DESTINATIONS STOPOVERS ASIA
LEFT: Kuala Lumpur
RIGHT: Banyan Tree Bangkok
BELOW: Grand Palace, Bangkok
Europeans flying to Australia or New Zealand of late, and it seems to be paying off. Premier Holidays say it’s one of its four most popular stopovers thanks to excellent shopping, food, sightseeing and a vibrant cultural mix, all of which make it a viable alternative to Singapore. The highlights: Chinatown, the Central Market and Little India are worth suggesting to foodie types, while the Royal Palace and Thean Hou Buddhist Temple, just outside the city, add appeal for history buffs. Most unusual are the Batu Caves, a series of
Markets bursting with colours, and tuk-tuks dodging their way through the traffic – Bangkok is as crazy as they come
limestone formations draped in stalactites and stalagmites that house a collection of ornate Hindu shrines and statues. Upsell: For clients wanting to take the hassle out of arranging transport and individual activities while keeping their independence, book them a city package. Wendy Wu offers a three-day stay with transfers to and from the airport and a guided half-day tour visiting the King’s Palace, Lake Gardens, National Mosque, Independence Square, Petronas Twin Towers and other highlights. If they’ve got a little less time
but still want to delve deep, look to Urban Adventures, which offers a morning market trip – think live chickens squawking, electronics blaring and plenty of sampling – with the chance to learn more about the city from guides in the know (from $63).
◗ BANGKOK Why: Markets bursting with colours and sounds, tuk-tuks dodging their way through honking traffic and street-food vendors selling scorpions on sticks: Bangkok is as vibrant, hectic and crazy as they come. It’s also a key connection point for Australia, New Zealand and the rest of southeast Asia, so it makes perfect sense to suggest adding on a night or two here.
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travelweekly.co.uk 24 May 2018
The highlights: The Grand Palace, built in 1782 as the home of the Thai king, needs to be high on the list with its opulent temples – all intricate Buddha statues and ornate stone structures – drawing visitors from far and wide. Key spots elsewhere include Wat Arun, an opulent riverside temple accessed by boat, and the Chatuchak weekend market, which sees approximately 15,000 stalls pop up on Saturdays and Sundays. Upsell: Tag on a multi-day tour for those wanting to get beyond Bangkok’s basics. Intrepid Travel offers a two-day break in the city that’s ideal for foodies, with a crawl through culinary-loving Yaowarat (Chinatown), a ferry ride along the Chao Phraya River, a visit to a market and an excursion to an orchard farm for a cooking demonstration. It costs from £197, including accommodation, transport and meals. Alternatively, if it’s just the
hotel package they’re after, suggest Banyan Tree Bangkok. It’s Kuoni’s top pick in the city thanks to its excellent spa and al fresco rooftop restaurant, which offers panoramic views over the twinkling lights come nighttime. We can’t guarantee they’ll
make it to their final destination with all this to be getting on with, mind.
PICTURE: FADLURRAHMAN MAKSOM; DIEP CHANEL; MALAYSIA TOURISM
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