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With over 200,000 people flocking into Chatuchak Market every weekend, this Bangkok Marketplace, institute perhaps, has become the World’s largest Weekend Market. The Market has over 15,000 stalls which are spread across 35 acres and 26 sections which range from Food, Art, Antiques, Fashion and much more. I'm a fan, got to admit. I go for the kebabs! I usually bring an extra home for the net day! You can get everything there, EVERYTHING! The idea is to walk around, take the whole day. Take some bags with you, or even a suitcase, and start shopping. The you see anything you like, get it immediately, don't say to yourself "I'll go back"! You'll never find the stall again. In the old days the only way to get there was either taxi, or to work out the bus schedule, almost impossible, and pray! Now, it's so easy. Both MTR (underground system) or the BTS (skytrain system) can take you right there, from anywhere in Bangkok. In fact, the MRT comes right up into the market (get off at Kamphaeng Phet). Enjoy your day.

#AsianGolfTours #AGT #Golf #GolfHolidaysInAsia #EveryDayisaGolfDay #HolidaysToLookForwardTo #Hotels #Resorts #FiveStar #FourStar #ThreeStar #TournamentDay #Shopping #Breakfast #Lunch #Dinner #Bangkok #Weekends #Brunch 

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Bangkok has some beautiful temples. Visiting them can give you a huge insight to Thai culture and Thai people. This is What Sothonwararam Worawihan, and is in the municipal area by the Bang Pakong River. Built in the late Ayutthaya Period, with its original name of Wat Hong, it is the location of Phra Phutthasothon or Luang Pho Sothon, the important Buddha image in the attitude of meditation with a width of 1.65 meters and a height of 1.48 meters high. According to the legend, this Buddha image had been floated along the river, before being placed here at this temple. The original image was a beautiful Buddha image, but later on cement was placed on the image to prevent from burglary. Worshippers from all walks of life come to pay respect to this most reputed image by pasting gold leaves on the image. It’s believed to bring wellness and health to devotees. Phra Phutthasothon's true beauty, however, cannot be seen. It is said the Buddha image was found in the nearby Bang Pakong River, and when it was later enshrined at the temple, cement was layered upon it to discourage thieves. Now, worshippers daub gold leaf upon the cement-covered statue. Nearby stalls offer food and local souvenirs, and long-tail boats provide service to and from the city market. The temple is open from 7.00 am-4.15 pm on weekdays and 7.00 am-5.00 on weekends. It is located on Tanon Maruphong, Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Mueang, Chachoengsao. The closest golf course is the Bangpakong Riverside Country Club, perhaps have an early round then a visit to this beautiful temple.

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A landmark of the Silom area for decades, Thaniya Plaza is the largest golf equipment and accessory retail center which spans over 14,500 sq.m. With two buildings, the Atrium Building on Thaniya Street and BTS Building on Silom Road, it’s a golfer’s paradise at this dynamic golf hub in the city.

The Atrium Building has dedicated floors 1 and 2 to the International Golf Center and Community Golf Hub, packed with golf retailers, golf equipment and golf simulators to try before you buy. The 3rd floor offers Lifestyle Shops where lifestyle products and services, including beauty clinics, dental clinics, a hobby zone and other fun and exciting experiences await. 

The whole building has recently undergone a complete overhaul, and it looks amazing, much lighter and brighter, more places to sit and have a coffee or a snack and new shops. This is the biggest change since it opened and brings it right up to the 21st century. 

Directly connected to the BTS Sala Daeng Station, the Thaniya experience invites you into the BTS Building where you’ll be greeted with the “Little Tokyo” concept which brings a bit of the rising sun to Bangkok. Enjoy authentic Japanese restaurants, cafés and other sporting equipment shops to provide a feel for that authentic Japanese Lifestyle.

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I get asked about this a lot, the train that goes through the market. Have I heard of it?!! The answer is yes, I have heard of it, and it makes for a great day out. The Maeklong Railway Market is a traditional Thai market selling fresh vegetables, food and fruit in the province of Samut Songkhram, southwest of Bangkok. What makes the market special is that it occupies part of a train line. A few times a day, a train runs directly through the market. A few minutes before the train comes, vendors lower their umbrellas and move some of their produce away from the train tracks.

Some are left on the ground, with the train passing right over them. Amazingly, nothing gets damaged or broken, and as soon as the train passes, the vendors move their goods back onto the tracks and continue as normal (until the next train arrives).

The Maeklong Railway Market (talad rom hub in Thai) is about 1 hour southwest of downtown Bangkok. You can get to the market by taking a train from Bangkok's Wongwian Yai Station at 6.45am. The Maeklong Railway Line will take you straight through the market. You can disembark at the last station and walk along the train lines for about 5 minutes to reach the local market.

If you hear the train horn, step aside or into the nearest shop to get your camera ready. While the train moves through the market at a slow pace, it’s still dangerous so be aware of your surroundings.

[jason-asiangolftours]

Twelve and a half hour, would you spend that long in the air without the usual, generous selection of Hollywood films, no sign of free meals or snacks, never mind a complimentary G&T? Perhaps you’d consider it at the right price. Scoot, a low-cost carrier and part of the Singapore Airlines, is now tempting Britons with this back-to-basics experience on flights from London to Bangkok. Fares start at £200 one way, or from £368 one way for its premium economy service, ScootPlus. Even checked-in luggage (20kg per person) is charged as an extra – from £41 for each bag. Thai Airways, by comparison, typically start from around £550 return. Now that British Airways has cancelled direct flights until next October, perhaps this could be an alternative. Save the extra money for spending when you get here.

Scoot launched 10 years ago this year, offering routes from Singapore to Australia, China, and India, but it was only a few weeks ago that it ran its very first flight out of the UK – a non-stop service from London Gatwick to Bangkok, of around 12.5 hours.

Scoot has been offering a short batch of introductory flights, three times a week, finishing at the end of 2021. However, from March 2022, you’ll be able to board one of its canary-yellow planes at Gatwick year-round.

The seeming clarity of Scoot's pricing is appealing. Indeed, passengers can log into Scoot’s mobile app to see exactly how the costs break down: £82 for air passenger duty; a £16.81 passenger service charge.

Two stipulations that are now commonplace across the world – proof of full vaccination (for the moment, that means two jabs) and a negative pre-departure test – are top of Thailand’s regulations. A QR code is needed as official approval for a Thailand pass, and proof of a travel insurance policy with medical coverage of at least $50,000 and evidence of payment for an SHA++ (Safety and Health Administration) hotel stay of at least one day. The latter has to include the cost of two tests to be taken during your stay.

One great selling point is the very special section of the plane, not first class, note even business class, but, Scoot-in-Silence class, a section of seats from which under-12s are banned.

Scoot has three straightforward entry level options: Fly (no checked-in luggage and no in-flight meals), FlyBag (20kg of luggage for an extra £37) and FlyBagMeal (options such as chicken biryani are £9 when bought in advance). You can choose your desired seat for up to £43. I would suggest getting some sandwiches or snacks to eat on the plane before you board, along with a few soft drinks, once you're in the departure hall.

The economy seat width (18 inches) and pitch (30-31 inches) is on par with other long-haul carriers; travellers who opt for the “stretch” seats will enjoy a pitch of 34 inches or more. The onboard Wi-Fi has packages starting at £4. One of Scoot's major selling points might tip the balance for Britons who are wary of travelling with an unfamiliar airline: a free one-time date change is available for bookings made up until March 31, 2022 – an essential option these days, given the continuing border rules changes related to the pandemic. Changes can be made up to four hours before the scheduled departure time.

[jason-asiangolftours]

OK, quickly book your winter golf getaway, with me, then relax.........and contemplate what you have to look forward to......

#AsianGolfTours #AGT #Golf #Thailand #GolfHolidaysInThailand #GolfHolidaysInAsia #ThailandTravel #EveryDayisaGolfDay #Bangkok #ChiangMai #ChiangRai #Pattaya #Kanchanaburi #Phuket #Clubs #ShotoftheDay #HolidaysToLookForwardTo #ThePerfectGolfTrip #Mullligan #Fairway #Greens #Pin #fiveStar #Hotels #Resorts #HotelsinThailand #LandofSmiles #ClubHouse #19thHole

[jason-asiangolftours]

2 rounds of golf in Phuket – Blue Canyon (Lakes Course) & Red Mt. 7 nights' accommodation at the 4.5* Four Points by Sheraton Patong, including daily breakfast. One caddie per golfer at each golf course & golf carts. All airport, land, and golf course transfers. All taxes and compulsory service charges. Price per golfer, single occupancy  = From - 900 EUR, 755 GBP, 1040 USD, 1,400 AUD

#AsianGolfTours #AGT #Golf #Thailand #GolfHolidaysInThailand #GolfHolidaysInAsia #ThailandTravel #EveryDayisaGolfDay #Bangkok #ChiangMai #ChiangRai #Pattaya #Kanchanaburi #Phuket #Clubs #ShotoftheDay #HolidaysToLookForwardTo #ThePerfectGolfTrip #Mullligan #Fairway #Greens #Pin #fiveStar #Hotels #Resorts #HotelsinThailand #LandofSmiles #ClubHouse #19thHole

[jason-asiangolftours]

Piece a cake. In fact, I'll buy you a piece of cake when you arrive 😄

#AsianGolfTours #AGT #Golf #Thailand #GolfHolidaysInThailand #GolfHolidaysInAsia #ThailandTravel #EveryDayisaGolfDay #Bangkok #ChiangMai #ChiangRai #Pattaya #Kanchanaburi #Phuket #Clubs #ShotoftheDay #HolidaysToLookForwardTo #ThePerfectGolfTrip #Mullligan #Fairway #Greens #Pin #fiveStar #Hotels #Resorts #HotelsinThailand #LandofSmiles #ClubHouse #19thHole

[jason-asiangolftours]

Finally, some good news, starting next week, Thailand has approved quarantine-free entry for arrivals from Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, USA, and Hong Kong. 

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Wat Pho

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha), or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. It's one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf. This is also a great place to get a traditional Thai massage. Wat Pho is often considered the leading school of massage in Thailand, so you really are in good hands here. Since December 2012, entrance to the temple costs 100 baht and you can visit any time between 08:00 and 17:00. It’s a quick walk from the river, so you can use the river boat taxis.

The highlight for most people visiting Wat Pho is the Reclining Buddha. The figures here are impressive: 15 metres tall, 46 metres long, so large it feels like it has been squeezed into the building. The Buddha's feet are 5 metres long and exquisitely decorated in mother-of-pearl illustrations of auspicious 'laksanas' (characteristics) of the Buddha. You’ll need to take your shoes off to enter, and if you would like a little good luck, I would recommend purchasing a bowl of coins at the entrance of the hall which you can drop in the 108 bronze bowls which line the length of the walls. Dropping the small pennies in makes a nice ringing sound and even if your wishes don’t come true, the money goes towards helping the monks renovate and preserve Wat Pho. 

As I said before, it really is worth taking a look round the rest of the temple. Wat Pho also has good English speaking guides who will provide interesting information for around 400 - 500 baht, depending on how many people there are in your group and how good your negotiating skills are. If you prefer, you can wander alone. Recommend sites include four chapels that contain 394 gilded Buddha images, long lines of golden statues from different parts of Thailand sitting in the lotus position. Although the intricately detailed murals that cover the walkways around Wat Pho will require a book or guide to decipher, the exquisite murals are so detailed and intricate that even if you don’t understand all the imagery you can still appreciate the artwork. Finally in the courtyards at Wat Pho Temple are some comical looking Chinese statutes that were once uses as ballasts on ships and 91 chedis (or stupas) decorated in ceramic pottery flowers and colourful tiles.

After a walk around the temple there is nothing quite like a relaxing foot or head and shoulder massage. If you've never tried a traditional Thai massage, Wat Pho is a good place to experience this popular leisure activity. It's quite different to most other forms of therapeutic massage and tends to be invigorating rather than relaxing, incorporating yoga style postures to relieve stress and improve blood circulation.

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Hua Hin Airport Back in Use

In August 2017 I was able to attend a meeting at the Hua Hin Airport where executives from Air Asia presented their proposal to transform the airport into a mini-hub for international travel.

What was presented was much more than a plan for flights between Hua Hin and Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia, but a proposal to link Hua Hin to many more cities in many other countries.

Based on proposals put forward at the August meeting, this announcement may only be Stage One with projections suggesting that over 40 cities will be linked to Hua Hin by 2022. Skeptics may point to the past failures of carriers to put Hua Hin on the air transport map, with short-lived flights being offered on both the domestic and international scene. However as the largest LCC carrier of passengers in Asia, the airline flies to six other routes to Thailand including Bangkok (80 times weekly), Phuket (35 times weekly), Krabi (21 times weekly), Hat Yai (7 times weekly), Chiang Mai (14 times weekly), and Pattaya (4 times weekly).

Tom Thrussell, Centara’s vice president of brand, marketing and digital, commented: “Those who make short stays to Thailand have been less inclined to visit Hua Hin in the past because the journey time from Bangkok, at either end of a short stay, eats into too much of their break.” This new international link will mark “a turning point for Hua Hin’s tourism fortunes”, says David Barrett, chief executive of Bangkok based Premier Incoming Group Services, making Hua Hin more popular among a younger international crowd. Urging stronger destination marketing efforts for Hua Hin, Barrett added: “Over the past decade, Hua Hin has been promoted as a second-tier destination in Thailand. Hopefully, with AirAsia paving the way with flights, Hua Hin will receive more promotional backing from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and tour operators. “I would like to see greater cooperation between the private and government sectors, coming together to create a clear destination identity for Hua Hin,” he added. “Destination branding is key.”

Flight Details Commencing: Friday 18th May, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday Flight times: AK830 departs from Kuala Lumpur at 1000 (0900 Thai time), arriving at Hua Hin at 1100; AK831 departs from Hua Hin at 1130; arriving at Kuala Lumpur at 1435 (1335 Thai time). Terminal to terminal flight time – 2 hours Aircraft: Airbus A 320 – 160 seat capacity Costs: Under 4,000 THB return.

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Songkran

Songkran is the Thai New Year's festival. The Thai New Year's Day is 13 April every year, but the holiday period can last several days, depending on where about in Thailand you are. The word "Songkran" comes from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti, which literally translated means "astrological passage", meaning transformation or change. The term was borrowed from Makar Sankranti, the name of a Hindu harvest festival celebrated in India in January to mark the arrival of Spring. It coincides with the rising of Aries on the astrological chart and with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia, in keeping with the Buddhist/Hindu solar calendar.

The Songkran celebration is rich with symbolic traditions. Mornings begin with merit-making. Visiting local temples and offering food to the Buddhist monks is commonly practiced. On this specific occasion, performing water pouring on Buddha statues and the young and elderly is considered an iconic ritual for this holiday. It represents purification and the washing away of one's sins and bad luck. As a festival of unity, people who have moved away usually return home to their loved ones and elders. Paying reverence to ancestors is also an important part of Songkran tradition.

The holiday is known for its water festival which is mostly celebrated by young people. Major streets are closed to traffic, and are used as arenas for water fights. Celebrants, young and old, participate in this tradition by splashing water on each other. Traditional parades are held and in some venues "Miss Songkran" is crowned and where contestants are clothed in traditional Thai dress.

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Coring Greens

It’s that time of year again folks, rolling into low season, so a lot of the clubs start their maintenance program. There are a lot of clubs coring their greens this month, so if you wanted to book a short stay, check with me and I can let you know who are doing what. 

This goes on a lot at this time of year, coring the greens. It doesn’t take a long time to do, but it can cause a bit of inconvenience, especially if you’re paying top dollar.

“Coring” is a golf club maintenance term that refers to the process through which greens (and sometimes fairways) are aerated. The process of aeration is a course maintenance technique that loosens the soil, opens up growing room for turf grass roots, and helps air, moisture and nutrients get to the roots. Coring is the way all that is done: A special machine removes small cores (or plugs) of grass from a green, leaving a hole behind. This process is done once, sometimes twice, a year at golf courses.

Coring the greens is also called punching the greens or plugging the greens. Sometimes the greenkeepers will refer to the process as "core aeration," and "coring" might even be used as a synonym for "aeration." (Most golfers think of aeration/aerification as the whole process of coring, topdressing and waiting for the greens to heal.)

Although we see this procedure as annoying, it is a necessary process to ensure the best conditions for the green. The first two or three days are worst.  A lot of clubs will do half the green at a time, ensuring that the other half is in good playing condition.

If you are planning a trip out to Thailand sometime soon, please let me know and I will find out what courses are having this done and when.

[jason-asiangolftours]

Sand, sea.............and a 7 iron!

When people thing of Thailand, and its many paradise beached, most think of the Southern Islands, coconut trees, laying in a hammock, swaying in the breeze, watching the sun go down with a cocktail in your hand. Well, Phuket is one of those “Southern Islands”, surround by the beautiful and diverse Andaman Sea. 

Phuket and golf go together very well, it’s a match made in golf heaven. There are no less than 8 championship golf courses just waiting for your visit. Most probably the best known is the Jack Nicklaus Mission Hill Golf Resort, a gem in Phuket and a must play. Some of the holes on this course have the most amazing views out towards the Phang Nga Bay, worth the admission fee alone.

There are numerous daily flights from Bangkok, both Suvarnabhumi and Don Meung airports, as well as the many international flights, so Phuket makes for a great dual destination, so play in Bangkok and head down to the Islands.

Phuket has an abundance of nightlife, full of fantastic restaurants offering the best seafood, as well as a huge choice of accommodation.

I just recently stayed at the JW Marriott in May Khao, a long way from Patong, but an absolutely beautiful resort, with so much going on. Set in the most spectacular location, on the pristine sands of the world-famous Man Khao beach, this resort welcomes you with 5-star guest rooms and suites and an impressive array of luxury amenities.  Make yourself comfortable in their resort, which showcases sleek wooden floors, terracotta tiles, stunning views and much more. Dine at one of their 11 first-class exquisite restaurant and bar options, or experience the local delights within a short walk. After golf, enjoy their award-winning Mandara Spa.

If you need any advice regarding this article, please don’t hesitate to email me and I’ll get right back to you - jason@asiangolftours.co.uk

#Phuket #AGT #Thailand #JWMarriott #MaiKhao #AsianGolfTours #Spas #Beaches #Golf #happyholidays 

[jason-asiangolftours]

Is it at the dry cleaners?!!

Make sure it’s clean, free of moths and still fits you! Then you’ll be set with all the other green-jacketed brigade! You know what I’m talking about, right! Well, April see the 80th US Masters, woohoo.

The US’ Jack Nicklaus has won it the most times, 6 if you were wondering, the last time back in 1986.

The Masters is steeped in history and, as you would imagine, has a number of traditions. For instance, did you know that since 1949, a green jacket has been awarded to the champion, who must return it to the clubhouse one year after his victory, although it remains his personal property and is stored with other champions' jackets in a specially designated cloakroom. In most instances, only a first-time and currently reigning champion may remove his jacket from the club grounds. Another odd one, the day after the tournament closes, The Bobby Jones Scholars from Also, the University of St Andrews in Scotland, play a four-ball round on the course - the last people to do so before the green keepers start the process of repairing and restoring the course to pre-tournament standard. However, of all the traditions at the Masters, none is more endearing than the annual Par 3 Contest. This beloved event, held on Wednesday of Tournament week and now televised around the world, is above all a family affair. Wives and girlfriends, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews-all happily serve as caddies. The sight of toddlers, outfitted in miniature Augusta National jumpsuits, toting a light bag or tending a flagstick more than twice their height brings smiles to onlookers near and far.

Back in 1934 the winner, Horton Smith, won $1,500. The purse in 2016 was worth around $10 Million, with the winner, England’s Danny Willett, collecting close on 20% of that, very nice for a few days work. The first non-American to win was a South African by the name of Manny Zerman way back in 1992.

By the way, if you were looking at my dates and thinking “they don’t quite add up”, just to explain, between the years of 1943-1945 the Masters was cancelled due to World War II.

Enjoy the greatest game in the world, at the greatest venue in the world.

[jason-asiangolftours]

GOLF – IN THE BEST CITY ON EARTH

Bangkok has always been a favourite for travelers around the globe; it is the heart of Asia after all. Packed full of great shopping, the best street food ever (I can vouch for this as I live here), a hugely diverse cultural heritage and some of the best golf clubs in South East Asia. 

Nowadays, golf in Bangkok, playing here, is becoming a must.There are around 40 courses in the Bangkok area. The newest of these is Nikanti, situated around an hour outside the city. Nikanti si Asia’s first 18 hole par 72 course that has 3 x 6 hole layouts, each layout having two par 3′s, two par 4′s and two par 5′s. The course itself is quite narrow, so hitting fairly accurate and straight really helps.

[jason-asiangolftours]

There’s a giant in Bangkok

Large, giant, hotels were once plentiful in Bangkok, or so it seemed. The first time I ever stayed there, which was over two decades ago, I stayed in the Silom area in the biggest hotel I’d ever seen, let alone been in. There aren’t actually too many left, they all seem to be normal size, or the boutique style now. However, a few years ago, there was a hotel called the Imperial Queens Park, you may remember it. Well, this was taken over and been given the overhaul of all overhauls, by the Marriott. It’s now complete and been re-named the Marriott Marquis Queens Park, and boasts 1,360 rooms & suites.

A whole lot of thought has gone into the re-design of this giant, giving the customer a feeling of space and freedom. You can literally get lost within, as you decide which of the five restaurants you want to eat in, which pool you want to swim in or if you’re ready for that spa. You may want to explore the area, which is easy. The bts (skytrain) is at the end of the street, as is the new EM District shopping area and some of the finest eateries in town.

The breakfast is most probably the best I’ve had in town, and I’ve had a lot of breakfasts! No comments please!

The rooms have been well thought out, containing all the amenities you’ll need plus all the extras in the suites.

I’m happy to help in any way I can, with advice on this hotel, or any other. Please don’t hesitate to email me.