The Best Of Thailand | Thailand Tourism with Ashley

The Best Of Thailand Tourist Attractions – Thailand Places To Visit For All And Sundry

Thailand tourism is one of the largest, most vibrant and flourishing in Asia, specifically South East Asia. Not only is Thailand tourism a significant and hugely contributing industry for the country, the best of Thailand is almost always a rejuvenating, enriching and indelible experience for all and sundry. There are many countries in Asia and also the rest of the world where there is a cosmos of cultural heritage to explore and experience but at the cost that one can soak in entire best of Thailand ambience, it is a unique holiday for people from all across the world.

The country had witnessed rapid economic growth before the turn of the century gone by and that had made Thailand tourism popular among westerners as well. The capital city Bangkok, the beaches of Pattaya and the mesmerizing Phuket are just some of the more well-known destinations offering best of Thailand. There are several other places of prominent interest and where one can have a replenishing holiday.

A country that has lots to offer, it is difficult to talk of the best of Thailand in words since holidaying is all about an experience that goes beyond verses and verbose. To encapsulate the amazing experience of Thailand tourism, it can be summed up as an unforgettable treat for the eyes, senses, appetite, shopping enthusiasts, adventurists, sports lovers and in reality for all and sundry from all perspectives. The cost of most things in Thailand is relatively cheaper than most developed countries which make it a delightful destination for people from all walks of life. Family vacations in Thailand cost phenomenally less than what a normal holiday would have cost in a majority of countries in the world.

Thailand tourism has also become popular because of the Thais. The people are extremely warm, friendly and compassionate. You are likely to meet some of the friendliest people you have ever encountered while exploring the best of Thailand. Thailand is also one of the most beloved food capitals of the world. Not only is the food cheap but it is equally great and thrilling for non vegetarians as well as vegetarians.

The best of Thailand would certainly include the amazing beaches and the white sand, the massages on the beach, the spa resorts, picturesque islands and pristine landscapes, priceless cultural heritage and a treat for adventurists with rock climbing, trekking, camping, diving, snorkeling, sailing and many other beach and water sports. Travelling to and fro from Thailand as well as within the country is a cakewalk. There are numerous flights travelling to and from Thailand every day to everywhere on earth and even if you do not wish to hire a car while in Thailand, the tuk tuk rides would take you where you wish to go.

Thailand tourism is also popular as the gateway to other South East Asian countries, especially Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Malaysia. Indulge in endless shopping sprees, festivals you have never had been a part of before and if you at all need to feel at home, the worldwide food chains would ensure you are completely at easy.


Thailand Places To Visit

The Thailand places to visit would depend on what you intend to explore the most. Thailand tourism offers you one of the finest sabbaticals or holidays you can gift yourself. All the way from the sprawling malls to the floating markets, from the life altering experience at the religious sites to the unforgettable nightlife in clubs, full moon parties and festivals, the best of Thailand would leave anyone more than satiated. With Visas on arrival and renewable at ease, spending a long holiday exploring the best of Thailand, from the elephant rides to the beach parties on the perennial sunny beaches throughout the year, Thailand tourism never offers a dull moment.

The best Thailand places to visit would certainly have to start with Bangkok, the capital of the country which is also the industrial, commercial, economical and Thailand tourism capital. Other

Thailand top-10 places to visit would be

• Bangkok
• Hua Hin
• Chiang Mai
• Phuket
• Pattaya
• Khao Yai National Park
• Ayutthaya
• Koh Samui
• Kanchanaburi
• Krabi

Thailand Tourist Attractions

There are several hundreds of Thailand tourist attractions that draw millions of tourists each year. While it may be possible for anyone to have a taste of the best of Thailand in a week or a fortnight but it is almost impossible to experience all Thailand tourist attractions on one trip. There are numerous temples, festivals, urban hotspots, partying destinations, beachside locales, museums, historical sites, parks and innumerable food havens that make any list of Thailand tourist attractions.

Considering the most popular ones as well as those quaint ones that you cannot do elsewhere, your list of Thailand tourist attractions should comprise of swimming with sharks at Siam Ocean World, wrestling with a crocodile at the Samphran Elephant and Crocodile Farm, Mekong Giant Catfish fishing at Bung Sam Lan Lake, Dusit Zoo, Buddhamonthon Park, Lumpini Park, the Driving Range, Bangkok Safari World, King Cobra show at the Bangkok Snake Park Show, Benjakiti Park, Segway through Bangkok, Bangkok Canal Boat Cruise, Koh Kret Island, Siam Niramit Theater Show, amusement parks, Yaowarat, Khlong Lat Mayom floating market, Talat Nam Taling Chan, Saphan Phut, MBK or Mahboonkrong, Siam, King Power, flower market in Bangkok, Pantip Plaza, Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Traimit, Erawan Shrine, Wat Boromracha Kanchanapisek Anusorn, Wat Rakang, Wat Yan Nawa, Assumption Cathedral, Erawan Museum, Forensic Museum at Bangkok, Jim Thompson House, Thai Craft Fair, National Museum in Bangkok, Vimanmek Museum, National Gallery and Art & Cultural Center, Folk Museum and a cruise on the Chao Phraya River among numerous others.

Thailand tourist attractions include some very ordinary but special experiences as well as quaint and unique explorations. From bread and ice cream making a unique sandwich to street food, trying hands on cooking Thai food to raising a toast at one of the numerous rooftop restaurants, the gothic music scene to the pop and remix numbers in the clubs, there is more to the best of Thailand than what one can imagine.

Also check out this great read about Thailand Tourist Attractions.

The 4 star Eastin Makkasan Bangkok is a contemporary product

Located right in the shopping area, Pratunam,  this 280 room hotel after its renovation represents excellent value for money for both FIT's and groups. 

To add value to the FIT, one child from 16 years old and below staying with parents is entitled to free extra bed and breakfast.  Also you don't need to wake up early in the city of Angels after a night out on the town because your breakfast can be traded in for an a la carte breakfast or even lunch or dinner upto 11.30 pm.  Free Internet is another advantage. 

I found the design of the superior rooms really contemporary as the bed is in the middle of the room with the headboard doubling up as a desk. 

MICE is also an option for smaller groups. Though the ball room has pillars in the room, you can do meetings of upto 350 pax in classroom style and 600 pax in theatre style. 

The Top 17 Rooftop Restaurants and bars in Bangkok

If you have been looking for the best restaurants in Bangkok or the best rooftop bars in Bangkok,  look no further. This blog post is intentioned to give you the scoop on Bangkok's best rooftop dining, all in one place.  So if you are planning a romantic dinner for two or a MICE event at the best restaurant in Bangkok, here are your choices. The listing is not in order of which outlet is better. Each of them have their own unique points and strengths. 

1. Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant @ Pullman G, Silom 

Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant, located on the 37th floor  of what was formerly the Sofitel Silom, now the Pullman G, is the latest meeting point for young executives who like to have fun and chill out. Scarlett boasts a fine selection of wines along with tapas, daily specials, imported cold cuts and showcasing a large variety of cheeses. The Menu is inspired by 2-Michelin star French Chef Manuel Martinez, owner of the Louis XIII restaurant in Paris. Seating Capacity: 160 // Open Air terrace of 120 sqm

2. Vertigo grill & Moon Bar, Banyan Tree  Bangkok

Dine al fresco at the stylish and sophisticated roof top open-air grill and bar. Every evening, you can delight in a succulent seafood grill and premium steaks prepared by the Banyan Tree chefs while you enjoy the breathtaking and panoramic views of the city.

Moon Bar offers a stunning venue for any occasion. Premium drinks are served in luxurious comfort in a sensual, friendly and romantic ambience. Contemplate the heavens or gaze at the stars while you sip your favorite beverage at one of the best bars in Bangkok. 

3. The Roof Restaurant at Siam @ Siam

The Roof Restaurant is Thailand’s first stone grill alfresco restaurant designed to accommodate private dining and various parties or functions of up to 130 seated guests. The Roof offers a variety of international dishes made from the world’s finest ingredients. Food is freshly cooked on volcanic stones which can retain the heat for a period of 20-minute cooking. With the inside temperature exceeding 400 degrees Celsius, customers will be able to cook the food by themselves and eat it right away, a chance to enjoy “Hot Stone Grill” for the first time. This multi-level restaurant provides every seat on the roof top experience with remarkable angles of Bangkok by night. Open hours: everyday at 18.00 hrs. – 23.00 hrs. 

A part of Sky Dine Design on 25, The Roof Champagne & Wine Bar offers a fine drinking experience with a view overlooking the center point linking the cosmopolitan business districts with skyscrapers in the east of Bangkok and the contrasting views of traditional Ratanakosin Island untainted by sky high towers. Open hours: Daily 18.00 hrs. – 24.30 hrs.

4. Above Eleven @ Fraser Suites Sukhumvit

Above Eleven is a rooftop bar & restaurant on the 33 rd floor of the Fraser Suites Sukhumvit in Sukhumvit’s pulsating Soi 11. Conceptualized by the food and beverage team of Soho Hospitality, Above Eleven is the first Peruvian Japanese restaurant in South East Asia in a rooftop venue inspired by the experience of being in one of the great urban parks of the world. Key features include custom-designed structural trees, a maze in the entrance era and bathrooms serving as observatories of Bangkok’s skyline. According to Rohit Sachdev, Managing Director of Soho Hospitality, the rooftop bar & restaurant is “an abstract art installation of a park experience with a captivating bird’s eye view of Bangkok.”

 

5. The Speakeasy @ The Muse Hotel 

During an era when many pleasures remained hidden, the confidential, sub rosa club allowed for indulgence without undue concern. In such a spirit, the speakeasy once thrived and in just the same does The Speakeasy at Hotel Muse return our pleasures to their rightfully elevated place. The atmosphere merges an internationally-inspired food-and-drink concept with Asian influences. Menus focus on gourmet dishes served in portions suitable for sharing and nibbling while one mingles and moves about. Top-shelf spirits and a large selection of wines including sparkling wines by the glass or bottle are served while guests enjoy the vistas and the vibe. Encompassing the entire 24th and 25th floors and comprising a number of different types of watering holes – Long Bar, Terrace Bar, The Blind Pig cigar lounge, a rooftop bar, The Lawn, as well as a boardroom and three private rooms, “It’s Personal”, “Private Affair” and “Never Tell” – The Speakeasy is truly an oasis of modern lounging in Bangkok.

Open: 6:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Location: 24^th & 25^th Floor

 

6. Long Table - The column

Long Table offers a stunning 25th floor view and trend-setting interior featuring the 25m long table  and contemporary video art. With a focus not just on food, but the total dining environment, delivering Thai inspired cuisine with a creative and distinctive twist.

Chill out on their sprawling terrace to enjoy their popular bar's selection of cocktails after work or dinner. Enjoy music spun by international DJ's while dining, as the evening progresses enjoy your stay as the party gets into fill swing. 

7. Red Sky Bar @ Centara Grand at Central World 

Opening Hours: 17:00 - 01:00 hrs.

 Type of Cuisine: Chic Urban Bistro Dining, Wine Bar & Martini Bar

Seating Capacity: Outdoor 149 / Indoor 81
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Location: 55th Floor

Chic Urban Bistro dining and lounging with breathtaking al fresco vistas of Bangkok.

 

8. The Roof Top Bar at the Baiyoke Sky

Enjoy a  fabulous view at  the Roof Top Bar. Located on the 83rd floor of the hotel, floor-to-ceiling windows provide guests with stunning views of the city, while sipping a cocktail, delicious light bites and a variety of fine wines,  drinks and snacks along with music. There are dining venues on lower floors. 

9. Park Society...Sofitel So

Fine gastronomy meets spectacular views. Captivate your senses as an array of surrounding city lights of Bangkok playfully converge into this chic rooftop restaurant and bar. Offering indoor and al fresco dining experiences.

Opening hours:18:00-01:00

10.      360 Lounge @ The Millenium Hilton

Take the lift to Three Sixty on the 32nd floor of the Millennium Hilton Bangkok hotel and watch in awe as the world goes by. Let the romantic mood and gentle jazz wash over you while you enjoy a cocktail and some of the most magnificent views the city has to offer.

11. L' Appart - Sofitel Sukhumvit

The Parisian Haussmann-style design features a luxurious and charming lounge, a library, a state-of-the-art open kitchen serving exquisite dishes and an outdoor terrace capturing panoramic views of city's  vibrant skyline.

12. D'Sens @ The Dusit Thani 

Contemporary, elegant, and sophisticated, D'Sens is the true gourmand's delight.

Opened in partnership with the much celebrated Jacques and Laurent Pourcel, who modeled D'Sens on their two-Michelin-Star awarded Le Jardin des Sens restaurant in Montpellier, D'Sens offers the finest French cuisine to be found in Bangkok.

Located on the hotel's top floor, D'Sens also offers breathtaking panoramic views over the historical Lumpini Park, and of Bangkok's magnificent skyline. The view is especially dramatic after dark. Be dazzled by the city lights.

The menu offers the Pourcel brothers' finest dishes as prepared by D'Sens' highly-talented team of chefs. You'll find a wide range of a la carte options to choose from, as well as superb business set lunch deals, and a delectable dinner set menu.

D'Sens also boasts a well-stocked wine cellar featuring many of the world's finest wines. Available by bottle, glass or carafe.

Restaurant sits 90 persons, with private alcoves available.

13. Blue Sky @ Centara Grand at Central Plaza Lardprao

Opening Hours: 18.00 - 24.00 hrs. / 18.00pm - 02.00 hrs. (Dining & Snacks / Bar)

Type of Cuisine: Chic Urban Bistro, Dining & Wine Bar
Seating Capacity: 115 seats

A whole new perspective over the City of Angels, located on the top of the hotel with a panoramic view over Bangkok's Skyline. Blue Sky offers a dazzling range of cocktails, wines, spirits, and beers along with delicious tapas, Western and Asian menus. This is the place to meet friends, have a romantic date, entertain guests, or just relax and enjoy the breathtaking views. Private rooms are available. 

 

14. Signor Sassi - Anantara Sathorn

Experience one of London’s most celebrated Italian restaurants in Bangkok.  Savour authentic dishes and unique specialties in indoor and open air dining spaces that occupy almost the entire 37^th floor, accompanied by four private dining rooms on the 38^th floor.  The walk-in wine vault boasts an impressive range of Italian wines and is also available for exclusive private dinners.

Open daily for lunch from 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm and for dinner from 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm.

 

15. Balco Bar - Rivercity Shopping Complex

 

Located on the 5th floor at  River City Shopping Centre next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton, this bar offers you an alfresco experience  by the riverside and is a good alternative to classy hotel rooftop venues surrounding it. Offering the same stunning view of Chao Phraya river but without the price tag.  This rooftop bar is different from all other sky bars in the city, aside from it is pretty amazing, people can just be themselves and just let their hair down and enjoy every minute. 

The atmosphere is casual and pleasant without worrying about dress code or pricey drinks. Soothing bossa nova tunes begin the evening before it shifts to house beats later into the night.  The rooftop is shared with Riverside BBQ  restaurant. Open Tues - Sun 7pm - 2am

 

 

16. The Nest - Le Fenix

Retreat to the hippest unflustered rooftop lounge found above Le Fenix Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 11, smack in the center of Bangkok's premier entertainment district - yet transcendent of the chaos below.

Nest offers a stylish and comfortable urban oasis for conversation and fashionable entertainment, a place to connect with others, indulge in luscious dining, or simply enjoy the open air whilst looking at the stars. Select from, dinner or tasting menu's consisting of Asian Euro Fusion cuisine that is simple, healthy, and fresh. This is one of the best restaurants in Bangkok. 

Arrive at sunset, slink onto something more comfortable and unwind with 6pm until 8pm twilight spirit revivers. Select from a range of seasonally changing, expertly crafted cocktails offering the choicest of tropical fruits. Share a party punch or one of their signature martinis served in a stem less and chilled glass and re-adjust your tempo with early evening lounge, soul, funk, R&B, and disco mixes whilst reclining on comfortable cushion lounge seating  or just lay back  in one of their intimate bed-style seating pods.

 

17. Le Bua

Sirocco & Sky Bar:

Located on the 63rd floor of The Dome at lebua, Sirocco is the world's highest al fresco restaurant and one of the best restaurants in Bangkok.   It never fails to leave one mesmerized with a breathtaking view of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river, an amazing Sky Bar and quality Mediterranean fare with ingredients from the world's best markets. Live jazz music featuring vocalists of international repute, adds to its captivating ambiance for a perfect evening.

 

Breeze

Seating is high above the sea level. The view is a bird's eye glimpse of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River that you can choose to admire from an open-air terrace or a spectacular glass sky-bridge suspended mid-air. 

Breeze is Le Bua's Asian take on the vast culinary extravaganza of our region. So if you are up for some Asian food, or desire that elegant setting to go with your perfectly envisioned Asian dinner, go no further. Here at Breeze, you know you have arrived even before the first dish graces your table. Enjoy the view, savour the wine and appreciate life as the night goes by.

Wave Pattaya from the Siam Baview and Siam Bayshore group opens in Pattaya

Wave is where classic Miami style meets fresh Thai modernity in downtown Pattaya. This boutique hotel is a haven for all that's hip, cool and alluring about America's  iconic southern hot spot. The Hotel combines edgy décor, service and amenities with a great location and unique offerings to give you something fresh and new in the city that never sleeps…

Designed with playful intent, the four-storey building is strikingly pastel by day and vibrant neon by night. The hotel is  unabashedly flashy, fabulous, flirty and hard to miss!  There is even  a hot pink 1940s Cadillac parked out front for all petrol heads and shutterbugs to check out. From the breezy lobby through the restaurant, out to the pool terrace and up to the rooms, all public and private spaces our out-fitted with captivating design and seaside comfort.

This 21-room luxury Art Deco boutique hotel stands majestically on the shorefront of Pattaya Bay, perfectly located on prime Beach Road in the centre of this cosmopolitan resort city. Guests will quickly discover that Wave has one of the best locations in town — just meters from all the action and next door to the fabulous Central Festival entertainment complex.

Looking for a romantic place in Thailand, check these 14 resorts out !

If you are looking for a romantic hotel in Thailand and are not convinced with what you see in the popular media, then perhaps you need to check out this list of romantic resorts in Thailand. Some of these are so unexposed that they do not even have a website of their own but are available through popular third party hotel booking sites.   I have intentionally avoided the popular hotel chains as the hotels on this list exude a totally different flavour. 

Cha am/Hua Hin

Cape Nidhra Hotel

Cher Resort

Hotel De La Paix

 

Koh Tao

Jamahkhiri Resort & Spa

Thipwimarn Resort

 

Koh Samui

Fair House Villas & Spa

Punnpreeda Pool Villa Beachfront Samui

Villa Nalinnadda

 

Chiang Rai

 

Doi Hom Fha Resort

 Du Doi Suay Resort

 Phu Chaisai Mountain Resort & Spa

 

Wang Nam Keaw &  Khao Yai

Village Farm & Winery

 Muthi Maya Forest Pool Villa Resort

Phuket

Malisa Villa Suites

 

 

10 best private pool villas in Phuket

If you have explored the possibility of staying at the best luxury hotel in Phuket and find that it does not meet your standards of privacy and luxury, perhaps you could look at this list of the best private pool villas in Phuket. This list of best private pool villas is not in order of priority. Click on the links of each best pool villa in Phuket to see whether this is better than the best hotel in Phuket for you...

1. Sri Panwa

2. The Racha

3. Trisara

4. Bell Pool Villa

5. Andara

6. Sala

7. The Shore at Kata Thani

8. Banyan Tree 

9. The Pavillions

10. Paresa Resort 

 

How to make the most of a Sunday morning in Bangkok

Assuming you resisted Bangkok's amazing nightlife and crawled into bed early on a Saturday night, i highly recommend a bicycle tour in your district on a good old fashioned bicycle to get the street view. I clocked 22 kilometres this morning exploring my neighbourhood on my Giant mountain bike and I was surprised at the perspective you can get from the street view. I also discovered a radio controlled car racing track just next to the Crystal Shopping Centre on Ekamai Raminthra Road.

 

But first some tips on safe biking and bicycle touring in Bangkok.

1. Always wear a helmet and  a riding suit. 

2. Do not use sun screen. As you perspire, the sunscreen is likely to trickle into your eyes and irritate them making them burn. 

3. Do not cycle on the main roads. Get into the Soi's (substreets)   You will be amazed on what you see.

4. Watch out for dogs that might attach themselves to your ankle. I recommend staying away from areas where you see or hear packs of dogs. 

5. Keep water handy to prevent yourself getting dehyrated. 

Now you are good to go on a bicycle tour of your neighbourhood:

Besides the usual Wat (temple) and food stalls selling Kai Yang (BBQ Chicken) with its accompanying aromas, I also found that Bangkok has some well laid out bicycle tracks which have well trimmed hedges bordering them. 

. 

But it is once you get into the Soi's that you really see your neighbourhood from a different perspective. The Soi that I explored this morning had some large restaurants which looked really nice (i made a mental note to check them out evening time...see ! you wouldn't find that in a food guide). As I went deeper into the Soi, I found a Convention Centre called Phothalai. It looked like a golf driving range from the outside but the driveway and its size made me make another mental note to check it out for MICE groups. 

Deeper into the Soi, I discovered a mansion  set back from the road. The high walls and gates did not allow you to get a peek in but the police cars around told me that I had found the residence of Khun Yingluck, Thailand's current prime minister. I moved on from there and found my way back to the top of the Soi. 

 I then found an excellent cycling track around the Crystal Design Centre (CDC) and even entered the high end lifestyle design district to see if I could grab a well deserved coffee. It was too early though and all its denizens are probably of the late night or early lunch variety. So I backtracked and took up abode at the Starbucks at The Crystal. 

Sipping my cappuccino, I noticed that all the cars parked around the fountain were expensive ones. Was this by design or just a coincidence ? My question was answered almost immediately. I saw an old Mercedez Benz trying to park in a slot that had just got vacated by a sleek new Mercedez Benz E 250. The security guard was not allowing him to park there and an argument ensued between the elderly owner driver and the guard. The guard finally climbed down from his high horse and allowed the elderly car and denizen to park. 

 

 

But by far, the most interesting part of this morning's ride for me was the discovery of a radio controlled car race track. So if you are an RC  hobby enthusiast and looking for a place where you can stretch your RC BMW's legs, here it is, just next to the Crystal Shopping mall. 

 

 

 

21 hotel venues for an Indian wedding in Phuket separated area wise

In continuation of my earlier article  on Indian weddings, i would like to expand the list of wedding venues to Phuket, the pearl of the Orient, if you are planning a Phuket wedding.  If your Indian wedding planner has not given you all the options of venues for your Indian wedding in Phuket, here are 21 options of  Phuket weddingsvenues. Go through the websites on the links below and the events and meetings pages will give you plenty of wedding ideas for your wedding ceremony. So before you decide which address goes onto the wedding invitation, you would be well advised to study this list to finetune your options of venue for your Indian wedding. 

Most of these hotels have wedding planners or banquet coordinators who are specialized in working with you to achieve the best result for your Indian wedding ceremony. However if you do not have a planner, you can contact Pathfinders to help you set this up.  Over the years Pathfinders has been a pioneer in organising Indian weddings in Thailand. 

Mai Khao Beach & surrounding beaches

Anantara

Imperial Adamas Beach Resort, Nai Yang Beach

Indigo Pearl

JW Marriott 

Renaissance Phuket Resort

The Pavilions

 Laguna Area

Angsana

Banyan Tree Phuket

Dusit Thani Laguna 

Patong Beach

Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa

Holiday Inn Resort 

 Le Meridien

Mercure Phuket Deevana

Millenium Patong

Novotel Phuket Resort

Novotel Phuket Vintage Park Resort

Karon Beach

Centara Grand Beach Resort

Hilton 

Movenpick Resort Karon

 

West Phuket

The Naka Island - A Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa

 

Kidzania Siam Paragon arrives in Siam Siam

Kidzania Siam Paragon needs to be added to your list of things to do in Bangkok on the next time your Thai Airways plane touches down at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Avoid the regular haunts such as Dream World and Siam Park and head to the centre of Bangkok, Siam Paragon which already houses Siam Ocean World and head upstairs to the 5th floor of Siam Paragon where you will find Kidzania. This space is approximately 1000 square metres where kids get a go at role playing professions such as fire fighters, pilots, policemen and policewomen, bankers, journalists, auto CAD designers, automobile mechanics, hair dressers, vetinerarians, doctors, nurses, chefs, actors and a host of other professions.  Here is a photo tour of Kidzania at Siam Paragon. The popularity of Kidzania Tokyo, Kidzania Kuala Lumpur and Kidzania Dubai is sure to rub off on Kidzania Siam Paragon, Bangkok. 

A kid getting money out of the ATM. Kidzania give every kid 50 Kidzos with the entrance ticket. The object is to grow this principal sum by working at some profession that the kid enjoys. The ATM issues slips that are like a real ATM giving you your balance with the bank etc. 

 

Kidzania Siam Paragon Town Square

A Kidzania Siam Paragon staff showing his young interns how to repair an automobile. 

 

I don't know if it was my imagination but I think the Logistics businss is the most popular at Kidzania as you can see from this picture. Kids love delivering couriers to McDonalds, the Court, the Cops and a dozen other places. Like little busybodies they are happy to deliver these parcels and boxes and one can keep them busy an entire afternoon doing that. I guess Corporates study this behaviour and keep some of us busy doing nothing !

Kidzania Siam Paragon Fire Fighters putting out a fire

And if a kid lands in trouble for beating up another kid, this is where he lands up. The jail is right next door but the cell bars are made of elastic material allowing kids to escape the long arms of the Kidzania law !

How big clients gamble with your reputation: 6 ways to protect yourself

If you are a quality conscious destination management company that has worked hard to earn your stripes and realise that one or several  of your erstwhile  big clients have been gambling with your reputation, then this article is for you.  A couple of days ago I wrote a well received post on  big clients hijacking your  company  (which a hotelier friend thought that I had plagiarised because it was so well written and spot on he said:) I told him that I wrote it from the heart and from personal experience. So is this one. 

So a big client moves away because he has got better prices elsewhere, or he needs to use your Company as the reason for his incompetence, or his massive ego could not take the gentle pin prick that you administered because you could not take any more of his self righteous attitude or simply boredom.  He needs to justify his decision to his bosses, shareholders and the  larger world. 

It is the easiest thing in the world for a big client to gamble with your reputation by making vague and off the cuff allegations  like "their services were not upto the mark," or "the food quality was not good," or "maybe he (meaning you) has grown too big and cannot handle the volume," or even hinting that you may be financially in problems  These are loose comments that mean nothing but these might  drive your other customers away from you.  They may not  even be meant to hurt you per se and have no relationship to his actual reason outlined in the paragraph above but these stories are floated only  to justify their selfish actions to their stake holders while minimising the damage to themselves. But the net result is damage to your reputation and business. And in these days of social media, you need to protect against this.  Here are 6 ways to protect yourself.

1. Following a separation with a large client, you need to keep your ears to the ground. Your suppliers and clients  will call you (people love gossip and tell you what your former unequal partner told him or what he heard from somebody else).  You must always listen. Don't be defensive. Maybe some of it could be true. Use that information as positive feedback to improve your operation and business.   Gently and tactfully put your point of view across truthfully to the relaying source.  If you are able to discover where the rumour originated from, find a way of getting  your version back to them.   Do not get emotional and do NOT run down the larger client and former partner. Do not get personal and I know it may be  hard but try and remain objective. You are the injured party and life is not fair but this is not the time to feel sorry for yourself. Time to continue making money and success is the best revenge:)

2.  It is even more important to take excellent care of your smaller clients.  It is not necessary to explain the allegations that the big client made, not unless you are specifically asked by a client. In that case be truthful.   Soldier on and time is the best boomerang of these allegations. When the larger world sees that you are still in business and satisfied customers multiply your value, you will see your Company grow over time. 

3.  If it is possible, following the parting of ways, and upon hearing the allegations that your erstwhile big client is gambling with your reputation, seek a face to face meeting with him. This may be difficult especially if the parting has been acrimonious but nothing like a face to face meeting to clear the air. The big client does not expect a personal visit from you  and you may therefore find accessing him really easy !   Just visit him at his office and everyone from the receptionist to his secretary will wave you in because they have no idea that their boss does not want to meet you:)  Of course, if the receptionist picks up the phone to inform the Boss that you are there to meet him, do not be surprised if he uses the fire escape to avoid meeting you (happened to me once and I was amazed that such a big roly poly guy could move so fast. It amazed his staff too who while their respect for his cat like abilities soared was punctured by the inverse curve of their respect curve for him.) So assume you meet him, you could point out matter of factly that his loose words are hurting a small guy like you and your business and request him sincerely to please stop. He will probably deflect the focus from him by saying he heard this from colleagues, your very own suppliers and will pretend shock at this. There is no need for you to push the point. Leave it here:) Your work is done. He is not likely to cause you more trouble after this. The maximum backlash to expect is that he quickly removes you from his list of friends on Facebook:)

4. Create an online presence: You need to manage your reputation online.  Most of your customers will give you good reviews and you need to get this out using all the social media that is at anyone's command today. If you see negative reviews, address this. If a refund is due, make it immediately. This builds not only your own credibility but that of your brand as well.   

5. Do not rest until your big client has paid you  for every nickle of your dues:  Often big clients when they walk away sit on sizeable sums of your money (because your business with them was sizeable).  Of course this varies from company culture to culture but I think all companies have a policy to penalize their suppliers for shoddy services and this is the allegation that you have to deal with and they are going to throw the book at you.  Their so called reasons for holding your monies are the rumours they spread about you.  So you have to objectively listen to their allegations and prove every one of them false until they run out of reasons to hold your money. You have to use their inbuilt processes and fairness in their systems to get your money.   Big companies have several procedures and processes to hide behind though and if they sit on your funds, you got to be prepared to dig in for a long battle but fight you must. Remember here that you are fighting for your reputation and not your money. Your vindication comes from their paying you every nickle. Do not let this detract from your primary purpose though of looking after your bread and butter clients.  Detach yourself from this game of chess that big companies play with you by thinking about your moves when you sit in the loo. That is all they deserve:) You will sooner rather than later get back your just dues  and  more importantly your reputation. 

 6. Formulate a policy that any one big client should not account for more than say x % of your topline with the value of x < 3% and cumulative big players not controlling more than xx% of your revenues. Again xx < 20%.   This is more of a preventive issue rather than a reactive one.  Also if your business is growing with  a single big clients contributing less than 3% to your topline, it means you are really making progress as a business.  I must give credit for this point to a reader and a business associate, Mr. Partha Majumdar. Thanks Partha !

 

Provide value like Make My Trip (MMT) : 5 ways to create value

The year was 2009. I was sitting in the plush Make My trip ( MMT)  office at Gurgaon while a senior MMT executive was brow beating me over the prices of the package tours he wanted from my company Pathfinders. At the time their package tours to Thailand were handled by another Destination management company in Thailand and we were trying to get into their account. The senior executive moaned, " In Singapore and Malaysia our numbers are 5 times what we are doing in Thailand and no amount of advertising, marketing and  sales is pushing our numbers to Thailand. It is like we have hit a glass ceiling at 4000 pax a year to Thailand.  For this reason we need the price of USD xxx which would help us to compete effectively with D. Paul's and grab market share. "  I have heard different versions of this same story before from various companies and am tired of this broken record. So in sheer frustration, I told this senior MMT executive that if he wanted to copy D. Paul's, he must begin with copying their office, their salaries, their accounting systems, their low key advertising....the works. I think I lost him at the point where I said he should take a salary similar to D. Paul's executives:)   Anyway I was sure that the answer to their volumes was not in matching D. Paul's low prices but in providing exceptional value to MMT customers who being web customers have a very high acquisition cost and zero loyalty, while at the same time have plenty of differentiation from D. Paul's customers. 

I came back to MMT with a 5 star offer at 4 star prices. So we offered a Dusit Thani Pattaya with a Dusit Thani Bangkok combination which provided exceptional value. If the web customer were to compare by going onto sites like Hotels.com or Agoda.com and shop for only hotels and compare this with the offer which we made to MMT which they launched as their own, the customer would find it cheaper to buy a MMT package that included transfers, dinners on all nights, some basic sightseeing and Hotel stay at the Dusit Thani Pattaya and Dusit Thani Bangkok ! So MMT was creating true value by pushing a better product at a price that was higher than D. Paul's and they did not steal D. Paul's customers...they built their own niche which got quite fat and populated. In a year's time, Pathfinders was doing a several times multiple of the numbers that MMT were doing earlier into Thailand.  

I cannot take credit for their other value providing ideas. But here they are:

2. Tie up with a bank such as Citibank or HDFC.  Clients wish to go on holiday and small things like not having the money right now should not disuade them from taking that holiday.  Give them the opportunity to pay through EMI through a tie up with the banks. How difficult is that while at the same time providing great value to the customer ? 

3. Select destinations which airlines want to promote.  For e.g. Thai Smile has launched direct flights from Mumbai to Phuket,  New Delhi to Phuket and Ahmedabad to Bangkok.  MMT have launched a Phuket package which judging the from the price has attracted a very special airfare from the airline. All you have to do is just ask the airline and getting low airfares  is like catching low hanging fruit.  

4.  Bundling products to make a package and then offer discounts: Even retailers use this strategy. "Everyday low prices," advertise Lotus Tesco in Bangkok.  When Carrefour were around (they sold out to Big C), they would also use the same line and both stores would advertise that if you found a product cheaper in the competitor's  store, bring the receipt along with the product and they would buy it back from you. Now think about this.  Bring the receipt along with the product and they would buy it back. If  your customer did the market research for you, then you as a Company have still profited right ?   So the consumer wants a discount...give him one. Check out the MMT offers and the offers of their competitors. See how many times they use the word discount. In the case of vanilla products it is easy to point out where you are paying them extra even after their discount by going onto the airline site and seeing a fare that is cheaper.  But in a package offer where you have multiple product offerings all wrapped into one, you cannot get this value for yourself if you unbundle it.  So the fact is that it is in spite of the wrapping, still offering value and earning them big bucks while delivering it.  The Indian consumer loves to get a discount and therefore value so give it to him by bundling. 

5. Try to get the customer to do all the work by booking online. MMT offer you discounts only if you complete the booking process online. If you go offline to one of their stores, then you help them with the salary costs.  Simple and straightforward. Get yourself a transactional website and reduce payroll by foregoing your discount. Offer this value to the consumer by getting them to do their own work online. Great way forward !