Lomprayah in Magazine Issue 36 (07/2014) www.facebook.com/lomprayah

Issue 36 / July 2014

AWESOME ISLAND TO SEE BEFORE YOU

TIPS ON TIPPING

DIE

LOMPRAYAH CUSTOMER CARE

+66 (0) 2-629-0011

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Editor’s Talk Hello, July

When July has arrived, that means we are now in the second half of the year 2014. In the first half, someone has a very good time, but someone is not. Don’t forget that we still have times for changing, travelling or doing whatever you want following your plan. Six months are enough to do many things.

The highlight of this issue, we have the list of beautiful islands to recommend you. There are the islands that you should go at least once in a life. If you were there, we guarantee that you will never feel disappointed.

In addition, we still have various and interesting column. We hope that you will enjoy and get many things from our magazine.

Thank you for your kindly support. Take care.

Lomprayah Team Editor in Chief Photjanard Kantiwong

Executive Editor Wanitcha Sukchet Tinn Chacalanuwattanapong

Editorial Staff Vorapong Vongvarothai Juntiya Laoniyomthai Areeya Pichittanabordeekul Jiraporn Boonta Kitthawat Chaisingthong

Art Director Methakritsada Wanngoen

Photjanard Kantiwong

www.facebook.com/lomprayah

Graphic Designer Seattakit Meunnak Annop Sawatdipol

Hilight

AWESOME ISLAND TO SEE BEFORE YOU

DIE

Credit : http://thecultureur.com/what-is-luxury-travel

When people think about where to go on the vacations, many of them will think about island. Islands are the ultimate destination for fun, sun, and plain old relaxation.

There’s no reason why your next vacation destination can’t be an island, and there are dozens of choices all over the world.

The following are the islands which are beautiful, breathtaking, unique and interesting that you should have a chance to go there at least once.

BORA BORA

French Polynesia

http://www.topdreamer.com/bora-bora-island-most-exotic-islands/

Bora Bora Island is a volcanic island in the Society Islands archi-

pelago of French Polynesia in the southern Pacific Ocean. The formation of Bora Bora is one main island (10 km long) surrounded by many tiny islands. Bora Bora Island offers many different types of activities such as snorkeling and diving, windsurfing, water skiing, jet boarding, kite surfing or hiking in the mountains Pahia and Otemanu.

White sandy beaches, pleasant climate, sun and water are the key features of Bora Bora Island. This is the top place of the world to visit and have the most relaxing time in your life. Time stops when you are surrounded by the natural beauty of this tiny jewel. Resorts offer villas and bungalows that are located over the water in the lagoon. Simply said, Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world.

https://travel.virginaustralia.com/voyeur-article/fijis-top-10-island-secrets

Fiji is a group of 333 islands in the South Pacific which is both

a romantic and adventurous travel destination. It is one of the most exciting tropical islands out there to explore. Complete with blue waters, white sands and lush green of the surrounding forests, Fiji remains one of the great destinations: a verdant patchwork of rugged mountains and brilliant dive spots. Away from the blue-lagoon clichĂŠs are white-water rafting sites, world-class hiking and a plethora of eye-opening cross-cultural experiences. Hospitality is inherent, truly among the best in the world.

FIJI

Vaadhoo Island Maldives

http://magazine.tripzilla.com/photo-vaadhoo-island-maldives-sea-stars/4198

ON their own, the Maldives Islands are a paradisaical adven-

ture and the to-go destination for those who wish to be surrounded by magnificent beauty.

However, now, Vaadhoo Island has its own little secrets that are revealed at night, which is known as ‘sea of stars’. As the sun sets below the sea, the waters are taken over by a shimmering sight. They light up, a glittery spread of blue, reflecting the starry sky.

The secret is not too hard to figure out. The sea is in fact filled with phytoplankton, marine microbes that are bioluminescent and can emanate a brilliant blue glow.

http://www.boredpanda.com/amazing-places-to-see-before-you-die-part2/

Seychelles

Mother Nature was very generous with these 115 islands

scattered in the Indian Ocean and has spoiled them rotten.

Undeniably, the beaches are the big attraction, and what beaches: exquisite ribbons of white sand lapped by topaz waters and backed by lush hills and big glacis boulders.

With such a dreamlike setting, the Seychelles is, unsurprisingly, the one of islands people should be there.

The best time to visit is during the cool season from May to September, when it rains less. Perfect beaches, perfect water, tons of islands to choose from, and all the seclusion you could want. This islands offer everything a beach lover could ask for.

Palawan province is an island province in the Philippines. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. The island is located between South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.

Palawan has been included in the list of protected areas, thus becoming the biggest nature reserve in the world. Aside from snorkeling and swimming, Palawan Islands Philippines provides viable opportunities for underwater exploration. With all these attractions, you are sure to find yourself breathless with your Palawan vacation with all the nature’s beauty found in Palawan Island. Palawan is indeed a nature’s heaven place to visit.

http://www.topdreamer.com/the-10-most-beautiful-islands-in-the-world/

Palawan Philippines

Harbour Island Bahamas

Harbor Island is touted as one of the world’s best diving

spots. In the waters surrounding the ‘Pink Sands Beach’ the water is shallow and calm, both of which are optimal conditions for divers. While the Bahamas often get a reputation for being touristy and overdone, Harbor Island and the Pink Sands Beach provide guests with a more elegant, laid-back vibe.

Three miles of cherry pink sand blankets the most popular beach in the Bahamas and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The aptly named Pink Sands Beach acquires its color from the tiny-shelled creatures, Foraminifera, which cover the ocean floor, cave rocks and reefs, and whose broken shells mingle with the sand. The resulting effect is particularly potent at dusk.

http://all-that-is-interesting.com/the-worlds-six-most-beautiful-beaches/4

http://www.eugenegoesthailand.com/?p=13095 http://www.2weekbackpack.com/Koh_Phangan/Koh-Nang-Yuan.html http://www.tourskohsamui.com/snorkeling.html

Nangyuan is actually three little beautiful islands connected

together by a gorgeous little beach (sand bar of about 50 m) which forms when the tide goes out. They are called North, Middle and South Island respectively. Looking from a far distance, it gives you an illusion of someone walking on the water.

Together, these islands form three bays with crystal-clear water and no strong current, white sandy beaches, a variety of colorful fishes and fascinating coral reefs that offer optimal conditions for snorkeling. The small island of Koh Nang Yuan has possibly the most abundant coral based marine life found in the region. The island is rightfully popular with divers and shallow water snorkeling.

NANGYUAN

Thailand

THE COOK ISANDS

http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/cook-islands/

This is the best place to find your inner

castaway and escape modern life. The islands see similar weather to the rest of the area, with temperatures hot and humid all year round.

The islands are little snippets of paradise that invite you to come and get away from it all, to soak in the sun and thousands of years of Polynesian history and culture.

Rarotonga is the largest and most visited island. This place is completely surrounded by a reef which means beautiful white beaches and tropical turquoise waters, while imposing mountain peaks, interspersed with dense rain forest, make for some fantastic scenery on the island.

http://www.ratestogo.com/blog/10-best-vacation-islands/

BALI, INDONESIA

L ocated in the Asian Pacific, the island of Bali is an exotic

oriental destination in Indonesia. It is here that you will find yourself immersed in authentic Indonesian culture, dance, and food. The level of customer service on the island of Bali is astounding and you’ll never feel out of place as the locals bend over backward to help you get acclimatized to the atmosphere.

Relax on the beach by day, explore the bustling nightlife, and then find comfort in some of the world’s finest villas and hotels. Experience ultimate relaxation while enjoying the authentic Indonesian spirit and drinking in the fantastic scenery. You won’t want to go home.

GALAPAGOS

ECUADOR

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g294310-Galapagos_Islands-Vacations.html

A bundant wildlife above and below the waves draws eco-

tourists to Ecuador’s Galapagos. Get up close on a stroll or in a Zodiac boat. Snorkel and dive with denizens of the deep, from sea lions to sea turtles at Santiago’s Cousin’s Rock. Hike by finches, flamingos and iguanas along the Darwin Trail. Admire Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela.

As visitor numbers are limited within the islands’ National Park, book your boat tour through a tour operator. Visit January through April for the best snorkeling.

It’s will really please if the people who don’t like the beach think about the island in the list above for their next vacation. Meanwhile, it’s surely that the people who love the clear water, smooth sand and sunshine will choose some of them to be their next destination.

Destination Guide

http://www.kolipediving.com/about-ko-lipe.html http://www.thailand-guide.org/beaches-islands/tarutao.htm http://en.aectourismthai.com/content1/1255

Tarutao Marine National Park

The name Tarutao is derived from the Malay name of Ta Lo Tarau, signifying “many bays.� Tarutao National Marine Park consists of many islands in the Southern part of the Andaman Sea, near the Thai - Malay border. Two clusters of islands lay in between 20 and 70 kilometres from the mainland.

The largest island is Koh Tarutao and is over 10 kilometres wide and about 26 long. This mountainous island is covered mainly with rain forest and there are several mangrove swamps.

A few long sandy stretches of unspoiled beach and some caves can also be found. The second group of islands that makes up the marine park is the furthest away from the mainland and includes Koh Lipe, Koh Adang, Koh Rawi and Koh Dong.

Tarutao Marine National Park is regarded as the most popular eco-tourist site in this peaceful province. It offers magnificent views of natural scenery and coral reefs and is suitable for nature study and relaxation. There are various walking trails, fine beaches, superb views and much more to discover, including a comparatively rich fauna among which wild pigs, crab-eating macaques, dusky langurs and monitor lizards are all fairly common.

The surrounding waters are home to dolphins and sea turtles, while whales and dugongs, although rare, have also been spotted.

Place Guide

Credit : https://www.samuiparadisebeach.com/activities/markets http://www.villamsamui.com/koh_samui.php

NIGHT WALKING STREET MARKET FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE

Every Friday night between 5pm to 10pm, the small laneway streets in the charming Fisherman’s Village transform into a lively walking street market of food, drinks, entertainment and shopping. Fisherman’s Village is located in the seaside town of Bophut, 10 minutes drive from Chaweng.

BoPhut Walking Street is the market that attracts the greatest number of visitors. It is held every Friday night, starting from 6 pm. Locals and guests alike are to be found promenading through the main road of Fisherman’s Village, meeting with friends, tasting the food, and browsing through the many things offered at the stalls and shops, where nice handcrafted gifts and local delicacies can be found. Live music and a relaxing atmosphere have made Walking Street in Fisherman’s Village the most popular weekly event on the island - don’t miss it!

Fisherman’s Village itself exudes a bohemian feeling with a variety of restaurants offering Thai and international cuisine. Most provide picturesque beachfront dining on their balconies and dining on the sand. Shopping is easy. Browse stalls along the main street selling local artifacts or spend time in the charming boutiques.

Massage places are on the main strip and the beach. Friday evenings the village is a walking street/car free.

Restaurant Guide

Pla Pla – Four Seasons Samui

Credit : http://www.fourseasons.com/kohsamui/dining/restaurants/pla_pla/

Located right on the beach, Pla Pla, meaning “many fish” in Thai, is a casual spot for an extensive selection of fish and seafood and Western and Thai favourites in the daytime.

In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a stylish venue for creative Mediterranean cuisine.

With Thai sandstone walls and floors providing a dramatic contrast to the steel-blue and silver décor that defines the restaurant’s ambience, Pla Pla is the perfect setting for a beachside lunch or dinner. Seating is offered on an open, fan-cooled deck, on the open-air terrace, or right on the white-sand beach.

Lunch and snacks : 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Dinner : 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Address : 219 Moo 5, Angthong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand 84140

Event

THAI TEAW THAI &

THAI TEAW NOK

31

st

This event is the Thailand’s biggest travel fair. It is organized for promoting Thailand to be the AEC tourism hub, by informing both of domestic and oversea tourist attractions, to give a chance to Thais for learning the culture of another country.

The event promises to bring together of leading tour operators for both local and international, along with a comprehensive array of special promotion including tour packages, hotels, resorts, spa, airlines, car rental firms, cruise ships, travel agents, travel equipment suppliers, etc.

Date: 17th – 20th July 2014 Time: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Location: BITEC Bangna, Hall 101-102 Tel.: 02 683 3065-8 Website: www.pkexhibition.com

Credit : http://www.pkexhibition.com/?p=2209 http://www.bitec.co.th/index.php/calendar/search/?Submit3=showall&pageType=search

Agency PR

Talked with

Viyada Na-Bangchang Koh Tao Branch Manager, LOMPRAYAH

In this issue, we are going to interview Ms. Viyada Na Bangchang, the manager of Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd, Koh Tao branch. We will talk about Koh Tao Festival and the situation of Koh Tao tourism.

Q: Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Viyada Na Bangchang. My nickname is Golf. I have responsible for Lomprayah, Koh Tao branch. Actually, I’m not Koh Tao citizen. It’s been two years since I came to live here. After I came here, I realized that Koh Tao is the place where has a lot of tourists.

Q: What is the purpose of Koh Tao Fest 2014?

The purpose of Koh Tao Festival 2014 is to persuade tourists to travel here, because this is a low season of Koh Tao. They also want to campaign for the environment preservation, to keep its beautiful environment, because Koh Tao is in the top 10 of world ranking.

and because Koh Tao has the ‘Save Koh Tao Club’ so they organized this festival together. This year is the 11th.

Q: How about the tourist’s response?

In this year, there is a lot of tourists that come to Koh Tao. It was promoted all over the world via website, and Lomprayah also helped by giving tourists the brochures and paste up the event posters.

Q: Does Lomprayah join or support this event? How? Our Lomprayah support this event by offer the ferry and car for press, celebrities and judges, including the supporting money about 20,000 baht. We also send people to join the Miss Koh Tao contest, to make us has more participation with the people on Koh Tao. Q: Do you have anything to add more or say something to the tourists?

I would like to see a large number of tourists in next year, because there will have many interesting things. Koh Tao will also have a ‘Free Day’, which the businesses on Koh Tao cooperate together. It is the day that every service will be free. It will be held on June 18th – 19th every year.

Q: Could you explain about the organization plan of Koh Tao Fest 2014?

It is because they want to push on people to save the island’s environment and take care of the marine animals, corals, foam and garbage,

After read this interview, you will see that Koh Tao has many interesting thing, both of breathtaking view and activities. It is not only one of the best islands in Thailand, but also in the world, so if you have a chance, go there, you will never forget it.

Real Story

Credit : http://www.globotreks.com/destinations/thailand-destinations/ koh-nang-yuan-unique-paradise-thailand/

Koh Nang Yuan :

A Unique Paradise In Thailand?

I had seen countless pictures of it. It looked like a paradisiac place only seen in movies and often manipulated to make us drool over the thought of “I wish I was there�. Recently, though, I visited for the first time the small island of Koh Nang Yuan in Thailand, and I must say it truly lived to all my expectations of how beautiful this place must be.

Getting there by traditional Thai long tail boat felt like traveling to a deserted exotic island waiting to be discovered. From far, I could see two small islands lying next to each other, looking almost deserted. As I got closer, my attention shifted to the turquoise water surrounding the white strips of sand that connect the islands.

I was stunned by the beauty of Koh Nang Yuan and amused by the surreal felling of walking over a submerged white coral-sand beach to reach my wood cabin, nestled almost naturally at the base of one of the islands.

Koh Nang Yuan, while considered to be one island, is actually a set of three islands, or rocky outcrops, connected by two strips of white coral-sand that serve as beach during low tide, and that disappear under the clear water when it rises.

While it looks like a paradisiac place secluded in the middle of nowhere, the truth is completely the opposite.

Koh Nang Yuan is located just a 15 minutes long tail boat ride from Koh Tao – in fact, you could almost swim from the closest point of Koh Tao to Koh Nang Yuag… but don’t try it as there are strong currents!

The best way to get there is by traveling to Koh Tao –which is located on the Gulf of Thailand– and from Koh Tao taking a day trip or just hopping to overnight at Koh Nang Yuan. More on that soon…

There are many ways to get to Koh Tao, but the most common one is by taking the overnight train/bus to Chumphon and from there the morning ferry to Koh Tao. I knew I wanted to experience Koh Nang Yuan properly, so I chose to stay there instead of taking a day trip. Best decision I made and I recommend you to do the same!

There is only one resort at Koh Nang Yuan –since it is a private island– but the price for a budget cabin is not that bad, considering the location. (My friend and I paid 1,600 Bahts for a night). One of the reasons I think staying there outweighs the accommodation price is the fact that you can enjoy the island ALL day.

You can be there with just a handful of people before and after the hoards of tourists/snorkelers/divers arrive and overrun the small beach – which in fact, are the best times to enjoy the beach since it’s low tide, there’s not such a strong current, and you can literally lie on the sand, sunbathe, relax, and read before the sandy strips are submerged by the high tide.

In case you don’t want to stay in Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Samui is only a short boat ride away. The hotels in Koh Samui are around the same price and they have more accommodation options.

The sunsets, the beaches and the food are also great. But, now back to Koh Nang Yuan…

I loved swimming and relaxing at the beach while watching the sunset with barely anyone next to me.

On the other hand, the coral life leaves a lot to desire – probably thanks to the hundreds of snorkelers and divers who have stepped on and destroyed them.

Besides enjoying the beach, another thing you must do is to hike to the top of the smaller island – the famous viewpoint. The hike is not arduous and it doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to get to the top. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can do some light rock climbing to get to the absolute top. But be careful, as it is dangerous. (Make sure to wear sneakers of flip-flops with good grip if you decide to go to the top)

And I also loved waking up to have an early swim when there was absolutely no one else other than my friend and I. These moments were priceless. By the way, there are not many places in the world where you can say you watched the sunrise and sunset on the same beach!

I did like very much swimming on the clear waters and watching the hundreds of tropical fishes that populate these waters.

I decided to go all the way to the top barefoot, and while I did it fine, some of the big boulders on the top were quite rough on the skin, especially when I had to maneuver some pressure to reach the next boulder up. Once up, all I did was admire the environment, the mountains, and the beach from my unique bird’s eye view.

It was stunning!

Other than the view and the beach, all that Koh Nang Yuan could offer was a calm environment to relax for the rest of the day; and that’s all I was hoping it would do.

Without a doubt, this has been one of the most unique places I’ve been in the world.

Top of the World

FASTEST GROWING

TOURIST DESTINATIONS For instance, the destination with the fastest growth rate at the moment is Japan, which has seen an astounding 24% increase in inbound travel. The Asian nation is expected to see more than 10 million visitors this year, in no small part because the value of the yen is down more than 20% when compared to the dollar.

Japan experienced the greatest growth with a 24 percent spike in international visitors in 2013. Japan crossed the 10 million visitor milestone for the first time last year due to the weakened yen and a renewed focus on tourism promotion. The country spent the past two years building up its tourism industry after an earthquake and tsunami hit in 2011.

Other Asian countries including Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam also reported a more than 10 percent increase in arrivals. These statistics mirror the six percent increase in international tourist arrivals throughout all of Asia.

Credit :http://www.flightnetwork.com/blog/new-study-reveals-fastest-growing-travel-destinations/ https://theweek.com/article/index/255317/these-are-the-worlds-fastest-growing-tourist-destinations

Special

Credit : http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0709/on-thisday-in-finance-july-6---the-united-states-adopts-the-dollar.aspx

THE ORIGIN OF DOLLAR

On July 6, 1785, the dollar was adopted as the monetary unit of the United States. At the time, the U.S. wanted to get away from British influence as well as the British monetary unit, the pound. The adoption of the dollar began in 1782 when Thomas Jefferson suggested the U.S. adopt the dollar because the thaler was already circulating in many areas in the Spanish and British colonies of North America.

Although the dollar was adopted in 1785, it wasn’t until 1792 that a bill was passed which established the mint. Further, it wasn’t until 1794 that the first American dollars began to appear in circulation.

The term dollar traces its origin back to the name of a European silver coin, the “thaler” which is a German name meaning “valley” and refers to the location of the mines from which it originated.

With regard to the symbol “$� for the dollar, there are many theories as to how it was chosen to represent the dollar. One theory suggests that the symbol is a combination of the letters p and s, which at the time was the abbreviation for the peso.

Another theory suggests that the symbol was based on the letters U and S, which stands for the United States. Further yet, another theory believes that the symbol is representative of the Pillars of Hercules which appeared on the Spanish dollar.

Nowadays, more than twenty countries are using the dollar as their official currency, such as United States (USD), Australia (AUD), Singapore (SGD), New Zealand (NZD), Taiwan (TWD), Canada (CAD) and etc.

Horoscope Predictions for the month of

July

By Mr.

Rup Krishen Baqaya

Aries:

There may be some changes in your profession. Your social life will be on a high. You will display a degree of ingenuity and creativity in everything you do.

Taurus:

Armed with confidence and charisma nothing will faze you this month. The focus this month will be on finances like buying and selling, negotiating loans and funds. A transfer of residence is also likely.

Gemini:

There may be lots of entertaining, house guests, visitors, even business lunches and launches. You may be feeling unsettled, but do not despair as positive changes are around the corner.

Cancer:

There may be an addition to the family circle and/or even a sudden influx of funds from an unexpected source. You will work hard and feel confident that success will be yours.

Leo:

An excellent month for social and romantic associations, emotional complexities not withstanding. A long travel is most certainly on the cards. This is also the time to make good realistic plans for the future.

Virgo:

You are subject to conflicting influences now. On the one hand, you are determined to secure respect for your professional achievements and get noticed by seniors. On the other, there seems to be a great deal going on which is not well explained.

Libra:

Your aspirations to succeed in your career may conflict with your desire to have a secure home. Out of such feelings may come resentment at either professional obligations or home commitments for holding you back.

Scorpio:

There may be a hint of rough justice in the fact that someone else’s loss is going to be your gain. Do not feel bad. This will offer you an excellent opportunity to put your own interests to one side and come to the aid of those less fortunate than you.

Sagittarius:

You are reaping a rich harvest and have the leisure and time to look at other commitments and emotional bonds like family ties. You may renovate your home or office premises. You are likely to indulge in some sale and purchase of shares.

Capricorn:

This is a great time for romance. Engagement or even marriage is a strong possibility. The long term trends in your life now are more important than the daily ups and downs. Important events of this month will not have immediate consequences but must be seen as a part of a long term pattern.

Aquarius:

You feel on top of the world this month, as you get popularity and recognition. You feel special, wanted and cherished. And that is a feeling that certainly warms the cockles of the heart. The stars seem to be conspiring to grant you a wish fulfillment this month.

Pisces:

You are alert, active and feel much healthier this month. Sort of ready to take on the whole world. Your confidence and charisma will touch new peaks. You are advised to share your thoughts and be open in whatever you do.

Trend THE TOP 5 FASHION SMART PHONE APPS YOU NEED Whether we like it or not, smart phones have become a part of daily life. There’s very little our phones can’t do these days, and with this has come an app for just about everything you could possibly think of. The team at Tony Hakim Fashion have compiled the below list of 5 fashion apps that are extremely helpful, and you probably didn’t know existed but suddenly can’t go another day without.

1 POSE

Do you struggle to put an outfit together in the morning? Is shopping for new outfits a nightmare for you? Then look no further than Pose. This app gives you inspiration for what to wear through its daily dashboard to see personalised outfit ideas based on your weather and location. It also has a huge community of fashion bloggers and stylists who you can choose to follow if you like their style. Not only that, but every item on Pose is available to buy right then and there.

Available on: iOS and Android Price: Free

2 STYLEBOOK Although this app is a little pricey, it’s well worth it.

Stylebook is the ultimate fashion planner, and is completely customisable. The app allows you to organise and sort your own clothes by snapping pieces from your wardrobe and uploading them. You can then play with over 90 fun and functional features, such as the magazine-style page that allows you to put outfits together. Stylebook is a great app, and probably the closest we’ll ever get to Cher’s computerised closet in Clueless.

Available on: iOS Price: $4.99

Credit :http://www.tonyhakim.net.au/the-top-5-fashion-smart-phone-apps-you-need/

KALEIDOSCOPE 3 FASHION Fashion Kaleidoscope is the Shazam of the fashion world.

See an outfit you like but don’t want to ask the person where they bought it? Just snap it with this app and find out where to buy it, as well as plenty of similar items. You can even find the stores with the cheapest options. Fashion Kaleidoscope will track everything from dresses and jeans, to necklaces and handbags.

Available on: iOS and Android Price: Free

4 SHOPSTYLE For those who love to shop but are also after

a very specific item of clothing, this app is for you.

Shopstyle allows you to specify exactly what you want and searches a massive database of online stores, high street and designer fashion stores. You can also browse by category and buy directly from the retailer, as well as creating your own list of favourites.

Available on: iOS and Android Price: Free

STREET 5 UPPER With this app, users can design their own

one-of-a-kind footwear by choosing their style, colours, heel height, material, and anything else to make your dream shoes. Anything you design can then be ordered through the app.

Available on: iOS Price: Free

Global News Thailand voted the Asian Destination with the Highest Client Satisfaction award Thailand has recently been voted as the Asian Destination with the Highest Client Satisfaction Award at the recent 2014 WAVE Awards. This is the fourth consecutive year that Thailand has received this award.

The Award also makes the latest in a string of accolades for the kingdom and its tourist offerings.

TAT & Nat Geo launches “The Beach” long form program to promote Thailand’s tourism Thailand’s magnificent beaches were the focus of an hour-long documentary broadcast by National Geographic TV channel worldwide on 20 June, 2014. The program marks the start of marketing campaigns to be launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to help the travel and tourism sector make a quick recovery from the impact of the recent political unrest.

Thai Food Festival 2014 at CentralFestival Beach Pattaya from 4-6 July The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) organized the ‘Thai Food Festival 2014’, which held at CentralFestival Beach Pattaya from 4-6 July, 2014, to enhance the reputation of Thai cuisine. In the theme of ‘Herbs and Spices …Thai Taste’ to reflect Thailand’s unique blends of fragrant herbs and spices that ensure favorite Thai dishes stand out.

Thanks : http://www.tatnews.org/thailand-voted-asian-destination-highest-client-satisfaction-award/ http://www.traveldailynews.asia/news/article/55925/tat-amp-nat-geo-launches http://www.thaitravelblogs.com/2014/06/thai-food-festival-2014-at-centralfestival-beach-pattaya-from-4-6-july/

Lompraya News Chennai and Bangalore host India International Travel Mart 2014 India International Travel Mart 2014 (IITM) was organized in Chennai and Bangalore on 10-20 July 2014. The purpose of this event is to promote inbound tourism, outbound tourism and domestic tourism. It will have over 300 participants from over 15 countries and over 20 Indian states to join this event

Lomprayah set a booth at the 31st Thai Teaw Thai (Thai Teaw Nok) Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. and Nangyuan Island Dive Resort joined the 31st Thai Teaw Thai (Thai Teaw Nok) on 17 - 20 July 2014 at Bitec Bangna.In this event, they offered many special promotions for the tourists. The number of Lomprayah Catamaran booth is J10, while Nangyuan Island Dive Resort is I42.

Lomprayah joined Koh Tao Fest 2014 Koh Tao Festival is set to take place from 17-19 June 2014. Lomprayah joined this event by being a sponsor by providing the transportation for the people who join the event, set a booth, and also sent people to join Miss Koh Tao competition. This event is aimed at promoting this increasingly popular island in the southern coastal province of Surat Thani as a green destination where the environment is preserved and protected.

Tip to Trip

TIPS ON TIPPING

Credit : http://www.travelandleisureasia.com/features/2022685/tips_on_tipping.html

On a culinary Journey across the region, tipping protocol varies as widely as the cuisine.

Here we offer our guide to gratuity. BY MERRITT GURLEY

LAOS

INDIA

It is not customary to tip, but 10 percent at nice restaurants where service charges are not included is becoming pretty standard, and even at casual eateries, the employees will be delighted if you leave a little something.

It is not customary to tip, but 10 percent at nice restaurants where service charges are not included is becoming pretty standard, and even at casual eateries, the employees will be delighted if you leave a little something.

CAMBODIA

THAILAND

There’s no set percentage that is expected in Cambodia, but even just US$1 to US$2 will go a long way.

Tipping is not expected, but it will definitely be appreciated—anything above Bt20 will be met with a smile, while in upscale restaurants 5 to 10 percent is a good rule of thumb. Even at street vendors, if you sit at a table, it is considered polite to leave the small coins you receive as change.

In cabs, round up to the nearest 10 baht.

SINGAPORE

MALAYSIA

JAPAN

There is a service charge on most bills, but often it does not go to the waiter.

The staff is not expecting gratuity, but if you’d like to give it anyway, hand it to them directly to make sure it goes into their pockets, instead of to the restaurant.

In high-end establishments, a service charge is sometimes included, but round up the figure if the waitstaff is good.

Tipping is not expected, and can even be awkward, unless you are at a ryokan. If you are going to tip, put the money in an envelope, rather than handing over cash, to avoid embarrassingthe staff.

CHINA

HONG KONG

VIETNAM

Don’t tip waiters or cab drivers. At ritzy hotels or on an organized group tour, a small tip to recognize good service is appropriate. But be careful at smaller local restaurants where it could be misconstrued as a handout, and an insult.

If service charge is not included on the bill, 10 to 15 percent is a safe bet.

Tipping isn’t required, but you might want to leave your small-money change behind. For expensive meals, leave about 10 percent—but even if you’re paying with a credit card, tip in cash to make sure the waiter receives it. At spas and salons, VND50,000 to VND100,000 per therapist is good regardless of the cost of treatment.

PHILIPPINES

AUSTRALIA

INDONESIA

Tipping is more of a requirement in the Philippines than the rest of the region, so expect to spend at least 10 percent on top of the bundled 8 to 12 percent service charges.

Tipping used to be unusual but is slowly becoming standard practice, at around 10 to 15 percent.

And many restaurants charge extra for eating in the restaurant, as opposed to take out, which is essentially a service charge.

If the staff is helpful, a small tip is suitable. It is a good idea to carry a stash of Rp1,000 notes for just such occasions.

-THE BASICSIf service is good, it is a nice gesture to round up your bill and even add a little extra—especially in countries like Laos and Cambodia where the minimum wage is very low by international standards. But exactly how much to leave depends on the quality of service, the local etiquette and cost of living. Often expats over-tip while backpackers may not leave quite enough. The rules across the region are changing as tourism recalibrates the norm, but here are a few general conventions.

HOTELS: If you are at a nice hotel, give your porter US$1 to US$2.

SPA PROFESSIONALS: Tip the practitioner US$2 to US$5.

TAXI DRIVERS: If the change comes in small coins, just round up the fare.

RESTAURANTS: Read each country’s guide for specifics, but you can use 10 percent as a benchmark.