Thailand tourism, after the Tsunami The Flyaway Weblog

Phuket, the crown jewel of Thailand's beach resorts, is back on track, nearly four months after the Tsunami hit the island paradise. According to this local tourism website, "you'll be benefiting from lower hotel rates, serenely quiet beaches and local bargains on everything from souvenirs to superb meals." photo courtesy of Andy Stelle - stock.xchngIt's as if I can see a big finger beckoning me to take advantage of the [...] Read More


Thailand holidays teaser The Flyaway Weblog

Event organizers have submitted several proposals for a government project "to revive the tourism industry in the tsunami-hit areas of the South". One organizer has pitched for a Thai Tsunami film with Nicole Kidman stating that the actress would draw attention to the beautiful beaches Thailand has to offer. Am I the only one not convinced that this is not a good idea? I am all for promoting the beauty [...] Read More


Thailand: Goodbye Elephant: Hello Gibbons! The Flyaway Weblog

On our last day in Phuket, I said goodbye to my new friend, the baby elephant Sawasdee. (which means "hello" in Thai) His trainer gave him the command to "kiss," and I was treated to an elephant smooch on my cheek! If you've ever wondered what an elephant kiss feels like, it's kind of like your cheek is being sucked in by the hose of a vacuum cleaner. But Sawasdee is [...] Read More


Southern Thailand Getaways on the Rise Hidden Travel Gems

Three years after the great 2004 tsunami devastated the beaches of Phuket, tourists are visiting in record numbers. According to TTG Asia, the push to reconstruct after the disaster has led to renewed success all along Southern Thailand's Andaman coast. Why did Phuket, and neighboring Khao Lak and Krabi, regain their former success so quickly? As the bread-and-butter of Thailand's tourist industry, they almost had to. And, despite rumors amongst [...] Read More


Central Krabi Bay Resort in Thailand Wandalust

Less than an hour away by boat from Phuket, Krabi is the perfect getaway for beach lovers who prefer to relax in a much quieter and more scenic island. This coastal province located southwest of Thailand is also a popular tourist destination (albeit, quieter than the more famous Phuket) with it's beautiful scenery, azure waters and good tourist infrastructure. Tempted? If so, you might want to sample one of the [...] Read More