THE LOCAL
Name: Chompunuch Chulanuka
Age: 40
Country: Thailand
Profession: Director of Food & Beverage Marketing, Dusit Thani Bangkok
My favorite place: South Island, New Zealand
Bring: Sunglasses, warm jacket, multi-surface walking shoes, highway map, and compact camera
Must-do: Take a helicopter flight over the glaciers. The ride itself is a great experience but the snow landing is even more unforgettable because it’s like a heaven up there. Also, boost up your adrenalin with Shotover Jet, the high-speed jet boat ride along the Shotover River.
Must-see: Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glaciers. Lake Matheson nearby is also a must.
Must-buy: Patagonia Chocolates and Sheep plush toys and sheep-related products from the region.
Eat at: Fergburger in Queenstown and Patagonia ice cream
Drink at: Matheson Café in Fox Glacier for a cup of hot chocolate with a fantastic view
Sleep at: For an easy and cozy night, don’t miss the Aspiring Lodge Motel in Wanaka located just next to the supermarket and only a few steps away from Lake Wanaka. For a more luxurious stay, The Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki Mount Cook — a hotel with great design, decoration, and an interesting story behind it.
The Expat: Rosie Moore
THE EXPAT
Name: Rosie Moore
Age: 32
Country: Canada & Thailand
Job/Profession: Partner at East Fitness Foundations, Health & Wellness Coach
My favorite place: Huay Tang Tao Lake, northwest of downtown Chiang Mai. At the base of the western hills (Doi Suthep) there is a path that surrounds the reservoir; a perfect place to get in a little outdoor activity.
Bring there: A pair of walking/running shoes to take advantage of the trails and short hikes from the lake to the hillside waterfalls.
Must-do: Day trips, nature excursions and cultural hotspots in and around Chiang Mai. Consider an overnight trip up to Chiang Rai (just a two-and-a half hour drive).
Must-see: Baan Tawai Village. This little town is made up of streets lined with shops full of antiques, woodcarvings, unique handmade furniture, art, and modern and Thai décor; a little haven for those with a passion for interior design and art.
Must-buy: Gift items from Mesimu, an original shop by a Chiang Mai-based designer of fair, ethical and handmade accessories and dresses.
Eat at: The Larder Café, for the best Western brunch choices in the city.
Drink at: One of the restaurant patios in the new Think Park courtyard on Nimmanahaeminda Road.
Sleep at: Le Meridien Chiang Rai. It’s pool and garden are among the most peaceful places to relax.
The Tourist: Sanjoy Roy
THE TOURIST
Name: Sanjoy Roy
Age: Under 50
Country: India
Job/Profession: Managing Director, Teamwork Arts India (who do 26 festivals in 15 countries, including the famous ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival and the ongoing Festival of India in Thailand)
My favorite place: Bangkok. In particular, the gorgeous grounds, halls, and galleries of Chulalongkorn University where most of our Festival of India in Thailand events are being held. Also, the Chao Phraya River, the farmer’s markets, and more….
Bring there: My whole team from India.
Must-do: Sip an icy-cold martini, looking out at the gleaming river, during sun set
Must-see: The street-markets of Bangkok
Must-buy: A Jim Thompson shirt, to look cool in it for any of our festivals around the world.
Eat at: As many Thai restaurants as possible — I simply love Thai food!!
Drink at: A tall glass of lemongrass iced tea, at the riverside The Siam hotel, with its amazing artworks and atmospherics
Sleep at: The ‘Authors Suite’ of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and discuss literature and philosophy with a slew of Thai-based authors, who we can then invite to our Jaipur Literature Festival.
