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The Independent Traveller (IpT) was invited by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to attend the TAT Mega FAM from 7 to 12 October 2008. IpT contributor and freelance photographer, Chan Bin Kan got a chance to experience different sights and sounds found in Bangkok and Chiangmai. (Text & photos by Chan Bin Kan)  Siam Ocean World – This underwater world is located right in the heart of Bangkok at Siam Paragon (Bangkok’s newest upscale shopping destination) and is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. She’s a subsidiary of the Oceanis Australia Group, which is the world’s largest aquarium owner and operator with more than 15 years experience in the aquarium business. My comments –Thailand is usually associated with scuba diving at Phuket, Krabi, Ko Lanta, Similan Islands etc and not a large scale aquarium. This is a successful project as it helps to educate the public on marine life. It also drew a large number of crowd and tourists since its inception and brings the amazing underwater world closer to all without having to learn scuba diving (Though I think visiting an aquarium and scuba diving are two entirely different experiences. J )
 Boutique Hotels - Boutique hotel (sometimes known as "design hotels" or "lifestyle hotels") is a term popularised in North American and United Kingdom to illustrate intimate and luxurious hotel environments.
My comments – We conducted hotel inspections for several boutique hotels, namely, RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort -(http://www.rarinjinda.com), Courtyard by Marriot Bangkok, Ibis Sathorn Bangkok, Citin Pratunam, Best Western Mayfair Suites and Aphrodite Inn (Left, Courtyard by Marriot Bangkok) Their designs are largely Western-influenced. These boutique hotels are unique as they are beautifully styled with a certain theme and they provide personalised accommodation and services. Boutique hotels concept has spread outside the US and an excellent example is seen in Thailand where many “design hotels” are sprouting, especially in Bangkok and Phuket. Boutique hotels are popular among tourists as they’ve reasonable rates, centrally located, new and clean. I would highly recommend my friends to visit Bangkok and stay at these boutique hotels.
Museum of Siam- Located within walking distance from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, the Museum of Siam uses interactive exhibits to illustrate the history of this Southeast Asian nation which has never been colonised. 
My comments- It was amazing how Thailand was never colonised. When King Mongkut (Rama IV) took the throne in 1851, he quickly established diplomatic relations with European nations, thus avoiding colonisation. However, after speaking to the locals, they commented that the main colonial influences in Thailand are, the hotel and resort architecture in developed cities, like Bangkok.
(End of Part one. Catch back for part two next week) |
