A unique experience can be the most satisfying gift of all. Consider these highlights found in Thailand.
by Thomas Sturrock.
Cook Up a Storm
What better place to master the art of Thai cooking? World-renowned Thai chef Ian Kittichai (main image) recently opened his Issaya Cooking Studio (●Level LG, Central Embassy, 1031 Ploenchit Rd; www.issayastudio.com), giving visitors the chance to learn the secrets behind his distinctive cuisine. You’ll be doling out delicious baby back ribs in no time at all. For a more traditional approach, try the Blue Elephant Cooking School (●233 South Sathorn Road; www.blueelephant.com/bangkok), which is one of Thailand’s most recognized hospitality brands.
Dine on the Water
Although exploring the Chao Praya by longtail boat is great fun, it can’t compete with the sheer luxury of a dinner cruise. The river is, of course, lined with five-star hotels so there’s no shortage of choices, but the Banyan Tree Hotel’s cruise remains one of the city’s most popular. The tour, which lasts one hour and 45 minutes, takes diners past Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and the Grand Palace to the golden Rama VIII Bridge, all of which provide the perfect backdrop for a delicious gourmet meal.
Get a Medical Makeover
Thailand has long enjoyed a reputation as a low-cost, high-quality destination for medical tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world for a variety of procedures. Whether it’s colonic irrigation, cosmetic surgery or teeth whitening, the diversity of treatments on offer in Thailand is impressive. One of its key advantages is the relatively low cost of labor that ensures treatment is bespoke and tailored to the individual. Dentists, for example, can afford to pay their clinicians to hand-paint a tooth, rather than rely on machines.
Get Inked
For those eager to live on the edge, why not get inked up with a traditional Thai tattoo, also known as “yantra” or “sak yan”? These designs are believed to have magical animist powers and, certainly, the most devout believers are all too happy to demonstrate the supernatural effects of their tattoos. One of the most familiar—thanks in no small part to Angelina Jolie—is the “Ha Thaew,” made up of five lines of Thai text, each a blessing for good luck and most commonly etched on the left shoulder.
Learn to Scuba Dive
Thailand is one of the most pleasant and exciting places in the world to learn scuba diving, mainly due to its warm waters and affordable prices. The Similan Islands National Park is one of the most popular destinations for would-be divers, while the natural beauty of Koh Tao and Koh Samui has kept underwater explorers coming back for generations. Of course, if you want to stay in Bangkok, Planet Scuba (●02 712 8407; www.planetscuba.net) runs a program, as well as the “Dive with the Sharks” attraction at Siam Ocean World.
BANGKOK SHOPPING GUIDE
We may be French, Chinese, American, or Thai, but surely we all have one thing in common: we love to shop in Thailand!
Siam BTS station
Located at the center of Bangkok’s shopping area, Siam Paragon is the place where Thai and foreign shoppers go looking for high-end international brands. There is also a gourmet market and a food court, plus Thai traditional art shops.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
BTS Asok
With architecture designed to resemble an airport terminal, each of Terminal 21’s nine floors will take you to a different city, from Carnaby Street in London to San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
BTS Victory Monument
King Power Complex is the downtown duty-free store of the King Power International Group. Besides shopping, the complex is also worth a visit for its modern architecture, made of glass and steel.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
BTS Mo Chit
Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as J.J. by locals, is one the largest open-air markets in the world. Anything you can possibly imagine can be found in its intricate little streets.
Open Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
BTS Rachatewi
Located in Phetchaburi road, close to the Platinum Fashion Mall, this shopping plaza is a paradise for all tech enthusiasts in Bangkok. Laptops, cameras, smartphones, tablets, and every other possible high-tech gadget can be found in its five-storey building.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
