A Thai feast fit for a king
Thailand has been in mourning for their beloved monarch for a year. But the veil is lifted this week. This is the time to visit
THAILAND will bring to an end a year of national mourning with the Royal Cremation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for 70 years, this Thursday. The sumptuous Grand Palace and imposing Emerald Buddha are closed at this time, but the rest of the country is open and as Thailand moves into a new era, it is definitely worth visiting – not least to savour its sights, sounds, smells and specialities. I have picked out three of my favourite destinations: Chiang Mai in the north; Bangkok, the capital in the centre of the mainland; and the popular island of Koh Samui, a centre of health and wellness.
CHIANG MAI Fancy Food - Favola at Le Meridien Chiang Mai
IF you want a swish stay in this hip university city then look no further than Le Meridien. The rooftop pool boasts panoramic views of the hundreds of ancient temples in the town centre and lush green hills in the distance.
Favola, below, offers Italian cuisine in a contemporary setting with an international flavour and artistic presentation. Handmade pasta with foie gras won’t break your budget at about €13. The cocktail list include inventive concoctions with unusual ingredients such as popcorn.
Desserts are a highlight, made by Turkish pastry chef Zulal. Expect bespoke chocolates unique to the hotel. V is itwww. le me ridiench ian gm ai. com/Favola.
Something cheap – Anusarn Night Market.
DINE like a king from one or two euro. Delicious traditional curries and satay on a stick, watch seafood kebabs cooked on the barbecue – whatever your tastes you’ll find it here cheaper than a bottle of water at home.
BANGKOK Food on the River of Kings – Loynava Dinner Cruise.
EXPERIENCE a magical night under the twinkling lights of Bangkok’s historic centre on the oldest operating teakwood ricebarge on Bangkok’s River of Kings, pictured right.
Loy Nava Dinner Cruises has operated an 80-year-old antique rice barge for 50 years. With a maximum of 17 flower-laden tables available on each of the two nightly cruises at 6pm and 8.10pm, guests enjoy a huge variety of favourite Thai dishes. Menus start from €40 and include hotel pick-up and drop-off. Children can enjoy 50% reduced price. Listen to traditional dance and xylophone music while you soak up the best of Bangkok skyline from an authentic rice boat. Quirky Food Ideology – Cabbages and Condoms. CLOSE to one of Bangkok’s main business districts, this restaurant is unique. The interior is decorated with condoms from all around the world with messages and photos to support family planning.
Main courses range from under €5 to €12. All the usual favour- ites, including curries and noodle dishes, are on offer – in fact the menu provides diners with almost too much choice. Visit www.pda.or.th/restaurant/
KOH SAMUI New Food – Two Fishes.
THIS modern Italian restaurant at Fisherman’s Village on Bhoput Beach is a meeting of two minds, an Italian’s and Australian’s. The ex-pats have put on a delicious table of goodies including fresh pasta and delightful desserts to confuse your palate just as it has become accustomed to Thai flavours. While travelling with my son this summer he asked for a night off from Asian food and this restaurant proved the perfect spot to enjoy traditional tagliatelle with beef ragù.
Everything is homemade and you can watch it being cooked from the open kitchen.
The bustling Fisherman’s Village is always popular but especially on Fridays when the local market is buzzing. Visit www.2fishessamui.com.
Food with a view – Celes Beachfront Resort
ONLY opened in 2017, this fivestar resort is tucked away at the quieter end of Bophut Beach and enjoys great views for guests who stay there. The restaurant has a modern take on traditional Thai cuisine.
With the view of Koh Phangan across the bay, you can dine under the stars without the mad- ness and mayhem of the Full Moon Party. The resort offers villas with private pools. Splash out for a special stay with private gates onto Bophut Beach. Visit www.celesresorts. com. Finish off your night with a cocktail on the beach at Coco Tam’s Bar where you can sit and watch the nightly fire show performed by street artists. ÷Thinking of travelling to Thailand next year? For further details or to organise a personal itinerary to incorporate your chosen aspects of a holiday to Thailand, call Topflight on 01 240 1788 or visit www.topflight.ie to see further details.
To read Michelle Jackson’s novels, go to www.michellejackson. ie. To read about her travels, see www.thenoveltraveller.com.