WE ATTENDED the fantastic Festival of Lights on a full moon. Rivers radiant with thousands of tiny flames, and the promise of everlasting romance. Loy Krahtong is one of Thailand’s most important festivals.

Our angel of the sky, Thai Airways’ classy Boeing 777, descended gracefully at the ultra modern Suvarnabhumi Airport in the “City of Angels.” An architectural marvel in itself, perhaps among the most luxurious airports in the world that showcases a synthesis of ultra-techno progress and wonderful Thai culture, this was just a prelude to the fabulous, educational and enlightening experience that was to unfold for our group with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) executive director for Asean, Khun Prakit Pririyakiet.

This trip, courtesy of Thai Airways dynamic general manager, Nivat Chantarachoti and the TAT, was headed by the brilliant and adorable Porntip Makornpan, director for Singapore, Indonesia and Philippines. It was a week-long event filled with fantastic memories.

Our first home away from home: the luxurious Grande Centerpoint Hotel and Residences, a stone’s throw away from Central World Mall. The newly opened premiere address in the city is a brand-new landmark complex of convenience and cosmopolitan style.

Posh rooms equipped with washing machines with dryer, microwave ovens and mini kitchens provide comfort and all the amenities you could wish for.

A well-equipped fitness center, a beautiful spa offering aromatherapy massage and treatments await you at RarinJinda and Coffee by Dao, the in-house coffee shop that offers an international menu plus Thai cuisine and a delightful bakery as well.

A heavenly night’s rest prepared us all for the visit at the famed Chatuchak weekend market where every possible ware is being sold from clothes, furniture, food, souvenir items, household commodities, pets, antiques. You name it, they have it. This juxtaposition of the very old and most modern gadgets is truly consistent with Thai culture – a merry mix of the best and the brightest.

A major highlight of our trip was our meeting with the honorable Weerasak Kosurat, Thailand Minister of Tourism and Sports at his office. The gracious, good-looking minister shared with us media friends his insights on Thai tourism – which, he proudly says, continues to boom.

He was scheduled to attend the World Travel Congress in London that evening and enthused how visitors from all continents repeatedly flock to Thailand which he attributes to the hospitality of his people.

At one point, my gregarious cousin, vivacious Christine Dayrit, asked the minister when he studied at Harvard University. He said he was in Harvard from 1991-1992. Christine gamely retorted and excitedly told him: “I was there at the same time, since I got my degree in Film Production in Boston University that year.”

This brought a big smile on the minister’s handsome face. I then told the minister: “Who knows, sir, you may very well be the future prime minister of Thailand just like President Barack Obama, a Harvard graduate as well.”

This was followed by a very exhilarating visit to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel with its revolving look-out and cozy bar on the 89th floor.

Just imagine the fantastic view of the neon lights that illuminate the skyline. A delectable international buffet spread is also an attraction in Baiyoke Sky Hotel not to mention its excellent location for shoppers.

The next day was a significant trip down memory lane as we trooped to Ayutthaya, an absolutely must-go-to place, which was the former capital of the Thai kingdom for 417 years.

Many ancient ruins and artworks can still be seen here, like the magnificent ruins of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, a vast stretch of historical sites included in Unesco World Heritage Sites since 1991.

We were formally welcomed by TAT authority and the local government over a superb lunch aboard a wooden boat along the river.

A visit to the Bang-Pa-In Palace, built by King Cherlalongkorn, known as Rama V The Great who met his Russian wife, who also had royal blood, while he visited the Kremlin, brought her back to Bangkok. This unique Catholic gothic-designed church was dedicated to his wife where images of Buddha are revered. Then it was time for our overnight cruise on board the Chao Phraya Mekhala rice barge, a giant floating hotel that shuffles between Bangkok and Ayutthaya daily and vice versa.

As we listened to Barry White’s soulful rendition of the song “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” our wacky group exchanged stories of love and laughter. It was a unique experience to travel through the city’s waterways. For a while, I thought I was transported to Venice aboard a gondola (only this was a huge gondola) on the river... until we stopped, thinking it was doing a short pause. Apparently, this is a regular half-way stop.

Well, palanggas, we didn’t move ’til 6 a.m. for Bangkok. When you can’t fight them, join them, which is exactly what we did. We parted at 3 a.m.