Amari Pulse

Are you fortunate enough to be visiting Thailand during Songkran? Be sure to make the most of it as this is one of the most colourful and festive times of the year. To mark the occasion, there are an array of events to enjoy, from traditional merit making ceremonies and beauty pageants, to parades brimming with life and entertainment.

The highlight of this festival though has to be the fun-filled water fights - where thousands of residents and tourists take to the streets to drench each other in water, whether for cleansing and good luck, or just to enjoy a good time! And whilst this may seem a little off from your run-of-the-mill holiday, the Thai Lunar New Year celebrations is an experience you will not soon forget.

To ensure you are well prepared, we bring you our top 8 Songkran survival tips:

• Arm yourself - Head to your nearest shopping centre, supermarket, or convenience store and buy yourself a water gun. They come in all shapes and sizes, but we recommend getting something that can shoot long distances, and has a sizeable water reservoir.
• Invest in a disposable waterproof camera - Capture all your favourite moments - snapshots full with colour, so you can take them back home to show friends and family.
• Leave valuables at home - Leave your jewellery, cameras, and anything easily lost or damaged behind before participating in the festivities (more on that below).
• Carry zip lock bags - For those items which you need take with you, don't leave your room without a ziplock bag. Use to store necessities such as enough local currency to get you through the day, and of course essential travel documents. 
• Dress accordingly - Dress down, wear an old T-shirt and pair of shorts. If you don’t have these types of clothing, swing by a street vendor where you can pick some up for relatively cheap. Avoid white clothing as they tend to become see through when wet.
• Wear sunblock, lots of it! - And make sure its waterproof! We recommend at least SPF 50 to be safe.
• Use waterproof makeup - Should you decide wear makeup, use the waterproof kind to ensure you are looking your best throughout the celebrations.
• Avoid roads - Be careful and try to stay clear of the roads when possible. People often tend to enjoy themselves a little too much then take to the roads intoxicated, especially motorcyclists!

So there you have it, everything you could possibly need for the Songkran festivities. Get prepared and most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourself!

Sawasdee Pee Mai!

It’s the perfect time to start planning your holiday – whether it is Christmas or New Year – in Thailand. There are many exciting things to do during this time of the year – here is our list of the top 5 fun holiday activities in Thailand. 

Check out the holiday decorations 

Bangkok and many of the coastal areas come alive with beautiful Christmas lights and other fancy decorations during this time of year. It’s sometimes easy to forget that you’re in Thailand with all of the fun Christmas cheer. Check our Siam Paragon, Emporium, and Central World for awesome light spectacles. 

Enjoy the beer gardens 

Exciting beer gardens pop up all around Bangkok during this time of year and offer visitors a welcome respite from the city chaos. No matter what kind of brew you fancy – you’ll find it somewhere. Some of the coolest are around BTS Siam, BTS Chid Lom and in the Thong Lo area. 

New Year’s countdown 

Ringing in the New Year in Thailand is a great experience – choose from the Time Square like atmosphere of Central World to more laid back venues like Henry J. Beans in the Amari Watergate Bangkok. Alternatively – you could head to one of the many temples around the city to experience a more peaceful traditional New Year ceremony. 

Head to the beach 

There’s nothing quite as nice as sipping a smoothie on the beach on Christmas morning while your friends back home are freezing in the cold. Head to the Amari Orchid Pattaya for beach side relaxation and crazy parties during New Years. For a more laid back ambiance check out Amari Vogue Krabi and savour a truly awesome natural atmosphere. 

Holiday feasts 

Thailand is known for its awesome cuisine – why not have an authentic Thai dinner instead of more traditional offerings during Christmas and New Year? Gorge yourself on tantalising spicy tom yum gung with shrimp at Thai on 4 at the Amari Watergate Bangkok or head out into the city and explore a treasure trove of delicious streets food vendors.  

Metered taxis are a comfortable way to get around town – but there are some key things to remember.

Key Things to Remember:

• If the driver claims that your destination is closed, doesn't know where it is, or tries to take you elsewhere, just get out of the taxi
• All taxis are metered and the flag fall fare is 35 THB 
• Except from the airport and through toll ways there are no surcharges - even at night; don't believe drivers who try to tell you otherwise
• A lit red sign on the front window means the taxi is available
• Many drivers will "forget" to start the meter in order to overcharge you
• Most will start the meter when asked politely to do so
• If the driver refuses to use the meter after a couple of attempts, simply exit the taxi
• Be sure to either know the correct pronunciation of your destination, or have it written in Thai, as most drivers speak little English
• Be sure to have small bills (100 THB or less)
• Tips are not necessary