LIFESTYLE
Actor and singer Sophie Choudry spent a few days in Thailand and was mesmerised by its temples, shopping and culture.
She loves everything Far Eastern — art, shopping and food so when an opportunity to visit her favourite place — Thailand arises, Sophie Choudry is happiest. This April a few days in Chiang Mai and Phuket was a welcome break.
“The trip to Chiang Mai was for the very first time,” recalls Sophie. “With the riots rife in Bangkok we were told that this part of Thailand was the most peaceful and the safest at the moment.” A quaint little city up in the mountain area, she found Chiang Mai “incredibly different to Phuket, Bangkok and Koh Samui. It’s rather quiet and ridden with history.”
Temple town, alright!
On the two days she was there, she made a round of the temples that are so known for their architecture. “One of them, Chedi Luang, is over 600 years old and was absolutely beautiful. There were huge, imposing antique Buddhas throughout the property, including a stunning jade one, monks chanting and sweeping the grounds. Seeing them all in their saffron robes, quietly going about their daily business, was really lovely!” She also visited the Royal temple Wat phra Sing. “There, like the locals, I offered candy, incense and a flower garland to Lord Buddha. There is a tremendous amount of peace in these Buddhist temples; no-one hounds you for money, they are well maintained and a great place to meditate. Wat phrathat Doi suthep is perhaps the oldest temple and is in the mountain peak. It’s an absolute must-visit for its history and spectacular views over the city,” she advises.
Elephants show:
The highlight of the trip was the Maesa Elephant show. “We may have seen elephant playing football and polo in the past but the elephants here actually paint fabulous and colourful paintings…such an amazing sight!” says Sophie. “The cutest part is when the elephant takes a bow once his painting is complete and with his trunk lifts his paint pot and walks off! The paintings actually sell for between 3000 to 30000 baht! I was actually challenged to a game of darts! I also went for an elephant ride and saw just how well maintained all the facilities are. The morning ended with me feeding the elephants kilos and kilos of bananas and getting a huge hug and kiss in return!
Food and markets:
A visit to Thailand must include a visit to the night markets. “I went to the Kalare Night Bazaar, which was vibrant and had everything to offer from the usual fake bags and t-shirts to beautiful beads, lanterns and wind chimes. Part of the fun is the hardcore bargaining. It’s amazing how I’m willing to spend 500pounds on a pair of Louboutin shoes but in the markets I bargain over 50baht!” she laughs,
Nightlife and shopping:
Sophie advises that Chiang Mai is the place for handicrafts and teak furniture. “I got a few things for our home from there last year - lanterns and hangings! My mother and I went to the various furniture stores and had a blast,” she says.
So is she hoping to go back? “Yes, the two days in Chiang Mai were truly unique and allowed me to see a completely different side to the country I love so much. I can’t wait to go back and explore Thailand,” she adds.
Viral artwork of banana duct-taped could be auctioned for over ₹12 crore, but here's twist
The Essence of Leadership: Insights from Ankur Saini
Mamata Banerjee warns of communal riots and explosion ahead of Diwali, heightens security in Kolkata
Diljit Dosanjh, Coldplay concerts illegal ticket sales: ED conducts raids in 5 states, finds...
Mukesh Ambani loses over Rs 180000000000 in just 1 day, here's why
Do Patti movie review: Kajol is a misfit in this convoluted Kriti Sanon drama on Netflix
'Despicable, yet entirely predictable': India slams Pakistan at UN for raising Kashmir issue
Cyclone Dana: Two more deaths reported in West Bengal, toll rises to 4, no casualties in Odisha
BruntWork shares takeaways from Mayer Brown’s 16th Annual Outsourcing Conference
Vaishno Devi Yatra: All you need to know about helicopter booking
Watch: Vidya Balan falls during her live performance with Madhuri Dixit, handles it with grace
Escalation looms as Israel strikes Tehran, raising fears of full-scale conflict
From Syria to Tehran: F-35 Fighters spearhead Israeli offensive
Meet IIT-JEE topper with AIR 1, scored 352 marks in JEE Advanced, decided to drop out of IIT due to…
After Delhi, odd-even scheme to be implemented in THIS state from November 5 to control...
Jharkhand Assembly Election: Is MS Dhoni entering politics? Poll body makes THIS key announcement
8th Pay Commission update: Government employees likely to get clarity on next pay commission by...
Sara Ali Khan is 'muhfat', was terrified of her in school, says Ananya Panday
Delhi's AQI hits 'poor' as air quality worsens amid pollution crisis, may turn severe from...
US house resolution introduced to formally recognise, commemorate Sikh genocide of 1984
Israel launches strikes on military targets in Iran to retaliate for a missile attack
Farmers to protest in Punjab today against state government over various demands including...
Viral video: Woman's sizzling dance to ‘I don’t know what to do’ sets internet on fire, watch
IND vs NZ 2nd Test, Pune weather forecast: Will rain play spoilsport on Day 3 at MCA Stadium?
Minahil Malik's private video leaks online, Pakistani Tik Tok star files complaint: Is the MMS fake?
DNA TV Show: Lawrence Bishnoi, big revelation behind the code name `Guruji’
BIG trouble for Gautam Adani as SEBI issues show-cause notice to Adani Energy Solutions alleging...
BCCI announces India's squad for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, Mohammed Shami misses out
Kalki 2898 AD: Prabhas' epic blockbuster will be re-releasing on big screen, but there's a catch
Viral Video: Man finds cobra inside sofa pillow, leaves internet shivering, watch
'BJP orchestrated this...': Arvind Kejriwal attacked during 'Pad yatra' in Delhi, alleges AAP
First time in 23 years! India register embarrassing record in Pune Test vs New Zealand
David Warner's lifetime captaincy ban lifted six years after ball-tampering scandal, set to lead....
Ratan Tata gave Shantanu Naidu personal loan for studying MBA in Cornell University of Rs...
Meet man, who leads R 150000 crore business, but drives Rs 6 lakh car, doesn't own phone, he is...
Anant Ambani's MIL and Radhika Merchant's mother buys luxury flat for Rs 20.76 crore in...
Aishwarya Rai didn't name herself but gave title of 'most beautiful women' to Abhishek Bachchan's...
Delhi police arrests seven Bishnoi gang shooters, huge quantity of arms recovered
PM Modi and Chancellor Scholz strengthen India-Germany ties, announce visa reforms by...
How can India qualify for WTC Final if they face defeat in 2nd Test against New Zealand?
Watch: Orry steals the show in cow costume as B-Town celebs begin Halloween festivities
Who do IAS officers Tina Dabi, Anudeep Durishetty, Srushti Deshmukh, Pari Bishnoi, others report to?
BRICS unveils symbolic banknote to challenge dollar dominance
'If I don't say...': Here's what Mukesh Ambani was 'instructed' to tell NVIDIA CEO by Nita Ambani