Destinations

“Escape To Paradise!”

       The Five Star Lebua Hotel, at State Tower, lives up to its motto “Life is not worth living unless it is “simply exceptional”.  They provide simply exceptional amenities and exceptional services to make certain that your life is essentially as it should be.”  With that attitude, you know you will be treated like royalty.  Even the messages in the elevator said, “You were born free so break free from the expected, indulge in the exceptional and experience genuine care.”   

       Everything about the Lebua Hotel expresses a feeling of luxury from the lobby to their restaurants, suites, banquet rooms and even cocktail lounges.  Those “extras” really count.  Our spacious suite resembled a condo with a breathtaking view of the Chao Praya River and city of Bangkok from the balcony.  Their suites range from 66-266 square meters.  With over 330 count linens, silky feather Finesse bed mats, Bvlgari bath line amenities and a shower head that makes your shower more like a spa treatment, the Lebua Hotel seems more luxurious than our hotels in the United States.  And the prices are a fraction of the cost!  Lebua is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.  You can even have their Conde Nast accredited chefs cook in your suite. 

       The infinity pool on the roof of the Mezzanine provides an outdoor setting next to the state-of-the-art fitness center.  They offer a business center for “away from the office” needs.  The Lebua Hotel is near one of their outdoors markets where I photographed craftsmen weaving their flowers, Buddhist monks and street sellers.

       Lebua offers Wedding, Dining Experience, Luxury Getaway, the World Under Your Feet, and Amazing Experiences packages along with discounts depending on number of night’s stay. 

       Lebua Hotel, at State Tower 1055, Silom Road, Bangkok Thailand.   resvn@lebua.com       www.lebua.com

By Guest Blogger Sandy Zimmerman from Discover the Ultimate Magazine

Enter the Sukhothai Hotel and see the true meaning of world-class luxury!  The Hotel resembles a palace in Thailand’s ancient Sukhothai Kingdom.  Their ancient frescos, objects d’art, reflection pools, and impressive pillars all present a picture of the past.  Silken fabrics adorn the furnishings, wallpaper, drapes and also many members of their staff wear colorful traditional silk clothing.

This is truly Thai-style with charm and elegance.  Whether you choose a superior room (409 square feet) or suite, you will enjoy a touch of luxury.  The Garden Suite (818 square feet) gives you a private balcony overlooking Lotus Blossom ponds and gardens.  The Executive Suite (818 square feet) has everything any one would want.  I especially liked the sliding silk lined wooden curtains, a perfectly beautiful way to keep out the sunlight when you want to sleep late.  There is a telephone at each side of the bed, on the desk and in the bathroom next to the oversized tub.  The plasma television swivels around (180 degrees) for viewing either in the bedroom or living room.  Light dimmers and air conditioning control panels allow you to regulate each area of your suite.  The grandest suite of all, the Sukhothai Suite (2,132 square feet), the “Suite of Kings,” has a long list of movie stars, heads of state and other dignitaries who stayed there.

Choose from the Celadon Thai Restaurant, Colonnade buffet, or La Scala Italian Restaurant.  The leisure facilities offer a health club, swimming pool, shopping arcade, squash and tennis courts.  Lotus Blossoms decorate the lobby, guest’s rooms and throughout the hotel in unique floral arrangements.  New guests receive flowers when they arrive.  Best of all, the exchange rate (34 Baht = $1 US- September, 2008) allows you to savor these surroundings at more reasonable rates.

The five-star Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel is one of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Tourism Authority of Thailand

Have you ever wanted to paint with elephants, explore temples, tear around in a tuk tuk, and relax on a beautiful beach–all in one vacation? If so, you should definitely consider Thailand for your next getaway.

My journey began in Bangkok, the bustling city famed for its congested chaos. Staying here can either be an exhausting or invigorating experience, depending on your frame of mind. I’d highly suggest staying in a hotel on the Chao Phraya River–the water provides a welcome respite from the crowded streets, and many of the hotels have excellent views.

Be sure to see the Royal Palace while in the city, and take a long-tail boat ride through the rural klongs (canals) to see how the locals live. Bangkok has an efficient Skyrail system that is very simple to use, and a newly completed, air-conditioned subway that is easy to navigate. If you choose to explore the city via tuk tuk, be sure to agree on a price with your driver before you climb into the vehicle! Take a day to travel out to the famous floating market (it’s about 45 minutes outside of the city)–this is best seen with a private guide, who can then take you on a cycling tour through the gorgeous surrounding countryside. The roads are nearly vacant, and your ride will take you through aloe and coconut plantations.

The northern part of the country is not to be missed. Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai have remained relatively untouched by the hordes of tourists. There is a phenomenal hotel in Chiang Rai that is a destination unto itself, so be sure to stay at the Anantara Resort and Spa if you travel to the area. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed (with deep soaking tubs), and most of them boast views of the resort’s gorgeous infinity-edge pool and the Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar intersect). Across the street from the hotel is the Hall of Opium, and admission is free for hotel guests. The museum takes you on a journey through the history of opium and its devastating effects on Southeast Asia.

In Chiang Mai, be sure to spend one day with the elephants. The Mae Sa Elephant Camp offers an incredible one-day training program that teaches you how to be an elephant trainer (mahout)! You will receive your own official uniform, learn how to get on and off the elephant (without a ladder!), bathe the animal, take a ride through the jungle, and learn basic commands. The best part of the day is painting with the elephant–the animal actually holds the brush in its trunk and you tell it what to paint!

Finally, hit up the beach! Koh Samui is a picturesque tropical island (only a 1 hour flight away from Bangkok) that offers a variety of activities and accommodations. Take a full-day excursion out to Ang Thong National Marine Park for kayaking, snorkeling, and trekking. Visit Chaweng Beach for nightlife (if you’re of the younger generation), and Bophut Beach if you’d like to have dinner in a nice beach-side restaurant. The best thing to do in Koh Samui is relax! Many of the hotels are beach-side and have great pools.

The best time of year to visit is between November and February–this is when temperatures will be at their lowest (meaning still in the 80s with reasonably high humidity in Bangkok and Samui. The north is much cooler). Mid-April is Songkran (the Thai New Year), which is an event not to be missed. Children and adults alike line the roadsides with buckets of water and running hoses, dousing locals and strangers as they pass. April is the hottest month of the year, so the cold water is welcomed by most; it is a time of joy and celebration in the country as everyone welcomes the wet season that lies ahead.