DestinationAsiaMAGAZINE

FROM THE EDITORS OF

Spotlight On:Bangkok

2

DESTINATION ASIA | EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor’s LetterBy Paula Keung

As one of the most popular tourist des-tinations in all of Asia, Bangkok attracts approximately 16 million visitors a year, arriving from all reaches of the globe. Some use Bangkok as a stopover, stay-ing just a few hours before heading

back to Suvarnabhumi International Airport for a connecting flight to Chiang Mai or Phuket. Others choose to spend days within the city limits, tasting bowls of steamy noo-dles at street bazaars, shopping the maze-like corridors at Chatuchak Weekend Market, and sipping cocktails among the glitterati of Bangkok’s workforce. Personally, I heart-ily side with this second group-why not be seduced by Bangkok’s glamour and grit and embrace the city’s endless possibilities?

Located at the delta of the Chao Praya River, Bangkok has been a historically significant port city for centuries, serving as the mari-time gateway for the kingdom of Siam. To-day, it is home to a population of almost 9 million, a cosmopolitan mix of local Thai and expats from all over the globe. Beauti-

ful centuries-old temples are everywhere; there are hundreds throughout the city’s 606 square miles. A shoppers’ paradise, retail lovers flock to local street markets and luxu-rious glass-front mega malls with equal zeal. When the sun sets on Bangkok, the neon lights rising overhead blink like beacons for thrill seekers, basking the streets in an end-less glow of energy that is both chaotic and enchanting.

When planning your visit, you’ll want to cap-ture the true essence of Bangkok with a little help from those who know it best. Travel Savvy is about local knowledge. Turn the pages of this new edition, Destination Asia: Bangkok, and meet locals like Boom Ratana, who recommends the Aurum Hotel, a charm-ing 12-room boutique hotel in Old Bangkok. Learn about the lesser known cultural sites in the city from Nalik Sangsnit. Stop at a food cart and bar hop with Mandy Itthikaiwan.

Come, let’s fall in love with Bangkok together!

—Paula Keung, Editor

Travel Savvy Digital Media

Twitter@trvlsvvy Facebook PageTravelSavvyMagazine.com

T R AV E L S AV V Y f o r D E S T I N AT I O N A S I A

PUBLISHER: STIG BAASVIK

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: PAULA KEUNG

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: MELISSA MOHABIR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: KEN THELIAN

DESIGNER: KATARINA KOJIC KAPLAN

ADVERTISING OPERATIONS: EVA KULOVA

495 COMMUNICATIONS LLC

PAULA KEUNG

BRET POLANSKY

KEN THELIAN

TRAVEL SAVVY MAGAZINE

495 COMMUNICATIONS LLC

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES,

PLEASE CALL 917 428 0635

CONTACT

EDITORIAL: EDITOR@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.COM

INQUIRIES: INFO@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.COM

ADVERTISING: ADS@495COMMUNICATIONS.COM

©2014 495 COMMUNICATIONS

JUST ANOTHER

PRODUCTION

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

3

Contents

Letter from the editor2 Cocktail

Culture in BKK

4 Mandy on Street Food6 BKK

Throughthe Lens8

Cultural Sites of Bangkock16Relax &

Unwind: Spas & More

12

Beyond the Bed18

Bangkok Shop Talk 14

Front Cover: Streets of Bangkok

Back Cover: Ayutthaya Ruins

Photo Credits: Dan Howell

4

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

Supa-arpha Itthikaiwan, who goes by “Mandy,” is a busy Pub-lic Relations Manager living a youthfully exuberant existence among Bangkok’s chic interna-tional population. As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok is home to a large number of expats who have fallen in love with the distinct cultural blend of old history and New World modernization. “It’s so easy to meet people here,” explains Mandy. “I’ve hosted the occasional international potluck dinner at my house with guests

from all over the globe. Through food, I’m able to learn so much about cultural differences.”

Mandy lives near some of the best bars and restaurants the city has to offer. Since food, travel, and exploring new places with friends are among her favorite pastimes, we asked her to share a list of the city’s best lounges.

On page 6, Mandy takes us on a tasting tour of Bangkok’s famous street food culture.

By Supa-arpha Itthikaiwan

CO C K TA I L C U L T U R E

BKKIN

Sky Bar Photo Credit: lebua Hotel Group

Sky Bar Photo Credit: lebua Hotel Group

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

5

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

ROOFTOP BAR FOR A SCENE

SKY BAR@ lebua Hotel

Many people are familiar with Sky Bar from the movie Hangover 2. This stunning rooftop bar is 63 floors up and offers a complete 360° view of the glittering city below. The circular island bar fea-

tures special lighting that changes color throughout the evening. Ex-pect a thirsty crowd, all ordering one of the many innovative cock-tails such as the bar’s signature drink, “Hangovertini.” Note that the venue has a dress code.

velvet seating. If you come late at night, you’ll find costumed enter-tainers swinging from the ceiling on rope-hung seats. The bar has a wonderful cocktail list, and on some nights there is live jazz.

RETRO THROWBACK

THE SPEAKEASY @ Hotel Muse

The Speakeasy, a rooftop lounge with a chic 1920’s interior, fea-tures an excellent French-inspired menu prepared by Chef Jean Baptiste Natali. Located at Hotel Muse, this is the perfect low-key hangout.

SECRET BASEMENT BAR

MAGGIE CHOO’S@ 320 Silom Road

Dark and romantic, this basement bar is housed behind a discreetly-placed, carved wooden door on the side of the Novotel Fenix Hotel. Beyond the door, in the back of a dining room hangs a heavy theat-rical curtain that leads to Maggie Choo’s. Many decades ago, this space housed an old bank vault, whose small, private transaction rooms are now seating areas. The décor is something to experience, with lots of laquered Chinese um-brellas, ornate tables, and plush

Sky Bar Photo Credit: lebua Hotel Group

Maggie Choo’s Photo Credit: BangkokNightlife.com

6

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

lounge offers themed-entertain-ment, such as salsa music and la-dies’ night on Wednesdays, live jazz on Thursdays, and old-school hip hop Fridays with a New York DJ personality. The drinks are reasonable and the menu fea-tures delicious Japanese Peruvi-an dishes. The bartender makes superb mojitos.

LIVE MUSIC, GOOD CROWD

APOTEKA@ Sukhumvit 55

The apothecary-themed bar, Apoteka, is the place to go for live music and creative cocktails. Visit Apoteka’s Facebook page for the weekly music schedule, which includes excellent blues bands and live local DJs.

SALSA NIGHT WITH A VIEW

ABOVE ELEVEN @ Frasier Suites

Yet one more rooftop bar with a beautiful view, Above Eleven sits atop the Fraser Suite Hotel. This

The SpeakeasyPhoto Credit: Hotel Muse

ApotekaPhoto Credit: BangkokNightlife.com

MANDY ON STREET FOOD “Street food is a way of life in Thai-land. In Bangkok, there are des-ignated streets, or sois, around the city where food vendors ar-range space-efficient food carts in a sort of managed chaos, and offer crave-worthy dishes, both

Chicken skewersPhoto Credit: Kriska B

Spicy soup with chiliesPhoto Credit: Dan Howell

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

7

agenda. One particular vendor area, Sukhumvit 38, is central to the many bars I’ve listed and is open from 6PM local time until very late. Try a plate of Haina-nese Chicken Rice or a bowl of noodle soup before you visit a rooftop lounge. After a late night, you might want something sweet; tuck into a bowl of mango sticky rice or a bag of fried dough.

In the Silom neighborhood, head to Soi Convent.

Order pork leg stew, a bowl of

spicy fish soup, or perhaps a plate of mari-nated meat

skewers. Just go to the cart

with the longest line and you won’t be

disappointed!”

savory and sweet, hot and cold. Diners congregate around communal tables for a true “street dining” experience. With tuk-tuks, cabs, and an elevated skytrain called the “BTS” run-ning throughout Bangkok, it’s in-credibly easy to get around, dine on the go, and keep up with the evening’s

Sticky rice wrapped in banana leafPhoto Credit: Dan Howell

“ ORDER PORK LEG STEW,

A BOWL OF SPICY FISH SOUP, OR PERHAPS

A PLATE OF MARINATED MEAT

SKEWERS.”

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

A tuk-tuk at dawnAll Photos Pages 8 to 11 Credit: Dan Howell

8

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

Bangkok THROUGH THE LENS

By Dan Howell Photographer

Dan’s Website

New York City-based fashion

and portrait photographer, Dan

Howell, travels to unique and far-

flung cities for bridal magazines

to report on international hon-

eymoon destinations. He’s also

visited and photographed many

gorgeous locations and subjects

in Thailand and has participated

in local photography seminars

for the Bangkok fashion and

modeling industries. “As a city,

Bangkok is supremely vibrant,”

explains Dan. “At the same time,

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

9

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

there’s a delicate balance of tradition

and modernity that’s in everything

from people’s mannerisms to the

rhythm of life in general. It’s a lovely

city to experience and photograph.”

Check Dan’s fashion photography site

for more of his work.

PREVIOUS PAGEA tuk-tuk at dawn. With so many ways to get around the city, such as the Sky Train and air-conditioned taxis, Bangkok tuk-tuks are more of an “experience.” Consider them for a short trips and for zipping around traffic jams.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT“Soi Cowboy,” a nightlife and red-light district in Bangkok. This one-block long side soi—soi means “street”—in the Sukhumvit area is famous for its go-go clubs and beer bars. The name is derived from the owner of one of the first nightclubs on the soi, who was a cowboy-hat wearing retired American airman. Scenes from The Hangover Part 2 were filmed here.

Water taxi just passing the Baan ChaoPraya Hi-Rise. This huge, modern condo building is right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya is the main river in the city and flows through to the Gulf of Thailand. Along with barges and commercial waterway transports, you’ll see river taxis and tourist buses along the river’s 25-mile stretch through Bangkok.

Street art. In certain areas of the city, you’ll see bold graffiti art splashed across alley-ways and cinderblock walls. There have been street-art festivals held in past years celebrating some of the intricate and colorful creations by local artists.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFTMan on train at Hua Lualamphong Station

Local Thai banana varietal; they are sold everywhere.

Hua Lualamphong Station, the main railway station in Bangkok, is located in the center of the city.

Chinese New Year parade masks for sale in Bangkok’s Chinatown district; Chinatown dates back to the time when Chinese traders operated junks on the nearby Chao Phraya River.

Fresh crabs at Klong Toey Market

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

10 DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

THIS PAGE: AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE. About an hour from Bangkok is Ayutthaya Province, putting it at an ideal distance for a day trip to see ruins and visit one of the area’s popular floating markets.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT

Elephant waiting for passengers just outside the market entrance

Seated statue at Ayutthaya ruins.

Quail eggs at an outdoor food stall

Vivid pink “hundred day preserved eggs,” in baskets for sale at Ayutthaya floating market. These eggs are specially cooked and pre-served for up to three months, giving them a unique sour-salty taste.

The three chedis of Wat Phra Si Sanphet

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

11 DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

12 DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

As an international catwalk and fashion model, Nikki Mesale has worked on campaigns and edito-rials for a variety of world famous brand names. Nikki has also rep-resented her home country on the world stage at the prestig-ious events, Miss International

By Nikki Mesale Entrepreneur and Model

Nikki’s Facebook Page

Relax &Unwind

2008 and Miss Globe Interna-tional 2010.

When she is not heating things up in front of the camera for clothing and accessories brands, she manages her own jewelry line, “Seduction by Nikki.”

“One of the most wonderful things about living in Bangkok is that every beautiful beach, re-treat, and natural wonder is just a short flight or car ride away,” ex-plains Nikki. “My work as a model takes me to some of the best lo-cations in the country, and when I can, I try to return as a visitor with family and friends.”

We asked Nikki to suggest her favorite getaway using Bangkok as a base of travel. When making

your plans, use airport code BKK as your reference point.

TAMARIND SPRING DAY SPA, SAMUIWhen it’s time to reset my mind, I spend time at my favorite spa, Tamarind Spring in Samui (BKK-->USM). This peaceful resort of-fers relaxation and rejuvenation with yoga and spa treatments. Located near Lamai beach, this quiet destination resort offers a

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

Through Dan, we connected with two Bangkok

entrepreneurs and models, Nikki Mesale and Pla

Samuangsri. Nikki’s list “Relax & Unwind,” directs you

to her absolute favorite spa on Koh Samui, where you

can find peace among the coconut groves. In “Bangkok

Shop Talk,” Pla introduces us to some of the finer places

to practice retail therapy. Read on.

Hua Hin BeachPhoto Credit: Wan Petchroon

13 DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

handful of private villas for those interested in staying on-site; the bulk of the Spa’s clients come for day visits. The excellent staff ad-minsters your treatments using a holistic approach. When plan-ning your trip, book your flight in advance, as flights can be more expensive the day of.

Tamarind Spring SpaPhoto Credit: Tamarind Spa

Relax &Unwind

ADDITIONAL SPAS RETREATS

ABSOLUTE SANCTUARY, KOH SAMUISpecializing in yoga and detox programs, Absolute Sanctuary has been recog-nized by Conde Nast Traveller’s Spa Awards of 2014, as “Best Value For Weight Loss.” The sprawling property overlooks Cheong Mon Beach on the northeast-ern part of Samui island.

CHIVA-SOM, HUA HINThis beach-front retreat is located at Hua Hin, which is easily accessible from Bangkok via bus or private car, making it the closest to Thailand’s capitol among the spas listed here. Chiva Som offers a medi-spa as well as traditional yoga and holistic health programs, and is a designated Healing Hotels of the World.

TAO GARDEN HEALTH SPA AND RESORT, CHIANG MAITao Garden is located in one of the more popular destination cities in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. This Taoist healing center takes an integrative approach to health and combines properties from “traditional Chinese medicine, Ayur-vedic medicine, energy medicine, and Allopathic medicine” to create a full pro-gram for those interested in a comprehensive treatment plan. There are also spa packages and exercise programs on the menu.

The fastest way to get to Chang Mai is via a 1 hour and 15 minute plane ride (BKK-->CNX), but you might prefer an express train or bus ride. Lonely Planet has a detailed write up on transportation here.

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

Hua Hin BeachPhoto Credit: Scaredy Kat

Siem ParagonPhoto Credit: Mark Fischer

Bangkok

Shop Talk

EDITOR’S NOTE:Serious shoppers should check out the newest fashion mega-mall to open its doors in Bangkok, Central Embassy. With 8-floors of luxury retailers set beneath a high-end hotel, you’ll enjoy the ex-perience that this ultra-modern shoppers’ paradise has to offer. Check out their Facebook as well.

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

14

the We Facebook page provides information on weekly spa pack-ages and specials. “The Thai tradition of wellness is rooted in massage,” explains Pla. “Cultur-ally, we value personal aware-ness of one’s body and mind. Spa and massage are one way to achieve a high level of wellness.”

When not on a modeling assign-ment or managing her day-to-day spa operations, Pla knows where to practice a little retail therapy.

WHERE TO SHOP:“Shopping in Bangkok is an unof-ficial sport. Every neighborhood from Silom to Sukhumvit, China-town to Chidlom, offers markets and malls. Shopping areas are easy to find, and most are next to a BTS skytrain stop. Not all mar-kets are worth visiting, but there’s truly something for everyone on nearly every street corner. Sometimes I have to have a little glamour, and that’s when I head to one of two places.”

By Pia Samuangsri Owner of We Spa

Entrepreneur and Model Pla Samuangsri is the owner of We Spa, a day spa located in a qui-et residential neighborhood in a suburb of Bangkok. Offering classic spa services like body scrubs, facials, and massages,

Chatuchak MarketPhoto Credit: Mark Fischer

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

15

EMPORIUM622 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei

In the Khlong Toei district, you’ll find the Emporium, located at Sumhumvit Soi 24. This mall of-fers a similar shopping expe-rience as Paragon, with many of the same luxury European brands, but on a smaller and more manageable scale. This may be the mall to go to if you know what you need and don’t want to encounter the huge crowds at Paragon.

PARAGONRama 1 Road, Pathum Wan

The grandest indoor shopping center in Bangkok is Paragon, located in the Pathum Wan dis-trict, the main shopping district in Bangkok with malls on each block. Paragon is the most lux-urious of the malls in this area. You will find every international luxury fashion brand spread out among the mall’s nine levels. The main level boasts a huge gour-met shop and a food court, while the basement houses the Siam Ocean World Aquarium.

You’ll also want to check out pic-turesque Benjasiri Park, located right next to the mall. It is often referred to as ‘Queen’s Park.’ Many locals take lunch hour here, next to the many stone sculptures. Visitors can feed tur-tles and birds at the pond.

Child at Siam Aquarium. Photo Credit: Stephane Pardo

Benjasiri Park Photo Credit: Southeast Asia Images

Feeding the turtles at Benjasiri Park Photo Credit: Johan Fantenberg

Photo Credit: Bangkok Post

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

16 DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

Cultural Sites of Bangkok

and Beyond

Nalikatibhag Sangsnit, Ph.D. Director-General for Designated Areas for

Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)

As the Director-General for Thailand’s Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Ad-ministration (DASTA), Na-likatibhag Sangsnit strives to help Thailand strike the per-fect balance between tour-ism and preservation of the natural landscape.

With approximately 26 million visitors annually, Thailand is the perfect destination to practice sustainable tourism through the

Similan Archipelago National ParkPhoto Credit: Al Neufeld

Museum Of SiamPhoto Credit: Wasin Waeosri

use of alternative energy in hotels and transportation, initiating vi-able green practices throughout the country, and more. Dr. Nalik is part of the country’s effort to create a balance between the so-cial, economic, and environmen-tal impact of tourism while pre-serving its culture.

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

17 DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

hothai Province, and the ancient city of U-Thong,” says Dr. Nalik. “These sites are important to discovering the heritage of Thai-land.”

While you’re in Bangkok, check out these two sites, also recom-mended by Dr. Sangsnit:

RATTANAKOSIN EXHIBITION HALL Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall showcases the rich historical background of Bangkok with fun, interactive exhibits. The recently renovated building is comprised of nine state-of-the-art exhibition

rooms, each representing an as-pect of the Rattanakosin era.

THE MUSEUM OF SIAMThis cultural museum weaves the narrative of the Thai national identity through engaging exhib-its and storytelling. Visitors get a chance to learn the history and development of Thailand through fun anecdotes and historical in-formation.

“While in Thailand, take time to visit some of the many of the designated areas for sustainable tourism, such as Loei Province, where you can plan your trip to coincide with the annual Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival in June. If you dive, look up Similan Archipela-go National Park at Phang-Nga Province. Also of great importance are the histori-cal parks of Suk-

Dok Fai Ban Fair, Loei ProvincePhoto Credit: Jakkrit Jansawat

Phi Ta Khon Ghost FestivalPhoto Credit: Nobutaka Kuze

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall Credit: Sonchai Pongrapeeporn

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

18

When we really simplify things, the traveler within knows that we share a few basic needs: a relia-ble pair of walking shoes, a sense of adventure to help us navigate a new place and, at the end of the day’s wanderings, a bed to sleep in.

Bangkok has everything from small guest houses with funky room decor to international ho-tel brands with easily recognized logos emblazoned across bed-sheets and tapestry. Perhaps you are looking for something that

offers a bit of personality, a room with less corporate branding…something more than just a bed.

We’ve listed here a handful of hotels that you’ll be happy to wake up in, each recommended by those who know Bangkok.

Beyond the BedInteresting Hotels in

BANGKOKSalil Hotel

Photo Credit: Hotel

Phranakorn Nornlen HotelPhoto Credit: Hotel

Phranakorn Nornlen HotelPhoto Credit: Hotel

Phranakorn Nornlen HotelPhoto Credit: Hotel

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

19

SALIL HOTEL THONGLORRooms: 84Posted Rate: See website, specials often posted.

“Cheerful and modern, Salil Ho-tel is next to the sky train and sur-rounded by excellent shopping.

AURUM, THE RIVER PLACERooms: 12Posted Rate: 3030-3780 THB / $93-$116 USD

“Aurum is located in the heart of old Bangkok, also considered the historical and cultural area. As a riverside hotel on the Chao Phraya River, it is close to many main historical sites, such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The hotel also faces the Temple of Dawn. If you have a list of cultural sites you’d like to visit, consider booking a room here.”

PHRANAKORN NORNLENRooms: 31Posted Rate: 1800-3600 THB / $56-$111 USD

“Phranakorn Nornlen is a popu-lar choice for both Thai peo-ple and foreigners. This small boutique hotel feels more like a guesthouse and not a typical ho-tel. Often written up in the press as a ‘Top 10 Place to Stay,’ it is located in the old Bangkok area.”

BOOM RATANA Local businesswoman and

international traveler

View from Aurum, The River Place-Temple of DawnPhoto Credit: Christopher Michel

Phranakorn NornlenPhoto Credit: Hotel

Temple of the Emerald Buddha Photo Credit: Southeast Asia Images

Shanghai Mansion Hotel Lobby Photo Credit: Dan Howell

Shanghai Mansion HotelPhoto Credit: Hotel

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

20

Being located right on Sukhumvit road means that you’ll be central to nightlife, dining and retail.”

DAN HOWELLFashion and Travel Photographer

SHANGHAI MANSIONRooms: 74Posted Rate: 2200-3300 THB / $68-$102 USD

“This is a beautiful urban hotel that was once an opera house, and later the country’s stock ex-change. Located on Yaowarat Road, Shanghai Mansion is smack in the middle of China-town. You’ll be close to open stall

markets, shops dealing in textiles and gold, and more. The rooms are unique and colorful, and the chinoiserie-style lobby is a popu-lar place for photography.”

and sculptures. The hotel offers amenitities such as a spa, kids’ club, and limosine service, mak-ing it a true resort. It’s also locat-ed next door to the BTS Skytrain and the Paragon Shopping Com-plex, putting you in the heart of the city.”

“Those who desire every comfort during their stay should book the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, a five-star luxury property locat-ed on Rama 1 Road. This grand hotel is lavishly and impeccably decorated, and features a large collection of traditional Thai art

Passenger boat on the canal behind Siam Kempin-ski Hotel BangkokPhoto Credit: Gadget Dan

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

DESTINATION ASIA | BANGKOK, THAILAND

21

DR. NALIKATIBHAG SANGSNITDirector General, DASTA

THE SIAM KEMPINSKIRooms: 303Posted Rate: 14,200 THB / $436 USD

Tea service, lobby of Shanghai Mansion Photo Credit: Dan Howell

Siam Kempinski Hotel Lobby Photo Credit: Hotel

NA.TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG

Dear Friends,

As you flip through the pages of Travel Savvy’s

Destination Asia Magazine, take a brief moment

to explore the plethora of possibilities awaiting you

in the Kingdom of Thailand. Remove yourself from

your everyday routine and imagine walking along

the bustling streets of Bangkok, greeted by an ar-

ray of scents from street-food vendors inviting you

to try their local bites. With a plate of papaya salad

or a chicken skewer in hand, enter one of the coun-

try’s thousands of temples to acquaint yourself

with ancient Thai religious traditions. Over to the

westward horizon, you glance out to see Bangkok’s

high-rise skyline. You slowly take in the day’s sun-

set, as you sip the juice of a fresh coconut, and

you realize there really is no place quite like Thailand.

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, we are re-

nowned for our welcoming culture, modern world

class accommodations, vibrant city centers, his-

torically rich traditions, pristine beaches, and the

kindness of our people. Whether young and free

spirited, adventure-seeking, or a couple looking

for solitude during a vacation getaway, Thailand is

a destination for any type of traveller.

I invite you to take the journey of a lifetime to our

beautiful country and immerse yourself in the won-

ders which make Thailand so magical. Learning from

the pages of Destination Asia: Spotlight On Bang-

kok, and from your own wanderlust, discover why

Amazing Thailand, truly does Begin with the People.

Pack your bags and I hope to see you in Thailand soon!

Kulpramote WannalertDirector of the Western US/Latin America Tourism Authority of Thailand Los Angeles Office NA.tourismThailand.org www.bookThailandnow.com

THE TOURISMAUTHORITY

A letter from

of THAILAND

FROM THE EDITORS OF

DestinationAsiaMAGAZINE