MARCH - MAY 2015
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ell! What an issue we have for you this time around, with so many features and articles, it’s difficult to know where to start, as this is one of the busiest times of the year, with different festivals going on all over the country, see what’s on page on p10 Happy New Year! Yes Songkran has arrived, with the water fuelled madness descending on Thailand once again, for 3 days from 13-15th April the whole country comes to a standstill as the locals and tourists celebrate the most important holiday of the year. Get involved and you will be rewarded with memories that will last forever, but remember don’t wear your best clothes, or carry your telephone (it will never work again). March 14th sees the mega boy band One Direction visiting the country, the will be playing only one night at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, for all you pop music lovers out there this a must see, as this is the biggest band to visit these shores in many years. Read the feature about them on p20
CREDITS EDITOR: James Chanodom Editor@AbsoluteThai.com FEATURE EDITOR: Paul Eastland PaulEastland@AbsoluteThai.com
Everybody knows the main attractions in Bangkok, what many don’t know is that there are many more things to see that you would never know was there, did you know there is a black museum at Chulalongkorn University, thought not!, read Off The Beaten Track In Bangkok p50, for more ideas on where to visit. Have a great holiday, enjoy all the festivities, but most of all, stay safe.
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WHAT’S ON
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J W MARRIOTT KHAO LAK RESORT & SPA Quan Spa Traditional Pampering
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THE OASIS SPAS The Ultimate Tranquil Havens
40 OUTRIGGER LAGUNA PHUKET BEACH RESORT
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50
LOPBURI MONKEY FESTIVAL Monkey Capers OFF THE BEATEN TRACK, Bangkok
54 REVIEW
one direction
dublin
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ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK
20
ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK
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Gadgets
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hendricks THE HOME OF A MOST UNUSUAL GIN
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KATALINA BEACH LIFE Fashion
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK Sriracha & Koh Sichang
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ART&CULTURE CENTRE From Dream to reality
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What’s On
what’s on UPCOMING EVENTS IN THAILAND
National Elephant Day in Thailand Date: March 13th Venue: National In Thailand, March 13 is designated as National Elephant Day to highlight the importance of the Thai elephant (chang Thai) in Thai history and culture. It’s a day where special events take place at various zoos and elephant parks throughout Thailand. Some elephant parks will even hold Buddhist rituals where the animals are thoroughly scrubbed and showered before monks are invited to perform ceremonies to wipe away bad luck and wish for good luck for the elephants and their mahouts in the coming year. Thai Elephant Day has been held on an annual basis since the idea was first approved by the Thai government in 1998. Special events are held at a number of venues in northern Thailand including the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre and the Elephant Nature Park. At the Mae Sa Elephant Camp, it has become a tradition on March 13 for the dozens of elephants there to be treated to a huge feast of fruits and sugar cane. oa55 / Shutterstock.com
National Muay Thai Day
Date: March 17th Venue: Ayutthaya
Coffee Lover / Shutterstock.com
In Thailand, March 17 is the day when those involved in Thai boxing (Muay Thai) celebrate a hero of the sport. Boxer’s Day isn’t a public holiday, but there are commemorative events at various Muay Thai stadiums and training camps and it is a day with particular significance for the town of Ayutthaya, the home of the legendary figure of Nai Khanom Tom. National Muay Thai Day is a big event in Ayutthaya and the town organizes a week-long annual festival culminating on March 17. Displays of Thai boxing and martial arts attract participants from around the world. A statue of Nai Khanom Tom stands in Ayutthaya (at the provincial sports ground) and Thai boxers and ordinary townsfolk will pay respects to the home-town hero by draping his statue with garlands of flowers.
Coffee Lover / Shutterstock.com
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Sukpaiboonwat / Shutterstock.com
Kwanjitr / Shutterstock.com
Songkran: Thai New Year Water Festival Date: Usually on the 13th Venue: National The annual Songkran Water Festival is one of those events that has to be experienced in person to begin to appreciate the enormity of the spectacle and the uniqueness of the occasion. In Thailand, Songkran is an annual nationwide party, but beyond the image of playful water-fights it’s an event steeped in tradition and meaning for Thai Buddhists. The word songkran is derived from the Sanskrit language and means ‘move into’, referring to the orbit of the sun moving into each of the houses of the zodiac. In Thailand, the word songkran has come to be identified specifically with the sun moving into Aries in April (usually on the 13th) marking the end of a 12 month cycle and the beginning of a new solar year. Thailand still celebrates the Western New Year on January 1st, but Songkran remains as the traditional Thai New Year festival. Today, Songkran is widely associated with water throwing. This can go on for just one day in places in the south, but can last for a week or more in areas of the north, however the norm is 3 days. The water association has a number of meanings. Water is thrown to cleanse and purify all the ills, misfortune and wrongdoing of the previous year, thus providing
a clean slate for the new year ahead. Throwing water during Songkran is also associated with fertility. It is a time when Thai people traditionally looked to bring on the rains for rice cultivation and ensure a successful and bountiful harvest. The festivities were also a time for courtship in days gone by and the trend continues today, though not always in quite such a traditional manner! On the first day, firecrackers are often lit to send the old year on its way and ward off evil spirits, whilst homes and gardens are given a good cleaning. The most important aspect of the day is the cleaning of Buddha images. Many towns and cities parade important Buddha images from local wats through the streets. Local inhabitants then gather to throw lustral water scented with jasmine flowers over the images. The general mayhem of water throwing begins on this day, with the streets of many towns thronged with people dousing each other with water from buckets, hoses and toy water pistols. As well as marking the New Year, Songkran is also a time for thanksgiving and reflection. Lustral water is gently poured over the hands of elders and other important people. Family is important in Thai life and never more so than at Songkran which is a time for family gatherings and reunions.
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What’s On
Isaan Rocket Festivals
The north-east of Thailand, a region known as Isaan, has traditionally been a pre-dominantly rural farming area and it is this region that holds one of Thailand’s more unusual festivals every May. In particular, the town of Yasothon has become renowned for the Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival to herald the start of the rice-planting season. Traditional Folk Beliefs In the agricultural areas of north-east Thailand and Laos, rain arriving at the right time in the riceplanting season can be the difference between success and failure for the rice crop. Old folk beliefs in Isaan say that the rains will only fall when the gods are in the mood for love. To encourage this, festivals and parties have traditionally been held all over Isaan to cajole the gods into a bit of amorous activity during the sixth lunar month (usually in May). This has always involved lots of merry making with food, drink and dancing at the start of the rice-planting season. The ancient fertility rites date back centuries with phallus-shaped bamboo tubes packed with charcoal and nitrates (gunpowder) launched into the skies. This time of the year is also a time to make-merit in the Buddhist tradition and novice monks are often ordained during the festival.
Visun Khankasem / Shutterstock.com
Important
Event dates and program details may be subject to change. Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand’s official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel. autsawin uttisin / Shutterstock.com
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Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival
Although the festivals are held in villages and towns throughout Isaan, it is the Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival that has developed into the biggest and most well-known in Thailand. yasothon-rocket-festivalIt is usually held over a three-day period during the second weekend in May. Parties are held throughout the weekend culminating in the rocket launches on the final day.
autsawin uttisin / Shutterstock.com
Despite the light-hearted nature to the festival, craftsmen and villagers can take months building their rockets which can be beautifully decorated and carved. The rockets are paraded through the streets before they are launched and much kudos is gained by the teams that have the most beautiful rockets as well as the ones which go the highest or produce the most impressive vapour trail. Bamboo is still used for the rockets, but modern concessions mean that plastic or PVC tubing can also be used. Some of these rockets can be over 10 metres high and filled with dozens of kilos of gunpowder. With the aid of launch-pads approaching Cape Canaveral proportions, the biggest rockets can climb thousands of metres into the sky. Surprisingly, given the combination of rocketpropelled devices and throngs of intoxicated people, accidents are still quite rare. Tradition dictates that the owners and teams involved in unsuccessful rocket launches get thrown into a muddy pond, but it’s also sanuk for anybody to jump in.
Wasu Watcharadachaphong / Shutterstock.com
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Review
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa QUAN SPA TRADITIONAL PAMPERING words: Paul Eastland
T
he JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa offers luxury on a scale that puts its
competitors to shame. Set in an ideal location nestled right beside the gently lapping, azure waters of the Andaman Sea, with a backdrop of lush tropical foliage and dramatic granite mountains, this is truly the place that dreams are made of. This huge sprawling resort, offers not only offers space throughout its 60 rai grounds, but is designed with guests needs in mind, and offers multitude locations for intimate, personal rendezvous. With a worldwide clientele from all corners of the globe this cosmopolitan oasis strives to be the leader in the world market, for every category
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of guest imaginable from romantic couples, families to the discerning business traveler, it caters for all needs, giving unparalleled consideration and attention to children of all ages. Many people now recognize Thailand as the pinnacle of Spa treatments across the globe; we at Quan Spa pride ourselves as being a part of this compliment, first a brief explanation of the history of this great Thai tradition. Traditional Thai Massage is a therapeutic technique that dates back thousands of years. Its precise origins are unknown, but practitioners traditionally trace their lineage to Chivika Komarapatr, a private doctor and friend of Buddha, is said to have successfully used massage and
stretching techniques along with herbal and other remedies to treat ailments and conditions amongst the nuns and monks that were traveling with the Buddha, spreading Buddhism and these medicinal techniques all over Southeast Asia. By the time, medical institution and practices of the monastery went along as integral parts of the religious system. When Buddhism reached Thailand in the 3rd or 2nd century BC, temples were built with adjacent dispensaries and medical schools Massage and other healing arts were taught and applied in the monasteries and within the family. In families, it has been mainly an oral tradition (as most people could not read) handed
Our resort Quan Spa service offers a full range of indoor and outdoor unique treatment services including Thai herbal massage and oil massage, an old Asian tradition for secure health and prosperity. No better way to sooth your inner soul than in the sanctuary of Spa. Therapies both traditional and contemporary will enhance your wellbeing and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. Trained therapists will indulge and awaken your senses with massage,
treatments and fitness counseling, with personal trainers to coach and encourage you all the way until you reach your perfect goal. Also to complement our incredible range of treatments, we are also pleased to announce that we can arrange for you to have “massage lessons� so you can impress your family and friends after you return to your home place.
treatments and the arts of healing. With 15 indoor and outdoor treatment suites, 10 with sauna, 5 with steam
more information
facilities and 6 outdoor Thai Salas down from teacher to student. The
Quan Spa boasts a range of treatments
purpose of writing it down was to
that many of our competitors can only
preserve the medical tradition for the longest possible time and make it available to the maximum number of people of future generations
dream about, from a full range of body scrubs and wraps, using only the natural and invigorating ingredients that promote recipes for sleep and revealing,
As to where and when Ancient Massage
and inspiring total, sweet dreams.
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Our highly trained staffs are also fully
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Review
The Oasis Spas THE ULTIMATE TRANQUIL HAVENS words: Paul Eastland
T
he Oasis Spa provides the “NOT JUST A SPA EXPERIENCE, BUT BEYOND” with treatments created by combining the best ancient Thai techniques and herbal secrets with advanced discoveries in beauty and wellness. Set like a jewel in the heart of the city, this luxury spa has a distinctive Thai atmosphere where clients enjoy superior Lanna-style service without unnecessary formality. A brief history of how it all started In August 2003, Oasis Spas burst upon the scene and revolutionized the Thai day spa experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Two forward-thinking individuals; Toby Allen and Pakin Ployphicha, each with special skills and knowledge merged their talents to create the spa of their dreams. To provide the optimal day spa experience, they blend the most effective ancient Thai herbs with cutting-edge
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massage expertise and added the professional pampering of highly trained therapists. The result is to promote healthier, happier, more beautiful individuals. Whether a guest spends an hour or an afternoon they will enjoy moments their body will relish for a lifetime. Oasis Spas offer the unique “above and beyond” spa experience. Guests delight in the graceful attention that defined Northern Thailand’s golden era. The gentle and courteous Lanna ambience pervades all to create a magical place where beautiful and gracious people provide the ultimate in personal service without pretentious airs. It soon became the most patronized day spa in Chiang Mai, and rapidly growing to ten branches in four destinations in Thailand; Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya.
‘An oasis in the middle of the city’ Leave your cares behind when you enter the serenity of The Oasis Spa. The tranquility deepens as the client passes through the gate and follows the stone pathway to an exotic world of beauty, serenity and pleasure. This place of lush foliage, wooden bridges and walkways, waterfalls, reflective ponds with fluttering gold fish, private treatment villas is encompassed by the arms of ancient venerable trees. All the senses are caressed. The concept of creating “an oasis in the middle of the city” inspired to the extending eight branches throughout Thailand. Each location has its own individual theme and characters which are designed for service flow and incorporate Thai Lanna identity in to the branches. Greater emphasis is given to the size of the treatment room and shower areas for the guests to have exceptional spa and remain in harmony with the environmental and cultural ambience of the surrounding neighborhood. Natural Ingredients Oasis Spa utilizes powerfully beneficial treatments developed with a fusion of traditional Thai herbs and other natural ingredients. These ingredients are applied using ancient and modern techniques. Each product such as Body Scrub and Body Wrap are prepare for individual customers and made daily
from fresh ingredients. Thai Herbs and raw materials are supplied from local village in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Most of our raw materials are all natural and only 5% are imported such as Essential Oils and products for facials treatments. We work with our local vendors to develop and inspire them to make a high quality spa product for our brand. Our policies are revolving around safety for you and our environment. Spa Therapies Your beauty and wellness is of prime concern to us, which is why we have a multitude of different treatments to suit everyone, including our famous spa packages where you can spend up to five hours, with our Seaside Sensation offering that is by far our most popular package, This session combines many of the most popular treatments requested at our seaside spas. First, enjoy a Thai Herbal Steam then take a quick dip in a Cool Pool. Then be pampered with an Aloe Vera Mint Body Scrub and the Aloe Vera & Lavender Body Wrap. To complete your pampering enjoy a two-hour King of Oasis Signature Massage and Detoxifying Facial. It has been called, “The best spa therapy ever!” by those who tried it. Or just relax for a couple of hours with one of our highly rated signature massages, the treatment menu is second to none as it shows in our popularity, so come and choose the
best one for you, our highly trained staff will advise you on whichever treatment you choose. A very popular treatment is the Magical Four Hand Massage; Imagine the result of two therapists delicately working with four hands in synchronized waves. After the Oasis Four Hand Massage, the ecstasy continues with an Oriental Foot Reflexology massage and a Hair Spa Treatment – all at the same time! It is magical; Your body will feel lighter and you will be bursting with life. You’re on holiday, most people conjure up thoughts of exotic Thailand, the first thing that comes to mind is the world famous Thai Spas, go on treat yourself, you’ve earned it.
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good night
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AMPHAWANANON HOTEL & SPA Superbly located in the heart of the famous Amphawa Canal Market, Amphawa Na Non Hotel and Spa is designed to offer you a complete relaxation. Switch off the light. Host fireflies are blinking in distance to serve you a sweet dream tonight. It’s nothing but the pure delight.
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Celebrity
One Direction ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK words: Paul Eastland
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B
it of a change from our normal celebrity feature this issue, for the first time we are featuring a boy band, due to the fact that this phenomenon band from England, will visit Thailand on March 14th 2015 and will be performing at Rajamangala National Stadium as part of their On The Road Again Tour, this will be the boys first visit to Thailand, and I’m sure one not to be missed, so book early. One Direction, (more commonly known as the abbreviated 1D, first appeared as 5 fresh faced young boys, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne that were trying to make a name for themselves as solo singers on the British talent show X Factor. This didn’t quite work out, until Pop Guru Simon Cowell who hosts the British talent show saw something that arguably only he could, he put them together creating a 5 piece boy band to play at Wembley Arena in London, from that day on they haven’t looked back and taken the music world by storm to become one of the biggest acts of all time. Cowell said that it only took him 10 minutes to put them together and for the group to bond only took 2 weeks and quoting “they are confident, fun and like a group of friends”. They were destined be called the UK’s version of Justin Beiber ( well maybe not, in light of the year he’s had) in an image of clean-cut, wholesome, whiter than white, cute pop boys advocating puppy love from their legions of fans around the world sparking a resurgence in the interest in boy bands and as forming part of a new British Invasion in the United States There first single What Makes You Beautiful hailed their arrival, reaching number 1 in Uk Singles Chart and amazingly became the most pre-ordered Sony Music Entertainment single in history, they had arrived!, following singles Gotta Be You and One Thing also went the same way and peaked in the top 10.
One Direction will visit Thailand on March 14th 2015 and will be performing at Rajamangala National Stadium
JStone / Shutterstock.com
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Celebrity
I
n 2011 they released their debut album Up All Night, which became the UK’s fasting selling debut album, subsequently released globally in 2012 it topped the charts in sixteen countries, including America, getting the distinction of being the first British group in U.S. history to enter at number one with their debut album. In December of 2011 One Direction embarked on their first headlining tour of the UK and after that Australian and American, legs of the tour eventually reaching 62 venues.
In 2012 it topped the charts in sixteen countries, including America, getting the distinction of being the first British group in U.S.
In May 2012 the band started recording their second album Take Me Home, which was eventually released in November of that year, which included two more hit singles Live While We’re Young and Little things Once again it debuted at number one in both the UK. And the U.S. and topped the charts in thirty-four other countries, selling more than 5 million copies worldwide, earning them a spot at the Royal Variety Performance
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Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com
in the presence of Queen Elizabeth 11 and headlining a sellout show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. February 2013 seen the band release a cover version of One Way or Another and Teenage Kicks for the UK charity Comic Relief, culminating in them travelling to Ghana to volunteer at a children’s hospital and visiting schools, earning them the second most charitable in 2013 behind Taylor Swift by Do Something Org.
Mr Pics / Shutterstock.com
Celebrity
2013 was a big year for One Direction as they released This Is Us a 3D documentary and concert movie about the group, released by TriStar Pictures in August it featured the single Best Song Ever, which was to feature on the groups third album
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Liam
Midnight Memories, the movie was such a success that it topped the UK and U.S. Box offices grossing over 60million Dollars worldwide and is currently the fourth highest grossing concert movie of all time. In May the band announced their first stadium tour the Where We Are Tour, of which they would donate 200,000 pounds Sterling to the Stand Up To Cancer charity. Midnight Memories was released globally in November and the monster hit Story of My Life was nominated as the second single, once again debuting at number one in both the UK and U.S, making them the first group to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 with its first three albums. 2014 seen the release in November of their fourth album, incidentally entitled Four, with the first and second singles being Steal My Girl
Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
U
p until this date it was revealed by Official Charts Company that One Direction had sold 2,425,000 records in the UK alone. Their second tour soon followed, the Take Me Home Tour, which consisted of over 100 shows in Europe, America and Australia, ticket sales reached 300,000 within a day including a six date sell-out at The 02 Arena in London, music critics praised the bands vocals and performance abilities, which made the tour a success, selling 1,635,000 tickets from 134 shows.
Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
Harry
Zayn
and Night changes, once again topping the Billboard 200 and The UK Album Charts. Also in November their tour manager Paul Higgins who has been with the band since its formation, has departed ways with the band. One Direction have to date won various awards including two Brit Awards, three NME awards, Four MTV Video Music Awards and two American Music Awards, for Best Po/Rock Album and best Pop/ Rock Group. Interesting fact about the boys They once sent Simon Cowell a 2-50 pound Birthday card, 50p from each of them, there’s gratitude for you. Again if you are around the Bangkok area in March, try to make the time to witness this band, you may not get the chance again.
Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
Featureflash / Shutterstock.com
Niall
“they are confident, fun and like a group of friends”
Louis
Andrea Raffin / Shutterstock.com
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Feature
hendricks THE HOME OF A MOST UNUSUAL GIN words: Laurence Civil
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H
endrick’s is made by the sixth generation of the family who privately own William
Grant & Sons, the many times winner of Best Distillers of the Year. They are better known for their whisky making in Girvan, Ayrshire the tiny seaside village on the southwest coast of Scotland, just an hours drive from Glasgow. This allows Hendricks to draw on their centuries of distilling expertise. The soft lowland water sourced from the Penwhapple reservoir provides the perfect medium for the grain spirit and botanical palettes. The source of the water is shared with a nearby whisky distillery, and whisky makers place extraordinarily high standards on their water supply. Lesley Gracie a chemistry graduate from the University of Hull in Yorkshire had worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 12 years before relocating to South Ayrshire in 1988 to marry her Scottish beau. As the big business in town was the local distillery she applied for a job as a chemist there. “Alcohol was a different medium,” Gracie says. “with a totally different set of rules, but really interesting.”
When in 1999, the company decided to create what the industry calls an “ultra-premium” gin, one that retails for US$30 a bottle they appointed Lesley as the Master Distiller based on her experience with them making whiskey. She went into the lab and re-emerged once she had created a delicate blend of standard gin with an infusion of cucumber and rose, meant to evoke eating a cucumber sandwich in a rose garden. The family are rose lovers and its said that they named after the family’s gardner who had lovingly tended their roses for more than 30 years. Hendrick’s gets its unique flavour from 11 different botanicals, highly aromatic coriander seed from Eastern Europe and Morocco evokes ginger, lemon and sage. Italian juniper berries provide an exotic, spicy bittersweet taste. Musky sweet angelica from France and Belgium has healing and protecting powers. Orris root aged for up to three years helps to bind these flavours together to create an intricate blend. The additional botanicals of lemon peel, chamomile, cubeb berries, orange peel, elderflower, meadowsweet and caraway seeds complete the flavour profile.
ABSOLUTE THAI
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Feature
H
endrick’s use two different still to produce their spirit, the 1948 Carter-Head and
the small pot still originally built in 1860 by Bennett, Sons & Shears, known as ‘The Bennett’. They were both bought at auction in 1966 as curiosity items by William Grant Life President, Charles Gordon and laid unused until the family started
spirit is of a heavy, oily character with a strong juniper-flavour. Meanwhile, in the 1948 Carter-Head, alcohol vapours wash over a mix of raw botanicals. In contrast the spirit derived from this still is much subtler with light floral and sweet fragrances. Its method of production is quite different, with only the neutral spirit
to make Hendricks in 1999. Each produces strikingly different styles of distillate, their synergy is the back bone of Hendrick’s Gin. The distilling process starts with the botanicals being steeped with grain alcohol and local spring water in the Bennet still for 24 to 36 hours. It is then heated by means of an external steam jacket to boil the liquid. As
Hendricks is made by the sixth generation of the family who privately own William Grant & Sons
the pot begins to boil, vapour moves up the short column of the still and eventually meets the condenser, where vapours are turned back to liquid and collected. First runnings can be as high as 92% alcohol, with a gradual decrease in the strength as the distillation progresses. Once all of the alcohol is collected, the final spirit will be approximately 75% ABV. This
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and water added to the pot of this still. All botanicals used with the Carter-Head are added to a flavour basket at the very top of the still. Rather than boiling the botanicals, which produces the strong pungent spirit of the Bennett still, the CarterHead bathes the botanicals in the alcohol vapours only. As these rise up
through the still, they enter the base of the botanicals basket. Inside, the botanicals are contained in copper baskets, which hold them together while allowing the vapours to be fully exposed. As the evaporated alcohol moves through the botanicals it efficiently extracts flavours from them, which are carried out of the basket along with the alcohol until they reach the condenser. Only the lighter, sweeter and floral flavours are able to be extracted by this method, which gives the spirit its distinctive character. Being a handcrafted gin the distillates are made in minuscule batches, just 450 litres at a time. Both stills take around 12hours to run, each producing a 500 litres hearts cut which run off the stills at 80% ABV. The distillates are combined, and then the cucumber and rose flavours are infused. This complex process, most other gin makers use only one still, gives Hendrick’s its distinctive taste; Gracie tests each 120-gallon batch by nose to make sure the balance is just right. She admits she might be able get the same result with an automated still, “but the old stills have
worked so well and the gin notes are now inherent in the still,” she says. While visiting the distillery in the summer Lesley tutored me through a deconstructed tasting. I first tasted the Bennett still distillate 70% which tasted like a pleasant high alcohol gin. Then the Carter Head distillate 80% ABV which wasn’t so pleasant. Having tasted the two distillates singularly I then taste the same the same spirit at 70% ABV. I then tasted the rose and cucumber distillates which they buy in and add to the blend after distilling. It’s because they add botanical postdistilling that it can’t be labelled as a London Dry Gin. Last spring, Hendrick’s Gin ventured to the Amazonian rainforest in search of rare botanicals. It turns out, they found a rather remarkable one called ‘Scorpion Tail’, which is said to be used in tea infusions to treat stomach
ailments and has an intriguing complex dark green note that works well with the peculiar character of Hendrick’s. They instilled it into a small, experimental and wondrous batch of gin called Kanaracuni. “The character of the Scorpion Tail distillate lends itself perfectly to combination with Hendrick’s,’ says Leslie. “The flavour profiles complement each other seamlessly producing a finished gin which is both recognisable as Hendrick’s but evidently different with deeper floral, spice and green character.” The new liquid is bottled at 44% ABV in a special edition bottle which has been circulated since April 2014 to a very small number of bartenders, media and consumers will be able to try the rare liquid at suitably odd tasting events and competitions around the world.
Hendrick’s intentionally has an odd character because it was created to be different. To be placed as a premium gin on the shelves behind the world’s best bars. For Lesley Gracie when her day is done, she best enjoys her creation over ice with a splash of elderflower cordial topped up with soda, sitting in the garden smelling the roses munching on a cucumber sandwich.
more information
Hendrick’ Gin www.hendricksgin.com
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Travel
dublin THE FAIR CITY
words: Peter Holthusen
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T
he Celtic Tiger, the economic engine that roared throughout Ireland in the 1990’s,
continues to purr today as Dublin basks in a newfound prosperity. The city’s compact centre, at the mouth of the River Liffey, has become a magnet for tourists throughout the world, imbuing the Irish capital with a modern and international veneer.
There has never been a better time to visit Dublin, for this is one of Europe’s oldest and greatest cities, one that retains its historical and cultural charms. But it is also a wonderfully cosmopolitan city that offers an abundance of trendy bars, elegant restaurants and stylish shops and hotels. One of the top city break destinations in Europe, steeped in
history and buzzing with youthful energy, the Irish capital is at the very heart of Irish culture. Dublin embodies two very distinctly different features – its rich and varied history and cultural life which coexists happily with the ever changing, vibrant beat of contemporary life. Whether you are travelling in a group, with family, individually or on business
clubs, great shopping and plenty of culture plus a real passion for sport and you have everything you need for a memorable time in this vibrant city. Dublin is known throughout the world for its music, from The Dubliners and The Chieftains to U2. Be sure to check out the comprehensive events listings on the Visit Dublin website before you travel to find out what’s on when you’re in town.
you will find that there is something for everyone in Dublin. The city has an irresistible vibe and is bursting with colours, music, sights and scenes which provide the perfect backdrop for exploring the magic that is Dublin City and its beautiful surrounding County.
The National Concert Hall has an
It’s official: Dublin is also home to the friendliest people in the world. Add to this live music, packed pubs, hip
O’Donoghue’s, hold free sessions where
all-inclusive and diverse programme of events that caters to children as well as the classically informed. Free lunchtime concerts are a wonderful way to pass your lunch hour. On the traditional front several pubs, such as The Cobblestone and you’ll be mesmerised by the sheer talent of fiddle, bodhrán and mandolin virtuosos.
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Travel
I
t’s no secret that Dubliners love to party. Dublin’s unique spirit of fun and entertainment is evident in the host of festivals and events organised throughout the year. Whether you’re a film buff or a culture vulture, Dublin has a festival to match. The Temple Bar TradFest always jigs a post-Christmas lift in a celebration of traditional Irish music and culture. Cobbled alleys, Viking remains, Georgian squares, Gothic spires – Dublin’s history goes back over a thousand years.
Monuments in literature and stone mark the history, writers, poets, scientists and people of Dublin. Medieval, Georgian and Modern architecture provide a backdrop to a city on a bay where fine museums and world-class attractions chronicle Dublin’s long and colourful past. Visitors can follow Dublin’s fascinating history by: sightseeing bus tour; a guided walking tour; a DIY tour of Dublin with a free iWalk podcast from Visit Dublin or a tour of one of the city’s many excellent museums and art galleries.
The easiest way to explore the region is to purchase a ‘Dublin Pass’. Available in 1,2,3 and 6 Day formats, the Dublin Pass is the official sightseeing card for Dublin and provides great value for money starting at €35 for a 1 Day Adult Dublin Pass. The only problem is fitting it all in of course! Visit one of Dublin’s magnificent cathedrals. Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s oldest and most recognized landmarks, was founded in c. 1030 by Sitriuc Silkenbeard, King of the Dublin Norsemen. The worldfamous ‘Treasures of Christ Church’ collection reflects nearly 1,000 years of history at the cathedral. Delve into Dublin’s republican history with a visit to Kilmainham Gaol. Dating from 1796, the gaol was
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Dublin has a festival to match. The Temple Bar TradFest always jigs a post-Christmas lift in a celebration of traditional Irish music and culture.
famous as “a machine for grinding rogues honest”. Or perhaps infamous is a better word ... the building stands empty today, but its thick walls, grim graffiti and foreboding atmosphere still evoke a shiver. Watch out for the striking Victorian wing, where scenes from ‘Michael Collins’ and ‘The Name of the Father’ were filmed; an audio visual presentation and guided tour further tease out the gaol’s place in Irish political and penal history. Robert Emmet, Charles Stuart Parnell and Eamonn de Valera were all imprisoned at Kilmainham, and the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed by firing squad in the stone-breaker’s yard. Dublin truly is Europe’s city of living culture and as a UNESCO City of Literature, visitors can step back in time in this city full of literary landmarks: from the James Joyce Tower by the sea in Sandycove to Trinity College, alma mater of many of Ireland’s greatest writers and home of the Book of Kells. If art is your thing, be warned: you will have a very hard time getting around to all of Dublin’s art galleries!
You’ve marvelled at the museums and shopped ‘til you dropped’. It’s time for a drink. Where better to go when in the home of Guinness than to the Guinness Storehouse. Located alongside the world famous St. James’ Gate Brewery, the Guinness Storehouse is a bastion to the ‘Black Stuff’. Learn how the famous stout is made, discover the history of the man behind the Guinness brand, Arthur Guinness and sample a pint for yourself while admiring the view at the Gravity Bar. Dublin’s pubs are slices of its living culture. They are the famous haunts of its literary set, politicians, rock stars and of course, Dubliners! Ireland’s capital
city is home to some 1,000 pubs and no visit to Dublin would be complete without sampling a local brew and great ‘craic’ in a real Dublin pub! If Irish whiskey is your tipple, visit the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield and relive the story of John Jameson & Son through the history, the atmosphere and above all the taste. Dublin is ideally situated on the east coast of Ireland and just a 20 minute journey on the DART, the coastline train, will bring you from the bustling city centre to the charming coastal towns and villages of the County which dot the sometimes rugged, sometimes sandy coastline and which provide boundless opportunities for
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artisanal shopping, golf, water sports, mouth-watering seafood, fine dining and picturesque walks against the spectacular backdrop of Dublin Bay. Highlights along Dublin’s north coast include Howth, a peninsula populated with fantastic seafood restaurants for all price ranges, cosy Irish pubs, great walks and the pretty seaside town of Malahide. On Dublin’s south coast, visitors can explore Ireland’s medieval heritage at Dalkey Castle and dine on superb fresh fish and shellfish in the many great restaurants along the coast. The brave can take a dip in the infamous ‘Forty Foot’ bathing area in Sandycove. Further inland the Dublin Mountains provide ample opportunities for walkers. To visit Dublin is an experience to behold. The welcome is always warm, but then this is Ireland, after all !
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Not to be missed Ireland celebrates its patron saint St. Patrick on the 17th March each year, and Dublin stages the biggest and most extravagant St. Patrick’s Day Parade outsideb New York. Best Meal Dublin Lawyer, a luxurious dish for two, is reputedly named after the city’s wealthy lawyers and their liking for copious amounts of whiskey. The dish is usually made with crab or lobster, which are plentiful in Ireland.
Feature
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort WHERE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO GO AND NEVER WANT TO LEAVE words: John Brinkley
L
ocated on the West coast of the beautiful island of Phuket the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort manages to provide seamlessly the needs of 2 disparate types of guests without infringing on the enjoyment of the each other. The hotel is a perfect setting for those that are seeking a romantic getaway with their loved ones as well as those that are looking for a safe yet enjoyable location to spend time with their family. Accommodation Completely refurbished in 2013 Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort
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consists of 255 rooms split in to 10 room types each of which are superbly fitted out and are larger than you would find in western countries at an equivalent quality. The standard rooms are 43sq meters whilst the rooms in the Club category are 54 sq meters making them ideally suitable for families with small children that all want to stay together. All the rooms in the hotel overlook water, either the sea looking West or the lagoon looking East. Some rooms on the ground floor have small private verandas with sofas and those facing the sea also have direct access to the pool area, great if you have small children.
The Club This unique concept offers guests that choose rooms in the Club categories use of the facilities of the Club Lounge overlooking the lagoon. In addition to offering VIP check in guests also have the option to have their breakfast in the more relaxed atmosphere of the Club Lounge, unlimited soft drinks all day as well as light snacks in the afternoon and then free cocktails in the early evening accompanied with a tasting menu from the Chef. This is probably the best deal on Phuket and definitely to be
recommended and suitable for couples and families alike Dining Guests staying at the Resort are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. The main dining area is at Locavore which specializes in dishes created from locally sourced ingredients that are in season and the hotel works closely with local farmers and fishermen to ensure the highest quality produce is provided. A comprehensive international a la cart menu to choose from along with a series of specialty buffets, be sure to try the seafood and Thai buffets on different nights.
For those wanting a relaxed style meal
For those want something extra
make your way to Metzo’s Bistro and
special or romantic why not ask for
select from a range of dishes from all
a private table set up with romantic
around the Mediterranean. Order a
touches such as flowers and mood
variety of dishes and simply share
lighting at the beachfront.
so that you get the greatest variety of tastes.
The hotel also offers signing facilities at over 30 hotel restaurants in the Laguna
Close to the beach and right on the
area so if you fancy a night away from
edge of the luxury swimming pool
the hotel head over to there.
is the appropriately named Edge water which offers a combination
Activities
of Asian and western fast food
There is so much to do at the hotel you
including excellent burgers and
will wonder how you are going to fit it all
pizzas. Absolutely perfect for when
in. Central to any daytime activity is the
the children (young and old) want a
large pool area that is split in to different
familiar taste of home
zones to cater for different needs.
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Feature
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There is a kids pool area for the very young and then a water play area that includes the only water slide in a hotel in Phuket. A full 55m of fun. The adult activity area hosts water polo and aerobics at different times of the day as well as an opportunity to try scuba diving whilst those seeking more seclusion and quiet should make their way to the areas reserved just for this.
grass outdoor and one indoor court,
Other water sports include sailing, windsurfing and canoeing all in the safety of the adjacent lagoon whilst those energetic amongst you may choose to play some tennis, badminton or visit the adjacent 18 holes golf course.
Open to visitors and locals, Outrigger
You’ll find several tennis facilities across Phuket Island but players have confirmed that tennis at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort is not just a game it’s an outstanding experience. It was Singaporean based professional tennis management company Savitar’s ambition to develop and offer world-class tennis programmes which cater for all age groups and abilities. With extensive tennis programmes, a dedicated Director of Tennis, three synthetic
James Corin has eight years of
players enjoy the advantages of learning to play tennis through expert coaching, get a good, fun workout and by participating in various group activities meet new people and have a great time. Floodlights make it possible to have social events in the evenings. On-site car parking is close to the Tennis Centre.
an opportunity to get up close and for young children to take a short ride whilst you get those important photographic memories In 2013 the resort won “Best Family Resort in Thailand” with Kids Magazine and “Thailand Family Travel Award” from TripAdvisor in 2014 reinforcing the resorts ethos of being totally family friendly.
Tennis Centre offers training for all age groups from the young to the young at heart, from beginners to semi-professionals.
more information
Originally from the United Kingdom, Outriggers Director of tennis, coaching experience from Middle East, USA and Europe. His experience stretches from coaching 5-year olds to mature adults and from beginners to advanced players. There is a spa for those that wish to indulge so why not book your children in to the Kids Club whilst you enjoy a little pampering. Be sure to also visit the bay elephant that arrives each morning when you will have
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort 323 Moo 2 Srisoonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang Bangtao Beach, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 (0)76 360-600 FAX: +66 (0) 76 360-670 www.outrigger.com
springfieldresort
BASK IN BAREFOOT SPLENDOR 858 Jumnong-Poomivej Rd., ChaAm, Petchaburi 76120 T: 032 709300
BKK Office : 52 Thaniya Building, 9M Floor, Silom Rd., Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 T: 02 2312244 ext. 108, 109
E: reservationbkk@springfieldresort.com
W: www.sprignfieldresort.com
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topten22photo / Shutterstock.com
lopburi monkey festival MONKEY CAPERS words: Paul Eastland
L
opburi has a long history, originally known as Lavo (city of lava), it can trace its history all the way back to the Devaravati period more than 1,000 years ago. But once a year on the last weekend in November, all hell breaks loose as the circus comes to town, in the guise of the world famous Monkey Festival. As the name of the festival itself indicates, this is a festival where the monkeys along with the food are the protagonists. In Thailand, there is the belief that King Rama gave a piece of
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land known as Lopburi to Hanuman who was the Monkey King. Centuries later, monkeys still rule the area around the town’s two most sacred sites: The picturesque Khmer ruin of Sam Prang Yod and the nearby shrine of San Pra Kan. For that reason, nearly 2000 monkeys each year receive thousands of pounds of food (like fruits and desserts) in a big table where the public revel in this spectacular event. The guests of honor climb all over the food, steal treats from each other, and
toss their leftovers onto the ground. After the meal, some of the guests show their gratitude by pulling hair and stealing earrings from the hosts while others make love in public. The “invitations” at this annual extravaganza go to the town’s estimated 2000 monkeys, as they are Lopburi’s blessing and its lifeblood. Although the monkeys live in the midst of the city and are not afraid of humans, they are certainly not domesticated. From their base in the shrines, they cross streets at will to
climb on parked cars and groom each other on shop front awnings. They are equally at home scampering about the ancient Khmer ruins as they are scrambling up and down the urban jungle of electric wires, window grates and TV antennas. Living or working in the monkey zone is both fun and trying. While other Lopburi residents also appreciate the monkeys, their praise is qualified. Two Thai words often heard Lopburi are “yeng” and “son”, meaning “grab” and “naughty”, respectively. One local resident explains: “I like the monkeys, but they are often very naughty. If you carry something, hold it tight. They like to grab things, like fruit or candy. They even like to grab babies’ bottles.” The citizens of Lopburi have adapted to
Lopburi have developed a unique cone shaped attachment which hangs from the antenna pole. It seems to be the only physical barrier which the monkeys are unable to pass. Even for all the nuisance, there is no question that the monkeys bring benefits to Lopburi. The unique urban wildlife brings joy to even longtime residents: on the balcony of one of the apartments facing San Pra Kan shrine, a mother holds her child who laughs delightedly as he offers morsels of food to the monkeys clambering up the side of the building. Other benefits, spiritual and tangible, accrue to the town. Spiritually, the monkeys offer the citizens of Lopburi wonderful opportunities to tum boon (make merit). According to Thai beliefs,
donating food to the monkeys is a perfect way to accrue good karma. Judging from the hundreds of healthy monkeys scampering about, Lopburi residents are assured places in the highest levels of Buddhist heaven. The monkeys bring more tangible benefits to Lopburi, they put Lopburi on the map, people all over the world know about Lopburi because of the monkeys,whether Thais on a day trip from Bangkok, or” Farangs” (foreigners) on tour from their multitude of countries, thousands of tourists come to see the monkeys of Lopburi. That’s not to say there is nothing else to see Lopburi boasts other attractions, too. Thais like to visit nearby Pasak Dam and the lovely sunflower fields. Europeans enjoy
their town’s celebrated citizens. Food vendors in the monkey zone keep sticks or slingshots at hand to ward them off. To prevent the monkeys from climbing on television antennas, the citizens of
topten22photo / Shutterstock.com
Lopburi’s blessing and its lifeblood. Although the monkeys live in the midst of the city and are not afraid of humans topten22photo / Shutterstock.com
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King Narai’s Palace, which was built with design contributions from French architects in a unique blend of Thai and Western styles. At the recent feast, spectators entered the Sam Prang Yod grounds in the morning to find a huge plate - veiled in festive red cloth. In years past, the food was placed on as many as 100 small tables, now they all congregate around the one big feasting plate; the reason for this is for both symbolic and practical reasons. As spectators watched from the ground and monkeys watched from high up on the ruins, the town’s high school students marched to the temple carrying brightly colored banners. When the magic moment arrived, the single giant plate was unveiled to reveal a bounty of brightly colored fruits arranged in enticing patterns around a centre of flavored rice. The Thai dancers danced, the
topten22photo / Shutterstock.com
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photographers photographed, and the monkeys seemed unsure of what to make of it all.
After the monkeys ate their fill and
Slowly and cautiously, some of the braver monkeys climbed down off the ruin, grabbed some fruit and scampered away. As the monkeys came to understand the nature of the bounty before them, more and more came crawling down off the ruins and the feast began in earnest. There were monkeys faces buried in papaya, ripping open rambutans, chasing away rivals from choice pieces of watermelon, mothers holding bewildered infants, swaggering adolescents chugging down cans of soda. The crowd watched in delight and the photographers lined up for the best shots as the monkeys got down to the serious business of literally stuffing their faces (monkeys store excess food in cheek pouches).
temple grounds, often interacting..
the feast wound down, monkeys and humans alike strolled the Throughout the compound, fascinated youngsters handed peanuts and water bottles to the ever-acquisitive monkeys. The sated monkeys played, fought, nursed their babies and humped as fascinated humans continued to watch, feed, photograph, and in rare instances, pet them. As the heat of the afternoon descended on the scene, the crowd began thinning out. The day trippers headed back to Bangkok, the foreign tourists to their hotels, the Lopburi residents home to eat their own meals. The ancient and majestic Khmer ruin of Sam Prang Yod ended the day as it began: Kingdom of the monkeys.
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Off the beaten track
Take a Detour and Enjoy Bangkok OFF THE BEATEN PATH words: Ian Stewart
B
angkok, Thailand. It’s bustling. It’s exciting and alive, thriving morning, noon, and night. It’s
loud: traffic in the streets and voices, trains overhead and vendors making noises. But there are escapes. Places to whisper, secrets to tell, the city is not entirely a flurry of commotion. In fact, The City of Angels is rife with out-of-the-way places, and they’re made that much more special because of their stark contrast to the everyday life that we
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usually experience in this sprawling Asian metropolis. They provide diversions, detours off the beaten path.
and developed part of the city. It’s
In a city known for its pavement and steel, and not so much as a paragon of natural beauty or green urban planning, several Bangkok parks serve city-weary residents and visitors as soothing urban oases.
of the Chao Phraya River, and it is a
One such place is known as “the lungs of Bangkok,” and it can be found across the river from the congested
has bike paths and hiking trails, kayaks
called Bang Krachao, located in the Phra Pradang district on the banks vast verdant sanctuary removed from the concrete jungle and comprised of orchards, gardens, and brackish swampy mangrove. It’s a place for fresh air and fresh scenery, and the park here and paddle boats, and on weekends a local farmers’ floating market.
a winding man-made lake, shade
Keeping with the water theme, there
trees and most of all, quiet! Here, the
is another excellent and low-key
habitat makes room for you alongside
weekend retreat a few kilometers
Floating Market, easily reached via an inexpensive cab ride from the BTS line on the Thonburi side of town. It has everything you could possibly need when whiling away half a day with family or friends, and since it has stayed somewhat on the periphery of the famous tour-booked floating markets like Amphawa, it feels a bit more authentic and the pace is definitely easy-going. For me, Taling
the monitor lizards and turtles, joggers
outside the city called Taling Chan
Chan is about the food, food, food!
It’s an amazing place to experience
and people practicing tai chi, punters
natural beauty in a city of unfettered
in pedal boats, and day-old bread
development.
vendors whose wares are meant to
Another urban green space and retreat from the hectic city traffic is Lumphini Park. Its 140 acres are made up of bike paths, colorful flora,
be fed to the numerous fish living in the lake, blissfully ignorant of the city all around them. As will you be upon visiting this wonderful escape.
Bangkok, Thailand. It’s bustling. It’s exciting and alive
You’ll want to tuck into some of the great seafood on offer, in a traditional canal-side setting sitting on the floor with the locals. Then, take a trip on a longtail boat through the nearby network of canals, or make a few silly impulse buys in the market, and sample a whole lot of other delicious noshing options. You can even relax with an outdoor foot massage under the shade trees and take in the relaxed scene.
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Off the beaten track
The city is not entirely a flurry of commotion.
O
n the banks of the Khlong Bang Luang Canal, also on the Thonburi side of the
river, and away from the madding crowd, check out The Artist’s House, or Baan Silapin, a gallery and art center that has the ability to inspire. This enclave of creativity is at the heart of an eclectic waterfront community that has attracted art professionals and students alike, and features the works of painters, sketch artists, photographers, sculptors and nearly everything in between. The most famous artists in residence are probably the traditional Thai shadow puppet troupe called Kum Nai Hun Lakon Lek, who recreates scenes from the famous Ramakien poem every day, except Wednesdays. There is a truly artsy, laid
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back café at Baan Silapin, and several other structures in the community like temples, smaller art studios, noodle shops, and even a small guesthouse, all contributing to the cool, carefree atmosphere. For a real freaky time, head to the infirmary. That’s right, off the beaten path, across the river from the Grand Palace and Khao San Road area, visit Bangkok’s esteemed Siriraj Hospital and its infamous medical museum. Nicknamed the Museum of Death, the facility actually consists of several exhibits on site including the Forensic Medicine Museum, the Pathological Museum, the Anatomical Museum, and my personal shiver-inducing favorite, the Museum of Parasitology, among others.
And there are many more interesting and out-of-the-way places in Bangkok, including the Neilson Hays Library, which was established in 1869 by the Bangkok Ladies’ Library Association and which is located in a quaint historic building in Bangkok and devoted to books, art, and creative workshops; the campus of Chulalongkorn University, the oldest university under the Thai modern educational system and home to many cool museums and galleries; or Amantee (which means “peaceful space”), a lush tropical garden featuring Oriental and Tibetan antiques and art; and the list could go on and on. So just remember, while Bangkok may be a heaving urban sprawl, there are plenty of places to escape the rush.
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Review
LIFE IS MAGNIFIQUE AT
Sof itel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort words: Paul Eastland
E
njoy an unforgettable family holiday at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Set in a lush tropical garden with the largest free-form swimming pool in Krabi, and a few steps from the beach, the hotel is a dream tropical hideaway. Discerning guests of Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort can enhance their stay with a signature Leisure Butler service. From the minute you arrive, your personal assistant is available to ensure your stay is truly memorable. The luxurious five-star Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort offers 276 rooms, each reflecting beauty and simplicity of design enhanced with natural teakwood floors and elegant furnishings. Comforts include the signature MyBed by Sofitel, a large bathroom with walk-in shower, bathtub, branded toiletries, desk, high-speed internet, and a private balcony overlooking the expansive gardens or Andaman Sea.
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With an enviable location in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, the hotel features a state-of-the-art business centre, dedicated meeting rooms, and an impressive pillarless Grand Ballroom. The elegant 1,000 sq.m. air-conditioned marquee can comfortably accommodate up to 950 guests. It is the perfect choice for dream weddings, impressive banquets, and events with impact. You can dine at three renowned restaurants serving Thai, Indian, Italian and international cuisines, chill-out at Koh Poda swim-up pool bar, stay in shape at a fully equipped fitness centre, or relax in the tranquil So SPA with L’Occitane where you can experience rejuvenating treatments that combine ancient Thai traditions with French cosmetology in the privacy of an intimate setting. At the family-friendly hotel, there are a choice of daily activities for adults such as Tai Chi and yoga while youngsters can have fun at the colourful Kid’s Club. Premium services include the luxury Phokeethra speedboat for sunset cruises or personalised excursions to nearby tropical islands. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the region’s dramatic natural landscape while playing a thrilling game on the resort’s exclusive course at the neighbouring Phokeethra Golf Krabi.
200 Moo 3, Klong Muang Beach, Tambon Nongtalay, Amphur Muang, Krabi 81000 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 75 627 800 Email: H6184-RE@SOFITEL.COM www.sofitel.com/6184
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Review
shiki CITY HOTEL SRIRACHA words: Paul Eastland
S
riracha has always been synonymous for its large population of Japanese,
expats and tourists alike. So it was with great enthusiasm that we paid a welcome visit to Shiki, the signature Japanese restaurant of the highly
the dedicated “raw” station, where
That is why it certainly opened
you can watch in amazement as
my eyes to a whole new culinary
the highly skilled chefs demonstrate
experience at Shiki.
their talents carving and slicing an
Shiki’s interior is designed in a traditional style with seating for 97
enormous range of mouth watering offerings from the oceans near and far.
people, with different seating areas
As I said before my knowledge of
and styles, with 3 private dining rooms
Japanese food was solely limited
seating 6 to 12 people, there is the
to sushi and sashimi, so it was
Many people (including me) have or
main dining room with sunken seating
unexpected when presented with
had a very narrow minded view that
to reflect that traditional feeling, and
the highly comprehensive menu,
Japanese cuisine revolves around raw
bar stools running along the length of
which was thankfully accompanied
prestigious City Hotel, located in the heart of Sriracha city center.
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fish and is all about sushi and sashimi.
Shoyu Ramen which is a Japanese Noodle soup dish consisting of a variety of different vegetables, with great chunks of melt in your mouth, succulent pork.
by pictures describing each dish, we preceded to order a selection of dishes starting with a delightful starter called Takoyaki a small traditional snack made of minced octopus wrapped in a wheat based batter. Eagerly moving on to the main courses we
What can I say; this was a totally different experience from other Japanese fare that I have encountered, where credit must go to Khun Kittinon the highly skilled chef, who has 17 years experience of preparing and serving the raw dishes including Sushi and Sashimi after being taught by the great master chefs of Sushi Kou in Bangkok. He says “I think I can be even more creative.” But I don’t think Kittinon needs to be, much of the delight in his cooking is to be found, not in the bold and exotic, but rather in the masterful reawakening of familiar tastes.
established hotel based Japanese restaurant in Sriracha, and we strive to be the benchmark for the hugely increasing tourist and expat community that we are seeing at the moment, by keeping to the standards we have set and continually serving quality, value for money dishes, that will make customers return again and again”, well I for one will certainly be returning. I am telling you this as honestly as I can: This dinner at the Shiki was one of the most memorable meals I’ve had anywhere, for a long, long time.
more information
A final quote from Resident manager Daisuke Watanabe “we are the longest
opted for Gyuniku Enoki, grilled beef strips tightly wrapped around Enoki mushrooms, they accompany
The city hotel sriracha
each other to perfection, this was
6/126 Moo2 Sukhumvit, Sriracha, Chonburi, 20110, Thailand
accompanied with Koroke a Japanese style croquette seasoned mashed potato surrounded with Japanese breadcrumbs, I just loved these, next we were presented with my old favorite Sashimi Mori, a selection of unbelievably fresh fish , which
Tel: 038-322700-28 (Oversea: 66-38-322700) Fax: 038-322739 www.citysriracha.com/dining
was presented as a piece of art accompanied with intricately carved vegetables and pickles and served with the obligatory taste tingling Wasabi, it was presented so well, it seemed a shame to eat it, the wife chose the next two dishes which arrived as Unagi Kabayaki, which translated is fillet of freshwater eel, dipped in sweet soy sauce and then grilled, I must say the wife has a good eye, because the taste of this was exquisite, then came the final dish of our dining extravaganza,
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Review
IT’S ALWAYS MORE FUN AT
two chefs words: John Brinkley
I
t is often said that travel broadens the mind but it just as equally broadens our sense of taste and as we travel more we become more adventurous. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Phuket where there is every conceivable style of cooking available, so much so that it can sometimes be a problem as to where to choose as everyone in your group wants to have something different. The solution to your problem – Two Chefs restaurants who serve a variety of international dishes with a Swedish twist. Whether you fancy Tex-Mex, steaks with different sauces, seafood bouillabaisse, fresh grilled seafood, or Thai the friendly staff can make sure you dine in style, and all with a smile With locations in Kata center, Kata Beach and Karon Two Chefs offers a wide selection of international dishes to suit most taste buds and has a few items on their menu that might make you planning a return trip very soon, after all there is only so much you
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can eat in one go. It does not matter which one you go to (why not try all 3?) as the main menu is the same but there is some variation each night between the specials that are on offer. Two Chefs have been looking after their guests in Phuket since 2000 so have had plenty of practice with intimate dinners, large groups, parties, and even catering for personal parties at home. Being a believer that the owners of a restaurant always know what is freshest and best on the menu we
once again let Adam and Krister, our hosts for the night choose the dishes. If you really cannot make up your mind what to choose we really recommend you ask for suggestions.
more information
Two Chefs Bar & Grill @ Kata Beach 229 Koktanod, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100 Tel: +66 (0)76 333 370 @ Kata Center 32 Karon Road Karon sub-district Muang district, Phuket 83100 Thailand Tel: +66 (0)76 330 065
Everybody dining at Two Chefs gets a little sampler introduction before their ordered food arrives. When we were there it was a small glass of Lobster soup which we will definitely be going back for a larger portion as it was both creamy and not overpowering. Our starter was Toast Skagen, which is basic terms is diced prawns in a homemade sauce served on toast but such a simple description does not do it justice. A blend of prawn, dill and homemade mayonnaise on top a lightly toasted bread made for an excellent start to the evening. Two Chefs even have gluten free bread on request to ensure everyone gets a chance to try this Scandinavian dish. We chose to have our starter with a glass of Weisbeer whose slightly smoky flavor complimented the seafood Main course was Two Chefs signature steak – the Plank steak served with mashed potato, along with homemade béarnaise sauce and a light red wine sauce. This is all served on a plank of wood that has been heated in a hot oven for a period of time which helps keep the steak warm whilst you are eating it. The presentation was superb and definitely worth a photo to share on Facebook, as was the flavor. The Australian grain fed beef was cooked to perfection,
we opted for medium rare, and the acidity of the béarnaise sauce made for a superb combination. I do not know where Two Chefs get their potatoes (everything is a secret and justly so) but they were light and fluffy with none of that sweetness that so many of the potatoes you get in Phuket suffer from. To accompany this we were recommended a Chilean Merlot which is available by the glass or the bottle. This was full of flavors that complimented the beef perfectly and was a testament to the argument of offering good quality wine by the glass and not just the bottle as we went back for a second glass to finish off the steak and get ready for desert. As soon as the dessert was placed in front of us we knew that this was going to be a “man’s dinner” that was going to leave us full by the end. Nothing sexist in the comment but steak followed by anything chocolate is something that most men have a problem turning down. In this case it was a homemade chocolate mousse with raspberries on top and a small serving of pineapple crumble and ice cream as an accompaniment. Light, fluffy, decadent, it was all we could do not to eat it in large spoonfulls but instead enjoy the explosion of chocolate tastes that just
@Karon Beach 256-7 Patak Road T.Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100 Thailand Tel: +66 (0)76 286 479 @Kamala 9/96,9/97,9/98,9/99. Moo 6, Kamala Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel: +66 (0)76 385 052 www.twochefs.com
made the mouth water. Pineapple crumple is not what I would have expected to accompany a chocolate mousse but the different texture and sweetness of it made for a more enjoyable experience with the mousse. We finally wrapped up the meal with an excellent coffee, black this time having declined the offer of an Irish coffee, something to be saved for next time Absolute Thai Magazine would like to offer readers an opportunity to try Two Chefs for yourself and have arranged with Two Chefs for 50 vouchers giving25% off the total bill to be available. Visit www.tastevouchers.com/ absolutemagazine to register.
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Review
alexander burger THE NEW STAR OF THE ANDAMAN words: Laurence Civil
T
he Michelin Guides star rating system has to date eluded Thailand. However numbers of the international Chef it has recognised have been flocking to the Kingdom for many years for guest chef appearances at some of the finest restaurants. Its only in the past year that these Chefs have been opening their own restaurants here, most notably Joel Rubochon in Bangkok. While in fact the first was Aziamendi a 20 minute drive north of Phuket International Airport at Inalia Beach House on the shores of Natal Beach,
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which opened in December 2013.
lifetime dining experience to Thailand.
It’s location is an extravagantly decadent 10 room beach villa resort built by philanthropist Mark Weingard who commissioned a different world famous architect to design each of the villas their way. As the whole guest house when let to a single client has a price tag of US$ 12,000 it needed a restaurant of an equal calibre to ensure they ate as well as they slept. To meet this demand he invited Eneko Atxa Spain’s youngest recipient of the coveted Michelin 3 stars at Aziamendi in Bilbao Spain to bring his once in a
He visits Thailand three times a year to check and innovate. The rest of the time his right hand man Chef Alex Burger is in charge of the kitchen. He was previously working with Daniel Boulad for 5 years in New York which gave him the knowledge and passion to ensure Eneko’s high culinary standards are maintained. Fabian Etienne, Head Sommelier ensures that the wine poured is balanced with the food. He previously worked at the Capital Hotel London,
Hotel du Palais in Biarritz and ‘Dinner ‘by Heston Blumenthal’. His wine list recently won Best National, Restaurant & Wine Bar and Phuket & region categories of Wine list of the Year 2014 Thailand. “We wanted to create a wine list that focused on every region of the world with over 300 labels,” says Fabien, “offering wines wines that arent found everywhere else in Phuket. I focussed on wines by the glass listing seven reds, seven whites, three sparkling, three sweets, two ports and one rose. Lunch in the lounge is a more casual serving Aziamendi Plates, a selection of gastronomic pintxos, small snacks from Northern Spain typically eaten in bars. Exquisitely crafted ham croquettes, squid croquettes, salmon rolls, potato omelette foam, foie gras mille-feuille, prawn brochettes, mini burgers and anchovy salad. Without question dinner here Dinner is a once in a lifetime dining experience. A culinary journey of discovery served at multiple locations not just at the table. The appetisers are served as a picnic in the garden. Guest start selecting anchovy mille feuille, mojito in bon bon, and an
airbag with cured pork and avocado cream from a whicker hamper. On a bonsai tree guests pick a juicy cherry tomato and peel off edible bark. In the kitchen they savour an egg yolk injected with a truffle jus. Dinner continues back in the dining room with a 10 course Experience food and wine pairing menu. Oysters with Sea foam served with 2011 Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie, Chateau de la Chesnaie, Loire Valley, France. Crab with juilienne of green apple served with 2011 Altivo Vineyard Selection, Torrentes, Cafate, Saita, Argentina. Tomato tartlet with Parmesan with 20111 Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Velenosu, Marches, Italy. With the squid noodles he made an exception to pairing with wine and opted instead for Sake Yukino Bosha. Junmai, Akita, Japan. We were back with wine for with local tuna opting for 2010 Gruner Veltiner, “Terrassen, Fred Loimer, Kamptal, Austria. The last main course was Oxtail Ravioli with Garbanzos (chick pea). To conclude the meal a coconut pre-dessert and chocolate and passion fruit dessert both served with 2007 Vin de Constance, Klein Konstantia, Constantia, South Africa, then Petit Fours.
Their Thai cheese selection is supplied by Pure Organic in Phuket. Two from the north are made by Chiang Rai Cheese who buy raw (unpasterised) Holstein dairy cattle milk from Chiang Rai Dairy Cooperative to make a semi soft Chiang Rai Blue which is aged for three months and a Tomme de Chiang Mai. While their goats cheese is made on the Eastern Seaboard at Lulu and Daisy Goat Farm, the only producers of this type of cheese in Thailand. Being both a business and philanthropic foundation i 5% of all of Aziamendi’s income goes directly to Mark’s Inspirasia Foundation which supports charities in the region that focus on disability and education for the disadvantaged.
more information
Aziamendi 40/14 Moo Ban 6 Natai Phang-nga 62140 Tel +66-7645-1456 www.iniala.com Location isn’t an issue as complimentary transport can be arranged by the restaurant to and from Phuket island when guests are making their reservation.
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Review
Smokin’ Fish BY CHEF PLAYIM words: Amy Bensema
H
aving a successful restaurant in the trendy heart of Phuket town can often times be
you go to when you want to feel exactly like you would if you were
difficult business. There is constant
eating at home. The restaurant itself is
competition, the demographic is
small, clean and cozy. The staff are
always being reevaluated, and often
attentive and friendly, and the food
times, doors open and doors close. One
is just plain good. With the motto
restaurant that has stood the test of time,
“Homemade Style Meal - Bestest
recently had a face lift, and continues to be
& Freshest,” Smokin’ Fish delivers
a popular favourite is Smokin’ Fish by Chef
quality, five star fusion meals at
Playim. Judging by the constant queue
beyond affordable prices.
outside of the restaurant on any given evening, Phuket town agrees with us.
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Chef Playim is the type of restaurant
Utilizing local ingredients and fresh finds from the markets, Smokin’ Fish
Located downtown Phuket on
by Chef Playim creates a unique,
Phang Nga Road, Smokin’ Fish by
flavourful menu. Popular set menu
favourites include the Jack Russel Burger, the Grilled Andaman Prawn Pasta, and the Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab Salad served with spicy dressing. A variety of daily specials are also offered depending upon what’s available at the market; the rotating daily specials of Smokin’ Fish by Chef Playim are the real treat. The specials range from homemade Beef Lasagna, which is our favourite, to Scallops Alfredo, Roasted chicken with potatoes & onions, as well as Mediterranean Herb Skewers and Boxty - traditional Irish potato pancakes topped with smoked salmon and smothered in creme fraiche. As an expat living in Thailand, it’s not often that you find a restaurant that serves up dishes so authentic you feel a tiny bit of nostalgia for home. The restaurant also serves up a variety of Italian sodas, beers, wines, soft drinks and exotic, refreshing cocktails. The signature Smokin’ Fish cocktail is a must try. It should also be noted that the restaurant serves bottled Beer Lao at a cheap price!
Besides the great food, another popular selling point of Smokin’ Fish by Chef Playim is the inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is modern and vintage all at the same time; the walls are painted with chalkboard paint. The doodles scattered across them represent some of the loyal customers and friends who have frequented the restaurant since its opening. The tables are made of blonde wood, and positioned familystyle around the restaurant making it easy to converse with the next table over or have a small, intimate dinner with friends. The owners of the restaurant, affectionately known by their nicknames, Beaver and Bim, are a young, friendly couple who are thankful for their regular customers
but also excited when new customers come into the restaurant. Fluent in English and avid travellers, the couple is eager to please. Beaver has been known to whip up a special meal upon request, and he is open to feedback regarding his culinary delights. Their easy conversation and silly jokes tend to bring the new customers continuously back for more, plus the couples are a wealth of information regarding Phuket. Smokin’ Fish by Chef Playim is a true rare gem in Phuket town, and we highly recommend you stop by for a homemade style meal, however, in order to avoid the queue we recommend you get their early. The restaurant opens Monday through Saturday from 5:00 – 10:00 pm, and the last order is at 9:00 pm.
more information
Smokin’ fish By Chef Playim More information can be found on their Facebook http://on.fb.me/1ul7Shw Tel: 083-520-7968 087-595-0596
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Fashion
Katalina Beach Life SWIMWEAR SO GOOD
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P
huket, Thailand is part of the Land of Smiles and this time we are giving the guys something to smile about... and the girls too!
Katalina Beach Life recently launched the worldwide campaign of their latest collections; Signature and LUXE by Designer Katarina Bonér and had their photo shoot at various locations around Phuket. On top of that, Fashion One’s International Network’s Content Provider/Producer in Thailand Ms. Able Wanamakok along with her team also did a behind-the-scenes video shoot of this swimwear collection due for release worldwide on Fashion One in February 2015.
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Fashion
Enjoy the collection featuring Brazilian model Jackie Almeida Make up Artist Viani Junpapron ( EDDY ) with photos taken by The Design Studio. www.thedesignhouse.co.th
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Feature
FROM DREAM TO REALITY
mongkol luang art and culture centre words: Neil Stacey
Side view of centre
I
n November 2014, with a local crowd and one Farang (Foreign) dignitaries and after 43 years of
the foundations opening a new art and culture centre has opened in Bann Mueng, here people can view some of the province’s history The art and culture center, known as Mongkol Luang Art and Culture Center, will help raise local people’s
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Pol. Gen. Wichean Potephosree at opening ceremony
awareness of the history of the region and will become an eco-tourism destination based on sustainable development principles benefiting the local community. The center was build with donations from several companies including The Absolute World Group who helped with a significant donation, along with other companies and local fund raising, and officially opened its
doors on November 30th with Pol. Gen. Wichean Potephosree, Monks, Local dignitaries and Chris Clifford on behalf of the Absolute World Group. ”We are proud to support such a great cause, with so many people coming from Issan and working with us in Phuket and Koh Samui, it was fantastic to give back to the Issan Community“ Said Chris Clifford
Bann Mueng Pea, which is located in the Khon Kaen province, is located in Thailand’s central-northwestern area of Isaan and lies in the middle of an economically depressed region. However, as seen all around this beautiful country, Thais love to help their neighbors, and the seed of an idea to help children in this area become enrolled in school, stay focused and graduate took root over 43 years ago and is still going strong today; it is a charity with a long history and an excellent story The Mongkolsarawisudhianusorn Foundation gives poor children, who might not have the means to get into a school, the resources they need. From pre-school until university graduation, the
Mongkolsarawisudhianusorn Foundation is with the student every step of the way. The three main objectives set forth in the foundations charter are: 1) to support the study of monks and students in all levels; 2) to provide both financial support to the monks and child monks who have illness or cannot help themselves; and 3) to give charity in various aspects. The idea for the foundation started a long time ago when Khun Pichai Chamnanpri, who was living in Bann Mueng Pea at the time, had to walk seven kilometers to and from his school that would turn him into a police inspector. On his daily, long and hot walk, he witnessed many
As well as allowing people to view the provinces history, it is planned within the premises to a study room where local students can go after school to do their homework, study and socialize in a safe, clean and enjoyable environment.
Some artifacts on display
Children receiving schooling fees for year
Khun Pichai Chamnanpri with his wife
Children waiting for them to be preseated with schooling fees
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Feature
children that were not in school when they should have been. He soon found out that the parents did not have the means to enroll their children nor a way to get them to and from the school every day. So after Khun Pichai Chamnanpri graduated (he later went on to become a Police Major General), he started the Mongkolsarawisudhianusorn Foundation, and 43 years later it is still going strong. The foundation has helped thousands of students earn their degrees and create a better life for themselves and their families. The word of serious people with a serious job has made this foundation a success. The Thai’s excellent business sense has caused the foundation to have
low overhead and administration costs which means more of the donations go toward the goal: the students.
to ensure that 100% of the funds go toward helping needy students. Last year, over 300 school students and 20 university students were able to graduate or go to school.
We are proud to support such a great cause, with so many people coming from Issan and working with us in Phuket and Koh Samui Even when Pichai Chamnanpri fell ill after 18 years as the foundation’s president, he was able to call upon his close brother to take it over and continue the foundations good work. Even though he held the position of Supreme Commander of Thailand’s Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chitphol Kanchanakit still manages to find time to over the foundation and
In Isaan, a little bit of money goes a long way so when individuals and companies donated a fairly sizeable amount of baht to the foundation, this ensured continued education for hundreds of students. Uniforms could be bought, school supplies could be passed out and transportation could continue bringing the smiling children’s faces to and from school. Chris Clifford an ambassador for the foundation would like to thank all of those who helped support the foundation with their donations.
Map of Ancient City
Ceremonial dancers at opening
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Chris Clifford with a student who has graduated from the help of foundation
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Tri-Shawa Resort 332 Moo 1 Khlong-Wan Prachuab Khiri-Khan 77000 ตรีชวา รีสอร์ท 332 หมู่ที่ 1 ตำบลคลองวาฬ อำเภอเมือง จังหวัดประจวบคีรีขันธ์ Contact Us : bangkok.trishawa@gmail.com, 02-941-4687, 085-240-4029, 032-662-037, Fax : 032-662-010
Off the beaten track
Sriracha & Koh Sichang TIMELESS WONDERS words: Paul Eastland
S
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riracha is a beautiful coastal town in the province of Chonburi, with a fanciful balance between modern and traditional Thailand. It is also known for the world famous, fiery hot Sriracha chili sauce and Sriracha Chicken.
exercise machines. In the evening you can watch
Not far from Pattaya and only one hour drive from Bangkok (100km), Sriracha is a perfect city for holidaying, eating seafood, at one of the many excellent seafood restaurants, visit its temples or simply relax. Even though the city is located near Pattaya it is usually not crowded with tourists.
and revered temples in the city. This Thai-Chinese
Tourists in Sriracha can enjoy many beautiful places like the wonderful health park and its
pool with giant turtles, where visitors can actually
as hundreds of local people emerge to practice aerobics, jogging or tai chi As in most cities in Thailand Sriracha has many temples. Wat Ko Loy is one of the most beautiful temple is located on Ko Loy, a tiny island close to Sriracha Beach and connected with the mainland by a 1 km bridge. The island offers great views of Sriracha. Just in front of the temple is the Sea Turtle Conservation Project, a giant purpose built feed the turtles.
Ko Si Chang the nearest and most
alike. Small it may be, but it has many
that has. White coral sand beaches, crystal clear seas, lush greenery, colorful fishing boats, and beautiful Chinese-style temples. Thailand at its most welcoming. Popularity has its price - it is a little crowded at weekends. But, there are many secluded small coves within easy reach of the ferry stop, and various forms of transport to hand.
facilities and attraction that make this
Visiting Sriracha Tiger Zoo
easily accessible island of note to Bangkok - 100kms. The fact that it is also a just a short drive from Pattaya, helps it in the popularity stakes. But Ko Si Chang is not popular just because of its ease of access. Ko Si Chang is a beautiful island with much to offer tourists - Foreigners and Thais
one of the most popular Islands on the East coast of Thailand. When setting foot on Ko Si Chang, you are immediately aware that you are in ‘Tropical� Thailand- on an island
Tourists in Sriracha can enjoy many beautiful places like the wonderful health park and its exercise machines.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo is a beautiful zoo with hoards of crocodiles, Bengal tigers, camels, deer, wallabies, ostriches, scorpions and many more. Located in a natural atmosphere,
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Off the beaten track
As in most cities in Thailand, Sriracha has many temples Ewa Studio / Shutterstock.com
the zoo claims a population of 200 tigers and around 10,000 crocodiles, the largest such populations in the world. There are four different shows at various times during the day, including Amazing Circus: with crocodile, bear, pig, elephant and tiger shows. Perhaps the most fascinating (and dangerous) show is the Crocodile Show, performed by a girl and a guy. The guy sticks his head in a crocodile mouth while the lady fights and wrestles the alligators with bare hand putting their lives at risk. Visitors can also enjoy funny pig races and take photos feeding milk to tiger cubs or posing with an orangutan, kangaroo, snake, scorpions or baby crocodiles. Visitors can also touch and hand feed elephants or take a ride on them. You can, also see baby crocodiles hatching from their eggs.
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Chayatorn Laorattanavech / Shutterstock.com
Other interesting places to visit in Sriracha are the following: The Night Safari Khao KeawOpen Zoo A natural park in Chonburi province. Located near Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Its main attraction is the night safari. Saithip Butterfly Garden in Bang Phra, Sriracha. Encloses a bee museum and an orchid farm and it’s recognized as Asia’s largest butterfly garden. Bang Phra Reservoir, A famous tourist attraction for the numerous species of birds. Golf There are numerous world class within easy access to Sriracha including Bang Phra International
Golf Club, Siam Country Club to name just a couple The place to stay in Sriracha is the excellent City Hotel, located in the center of the city; this well appointed hotel gives easy access to all attractions in the area, or if you fancy a long cool drink, you can’t beat the KK Bar, with its refreshing menu of highly addicted cocktails.
Absolute News
Laguna Phuket Golf Club Copyright: Laguna Phuket
First tee shot by Shiv Kapur, European and Asian Tour Player, at Laguna Phuket Golf Club's Grand Reopening event
Phuket as a championship standard layout that was reminiscent of many famous championship courses. Copyright: Laguna Phuket
Laguna Phuket Golf Club’s new layout called one of the top Asian resort courses.
T
he re-opening of Laguna Phuket Golf Club on 11 January has firmly established the redesigned layout as one of the top resort courses in Asia. Attended by more than 120 specially invited guests, international golf media and executives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the course has been hailed as a superb example of a modern, environmentally friendly design in an idyllic setting. Billed as offering a “new look, new experience”, Laguna Phuket Golf Club’s redevelopment under the direction of golf course architect, Paul Jansen, has come 22 years after the course was first opened.
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said upgrading of the course over the past 18 months had brought it to an international standard consistent with the quality of hotels and facilities in the Laguna Phuket resort complex. “Our recent investment shows how serious we are about golf and our hotel guests,” he said. “It is good for kids, non-professional and serious golfers. After hosting the Thailand Open in 2009, we now hope to host more professional events and in the last quarter of this year we will hold the inaugural Laguna Phuket Amateur Golf Tournament.”
The relaunch event featured European Tour and Asian Tour player, Shiv Kapur, who described it as “an exceptional golf course” that maintained traditions of the game. “You walk off with a smile on your face,” he said.
The Director of Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Paul Wilson, said the relaunch event was the first gourmet golf themed event held in Phuket. “The golf tournament on Sunday enabled us to showcase the golf course as well as the wonderful variety of food, beverage and spa experiences available in the resort.”
The managing director of Laguna Resorts & Hotels Plc, Ravi Chandran,
Although playing 6719 yards from the back tees, Shiv Kapur described Laguna
“The mark of a great course is when you stand on the tee and have to think strategically. This is such a thinking man’s course, a feature that has been lost in some modern designs. The main challenge in Majors is around the green, which is very apparent here.” “Shorter courses can be tougher than long courses. Hong Kong Golf Club and Delhi Golf Club are examples. This course is better than many of the new championship courses built in the past five to 10 years,” he concluded.
more information
www.lagunaphuket golfclub.com and www.lagunaphuket.com
Absolute News
Grand Mercure PHUKET, PATONG
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RAND MERCURE PHUKET PATONG has opened its doors in Patong, one of the most popular beaches in Phuket, Thailand. The first member of Accor’s upscale GRAND MERCURE brand on the island located just a short walk away from the white sands of Patong beach, the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and Patong’s buzzing nightlife. Boasting 314 contemporary Thai styled styled rooms in an array of choices from Superior to pool villas all equipped with amenities you what you would expect from a renowned international brand like Mercure, including free Wi-Fi Internet access. Dining options are second to none, with a multitude selection, offering all day
dining at Bubbles Restaurant serving a full range of European, Asian and all your favourite Thai dishes, after a long day at the beach swing by the Craft Beer Lounge, which boasts one of the largest selections of beers on the island, with 100 different labels from all corners of the globe, Chou Chou, the hotels French bakery offers signature choux pastry, éclairs, freshly baked bread and an array of other baked treats. Experience a new sense of relaxation at Ryn Spa where highly trained staff will provide you with an unparalleled full menu of traditional Thai treatments, other facilities include cooking, fruit carving classes a full range of excursions, three gorgeous pools, Kids Club, and a well equipped Fitness Centre.
To accommodate business travellers the resort offers a full range of state of the art audio-visual systems in two unique purpose built rooms, with a team of meeting professionals to make sure your meetings run as smooth as silk. Patrick Basset Chief Operations officer explains “Phuket remains one of the region’s top destinations, attracting a flow of domestic and international clientele all looking to sample the many attractions of Phuket Grand Mercure Phuket Patong offers that, with its vivid Thai style and top notch amenities, it is poised to become the next favourite choice for visitors to the island.
more information
Tel: +66 (0) 7623 1999 Email: h8109@accor.com Grandmercurephuketpatong.com
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Absolute News
karon beach square EAT . DRINK . CHILL
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aron Beach Square (KBS) is a fun neighborhood eateries in the center of Karon beach where guests can find variety of uncomplicated delicious food with a global twist, day and night. It is a hub for the international and local community to experience well cooked foods in and exciting fun environment supported by a Music and Mixologist to keep the spirits up. The convenience of Karon Beach Square never ends with its location that is within walking distance to local shopping, convenient stores, traditional massage places and tourists’ attractions.
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El Gaucho Specialty: Brazilian Churrasco Capacity: 120 Hours: 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm A wine-focused, Brazilian Rodizio Churasco - centric, relaxed & casual restaurant offering premium meats along with a fresh,wide array of salad greens, antipasti, pasta salad, condiments and much more to complement the sumptuous grill and a la carte dishes. Designed with industrial urban theme with inside and outside seating areas overlooking ocean view
Cafe’ Studio
Orient Asia
Specialty: A la carte breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts available to take away or dine in Capacity: 62 Hours: 10.00 am to 7.00 pm A relaxing, simple café that offers no fuss menu of wraps, salads, pizza, sandwiches and of course the signature Mövenpick ice cream and coffee.
Specialty: A wide variety of authentic Asian cuisine Capacity: 80 Hours: 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm A modern, all-Asian cuisine featuring the best dishes from all the corners of Asia in a modern Chinese setting. With inside and outside seating areas overlooking the garden.
MINT Specialty: Café Style food oven - baked pizzas; dine in or take-away Capacity: 163 Hours: 5.00 pm to 1.00 am Mint is a stand-alone restaurant and bar that offers fun, casual, relaxed and dynamic vibe while providing value for money on beverages and shared food concept. It is a place for everyone to socialize and define their own fun.
more information
Karon Beach Square 509 Patak Road, Phuket, Thailand 83100 Tel: +66 76 396 139 www.karonbeachsquare.com
Absolute News
Mango Tree THAI CUISINE AT ITS BEST more information
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ango Tree On the River, the FIRST flagship restaurant of Mango Tree Worldwide, leads your palate on an authentic Thai culinary journey and wows you with stunning panorama views of the “River of Kings.”
Mango Tree On The River has a holistic approach to design that considers every detail from the décor down to the menu itself to create the inviting vibe that makes this the perfect spot to catch up with friends or dine out with loved ones.
Bangkok, Thailand ,the wait is finally over. Mango Tree Worldwide’s FIRST flagship restaurant, Mango Tree On The River, has opened its doors on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Mango Tree Worldwide’s first lifestyle concept restaurant, it is poised to become a landmark, taking pride in its casual elegance, the restaurant has a contemporary vibe. It offers a gorgeous dining area where you can dine on comfort foods, both healthy and decadent, and enjoy a gentle river breeze.
The menu offers patrons a variety of sumptuous Thai dishes with extraordinary flavors, compelling textures and enchanting visuals. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down, listen to music, and enjoy a good meal with good company. The restaurant’s impeccable service contributes to its warm atmosphere. The team caters to the needs of individual guests to ensure all diners experience the finest in Thai hospitality.
Mango Tree On The River Open everyday Restaurant 11.00 – 23.00 Bar 11.00 – 01.00 Pier Pakklong talad (Flowers market) 240 Yodpimark River walk Building D5Aubsapang Road, Wangburaphapirom Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200 Tel: +66 (0) 2110.0820 www.facebook.com cocarestaurantthailand
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Top Books
top books Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption BY LAURA HILLENBRAND In boyhood, Louis Zamperini was an incorrigible delinquent. As a teenager, he channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics. But when World War II began, the athlete became an airman, embarking on a journey that led to a doomed flight on a May afternoon in 1943. When his Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean, against all odds, Zamperini survived, adrift on a foundering life raft. Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.
All the Light We Cannot See
BY ANTHONY DOERR
From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure’s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum’s most valuable and dangerous jewel. In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure’s converge.
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History BY CHRIS KYLE Gripping, eye-opening, and powerful, American Sniper is the astonishing autobiography of SEAL Chief Chris Kyle, who is the record-holding sniper in U.S. military history. Kyle has more than 150 officially confirmed kills, though his remarkable career total has not been made public by the Pentagon. In this New York Times bestselling memoir, Kyle shares the true story of his extraordinary decade-long career, including his multiple combat tours in Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and elsewhere from 1999-2009. Kyle’s riveting first-person account of how he went from Texas rodeo cowboy to expert marksman and feared assassin offers a fascinating view of modern-day warfare and one of the most in-depth and illuminating looks into the secret world of Special Ops ever written. Also a major motion picture recently released and directed by Clint Eastwood.
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Top Apps
top apps Google’s new Translate app
Fooducate
What it does: Your own personal interpreter is coming soon. As it gains quickly in sophistication, machineassisted translation promises to connect the world by bridging scores of languages while giving high-school Spanish teachers a run for their money. Google’s free app, which was officially launched to the world early January, is an advanced mobile-translating tool, recognizing more than three dozen languages. Another key feature: the ability to point the camera at foreign-language text, whether it’s a street sign or a restaurant menu, and have an English translation appear like magic on the smart phone or tablet screen.
What it does: Fooducate (Android, iOS) helps you shop and eat healthy by allowing you to quickly pull up nutritional information about food products from barcodes, as well as by helping you make sense of nutritional labels. The app displays a letter grade from A to D, along with a quick summary of nutrition information in plain language,as well as healthy alternative suggestions. If users cook their own meals or eat out, you can also manually enter a meal’s nutritional information. In addition, the app also doubles as an intake, calorie and exercise tracker. A pro subscription removes ads and unlocks additional features.
Cost: Free
Cost: Free
Onavo What it does: Anyone who’s ever accidentally downloaded a large email while on holiday will attest to the ridiculousness of data roaming charges, and though there’s no indication from the networks that they’re working on putting things right, there are measures you can take to avoid an end-of-month sting. Once installed, this app drastically reduces the amount of data required to perform everyday tasks, such as retrieving email and posting to Facebook. We’re not entirely sure how it manages such a feat – we just know that it works and we’re not about to complain. Cost: Free
Bring Fido What it does: Bring Fido (iOS) takes the pain out of planning a pet-friendly trip by giving users the ability to search for pet-friendly establishments. Users can look up pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, dog parks, trails, and a variety of other establishments, with filters for distance, popularity and price, with an option for booking reservations within the app. Users can leave reviews, browse and share photos, as well as post their own favorite pet-friendly locations to the app. Cost: Free
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Gadgets
NEW HI TECH
must buys THE SMART LOCK
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ome automation is no longer something coming in the future, smart home tech is here right now. Spearheaded by Nest, Philips Hue, August and loads more, these products let you add a bit of science-fiction to your home. These are the best pieces of smart home tech you can buy in 2015. Whether it’s turning your lights on from a smartwatch, automatically unlocking your door as you approach, checking what caused your washing machine to suddenly stop from your phone, smart home tech not only makes basic things easier, but it also massively improves functionality. While turning your lights off with an app is cool, the real killer feature about this new wave of home based tech is how well they work together. Nest are real front-runners here, with its ‘Works with Nest’ programme that combines multiple products to create a truly automated home
For $219, Kwikset’s Kevo system will unlock the door while your phone’s still in your pocket, useful if your hands are full. You train it so that it opens only when you’re right outside the door, not down the block, or worse, inside the house late at night. Although I’m nervous that someone will find a way to circumvent the safeguards, it’s useful in that you can give guests, nannies and contractors temporary digital keys. You can set parameters - such as working only during certain hours. An upcoming Plus offering will let you check remotely whether you remembered to lock the door - and lock it if you forgot. It would be more useful if it could do that automatically, using motion sensors to detect that no one’s home.
DROPCAM PRO ANOVA PRECISION COOKER Part of the Nest family of products (along with the Learning Thermostat and Protect), the Dropcam Pro is the current king of IP cameras. Why? Well it shoots crispy video with the 3MP snapper and captures plenty of the action thanks to the 130 degree lens. An 8x zoom lets you get up and close and personal, while dual-band WiFi keeps the footage smooth. You can monitor your abode through the mobile companion app, with it keeping you informed, through facial recognition, of who’s in and when. Sign up to one of Dropcam’s streaming plans and all your recordings are store safely in the cloud.
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Cooking sous-vide is here, so get over it. This is one of cleverest, simplest and easily the most connected way to sous-vide, just attach the unit, download the app and you’re set. The cool thing is that it integrate Bluetooth, so once you’ve selected what you’re cooking from the app, it’ll feed all that info to Precision Cooker and get to work.
Nest Learning Thermostat
PHILIPS HUE
One of our favourite pieces of smart home tech is easily the Nest Thermostat, mainly down to its sleek, Appleesque design, ease of use and how well it’s Works with Nest programme integrates it with other products. Replacing your regular heating thermostat, the Learning Thermostat knows when you’re in the house, learns your routine and ensures your abode is always at the right temperature. It also lets you alter the heating from anywhere with a basic, yet straightforward mobile app, and can even save you money on your bills.
The king of the smart bulb, Philips and its Hue brand has grown tremendously since its release in 2012 and its now one of the easiest ways to inject a bit of the future into your house. Taking the place of your regular bulbs, Hue connects to a bridge and then your wireless network, letting you control everything (turning on/off, changing colours, setting timers, etc) from an app on your phone. The real killer feature for Hue though is the ‘Friends of Hue’ range, with extends upon with the bulb with nifty accesories like lightstrips, wake-up alarms and more. Works with Nest support is here too, so if you have a Nest Protect smoke alarm, your Hue bulbs can flash in unison if something goes wrong.
IVEE
The real key to creating a truly smart home is to have all your connected items working together in harmony. Come on, no one really wants to be juggling ten separate apps and standards. Think of Ivee as your home hub, the device that lets you talk to all your other bits of smart home tech. Looking like a slightly futuristic bedside digital clock, Ivee is controlled by your voice, in a similar way to Siri on the iPhone. You can ask it questions (who is the prime minister, what is 6 foot in cm, etc), but you can also tell it to, for instance, turn up your Nest Thermostat to 25 degrees. It’ll also work with the Philips Hue range, Belkin’s WeMo plugs and a few wearables including Fitbit’s Flex.
BELKIN WEMO INSIGHT SWITCH While it’s more a selection of stuff than a single product, Belkin’s WeMo line, at its core, is a smart plug that gives you more control over your power sockets. The Insight switch connects to your Wi-Fi network and monitors whatever you’ve plugged into it, be it your TV, kettle or heater. Through the WeMo app you can create rules and schedules, so if the Insight is monitoring your television, you can have it turn off after a set amount of time or remotely check if you’ve left it on when you were rushing to work. It’ll also keep a track of how long something is on for and give estimates of how much it’ll be costing you to run.
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LOS ANGELES • SAN FRANCISCO • SAN DIEGO
Where summer was perfected Learn more about the value and lifestyle of owning luxury property in California, USA
CALIFORNIAN ESTATES INC. WORLD HEADQUARTERS - LOS ANGELES 11812 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 100B Los Angeles, CA 90049 Phone: 1 323 303 4491 | Email: info@californianestates.com www.californianestates.com
Dusitbuncharesort.com
DUSIT BUNCHA RESORT KOH TAO Dusit Buncha Resort Koh Tao lies on the most north end of Koh Tao providing you a relaxed vacation of our luxurious architecture, classy living, perfectly blended in the natural beauty of its environment
31 /3 Moo 1 T. Koh Tao, Surathani , Thailand 84360
+66 2 697 9133 - 4, 098 896 5329, 082 418 2215
info@dusitbunchakohtao.com
PEACE LAGUNA RESORT & SPA, AO NANG, KRABI. RELAX INTO THE NATURAL FLOW OF SEA AND SKY. DRIFT IN LAZY SPIRALS. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE RHYTHM OF STILLNESS AND SPACE BETWEEN THE STARS.
PEACE LAGUNA RESORT & SPA 193 Moo2, Ao Nang Beach, Krabi 81000. Thailand. Tel : (+66) 75-637344-7, Fax : (+66) 75-637347 Email: info@peacelagunaresort.com, www.peacelagunaresort.com Peace Laguna Resort & Spa
@peacelaguna