This was our 5th trip to Amazing Thailand. There is so much to see and do in Thailand that each trip is different and new discoveries are made on each and every visit.

We flew EVA Air Premium Laurel from LAX on one of their new Boeing B777s. Premium Laurel, EVA’s top class, offers passengers a flying environment that combines the latest technology with the highest standard of luxury. I especially enjoyed the AVOD Entertainment System which includes movies, TV programs, music and video games operated by your own individual remote control.

I always bring my laptop so the 110 volt power outlets at my seat were very convenient. There is an in-flight beverage island stocked with refreshments, from designer water and fine wines to snack and gourmet treats. We just settled back in our own spacious private retreat and enjoyed gourmet meals served on bone china, enjoyed a caffe latte and then went to sleep under the luxurious comforter.

Premium Laurel passengers have access to the EVA lounge at the Taipei stopover. We enjoyed complimentary steamed vegetarian rolls and cocktails from the ample buffet then took a shower and changed clothes before departing to Bangkok. One of the best things about flying EVA is the reasonable price for Premium Laurel service. Business Class on other Asian airlines costs almost $4000.00 more. I suggest you book early to ensure getting a seat.

After a brief stopover in Bangkok we were on our flight to Phuket. Just 55 minutes from the Phuket International Airport is Khao Lak, an area of outstanding beauty with cascading waterfalls, idyllic lagoons and ancient forests. We stayed for 4 nights at The Sarojin, an award winning boutique hotel.  The World Travel Awards, the “Oscars” of the travel industry, voted The Sarojin Asia’s leading boutique hotel for the last 3 years. The Sarojin has also been voted the world’s most romantic hotel at Luxury Hotel Awards 2007. When we arrived at The Sarojin we were greeted by over 100 of the staff lining the private drive. It was quite a welcome.

The Sarojin has the ambience of a private estate and a contemporary Asian style.  Its 56 residences are set within 10 acres of lush and perfectly manicured grounds leading directly onto the hotel’s private beach on the Andaman Sea. There is a staff of 245 to insure that your every wish and desires are fulfilled. Bordering the hotel are 5 spectacular national parks and the world famous dive sanctuaries of the Similan and Surin Islands and Phang Nga National Marine Park renowned for its dramatic limestone islands and captivating sea cave canoe journeys.

We took advantage of the hotel’s “Imagineer,” the ultimate personal concierge. Jowell created taylor made adventures for us including a private charter on the hotel’s luxury boat, the Lady Sarojin, an elephant trek in the jungle and a visit to the local market to purchase fresh items for a Thai cooking class and lunch by a waterfall. We also had a private bar-b-q on The Sarojin’s secluded white sand beach. Of course there is always the option of the luxury of just relaxing.

Just a short drive from The Sarojin are 3 golf courses including the world class Blue Canyon Country Club. I once asked Tiger Woods’ mother, Kultida, which golf course in the entire world was Tiger’s favorite. She said it was Blue Canyon.  Blue Canyon boasts 2 – 18 hole courses. It has been the host to the Johnny Walker Classic and Honda Invitational. The Lake Course offers quite a challenge with water hazards on 17 of the 18 holes. The clubhouse offers Thai, Japanese and international cuisine. The opulently designed changing facilities include Jacuzzis, steam room, sauna and massage facilities and are without equal in the Asia Pacific.

After 4 fantastic days at The Sarojin we were off to Bangkok. Bangkok is one of the world’s most exciting cities. Modern skyscrapers sit next to ancient temples. The city boasts world class shopping, dining and hotels. World class golf courses are just a short drive away.

Whether you’re a borderline pro or of more modest talents, Bangkok has a fairway for you. There are approximately 50 golf courses dotted around the capital. Many were crafted by world class golf design talent and regularly play host to prestigious world-stage golf tournaments.

Traveling by car during rush hour is almost impossible. Fortunately Bangkok has a superb public transportation system.  The Skytrain and subway are modern and spotless. We always take a longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River (The River of Kings) and through the canals to see the old Bangkok. A tuk tuk ride is a lot of fun.

If you like to shop then you will love Bangkok. Bangkok has the world’s largest flea market where you can buy just about anything at bargain prices. The flea market is open on the weekend. Get there early because it gets very crowded. Some of the finest high end shopping malls in the world are located in Bangkok. People come around from around the world to shop in Bangkok.

Dining is another great pleasure.  There are over 50,000 places to eat in Bangkok. There is everything from fast food, street food to the finest cosmopolitan restaurants.

One of my favorite things to do is visit the local beauty salon/barber shop. I got a haircut, shave, facial, manicure, pedicure and foot massage for less than $40.00 including tip. A two hour traditional Thai massage costs less than $10.00.

We attended the Thai Travel Mart travel show for a couple of days. It is really amazing how much Thailand has to offer. The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in southeast Asia with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Few countries are so well endowed.

From the mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River, Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.  I can hardly wait to return.