WHILE IN Bangkok, we visited the giant golden dragon. We were completely astonished by the design of Minister Weerasat ? no less ? a testament to Chinese-Thai relations. The best Chinese-Thai cuisine was served at the cozy Nopparatana Restaurant, a haven for local artists whose works were on exhibit.

Before we even finished our to-die-for lunch, Pepper T had already met one female artist and bought her painting.

Our next home away from home was the gorgeous tropical paradise resort, Felix River Kwai Resort, the only five-star property in Kanchanaburi, built on a lush 15-ha plot of riverfront land adjacent to the world-famous bridge at the River Kwai. Merely two hours from Bangkok, the resort has elegant interiors, fitness facilities, swimming pools, convention facilities and manicured gardens.

TAT assistant director Khun Rewat hosted a delightful dinner along the river under the brightly glowing full moon. At the same time, we celebrated the exciting Festival of Lights, dahlings, where tons of tiny floating flowers were let loose on the river.

The flowers made the night romantic for married couples and lovers and symbolized everyone?s wishes. Even the name of the festival sounds romantic: ?Loy Krathong,? one of the two grandest festivals in Thailand and definitely the most picturesque.

Our pal, the energetic Khun Pong, top managing director of the popular Trikaya Tours, brought loads of huge floating lanterns, khom loy, which we released on the river. It was a sight to behold. Held on the 12th full moon, take note, palanggas, which will happen again November 2, this event should not be missed.

Then, we dashed to the night market before returning to our comfy suites. The following day, we met the elephants at the camp and tigers at the temple, dahlings.

At Taweechai Elephant Camp, we had a thrilling fun ride on an elephant which crossed lush jungles and a river. At the tiger conservatory, we learned we shouldn?t turn our backs on the tiger. We must approach from behind the tiger and never cross in front of it. One must also move fast and keep quiet for tigers aren?t used to human noise.

We were also told to watch out for the tiger?s ears, for when they move, they are alarmed. It?s a signal to get out of their sight. Truly an unforgettable feeling, palanggas. This was followed by an exotic lunch of organic Thai cuisine and assorted natural teas, which were a super treat.

Locals are taught to interact with tigers. Aside from tigers, there are also deer, horses, peacocks and bison. Nurturing tigers is a marvelous experience. It reminded me of the tiger hunters in India, where they wore face masks at the back of their heads while walking at the tiger sanctuary.

It is also believed, through reincarnation, ?that the tiger could be your relative or close ally.? Tiger volunteers from all over the world work here. Pepper expressed his interest to be a tiger volunteer.

Remember the grand film ?The Bridge on the River Kwai?? It was actually based on historical accounts where over 200,000 prisoners of war (POW) constructed a bridge to connect Thailand and Burma.

The Railway of Death was infamous and a war museum, showcasing many facts, pays tribute to the many brave soldiers who lost their lives. A commemorative cemetery in honor of the 8,000 casualties of war was built as well. A grand finale for the ?Loy Krathong? capped our stay in Kanchanaburi province.

Our last night in Bangkok was a memorable one. We dined at the five-star Thai restaurant Banyan Tree, which has a grand view of the glorious city. TAT?s big boss for Asean, Khun Prakit Piriyakiet, and Porntip Makornpan joined us for what felt like the most beautiful last night of the world.

After dinner, others went out to party while most of us rested at our very luxurious rooms at the elegant Courtyard by Marriott.

After a sumptuous, much-too-early breakfast for me and Raul Manzano, we headed off to the airport to take our favorite Thai Airways flight back home. But before boarding the plane, we had the best Thai massage at the Thai Airways lounge. This was absolutely an awesome, smooth-as-silk voyage of discovery, and it only gets better, dahlings. Cheers, palanggas, to the good life which we all deserve regardless of who you are.

For more info, call Malu Dueñas, the cyber-smart sales manager of Thai Airways International, tel. 8124812; fax 8404212;

e-mail sales@thaiairways.com.ph.