The Hangover Part II’s cast aren’t the only celebs who’ve sampled Southeast Asia’s delights!
SHOP AND SIGHT-SEE IN BANGKOK
Thailand’s vibrant capital, Bangkok, is the setting for the jaw-dropping action in The Hangover Part II. “It’s the most un-boring place,” Hangover star Zach Galifianakis told Entertainment Tonight. “I just love it.” Most international flights to Thailand land in Bangkok, so exploring the city is a great place to start, and it’s easy to avoid the trouble the movie’s reunited Wolf Pack gets into! Avoid the notoriously bad traffic by taking a boat. The Chao Phraya Express Boat is cheap and drops off near mustsee locales like the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew temple and the reclining golden Buddha at Wat Po.
Bangkok’s wildest nightlife is found in Patpong, but if you’re not up for an infamous “pingpong” show (involving exotic dancers and ping-pong balls —don’t ask), shop the night market or dine at a top Thai restaurant, like Sala Sawan. (patpongnightlife.com)Don’t miss the vast Chatuchak weekend market. More than 15,000 booths sell everything from antiques to alligators, but the best buys include fashion and home decor. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on prices but make sure you do it Thai style, with a polite smile.
RELAX ON THE BEACH IN PHUKET
N o trip to Thailand is complete without hitting one of the country’s world-class beaches. The southwest is home to dramatic limestone cliffs, white-sand beaches and colorful coral reefs. Paula Abdul, Kevin Spacey and Kate Moss all love the isle of Phuket, which boasts a number of five-star resorts, including Amanpuri, where Kate spent New Year’s Eve with her fiancé, The Kills rocker Jamie Hince. The Hangover Part II’s resort scenes were filmed nearby in picturesque Krabi. The cast stayed in luxurious villas at The Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay, where amenities include private outdoor baths and Thai cooking classes.
Traditional Thai longboats offer endless island-hopping possibilities. Check out beautiful Ko Khao Phing Kan, better known as “James Bond island” after its role in The Man With the Golden Gun, then make a beeline for the islands of Koh Phi Phi. Leonardo DiCaprio filmed the backpacker adventure The Beach on uninhabited paradise Koh Phi Phi Leh.
EXPLORE THE JUNGLE IN CHIANG RAI
Over 400 miles north of Bangkok, the city of Chiang Rai is the perfect jumping-off point for Thailand’s vast jungle region, known as the Golden Triangle. Last summer, actress Rachel Bilson enjoyed a summer vacation at the Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand, 40 miles north of Chiang Rai. “It’s spectacular,” she tells OK!. “It’s an elephant camp, and it’s in the mountain region of Thailand where Laos, Thailand and Burma meet.” While you’re there, go elephant trekking in the bamboo jungle, visit the 10th-century temples at Wat Phra Dhat Jom Kitti or go rafting down the Mekong River.
Try a traditional Thai massage, which stimulates pressure points and gently stretches out limbs to aid in circulation, flexibility and relaxation. Try the renowned Pai Massage center in Chiang Rai or Wat Po in Bangkok.
Source: OK! Magazine