Blog

2 mins Read | 4 Years Ago

Thailand Newsletter – January 2020

A new year, a new decade, a new chance to do everything you wanted

January is the beginning of a New Year, and, if all goes well with those New Year’s resolutions, the beginning of a new you. Maybe you’re still in the planning-for-the-New Year stage, thinking of resolution ideas. No sugar; no way. No processed foods; that might last a week. Exercise more; where is the time.

With every resolution there are reasons why it won’t work. Most people just see how tough it will be to keep up with their resolution and dont even give it a go. Whereas there are others who see the brighter side. Who see every new year as a start of a new opportunity to give up some habits that they know are not working for them and to strat on some dream projects that will help them fulfil what they always wanted. Travelling more is one such dream for many.

Now as we stand at the threshold of a new decade, a new year, a new month, you have a chance to converts all your travel dreams to reality

With this resolution, there’s no suffering. You’re not cutting back, but plunging right in to experience our beautiful planet in its full glory. And month after month, Vacations will bring you new travel ideas, information and inspiration to get you moving through the year.

Soul Trip : Turning your travel dreams to reality

“This year, I will take time out to travel more” We hope that is your resolution for the new year. There are many obstacles between making a resolution and turning it into reality. When will i get the time, will i get leave from office, will my friend get leave at the same time, where will i go, how to plan everything out, the expenses have to be managed, health issues, dietary restrictions, fear of unknown and inertia can stop us from achieveing our wn dream.

Human body will always find an excuse to not go through any exertion and maintain the status quo, even when the mind knows that the little physical exertion will ultimately lead to a better life. So the way to convince your self to go through any physical discomfort is to constantly tell yourself what will be the benefit at the end. This is the way to keep any resolution, to constantly remind your self the pleasure that lies at the other end of discomfort. If more travelling is one of your resolutions, surround yourself with pictures of the places you want to go to. Read travel literature (like this newsletter we lovingly put together for you !), ask your friends to send you picture postcards of places they are travelling to. Check your passport, if it is about to expire, apply for a new one now – dont wait for a trip to come up.

Soon enough you will see that trips will start to get planned, if you are not getting leaves, you will learn how to make use of long weekends (list given in this edition of Vacations) and just like that, one by one, your bucket list will start getting ticked off.

Discover Your World

Northern Thailand

To get a sample itinerary for Northern Thailand, click here (5 Days)

Most people think of beaches, sun, sand and sea, and shopping when they think of Thailand. But Thailand is more than its beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife of Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. The northern part of Thailand is mountainous and is breathtakingly beautiful. You might not find beaches in this part or party areas but what you will find here is the feeling of rustic, warm Thailand where culture is deeply ingrained and the pure form of life is still retained. In particular, the areas of Chiang Mai, Chinag Rai and Mae Hong Son are a travellers delight.

Jungles and breathtaking pristine scenery can be found throughout the region, mountain trekking is possible and many small villages are filled with locals who live life far differently than Thais living in big cities. Surrounded by the tallest mountains in Thailand, Northern Thailand is cooler than the rest of the usually sweltering country and thus particularly popular in December and January. In the mountains at night temperatures occasionally dip below freezing, although in the plains the daily average is rarely less than 25 Centigrade. Culturally, Northern Thailand shows heavy influences from the neighboring cultures of Myanmar and Yunnan (China). The kingdoms of Lanna (centered at Chiang Mai) and Sukhothai were the first historical Thai nations

The rolling hills and sweeping mountains, lush green forests and nature, are some of the visual delights of Northern Thailand. The mix of ethnic people such as the hill tribes, Shan (Tai Yai), Burmese and mainland Thais make it a rich melting pot of cultures. The rich cultural and historical tapestry of Northern Thailand one of the most authentic places to visit in Thailand. As North Thailand also shares many borders with Myanmar and Laos, so its possible to see these borders or even visit for the day. Such as at the Golden Triangle, the meeting point of 3 countries (Thailand,Laos,Myanmar) on the confluence of the Mekong River is a popular tourist spot.

Temples in Chiang Mai and historical sites in Sukhothai are the major cultural attractions of Northern Thailand, the birthplace of Thai civilization. It is a must to visit the many wats in Chaing Mai and Chiang Rai specially The Wat Rong Khun and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Apart from some amazing handicrafts shopping and temples, Northern Thailand has one of the world’s best biking roads as well which pass through some stunning scenery. Hence, for the more adventurous traveller the best way to explore the area is by motorbike. There are a number of places in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai where one can hire bikes or you can use a tour company to remove all the 'red tape' freeing you to simply enjoy your vacation.

In a nutshell, even if you have been to Thailand many times but never explored its Northern part, make sure to set foot in this pristine part of Thailand which will blow your senses away with its culture, climate and positive vibes.

Travel Smart

2020 List of long weekends in India

You would never imagine how many opportunities of travelling there are even if you dont take too many leaves. If you just keep long weekends in mind, 2020 will prove to be an exception year for your travels. Take a print out now and start planning for destinations.

February 21, 2020, Friday: Three days of long weekend starts from Friday, 21st, February on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri (Feb 21, Friday).
March 7, 2020, Saturday: Take one day leave and make it a four days long weekend, starting from Saturday, 7th, March on the occasion of Holi (Mar 10, Tuesday).
April 2, 2020, Thursday: This can be a really long weekend if you take Friday April 3 off starting from Thursday, 2nd, April on the occasion of Ram Navami (Apr 2, Thursday), all the way to April 6, Monday which is shut for Mahavir Jayanti.
April 10, 2020, Friday: Three days of long weekend starts from Friday, 10th, April on the occasion ofGood Friday (Apr 10, Friday).
May 1, 2020, Friday: Three days of long weekend starts from Friday, 1st, May on the occasion of Labor Day (May 1, Friday).
May 7, 2020, Thursday: Four days of long weekend, ifcombined with one day leave starts from Thursday, 7th, May on the occasion of Budhha Purnima (May 7, Thursday).
May 23, 2020, Saturday: Three days of long weekend starts from Saturday, 23rd, May on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitar (May 25, Monday).
June 20, 2020, Saturday: Four days of long weekend, with a day’s leave starts from Saturday, 20th, June on the occasion of Rath Yatra (Jun 23, Tuesday).
August 1, 2020, Saturday: Three days of long weekend starts from Saturday, 1st, August on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan (Aug 3, Monday).
August 29, 2020, Saturday: Three days of long weekend starts from Saturday, 29th, August on the occasion of Onam (Aug 31, Monday).
October 2, 2020, Friday: Three days of long weekend starts from Friday, 2nd, October on the occasion of Mathatma Gandhi Jayanti (Oct 2, Friday).
October 30, 2020, Friday: Three days of long weekend starts from Friday, 30th, October on the occasion of Milad un Nabi (Oct 30, Friday).
November 28, 2020, Saturday: Three days of long weekend starts from Saturday, 28th, November on the occasion of Guru Nanak's Birthday (Nov 30, Monday).
December 25, 2020, Friday: Three days of long weekend starts from Friday, 25th, December on the occasion of Christmas (Dec 25, Friday).

Events & Updates

Events, Festivals around the world and key announcements

Bo Sang Umbrella and Sankhampaeng Handicrafts Festival, Chiang Mai – usually third weekend in January (January 17-19, 2020)
Las Luminiarias, San Bortolome de pinares, Spain . January 16^th – 17^th.
Sant Antoni Festival, Barcelona, Spain : 11Jan – 16 Jan
Dosojin Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival : Nagano, Japan : 15^th Jan
Chinese Lunar New Year – Celebrated by Chinese communities the world over. Head to your local China Town (January 25, 2020 – Year of the Rat)
Chiang Mai Flower Festival –Chinag Mai, Thailand. February 7-9, 2020)

‘Vacations’ is powered by OneShoe Trust for Responsible & Mindful Travels – a travel events and marketing social enterprise that promotes travelling as a means to raise awareness about climate change and preserving local ecology.

Disclaimer: Any use of the information in the e-mail/blog/website is at user’s own risk. Nothing contained herein shall constitute or be deemed to constitute an advice, invitation or solicitation to purchase any products/ services of ICICI Bank and shall not be relied upon as such. ICICI Bank shall not have any liability towards any third party for any loss or damage incurred as a result of use of the content or reliance on any information provided hereunder.