Isaree's balancing act ...

Taking long-tail boat ride on Kok River in Chiang Rai

You'd expect that someone who used to be a regional manager for the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau would really know her country inside out. And Khun Isaree sure does, so fasten your seatbelt for this exciting mini-tour of the Kingdom with her ... 

"I would like to help Thailand as much as I could to promote and develop tourism in Thailand," the 29-year-old says. 

 Born and bred in Bangkok, she grew up in the centre of the city, went to school in the centre of the city, and studied two degrees, including an MBA, at Chulalongkorn University in -- you guessed it -- the centre of the city. So she knows every square inch of it.

"It is such a big city that you can find anything you like. There are so many things going on over there. However, it was too busy working there ... like running marathon." She headed off to China where she worked for a year and a half in Kunming. Being half-Chinese it took her closer to her roots and studied Mandarin. Then she took the opportunity to move to Chiang Mai where she runs Ideology Asia (www.ideology.asia), a business creativity and innovation consultancy. "But I always love to go back to Bangkok to see family, friends, shopping, food, and business." 

She has found more balance in Chiang Mai.  "I don’t need to be stuck in the traffic every morning and evening for 2-3 hours. I have more time to sleep and exercise." Her other hobbies include painting, reading business and travel magazines, and meeting people from around the world.

"I always travel around Thailand -- North, East, South, West -- now mostly in the north since I am now living in Chiang Mai. Also lot’s of chance to travel to Chiang Rai, Maehongsorn, etc.Chiang Mai is now having the best weather, nice breeze in the lovely town."  

Isaree's top 5 picks from Bangkok and the north:

1/ Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi Hotel, Chiang Mai: www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai/ "Fantastic moments, like a magical town. Amazing architecture which is rare to find."

2/ Palad Tawan Ron Restaurant, Chiang Mai: www.palaadtawanron.com "Romantic hill top restaurant on Doi Suthep with quality food and service. Cool breeze with live band that plays at your table."

3/ Sirocco Bar, Bangkok: www.lebua.com/en/the-dome-dining/sirocco-restaurant/ "The best rooftop view of Bangkok. I love the design and concept of this bar."

4/ Long-tail boat cruise on Mae Kok River, Chiang Rai: "We went from Chiang Rai town to Thatorn Chiangmai in about 3 hours. Great mountain view on the private long tail boat. Peaceful, very close to the nature with elephants and water buffalo and last long in memory."

5/ Anantasamakom Throne Hall, Bangkok: www.tripsthailand.com/places_national_assembly.php "Neo Renaissance and Neo classic architecture since Rama V. Thailand has kings. If you love Thailand, you should know about our king dynasty and their dedication to the country."