While slightly excessive, it certainly speaks of a life well-travelled – especially if you're prone to falling madly in love with the destinations you visit.
And after my first visit as part of a media group with Lesley Simpson communications for Destination Asia exploring Southern Thailand, it's easy to see why you would want to visit over and over again.
I must admit, I somehow expected the bustling chaos of Phuket central. Instead I was taken behind an enchanting tropical jungle veil to experience parts of Khao Lak and Khao Sok that act as windows into what the popular Phuket was like some 30-years ago.
Thainess and Thai culture, somewhat frozen in time.
These are my first impressions and some essential info for South Africans looking to visit there soon
1. You'll feel like a dumpling in a bamboo steamer
The humidity and heat hits, even more than the six-hour time difference, from the moment you land at Phuket International Airport. We visited in the rainy season which is between June and October. While this can mean daily showers of a couple of hours or more, it was rather unpredictable as the better part of our week-long stay was peppered with clear skies, swimming in the gorgeous Khao Sok rain forest lakes and snorkeling in the Andaman Sea.
Temperatures average about 28°C and sometimes the rain is an actual blessing against the heat. Rain and humidity means you just need to go with the fuzzy holiday hair look folks. But if you're champing for some hot chill, then Thailand between March and May is your best bet. November to February sees the coolest temperatures of all.
2. It's all lemon grass, jasmine and lots of jungle
From the moment you leave the airport the air is filled with flowery scents. While Thailand is well-known for that sense of Asian city congestion, exploring the Southern parts of Khao Sok National Park with a stay at Elephant Hills allowed a close-up look at some of the oldest evergreen rain forests in the world.
And wherever we went, local flowers delightfully set the scene.
3. Thailand connectivity is superb
Visiting Thailand is relatively easy as South Africans get a 30-day visa on arrival. It's important to keep your stamped immigration form for the duration of your stay. Upon arrival you can also have the option to sign-up for a free local sim card – you just need to present your passport.
While the details of TrueMove connectivity implies that you will have unlimited access for a week if you purchase 200Bhat (about R66 @ 3Bhat/R) in data, things are somehow lost in translation.
Between the free wi-fi at the hotels we were staying at such as Sarojin, Elephant Hills and Zeavola, the 200Bhat data lasted most of the week but it was not unlimited. Still very convenient though and I only lost signal once while out on the Cheow Lan Lake.
4. Spiritual Zen is a huge part of Thainess
A visit to Takuapa Old Town showcased traditional life and culture in Thailand, somewhat unchanged for more than a hundred years according locals. Buddhism is the most widely practiced faith for 94.6% of the Thai population, followed by 4.6% Thai Muslims and 0.7% of Thais are Christian. More than 92% of the population speaks Thai or one of its regional dialects. Added to this the sense of Thainess comes across with the multitude of Spirit Houses and temples to be seen.
5. You can get away with not speaking Thai
English is widely spoken despite the official Thai language. Useful phrases to know:
- Sa-wat-dee-ka meaning blessing or good fortune is the standard hello and the polite bowing with your hands folded in a prayerful manner really is humbling to the spirit.
- Khob Khun Kha means thank you.
6. It's safe!
Like a typical South African with a slightly fractured sense of trust, I hit panic mode every now and then when my bag or phone was out of my site. And while you should always keep your wits about you no matter where in the world you are, most of the time I felt safe and there was not a hint of any political issues or instability.
7. Thailand is a water-filled paradise
We visited Elephant Hill's Rainforest camp, one of the only floating tented camps in the world situated on Cheow Larn Lake. Swimming and Kayaking here is ethereal as the water is a crystal jade and there are no predators to worry about since it was created in 1982 by the construction of Rajjaprapha Dam by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand as a source of electricity. It really is spectacular.
We did a number of water-based excursions including a kayak through the lost zone of "Little Amazon" in the hidden Takuapa forest with its dense jungle of the giant banyan trees and palm forests along the "Klong Sung Nae".
A visit to Maya Bay is a must as is snorkeling off Phi Phi island in the Andaman Sea. And that's just the few things that we tried.
8. Thai food is legendary
A visit to Thailand is a foodie's dream come true. It doesn't matter whether you like things spicy, are more inclined to seafood or simply enjoy the simple pleasures of a vegetarian lifestyle. We sampled so many different dishes including confirmed favourites such as Phad Thai and Tom Yum Soup. Thai food is prepared from fresh ingredients daily, so much so that each town or village has its own fresh goods market. Spices add the authenticity and flavour magic. Over-indulging never felt this healthy and even the odd deep-fried tempura sides are delicious.
Have you been to Thailand, we'd love you to share your highlights with us or come chat to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Disclaimer: Traveller24 Editor Selene Brophy was hosted by Lesley Simpson Communication for Destination Asia and Cathay Pacific Airlines as part of a Southern Thailand media trip. The trip included all flights, accommodation, meals and activities.
Source: A South African's first impressions of Thailand
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