newspaper article

[aussie dollar]

bangkok post 3/2/05
NOTHING TO FEAR



Amonth and a bit after the tsunami, many beach resort operators in Phuket, Krabi and Trang have discovered that while the big waves couldn't touch their property, they actually destroyed their businesses. The wave did not sweep their guests away all at once on Dec 26, but rather scared away future guests.

Although many beaches in Krabi actually have become more beautiful than ever, tourism operators in Krabi are finding it hard to counter rumours of ghosts. This requires inventive thinking. One response has been to organise camping trips to Maya Bay of Koh Phi Phi, where nobody was killed by the waves.

This well-known bay in the hug of towering limestone cliffs even had sand added to its white beach. Surveys found the bay is extremely quiet because it is seldom visited these days. With gin-clear water and tranquility, Maya Bay is truly a tropical paradise again.

It is quite a very rare chance to see Maya Bay in such calm. Before the tsunami, the bay was packed with day tourists and noisy motorboats.





Fully booked during Christmas season, Koh Mook Charlie's Beach Resort on Koh Mook of Trang province suffered only small damage from the tsunami, which swept away anchored boats and broke some items on shore.

No one was injured but the waves scared away many guests. A few stayed on, and helped to clean up the resort and beach. They found the tsunami had made the sand much cleaner. In addition, nice weather and tranquil seas turned Koh Mook into a small paradise.

``During such a hard time, we all worked together, so the resort offered free rooms and meals for all the guests. For dinner, we set long tables on the beach and celebrated the beautiful days together. Some guests were so glad they had made the right decision to stay here, safe and sound,'' smiled general manager Wijai Thoytong.



Most resorts along the Andaman coast are suffering from empty rooms, with some offering discounts to try to fill up rooms left empty by canceled bookings. One place has stayed full without resorting to discounts.

Executives at Sukorn Beach Bungalows in Trang believe lowering the room rate will hurt the resort in the long run. Once you cut down the price, it's not easy to raise the room rate to the same level again.

**** Brake, managing director of the resort on Koh Sukorn shook his head, reasoning that the resort is not damaged at all. Koh Sukorn and the rest of Trang remain beautiful, guests can enjoy a wider sandy beach brought by the big waves. So why lower the rates?

``Thanks to our guest records, I could contact them directly and inform them that the resort and the whole area remain in good condition. So they know the real situation from us rather than relying only on frightening news from TV.''

INTERESTING PACKAGES





F Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club was untouched by the tsunami, and remained fully operational.

The hotel is now offering a breakaway package starting at 3,500 baht per room per night for a superior ocean front view room, for Thai nationals and Thai residents only from now until March 31.

The breakaway package includes one night accommodation with full American breakfast for two, welcome drink and flower-lei upon arrival, daily fruit plate, and complimentary use of non-motorised water sports and other recreational facilities.

More than that, you'll also get 20 percent discount on massage and treatments at The Royal Spa, as well as on food and beverages.

For more information and reservations, call 1-800-763-401.

FPimalai Resort and Spa on Koh Lanta, Krabi were spared by the giant waves and visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature all around the island, as well as dive.

Lanta Escapade special package is priced at 6,950 baht per person. The package includes two nights' accommodation in a superior room, daily breakfast in Baan Pimalai restaurant and round trip transfer from Krabi airport.

The offer, valid only for Thai nationals and residents, is available until April 17. For reservations, contact the resort's BangKohhk sales office at 02-320-5500.

FThe Ambassador Hotel Bangkok offers a Valentine's Package for two from Feb 13-15. The three days-two nights package costs 7,000 baht net.

The loving couple can relax in a deluxe room in the Tower Wing and enjoy breakfast in bed, set dinner for two on Valentine's Day, complimentary beverages, coffee and tea facility at the Executive Lounge, use of the fitness centre, 10 percent discount for laundry and food and beverage, spa, and late check-out until 3.00 p.m.

For inquiries and reservations, call 02-254-0444 ext.1630 or 1201.



FSwissotel Le Concorde Bangkok offers a Royal Valentine's package for two from Feb 11-15.

The 99,000 baht package includes a one-night stay in the Royal Suite with 1,000 red roses, round-trip transfer via Mercedes Benz from anywhere in BangKock, an elegant dinner in the suite with a personal butler on call and private mini gym. That's not all. There's also a Valentine's Day in-room breakfast, evening cocktail in Club Lounge, as well as a hotel souvenir.

Reserve this package in advance or get information at 02-694-2222 ext 1212 and 1213.