24 May 2018

THE PENINSULA CELEBRATES ITS 20th ANNIVERSARY BY CURATING 20 AMAZING EXPERIENCES FOR GUESTS

Exclusive 20th anniversary activities range from a sunset helicopter journey, a bike tour that reveals the city’s unseen places, and ‘walking in the footsteps of ancient kings’ experiences to discover the secrets of Thai wellness and spirituality.

The Peninsula Bangkok invites guests to share its 20th anniversary celebrations throughout 2018 with 20 Amazing Experiences. Combining the very best of Thai history, culture, cuisines, spirituality, spa and wellness, this immersive programme has been designed by The Peninsula Bangkok to showcase the Thai capital’s most iconic experiences and hidden treasures.

Blending Bangkok’s storied past with its dynamic present, each of the experiences can be fully personalised to create treasured Peninsula moments with family and friends in the Land of Smiles.

Soar above the City of Angels on a Sunset Helicopter Sightseeing Trip, and in the cloud- skimming perspective of one of Asia’s most photogenic cityscapes. Taking off from the hotel’s rooftop helipad, families and groups of up to eight people can enjoy breath-taking views across the capital on a sky-high sundown journey that only The Peninsula Bangkok can offer.

Explore Bangkok Backstreets by Bike – a compelling expedition for guests of all ages that weaves you through small riverside communities and eye-catching landmarks, old Chinese shrines and temples, and street markets to .

Experience the transcendental beauty of sunrise over the during a meditative Sunrise Yoga session. Once your chakras are rebalanced, indulge in contemplative reflection at the sacred Gong Wu Shrine, and observe local lifestyles in the leafy Princess Mother Memorial Park.

Jump aboard The Peninsula Tuk Tuk for an adventurous Street Food Night Safari through the street food capital of the Bangkok’s Chinatown. The symphony of aromas intensifies into the evening as chefs grill, boil and wok-fry fresh vegetables, meats and noodles with exotic herbs to create staple -more-

THE PENINSULA BANGKOK CELEBRATES ITS 20th ANNIVERSARY BY CURATING 20 AMAZING EXPERIENCES FOR GUESTS / PAGE 2 favourites and less familiar delights, such as moo ping (grilled pork on a skewer) or khao mun gai (Hainanese chicken ).

Board a wooden paddleboat for the Markets, Mangroves, Monkeys and Mud Skiing odyssey. Starting at Tha Kha , you will cruise through this ambient local gathering place, which retains a relaxed, authentic charm seldom found near Bangkok. After a delicious local lunch, you’ll head to the Gulf of coast to visit a Mangrove Forest Conservation Centre to spot monkeys frolicking in the canopy, before experiencing the thrills and spills of mud skiing on shallow mud flats.

Head off the tourism trail to flower market and experience the enchanting fragrances and colours of Bangkok Blossoms. Discover the spiritual importance of Thai flowers while watching skilled artisans deconstruct lotus flowers before trying your hand at the revered folk custom of threading jasmine to make fragrant garlands that decorate shrines.

Memorable Journeys Through Thai Culture Explore the majestic River of Kingslandmarks, such as Wat and the , on a romantic Sunset Treasures Cruise aboard the hotel’s rice barge-inspired boat, paired with champagne and Thai music.

Experience the Venice of the East on a longtail boat – weaving through the web of inland canals created by Bangkok’s historical small communities. Begin your journey along the Chao Phraya River, before navigating the maze of waterways to experience the waterside cultures of .

Explore the imperial city ruins of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in archaeological intrigue. Climb ancient steps to elevated courtyards where Thai kings once held court, before being serveda locally inspired lunch of barbecued river prawns and embarking on photo-friendly river cruise around Ayutthaya Island.

Cycle along the original course of the Chao Phraya River on the Bikes, Boats and Beer tour. Begin at Wat Tha Kian and take in the ever-changing landscape of old wooden homes, markets and -more-

THE PENINSULA BANGKOK CELEBRATES ITS 20th ANNIVERSARY BY CURATING 20 AMAZING EXPERIENCES FOR GUESTS / PAGE 3

Ayutthaya-era temples, before enjoying a riverboat cruise to Koh Kret, island retreat of the Mon people, acclaimed for their terracotta skills. It’s here that you’ll find Thailand’s first craft beer brewery, where sipping a cold beer is a refreshing pleasure. As darkness descends, nighttime Bangkok undergoes a renaissance, and the Evening Potions tour turns bar hopping into a cultural adventure. Guests explore the Old Town, where hip bars reside in restored shophouses, and sip a riverside cocktail with views of the illuminated , known as Temple of Dawn.

Learn the fundamentals of Muay Thai in the shade of the hotel’s sacred Banyan tree – a form of kickboxing that’s deeply rooted in Thai culture. After an energetic workout, newly trained Thai boxers can reflect and rejuvenate in The Peninsula Spa’s whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms before enjoying an 80-minute traditional Thai Massage.

Revealing Bangkok’s Spiritual Side Participate in the ancient Thai ritual of gifting food parcels to Buddhist monks, known as Tak Bart. This respectful ceremony engrained in Thai Buddhist culture begins shortly after sunrise, as monks from Wat Suwan arrive at the hotel’s Spirit House to receive special food parcels prepared by the hotel chefs before chanting blessings to thank guests for their kindness.

Be transported by riverboat during a tour of centuries-old sites of worship and the revered Golden Mount during the Bangkok Temples by Baht experience. Thailand counts over 40,000 temples, and the capital is home to some of the oldest and grandest. Hear an expert guide explains the distinctive significance of each temple for the people of this predominantly Buddhist nation.

Participate in the Buddha Blessings activity for a rare chance to experience the spiritual energy of Wat Arun, one of Thailand’s most magnificent temples. Observe the resident monks incanting morning prayers before entering a private chamber, usually off limits to visitors, for a private ceremonial offering to the monks, and a personal blessing.

Recapture the secrets of ancient cultures on a Thai Wellness Journey. Board a long-tail boat to visit Temple, the founding school of Thai massage, for a guided tour by a monk. Back at -more-

THE PENINSULA BANGKOK CELEBRATES ITS 20th ANNIVERSARY BY CURATING 20 AMAZING EXPERIENCES FOR GUESTS / PAGE 4 the hotel, the health benefits of Thai herbs are revealed before guests don an apron for a Thai cooking class with a hotel chef, followed by lunch at Thiptara. The journey is completed with a reinvigorating Royal Thai Massage using a Herbal Compress and timeless Thai techniques.

Head inside an authentic samnak during the incomparable Sak Yant Tattoos tour. These tattoos are believed to bestow power and fortune on the bearer, with the resident ajarn being renowned for their intricate tattoo craftsmanship. For guests seeking a matchless memento, a Sak Yant tattoo can be applied using oil instead of ink.

Turn back the clock with a visit to Baan Bu,Bangkok’s early-1800s Bronze Age. Walk through narrow alleyways in a riverside village to find a bronze workshop where craftsmen in protective balaclavas hammer away over blazing fires, using skills passed on through generations to create stunning handmade bronze bowls.

Feel alive with a creative calendar of Seasonal Celebrations that captures the water-splashing playfulness of Songkran, Thai New Year, the spiritual illuminations of Loy Krathong honouring the full moon in November, and the festive family spirit throughout Christmas and New Year.

Relish the Golf For High Flyers experience at the Thai Country Club, one of South East Asia’s finest championship courses. After driving, chipping and putting on 18 Thailand’s pristine, renowned fairways and greens, golfers depart the 19th hole for a sunset helicopter ride back to The Peninsula Bangkok.

The Peninsula Bangkok’s 20 Amazing Experiences have been specially designed to meet the desires of discerning travellers from around the globe. Family guests, couples, single travellers and groups of friends, as well as wellness-minded vacationers will all discover unique programmes for their holiday wish lists. As each exclusively curated and personalised experience is offered with limited availability, guests are recommended to make a reservation in advance.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact the Concierge team of The Peninsula Bangkok at +66 (2) 020 2888 or email [email protected]. Visit the hotel’s website to learn more here.

About The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)

Incorporated in 1866 and listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (00045), HSH is the holding company of a Group which is engaged in the ownership, development and management of prestigious hotel, commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of tourism and leisure, club management and other services. portfolio comprises , , , , , , The Peninsula Beverly Hills, , The Peninsula Bangkok, and . Projects under development include The Peninsula London, The Peninsula Istanbul and The Peninsula Yangon. The property portfolio of the Group includes Complex, The and St. John’s Building in Hong Kong; The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and 21 avenue Kléber in Paris, France. The clubs and services portfolio of the Group includes The in Hong Kong; Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand; Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California; Peninsula Clubs and Consultancy Services, Peninsula Merchandising, and Tai Pan Laundry in Hong Kong.

For further information, please contact:

Patty Lerdwittayaskul Director of Public Relations The Peninsula Bangkok Telephone: +66 (2) 020 2888 Fax: +66 (2) 861 2361 Email: [email protected] Website: www.peninsula.com/bangkok Digital Photo Library: http://news.peninsula.com