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Local businesses in Nakhon Ratchasima woo visitors with their unique selling points

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2022

THE NATION

Three local businesses in Nakhon Ratchasima are ready to welcome Thai and foreign visitors with local products.

The Mango House offers fresh mangoes throughout the year while also serving several types of mango desserts.

The store also sells several processed products, such as ice creams, mango juices, crispy mango, dried mango, and jams.

Managing director Waraporn Mongkolpat said that the store has been open for 33 years since her father’s generation.

She said that the current total area is around 250 rai (40 hectares), which can yield around 200,000 to 300,000 mangoes per year.

Waraporn talked about the best-selling signature dish grilled mango butter with vanilla ice cream that was created by her.

She used nearly ripe mangoes to grill on the pan with butter, and sprinkle caramel sugar.

It sells around a hundred servings per day on weekends, as it is a unique and trendy menu.

Waraporn said that most visitors are seniors, family groups, foreign tourists, or people with vacation homes in Khao Yai.

She said, “Before Covid-19, we welcomed around 3,000 people per week. When we faced the Covid-19 pandemic, we almost had to close down the store as no one came to Khao Yai.”

Currently, the number of visitors is around 1,000 to 2,000 people per week.

Another unique business is the Green Me Organic Farm, which offers organic vegetables, processed products, dishes, and drinks at its cafe.

Visitors could also participate in the farm tour where they can harvest organic vegetables while the farm also offers farm-stay accommodation with six rooms available.

Apart from vegetables, there is an animal park where visitors could play with cows, goats, pigs, and rabbits.

Tour Leader Chira Sawaengdeethipadol said that the farm was established in 2015 as a remote farm by two owners from Bangkok.

Chira said, “Most visitors last year were foreign tourists from the UK and Europe, while some of them came from China and South Korea.”

After the Covid-19 situation in 2022, more Thai tourists started to visit, while the farm tried to adapt to their needs.

The three farm tours during the high season, at 8.30am, 10.30am, and 1.30pm, are usually full as they accept only 20 tourists so the farm sometimes opens the special slots in the early morning or the afternoon.

Meanwhile, it is only busy at the weekends during the low season with mostly irregular customers who pass by.

At Alcidini Winery, visitors could purchase organic grapes and several processed products such as juices, wines, dried grapes, and snacks.

It allows visitors to tour the vineyard, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and stargaze at night.

The owner Tontrakul Krijpipudht said that his business was also affected by Covid-19 as only Thai tourists came to visit.

He added that normally the tour group of foreign tourists interested in wines came to compare Thai wines with their own wines.

Apart from wine connoisseurs, several tourists from Singapore and Hong Kong came to stargaze as they could not do it in their countries. He said that visitors could see the Milky Way with the naked eye when the sky is clear.

Tontrakul said that his winery welcomed a lot of Asian tourists from China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Japan.

He said, “A lot of Japanese tourists knew us from blogs where they spread through the word of mouth.”

THE NATION

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Stunning Tarutao National Park all set to welcome visitors

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2022

THE NATION

Satun’s breathtaking Tarutao National Park is ready to welcome large numbers of tourists for the high season, especially during the long holiday weekend in the middle of this month.

The park reopened from October 1 for the high season after being closed since mid-2022 to give the environment a chance to recover.

Its tourist sites and accommodation are now open, and water activities are going ahead in designated areas to preserve the park’s natural resources, including its coral reefs, marine life, beaches, and culture.

Tarutao park chief Phanpong Khongkaew said water activities include snorkeling and scuba diving, in addition to sightseeing and experiencing local culture in several of the park’s 51 scenic islands.

Phanpong said he is confident tourists will visit the park during the extended holiday weekend. Staff are fully prepared to welcome them, he added.

However, he urged visitors to read the rules and follow restrictions, which include no fishing, no snorkeling at Koh Talung, as well as no diving or plankton watching at night, as this could violate the National Park Act.

Tourists can call 0-7478-3485 from 8am to 5pm for more information.

THE NATION

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Famous Phuket veg fest underway

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

THE NATION

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is considered one of the most-famous events in Thailand, which never fails to draw eager crowds and avid worshippers.

The high-profile festival commenced on Monday and is on till next Tuesday. Devotees cleanse their bodies for nine days before they honour nine Taoist emperor gods.

The history of the festival in Phuket particularly dates back to 1800, when the province was inhabited mostly by Chinese miners.

Around that time, an epidemic, which spread in Kathu town, claimed the lives of many people, including members of an opera troupe from China.

The troupe decided to lead locals in abstaining from eating meat and diligently prayed to the gods for nine days and nine nights in the hope of finding a cure.

Their efforts paid off, with infected troupe members recovering from the epidemic. This led to great curiosity among the locals, who turned believers.

In present times, devotees in Phuket celebrate the festival with several activities, including a fire-walking ritual that involves walking through fire or across burning coal to cleanse oneself of any evil or bad luck.

Some devotees even take it upon themselves to go through some sort of torture, including metal piercing, to “shift the evil” of other worshipers onto themselves in an attempt to bring luck back to the community.

THE NATION

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

Tourists are counting down to the reopening of the Tarutao National Marine Park in the southern province of Satun after a four-month closure to allow the recovery of the natural ecosystem.

Tourists are counting down to the reopening of the Tarutao National Marine Park in the southern province of Satun after a four-month closure to allow the recovery of the natural ecosystem.

Tarutao, located in the Andaman Sea, is scheduled to be reopened on October 1 after having been closed to tourists between June 1 and September 30.

The Nation records the beauty of Thailand’s largest marine park, which includes Lipe and Ro Kloy islands, Sai Khao Beach, and Molae Bay.

Credit: Tarutao National Par

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InterContinental Khao Yai Resort is replete with exotic experiences

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

THE NATION

InterContinental Khao Yai Resort opened its doors this month and among plenty of others, gives guests a unique train travel experience.

The resort, which spans 19 hectares and features five lakes, offers a range of enriching experiences and outdoor adventures.

The resort has been designed by award-winning architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, who was inspired by the area’s gateway for rail transportation to Northeast Thailand during the reign of King Rama V.

On arrival, guests are ushered in to a check-in area styled like a ticket counter, where a traditional stationmaster bell rings to welcome them. Guests are then escorted through the verdant grounds to their rooms.

Each of the 45 rooms in the main buildings allows guests to relax in elegant surroundings adorned with wall hangings inspired by vintage railway signs. Every room has a balcony overlooking the resort’s grounds while 11 of the suites and rooms boast private outdoor pools.

A cultural experience

The resort offers a series of curated adventures across Khao Yai’s famed mountains and landscapes, including Welcome to Khao Yai, which incorporates visits to Baan Sa Nam Sai, one of the oldest communities in the area, and Khao Yai Life & Legends, which offers visitors a chance to experience the locals’ enduring traditional way of life.

Guests can also visit the Tha Maprang community, including sampling seasonal fruits at a local farm, learning about legends at the community temple, and learning to make fragrant kaffir lime incense.

General Manager James Sutcliffe also welcomes guests to join him on a regular “Tour de Khao Yai”, cycling around the resort and its surroundings.

Somying’s Kitchen uses ingredients from the hotel’s organic farm, while local farmers also contribute to the pantry.

At the farm, guests can enjoy a breakfast whipped up from the freshest produce that Khao Yai has to offer.

Elsewhere Tea Carriage, set in a heritage railcar, offers a formal afternoon tea set with optional champagne, rosé wine or sparkling wine pairings, as well as a selection of Signature Iced Coffees and Teas.

Complimentary stretching, Hatha Yoga and pilates group classes are on offer, while a resident healer will guide guests through their programmes.

A Cross-Fit-inspired fitness centre overlooks Swan Lake and there are a series of jogging and cycling tracks, both in and around the resort.

A commitment to sustainability

The resort uses locally sourced materials and upcycled train carriages in the resort design, in line with Bensley’s pledge to create sustainable hotel design solutions and Intercontinental Hotel Group’s commitment to reduce plastic waste by removing bathroom miniatures,

The resort is one of the first in Thailand to introduce the European luxury brand Byredo in a full-size format.

Wooden keycards and biodegradable eco-friendly cleaning products will be used across the resort. The culinary team works closely with farms in the region to source seasonal ingredients and minimise food waste.

Destination celebrations

The resort offers the perfect backdrop for events of varying natures from al fresco birthday parties and outdoor cinema screenings to wedding ceremonies and pop-ups.

Later this year, a French brasserie and speakeasy bar will be added, with a spa and the brand’s signature Planet Trekkers programme. A range of 19 railcar suites and villas will also be unveiled.

Email intercontinental.khaoyai@ihg.com or visit http://www.intercontinental.com/khaoyai, for more information and reservation.

THE NATION

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Hong Kong promotes Cheung Chau Island with a virtual tour

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2022

THE NATION

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has invited participants from around the world on Thursday for a virtual tour of Cheung Chau Island.

The small, dumb-bell-shaped island of Cheung Chau, or “long island”, is nearly 3 square kilometre in area and has numerous attractions for tourists.

Pak Tai Temple

The historic Taoist temple — one of the oldest in Hong Kong and also known as Yuk Hui Temple — lies to the north of the main village area.

The structure was originally built in 1783 by the island’s fishing community to honour Pak Tai or “King of the North” — their protector and patron deity.

The building includes a colourfully ornate ceramic-tiled roof with two green-and-gold dragons standing guard along the ridge.

The main square outside Pak Tai Temple hosts the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival or Cheung Chau Bun Festival.

The third national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011 features the hugely popular challenge to climb “bun towers” and claim as many buns as possible.

San Hing Street and Pak She Street

The influx of new, younger residents has given the San Hing and Pak She streets a makeover in recent years.

Tourists could explore handmade items created by local artists and trendy new cafes offering Instagrammable treats, including cold brew and homemade Earl Grey tea chiffon cakes.

There are also the red-stamped “lucky buns”, filled with different sweet pastes such as sesame, red bean or lotus seed. They are used during the island’s annual bun festival, but are also steamed and sold all year round.

North Lookout Pavilion and Pak Kok Tsui

North Lookout Pavilion is the island’s highest point where tourists can savour a panoramic view of the island’s tombolo formation — a perfect spot for Instagram enthusiasts.

On a clear day, tourists can look across at Lamma Island on one side, and Tsing Ma Bridge, connecting Lantau Island to Hong Kong’s urban areas on the other.

Hikers can head east to Pak Kok Tsui, a small peninsula with a small beach called Tung Wan Chai, which is a popular scenic spot.

Tung Wan and Kwun Yam Wan

The ‘handle’ of Cheung Chau’s dumb-bell shape is home to the ferry pier, the bustling commercial and residential area packed with alleyways of shops selling knick-knacks and locally designed accessories, cafes, bars and restaurants, and village houses.

The crescent-shaped stretch of the beach is called Tung Wan. The island’s water quality is good and people can see southern Hong Kong Island on a clear day.

At a coastal walkway below Warwick Hotel is a group of Bronze Age rock carvings — among a series discovered on sea-facing rocks on Hong Kong’s different outlying islands — a declared monument featuring stylised geometric patterns, some resembling human or monster forms.

Meanwhile, Kwun Yam Beach offers a windsurfing centre. This small, but popular beach attracts many water sport enthusiasts, including stand-up paddlers, kayakers and kite-surfers.

It is served by several beachfront bars and cafes where people can unwind as they watch the sea.

San Hing Praya Street and Pak She Praya Road

The two areas are home to many Cantonese-style seafood restaurants, providing al fresco dining with sea views.

Diners can choose items from the menu, or even bring freshly caught seafood bought from the island’s fishmongers, and have it cooked to order.

There are also French, Thai and Indian restaurants, serving a wide range of savoury seafood delights.

THE NATION