July 2022 – Amazing Thailand

Update 29 July 2022

Posted on 29/07/202217/08/2022 by admin

Hi everyone!

Hope you are all keeping well.

We’ve created this Trade EDM two years ago just after Covid started as means to keep you all updated on any policy changes. Since Thailand and Australia are opening with little to no covid restriction, I am stirring our communication focus to TAT Australia activities as well as Product/Destination Highlight.

What is happening in TAT Australia office?

• TAT Oceania Director, Khun Suladda Sarutilavan, finishes her 4-year term in Australia this week. We thank Khun Suladda for her wise leadership and guidance; especially her commitment and compassion through the two challenging pandemic years. We will miss you. Farewell and good luck in Chiang Mai! (She will be heading TAT Chiang Mai office)

• Last week Khun Suladda and I travelled to Thailand to present Oceania market update to Thai hotels and tourism operators at the TAT Tourism Clinic events in Bangkok and Pattaya. There was so much enthusiasm from Thailand suppliers to promote and push for the Australian market. PS: It was fantastic to be able to travel to Thailand with no additional procedure, other than presenting our Covid vaccination certificate.

• We are delighted to be able to give back through Koala Clancy Foundation. TAT Sydney team in partnership with Minor Hotel Group are aiming to plant over 1,000 trees in Victoria’s Mount Rothwell on National Tree Day (31 July 22). The goal is to restore habitat for Australia’s cutest icon, koalas. The event mirrors efforts in northern Thailand to restore jungle habitat for Thailand’s national icon, the elephant. You’ll see images and updates through our social media soon.

Destination Highlight – Pattaya

Many Aussie tourists do not realise they don’t need to take another domestic flight (out of Bangkok) to have a beach holiday. Pattaya is only 1.5-hour drive away Southeast of Bangkok. There is so much on offer, clean white sand, wide array of accommodation options, fresh seafood and restaurants, shopping, and night markets. You could base yourself near Pattaya Beach if you’d like to stay in the centre of town. For those who prefer a more laid-back and peaceful area, we recommend Wong Amat Beach (North) or Jomtien Beach (South), or even further south.

Product Highlight – Grande Centre Point Space, Pattaya

Brand new hotel about to have their Grand Opening on 1st August 2022. I must applaud their innovation and creativity; the whole structure is space themed. This will attract families, space enthusiasts and (I bet) many young-at-heart tourists. We love their 12,000 sqm water park (wave pool, slide and lazy river). Their indoor family playground is quite something; this independent structure is called Astro Club. This hotel also houses the biggest Let’s Relax Onsen & Spa in Thailand. We had the privilege to use The Space Convention Centre for our Mini Tourism Clinic; they have cutting-edge technology, fantastic for conferences . My personal favourite was the wireless mobile charger on top of their alarm clock in the hotel room – that’s a fantastic little touch makes a whole lot of difference for travellers.

Hope you enjoy reading.

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Regards,

TAT Australia

10 things to do when it rains in Phuket

Posted on 22/07/202231/07/2022 by admin

Travel blogger Holly O’Sullivan learned the hard way that you can’t always rely on non-stop sunshine when you’re travelling, and on a recent visit to Phuket, despite the rain, she was determined to enjoy herself.

It was raining the day I arrived in Phuket but I made it my mission not to let it stop me from enjoying my trip.

Luckily a lot of companies allow you to postpone tours because they themselves don’t know how the weather will turn out – but some operators still continue through the rain.

Here are some things to do during a rainy holiday in Phuket

1. Get a spa treatment

One of the best ways to experience some of Thailand’s culture is to sample one of the various types of spa treatments available. My top two recommendations would be:

Thai Massage: these are usually done without oils, in comfortable silk pyjamas – often Thai massages take place in private room divided by curtains with dim lighting. Thai massages are relaxing, yet more energizing than most forms of massages. A popular comment made is that having a Thai massages is like doing yoga without any work. Get bent in all different directions with a Thai Massage that leaves every joint cracked and every knot removed.

Milk baths: can you really leave Phuket without taking advantage of one of the beautiful milk baths filled with flowers? An unforgettable experience is to get a scrub and massage treatment, which consists of being covered in a body scrub, then relaxing in a milk bath, and finishing off with an oil massage.

2. Trickeye Museum

One to take the family to, Phuket’s Trickeye Museum is an experience that will fill up your photo albums. ‘Museum’ probably isn’t the best term, as it is an interactive experience with 3D paintings that offer unique photo opportunities.

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3. Phuket Aquarium

You’re on an island that is pretty well known for its snorkelling opportunities, so if it’s raining, why not get a better look at the fish? The recently renovated Phuket Aquarium is a great place to take the family, and gives the kids a chance to run around in the underwater tunnels.

4. Phang Nga Bay day tours

Sure you’re probably thinking, why would I want to do the Phang Nga Bay tour in the rain? But once you’re out discovering caves and mangroves you’ll realise that Phang Nga Bay can be just as beautiful in the rain.

What to do in phuket when it rains: Phang Na Bay

5. Stroll through the Upside Down House

Baan Teelanka, is the first and only upside down house in Thailand and is whatever you make of it – certainly a few good photo opportunities. With free WiFi, you are able to stay connected to your social media and post some of the unique photos that the attraction provides.

6. Take a cooking class

A lot of Phuket’s hotels have cooking classes so guests are able to learn and make traditional Thai cuisines. Popular dishes to be made in cooking classes are; Thai Green Curry, Som Tam, and Tom Yam Goong.

What to do in phuket when it rains: cooking class

7. Have a go at Thai Boxing

If you’ve already taken a stroll down Bangla Road by Patong Beach, you’ll realise just how popular Thai boxing is. Exciting enough on TV, if you’re not going to attend a live show, you can take a class. There are many training camps all over Phuket and all cater for different skill levels – from beginners to professionals.

8. Take part in a beach cleanup

Many of Phuket’s resorts are working towards a single-use plastic free future, no longer serving drinks with plastic straws or selling products in plastic bags. Some organise regular beach cleanups, with a few such as Aleenta Resort, rewarding individuals for their cleanup efforts with a free coffee and also organising regular community beach cleanups where volunteers are rewarded with a free beach BBQ.

9. Explore Old Phuket

Phuket Town is a historical town that makes a part of Phuket City – it’s main street is Thalang Road which is home to cafes, bars and shops all within the traditional architecture that was constructed many years ago when Phuket was a centre for tin mining.

What to do in phuket when it rains: Old Phuket Town — Copyright John Borthwick

10. Go white water rafting

So it pretty much says it in the name, but what are the chances you wouldn’t get wet when white water rafting? So adding a little rain to that could make it even more exciting.

Holly O’Sullivan blogs about her travels at THATraveller.com and visited Phuket as a guest of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Koh Samui

Posted on 12/07/202231/07/2022 by admin

On an island renowned for pristine beaches and sapphire seas, you would expect visitors to Thailand’s Koh Samui to spend all of their waking hours near the shore. However, there’s also lush rainforest that’s equally enticing for adventurous travellers, and the holiday gurus over at Expedia Australia have all the top tips. Whether by boot or by bike, you’ll enjoy hidden waterfalls, secret gardens, and incredible views when you follow this guide to hiking in Koh Samui.

Pointers and Preparation

Before you go running through the canopy to a lookout high on a mountainside, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, you’re going to need the proper gear. That means comfortable trail-worthy shoes and appropriate clothing. Leave the sandals and cotton T-shirts back at your Koh Samui hotel.

It’s humid in the rainforest—moisture-wicking clothes are a must to keep you cool and dry. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also must-haves for any extended time outside, and you might want to pack a travel rain poncho, just to be prepared for the occasional pop-up shower.

Because of the midday heat, it’s best to start your hike early in the morning, or later in the afternoon. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack so you can stay hydrated and fuelled up on the trail.

Best Hikes on Koh Samui

Now that you’re properly prepared, it’s time to lace up your trail runners and make tracks. Here are some of the best hiking trails on the island—all of which can be tackled with or without a local guide.

Easy Hikes

Consider these one to two-hour hikes to be more like leisurely strolls that even the most inexperienced hiker can thoroughly enjoy.

Hin Lad Waterfall Trail is a riverside path that gradually leads you uphill through the jungle to the scenic area where the flowing river falls into the plunge pool. Feel free to take a swim—or just dip your toes in—before heading back down.

The Maenam Viewpoint Trail in Nathon South is another easy option. Normally, you would expect to exert yourself for hours to reach an expansive island view. But this trail delivers a picturesque vantage point high atop the mountain rim.

Moderate Hikes

Expect to be on the trail about two or three hours for these treks. You’ll get a workout, for sure, but you won’t need to be an expert hiker to attempt them.

The Magic Garden—or Secret Buddha Garden, as it’s also called—is a sculpture park built by Buddhist practitioner Uncle Nim. The hike there, through the dense forest, can be steep and challenging in a few spots, but the payoff is well worth it.

You can continue on a separate moderate hike after you’ve spent some time with the statues and the surrounding landscaped jungle. An effigy of the Sleeping Buddha—a golden, reclining re-creation of the spiritual leader—is found about 90 minutes along another trail that begins at the Magic Garden. If attempting both hikes is too much, and you want to only do the Sleeping Buddha hike, you can catch a ride to the Magic Garden and start from there.

Challenging Hikes

You’ll definitely want to get an early start for these three to four hour treks. Bring plenty of water, and make sure you have a full battery for your camera—you’re going to need it once you reach these majestic peaks.

The Nathon Mountain Ridge Trail takes you on a 13-kilometre loop around the entire Nathon Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass through coconut plantations, evergreen forests, and jungle vegetation—all offering plenty of photo ops.

Another 13-kilometre trail combines some of the easy and moderate hikes, creating one long trek, and takes you through a Buddhist temple. On the Maenam Viewpoint-Wat Lamai-Magic Garden Trail, you’ll enjoy a couple of Koh Samui’s most gorgeous vistas. Maenam Viewpoint is a popular spot for views of the island, but continue on to the top of the tower at Wat Lamai, and you can see the mainland on a clear day. After you’ve taken in the panorama, you’ll pass through the Magic Garden, where you can witness Uncle Nim’s handiwork.

There you have it. Hopefully, you’ll spend some time enjoying these amazing hikes in between sessions on the sand, snorkelling in the sea, and sightseeing along Koh Samui’s streets. In fact, a day on the trails will make that pint at the pub all the more refreshing, and the seafood dinner even more delightful.