Your Travel Specialist On: Tasting Thailand

By MAUREEN JONES (Star Patcher)

Thailand, or Siam as it was called until the 1940s, is a wonderful destination.

The opium poppy is widely cultivated by the hill tribes. The Golden Triangle as it is called is a very active drug route. This county is a culinary paradise. I always go to Bangkok for a few days, then to Chiang Mai where I have taken a hands on cooking class many times. The Mandarin Oriental is definitely my favorite hotel, I love to sit in the lobby and just take in the atmosphere of all the beautiful huge teak lanterns which hang everywhere. It’s location on the river makes it one of the best hotels in Asia.

It has many traditions revolving around food. Following the rice harvest, the national festival of Loy Krathong held in November celebrates the water spirits who impart a fruitful growing season, beautifully marked by floating candles that set waterways aglow for miles. During Songkran, the Thai New Year in April, join the locals who visit wats (temples) to offer alms and meals to the monks, or take part in a playful water fight as they splash one another in an act of cleansing and renewal. In July, attend the Thai Food Festival where you will be treated to tried and true recipes by some of the nation’s leading restaurants. Sample the cool yet fiery Som Turn, a slaw of green papaya mixed with fish sauce, lime juice, peanuts and plenty of garlic and hot chilies.

One favorite restaurant in Bangkok is Nahm, ranked in the world’s top 50 restaurants by Restaurant Magazine and the first Thai restaurant to receive a Michelin star.

Phuket, 800 miles to the south by air, is worth a visit with gorgeous beaches if you want to relax after lots of sightseeing. Baan Rim Pa, Phuket’s most authentic Royal Thai restaurant is outstanding. Take a private cooking class at the Blue Elephant. You browse the local markets with the chef and return to the kitchen to prepare a four course lunch.

To gain insight about a drink said to lower blood pressure, boost immunity and regulate cholesterol, take a guided tour at the Jiaoqulan Tea Group in Chiang Mai. Lovely location alongside the Mekong River. Learn how to brew the perfect cup of tea, and take some sachets home with you.

95% of the inhabitants are Buddhists. A friend on the government Tourism Board recommended a book to me, Buddhism in Transition by Donald K. Swearer which is jolly interesting. They have a proverb “Do good and receive good, do evil and receive evil’. You will see lots of orange robed monks (estimated 250,000 of them ) and hear the chanting early morning and evening. There are over 400 wats or temple monasteries in Bangkok. Shoes must be removed before entering. A must see is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha which adjoins the Grand Palace. I always place incense sticks (there must be three of them ) at the temple. Even though I am not a Buddhist, I am hopeful that the offering brings me good luck. At one time the palace had 3000 women in its harem. The king had 75 children. The movie “The King and I” gives you a great idea of what life was like in Siam years ago.

Thai music is bizarre and an acquired taste for most of us. I love hearing the reed pipes and tuned gongs. Do go to a concert if you can.

Thailand is one of the world’s largest exporters of gems rivalled only by Sri Lanka. Gold jewelry is sold at a great price because labor costs are so low. Jade, Rubies and Sapphires are worth looking at. Silk Fabrics, handbags, and crafts from the hill tribes are lovely sold in the night markets.

I’ve tried everything as a tourist. Walked, local bus, taxi, river boats, and must confess that you get a better insight to the country if you book a package, which includes guides, and driver. You will find it more relaxing to get around with a private guide especially in the heat. The Grand Bazaar and the floating markets are an experience not to be missed.

Go on our website www.allhorizonstvl.com and see three terrific offers, 1. Thailand, A Culinary Paradise, 2. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Kobh Phangan and 3. Golden Thailand.

This is Asia at its best.

Maureen Jones

Previously from Maureen:

• Your Travel Specialist On: Classic Cuba
• Your Travel Specialist On: Highlights Of England
• Your Travel Specialist On: Vienna, Austria
• Your Travel Specialist On: Sip and Savor Australia

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street, Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.