity.
The fire at the resort – where a night’s stay can cost 500,000 baht (over US$14,200) – is still reportedly under investigation by authorities.
The Nation takes a closer look at how this luxury phoenix emerged untouched from the flames.
What’s so special?
Soneva Kiri’ overlooks a pristine beach on Thailand’s fourth largest island. Koh Kut is sparsely populated and renowned for the untouched beauty of its natural surroundings.
Guests are flown by private plane from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the airstrip on Koh Mai Si before taking a 10-minute boat trip to the resort.
Awaiting them after check-in is exclusive luxury coupled with environmental sustainability and top-notch cuisine. The six-star luxury resort sits amid 150 rai (24 hectares) of lush jungle looking out over white sands and turquoise waters.
Soneva Kiri is owned by Indian-British hotelier Sonu Shivdasani, who has used the same eco-friendly luxury formula for his two other resorts in the Maldives.
The Koh Kut branch has 33 pool villas (34 before the fire) with between one and six bedrooms. The resort is constructed entirely from wood.
Choose a villa
Prices range from an eye-watering 40,000 baht ($1,140 dollars) per night to a whopping 500,000 baht for the most expensive villa.
If that’s within your price range, the next step is to choose your preferred type:
1. Bayview Pool Villa
Bayview Pool Villa Suites come in three sizes. The one-bedroom suite has room for three adults and two children in its spacious 464 square metres. Amenities include a dressing room, outdoor bathroom, dining table, sun loungers and a private pool.
Not big enough? A four-bedroom Bayview Villa (1,211sqm) will fit 12 guests while the five-bed version (1,845sqm) has room for 14.
2. Beach Pool Villa
Prefer a pad by ocean? The Beach Pool Villa comes with one, two, three or five bedrooms to accommodate anything from a small party of four guests to a crowd of 14.
3. The Sunset Ocean View Villa
Further up the hill are the Sunset Ocean View Villas, available in four sizes from a one-bedroom family unit to the five-bedroom party mansion.
Need an even bigger place? You’re out of luck – the six-bedroom Sunset Ocean View Villa was the one that burnt to the ground in March.
Let’s talk money
Super-rich tourists on a tight budget can choose the cheapest room: the Bayview Pool Villa Suite for 2-3 adults comes with a king-size bed (or two twin beds) for around 40,000 baht ($1,140).
Before March, you could have grabbed the top-price Sunset Ocean View Pool Reserve Villa for a bargain 500,000 baht per night (it was 800,000 baht before Covid-19). It boasted 2,928sqm with six bedrooms on two floors. The lower floor housed a pool, dining room, wine cellar, gym, bedrooms, and dressing room. The upper floor featured the master bedroom, bedrooms, dressing room, reading room, living room, and spa.
Since the fire, large groups of ultra-wealthy tourists have had to slum it in the smaller five-bedroom villas.
Beyond the private villas, the resort is dotted with outdoor pools, restaurants, and fitness centre. Butlers are also on hand to provide personal service for guests.
The “No News No Shoes” theme is designed to root barefooted guests in nature, disconnecting them from the stress of the outside world.
When tummies begin rumbling, there’s buffet breakfast and dinner and an a la carte menu for lunch. For a culinary highlight, try the Treepod Dining five metres above the ground.
Day and night activities include cycling, boat trips for firefly watching, water sports, and outdoor film screenings. For pampering, there’s a spa, massage, sauna, and hot spring. For exercise, guests have the option of the fitness room, yoga room, or tennis courts.
Thailand prepares to welcome 10 millionth foreign tourist this year
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 07, 2022
Thailand expects to welcome its 10 millionth foreign tourist this year on Saturday (December 10) and will hold celebrations at seven airports and two land border checkpoints.
The “Amazing Thailand 10 Million Celebrations” campaign will mark the achievement of the 2022 target for foreign arrivals, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Yuthasak Supasorn said on Tuesday.
“As of December 5, Thailand had recorded 9.78 million foreign visitors this year. We believe the tally will hit 10 million on December 10,” he said. “TAT has invited partners to join in the campaign to celebrate this achievement and to show Thailand’s readiness to welcome foreign tourists in every part of the country.”
On Saturday, souvenirs will be presented to all arrivals at seven airports – Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, U-Tapao, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Samui – as well as two border checkpoints at Nong Khai and Sadao (Songkhla).
There will also be a lucky draw with special prizes at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Yuthasak added.
TAT set the target for foreign visitors as part of its “Visit Thailand Year 2022-2023: Amazing New Chapters” campaign, aimed at reviving tourism after Covid-19 and restoring Thailand’s reputation as a top destination in both short-haul and long-haul markets.
However, Thai tourism revenue this year is projected at 1.3 trillion baht, less than the target of 1.5 trillion baht set at the beginning of 2022. The TAT has set next year’s target at 2.38 trillion baht.
Steam locomotives from the World War II era embarked on a historic journey from Bangkok to Chachoengsao to celebrate Father’s Day on Monday.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has organised the special train ride to celebrate HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great’s birthday, which is also National Father’s Day.
Pacific steam locomotives No. 824 and No. 850, built by Japan’s Nippon Sharyo Co, are being used to tow cabins carrying passengers from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok to Chachoengsao station on this public holiday. The ride began at 8.10am.
Passengers will be given six hours to visit attractions in Chachoengsao province, including Wat Sothon Wararam and Ban Mai OTOP market, before the trains will depart for Bangkok at 4.30pm and arrive at Hua Lamphong at 6.10pm.
Trains will also stop at Makkasan, Klongton and Hua Mark stations in Bangkok for passengers to get on and off.
Tickets are 299 baht for ordinary cabins and 799 baht for air-conditioned cabins – snacks and drinking water included for both.
If you missed the chance to reserve a ticket for the Father’s Day’s ride, there are four other holidays when SRT provides steam locomotive rides on different routes:
• March 26, SRT’s Foundation Day; Bangkok-Ayutthaya
• June 3, HM Queen Suthida’s birthday; Bangkok-Nakhon Pathom
• July 28, HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s birthday; Bangkok-Ayutthaya
• August 12, HM Queen Sirikit’s birthday and National Mother’s Day; Bangkok-Chachoengsao
• October 23, HM King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day; Bangkok-Ayutthaya
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