MANILA, Philippines - Thai model and actor Mario Maurer was recently in town to promote tourism in his home country as the newest ambassador of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. TAT didn’t waste the Thai-German’s star power as this visit also marks the Philippine launch of their social media-focused campaign, “Experience Thailand with Mario Maurer” where one lucky fan can have his own Suddenly It’s Magic experience with Maurer as he becomes your tour guide for a day, all expenses paid.
But because not everybody can win and make pretend they are starring in their own version of First Love or The Love of Siam, Supreme asked Maurer to dish out recommendations beyond the touristy temples: If we go to Thailand, where can we find one of Thailand’s biggest attractions and most valuable exports?
For those who have at least three days in Thailand, the adventure-seeking 27-year-old enthuses that you go to Chiang Mai. “The weather is cooler, there is a different Thai culture,” he says, going around the jungles by motorbike. But for first-timers and those only visiting for a short trip, there is already more than enough to see within and around Bangkok.
With his recommendations, we get a picture of Maurer as a laidback guy who values experiences and interactions more than Instagrammable touristy moments and material possessions. When he does go shopping, he goes for something unique, something with a story.
Unfortunately, Maurer can’t reveal the actual establishments he frequents. “If I mention one, I would have to mention them all!” he says, explaining that it’s a cultural thing, but he gives us the clearest description he can without getting into trouble. We hope to bump into him during one of his midnight snack runs.
Going for late-night street food runs.“I like cruising at night with my cars and I always go to Chinatown for Chinese food and Thai food. I usually crave street food in the middle of the night. It’s very basic, cheap, and it’s all over town. You get to personally interact with who makes your food. I think that makes it a very Thai experience. I enjoy watching how they make pad thai! I have that with tom yum kung, a soup.”
Vintage shopping on weekends. “I always go to JJ Market (also known as Chatuchak Weekend Market) when I have free time. They have a lot of second-hand shops. I’m a jeans and t-shirt kind of guy, so I like to add vintage touches to my look like vintage leather boots. They have a lot of vintage jackets and hats. Even all the other stuff I am into, like rare vintage parts for my cars and bikes. They have old cameras and vintage watches. I go on Saturday and Sunday, late at night. They close by 4 a.m. There are also places to unwind there afterwards.”
Having a drink at a rooftop bar. “Look for a café or bar with a nice view to go with your drink, where it’s not so noisy so you can have good conversation. This is a good way to see Bangkok, from a different level, through a bird’s eye view.”
Getting a haircut around the Central area
“If you get a good haircut, you don’t have to spend a lot of time styling your hair, especially for me, after I ride on my bike and remove my helmet. In this area, all the big, nice malls are connected by a bridge or just across the street. You can also shop for high-end items there. Salons and high-end shopping are all in the same place.”
Exploring the city by bike.“In Old Town in Bangkok, there’s a bicycle lane to go around. I will be bringing the contest winner there to experience it with me, on bike. Riding a bike is just a better way to see the city. There are already many places for culture and food there, and they’re all close together.” Afterwards, he reveals he and the contest winner will go to Amphawa Floating Market. You can go on a sightseeing boat ride while eating and having a massage — all at the same time! — that Maurer highly recommends for the ultimate tourist experience.
“I think Thailand is best explored on bike. I get another feeling. If you’re going around by car, you’re just in the car. When I ride a bike, I feel everything in the streets, all these rocks flying around, but it’s fun. The best part, I get to go further into places where there are no paths and streets. I like to go into the jungle with my bikes and go into the woods to see the waterfalls and be in nature.”