Indecisive

Hi

I just wondered if anyone has been on the Sanya Rak Cruise at the Banyan Tree in Phuket. Its our honeymoon and also my birthday on the 8th Jan and I wanted to do something special.

Its USD 200 for both of us for a 5 course meal and a cruise around the Laguna at sunset.

Anyone got any other suggestions ? While 200 USD is not a lot of money In Ireland I know its a lot in Phulket so maybe we should consider other options?
Tks!!!

JamesA

USD 200 is a months pay to most people here!
Ok, Birthday on Honeymoon, crusie around laguna and 5 course meal, works out about THB 3,600 each, yeh, it's a lot, I think it comes really down to you 2!
If it is something you think you will enjoy and more importantly 'remember with fond memories' they go for it ( I have never done it though in bygone days I did go over the top money wise on many celebrations )

It obviously has to be something memorable, now that comes back to 'you' again I have to say.

I agree with what no doubt you have already though, i.e 'Not much point just going out for Dinner somewhwere, could do that at home, even if in totally different atmosphere'

So if it's something real special then enjoy it, as for alternatives, mmmhh. There are options but depends on you.

You could do something like a nice restaurant meal and then a show, but you would need to journey down the coast for that, and perhaps a cruise and dinner where you are staying might be nice.

Now, what I 'can' suggest ( and I have no ways of knowing if such a thing would appeal to you or not ) - a visit to the local temple on the morning of your birthday for a Birthday blessing(?) - if such appeals say so and I'll tell you how to go about it. Not just a blessing but it gives you the opportunity to donate items to the temple which help the poor and needy, if that's your 'thing' then tell me ! There are also others things 'we' all do on birthdays

Gpanda and crowd in Bangkok were taken to give food to monks in the early morning and they all concured it was a 'great experience'.
If you are into such as this just say.

Indecisive

Hi James A

As always thanks a million for all your help and suggestions

you hit the nail in teh head - I want to do something differnet and memorable and I am just useless at coming up with ideas and the dinner cruise thing sounded liek something that would be memorable and differnet for us but at the same time not very ' authentically Thai'

I really like your idea for a blessing etc
You might let me know how I could go about that and also the type of 'offerings' that I could bring with me etc

Thanks so much James

JamesA

It's late now so I'll come back to you tomorrow about proceedure for the temple and what you need to take as 'offerings' and I'll confirm it with my other half!

If you can do the Temple blessing in the morning ( which you need to ) and then perhaps if you went to one of the chartitable organisation places after lunch to leave some donations and then had your romantic dinner/cruise in the evening it would round off a lovely day thast should hold memories.

I was turned on to the way of actually 'giving' on a birthday more than receiving and trust me, it IS far far more rewarding to give to others on your birthday and, I can't really explain, but it kind of makes your birthday more special than just receiving for haveing fun.

There are various charities so whatever 'cause' appeals to you, whether to the elderly in need( yes, even in Thailand ), if a dog lover then bags of dry food to the Dog charity, gifts for needy kids, or items for the center that helps Aids sufferers, whatever cause appeals to you, IF you feel inclined, whatever your beliefs are it is a great thing to do on a birthday, and trust me, you will feel Sooooooo good.

Then treat yourself!
Up to you. I'll tell you about the temple tomorrow.

Gpanda

You might consider doing the offerings in the morning and then having dinner at Mom Tri's Boathouse in Kata Beach for your celebration. It's really a special place and the food is sublime. Depending on how much alcohol you have, you can eat very well for $75-100 USD.