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MANILA, Philippines – After his movie, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, hit it off in Manila in 2011, Mario Maurer has grown a steady following in the Philippines.
He’s visited the country many times since, starring in a movie with Erich Gonzales, being one of the many foreign faces of Penshoppe, and even joining Game of Thrones‘ Kristian Nairn at the 2016 ToyCon in June.
But during his last visit to the Philippines, Mario turned the tables. This time, the Thai actor was inviting his Filipino fans to see his country instead. (READ: Budget tips for visiting these stunning beaches in Thailand)
Just a few hours away from the Philippines, Thailand is a country with a vibrant culture and many beautiful, iconic places to see.
As the Tourism Augthority of Thailand’s new tourism ambassador, Mario gave a few suggestions on August 6 as to what to see, do, and eat in Thailand. (READ: Our Thailand food trip in 15 dishes)
Watch his whole press conference here, which starts around the 21-minute mark.
Ride a tuk-tuk
A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without a ride on their local mode of transportation. The tuk-tuk is like a big tricycle or a small jeepney, named after the sound the engine makes.
According to Mario, this is the ideal way to get around Bangkok, aside from grabbing a cab.
Try some pad thai
Aside from pad thai, a nutty noodle dish with meat and vegetables, Mario suggests you try some tom yum kung soup or som tam, a Thai salad with papaya.
“Be careful, there’s chili in it!” warned Mario at the August 6 conference. “You tell the guy who does it or the woman who’s making it to put a little bit less chili, because we eat it very spicy.”
Visit Chiang Mai
If you’re staying in Thailand for a few days, take a trip up to Chiang Mai, a slower paced city teeming with history. Chiang Mai is an hour’s flight away from Bangkok.
See the elephants
Chiang Mai is known for its elephants, as the animals helped build the city centuries ago, by hauling wood for its buildings. There are many elephant camps in Chiang Mai, where you can ride an elephant or, as Mario said to an impressed crowd at the press conference, watch it draw a few pictures.
Catch a zipline in Chiang Mai
For the more adventurous, there are many places to catch zipline tours in Chiang Mai, where you’ll get a good view of the forest and treetops.
Visit the temples
Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country and the religion is a big part of the country’s history, with all its centuries-old temples and icons. If you aren’t sure which temple to visit, Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the most important temples, and it’s located right in the grand palace of Bangkok.
Check out the beaches
If want some time away from the city, Mario suggests two of Thailand’s beaches, Pattaya and Hua Hin.
Shop at the floating markets
Aside from its temples and beaches, Thailand is known for its floating markets, where inexpensive goods are sold on boats floating along the river.
Get a Thai massage
Of course, a Thai massage is a must when in Thailand. To the delight of he press, Mario shared that he does know a few Thai massage tricks, which he puts into practice for his mom.
Get a massage – on a boat!
Get a massage and sightsee at the same time? Yes, please! Mario says a whole group of friends – around 10 people – can start getting a massage at one end of the river, and before you know it, you’ll be at your final destination.
Will you be taking a trip to Thailand soon? Which of the activities Mario suggested do you want to try the most? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com
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