Fah Thai Magazine - Inflight Magazine of Bangkok Airways Issue Jan-Feb 2024

THAILAND CHIANG MAI / PATTAYA / TRAT
SPOTLIGHT
The Universe at Your Feet
Photos: Putoh
Chiang Mai’s dark skies are great for
spotting planets, constellations, and
even the Milky Way, but to get the
best views stargazers have to leave the
brightly lit city. Putoh, a private house
for rent in picturesque Chiang Dao
district, is the perfect spot to take
in the nightly show. Nestled at the
base of Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand’s
third-highest mountain, this cosy
cottage looks out on dark skies lit
up by brilliant stars. The one-room
mountain lodge envelops you in a
warm and rustic-chic atmosphere
with its wood design. Large windows
allow guests to immerse themselves
in starry wonder from the comfort of
their own bed.
Outside, the IDA (International
Dark Sky Association)-standard
360-degree deck offers unobstructed
views of the Andromeda Galaxy on
clear, moonless nights. At Putoh,
dreams and the universe unite,
creating an unforgettable cosmic
experience. Tel: +66 (0) 96 880 8980,
www.facebook.com/putoh.chiangdao
HOP-ON, HOP-OFF IN PATTAYA
Say goodbye to frustrating negotiations with Pattaya taxi drivers.
Pattaya City Beach now offers a wonderful alternative – a
double-decker hop-on/hop-off tour bus called Elephant GoGo.
With two routes covering more than 40 stops, and ticket options
for 24, 48, and 72 hours, you can explore the picturesque
beaches, historic landmarks, bustling shopping districts and
modern attractions of the seaside city at your leisure.
The Red Line through the heart of Pattaya runs from
9am to 5pm and features popular stops like Walking Street,
Central Pattaya, South Pattaya Pier, and the Colosseum Show.
The Blue Line extends beyond the city to attractions like
the Pattaya Floating Market, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse,
Tiger Park, and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Tickets are 800,
900, and 1,000 baht for 24, 48, and 72 hours, available at
elephantbustours.com. Telephone/WhatsApp: +66 (0) 61 386 3311,
elephantbustours.com/pattaya
DEEP DIVE INTO KOH CHANG
If scuba diving and snorkelling don’t offer enough thrills, free diving may be the
way to go. Koh Chang, a marine wonderland with a plethora of diving centres
and mesmerising dive sites, is the ideal place to plumb new depths of adventure.
Stunning coral reefs, the epic HTMS Chang wreck site, and gentle currents are the
underwater stars of this laid-back forested island. Moreover, Koh Chang is one of
the few places in the world where you can dive with whale sharks. A number of
local dive centres offer freediving courses, varying from basic to advanced levels.
Photo: Elephant Bus Tours
67