One can go to Chachoengsao Province from Nakhon Nayok and watch the largest Ganesh Idol in Thailand. Close to this is Khao Yai National Park where one can travel at night in an open jeep and watch elephants, deer and many other animals. If you are lucky, you can also see tigers. In the same place there is the Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa where one can play golf and enjoy the massage and spa facilities, a celebrated facility of the country of Thailand.

We also had the opportunity to visit PB Valley Estate which is located 150 kms northeast of Bangkok. It is situated on the edge of the Khao Yai National Park and is the birthplace of the Khao Yai wine region. PB Valley is spread over 1,000 acres of land and produces 150,000 bottles of wine annually. Mr. Heribert Gaksch, Business Development Manager took us around the farm and the factory where the wine is produced. Wine tasting was also done by visiting journalists guided by a professional tour guide. The tour also included explanation about the various grapes used for wine making followed by wine tasting at the foyer of the winery. There is also accommodation available at the farm for those who love the outdoor life at affordable prices. The accommodation is rustic yet comfortable. There is one deluxe bungalow with a fantastic view of the vineyards and gardens which cater to the various needs of the visitors. PB Valley Khao Yai Winery is a multi award winning winery and is the largest and most advanced one in south east Asia, capable of producing six hundred thousand bottles of wine annually.

Here, one will also come across another winery namely the Granmonte Asoke Valley which is a very recent farm yet it has earned a name for itself. Granmonte means ‘big mountain’ in Italian, thus, the name is apt for the beautiful environmental setting of the vineyard that is encircled with natural beauty in Khoa Yai. Granmonte lies close to Khao Yai National Park, just south of Korat. Granmonte is truly a prefect destination for wine connoisseurs. The farm is spread throughout a meager 40 acres of  land and yet it is producing almost 80,000 bottles of wine and has earned a good reputation for quality wines of various tastes thanks to the leadership of Ms. Visootha ‘Nikki’ Lohitnavy who is 23 years old and a bachelor of Oenology besides a reputed wine maker having been trained at Switzerland. Over the last two years, wines from Granmonte have won over 35 awards from different institutes in Thailand, Japan, SIngapore, Hong Kong, England, Austria and France. Moreover Granmonte is renowned as a destination that is perfect in the agricultural-tourism sense.

The Greenery Resort Khao Yai is a chic and trendy hotel. It offers facilities for elegant meeting, training resources and a fun park for adventure sports particularly for children and the youth and one can enjoy lots of activities like slides, swings at the heart of Khao Yai town. Of course, as expected, there are plenty of outstanding resorts at the most affordable prices. Khao Yai is located in Nakorn Rachasima on the northeastern part of Thailand and is about 190 kms from Bangkok. Khao Yai is a very attractive choice for organizers who are looking for a resort close to nature.

On the way to Bangkok, we visited Farm Chokchai which has got a restaurant which offers a delicious multi cuisine and is so packed that one has to wait for his turn to get a seat. Here a visitor can get a feel of farm life in the largest dairy cattle farm in Thailand. One can have the experience with the help of guides in milking cows, making fresh ice-cream and watch sheep dogs at work. Another highlight of Farm Chokchai is the live cowboy shows which have high entertainment value for all age groups.

One can also go to Palio Khao Yai Walking Street which is also known as Little Italy. Palio Walking Street situated in Khao Yai is a hit with Bangkok people who make the trip up, particularly on long weekends, to browse through the shops and alleyways of this small replica of an Italian Village.

Thailand is also a shopping paradise for those who are looking for electronic goods, leatherwear and readymade goods. Prices here are comparatively lower than in the world market. Stuff is good and variety is abundant.

Thailand is simply beautiful.

Dr. K.K. Jhunjhunwala

Recently in Bangkok