Travel News

There’s a theory among some frequent visitors to Thailand, that you can tell the ‘real’ Thai aficionados from the wannabes by where they spend their beach time. The ‘players’ follow the clueless masses to Phuket, Samui or Pattaya, while those in the know head to Cha-Am or Hua Hin. That’s just the same sentiment expressed by posh resort chain Alila, which recently opened their first Thai property in Cha-Am. Here’s their press release:

ALILA TRANSFORMS THE RESORT EXPERIENCE IN ONE OF THAILAND’S BEST-KEPT DESTINATION SECRETS
5 February 2008

Travelers may flock to Thailand’s popular beaches in the likes of Phuket and Koh Samui, but those who prefer not to follow the crowd are discovering the charms of Cha-Am, a serene coastal town located on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Thailand. From 1st February 2008, visitors will be able to experience this paradise destination like never before with the opening of Alila Cha-Am, the latest exciting offering from Alila Hotels and Resorts.

Just two hours outside of Bangkok, Cha-Am is often by-passed by travellers on the way to neighbouring Hua Hin, its slightly busier twin town. But this once small fishing village has long been a popular weekend getaway for well-heeled Thai families and city-dwellers who come to bask in its tranquility. As a beachside resort, Cha-Am is more than equal to its overly crowded counterparts, boasting the longest stretch of white sandy beach in Thailand. Those in the know will also testify to the fabulous array of seafood restaurants that line the beach - one of the best ways to experience Cha-Am while savouring the glorious sea view.

Life here may be peaceful but it is by no means dull. The town offers the perfect location from which to explore the area’s rich local culture or embark on active adventures. It lies within the province of Petchaburi, dotted with a myriad of beautiful Buddhist temples. Its many nearby attractions include royal palaces, the picturesque Khao Luang Cave, and Kaeng Krachan, Thailand’s largest national park. A 25-minute drive will also take you to world-class golfing at Black Mountain Golf and Country Club. Or you can simply relax on the beach and enjoy the many water sports out at sea.

With the opening of Alila Cha-Am, holidaymakers will have the chance to enjoy this blissful destination in striking style. Cast aside any notions of a typical Thai resort. Alila Cha-Am is unprecedented - the first truly modern luxury beachside resort to be built in the town. A masterpiece of contemporary design unlike anything else seen here.

Designed by pre-eminent Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag, it is architecturally bold yet understated, blending harmoniously with its tropical surroundings. If first visual impressions don’t blow you away, then the unique Alila lifestyle experience will. Guests are spoilt for choice. Dine in style at the ultra chic Clouds Loft and Motion restaurants. Chill out at the hip Red Bar. And experience well-being at its most natural with Spa Alila treatments and spa dining, using ingredients grown in the hotel’s own organic garden. Guests can also engage with the destination in a truly personalised way through Alila Experiences - tailored packages that offer culinary and cultural excursions, intimate couples’ celebrations, and wellness and active lifestyle pursuits

You can find out more at the Alila web site.

Those of you planning to visit Indonesia will want to keep in mind that the Passenger Service Charge ("PSC" or Departure Tax) has been raised to 150,000 Rupiah (about US$15). The new fee applies to all passengers departing from all international airports. Domestic service charges, which vary from one airport to another, do not seem affected.

The promised relocation of the public (metered) taxi queue at Bangkok’s new Suvarnabhumi airport has finally taken place. The taxi queue is now on level two, the same floor as arrivals, so now you can just head straight out the door once you exit customs to find the taxi queue. There’s no need to go down one level.

One thing to note is that the staff of the airport’s own "limo" service have stepped up their own high pressure tactics, and now wave small signs saying "Airport Taxi" in your face as you leave customs. Now, I’ve got nothing against this service, they have nice cars as well as vans, and if there are several of you traveling with a lot of luggage, they’re probably a better choice than regular taxis, most of which have tiny trunks, but I hate "in your face" tactics. It’s a horrible way to greet visitors to the country, but the airport management doesn’t seem to be able to stop it.

It’s perhaps also worth reminding you that the airport limo service isn’t a limo service, at least not in the way North Americans would interpret it. The service uses ordinary unmodified passenger sedans, vans and SUVs. None of them bear any resemblance to what an American would think of as a limo.

Time for a little security update on Bangkok:

The ‘big’ news is that, as of 1 June, new restrictions on carry-on liquids and gels will be applied to all international passengers departing from Thailand. These are the same restrictions already applied on flights in the US and Europe, namely:

• Liquids and gels must be packed in containers smaller than 100 ml
• There is a limit of a maximum of three containers of liquids or gels
• Items must be packed in a clear plastic bag, no larger than 20 cm on a side
• Bags must be taken out of your carry-on and scanned separately

These restrictions do not apply to duty free items such as perfumes and liquor. Any of these items purchased at duty free will be delivered to you in sealed containers before boarding the plane. "Essential" medicines - in prescription containers - and baby milk are excluded from the restrictions.

Elsewhere in Bangkok, there is heightened security at most public places. Most shopping malls now have security guards at entrances who inspect any bags or packages coming into the mall. Siam Paragon has even gone as far as to install airport-style metal detectors at entrances. You will also need to open any bags you’re carrying for inspection before entering any subway station.

As mentioned in a previous post, Malaysia Airlines has launched a new budget carrier - Firefly. The new airline - which they bill as Malaysia’s first “community” airline - is based in Penang and flies from there to Langkawi, Terengganu and Kuantan, as well as Phuket and Samui in Thailand. Introductory fares are very low, but the usual exclusions and fine print applies.