Otter's Tales: October 2011

Friday, October 28, 2011

Are you coming to Phuket

When you visit Thailand, of course, we would like you to stay with us at one of the Kasemkij Hotels under the Cape, Kantary or Kameo brands – take a look at TripAdvisor for recommendations, and if you are coming to Phuket also take a look at the Phuket E-Magazine produced by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

There are a number of e-coupons that can be downloaded and printed out, which entitle you to a whole range of benefits - from free coffee at Starbucks to discounts on massages.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your holiday in Thailand! Me, I am going to download a spa coupon for my wife and download the Starbucks coupon for myself!!

We hope to see you.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Driving in Thailand

This week I thought about a question which I am regularly asked, at least twice a week.

"What do you think of renting a car?"

Now I must share with you that driving in Thailand and / or Phuket is different from other places around the world.

1) Red traffic lights - they mean that it would be a good idea if you stopped here.

2) Flashing red traffic lights – they mean proceed with caution.

3) Driving on the left – well not strictly true, if you have a turning coming up (scratch that) if you want to drive on the right because you want to you can.

4) Driving on the right – there are some roads in Patong where you (are supposed to) drive on the other side…

5) Whose fault is it? – a tourist is a guest in the country and the accident would not have occurred if they had not been visiting – logical.

6) Flashing head lights – GET OUT OF MY WAY.

7) A hand signal to overtake – this means that you can pass me but I take no responsibility for the oncoming traffic – but it’s fine with me…

I could continue but I since I have chosen not to drive here, I wouldn't be speaking from a level of authority. However, I was very happy to find that Thailand was not listed on this website I came across on cross-cultural driving – but did a man in Japan really stop at the traffic lights in the earthquake?

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Cape Bakery

Kasemkij has been growing in leaps and bounds with new properties springing up all over the country, and the next visit I intend to make will be to Cape Nidhra in Hua Hin and from all the reviews it looks stunning.

But before I lose myself, I am here to tell you about the latest development outside Kantary Bay in Phuket and I don’t mean the growing number of local vendors selling food along the jetty but the Cape Bakery.

The Cape Bakery is next to the Trading Post convenience store in the Panwa Village and sells the most tempting assortment of fresh breads, cakes and pastries, all baked by our team here at Cape Panwa - as well as Italian ice cream!

You can also order freshly brewed coffee (and there are a great many varieties), which you can sip leisurely whilst watching the sun set over the Bay with the Big Buddha in the distance.

I think I’ll go and check it out this afternoon and make a booking at Cape Nidhra....