Thailand

[mary-j]

We are going to The Banyan Tree in Phuket in 3 weeks(who's counting!!) and I have just been on a website which has a map of the resort. We are staying in a pool villa and saw on the map that these villas are situated facing the golf course, behind the lagoon pool villas, (which obviously face the lagoon) or a few which are quite near the lagoon, but far enough away not to be classed as lagoon pool villas. I was thinking about e-mailing the resort to request a particular villa so wondered if anyone had stayed in the pool villas who could recommend one or which area is best for views,getting the sun etc.?I would ideally like my villa to get lots of sun during the day. Hope someone has stayed here who could help with my questions. Also, did anyone go on the Sanya Rak Dinner cruise?

Thank you.

[curtiejoe]

Hi mary-j



Lucky you! While you're travelling in Thailand, I see that you'll be staying in Phuket. I understand that between April 13 and 15, there will be a special event taking place there known as the New Year Water Festival. Songkran is when they celebrate the sun's moving to a new zodiac sign as well as the beginning of a whole new year. There are religious ceremonies, as well as entertainment and good times, as tradition has it that children wash their grandparents' hands with scented water to cleanse them of bad luck. Each year, apparently thousands of tourists join in the colourful festivities with the local inhabitants Check out www.tourismthailand.org for details, if you're not already aware of Songkran.



Curt

[mary-j]

Thanks Curtiejoe, I had read somewhere about it but assumed it would be over by the time we arrive. We leave on the 14th but don't arrive until the afternoon of the 15th. After having a quick browse over the site you gave me, it does seem some events are continuing past the 15th. I will check out the site in more detail later whenI have more time. Thanks again for the info......much appreciated.

Cheers,

Mary-j

[curtiejoe]

Hi Mary



I'mhoping the timing works out for you. The New Year's/Water Festival looks like an exciting event on Phuket Island and perhaps it'll still be going on when you're there. If so, and you get the chance to check it out, let me know how it was and how you liked it.



Curt

[cruisinred]

The "water festival" is not unique to phuket. Celebrations of theThai new year, involving spraying water, water fights, etc. happen all over Thailand and in other southeast asian countries such as Laos and Cambodia.



Get ready to get wet!

[curtiejoe]

Hi cruisinred



Excellent! Your info on the Water Festival's widespread celebration in South-East Asia will be of interest to many other travellers who're planning to visit Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand around the middle of April, I think the washing of grandparents' hands by their grandchildren is a lovely custom, one that perhaps could be adapted to North America, especially afterthe grandparents have been baby-sitting and nappy-changing their youngest descendants. Or, on second thought, maybe not.



Curt

[mary-j]

Off to Thailand on Saturday and i am getting really excited now. just 2 more sleeps! I have taken on board all the info everyone has kindly given me. it has all ben really helpful and very much appreciated. any last minute tips would also be welcome. I will miss this forum when I am away, but lok forward to catching up on everything when I return.

Cheers,

[mary-j]

Imust apologise for my last thread.I hadn't realised I had made so many mistakes on it??? Never mind, I do have an excuse as my mind is obviously elsewhere....like lying sunbathing on a beautiful beach!!!

[curtiejoe]

Hi mary



Funny, I hadn't noticed any errors in you last post. We'll miss you here on the LL Community while you're touring Thailand...a lot. Have a wonderful time and share your experiences with us once you're back home.



Curt

[claassenam]

Have an amazing trip, MaryJ! I can;t wait to hear your report on the experience upon your return.