Christmas and New Year in Thailand
I Don't Want a White Christmas, I Want One That's Warm
Every year I head for Thailand in East Asia to enjoy Christmas and New Year with friends at the Dusit Thani Hua Hin for their spectacular celebrations.
As I turn up the heating a notch and fret about global warming and my share in it, I look forward with ever more enthusiasm to my winter travels. This year they start in the Middle East, in Dubai, the city that grows like a monster on the Arabian sea, but which is a great stop-over for anyone who hates long-haul flights.
A few days in Dubai and I'm ready for the quieter charms of Thailand, braving the hustle and bustle of Bangkok for a couple of days before heading south for Hua Hin, home of some of Thailand's best Spas and great beaches from which to watch the morning sunrise.
Christmas at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Hua Hin, Thailand, will be laid-back, a cocktail party on Christmas Eve during a Christmas Carol Concerwill be performed by children from the local convent. Later on a Marching Band will cruise the hotel.
Santa Claus puts in an appearance with presents for all the tots and teens who've been good during the year (no, I don't get a prezzie) and then it's time for dinner, Thai style, Western style or a mixture of both.
Suddenly it's New Year. Movie stars, TV stars, Thai celebs. and members of high society descend on the hotel for the spectacular celebrations. On lawns glittering with ice carvings, we sit down to dinner cooked by French chef Herve and his hard-working staff. There's music from 2 or 3 bands, stage acts that would not be out of place on Broadway or London's West End - even the hotel staff put on their own show for the guests.
What makes it so special though, is being surrounded by friends under starry skies on a balmy night, and experiencing the occasion together. Happy Christmas to all readers out there.
