Showing posts with label thailand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thailand. Show all posts

Once renowned for tourist knick-knacks, Thailand is increasingly kicking up a storm in the fashion industry. With a number of big players drawing inspiration from these tropical waters it's fast becoming a paradise for fashionistas. Home to a buzzing night life in central Bangkok and picturesque islands, there are lots to dazzle with your style and pick up a bargain. Just make sure you pack for the occasion to take advantage of all it has to offer. 

Lots of people travel with First Choice to Thailand to see the whirlwind of markets, colors and textures that a fashionista’s suitcase should complement, bearing the weather in mind. The country boasts a tropical climate with things heating up from March to June which can lead to your hair's arch nemesis...humidity. Tackle it head on and embrace boho beach hair, accessorizing with oversized hats or working a printed hair scarf into your look a la Dolce & Gabbana's Spring runway. This allows you to stay chic while protecting your hair from the rays of the sun. Do leave room in your case though: if Thai people do one thing well it’s shopping. 

For upmarket and luxury brands check out Siam Paragon shopping mall and invest in some striking pieces. Similarly Asiatique — The Riverfront captures late night shopping at its best with everything from jewelry to handbags and leather goods made to order. Check out on trend accessories inspired by Chanel's current supermarket theme, or stop by Sister Margarita at Siam Square for icon and inspirational window displays incorporating everything from Mad Men characters to vintage goods. 

Layered clothing is important for a number of must-sees throughout the country, including temples and historic monuments. One in particular that you should see is the Buddhist temple Wat Pho in Bangkok, which features one of the largest collections of Buddha monuments and images. Remember the local etiquette while there, though, so remove your shoes before you enter, and bare as little flesh as possible to avoid seeming disrespectful. Think long, floaty Maxi dresses that cover your shoulders. Generally, Thai people are quite conservative so pack a sarong too. One place where the rule doesn’t apply is the beach, and Thailand has plenty to choose from.
For the ultimate beach getaway, escape to an island. One of the best and most famous in Thailand is Ko Phangan. Home to the full moon party, you can connect with your inner rave child and embrace neon body paint. In contrast, Ko Tao on the gulf coast offers a peaceful retreat where you can sunbathe in peace, drop by a local tiki bar and take in the scenery. Alternatively, head to Ko Samui and lose yourself in its perfect white-sand beaches. After all, there's a beach to match every outfit. 

Thailand — it’s not just a destination that’s in fashion, but also one that knows fashion. If you want to be part of the in-crowd, it’s the place to go!

FASHION IN THAILAND


On New Years in 2009, I spent some time backpacking Southeast Asia. This was all before blogging was really a big part of my life and documenting my adventures so I don't have a lot to show for it, but ever since I went I've been itching to get back.
Thailand was one of my favorite places in the world. The beaches were so pristine and the culture so unique and diverse. I loved the fact that it was a fusion of tropical carefree beach life and ancient art and historical artifacts and temples. We loved that the beach was just a short bus/train ride from Bangkok, and that the city itself offered so much food and shopping and city night life. 
If I stay up too late you can find me with the glow of my laptop on my face looking up flights on Emirates to Bangkok. Not a bad way to start the new year, eh?!

BANGKOK ON THE MIND

Bangkok, Thailand


 สวัสดี!
(Hello!)


 Destination: Bangkok, Thailand / Activities: Wat Arun and the Grand Palace / Price: $4-6

Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts! Bangkok is always on the move. With ancient temples, shopping malls, and food stalls up the wazoo Bangkok is a busy place. The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok's most popular destinations, where the King visits for ceremonial occassions. There are four buildings open to public, one of which includes the notorious golden Reclining Buddha. 

Wat Arun is a temple made up entirely of mosaic porcelain tiles. I remember feeling incredibly intrigued as I studied the bits and pieces of broken plates that covered the entire structure. The tiles were left behind by Chinese merchant ships that didn't need them anymore. When we visited Thailand in 2009, we saw a lot of beautiful things and places but I wasn't really blogging back then...so here I am, now.


Destination: Ko Chang, Thailand / Accommodation: Tiger Huts / Price: $12 beach front bungalow

Ko Chang is growing in popularity and an awesome beach destination. Reachable only by ferry, this island boasts mountainous waterfalls, zipping scooters, white sand beaches and sand dollar-filled clear waters. Ko Chang also means "Elephant Island," which we did plenty of riding elephants as seen here! We spent many days (literally) just laying on the beach, catching sun rays, reading books and swimming in the warm warm water. If we got a little bored, we would take up Thai cooking classes as described here. Thailand is one of those places we're itching to go back. Heaven on earth, I tell you! 

BANGKOK & KOH CHANG


SAWADEE from Thailand!


A few years back, I spent a couple weeks bathing in the sun and enjoying the local people on the Thai island of Ko Chang. After arriving on island via ferry, we settled at the beautiful and budget friendly bungalows called Tiger Huts. While we were there, we took advantage of the many Thai cooking classes available. There are schools throughout the island you can choose from--and we chose one just down the beach from our bungalow. 


Located on a porch overlooking an estuary with floating docks and a swinging bridge, we cooked three courses, including curries, paid thai, and sticky mango rice dessert, leaving with a travel size cook book and chop sticks to remember and use what we learned. I remember pounding out the curry into a powder in their traditional bowls, and it was a major workout and made my arms feel like noodles.

A respectable trait of Thai cooking is finding the perfect balance of ingredients and flavor. Thai cooking style reflects the Buddhist belief harmony among all things--all flavors working together in unison to create one well-balanced dish--including salty, sour, bitter, sweet, nutty, and spicy. They've nailed it to a T, and learning from the best is just the way to do it.

TASTY TUESDAY - FROM THAILAND


YES PLEASE!

Add THIS to your top 5 things to do before you die.
It's an unbelievable experience that will keep you smiling years after!

Elephant trekking is an absolute 100% MUST DO when traveling in Thailand. If you are ever in Southeast Asia, you cannot leave without experiencing a ride on a huge fuzzy headed mammal.

Anywhere you go in Asia, you will see booths offering various treks in the jungle. Traveling Triplets did an elephant excursion on the island of Ko Chang, which included a bath in a local waterhole afterwards. There is nothing more amazing than playing with an elephant and getting doused with gallons of water! They are so happy and friendly and gentle.

Elephant trekking ranges anywhere from $35-$50 a person, depending on length and activities included. You're lucky if you get to have the little baby tag along, just like on Dumbo, wrapping his trunk around mama's tail! To die for! We fell in love with elephants on Ko Chang (which translates to Elephant island...very fitting).


Get yourself an elephant ride. Kick off your shoes, throw on a safari hat, and bring your camera.

ELEPHANT TREKKING

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