AT Leisure
YVONNE BOHWONGPRASERT
He's been with the Tourism Authority of Thailand for more than two decades now, but Wiboon Nimitrwanich still thoroughly enjoys travelling - whether for business or leisure - and the more tranquil the spot, the keener the pleasure. For, despite his outgoing personality, this 46-year-old describes himself as "a bit of a loner" and says he likes nothing better on his days off than hiking solo through Phetchaburi's Kaeng Krachan National Park. But then the man is passionate about trekking, bird-watching and camping out under the stars.
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| Veteran TAT executive Wiboon Nimitrwanich loves communing with nature. |
"I adore spending quality time surrounded by nature," said the pensive Bangkokian who is currently director of TAT's Phetchaburi office and also has responsibility for the neighbouring province of Ratchaburi. "It's both educational and enjoyable to try and uncover the hidden secrets of Mother Nature. I feel so relaxed and recharged after spending a few days wandering around a national park."
Blessed with a keen sense of humour and high energy levels, Wiboon is also talented at marketing, a skill which has played a crucial role in keeping Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi on the tourist map. "To successfully market a product, any product, one first has to believe in it. So I had to educate myself on the potential drawing power of the two provinces before I was able to sell them as destinations to the local and international markets. But my job was made a lot easier by the fact that both Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi have a good mix of tourist attractions, festivals and other activities for visitors to get involved in."
What marketing strategy have you adopted to weather what looks like a lean year ahead for foreign tourist arrivals?
We plan to focus largely on the domestic market, actually, while trying to hold onto our current overseas clientele. We'll also continue promoting our packages for weddings and honeymooners. But it's important to seek out new market segments and people who are interested in nature/ecotourism and golfing are two areas which hold out immense potential. The popular Cha-am/Hua Hin Golf Festival draws both local and expat sports fans. Our office is also a regular participant in the Thailand Travel Mart and other in-country trade shows. We also do our bit by showcasing Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi at overseas road shows in countries such as China, Taiwan and Japan. We're constantly organising media-familiarisation trips, too, to keep reporters updated on our latest packages and promotions. Domestic tourists are as important to us as visitors from foreign parts.
Give us a few reasons why people should visit Phetchaburi or Ratchaburi.
Firstly, their proximity to Bangkok is, in my opinion anyway, a big draw; it's a journey of a mere two to three hours. We have beaches, sites of historical interest, cultural activities, international-standard golf courses, spas and let's not forget the fresh seafood! There's also a nice mix of accommodation to choose from. The boutique resorts in Suan Phung, Ratchaburi are surrounded by unspoilt nature and are just perfect for honeymooners and people travelling with children. And prices are generally pretty reasonable, too.
Are there any spots you're particularly fond of?
In Phetchaburi I like visiting Phra Nakhon Khiri, King Rama IV's beautiful palace which is located on a mountain top. Another palace of great historical significance and beauty is Phra Ram Ratchaniwej, a palace built for King Rama V; its magnificent architecture makes it one of my all-time favourites. Maruekhathaiyawan, King Rama VI's classically styled summer palace, is also a place redolent with history. Those pretty boutique resorts in Suan Phung, I mentioned earlier, are also a major attraction because of the scenic Tanowsri mountain range which serves as a natural backdrop. The landscape is spectacular and the weather gets nice and cool towards the end of the year. There are also lots of things for tourists to do there; that plus the delicious food and romantic atmosphere makes this part of Ratchaburi a place well worth visiting, in my view.
Pick your three favourite provinces and tell us what makes each so special.
Bangkok would definitely be high on my list for its cosmopolitan ambience. As the capital of Thailand, it's got everything - from historical attractions and world-class entertainment venues to great food and shopping. It has also become much easier to travel around the city so it's no wonder that Bangkok was voted "Best City in Asia" earlier this year. As the first capital of the Kingdom, Sukhothai has an interesting history and culture and some ancient traditions which can still be observed to this day; it's a place I always have lots of time for. Its name, as I'm sure you know, means "dawn of happiness" and the remnants of some truly majestic architecture can be admired in both Sukhothai and Sri Satchanalai historical parks.
Lastly, I'd have to plump for Phetchaburi, simply because it's got everything from nature and history to rich traditions and delicious cuisine - plus the fact that it's located not so far from Bangkok. Phetchaburi is special for its cosy seaside resorts and fresh seafood; it's a place that has given me some great memories to treasure over the years.
If you were given a week's vacation, for which country would you make a beeline?
Germany comes to mind immediately because I worked in the TAT office there for four years. I was impressed with the people's simple way of life and their high levels of discipline. It's a beautiful country with four totally different seasons. The public transport system is very modern and convenient and some of the towns have stunning architecture. I have fond memories of pedestrian-only streets, really ancient churches - hundreds and hundreds of years old! - and local weekend markets. Some places are popular for their vineyards and natural mineral-water springs. I'd probably want to revisit favourite cities of mine, too, places like Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Berlin and Baden-Baden.
To contact the writer, email yvonneb@bangkokpost.co.th
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