My Favourite Travel Destinations
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
As most of you know, travelling is one of my biggest passions and an integral part of Fashion Studio Magazine as well. One of the most popular questions that I get asked as a travel writer is: "What's your favourite travel destination?". With over 40 countries visited so far, it would be hard to select my top 3 places, let alone choose just one.
As much as I enjoy vibrant, cosmopolitan cities such as Hong Kong (amazing architecture!) or Singapore (which offers fantastic cheap flight tickets promotions and is a great base for travelling in South East Asia), I'm always drawn to a relaxed island lifestyle and spending most of my time on the beach.
If there is a place that I would always be willing to go back to, it's definitely Thailand. Have a look at my two favourite tropical destinations, Koh Samui and Krabi!
Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
Koh Samui
The second largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui, has a distinctive relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart from other places. It is a cosmopolitan melting pot maintaining a broad appeal to everyone - from the wealthy travellers to those on a tight budget. Koh Samui has rich natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and over 3 million coconut palms.
It is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket, with an area of 228.7 km2 and a population of over 63,000 attracting 1.5 million tourists per year. Just 25 kilometres long and 21 kilometres wide, Koh Samui is very easy to get around.
In the recent years, Koh Samui has become a popular beauty and health destination. The island now boasts of having many superb spas that can truly be referred to as ‘world-class’. From aromatic steam baths through to herbal body masques, these health retreats offer the utmost in rejuvenating body/beauty treatments – all in total luxury and comfort. In fact, Koh Samui is fast becoming known as the health centre of the region.
Spa treatment (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
The island has an excellent choice of dining options ranging from local food stalls to luxury restaurants. From delicious Thai food to international five-star cuisine, these days the island caters to every taste. Coconut milk, made from crushing the flesh and juice, is used as a base for Thai curries, as well as some soups, blending well with spices and the heat of chillies.
One of the attractions you don't want to miss is the Magic Garden, an unusual collection of statues amid lush jungle surroundings, located at the top of Pom Mountain. A Samuian fruit farmer, Nim Thongsuk, started to build the garden in 1976 when he was 77 years old. The views from the gardens (and on the road leading up to it) are spectacular.
There are several shopping options in Koh Samui. You'll find Thai everyday goods in Nathon, a huge variety of merchandise in Chaweng, and original little boutiques in Lamai.
You can also find several sport shops, beauty shops, fashion boutiques, as well as a good amount of souvenir shops offering Thai traditional handicrafts such as Thai silk, lacquer ware or oil paintings. If you are interested in bringing something truly unique back home, skilled local tailors and dressmakers can sew a perfect fitting suit or dress of your choice. Don't forget to bargain, especially in privately owned stores and at local markets.
Street stall in Chaweng (Photo by Eva Fydrych / Fashion Studio Magazine)
Krabi
Krabi, an idyllic province in Southern Thailand, is the ultimate travel destination. The province features a coastline with over 200 islands, unspoilt white sand beaches and stunning scenery that includes limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and exotic wildlife. Crystal clear waters of Andaman Sea make it a great place for diving, snorkelling, and boat trips to explore the islands.
Krabi Town, with its parallel streets, markets, shops selling diverse items such as textiles, antiques, Buddha sculptures, decorated masks, wooden elephants, and painted fans, resembles one large colourful bazaar. There are several small shops selling interesting local clothes and accessories and it's easy to find the real bargains: colorful beads, flip-flops, beach bags, and sarongs. It is worth remembering that Thailand is one of the world's leading manufacturers of textiles and ready-to-wear clothing.
One of the major shopping attractions in Krabi is the opportunity to purchase some truly magnificent dresses, sarongs and fashion accessories made of batik. Inspired by the natural surroundings, the sea and marine life, they are handcrafted piece by piece. Unlike the colourful Phuket fabrics, the Krabi batik is more subdued, natural and earthy. The colours are extracted from mangrove species like Rhizophora and the production process consist of using copper block to apply melted wax pattern onto the fabric.
Tiger Cave, Krabi, Thailand (Photo courtesy of Unsplash)
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Seua), located close to Krabi Town, is one of Thailand’s finest natural wonders and is considered by Krabi's Bhuddists to be one of the most sacred sites in the province. It offers a genuine spiritual experience in stunning natural surroundings. The temple is a warren of natural caves formed within a lush jungle and the view from the top is an unforgettable experience.
There are interesting icons and relics in the main temple cave but the real attraction here is the ‘footprint of the Buddha’. To get to this historic site you need to hike 1,237 steps up a limestone tower which is a challenging climb, especially in the Thai climate. Those who make it to the top are compensated with panoramic 360 degree views of the amazing Andaman Sea, tropical islands, dramatic limestone cliff formations, verdant rainforests, and ‘the Buddha’s footprint’.
How to get there: Tiger Cave Temple is located about three kilometres from Krabi Town and is easiest reached by mini-bus, taxi or tuk-tuk (make sure to arrange a fare with the tuk-tuk driver in advance).
Krabi's hot climate and tropical scenery make it an ideal location to indulge in a spa treatment. Most spas in Krabi are situated outdoors in fragrant gardens with old-style Thai wooden pavilions and inspiring views. Massage, body scrubs, wraps and facials are the most common treatments available. Most spas offer herbal steam and Jacuzzi facilities as well.
The best time to visit Krabi is between the months November to April when the area's climate is less hot than usual. Book cheap flights online and enjoy your stay!
No comments:
Post a Comment