Posted by Jackie Hewett on Thu 25th September 2008 at 03:13 AM, Filed in Far East, November
Most of us know about the River Kwai from the famous (semi-fictional) film that depicted the conditions in which the Japanese prisoners of war were made to work in constructing the bridge. Although the film is a good one, it makes the treatment of the prisoners look a picnic in relation to the reality of what happened. 65 years ago allied prisoners of war built a 415km railway and an estimated 16,000 died in the process. It is understandable why it became known as the Death Railway.
These people are remembered every year in late November through to early December (in 2008 this will be from 24th Nov to 5th Dec). Although the original bridge was bombed several times it was rebuilt after the war (the curved sections are original) and this is the centre piece of the festival.
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This unusual ‘dinner party’ has been held annually for about 20 years now so you would have thought that the guests-of-honor would know how to behave. Well unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for the sake of a spectacle) – no-one has yet taught the wild long-tailed macaques monkeys table manners.
The location (the Khmer ruins) is some 70 miles north of Bangkok, and the host of this particular event is a grateful local hotelier. He is grateful for the business that the monkeys bring, and it is held that villagers believe the monkeys protect the village and even bring them good luck. The 600 or so guests are served a sumptuous feast of fruit, vegetables, rice, noodles, coca cola (apparently a favorite treat). Even menus, table-cloths and napkins are provided – I guess more for the photos. I wonder how they know its time to tuck in….or even which day to turn up?
The event now includes a procession, children dress up in monkey costumes (of course) and live music. Well – the festival works because it now draws in some 10,000 visitors – so I guess that’s the best tip the hotelier (and indeed whole village) can receive! Who said you make your own luck……? If you want to go the fun takes place on the last Sunday in November, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to eat the banquet yourself as the monkeys don’t always take too kindly to it.
Posted by Jackie Hewett on Tue 23rd September 2008 at 03:09 AM, Filed in Far East, November
This show has been going since 1960 in the Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village in the Surin province (about 450 km from Bangkik), and is organised by the Thai tourist authority. In 2008 it falls on 22nd and 23rd November.
Throughout history elephants have been well respected in Thailand and held as a symbol of power and grace. Today most Thai elephant owners and mahouts are descendents of the Kui tribe who originated from Cambodia and settled in north east Thailand. They are famed for their expertise in capturing, domesticating and training wild elephants and treat these large mammals as part of heir family.
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I stayed at this hotel between Christmas and New Year a few years ago, and the Christmas decorations were still in evidence. Koh Samui Island is not large, and the hotel was barely a 10 minute drive from the airport, but I don’t recall hearing any airplane noise during my stay.
Chaweng Regent Gardens
I was fortunate to stay in one of the royal suites (in bungalow style accommodation right at the beach edge). To get to the room there was a (very pleasant) walk around a large fish pond with water-lilies and lush gardens. I believe that staying in the rooms adjourning the fish pond can be a bit mosquito-ridden so I would avoid staying in those. Our room was beautiful, we had a smallish outside seating area, a lounge area with tv and privacy screens, then into the bedroom (all in beautiful ‘blond’ wood) with another tv, off to the side was a dressing room leading to a black marble bathroom with the obligatory Jacuzzi. All very tastefully done.
Entrance to our Royal Suite
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Situated a couple of hours by ferry from Singapore (see things to do in Singapore) Bintan Island, and especially the Banyan Tree Resort, is a little piece of heaven, and a popular week-end escape for Singaporeans who can afford to visit. The resort is situated at the north western tip of the Island.
The hotel has a great spa - I indulged in a lovely ‘Lomi Lomi’ (Hawaiian) massage which was extremely relaxing rather than the more ‘sports style’ massage. The Banyan Tree also has an outdoor yoga pavilion overlooking the sea – well worth a visit. You can join in group sessions or book a private yoga lesson for up to 2 people. The hotel has 2 beautiful pools, one is circular on the ‘middle level’ near where the spa is and the other is down by the beach – a few minutes walk from the central areas.
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