Discover Thailand’s fascinating history and cultural heritage, explore vibrant markets and dine on exotic cuisine. Travel south to the island paradise of Phuket and dive into cr ystal clear waters, or head nor th to the forest covered mountains beyond Chiang Mai. Wherever you travel, you are always welcome in Amazing Thailand!
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Volume 07 Issue 30
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
r u o y r fo n o ti a n ti es d re su a a ple cious relaxation pre
“Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa” Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa Tel: +66 76 584 444 Fax: +66 76 584 445 Email: info@apsarakhaolak.com
www.apsarakhaolak.com
Chiang Mai
Bangkok
Volume 07 Issue 30
Pattaya
Koh Chang
Hua Hin
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Thinking of traveling to Thailand? Visit www.chictravelthailand.com
Chiang Mai
Bangkok
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Pattaya
Koh Chang
Hua Hin
Volume 07 Issue 30
ISSN: 2228-8600
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
By the SEA
On the HILL
For the HEART 58 Moo 8, Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi 81000 Thailand T. (66 75) 626 900-10 F. (66 75) 626 947
www.phiphivilla360.com
Chiang Mai
Bangkok
Volume 07 Issue 30
Pattaya
Koh Chang
Hua Hin
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Editor’s Note
Welcome to Chic Travel Thailand, the comprehensive traveling guide magazine for visiting Thailand. Chic Travel Thailand is the comprehensive travel guide to the country whether you are looking for accommodations, destinations, food or culture. Thailand is not only filled with many beautiful places but flourished with history and culture. You would gain unforgettable experience from exploring this country. In this issue, we introduce you to the Thai carving. It is the Thai ancient art, called Kae Sa Luk, which has remained popular in Thailand over centuries. As there are many types of Thai carving, we focus on vegetable, soap and wood carving which can be found at restaurants, hotels or even homes throughout the country. Yo u c a n a l s o v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e www.chictravelthailand.com as the online resource about Thailand and traveling to Thailand. We hope you enjoy reading and choose Thailand for your next destination. The Editor Managing Director: Orrachat Langdon Sub-Editor: Penpimol Sophontanakij Contributing Editors/Writers: Mick Shippen, Geraldo LaPortage, Rhonda Smith, Ben Hopkins Production Director: Nattawuth Patcha Art Director: Jaturong Meethong Graphic Designers: Thanakrit Skulchartchai Sales & Marketing Manager: Kaewmukda Hongthong Asst. Sales & Marketing Manager: Rattanaporn Boueprang Executive Secretary: Chanokporn Denwanitchakorn Accounting Manager: Sasivimol Kungkaew Accounting: Samatchaya Pampeth Service: Chatchai Artamiyanan Editorial and Sales Office: Red Mango Ltd. 942/119, 4th Floor, Charn Issara Tower, Rama IV Road, Suriyawong, Bangrak, Bangkok Thailand 10500 Tel: +66 2 267 5977-8, +66 2 267 5011, +66 2 267 2425 Fax: +66 2 267 5976 Copyright Š 2013 Red Mango Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without prior consent of the publisher. No responsibility for incorrect information can be accepted. The views expressed in the articles are those of the author and not necessarily the publisher.
Chiang Mai
Bangkok
Volume 07 Issue 30
Pattaya
Koh Chang
Hua Hin
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Airline Update
Nong Bua Daeng Ban Chiang
The province is bordered by Nong Khai province to the north, Khon Kaen province to the south, Sakon Nakhon province to the east and Nong Bua Lum Phu province and Loei province to the west. Udon Thani is also a gateway to Laos. Thus, it is the transportation hub in northeast region of Thailand. Udon Thani consists of various tourist attractions such as natural attractions, historic sites, forest temples, museums and markets. Ban Chiang Archaeological Site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. It is known for beautiful potteries made by ancient villagers. There is a Ban Chiang National Museum which displays antiques, old artifacts, ancient Ban Chiang culture, etc. Another interesting place is Prachak Silapakhom Lake, known as Nong Prajak Park. It is a vast pond in the Udon Thani Municipality which was existed before the establishment of Udon Thani. In the lotus pond, there is an island which consists of a small garden filled with decorative and flowering plants and a bridge connecting the island with the mainland. Its atmosphere is suitable for recreational activities and exercise.
Bangkok Airways opens new destination:
Bangkok to Udon Thani
Bangkok Airways opens a new route from Bangkok to Udon Thani. The airline is currently offering 2 non-stop flights per day from Bangkok to Udon Thani. Besides, Bangkok Airways will add 3 flights per day in February 2014.
Udon Thani is a large province located in the Northeast of Thailand. Most of the area is surrounded by paddies, forests and hills. As a result, local people are involved in agriculture and the capital city is a main agricultural market center for other neighboring provinces.
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Bangkok
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Visit the website at www.bangkokair.com
Contact you travel agent or Call Center 1771 (24 hrs. 3 baht per call within Thailand*) * Excluding calls from mobile phone
Hua Hin
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Contens
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32 38 48 56 64 72 92 114 122 140 142 144 148 152 156
Destination: Chiang Mai Destination: Bangkok Destination: Pattaya Destination: Koh Chang Destination: Hua Hin Destination: Koh Samui Destination: Phuket Destination: Khao Lak Destination: Krabi Food: Thai Noodle Dishes Hip Plazas and Markets in Thailand Bangkok Nightlife Bangkok Rooftop Bars and Restaurants Explore Bangkok in 3 Days 2 Nights Top 10 Adventures in Thailand
Airlines/Accommodation/Attractions/Properties
6 14 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 30
8 28 36 42 44 45 46 52 58 60 62 68 70 76
Editor’s note Map of Thailand Fast Facts Bangkok Best City in the World Travel Q & A Festival & Events Thai Web Watch Thai Trade Fair Dos & Don’ts in Thailand Cover Story: Thai Carving
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Bangkok
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Pattaya
Bangkok Airways Chaophraya Cruise RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Rose Hotel Bangkok Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa MUTHI MAYA Forest Pool Villa Resort PhuWanalee Resort Samed Resorts Group Aana Resort & Spa Aiyapura Resort & Spa KC Grande Resort & Spa Baan Talay Dao Boutique Resort Hua Hin G Hua Hin Resort & Mall Chaweng Cove Beach Resort
Koh Chang
Hua Hin
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Contens
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88
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78 79 80 82 84 86 88 90 96 98 100 102 103 104 106 108 110 112 118 120 126 128 130 132 133 134 136 138
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort Melati Beach Resort & Spa Samui Buri Beach Resort Samui Resotel Samui VertiColor ShaSa Resort & Residences The Sarann Jamahkiri Spa Resort Andakira Hotel Burasari Patong Boutique Hotel Phuket Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Luxury Villas and Homes The Signature Weddings Malisa Villa Suites Radisson BLU Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach Sukko Cultural Spa & Wellness Resort Sunwing Resort & Spa Twinpalms Phuket Apsara Beachfront Resort & Villa Ramada Khao Lak Resort Krabi La Playa Resort The Small Hotel Krabi Pimalai Resort & Spa P.P. Erawan Palms Resort Phi Phi Natural Resort Railay Bay Resort & Spa Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort Villa 360 Resort & Spa
Aiyapura Resort & Spa, Koh Chang 29 Moo 3, Chang Island District, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel: +66 39 555 111-5 Fax: +66 39 555 118 Email: rsvn@aiyapura.com
Pattaya
Koh Chang
Hua Hin
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
www.aiyapura.com
Krabi
Contents
Chiang Mai Sa
Bangkok
Volume 07 Issue 30 wa t
h
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um
Ch
at
Sa
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ik
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S Ph amu Ra et t ch tson cha Ka ab gk bu nc ur ra ri ha Su i m na pa Sa bu nb m N ri on ur ut sa i th N U N a a ko bu kh Ch tha akh An rn o ri on i ai na than nsa pa Ayu gth Si n o t wa th th i BA om ay ng gbu n Ch r a N i on GK Prat S Sa Ro bu m hu ar p O bu ut ri a m K b pr ri th ur ak an i an i Ra yo Na ng P ko Ch n ac rac Na h he yo ng inbu k sa ri o S Ch ak Ch ae an Na ai o th kh ya ab on ph ur ra um i tc ha sim a
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Map of Thailand
Pa tta
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand Hip Plazas and Markets Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
m ed
an g
Travel Info
Tourism Authority of Thailand www.tat.or.th •
1672
Tourist Police www.thai-touristpolice.org •
1155
National Parks www.dnp.go.th •
+66 2 562 0760
Transport Co., Ltd. www.transport.co.th •
+66 2 576 5599
State Railway of Thailand www.railway.co.th •
+66 2 223 7010
Thai Airways International www.thaiairways.com •
1566
Bangkok Airways www.bangkokair.com •
1771
Nok Air www.nokair.com •
1318
Air Asia www.airasia.com •
+66 2 515 9999
14 Chic Travel Thailand
Koh Chang Hua Hin Koh Samui Phuket Khao Lak Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Fast Facts HEAD OF STATE: H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX of the Chakri Dynasty) Head of Government: Prime Minister
Languages: Clothing: Light, cool clothes are sensible and a jacket is needed for formal meetings and dining in top restaurants. Shorts (except knee length walking shorts), sleeveless shirts, tank tops and other beachstyle attire are considered inappropriate dress when not actually at the beach or in a resort area.
• Thai, • English (as a foreign language), • Ethnic and regional dialects
Neighboring west and north countries: Myanmar
Neighboring north and northeast countries: Lao P.D.R.
FULL COUNTRY NAME:
Kingdom of Thailand: (Prathet Thai, Meaning “Land of the Free”)
Climate:
CAPITAL: Bangkok
February-May (hot and dry, average temperature 34 degrees Celsius and 75% humidity); June-October (rainy with plenty of sunshine, average day temperature 29 degrees Celsius and 87% humidity); November-January (cool, temperature range from 32-20 degrees Celsius with a drop in humidity)
Bangkok (Krung Thep, meaning “city of angels”)
Neighboring southeast countries: Cambodia
Population: 65,068,149
Time: The time in Thailand is seven hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+7 hours GMT).
Administration: 77 provinces, each subdivided into amphoe (district), tambon (sub-district) and muban (village)
ETHNIC GROUPS:
OTHER: 11%
LOCATION:
14%
Southeast Asia, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, southeast of Myanmar
CHINESE
75% Located on the pristine white sand of Bang Niang Beach and surrounded by lush tropical garden Ramada Khao Lak Resort is a contemporary haven composed of Deluxe Rooms, Ocean Front Villas and Private Pool Villas that are designed to blend with nature. Featuring a large horizon edge swimming pool, two restaurants, coffee shop, spa and wellness centre and 220—person ballroom. The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of local shops and 60 minutes from Phuket International Airport. Guests are within easy reach of six national parks, tropical islands, azure blue coral reefs and two golf courses.
THAI
National Flag: Electricity: 220 volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country
The red, white, and blue stripes symbolize the nation, Buddhism, and the monarchy,respectively. Neighboring south countries: Malaysia
RELIGIONS:
94.6%
4.6%
0.7%
Telephone Services: The international dialing code for Thailand is 66. When making international calls to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading 0. When making international calls from Thailand, first dial 001+country code+area code+telephone number.
Ranked #2 of 50 hotels in Khao Lak
16 Chic Travel Thailand
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Ranked #1 of 151 hotels in Khao Lak/Phang Nga
Khao Lak
Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Bangkok
Best City in the World Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has been won the World’s Best City Award 2013 from Travel and Leisure magazine for the forth consecutive year. In addition, Bangkok has received the Best City in Asia Award from Travel and Leisure magazine for seven times (from 2005 to 2013, except 2009). There are some reasons why Bangkok is voted the best city in the world for four years. Firstly, the city has a wide variety of tourist attractions. There are beautiful and historical temples, shrines, palaces, museums and art galleries that provide different experience to visitors. Visitors can also enjoy Bangkok nightlife in popular night areas such as Silom and Thonglor. Secondly, Bangkok is flourished with cultures and customs. Staying in Bangkok for days, visitors can absorb unique cultures, namely the national form of greeting ‘Wai’. Thirdly, Bangkok consists of Thai and international cuisine. Visitors can find many restaurants and food stalls along the street which serves tasty, fresh and hygiene food in a low cost. Besides, its city has a number of shopping venues. Shopping malls, plazas and markets can be found everywhere in Bangkok. For those who love shopping, Bangkok would be their shopping heaven absolutely. Last but not least, traveling in Bangkok is cheap and convenient. Visitors can travel by public transportation such as sky train, subway, taxi and bus. The fare costs around 20 Baht to 100 Baht per trip. These are why Bangkok is the best city in the world. For those who never been to Thailand, choose Bangkok for your next destination and you will fall in love with this charming city.
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Travel Q&A
Travel Q&A No matter where one travels there are some standard questions that need answering. Thailand is no different. Below are some of the questions that are routinely asked, with answers. Q: A:
Q: A:
Q: A:
What are the visa and passport requirements for Thailand? Anyone entering the Kingdom must have a valid passport that will remain valid for a minimum of three months from date of entry. A visa, once issued, must be used within 90 days. A tourist visa is good for 60 days and may be renewed for an additional 30 days. How many airports are there in Bangkok? There are two airports in Thailand’s capital. Suvarnabhumi Airport is both an international and a domestic airport. It can accommodate 45 million passengers per year and 76 flights per hour. The former international airport, Don Muang, is now a domestic airport with flights offered by Thai Airways, Nok Air and One-Two-Go. What other cities in Thailand have international flights? There are four major international airports in Thailand, located in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai. There are other “international” airports with flights to neighboring countries only.
Q: A:
What is the process to receive the 7% VAT refund? There are several conditions that must be met before one can claim the VAT refund. This refund may be claimed by a non-Thai tourist (non-flight crew member) who is departing the Kingdom by air from an international airport. Goods must be purchased from venues displaying a sign that says “VAT Refund for Tourists” and goods must be taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase. Goods purchased at each venue must have a minimum price of B. 2,000 and total amount claimed for refund must be at least B. 5,000.
The steps are as follows: • Present passport to sales assistance and ask for a completed VAT Refund Application for Tourist with original tax invoices attached. • Upon departure, before check-in, present the above paperwork to Customs officers. • Present the claim to Revenue officers, drop it in the Refund Counter box or mail it to the Revenue Department of Thailand. • There is a choice of options to receive payment of the refund.
Q: A:
What is the voltage in Thailand and what type of plug is in use? The voltage in Thailand is 220-240 AC. While plugs are not standardized, most outlets will take both flat and round two-pronged plugs.
Secluded from the outside world, and created with the utmost care for Koh Chang natural beauty, AANA is a charming place of private tree house villas with plunge pool, personal beach where the sea meet the emerald river and a standard of hospitality. www.aanaresort.com
AANA Resort & Spa - Koh Chang Head Office: 44/68 Moo1 Soi Revadee 5, T.Talardkwan, A.Muang, Nonthaburi 11000 Thailand T. +66 2 951 4722-24 F. +66 2 951 4655 20 Chic Travel Thailand
Chiang Mai
Koh Chang: 19/2 Moo4 Klong Praow Beach, Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand T. +66 39 551 539 F. +66 39 551 540 E. rsvn@aanaresort.com
www.aanaresort.com
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Calendar of Activities
Festivals & Events in Thailand
Bo Sang Umbrella Fair & Sankampaeng Handicrafts Festival January, Chiang Mai
This event celebrates the bright colours and intricate designs of Bo Sang’s renowned handmade umbrellas, starting from the entrance to the end of village. During the festival, houses and shops along the road are decorated in Lanna style and illuminated with handmade lanterns. Umbrellas are craftily painted and brought to embellish houses. There is also car parade displaying decorated umbrellas, handicraft competition, Khan Toke dinner, traditional performances and other entertainments.
Blooming Siao Flower Festival
Hua Hin International Kite Festival
Khao Phanom Rung Festival
Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival
Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Dok Siao Ban or Blooming Siao Flower Festival is held annually on mid-February at Phu Chi Fa, Chiang Rai. Visitors can see blooming Siao flowers along with sea of mist over the valley. There are other activities such as sport competitions and cultural performances from hill tribes at Ban Rom Fa Thai as well as local foods that are available for visitors to taste.
The festival is held every second year during the month of March at The King Rama VI Army Camp just north of Hua Hin. It offers opportunity for visitors to witness the variety of colours, shapes, moves and even sounds of the kites from all over the world. All kinds of kites will ride the sea breezes, including big kites, little kites, stunt kites, high tech kites and the battling displays of international kites. Traditional Thai kites such as Chula and Pak Pao can be seen as well.
Visitors will experience the miraculous phenomenon of the sun’s rays shining straight through the 15 aligned doors of the Prasart Phanom Rung. Highlights of this festival are light and sound presentation, art and cultural performances, the parade of Phupatin Laksameethewee, traditional Northeastern Thailand or I-San-style dinner and history of Phanom Rung performances.
It is an ancient local festival associated with Thai traditional beliefs in the supernatural powers that help increase the production of rice crops for upcoming planting season. On the festival day, the beautiful rockets in different styles are paraded to the launch site. The highlight of this festival is the launch time. The rockets are fired from their launch platforms one by one. The rocket that reaches the greatest height is declared the winner.
This event is one of the most recognized jazz festivals in Thailand, held annually in June for a decade. Organized by B-Concept M e d i a E n t e r t a i n m e n t G ro u p ’s Passion4Share division, the Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2014 will have various international and local jazz artists performed on several stages. Many jazz lovers, foreigners, visitors including local people participate in this festival every year.
February, Chiang Rai
March, Prachuabkirikhan
April, Buriram
May, Yasothon
20-22 June 2014, Prachuabkirikhan
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Useful Website
Thai Trade Fair
Thai Web Watch
Thai Trade Fair
Thailand Travel Information www.discoverythailand.com is the Thailand travel website provided visitors the tourist attractions and activities that they can experience in Thailand. They can get information regarding where to go, what to see, what to do, where to stay, what the weather’s like and how to travel around. They can also find travel guide, travel tips, travel directory and Thailand’s top destinations as well as facts about Thailand. This website is beneficial for everyone especially those who never been to Thailand.
Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair It is a Bi-annual International Trade Fair held on February and September. The 53rd Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair will be held on 25 February-1 March 2014 at IMPACT Challenger. Some highlights of the fair include Thailand World of Gems and Jewelry to AEC, gems and jewelry outlet, Ploi Thai jewelry creation and zero vat zone. Visitors will be charged 100 baht for gate entry fee.
Bangkok International Fashion Fair and Bangkok International Leather Fair 2014 (BIFF & BIL 2014) BIFF&BIL 2014 will be held on 12-16 March 2014 at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani. It is organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with Thailand’s fashion and leather industries. There will be 6 exhibition zones: textile, garment, leather goods, footwear, fashion accessories and designer. Participants can also join other special events such as fashion show and trend forum.
Bangkok International Gift Fair and Bangkok International Houseware Fair 2014 (BIG+BIH) The fair will be held on 19-23 April 2014 at BITEC, Bangkok, which is jointly organized by The Department of International Trade Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce and the Thai Lifestyle Products Association. The BIG and BIH fair showcases various things ranging from souvenirs and handicrafts to toys and furniture. Attending this event, you can get unique goods and bring them home.
THAIFEX-World of food ASIA 2014 The Flavours of Thai Cuisine
Shopping in Thailand
Thai Fruits
www.eatingthaifood.com features 7 types of Thai food overview: meats, seafood, vegetables, soups, curry, noodles and Thai desserts. It also provides additional information such as restaurant reviews, food tips and recipes. Thai food is introduced to visitors through this website with clear descriptions and pictures. Using it as a guide, they can surely enjoy tasting Thai food during their stay in Thailand.
w w w. c h i c t ra ve l t h a i l a n d. co m / d i r e c to r y. php?t=shopping is an answer for everyone who is looking for shopping places in Thailand. The highlights shopping malls, local markets, floating markets and night markets and bazaars in Thailand are gathered in this website. It will be useful for visitors to get an overview of these shopping places so that they can decide which place will be their next shopping destinations.
www.tourismthailand.org.vn/n-eg-118-0/ tourist-information/fruit.html comprises an introduction of Thai fruits and fruit carving. It reviews popular fruits in Thailand with pictures such as mangoes, rambutans, durians and pomelos. It also provides list of fruit names in Thai. For instance, lime is called “ma-nao” and coconut is called “ma-prao”. Visitors can learn more about Thai fruits from visiting this website.
THAIFEX, one of the leading food and beverage sector trade shows in Thailand, will be held on 21-25 May 2014 at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani. The exhibition shows food & beverage including Halal & organic food, food catering, food service, food technology and retail & franchise. During the event, participants can taste food, attend cooking demonstrations and seminars and find variety of food products.
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Dos & Don’ts in Thailand Don’t
Don’t climb upon Buddha images to take a photograph.
shake hands with Thai people. Normally, Thais greet each other by pressing their palms together in a prayer, a ‘wai’ gesture. The younger person wais the older person who then returns the wai gesture.
Do
Do
dress appropriately when visiting temples. Short pants, short skirts and shirts that expose the shoulders are not allowed in temples. Remove shoes before entering in the inner area of a temple. Likewise, remove shoes before entering someone’s home.
Don’t touch a monk if you are a woman. It is strictly forbidden. Similarly, monks are not allowed to touch a woman or accept anything offered by a woman.
show respect for t h e T h a i R o y a l Fa m i l y. Thai people have a deep reverence for the monarch. Criticism of the King and Royal Family is against the law - a punishable offence that is taken very seriously.
Don’t
Do
point at things or anyone with your feet. They are considered as a rude manner.
Don’t lose your temper in public as it is concerned i m p r o p e r fo r m e n a n d women.
k e e p s m i l i n g. T h a i people always smile in every situation. During your stay in Thailand, you just smile as much as you can.
Don’t touch anyone’s head because Thais regard head as the highest part of the body. Therefore, touching someone’s head is unacceptable.
Don’t go topless on a Thai
beach. It is inappropriate in Thailand and shows lack of understanding of cultural norms.
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Cruise THE GRAND CHAOPHRAYA CRUISE
Design-wise, the three cruises are distinctly Thai with a touch of contemporary design. The well-appointed cruises are elegantly styled with luxurious furnishings and glamorous lighting yet they remain comfortable. Similar in style, the cruises’ only difference lie on the capacity of guests they can accommodate. Chaophraya Cruise can carry up to 290 persons while The Grand Chaophraya Cruise can cater to 500 guests. THE STAR by Chaophraya Cruise is the choice for intimate parties having to carry around 100 persons on board.
CHAOPHRAYA CRUISE
A dinner cruise will not be complete without the food. All three cruises offer an International buffet of various dishes from different cuisines; of course the popular Thai food is ever present on the table. There is also a fresh sushi bar and seafood to add more choices to the dishes served.
CHAOPHRAYA CRUISE
THE STAR BY CHAOPHRAYA CRUISE
The dinner cruises operate from the River City Pier every night; the cruise lasts for two hours (from 7:00pm until 9:00pm). Some of the magnificent attractions which can be viewed while dining and cruising along Chaophraya River are the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace, Rama VIII Suspension Bridge, and a string of world-class riverside and waterfront hotels. All of the three cruises: Chaophraya Cruise, The Grand Chaophraya Cruise and THE STAR by Chaophraya Cruise are also available for any charter service – private parties, wedding receptions, concerts, grand opening events, seminars, meeting and incentive groups and more
All three cruises have served innumerable guests from around the world including several VIPs and dignitaries. One of their most distinguished guests is Bhutan’s King Jigme Namkel Wangchuk.
Cruising the “River of Kings”, the Chao Phraya River, is one of the best ways to see the historical landmarks and the beautiful night sceneries in Bangkok; and what better way to do it is to dine in style aboard luxury cruises: Chaophraya Cruise, The Grand Chaophraya Cruise and The Star.
Another highlight of the Chaophraya Cruise is its onboard entertainment provided by a live band with professional singers and Live Saxophone. The guests can even request songs, and dance the night away.
CHAOPHRAYA CRUISE 490 Ratchadapisek Road, Samsen-nork Huaykwang, Bangkok 10320 Tel: +66 2 541 5599 Fax: +66 2 541 5064 Email: sales@chaophrayacruise.com Website: www.chaophrayacruise.com
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Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Cover Story
Soap Carving
Fruit Carving
The Origins It is widely believed vegetable carving started during the Loi Kratong festival in 14th century Sukhothai. During Loi Kratong people make small boats from banana leaves and decorate them with flowers and incense. In the year 1364, one of King Phra Ruang’s servants, Nang Noppamart, had the desire to create a unique decoration for her raft. Nang carved a flower and a bird from a vegetable using a real flower as a pattern. Using these carvings, she created a raft that stood out above the rest. King Phra Ruang was so impressed by the grace and beauty of the carving he decreed that every woman should learn this new art. Today The art of vegetable carving has remained popular in Thailand ever since and even today many schools continue teach the art. Edible arrangements often form the center piece at weddings and state banquets and can also be found at restaurants and homes throughout the country. There is no limit to what shapes can be carved out of vegetables but the most popular are flowers and birds, in keeping with Khun Nang’s original designs.
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
The practice has extended to soap carving where pieces can be so exquisite that collectors frame them in a glass and wood box as keepsakes to be treasured. The Carving Institute of Bangkok teaches the craft of vegetable and soap carving and is the premier exporter of soap carvings worldwide. Wood Carving Most people who have visited a Thai temple will have been impressed by the artistry of wood-carvings portraying scenes from the Ramayana and other images of mythology. Wood carving in Thailand is an intricate skill that is inextricably linked to the country’s history and values. Whether it’s a tiny wooden elephant or an enormous engineered wooden structure, the sheer professionalism of the craft cannot be faulted.
Vegetable and Soap Carving Next time you’re enjoying a Thai meal featuring a platter of fruit and vegetables carved into figurative shapes, it’s worth remembering the origins of this very Thai practice.
Woodcarving is a rural art that is passed down from generation to generation and is most widely practiced in the district of Chiang Mai, most notably in towns such as Mae Tha and Ban Luk near Lampang. However, wood carving experts and centers of excellence can be found throughout Thailand. Beside religious temples you will find just as many intricate carvings on some of the royal buildings as well as on regal boats such as those seen at The Royal Barge Museum in Bangkok. A modest style of the craft can also be found in the humblest of Thai homes seen dotted around the country. If you’re keen to learn more about wood carving we recommend the Royal Thai Handicraft Centre in Bangkok that has an impressive display of traditional Thai teak wood carvings. The center is said to be the largest of its kind in the city and is also a great place to watch Thai artisans at work. In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for the beauty of woodcarving. Next you visit a Thai temple, stop for a moment before entering and look up towards the eaves to examine the carvings, some of which will simply amaze you. There are many reasons Thailand earns the moniker of Amazing Thailand, this is just one of them. Schools: • International Carving Association www.intercarving.com/index.php Tel: +66 2 673 5525, +66 80 982 7999 • Wandee Culinary School www.wandeethaicooking.com Tel: +66 2 279 9844-5, +66 2 279 2204 • Bangkok Thai Culinary School www.bangkokthaicookingacademy.com/fruit-carving-classes Tel: +66 2 259-5853 Tip: If you would like to study carving, you should make sure that you have enough time to study because the courses rather take time to study and practice.
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Khao Lak
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Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Destinations
Chiang Mai Chiang Mai, the hub of the north, and Thailand’s second largest city is the former capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom. The Night Bazaar, a shopper’s cornucopia, and Doi Suthep, a temple sixteen kilometres outside of town that provides magnificent views of Chiang Mai, are favourites spots for tourists. Overview
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
The city’s Nimanhemin Road area has become a hot spot for trendy furnishings and design items for up-market homes and villas. And for the kids, the Chiang Mai Night Safari with its wide selection of animals is a big hit. The pandas in the zoo are a must!!
Picture Perfect
Chiang Mai is the jump-off point for all destinations to the far north of Thailand; for those heading to Chiang Rai, a half-day, long-tail boat trip from Tha Ton (located due north of Chiang Mai) to just outside of Chiang Rai is a fun and alternative means of travel.
Lying 16km out of town is Doi Suthep, famous for its 14th century Wat Phrathat, which provides glorious views out over the city of Chiang Mai. Once you reach the base of the temple, there a 290-step staircase or a funicular to take you to the top. The Royal Family’s northern residence, Phupi ng Palace, lies 4km north of Wat Phratat-its gardens are open to public Fri-Sun. also There’s an authentic, Hmong hilltribe village called Doi Pui, a couple kilometers past the royal palace.
The Chiang Mai to Pai and Mae Hong Son route has long been popular with backpackers, but now that the road has been paved it’s much more accessible for everyone. And Pai has now established itself as the trekking capital of northern Thailand. Thailand’s largest peak, Doi Inthanon, situated in a national park, is a popular drive for many visiting Chiang Mai. It’s a favourite for birdwatchers and naturalists because of its many species of plants, animals and birds. Nearby, the meditation retreat at Wat Phra That Si Chom is quite popular and draws students from all over Thailand. Many superb five-star resorts and hotels such as the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, and the Four Seasons Chiang Mai have opened in and around Chiang Mai proper. Others of note include the Sofitel Riverside Chiang Mai, the Sukanthara Cascade Resort & Spa, the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, the Maninarakorn Hotel, Proud Phu Fah, Kaomailanna, the Bulun Buri Resort, the Ratchanamkha, the Deva Montra Resort & Spa and Belle Ville.
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Arts & Culture
Walks
Chiang Mai is said to be home to 1,000 temples, so picking which ones to visit can be difficult, but Phrasingh Temple on Ratchadamnern Road is probably the most revered and well-known as its home to the holy Buddha image, Phra Buddha Singh. The Xiangman Temple containing a 1,800-year-old white Emerald Buddha is also quite popular.
The old town itself is surrounded by a moat, entered by 5 now restored gates: Suan Dork Gate in the west, Ta Pae Gate in the east, Chang Puak Gate in the north and Chaing Mai & Suan Prang Gates in the south. It lends itself to great walking tours; maps of which are easily accessible at most guest houses and hotels.
Activities
Shopping
Chiang Mai has become a destination for many to study Thai massage, Thai cooking, Thai language, yoga and vipassana (insight meditation) as many prefer its laid-back feel to that of frenzied Bangkok.
Just outside of town, the Bo Sang Umbrella Making Centre, started by a monk is popular with tourists-you can see sa paper made there from mulberry bark. Also popular is Baan Roi An Phan Yang, where you can see intricate antiques and wood carvings crafted by some of the region’s best craftsmen. The Baan Tawai Handicraft Village is also a good spot to sample local products, and at the nearby Shinawatra Thai Silk shop, you can play with all kinds of silk.
The city also has one of the greatest concentrations of cottage industries in the world ranging from paper umbrellas to lacquerware, celadon pottery, silverware, woodcarving, silk weaving and traditional handicrafts. Dining Out Along the west bank of the Ping River, just north of the Nawarat Bridge lies a trendy area featuring the Good View, Gallery, Mahanga and Riverside eateries, all are worth a gander as is the nightclub La Brasserie. The city is also famous for its kao soy (soft & crispy noodles in curry soup, served with either chicken, meat or pork), nam prik noom (shredded green peppers) and khantoke (assorted northern snacks). Nearby Environs Chiang Mai has long been known for its elephant camps and treks and 100km south, just outside of Lampang, lies the Elephant Conservation Centre, where you can learn to be a mahout, and the world’s first elephant hospital, run by Soraida Salwala.
Free of Charge
Getting There
Well, it’s not exactly free, because you are going to have to pay with gas or bus fare, but as mentioned Chiang Mai is a great jumping off point to see northern Thailand; the circular drive from Chiang Mai past Chom Tong (the entrance to Doi Inthanon), to Mae Sariang, on to Mae Hong Son, through Pai, then back to Chiang Mai takes you through all kinds of spectacular scenery. And a couple hours south of Mae Sariang in the Mae Sot area lie a number of Karen and Burmese refugee camps, where many volunteers have offered their services over the years.
The city has an international airport and a number of budget airlines service it domestically. Chiang Mai is serviced by regular bus service from the Mochit terminal in Bangkok (an 8-9 hour trip) and the overnight 700km train journey from the Hualampong train terminus in Bangkok is great fun.
ONLY IN CHIANG MAI Songkran, or Buddhist New Year, has a history of being wet, wild and wholly in Chiang Mai as everybody gets into a gigantic water fight for three or four days in mid-April; this is possibly be the biggest water fight in the world. SAVE THE DATE Loy Krathong – November On the night of November’s full moon in Chiang Mai, local people celebrate Yi Peng, the northern version of the Loy Krathong festival. Thousands of lanterns are launched into the night sky in the belief that as they float away so does the troubles of the community. The traditional practice of setting adrift krathongs, tiny decorative candlelit rafts, into rivers is also observed on the same night in northern Thailand.
Local Knowledge Public Transport – It is convenient to travel around Chiang Mai by riding the popular tuk tuk or a songtaew, a red pick up truck with a canopy and twin rows of bench seats which go around the city center and other routes. Considered to be a practical way to getting around is by hiring a motorcycle or go around by foot. Area Code – 053 is the local area code used to dial to Chiang Mai Seasons – Chiang Mai is the gateway to the north. The cool season is the best time to enjoy for those who wish to experience trekking in the mountains. The mornings can be very cool but temperatures quickly rise and the afternoons can be hot, only to plummet again at night. During the hot season, the north can experience very high temperatures; when the wet season comes some of the dirt tracks leading to the hill tribes are impassable and flooding is common.
Northern Fruit and Art Festivals – August Two northern towns, Lamphun and Chiang Mai stage cultural events as these towns are noted for their culture, art and heritage. They are also recognized for a variety of fruits.
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
The three choices of accommodation – Deluxe, Deluxe Suite and Riverside Grand Suite – range in size from 60 square meters to 320 square meters. Guests can enjoy private balconies overlooking the river, widescreen plasma televisions and the convenience of broadband Internet. Along with the traditional architecture, RatiLanna Spa offers the traditional Asian arts of healing, relaxation and massage. This is the place to indulge the senses while securing health and well-being with treatments administered by trained therapists. Massage, aromatherapy, body treatments, facials and spa packages are all available.
RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort, Chiang Mai
Guests can delight in several dining options. Experience the art of Oriental Fusion, either indoors or al fresco at the Mira Terrace. The Rio Restaurant & Wine Bar enjoy with innovative “Churrascaria Brazilian BBQ” style or choose from our Chef’s House specialties. Live Piano entertainment nightly. Finest independent luxury Boutique resort with high standard services. Relax and enjoy the Free WiFi, international newspaper and a selection of book & magazines in the Library Lounge. The Business Centre provides computer and high-speed internet access for services will needs of business traveller.
In the heart of the former Lanna Kingdom of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, is a luxury boutique resort that perfectly recreates the architectural splendor and interior décor of that famed era. RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort sits on the banks of the Mae Ping River offering 5-star luxury inspired by the Wat Gate community of 200 years ago. RatiLanna is the story of the Ping River, its traditions and its commerce.
What better way to experience northern Thailand, its history, temples, and culture, than from the luxury of RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort!
RatiLanna Riverside Spa Resort Chiang Mai 33 Changklan Road, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand Tel: +66 53 999 333 Fax: +66 53 999 332 E-mail: info@ratilannachiangmai.com Website: www.ratilannachiangmai.com
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Destinations
Bangkok It is if all the smells, tastes and sounds of Thailand converge in Bangkok, the country’s Capital, and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Whether you are browsing at Chatuchak (the world’s largest outdoor market), visiting some of Bangkok’s famous temples, or partaking in the nightlife at Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza you will never be bored in Bangkok. Overview
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
The city’s expressways, subway and Skytrain systems make it easy to get around and Bangkok’s wide selection of fine restaurants make it a food lover’s delight. Bangkok’s proper name is, “Krungthep mahanakhon amonratanakosin mahintra ayuthaya mahadilok popnopparat ratchathani burirom udomratchithaniwet mahasathan amonpiman avansathit sakkathattiya witsanukamprasit”. It’s a mouthful, but ask a Thai student to recite it for you and they will, they must learn it in school.
Picture Perfect
Film buffs can delight in the number of world-class theatres Bangkok has-there’s a cineplex in every major mall. The movies turn over quick quickly and few cities stage more film festivals than Bangkok does. The city regularly hosts a number of plays, operas, musicals and ballet performances and if you are a historical buff the National Museum, the Vimanmek Teak Museum, the Royal Barges Museum and the Grand Palace will keep you busy. Jim Thompson’s House is also usually a must visit for anyone travelling to Bangkok. The man who brought Thai silk to the world disappeared without a trace in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia back in 1967. And if you are into snakes, then you should visit the Snake Farm at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, where you can watch daily milkings and feedings of the reptiles.
River and klong taxis are a good way to see Bangkok-as many commuters still take these boats to work every day and you can rent longboat boats to tour the many canals that shoot off from the main river. Taxis are reasonably priced, and the service is usually good, but it doesn’t hurt to practice your “Taxi Thai” for getting around. Thailand is famous for it tuk tuks; they spin on their axis, so you might want to take a trip in one, but they won’t get you to your destination any quicker. Arts & Culture Bangkok has some of Thailand’s finest temples (Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kheo), so you can easily take a whole day out to temple tour. If you want more of a proactive vacation the city offers many traditional Thai massage courses (Wat Po is famous for this) many excellent Thai cooking courses (try the Oriental Hotel for a top-notch cooking school), many Thai language courses (try AUA) and a number of places where you can learn about Thai holistic medicine (try the Institute of Thai Medicine). And Bangkok is known as the spa capital of the world, so you can pamper yourself or loved ones with any of the treatments on tap at the city’s top spas. Then if you want to see some Thai boxing, the city’s two main stadiums, Lumpini and Ratchadamnern regularly carry bouts and you can get quite close to the fighters while the bouts are in action.
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Activities
Walks
If you want to do some bargain shopping try the MBK Centre (once called, “a huge open-air market thrown into a seven-storey shopping complex”), the myriad of stores in the Pratunam Market (“the downtown Chatuchak”). And Panthip Plaza on Petchburi Road has had a reputation for being one of the best IT malls in Southeast Asia.
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a vast labyrinth of small stalls and sois and definitely worth a visit, especially to its Sampeng Lane market. There are many good maps of Bangkok available but the best is Nancy Chandler’s, which gives you detailed instructions of how to get around Chinatown and Chatuchak too. Khao San Road has long been Thailand’s backpacker central, but lately it is starting to become more upmarket and trendy. It’s worth a visit to see the amazing number of nationalities who pass through this multicultural way station every day.
Dining Out Whether you want to eat Italian, Chinese, Indian, French, Japanese, Korean, vegetarian, Muslim or even Brazilian, all types of cuisine are readily available in Bangkok. Bangkok has some of the finest hotels in the world: the Oriental, Shangri-la, Four Seasons Bangkok, the Peninsula, Sukhothai, and the Grand Hyatt Erawan, to name a few, and each of these aforementioned hotels has a fine selection of restaurants. Nearby Environs About an hour outside of Bangkok sits Ayuthaya Historical Park, a former Thai capital and UNESCO World Heritage site. Renting a bicycle is the best way to see these ancient ruins. Close by is the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and a fun way to visit Ayuthaya and Bang Pa-In is by going up the Chao Phraya River in a refurbished rice barge. And for those that want to see some crocodiles, the Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm will not disappoint. See trainers stick their heads between the jaws of live crocs, including Thailand’s biggest, weighing in at 1,114kg. Near the crocodile farm is Muang Boran, or the Ancient City, 109 scaled-down replicas of Thailand’s most famous landmarks. This is a nice place to bicycle around, and the attractions have been more or less laid out to conform to Thailand’s geography.
Shopping Bangkok is truly a shopper’s cornucopia: starting at the Emporium on Sukhumvit Road, then moving west you’ll find Central Chitlom, Gaysorn and Amarin Plazas, Central World Plaza, Siam Paragon (featuring an IMAX theatre and Siam Ocean World), and the Siam Discovery Centre-all within short Skytrain distance of one another. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better selection of high-class shopping malls in any other city in Southeast Asia.
Free of Charge
Getting There
The city’s green oasis, Lumpini Park sits in the heart of the city, just north of the intersection of Rama IV and Silom Roads. Whether it is rollerblading, aerobics, tai chi, or paddleboating, there’s just so much that can be done here and admission is free. Then Chatuchak is open on the weekends, and you can browse to your heart’s content.
Almost all major airlines fly into Suvanabhumi, Bangkok’s international airport. Don Muang, the old international airport, situated across town still services some domestic flights. And a rapid transit link has just opened up making getting back and forth from Suvanabhumi into the city that much easier.
ONLY IN BANGKOK
Thailand’s train system, originating out of the Bangkok terminus, Hualampong, covers almost of the whole country except for the area around Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Ranong, where no track was ever laid.
Bangkok has three spectacular rooftop restaurants: Vertigo, the stunning open-air al fresco bar, 61 floors up in the Banyan Tree Hotel on Sathorn Road is a great place to dine, but be careful when the wind kicks up. Sirocco, 65 floors up, at the top of the State Tower at the bottom of Silom Road is another spectacular open-air spot to take a loved one for a romantic evening. And Red Sky, sitting 56 floors up on the Centara Grand, has succulent cuisine and its open-air happy hour is a great way to see the city. SAVE THE DATE Songkran Festival – April 13-15 It is Thailand’s most celebrated festival where everyone gets soaking wet. It is a Public Spring Cleaning Day, supported by the religious belief that anything old and useless must be thrown away or it will bring bad luck to the owner. Loy Krathong – November Loy means “to float: and Krathong means “a lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves which contain a candle, joss stick, some flowers and coins”. The festival is set on a full moon night. On this night, the people make a wish and the krathongs are set afloat on the rivers, canals or small ponds which they believed to have carried away their sins and bad luck.
Bangkok has three major train stations: Ekamai (covering Pattaya, the Eastern Seaboard, and some spots in the east) Sai Dai (covering al points west & south) and Mochit (covering all points north & northeast). Local Knowledge Public Transport – There is a BTS Skytrain and MRT Underground rail systems that provide easy accessibility to shopping, entertainment and business areas. There are express boats and river taxis that can be used to see cultural and riverside attractions. Taxis, buses, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), tuk tuks, and motorcycle taxis are other alternatives. The new Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link connects the airport to central Bangkok. Area Code – 02 is the local area code used to dial to Bangkok Seasons – Bangkok can be visited anytime, although it can be hot throughout the year. The coolest and driest months to visit are November to February. April is hot and dry with the rains beginning in May and continuing until October.
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Khao Lak
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Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
Rose Hotel, Bangkok Smart, Simple & Stylish
For over forty years, the Rose Hotel Bangkok has provided boutique facilities and outstanding service in a convenient location in the heart of Silom.
The hotel’s mid-century-designed building houses stylish rooms and suites, all recently refurbished in a chic contemporary Asian style and decorated with modern artworks. The swimming pool and Ruen Urai Fine Thai Cuisine, the hotel’s signature restaurant, are hidden in the petite urban oasis. Additional facilities include the Rose Hip Dining Space & Bar, meeting and conference rooms, a gym, and saunas for guests’ recreation and relaxation. Our guests are also able to enjoy many more amenities and services such as 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi internet access and travel desk.
All 72 rooms and suites at the Rose Hotel Bangkok feature an en suite bathroom, TV, refrigerator and mini bar, and safe. Guests also enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast. Dine in Style At the hotel’s signature restaurant, Ruen Urai, “the House of Gold,” discerning diners can experience exotic Thai flavours in the relaxed setting of an elegant century-old traditional Thai House built from golden teakwood. The menu includes the finest delicacies of Thai cuisine inspired by a doctor of herbal medicine, the original proprietor of the house. The exotic ambience and period architecture make Ruen Urai the perfect choice for either a romantic dinner or private party. At Rose Hip Dining Space and Bar, we present an appetising selection of authentic Thai, Chinese, and European food from our extensive menu and drink list. Savour flavourful dishes and relax in the friendly ambience from breakfast to dinner. Plus enjoy your meals in the private dining room or 24-hour room service. Outstanding Location This vibrant location, close to the BTS Sala Daeng SkyTrain station, is renowned for business, shopping, and entertainment. The business district of Silom, Surawongse, and Sathorn is only minutes away and the colourful nightlife and night market of Patpong is right at the doorstep.
The Rose Hotel Bangkok 118 Surawongse Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: +66 2 266 8268-72 Fax: +66 2 266 8096 E-mail: therosehotelbkk@yahoo.com Visit the websites at www.rosehotelbkk.com and www.ruen-urai.com
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Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
MUTHI MAYA Forest Pool Villa Resort
Kirimaya Golf Resort Spa
MUTHI MAYA, the luscious oasis of serenity, offers guests an instant escape from busy city life. Only 2.5-kilometer drive from Kirimaya, they will be among the chic elegance of contemporary living blended seamlessly with natural beauty. The resort harmonizes with forest and surrounding mountains and becomes part of Khao Yai’s breathtaking panorama.
Kirimaya, situated on the edge of Khao Yai National Park, is the first boutique luxury resort in Khao Yai and a high-end nature retreat. Only 2 hours from Bangkok, you will experience the lifestyle you prefer. The resort offers you opportunity to get close to nature without giving up comforts of modern living and 5-star standards of service.
The Pool Villas at MUTHI MAYA are built and fully decorated to provide guests with the ultimate refuge of privacy. These villas feature a large patio with a private pool, garden and pavilion. As its outstanding open architecture blends in with surroundings, guests can capture the natural living perfectly.
The resort features 30 Plantation View rooms, 22 Horizon View rooms, 4 Terrace Suites and 4 Tented Villas fully equipped with modern amenities. As Kirimaya combines the natural charms of Khao Yai with lifestyle of contemporary living, all rooms are luxuriously spacious with idyllic view of unsurpassed greens and hills.
You can enjoy sumptuous breakfast at MYTH @ Pool Restaurant, an open air coffee shop, which serves premium quality food, fresh seasonal vegetables and juices from the resort’s organic farm. MYTH, an open air restaurant on the upper level of MUTHI MAYA’s lobby, serves you fabulous Italian and Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy your meal together with 360 degree panoramic views of Khao Yai National Park.
Guests can dine at T-Grill Restaurant which serves a sumptuous daily breakfast. Acala, the fine dining restaurant at reception patio, serves delicious Thai cuisine. Guests can overlook the lake and golf course and enjoy the natural beauty and sunsets during their meal. Have a relaxing time at The Mist Bar, a cozy venue that serves all days drink and evening cocktails.
The resort provides guests a lap pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool with dressing area and luxurious sun deck. They can also relax with other facilities and services at Kirimaya such as MAYA Spa and Kirimaya golf course.
Indulge yourself with massage and beauty treatments at MAYA Spa. The resort also provides other services and facilities such as 18hole championship golf course, Kirimaya fitness center and outdoor swimming pool.
MUTHI MAYA 1/3 Moo 6 Thanarat Road, Moo-Si, Pakchong Nakorn Ratchasima 30130, Thailand Khao Yai: +66 44 426 000 Fax: +66 44 426 055 Bangkok: +66 2 257 0455-7 Fax: +66 2 257 0459 Email: info@muthimaya.com, reservation@muthimaya.com Website: www.muthimaya.com
Kirimaya 1/3 Moo 6 Thanarat Road, Moo-Si, Pakchong, Nakorn Ratchasima 30130, Thailand Tel: +66 44 426 000 Fax:+66 44 426 055 Bangkok: +66 2 257 0455-7 Fax: +66 2 257 0459 Email: info@kirimaya.com, reservation@kirimaya.com Website: www.kirimaya.com
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
A blend of classic Thai architecture and luxurious comfort defines Phuwanalee’s tranquil rooms. The resort features 70 guest rooms which are Boutique Tent, Superior, Deluxe, Executive Deluxe, Mini Suite, Boutique Villa and Thai Villa. Staying at Phuwanalee Resort, guests will have a restful night’s slumber amidst the sounds of nature. Phuwanalee Kitchen, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves both delicious Thai and international cuisine throughout the day. Guests are given choice of fine dining in the elegant restaurant or outdoor by the swimming pool. Dining while enjoying beautiful scenery beneath the star will be perfect.
Phuwanalee Hotel & Resort provides guests a warm and pleasant stay with first class amenities. It will be relaxed to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool during the day. Other services and facilities are also available such as hi speed wi-fi internet, children’s playground, fitness center and mountain bike service.
Phuwanalee Resort
With the nice atmosphere, spending your holiday at Phuwanalee Resort will be an unforgettable experience.
Nestled in the serene and peaceful countryside of Khao Yai, Phuwanalee Resort is an ideal respite for those seeking a weekend break or long vacation far away from bustling city life. Nature-lovers will enjoy natural accommodation the resort provides too. With its location that is only 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Bangkok, Phuwanalee Hotel & Resort is an easily accessible escape for all travelers.
Phuwanalee Resort 125 Moo 2, Thanarat Rd., Moo-Si, Pakchong, Nakorn Rachasima 30130 Tel: +(66) 4429 7111 Fax: +(66) 4429 7656 Mobile: +(66) 8 7674 9911 Email: phuwanaleeresort@hotmail.com Bangkok Office Tel: +(66) 2671 6591 Fax: +(66) 2671 6584 Email: sales@phuwanalee.com Website: www.phuwanalee.com
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Pattaya
Koh Chang
Hua Hin
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Destinations
Pattaya Pattaya is all about fun as it is the entertainment and tourist hub of this region. It started to grow once Amerca GIs targeted it as a spot for R&R during the Vietnam War. The town is divided into three parts: Naklua (or Pattaya North), Central Pattaya (Party Central) and Jomtien Beach in the south. Naklua is a lot quieter and more family oriented, anything goes in Central Pattaya and Jomtien has always been a weekend retreat for Thais and it is packed on the weekends. Overview
Activities
Pattaya has undergone a face lift in the last few years as more and more boutique hotels have sprung up as have a number of fashionable shopping malls and high-end condo developments all in an attempt to lure Bangkokians and tourists who may have been put off by it’s red-light area. As a result, you really have two Pattayas; one for families who want a resort getaway close to Bangkok, and the long-established Pattaya with it’s adrenaline-pumping, action-never-ending entertainment area.
Tennis courts, go-kart tracks, fitness centes and Thai-boxing gyms are all available in Pattaya as are elephants rides, motorscooters, monster motorbikes, and convertible Jeeps.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS Picture Perfect For the best view in Pattaya, check out the Pattaya Park Beach Resort & Tower in Jomtien. It has an observation deck on its 55th floor: it’s a oneminute express elevator ride to the top, or you can take a leisurely cable car ride. The complex it is situated in also has a water park the kids love. Arts & Culture To learn more about Thai culture while in Pattaya, it is best to go out and explore cultural attractions, watch a traditional Thai show, visit an art exhibition or celebrate with the locals during its many festivals and events. Some of the notable cultural sights are the Sanctuary of Truth with its intricate and elaborate carvings; Mini Siam and Mini Europe for its model village consisting of Thai and European buildings in a miniature scale; Anek Kuson Sala, a Chinese temple which contains precious antiques, pottery items and paintings; and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden for its sprawling garden and park with traditional Thai houses.
To keep the adrenaline pumping shooting ranges are available as is scuba diving (there are many ship wrecks in the area), snorkelling, jetskiing, game fishing, cable skiing, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, speed boating, water-skiing, parasailing, and aerial sports such as gliding ultralights and flying motor-propelled gliders. You can even rent a sail boat from Gulf Charters at nearby Ocean Marina and sail to a few of the local nearby islands like Koh Rang. The city also has its own Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, bungee jumping, an open-air zoo (outside of town), a separate tiger zoo, and an aquarium. There are also numerous restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard & snooker clubs, discos, saunas & massage parlors. This area also has one of the greatest concentrations of good golf courses in the world and as such has been dubbed a “golfer’s paradise”. You can play on a different spectacular course each day, without having to change hotels.
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Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Dining Out
Walks
Pattaya has all the famous western fast food restaurants as well as numerous individual fine Western and Thai food eateries. If you get a chance, see a dinner show, usually consisting of a three-course meal with some authentic Thai dancing.
Pattaya is a great town to walk around as its Walking Street attests and if you are up for a good challenge try walking the entire Beach Road in Central Pattaya.
Nearby Environs The lesser known Koh Si Chang, accessed by boat from the town of Sri Racha, features Hat Tha Wang Palace, the former summer palace of King Rama V. Summiting its Tham Yai Phrik Vipassana Monastery, you can get a great view of the surrounding ocean, which is full of tankers on one side and glorious empty ocean on the other. Neraby Chantaburi is known for its gemstones, as it is the centre for buying rubies and sapphires from across Southeast Asia. The town also has a significant Vietnamese population with their own fascinating history. And if you happen to be in Chonburi in October check out the water buffalo races, great fun for all involved.
Shopping If it’s not for sale in Pattaya, it’s basically not for sale. And you can get lots of practicing bargaining, because almost all the open-air vendors will negotiate their prices, but it’s best to bring a smile and a sense of humour when you start negotiating. Free of Charge Pattaya is basically a town built for tourists; so pretty much everything you need for a beach holiday is on offer and you can browse to your heart’s content from any of the beachside kiosks to the myriad of western shopping malls lining Pattaya town.
Koh Samet, which is only a short drive from Pattaya, and accessed by the pier at Ban Phe, has some of the finest white sand in the country and many Bangkokians chose to make this their weekend getaway because of its accessibility.
ONLY IN PATTAYA:
Getting There
In Pattaya and the Chonburi province, Songkran is celebrated a week later than the rest of the country. The fastival is officially Called, “Wanlai”.
It is possible to make the trip from Bangkok to Pattaya by car in ninety minutes. Nearby U-Tapao Airport services international and domestic flights to Pattaya and you can actually catch a train from Bangkok as well, but the trip is slow. Buses to Pattaya from Bangkok leave regularly from Ekamai, Mochit and the Southern bus stations and from the bus terminal attached to Suvanabhumi Airport.
SAVE THE DATE Pattaya Festival – April The festivities begin with a car parade contest wherein cars are beautifully adorned with flowers, ribbons, etc and they drive from North Pattaya to South Pattaya. This parade usually consists of 30 cars which are displayed in front of the city hall after the event. Other highlights include exhibitions, oyster rearing and fishnet weaving demonstrations and sports competitions such as water skiing and motorcycle racing. Buffalo Racing Fair – October This is an annual event wherein the buffalos are bathed and adorned with elaborate headdresses and accessories as they take part in races and contests. The race is held in front of the City Hall where visitors can enjoy a country girl’s contest, buffalo health and dress contest. They can make merit at a nearby temple or find entertainment at the open theaters at the fair.
And for those of you enjoying your time in Thailand who want to remain in the country, but need a new visa to do so, the most convenient border run is to Aranyaprathet, about three hours by bus from Pattaya. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Public Transport – It is possible to go around Pattaya by foot where the beach, hotels, clubs, bars, and shops are condensed in one area. There are also an abundance of songthaews, the most common mode of transport. There is an official fare rate for the usual routes but for other destinations, a price can be negotiated. Motorcycle taxis and taxis also abound in Pattaya; it is also possible to rent a car or motorcycle and renters are expected to have a valid driver’s license. Area Code – 038 is the local area code used to dial to Pattaya Seasons – Pattaya has a pleasant year-round tropical climate that can go hot. The coastal areas benefit from the cool sea breeze. It is subject to annual monsoons and experiences three seasons-Cool Season (November-February), Hot Season (March-May), Rainy Season (JuneOctober).
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Hua Hin
Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
Contents
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay - Koh Samed
Paradee Luxurious and secluded, Paradee on the beautiful island of Koh Samed is a particularly adult retreat. Meaning ‘The Sixth Heaven’, Paradee has been designed as a resort for couples who love privacy and peace. Its romantic location and special ambience make it unsuitable for small children. Truly a lover’s paradise, Paradee has a glorious sunrise beach and on the on the other side of the resort a beautiful rocky cove perfect for enjoying sunset.
The villas at the resort reflect the best in tropical architectural style. Completely individual and supremely comfortable, the thick thatched roofed villas feature a living area, bedroom, separate dressing and vanity area with toilet and an enclosed shower open to the skies. The patio also has a private swimming pool and spa. Villa types include Garden Villas, Garden Pool Villas, Beach Front Pool Villas and a fabulous Suite Villa. Relax at Paradee
Sai Kaew Beach Resort Sai Kaew Beach Resort is located on Koh Samed’s most popular beach. The resort has a bustling atmosphere and two beaches; a main beach with a wide curved bay of white sand and warm blue water, and a quiet beach in an inlet, perfect for young children and adults seeking solitude.
The Restaurant offers an extensive and varied selection of Thai and international cuisine prepared by the resort’s talented resident chef. The relaxed yet elegant setting is open to the sea breezes and is the perfect location to enjoying a romantic evening’s dining.
The four-star resort offers guests a choice of 158 rooms including from Deluxe rooms, Deluxe Cottages and Premier Rooms and Premier Seaside. The Deluxe zone is located beside a quiet, scenic sandy beach while the Premier rooms are located in the heart of the resort and set around a magnificent swimming pool and a pool bar. Discerning guests can enjoy the luxury of the Premier Seaside accommodation situated along the main bathing beach. Dining at Sai Kaew Beach Resort includes Zea Restaurant serving Thai and international cuisine, La Luna, specializing in Italian fare, and The Mango Café & Bakery.
Guests can also enjoy their private pool, swim in the resort’s main pool or plunge into the warm sea and explore the coral beneath the waves. Water sports available at the resort include windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling or sailing catamaran.
Sai Kaew Beach Resort is located in one of Koh Samed’s most lively destination. By day, guests can enjoy beach volleyball, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving or sailing; by night, they can enjoy live music and great food at restaurants and bars or stroll along the romantic beachfront. Sai Kaew Beach Resort Koh Samed 8/1 Moo 4 Tumbol Phe, Amphur Muang, Rayong 21160 Tel: +66 38 644 195 – 7, +66 2 438 9771-2 (BKK Office) Fax: +66 38 644 194, +66 2 439 0352 (BKK Office) Email: rsvn@samedresorts.com or sales@samedresorts.com Visit the website at www.samedresorts.com
Paradee Koh Samed 76 Moo 4 Tumbol Phe, Amphur Muang, Rayong 21160 Tel: +66 38 644 283 –8, +66 2 438 9771-2 (BKK Office) Fax: +66 38 644 290, +66 2 439 0352 (BKK Office) Email: rsvn@samedresorts.com or sales@samedresorts.com Visit the website at www.samedresorts.com
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Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay - Koh Samed
Baan Ploy Sea
Exclusive and luxurious, Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa has been created for discerning travelers. Stylish accommodation includes just 31 units comprised of Deluxe Cottages, and Spa Villas with a private bath. Each unit is beautifully decorated in a distinctive island touch.
Baan Ploy Sea offers uncomplicated comfort located on the north coast of Koh Samed on Ao-Klang beach with rooms around a magnificent swimming pool and back onto the hillside with great views across the sea to the mainland. A total of 16 rooms, ranging from 2-Deluxe room, 12-Deluxe Seaview, 2-Deluxe suite on the lovely fine sands.
Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa The beachfront Dhivarin Spa at Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa provides the opportunity to rejuvenate both body and soul. The delightful “O” is located on the beachfront. Here guests can start the day with a delicious breakfast. In the afternoon and evening, Italian cuisine, including pizza from a woodfire oven and an excellent selection of wines and drinks are available. Lovers of Thai food can also savour an array of local delicacies. At Buzz, the resort’s chic beachfront restaurant, guests can enjoy delicious Thai cuisine complemented by an excellent selection of wines and drinks.
All guestrooms are equipped with a wide range of standard amenities in cluding individually controlled air conditioning, minibar and fridge, IDD telephone and satellite TV. Only 2 ½ hours by road from Bangkok to Rayong, or one hour from the lively resort town of Pattaya, followed by a short sea crossing in our shuttle boat.
Le Vimarn Cottages & Spa Koh Samed 40/11 Moo 4 Tumbol Phe, Amphur Muang, Rayong 21160 Tel: +66 38 644 104 – 7, +66 2 438 9771-2 (BKK Office) Fax: +66 38 644 109, +66 2 439 0352 (BKK Office) Email: rsvn@samedresorts.com or sales@samedresorts.com Visit the website at www.samedresorts.com
Baan Ploy Sea Koh Samed 84 Moo 4, Tumbol Phe, Amphur Mueng, Rayong 21160 Tel: +66 38 644 355-7, +66 38 644 341, +66 2 438 9771-2 (BKK Office) Fax: +66 38 644 355-7, +66 38 644 064,+66 2 439 0352 (BKK Office) Email: rsvn@samedresorts.com, sales@samedresorts.com Website: www.samedresorts.com
Samed Club
Ao Prao Resort
2 Colour Logo
Coated Paper
Samed Club is a popular retreat set beside the quiet Noi Na Beach. The intimate seaside resort offers 30 bungalows and cottages with sea, garden or mountain views. Set around a magnificent swimming pool and backed by a green hillside, accommodation includes Beachfront Rooms, Garden, Deluxe, and Deluxe Hillside Cottages. All guestrooms are equipped with a wide range of standard amenities including individually controlled air conditioning, minibar and fridge, IDD telephone and satellite TV.
Located beside Ao Prao beach on the northern headland of Koh Samed’s west coast, Ao Prao Resort is a resort village offering spacious cottages, first-class facilities, and delicious food complemented by gracious Thai hospitality. A tropic island vacation resort beyond expectation, it is the perfect choice for couples or families. Accommodation includes 52 stylish Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Cottages and Beachfront Cottages, each with a private balcony overlooking the sea.
Special Colour:
Special Colour:
PANTONE 1605 U
PANTONE 7528 U
4 Colour Process:
4 Colour Process:
C10 M15 Y35 K20
C20 M65 Y75 K5
C10 M15 Y35 K20
These colour print outs are just to give a general idea about the colours. To achieve the correct Samet Club colours please follow the pantone numbers. For 4 colour printing please follow the CMYK information.
At Noi Na beach recreation includes volleyball and soccer, sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, canoeing and snorkelling are all available. Guests can enjoy the resort’s swimming pool or visit the nearby town.
Ao Prao Resort Koh Samed 60 Moo 4 Tumbol Phe, Amphur Muang, Rayong 21160 Tel: +66 38 644 100 – 3, +66 (2) 438 9771-2 (BKK Office) Fax: +66 38 644 099, +66 (2) 439 0352 (BKK Office) Email: rsvn@samedresorts.com or sales@samedresorts.com Visit the website www.samedresorts.com
Samed Club Koh Samed 25 Moo 4 Tumbol Phe, Amphur Muang, Rayong 21160 Tel: +66 38 644 341 – 7, +66 2 438 9771-2 (BKK Office) Fax: +66 38 644 064, +66 2 439 0352 (BKK Office) Email: rsvn@samedresorts.com or sales@samedresorts.com Visit the website at www.samedresorts.com
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Khao Lak
Krabi
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Special Colour:
PANTONE 7528 C 4 Colour Process:
C20 M65 Y75 K5
Rice Restaurant is located right at the water’s edge and serves authentic Thai cuisine in a chic setting by the beach.
The beachfront Breeze Restaurant offers an array of dishes including international and authentic Thai cuisine, and an excellent selection of wines.
Chiang Mai
Uncoated Paper Special Colour:
PANTONE 1605 C 4 Colour Process:
Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Destinations
Koh Chang Walks
Getting There
There are some nice waterfalls like Klong Plu that make for a good half-day excursion and as much of the island is still undeveloped and a national park, there are plenty of interesting areas to explore.
Bangkok Airways flies to its private airport in nearby Trat twice a day; it’s a short 45-minute flight from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Then it’s about a 10-15 minute drive from Trat to the Laem Ngop ferry, and there are snack bars on the ferry, so it is a very relaxing trip to the island. By bus, it’s about 5-5½ hours from Bangkok to the ferry pier.
Shopping
At 30km x 8 km, Koh Chang is the country’s second largest island. The name means “elephant island” because from a distance its headland resembles one. Overview Like many other islands in Thailand, Koh Chang started out as a backpacker haven, but now features a number of trendy boutique hotels and many of Thailand’s fashionable elite vacation here.
Free of Change
Activities
White Sand is the most famous and crowded beach and is located close to the ferry terminal. Other beaches of note include Klong Phrao, Kai Bae, Hat Tha Nam and Bang Bao.
Sea canoeing, diving, snorkeling, hiking are all popular with tourists. And similar to Koh Samui, a number of spas featuring massage, aromatherapy, herbal scrubs, and reflexology) have started popping up throughout the island. There’s also yoga retreats, Thai cooking classes and meditation centres. And the island is teeming with exotic species of wildlife and birds.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Dinnig Out
Picture Perfect
There are so many good restaurants and beaches, that a good game plan would be to hit a different eatery on a different beach every night and do some exploring at each beach as well.
Koh Chang’s sunsets are superb and among the best in the country, from just about anywhere on the island. Arts & Culture The Thais actually fought the Vichy French in a naval battle off the southeast coast of Koh Chang back in 1941 and you can see the Naval Battle Monument today on the mainland in Laem Ngop, southwest of Trat.
You’re not going to go to Koh Chang to shop, but if you must you’ll find plenty of shops selling beachwear, knick knacks and anything you’ll need for a beach vacation. Most of the land on Koh Chang is national forest, so if you are offered a chance to buy some land that’s not, you might want to consider it if you’re able as land value on Koh Chang will only go up and up.
Nearby Environs
The island isn’t entirely paved and traveling around by songtaew can get expensive. Most people tend to hang out in the resort of their choosing, but you can always rent a motorcycle to get around, just be careful on the steep hills. Actually, renting a motorcycle and touring around is probably the best and cheapest way to see the island. ONLY IN KOH CHANG If you feel like renting a sailboat for a few days, Sunsail and Gulf Charters both operate sail-charter operations at the south end of Koh Chang at Ban Salak Phet, the oldest community on the island. The Koh Chang archipelago forms the 52-island Koh Chang Marine National Park, which was established as nature preserve in 1982. It remains largely uninhabited. The more adventurous may even want to explore some of the remote islands in nearby Cambodia.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Public Transport – Traveling around Koh Chang (Trat) is possible through motorcycle taxis, identified by motorcycle drivers with bright-couloured jackets. There are also mini pick-ups which the locals call, Mazda; it can transport up to 5 passengers. Bicycles are available for rent and for longer trips to the outskirts, there are songthaews that can be used. Area Code – 039 is the local area code used to dial to Koh Chang Do Go/Don’t Go – The rainy season in Koh Chang lasts from June until October and the dry season is from November until May. Most visitors go to the island between December and March; this is also the best time for a stay. In November and December it can become occasionally cool because of the soft breeze in the evenings. Seasons – The rainy season in Koh Chang lasts from June until October and the dry season is from November until May. Most visitors go to the island between December and March; this is also the best time for a stay. In November and December it can become occasionally cool because of the soft breeze in the evenings.
Nearby, Koh Kradat, Koh Maak and Koh Kut (the next two biggest islands in the archipelago) are wonderful places to visit. If you make it to the latter check out either Captain Hook’s or the Away resort. Best time is from November to May, access to the more remote islands gets more difficult at other times of the year.
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Phuket
Khao Lak
Krabi
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
AANA can perform either a western or Thai style weddings, but whatever tradition you chose the AANA staff will do all in their power to make sure your special day is memorable and fascinating one. The resort’s western wedding ceremony includes: daily breakfast for two, a Master of Ceremonies who will read the wedding vows (with adjustments by the bride and groom), set up of the ceremony site, backdrop banner, a flower arc, a floral decoration of the ceremonial area, a hairdresser and make up for 2 persons, bouquets for the bride and bridesmaid, a floral sticker for groom and groom witness, a wedding cake and cutting ceremony with 1 bottle of Prose, a signature book, a wedding certificate from the hotel (nonofficial), two-days accommodation in one Villa with a private plunge pool including daily breakfast for 2 persons, and a floral decoration of the villa for the bride and groom.
AANA’s Thai package includes: three monks for the ceremony (the monks will chant and bless the couple in Sanskrit), cash donation to the monks, food for the monks (served by the bride and groom), a set-up stage for the monks with floral decorations, a stage with equipment for the water-blessing ceremony, a long drum troupe to pick up the wedding couple and guide them to the ceremony site, payment for 2 couples at gate for entering the ceremonial site, garlands for the bride and groom.
AANA Resort & Spa
AANA endeavours to deliver a level of personal service often promised by other resorts, but rarely experienced. Exceptional service that anticipates client needs with service delivered by staff that genuinely cares for your well-being.
The AANA Resort & Spa on Koh Chang espouses a philosophy of providing modern luxury living in complete harmony with the environment. AANA aims to nurture what nature has in its offering by being exceptionally responsible to universal ecology.
AANA Resort & Spa Head Office: 44/68 Moo1 Soi Revadee 5, T.Talardkwan, A.Muang, Nonthaburi 11000 Thailand Tel: +66 2 951 4722-24 Fax: +66 2 951 4655 Koh Chang: 19/2 Moo4 Klong Praow Beach, Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel: +66 39 551 539 Fax: +66 39 551 540 Email: rsvn@aanaresort.com Website: www.aanaresort.com
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Koh Samui
Phuket
Khao Lak
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
The 19 Deluxe rooms at the resort provide 36 square metres of space, all the expected amenities plus a TV with satellite stations, DVD and CD player, and a private terrace. Premier rooms feature teakwood floors, comfortable queen size beds and large windows provide glorious views across the bay. The finest accommodations at the resort are the Royal Pool Villa. The villas include one bedroom, a living room, a large bathroom with Jacuzzi, and a private pool overlooking the bay. Décor is predominately dark teakwood and local fabrics. A large terrace with sun loungers allows guests to enjoy the tropical climate to the full. Dining at the Aiyapura Resort & Spa, Koh Chang includes the beachfront Vimarn Kaew Restaurant. Guests can enjoy an alfresco breakfast or an evening a la carte meal of Mediterranean cuisine. Overlooking the tropical garden, Ruen Plub Plueng serves Thai and international dishes. A large terrace at Ruen Plub Plueng is the ideal spot to enjoy evening drinks and impressive views. Guests can also take part in fun Thai cookery classes with the restaurant’s chef. There’s also a bar in the pool where you can swim up and order a cocktail. In-room dining can also be arranged. In response guest requests for organic vegetables Aiyapura recently established an organic garden in the grounds of the resort. The lush tropical garden supplies fruit, vegetables and Thai herbs to the resort’s restaurants.
Aiyapura Resort & Spa, Koh Chang Aiyapura Resort & Spa, Koh Chang is an award-winning resort occupying an impressive 40 acre beachfront location in the northeast of Koh Chang. This peaceful retreat is fronted by a narrow stretch of sand in Klong Son Bay and backed by heavily forested hillsides. The resort is the recipient of the Green Leaf Award for outstanding environmental management. Accommodations comprise of 87 guestrooms, suites and villas set in the resorts beautiful gardens and around a large free form swimming pool. Rooms are comfortable and spacious with teakwood furnishings. Many rooms enjoy spectacular views of the bay and nearby Chang Noi Island.
ocean views, dine on healthy spa cuisine, light snacks and sip exotic tropical juices. There’s also a bar directly in the pool where you can swim up and order a cocktail. The surrounding pool decking is made of teak wood and scattered with comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas. There are also two Jacuzzi pools for added relaxation. Business facilities at the resort include three well-equipped meeting rooms for up to 250 guests. Other facilities include a minimart and a small fitness centre. The Resort has its own large pleasure boat and speed boats moored at a private pier allowing guests to take advantage of several daily boat trips for island hopping, snorkeling and fishing with an expert guide. The resort also runs a regular shuttle bus to the popular White Sand Beach.
Aiyapura Resort & Spa, Koh Chang includes the Aiya Spa located in a Thai-style pavilion surrounded by a walled garden. It features indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. Therapists offer the usual Thai massage, aromatherapy treatments, body scrubs and wraps. A joy for the whole family, the huge leaf-shaped infinity pool is a relaxed oasis. It includes the Pool Bar; a delightful and informal space in which to enjoy poolside dining with Aiyapura Resort & Spa, Koh Chang 29 Moo 3, Chang Island District, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel: +66 39 555 111-5 Fax: +66 39 555 118 Email: rsvn@aiyapura.com Visit the website www.aiyapura.com
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
KC Grande Resort & Spa, Koh Chang Enhancing your Happiness
Enjoy cool sea breezes, clear blue sky, a sparkling turquoise ocean, fine white sandy beaches and lush mountain greenery. All this awaits you if you holiday at KC Grande Resort & Spa. Situated on Haad Sai Khao (White Sand Beach) your days at KC Grande will be spent lazing and luxuriating on the resort’s half-kilometre beach far from the cares of everyday life. This beach features some of the finest white powdery sand on the Eastern Seaboard and the resort’s Beach Restaurant offers exquisite views overlooking the ocean while serving the best of Thai and western cuisine.
KC Grande’s accommodation is made up of private villas, seaside rooms and new stylish hillside rooms. Set amongst lush tropical gardens, all KC Grande’s 60 private villas and 80 luxurious seaside rooms offer terraces where you can relax to the peaceful sounds of the rolling waves. The hillside building offers pool access and ocean-view rooms with luxurious living spaces and high ceilings. All 79 Hillside guest rooms are equipped with a private Jacuzzi, and are finished in luxurious Thai modern design using hardwoods and wickerwork. The hillside zone is located across from the seaside zone, and separated by a road manned 24 hours by crossing guards. A short walk brings you right to the beach. But Koh Chang is so much more than just white sand, turquoise sea and unbroken blue skies. You can go snorkelling and diving in the Koh Chang Archipelago, there’s also sailing, sea canoeing and fishing. You can also go mountain bike riding, elephant trekking and go on jungle walks in the dense jungle and rain forests. Koh Chang’s sunsets are superb, and KC Grande’s long spectacular white sandy beach lends itself to long romantic walks along the coastline. Though it can get wet in the rainy season (usually July-October) many love the verdant greens the monsoons leave as they sweep through with all their force. Besides it’s a warm rain and you dry quickly.
KC Grande Resort & Spa 1/1 Moo 4, Haad Sai Khao, Koh Chang, Trat 23170, Thailand Tel: +66 39 552 111 Fax: +66 39 551 394 Bangkok Office : 166 Soi Ladphao 80 (Yak 22), Ladphao Rd., Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand Tel: +66 2539 5424 to 6 Fax: +66 2538 6224 Email: info@kckohchang.com Website: www.kckohchang.com
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Destinations
Hua Hin The extreme respect and love Thais have for their King is reflected in the character of the town of Hua Hin. Since the King spends a lot of time at his palace there, the residents of the town have gone to great lengths to make sure that none of the seedier elements that have crept into some Thai municipalities extend into Hua Hin. Overview
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Because of the King’s presence, the town is surrounded by garrisons of troops including the elite parachute regiment and the Air Arm of the Royal Thai Police resulting in a very low crime rate.
Picture Perfect
Despite being Thailand’s oldest and most traditional beach resort, the town has remained relatively low profile, slowly building itself as a preferred destination for discerning travellers and wealthy Thais. But now it is attracting Western retirees in their 50s and 60s. Located about 200km south of Bangkok on the west coast of the Gulf of Thailand, it has successfully blended the old with the new, featuring the attractions of a modern holiday destination, while retaining the charm and serenity of a fishing village. The town offers a laid back and friendly atmosphere. Good infrastructure, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and international schools are available. Being the royal beach resort, cabarets, discos and other night entertainments are controlled and very limited.
At the southern end of the main 5km Hua Hin beach sits a rocky outcropping with a small hill called Kao Takiap, which provides a great view back over Hua Hin on a beautiful day. Arts & Culture Hua Hin was transformed from a fishing village to a royal resort during the reign of King Rama VI (1910-1925), as a getaway from the busy metropolis of Bangkok. This resulted in the construction of the Hua Hin railway station in the early 1920s. Then the Spanish-style villa Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace was built by King Rama VII in 1926 and continues to be an official royal residence to this day. Activities The Sofitel Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas is one of the nicest hotels in the country and served as the setting for Hotel Le Phnom in The Killing Fields. Every December. it serves as the finish line for vintage car rally, which starts at the Sofitel Central Plaza in Bangkok. Every June, the town also stages a very successful jazz festival. The Chiva Som International Health Resort, just outside of town, has been named the Best Destination Spa in the World by Conde Naste and many celebrities fly from around the world to partake in its programs.
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Free of Charge
Hua Hin’s seafood restaurants are among the best in the land. They extend out over the ocean on long piers and many Bangkok residents make the trip to Hua Hin just to sample their delicacies.
Hua Hin has a great stretch of beach to traverse; it also is known for its ubiquitous pony rides, which almost every kid enjoys (there’s a fee for those though). The town itself, while not spectacular, is interesting and easy to walk through.
Nearby Environs Khao Sam Roi Rot National Park (Three Hundred Peaks) makes for an interesting visit given its abundance of limestone cliffs, beaches, and caves. Its coastal marshlands and lagoons make it a great place to birdwatch. Serows have been spotted on Khao Krachom (605 metres), while Irrawaddy dolphins have been seen off the coastline. Legend has it King Rama IV died from malaria a couple months after contracting malaria from mosquito bites while observing a solar eclipse with foreign and Thai guests in Khao Sam Roi Yot. The Phraya Nakhon Cave contains a royal sala built for King Rama V, as he stopped over there on his voyages between Nakhon Si Thammart and Bangkok.
Lying further south of Hua Hin, just outside of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Ao Manao, a glorious beach accessed through a Thai Airforce airbase (one of the seven places where Japanese troops landed in Thailand during World War II). In Prachuap town itself, Khao Chong Krajok (Mirror Mountain), is the most noticeable landmark. Its 395 steps led up to a small monastery called Wat Thammikarn (Thammikaram), containing relics bequeathed to the state by Kings Rama 1 and Rama IV. And just south of Prachuap lies the narrowest stretch in Thailand. Starting in Wang Duan you walk across Thailand in a day to the Burmese border. As the crow flies its 11km, but hiking it, depending on your route takes between 15-18km.
Shopping
ONLY IN HUA HIN
When it comes to shopping, the Hua Hin Market Village offers almost all you’ll need to enjoy a vacation, or extended stay. This huge complex boasts a Tesco Lotus Superstore, Homepro, a Major Cineplex, and a bowling center. The town’s night market also offers up all kinds of local handicrafts as well as the regular tourist knickknacks and assorted Thai kanom.
Hua Hin has the highest density of world-class golf courses anywhere in Thailand and was recently awarded the prestigious title of “Golfers’ Paradise of Thailand” by the Tourist Authority of Thailand. Green-fees and other costs are reasonable, with world-class maintenance and services provided. Many of these courses have been promoting golf/ spa packages, so you can combine time on the greens while staying in a fancy resort and partaking in a traditional Thai massage, or spa treatment. Getting There At present it takes between two to three hours travelling time by car from Bangkok, depending on the traffic. A 92km 6-lane motorway, still under construction, will cut the driving time by one hour, giving both Bangkok residents and international travelers an easier journey. SGA, a subsidiary of Nok Air, has a 35-minute flight from Suvanabhumi, four times a day. There’s also a four-hour train service from Bangkok several times a day and many travelers just rent a taxi in Bangkok for the journey to Hua Hin. Motorcycle taxis can whisk you anyway around town once you arrive. Local Knowledge Public Transport – As Hua Hin is not too far from Bangkok, many choose to drive or rent a car to Hua Hin. When they get to the town proper, it is possible to go around by foot to check the beaches, shops, hotels and restaurants. There are also a few tuk tuks, samlors, motorbike taxis and songthaews. Be sure to negotiate the fare before hopping on board. Bicycles can also be hired. Area Code – 032 is the local area code used to dial to Hua Hin Seasons – Hua Hin is on the western region of Thailand. The west is a year-round destination. Its long coastline benefits from the cool sea breeze. The region is popular during the cool season from November until February.
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Baan Talay Dao, Hua Hin – “A Wedding Between the Sea and The Stars” “Save Environment & Sustainable for the Earth” ‘Environmentally Friendly Hotel 2007’ & ‘Outstanding Performance 2010 & 2013’ Thailand Tourism Awards Winner ‘Certified by Green Leaf Foundation for 3 leaves’ “Asean Green Hotel Award 2012” “The 2nd Sufficiency Economy Project Award 2012” The beachfront resort of Hua Hin is home to the King of Thailand’s summer palace and has been a popular weekend retreat for well-to-do Thais from Bangkok for almost a century. One of the finest places to stay in the town is Baan Talay Dao. Meaning ‘home between the sea and the stars’, the resort is set in four rai of beachfront land with a lush garden and mature trees. At the heart of the delightful boutique resort’s beautiful garden is the main building-a fabulous 90-year-old teakwood house built during the reign of King Rama VII.
Wine and Dine at Baan Talay Dao Baan Talay Dao is an undeniably romantic place to dine, especially in the evenings. The beautiful garden, candlelit tables and the sound of the sea give this bijou restaurant a unique ambience. The delicious cuisine is created by Cordon Bleu trained chef, Sophit Junlowjiraya, a Cordon Bleu trained chef. With fine food, a wide selection of drinks and impeccable service Baan Talay Dao, you are guaranteed to have a memorable meal. With direct access to Hua Hin’s glorious white sand beach and only minutes away from downtown where the is a world of entertainment available, the resort is the perfect location for your wedding and honeymoon.
Stylish accommodation Accommodation at the resort includes the Pavilion Villa and Pavilion Suite. Complete with private balcony, guests can enjoy the ocean breeze can be felt and starry sky. Studio rooms are located in the lush tropical gardens. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, DVD player, mini-bar, hair dryer, coffee making facilities and a safety deposit box. The Duplex Suite offers space and luxury. The two bedroom suite has a separate living room, bath tub and private balcony. This is the perfect choice for newly-weds or honeymoon couples. The resort features a family house, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, wireless internet, traditional Thai massage and beachfront restaurant. Just steps from the beach, the children can run to the wide stretch of white sand and shallow water, where they can enjoy a memorable holiday experience. Beachfront entertainment that they will love includes canoeing, swimming, horse-riding and kite flying. The resort’s very own swimming also provides a safe and secure environment for them to play while mum and dad relax under the shade of a parasol or join in the fun.
Baan Talay Dao 2/10 Soi Takiab Village, Phetchkasem Road, Nong-Kae, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110 Thailand Tel: +66 32 536 024-30 Bangkok Reservation: +66 2 751 6854 Fax: +66 2 7516853 Email: baantalaydao@baantalaydao.com Website: www.baantalaydao.com, www.baantalaydaowedding.com
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G Hua Hin Resort and Mall
G Hua Hin Resort and Mall is a luxury, new, modern boutique city resort, located in Hua Hin Town near tourist attractions such as Cicada Market and Hua Hin Night Market. The resort is designed in a unique “Pier” theme style to cater both Thai and foreign guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The resort features 79 deluxe rooms and suites equipped with full range of in-room amenities. All rooms are designed in modern spacious contemporary style and décor with super king-sized bed or twin beds complete with large daybed or private Jacuzzi pool on private balcony which guests can overlook the 40 square meters resort pool. Guests can dine at The Pier 94 restaurant & bar which serves a variety of international dishes as well as popular local Thai cuisine. They can enjoy beverages and snacks served at the sunbed or the Finger Bar at swimming pool area providing them the ideal environment with comfortable and friendly service. Swimming in the large saltwater swimming pool can make you feel refreshed. You can enjoy shopping in G Supermarket, local discount store or other shops in the Community Mall. The resort also provides other services and facilities such as free Wi-Fi internet access, fitness center, playground and currency exchange booth.
G Hua Hin Resort and Mall 250/201 Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, Prachuabkhirikhan 77110 Tel: +66 3251 5199 Fax: +66 3251 5110 Website: www.ghuahin.com, www.facebook.com/ghuahin
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Koh Samui “Discovered” by Western backpackers in the early 1970s as a cheaper alternative to Phuket, Samui changed considerably when Bangkok Airways put in its airport and started frequent one-hour flights to the island. Today, you’ll find every kind of tourist imaginable–Eastern and Western alike. Overview Samui is a good jumping off spot to reach Koh Tao and Koh Phangnan. And a boat ride away lies Angthong National Park, comprised of more than than 40 islands. This was the inspiration for Alex Garland’s The Beach, later made into the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The island has many fine restaurants and resorts and many hi-so Thais have a second home on Samui. The island has also made a name for itself as a holistic, detox and spa centre (Tamarind Springs is one spa, which is particularly well known). HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Activities Nearby Koh Phangnan is famous for its full moon party, staged monthly on Had Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach). It has attracted many over the years, including a number of noted celebraties. So much is said about this party, that many forget that is a truly glorious island to explore and spend time on. If you want to get some sailing in, Samui holds an annual regatta, and Gulf Charters provides a bareboat charter service in season. And the Santiburi Golf Course is a fine place to tee off if golf’s your thing. Samui’s party scene is full on and its happening bars and restaurants regularly play host to some of the hottest international and local DJs.
Picture Perfect The Cliff Bar and Grill, just south of Chaweng is a great place for a romantic evening and a superb spot to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Thailand. Art & Culture Coconuts, coconuts, coconuts, they’re everywhere and they have played a big part in the island’s growth. You’ll be fascinated to find out how many ways the Samui folk have found to use coconuts, and watch out for the monkeys who are trained to climb the giant palms and drop them to their minders. And if want to get a knock-off of a famous painting, check out Samui’s repro artists, whose reproduction work is second to none.
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As Thailand is the world’s largest seafood exporter and much of the fish comes from the south, you are bound to experience some of the finest seafood you have ever tasted while travelling down Samui way. And as you get closer to the Malay border, you will no doubt notice the Malay influence on the exquisite curries and foods of food in the southern region. And if you want to try a hand at Thai cooking, The Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts is one of the finest cooking schools in the land.
More and more expats are calling Samui home, and as such more shopping centres with a greater variety of goods have been popping up around the island. Beachwear is available everywhere, and Fisherman’s Village, over Bophut way, has a whole line of soft cotton earth tone fabrics, great for wear in tropical climes. Fitting in with its spa centre reputation, you can find all kinds of herbal treatments and remedies in shops throughout the islands.
Nearby Environs
Free of Charge
Koh Tao (Turtle Island) has long been thought of as one of the most beautiful islands in the Samui archipelago. The clarity of the water makes for some of the best snorkelling and diving in Thailand. Many chose to get their diving certification here. And if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of a giant manta or whale shark, while enjoying some of Thailand’s finest sunsets. Ferries can take you to the island from Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan.
Samui has many natural attractions (like Grandfather & Grandmother Rock), so renting a motorbike is a good and cheap way to see the island. Once on Samui, the principal way to get around is by songtaew, so many tourists rent motorcycles. But if you do, be careful, many travellers have ended up crashing on Samui’s twisting and turning roads.
Walks
ONLY IN KOH SAMUI
Local Knowledge
Samui has some many great beaches; Chaweng and Lamai are the most popular, where practically everything is available, but if you want to kick-back and take it easy Mae Nam and Bophut Beaches offer relaxing alternatives.
The Big Buddha temple on Bangrak Beach actually has a conveyer belt where people can put their alms in a donated box and have them whisked to the top of the wat, where the 12m high Buddha sits overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.
Public Transport – It is possible to go around Samui by songthaews, covered red pick up trucks which serves as local buses in daytime. Each of the songthaew’s destinations is written in English and it follows fixed routes around the island. It is also convenient exploring the island by hiring a car or the more popular, motorcycles.
SAVE THE DATE Samui Regatta – May/June On the night of November’s full moon This is an annual race which takes place at Koh Samui’s most popular and vibrant beach, Chaweng. There are six competing classes and more than 300 international participants. It is a week of yacht racing, cocktail parties and beachside fun. Buffalo Fighting Festival One of the popular festivals in Koh Samui is Buffalo Fighting Festival which is held on New Year’s Day and Songkran. The buffalo fighting is not similar to the bull - fighting in Spain. In Koh Samui, the buffalos are adorned with ribbons and gold - painted leaves. The contest lasts for two rounds and the winning owner usually receives millions of prize money.
Area Code – 077 is the local area code used to dial to Koh Samui Seasons – There are two seasons in Koh Samui - sunny and rainy. It is best to visit the island in late December to February and august to September where it is not too hot and it is not raining much. From March to June, it tends to get very hot. October and November are the rainiest months. Best times for the beach are from March to September.
Getting There Bangkok Airways has a monopoly on air travel and has its own private airport on the island full of trendy eateries and shops. Many people do still chose to visit Samui by catching a train to Suratthani then taking a ferry over from the nearby docks. There are taxi meters, but the meters are fixed to Bangkok rates, with a much higher passenger turnover, so the drivers tend to NOT to turn the meter on. The key word here is “negotiation”. On Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phang Ngan songtaews and motorcycles are the main form of transport. All three islands can be reached from boat piers in Suratthani, and you can travel back and forth between them by boat to the three big islands. You can also access Koh Tao by boat from Chumporn.
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An idyllic resort build in contemporary Thai architecture set directly on the beachfront location of the vibrant Chaweng Beach offering 101 cozily decorated guestrooms and classic charming bungalows nested in a tropical lush garden to be complimented with full services and facilities for enjoyable tropical beach holiday experience. Seven types of accommodation are offer: Beachfront Pool Villa, Family Poolside, Deluxe Garden, Superior Poolside, Superior Garden, Deluxe Balcony Room and Superior room. 10 minutes drive away distance from the airport, set on the beachfront location of Chaweng Beach within short walking distance to the nearby vibrant commercial area.
Dining Facilities: THE COVE RESTAURANT – An international & Thai All – Day dining outlet; the resort’s main casual in-door & out-door dining outlet set at beachfront serving International and authentic Thai delicacies where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner by-the-sea. POOL SIDE BAR – Guests can enjoy soft drinks, fresh juices, cocktails while unwind at our outdoor swimming pool. IN-ROOM DINING – Enjoying your favorite dishes served in your room or villa in a private atmosphere. Recreations: OUT DOOR SWIMMING POOL – With Sun-beds, sun-umbrellas provide. MINI FITNESS ROOM – Our equipped mini fitness room created for the fitness and wellbeing of your body. Other Facilities: INTERNET CAFÉ & LIBRARY – Comfortable set for guests who wish to surf on the internet or who just wish to relax on the sofa set by reading your favorite books and magazines.
Chaweng Cove Beach Resort
KIDS ROOM – Where our guests’ children can be entertained by safe toys while our guests can enjoy private moments.
Relaxed with friendly and cozy surroundings for easy-going beachfront holidays, mixed age group of BEACH RESORT international casual audience.
Chaweng Cove Beach Resort 17/4 Moo 3, Chaweng Beach, Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Thailand. Tel: +66 77 422 509 Fax: +66 77 422 174 Email: info@chawengcove.com Website: www.chawengcove.com
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Pure Indulgence at
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort
Melati Beach Resort & Spa
Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Resting on the fine white sands of Chaweng Beach, at the heart of this lively area is the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort, conveniently located only a short walk away from the restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues, the beautiful beachfront resort allows guests to enjoy the beauty of nature and the entertainment sports with the very best location to suit all tastes.
A stunning beachfront resort comprises of private pool villas, located on an exclusive beach at Thongson Bay, Koh Samui. The resort is conveniently located just 15 minutes away from Chaweng shopping, entertainment venues, and restaurants. The ideal destination for those seeking indulgent romance or true relaxation.
All guest units feature contemporary décor and deluxe amenities including internet access. The spacious well appointed guest rooms and villas nestled amongst tropical gardens. The resort offers several dinning opportunities including the open-air beachfront restaurant, Chomtalay restaurant serving delicious international and Thai dishes, fresh seafood and romantic dinner on the beach. Other dining options include Red Snapper Restaurant & Bar a generous variety of Mediterranean dishes, cocktail, wine cellar and live band await your enjoyment at night.
The 77 Villas & Suites with a minimum of 77 square meters of indoor-outdoor living space and guest accommodation feature Private Pools with the unique blend of contemporary Thai villas and suites.
Enjoy two swimming pools and kid pool, diving and snorkeling, yoga class, fitness centre. Apart from lazing by the beach pool, one can also unwind with exotic Thai rejuvenating treatments at the Escape Spa to complete the experience. The resort receives the award-winning 2013 Luxury Island Resort by World Luxury Hotel and the winner certificate of excellence by Trip Advisor.
Facilites include infinity beachfront swimming pool with a swim-up bar and kid pool, sea kayaking, yoga class, free wi-fi internet access and fitness centre. The Melati Spa is award winning and offer an extensive range of body and beauty treatments. Its award-winning 2013 Luxury Spa Hotel and the certificate of excellence by Trip Advisor.
This is the perfect time to experience the friendly and efficient service synonymous with Chaweng Regent Beach Resort.
The entire experience is complementary with personalized service and attention to details which is uniquely Thai, uniquely Melati.
The dining experience at the View Restaurant features all day dining with a Mediterranean twist, casual lunch or a romantic candle-lit dinner. Kan Sak Thong Restaurant offers the finest authentic Thai cuisine as well as Thai French fusion cuisine.
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort 155/4 Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320, Thailand Tel: +66 77 300 500, 230 391 till 400 Fax: +66 77 300 204 Bangkok Office Tel: +66 2 944-5414, 184-2852 Fax: +66 2 184-2534 Email: admn@chawengregent.com, sales@chawengregent.com Visit the website at www.chawengregent.com www.facebook.com/ChawengRegent.resort twitter.com/ChawengRegent
Melati Beach Resort & Spa 9/99 Moo 5, Bophut, Thongson Bay, Koh Samui, Suratthani, 84320 Thailand Tel: +66 77 913 400 till 20 Fax: +66 77 913 444 till 5 Bangkok Office Tel: +66 2 944-5414, 184-2852 Fax: +66 2 184-2534 Email: admin@melatiresort.com, marketing@melatiresort.com, sales@melatiresort.com Visit the website at www.melatiresort.com www.facebook.com/melati.resort twitter.com/Melati_Resort
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Guest rooms offer a combination of culture, class and elegance overlooking tropical gardens. The deluxe rooms offer a large balcony, spacious bathroom and Thai-style wooden decoration. The deluxe pool access rooms features a large private terrace with direct access to a sharing large pool. While the deluxe pool villa upgrade includes a private outdoor pool equipped with sundeck lounge and a Jacuzzi bathtub. All room types are furnished with flat screen TVs, DVD players. Seetawaree Restaurant is the perfect way to start you day, offering indoor dining or outdoor al-fresco style with scenic views of the Gulf of Thailand and over to Koh Phangan. Enjoy special themed nights with live cooking or a-la-carte delicacies offering traditional Thai specialties and European favorites, and a collection of Thai fusion tapas, created by the resorts internationally experienced chef and served with traditional Thai-style service.
Samui Buri Beach Resort
Samui Buri Beach Resort offers unparalleled comfort combined with a unique insight into Thai culture. This is the perfect paradise for an idyllic escape from busy daily life. This remarkable resort is located on the north side of Koh Samui on tranquil Maenam Beach, a four kilometers stretch of clean, golden sand and sparkling waters.
The Thai-Thai spa provides an extensive variety of body and face treatments using natural products. It combines new techniques and treatments with traditional Thai practices for the ultimate relaxation of body and mind.
Saying your vows on Maenam Beach with the sun setting in the background, along with friends and loved ones, or even just by yourselves; Samui Buri Beach Resort can make your dream wedding a reality!
Samui Buri Beach Resort 26/24 Moo 4, Maenam Beach, Koh Samui Suratthani 84330 Thailand Tel: +66 77 447 275 Fax: +66 77 447 281 Email: rsvn@samuiburi.com Website: www.samuiburi.com
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Located at the quieter southern end of the renowned beach, the resort features 79 elegantly appointed guestrooms and pool villas with spectacular sea view. Ideal for a relaxed beach holiday experience, Samui Resotel Beach Resort is the perfect choice for peace and privacy yet is just a short distance from all the excitement Chaweng has to offer. Dine in style at CAPRICCIO, a distinctive dining outlet by the sea. This elegant all day dining venue serves authentic Italian and Thai delicacies. LOBSTER BAR, an elegant outdoor beach-front dining outlet is another choice serving delicacies such as seafood platter, created for seafood lovers. Before or after dining experience, the newest ‘must stay’ property on Koh Samui is the exquisite Samui Resotel Beach Resort, a lifestyle chic resort set beside a glorious 200-metre stretch of Chaweng Beach. Guests can enjoy appetizers, cocktails or great wines by the breezing sea and spectacular sea view at THE ROOF, a relaxed chic bar set on a spacious rooftop sea facing terrace.
Samui Resotel Beach Resort Located at the quieter southern end of the renowned beach, the resort features 79 elegantly appointed guestrooms and pool villas with spectacular sea view. Ideal for a relaxed beach holiday experience, Samui Resotel Beach Resort is the perfect choice for peace and privacy yet is just a short distance from all the excitement Chaweng has to offer.
Samui Resotel Beach Resort 17 Moo 3, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui Suratthani Thailand 84320 Tel: +66 77 422 374 Fax: +66 77 422 421 Email: info@samuiresotel.com Website: www.samuiresotel.com
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The resort’s restaurant features all-day dining including a wide variety of Asian and Western dishes. Fine Thai dishes are also on offer, along with Samui specialties and national gourmet favourites. Dine in casual elegance beside the gorgeous pool with its spectacular view. The 150 sqm. swimming pool is a great place to kick back, relax and sip your favourite cocktail while getting lost in a good book. If you need help in getting out and about, the hotel’s tour desk service office, located in the lobby, can assist you in arranging sightseeing tours of Samui as well as organizing off-site activities and transportation to and from Samui. There’s also a shuttle service to the main beach everyday from 10am-6pm. The air-conditioned superior studio rooms are located in a 5-storey low-rise building with great views of the surrounding lush landscape. The spacious bedrooms come with either a double bed or twin beds; the deluxe studio rooms come with a 5sqm terrace plus a sofa bed comfortably accommodating up to two adults plus one child. All rooms come with a separate bathroom and a standing shower and toilet.
Samui Verticolor
Located at the quiet southern section of Chaweng Beach Road with 152 well-equipped, elegantly appointed guestrooms Samui Verticolor offers spectacular mountain and sea-views for a refined retreat and relaxed swimming-pool holiday experience
The entire hotel design, from the logo to the interior was produced by a team of architects with great visionary skill. We’re sure you will enjoy your stay here. Samui Verticolor 19/16 Haad Ngam rd., Moo 3, Chaweng, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Thailand Tel: +66 77 914 000, Fax: +66 77 914 010 Email: info@samuiverticolor.com Website: www.samuiverticolor.com
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ShaSa Resort & Residences, Koh Samui
The Only All Sea-View Beachfront Suites on Koh Samui ShaSa is the exclusive 5-star hotel in Koh Samui located on the Laem Set Beach. Only 45 minutes from Koh Samui International Airport, you will find yourself surrounded by the beautifully landscaped gardens together with the “uncommon luxury design� which accentuates the hillside sloping down to Laem Set Beach. This decor will present the striking scenery of the Gulf of Thailand to your sight. The resort offers the luxury accommodation to customers. It features a Beachfront Pool Villa with a private infinity pool and 32 spacious suites with spacious sea view balconies, ranging from one to three bedroom suites. Staying at rooms, guests can truly absorb the peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Have new dining experience at BEYOND THE SEA: Siamese Brasserie, the renowned and only Thai restaurant on Koh Samui. It serves the authentic Thai cuisine in a Western aesthetic style. You can enjoy meal while drinking cocktails, a world-class wine or fresh fruit juices on the panoramic beachfront of ShaSa. The ShaSa Health Club provides guests the exercise machines and free weights. Parents can pamper themselves with spa treatments from body scrubs to Thai and Swedish massage, while children can enjoy the Kids Club, a large creation room filled with arts and craft supplies.
ShaSa Resort & Residences, Koh Samui 116/1 Moo 2, Mared, Laem Set, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310 Thailand Tel: +66 77 913 888 Fax: +66 77 913 899 Email: unforgettable@shasahotels.com Website: www.shasahotels.com
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
Located on the tip of Koh Samui’s Chaweng Noi beach, The Sarann provides a distinctive level of relaxation and luxury. Just 20 minutes from Samui International Airport, you will arrive at this oceanfront villa resort which offers a balance between quiet and convenience. The resort has 49 rooms and villas: Sea Front Pool Villa, Jacuzzi Villa, Jacuzzi Suite and Deluxe Room. The closest villas to the sea and the premium accommodation in this resort are the Sea Front Pool Villas. All rooms feature air-conditioning, flat screen television and DVD player, electronic safe and mini bar.
Wild Ginger, the beachside restaurant and bar, serves a mix of Thai and contemporary Western cuisine. Dining at the open terraces can make guests feel more relaxed and cheerful. You can pamper yourself with relaxing and holistic treatments at the Spa. The resort also provides other services such as infinity edge pool, fitness centre, library and internet room, as well as service for organizing excursions and transportation during your stay.
The Sarann, Koh Samui 95-96 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Tambol Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 Thailand Tel: +66 77 448 540 Fax: +66 77 448 541 E-mail: rsvn@TheSarann.com Website: www.TheSarann.com
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Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay - Koh Tao
Jamahkiri Resort & Spa, Koh Tao
special dinner menu is composed for the guests with an extensive wine selection from around the world, and exotic cocktails. Guest can also choose to eat at our sea side BBQ (open in high season) where you will find a great selection of meat and seafood.
In recent years, Koh Tao has become one of Thailand’s most idyllic tropical island. Koh Tao’s outstanding natural beauty and stunning underwater world makes it a true paradise. Visitors can enjoy luxurious accommodation at Jamahkiri Resort & Spa, one of the finest resorts on the island.
The pool bar restaurant offers a array of light dishes, homemade desserts, delicious smoothies and cocktails.
The peaceful resort is situated on a steep hillside of Shark Bay, guests at Jamahkiri Resort & Spa can choose between Deluxe Rooms in the hotel wing, or individual Pavilions. With only 36 well-appointed and uniquely decorated guestrooms. The Deluxe Rooms or Pavilions are completed with modern amenities such as safety deposit box, IDD phone, hair dryer, LCD TV DVD, cable movies, mini-bar, Free WIFI in common areas and also in the hotel part. All the spacious Deluxe Rooms and Pavilions have a private balcony to enjoy breathtaking sea views.
Jamahkiri Spa offers pure relaxation, the sauna is the perfect place to start before going on to an aloe vera body wrap, a facial massage, deep cleansing facial mask or the different packages that the SPA has to offer. Guests can remain active by using the fitness centre or swimming in the pool, kayaks and snorkel equipment are also available at the Diving Club. Weddings and Events With natural beauty surrounding the resort, Jamahkiri b e c a m e a l o c a t i o n f o r ro m a n t i c w e d d i n g s a n d honeymooners. The friendly events planner can organize and ensure the success of your special occasion.
Another ideal choice for families, or friends travelling together, is the Family Suite Pavilion. The generously sized suite consists of three floors with two king-sized bedrooms, one twin bed room, and a bar opening to a large balcony.
Jamahkiri PADI diving club Koh Tao’s natural beauty and stunning underwater world have made it a paradise for divers. Jamahkiri Diving Club is a great place for beginners to learn to dive or for confirmed divers to upgrade their skills.
The Royal Suite, on the hotel wing’s top floor, has two bedrooms and also two bathrooms. Guests have unobstructed sea view from the large terrace complete with a private bar, computer with internet access, large TV screen DVD player and sound system. Jamahkiri Restaurant offers a well balanced menu of International and classic Thai cuisine, every evening a
Jamahkiri Resort & Spa, Koh Tao 21/2 Moo 3, Koh Tao Suratthani 84360, Thailand Tel: +66 77 456 400 - 1 Fax: +66 77 456 630 E-mail: Info@jamahkiri.com Website: www.jamahkiri.com
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Hip Plazas and Markets
Destinations
Phuket Marco Polo is rumoured to have called Phuket the most beautiful island he ever saw. While it is tough to verify whether Marco ever did say that, many others have made similar claims. The island’s lure is such that that many have come for vacation and ended up making Phuket their permanent home. Overview
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
The word Phuket comes from the Malay word bukit, which means hill. The island was originally called Junk Ceylon on European navigational charts, which came from the Malay term Tanjung Salang, meaning Cape Salang. The island later was called Thalang, after the main town on the island and was not named Phuket until recently when the island’s administrative centre was moved to a mining town in the centre of the island called Phuket.
Picture Perfect
Located on the country’s Andaman coast, Phuket is Thailand’s wealthiest and largest province It has made a spectacular recovery from the 26 December 2004 tsunami. “The Pearl of the South” is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world and its party centres like Patong, Karon and Kata can provide you with almost every type of entertainment imaginable. If you crave a more laid-back vacation beaches further north like Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon and Mai Khao can provide that as well. And Phuket’s golf courses like Blue Canyon and Mission Hills are some of the finest in the country.
To the south of the island Nai Harn and Rawai Beaches are nice places to spend time, but Laem Promthep is the best spot to watch the sun set on the island, and getting there will take you through an interesting undeveloped part of the island. The back road from Naiharn to Kata Noi also features a number of restaurants providing great views over the Andaman Sea. In Phuket Town, Tunk-Ka Cafe on Khao Rang Hill is a great place to sip ice coffee and watch life unfold in Phuket town below. Arts & Culture Many of the Chinese-Thai (the Baba) who now run most of Phuket’s businesses are descendants of Chinese migrants who immigrated to Penang, and then made their way up to Bangkok. A tin mining museum recently opened, detailing their history and how Phuket was built. There is also a movement afoot to have the old town centre of Phuket Town declared a UNESCO historical site because of its surviving SinoPortuguese architecture. Activities If you do end up visiting Phuket, try some sea kayaking for a change of pace and the Jabu Day cruise up in Phang Nga Bay is definitely worth the trip. And if you visit the island mid-to-late October make sure you take in the island’s Vegetarian Festival. Devotees somehow manage to pierce their skin with the strangest of metallic objects, and perform other acts of self-mortification that will leave you shaking your head in disbelief.
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Hip Plazas and Markets
Dining Out
Shopping
You need a few thousand words to detail all the best restaurants in Phuket; but the Twin Palms offers an exquisite Sunday brunch in Surin, while further south the Mangosteen lets your kids frolic in their pool while you sample their Sunday brunch. Island icon Mom Tri has long served up some of the island’s best food at his Boathouse, Royal Villa and Oasis eateries. Kan Eang 1 and II over Ao Chalong way are great seafood eateries and over Patong way check out the White House and the Baan Rim Pa group of restaurants. A company called Coralseekers specializes in taking people out by speedboat for lunch and snorkeling trips to nearby secluded beaches.
Besides the abundance of small local shops located throughout the island, Phuket now boasts two of the country’s biggest shopping centers: Patong’s Jungceylon and Central Festival, located close to Phuket Town.
Nearby Environs
Free of Charge Nothing says beach stroll better than Phuket; almost every well known and not so well known beach in Phuket makes for a great stroll. All have umbrellas and deck chairs where you can relax and watch life go by for a small fee. And a number of freelance masseuses wander the beach eager to ease your aching muscles if you feel the need, again for a reasonable and cheap price.
The Racha Islands just off of Ao Chalong in southern Phuket are known for their proximity to big game fish like the billfish, black marlin and sailfish, as well as several varieties of tuna such as the yellowfin, longfin, dogtooth and skipjack. The Racha resort is also a very comfortable place to spend some time and the snorkeling and diving in the area is quite good. Up near Phang Nga Bay, off the northeast coast of Phuket lies Koh Yao Noi, one of the largest islands in the region, yet still very much untouched by tourism. The Paradise Koh Yao Boutique Beach Resort & Spa is a superb place to take a holiday and you can access this resort from Ao Po pier on Phuket. A great place to go on a mountain bike trek, or a kayaking journey. Remember to bring your camera, because your photographs will be the envy of all your friends.
ONLY IN PHUKET
Getting There
Phuket’s Laguna complex is one of the world’s great reclamation projects. On land that had been thoroughly laid to waste by tin mining, now stands five high-end luxury resorts (Banyan Tree Phuket, Laguna Beach Resort, Allamanda Laguna Phuket, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket and the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket).
Besides Thai and Bangkok Airways, low-cost carriers Air Asia and One Two Go fly regularly into Phuket from Bangkok. You can travel by train to Suratthani and then bus over from there, or it’s about a 12-hour airconditioned bus ride from Bangkok.
SAVE THE DATE
Walks
Phuket Vegetarian Festival – October The Thai-Chinese in Phuket have long passed on the vegetarian festival to purify mind and soul by refraining from meat consumption and meditating. Symbolizing the presence of the deities throughout the festival are nine lanterns lit up and placed aloft on Ko Teng poles. On the 6th day of the festival, there will be religious processions and incredible displays of face and body piercing. On the last day, there will be a “Koi Han” ceremony to exorcize ill fortune and a farewell ceremony for the deities at night.
Soi Bangla in Patong ranks third after Pattaya’s Walking Street and Bangkok’s Patpong when it comes to exotic nightlife; a guarantee of entry into the soi is that you won’t leave due to boredom.
Laguna Phuket Triathlon – December The competition among the “iron men” from Thailand and international countries includes swimming, cycling and marathon racing. There are also activities to encourage the participants to experience the adventure routes along Phuket’s tourist attractions.
Local Knowledge Public Transport – The cheapest way around Phuket is riding in the songthaew which ply the routes between Phuket City Hall and all the main beaches. There are also tuk tuks although they can tend to be expensive. The fastest way to go around is available all the time are the motorcycle taxis. There are also taxis, micro buses, airport buses and is possible to hire a car or a motorcycle for independent travel. Area Code – 076 is the local area code used to dial to Phuket Seasons – The best time to visit Phuket is from November to March when it is not so humid and the cool breeze makes it comfortable. The hottest time is from April through May. From July to August, the weather is usually fine with brief but heavy showers. September and October is rainy season.
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Baramee Resor tel
Where to Stay
Patong Beach
Andakira Hotel Patong Beach, Phuket
With a wide range of excellent services and facilities, Baramee Resortel is the destination of choice for singles, coup les, and families seeking for a memorab le holiday. Despite its vibrant location in the heart of Patong Beach, Baramee Resortel evokes a relaxing and calming atmosph ere. The charming property comprise s of 24 Superior Rooms, 19 Deluxe Roo ms, and 8 Deluxe Premium Rooms; each accommodation type is fitted with modern comforts. With a restaurant and bar serving International specialties and a wide array of beverages within the Resortel’s vicinity, guests need not look far to satisfy their gastronomic needs. For leisure and entertainment, guests can relax with Thai traditional massage, participa te in a cooking class, fruit carving and flower arrangement, do some laps at the swimming pool, or explore Pato ng’s shopping area and avail of a complimentary shuttle bus to and from the resort.
Baramee Resorte l, Patong Beach ad, Patong, Kathu , Phuket 83150 Th ailand Tel: +66 76 340 01 0 Mo b: +6 Fax: +66 76 340 01 1 Email: info@baram 6 86 476 1744 eeresortel.com
266 Prabaramee Ro
www.barameeresortel.com
Baramee Hip Hotel
Andakira – Patong’s new comfy alternative Andakira Hotel is a brand new hotel located in the heart of Patong Beach, just minutes away from the Jungceylon shopping centre, nightlife entertainment and the beach. Yet the property itself is serene and quiet if you just want to just chill out and relax. Andakira features 200 rooms and suites, all designed in a contemporary modern style, all beautifully furnished and equipped for your comfort. At Andakira, you can enjoy the Infinity Lap Pool on the third floor with its adjoining cozy Pool Bar, or you can relax at the Day Spa with its range of massage treatments. There’s free wireless internet connectivity throughout the hotel, and there’s even a free shuttle bus to Patong Beach.
www.andakirahotel.com
Andakira is the natural alternative for a perfect holiday when you are seeking great accommodation with personalized service, all within easy reach of anything on Patong Beach and easy access to all of Phuket Island. Andakira Group have sister resorts, also located in Patong Beach, Phuket, are:
Andakira Hotel 222 Phangmuang Sai Ko Road. (Thanon Sai Sam) near Jungceylon Department Store, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel : +66 76 366 188 Mob: +66 86 479 7456 Fax : +66 76 366 199 Email: info@andakirahotel.com Visit the website at www.andakirahotel.com
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Andakira Hotel www.andakirahotel.com
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The AIM Patong Hotel Baramee Resortel Baramee Hip Hotel www.barameeresortel.com www.barameehiphotel.com www.theaimpatong.com
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A recent addition to the Andakira Group, Baramee Hip Hotel is located near the vibrant Jungceylon Mall, in the equally hip Patong Beach. Each of the 86 guestrooms is well-appointed and furnished with modern conveniences such as personal safe, mini bar, cable TV, and telephone, including a private balcony. The on-site restaurant, highly recommended for its food and service, serves innovative Thai and Western dishes, including an American breakfast. Additional facilities and services on offer are 24hr front desk, airport shuttle, luggage storage, Business Center, tour desk, wifi access, and shuttle bus to shopping center. With special note to its high quality service and friendly staff, Baramee Hip Hotel is a perfect holiday venue.
www.barameehiphotel.com
Koh Samui
Phuket
Baramee Hip Hotel 188/38 Phangmuang Sai Ko Road. (Thanon Sai Sam) near Jungceylon Department Store, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand. Tel: +66 76 366 188 Fax: +66 76 366 199 Mob: +66 86 479 7456 Email: info@barameehiphotel.com
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Where to Stay Boutique Chic The carefully considered design of Burasari brings style and sophistication to the tropics. Each of the 186 rooms provides guests with luxury, comfort and the very best of contemporary Thai style. Traditional warm and friendly Thai hospitality is also very much part of the Burasari experience. Guests receive service with a genuine Thai smile. The rooms feature an en suite bathroom with bathtub, shower and amenities, satellite TV with remote control, IDD international telephone, high speed wireless, in-room electronic safety deposit box, individually controlled air-conditioning, private balcony or terrace, in-room refrigerator, coffee and tea-making facilities. At the heart of the resort’s expansive grounds is a superb 20 metre swimming pool. Guests can soak up the sun on the expansive poolside deck and enjoy a long, cool cocktail or light meal. A small number of fabulous poolside rooms also feature a large sundeck and private access to the pool. For those who wish to explore beyond the utopian confines of the resort, car and bicycle hire is available, as is a babysitting service that allows parents a little quality time together. Spa Life Inspired by the fragrant burasari flower, the resort’s tranquil spa offers guests a wide menu of revitalizing treatments. Spa by Burasari is a haven of tranquility blending Eastern and Western philosophies cultures to create life enhancing experiences through alternative healing rituals and detoxification packages. The spa uses the gentle sound of chimes and water, soft fabrics and warm colours to induce a sense of calm and relaxation. Treatments in the idyllic environment include the Burasari signature massage with a choice of exfoliation scrub under a Vichy shower, a natural facial with Tui Na pressure point massage,and to complete the indulgent experience, a luxuriating bath, a light refreshment and a glass of Kirlicious.
Burasari Resort, Phuket Burasari is an exclusive boutique resort in Phuket offering luxurious accommodation, excellent service and Kantok, a restaurant serving exquisite Thai cuisine. Just check in, relax and make yourself at home.
The Burasari Resort occupies an enviable location close to Phuket’s popular Patong Beach, providing an oasis of peace and tranquility in an area known for its vibrant nightlife and fine restaurants. The resort is widely recognised for its luxurious rooms, excellent service and attention to detail. The beautifully designed boutique resort has just 186 well-appointed rooms, providing the discerning traveler with privacy, exclusivity and style. The high levels of service ensure that guests immediately feel at home. The resort is set in a beautiful lush garden, resplendent with the flowers from which it derives its name. The enchanting garden is filled with evocative scents and the calming sounds of flowing water and provides an idyllic escape; the perfect getaway location for total relaxation or a romantic break.
Location The Burasari Resort occupies the ideal location. Tucked away down a side street away from the hustle and bustle of Patong, it is a truly peaceful haven in which to relax. Just five minutes walk away, however, is one of the finest beaches in Phuket, fine restaurants, exciting shopping opportunities and a fun entertainment district. Patong Beach is easily accessible by road from the Phuket International Airport. The resort provides all guests with a convenient airport transfer service.
Kantok Restaurant Burasari Resort features an exciting restaurant that is quickly gaining a reputation for outstanding food and service. Named after a low table called a Kantok used by diners in northern Thailand, the restaurant’s philosophy is to cook only the healthiest traditional Thai foods by selecting the freshest ingredients. The chef’s carefully balanced menu includes the Taste of Thai Platter of appetizers that were traditionally prepared for the royal family while main dishes include curries made daily from fresh curry pastes and fresh coconut milk. Guests can sit back, relax and enjoy a memorable dining experience in Kantok.
Burasari Resort 18/110 Ruamjai Road, Tambon Patong, Amphur Kathu Phuket 83150, Thailand Tel: +66 76 292 929 Fax: +66 76 292 930 Visit the website at www.burasari.com
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Where to Stay
A perfect destination for couples and families as well as business and leisure travellers, guests can choose their preferred accommodation from the resort’s two wings. All well-appointed guestrooms feature private balconies while the villa rooms have direct pool access. Holiday Inn Resort gives priority to guests’ convenience and satisfaction; that is all rooms and suites are furnished with modern amenities.
equipped fitness centre, a mini-mart, car rental, a business centre, and meeting and conference facilities. Children can participate with various activities at the Kids Club & Club 12+ giving parents much needed time to unwind.
The lobby, restaurants and all rooms comprising Superior Rooms, Deluxe Pool View Rooms, Family Suite and Kids’ Suite at the contemporary-styled Main Wing are refurbished and ideal for families and groups. While the Busakorn Wing comfortably combines Thai traditions with modern elements in spacious Villas and Studios evoking an undeniably romantic atmosphere. To satisfy all tastes and appetites, the Holiday Inn Resort has a wide array of dining choices serving different cuisines all day. The Sea Breeze Café & Terrace serves an expansive buffet breakfast and dinner. For Italian fare, the Terrazzo Ristorante & Bar features a full Italian menu including antipasti, salads, pastas and main courses. Pizzas from a wood-fired oven and delicious desserts are also available. Sam’s Steak & Grill serves exceptional food and wine in a sophisticated and intimate setting; sumptuous US and Australian cuts are cooked to perfection. For authentic and fresh Thai cuisine, the Charm Thai Restaurant is open all day, serving a great variety of dishes and delicacies. The Bar, more casual, is perfect for meeting with friends and enjoying post-dinner drinks. Room service is also available around the clock.
Holiday Inn Resort Phuket The Holiday Inn Resort Phuket is located in a superb location in vibrant Patong Beach. Nestled comfortably amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, this resort is a haven of tranquillity, while it is only a few steps away from the beach and the action!
Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, a swim-up bar and Jacuzzis. Tea Tree Spa offers different types of massages, facials, body scrubs and body wraps. There’s also a laundry and dry cleaning service, a fully-
Holiday Inn Resort Phuket 52 Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel: +66 76 370 200 Fax: +66 76 349 999 Email: reservation@holidayinn-phuket.com Website: www.phuket.holiday-inn.com www.facebook.com/holidayinnresortphuket
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Luxury Villas and Homes LUXURY
Villa Blue view : Bang Po, Koh Samui
Luxury Villas and Homes offers a fabulous and diverse selection of private luxury villas, each one carefully selected and categorised to meet our guests’ individual needs. Located on the stunning tropical islands of Koh Samui, Phuket and Bali, our extensive portfolio of outstanding luxury holiday homes suits discerning, independent travellers, with top quality facilities and personalised services offered in an exclusive, private setting.
The Signature Collection
The Holiday Collection
“Fine design, complete comfort and bespoke services”
“Independent properties with top class facilities”
The Signature Collection is a unique portfolio of private luxury villas, each one situated in a truly spectacular island location and offering a combination of tropical beauty, exceptional facilities, and complete privacy, all backed up by a comprehensive suite of onsite services. Guests at Signature Collection villas not only enjoy a superb choice of private amenities, but can also indulge in Thailand’s famed, gentle hospitality. Each Signature Collection villa boasts a minimum of three resident staff including an English-speaking villa manager, catering specifically to the individual requirements of each guest. A full-time Thai chef is also on hand to prepare a variety of delicious Thai and international dishes throughout the stay.
The Boutique Villas
The International Collection
“Quality private accommodation with dedicated services”
The Bay villa 15 : Cape Yamu, Phuket
A new addition to our portfolio, The International Collection extends the choices available to private villa guests in Southeast Asia. Luxury Villas and Homes have handpicked some of the best villas on Bali to offer guests private accommodation amid dramatic natural scenery. A choice of locations includes beachside villas, properties with stunning sea views, tropical gardens or fringed by Balinese rice terraces. We do not manage the villas on Bali, but only select those that are managed by a professional villa management company on the ground. Choosing a villa through Luxury Villas and Homes will not only match but exceed your expectations, providing you, your family and your friends with an exceptional private retreat to guarantee a memorable, personalised luxury holiday in paradise.
Island Property Services Co., Ltd. Koh Samui and Phuket, Thailand Tel: +66 77 427 648 Fax: +66 77 430 326 E-mail: rsvn@luxuryvillasandhomes.com Visit the website at: www.luxuryvillasandhomes.com
TM
THE BOUTIQUE VILLAS PR I V A T E H OLI D A Y V I LLA S
The Signature Weddings
“Personalise your wedding in paradise”
“Luxurious retreats on beautiful Bali”
With stylish yet practical designs, The Boutique Villas take full advantage of their stunning tropical locations offering breathtaking ocean views, private pools and top of the line home technology. Resident staff provide comprehensive daily services managed by a dedicated guest relations team. The Boutique Villas offer an affordable alternative to four-star hotel accommodation, with the added benefits of a private, exclusive property.
Sangsuri Villa : Choeng Mon, Koh Samui
Although not part of the Luxury Villas and Homes managed portfolio, The Holiday Collection villas are managed independently by their owners and selected to be offered through our agency based on the high level of facilities and services they provide. Some of the villas are located within resorts and therefore boast a full complement of hotel-style services, others are stand alone properties with their own onsite service team, some are minimally staffed.
Five Star Hospitality
Every couple hopes for the perfect wedding, but its not always easy to make the dream come true. First there’s the challenge of finding the ideal wedding venue, then comes the planning, organisation and running the event smoothly to meet everyone’s expectations. The Signature Weddings is a market leader in bespoke private holiday villa weddings on the idyllic tropical islands of Koh Samui and Phuket. With an extensive portfolio of exclusive villas, we provide the ultimate luxury wedding venue along with a complete range of professional planning, organisation and operational services, turning dreams into reality for couples from around the world.
The Villa Wedding Difference Holding your special day in a luxury holiday villa not only guarantees a stunning setting, but also the absolute best in tailored convenience. Whether your are catering for a modest gathering or a full scale high society wedding party; the flexibility of a private villa allows you to design the event to meet your exact needs and aspirations on every level, ensuring memorable moments in paradise for the bride and groom, their family and the invited guests.
The Signature Weddings prides itself on its trained and experienced team of wedding professionals, all well versed in managing customised luxury events. Our Western wedding planners are on hand to assist with logistics and preparations from your first enquiry, and a dedicated team of local staff ensures top class hospitality and individual services are provided throughout the day. The philosophy at The Signature Weddings is simple. Your wedding should be as unique as you are. To make sure that happens, every detail is considered, every moment matched to your personal requirements. On the most romantic day of your life, we help create memories that will last forever. Island Property Services Co. Ltd., Koh Samui and Phuket, Thailand Tel: +66 77 427 648 EX 104 E-mail: events@thesignatureweddings.com Visit the website at www.thesignatureweddings.com Follow us on : www.facebook.com/signatureweddingsthailand
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
Offering a harmonious renovated interiors of New Asian Concept, this property is the unique timelessness blended seamlessly with the quiet elegance of comfort. The landscaping design of each villa merges New Asian decoration incorporating a stunning private pool, and amazing water cascading. The property is intimate and private, protected by a lush natural environment that evokes peacefulness. There are only 41 private villas on the grounds. Each incorporates enchanted ambience of the color of Asia and creates an open air and yet completely private environment to There are “Grand Pool Villa” and “Pool villa” available, each with its own private swimming pool deck, amenities and complimentary such as 24 hrs. in-villa service breakfast, Wi-Fi with in-villa Mac Mini and minibar with daily replenishment. Privacy is the emphasis of the Malisa Villa Suites. There’s also a wide range of physical enrichment programs and an extensive array of beauty treatments in the resort’s renowned spa. Only few-minutes walking from Malisa Villa Suites to Kata Beach, that extends along the south-west coast of Phuket island. Kata is legendary as Phuket’s most spectacular stretch of beach, offering endlessly stunning vistas where dazzling horizons meet the deep turquoise expanse of the magnificent Andaman Sea.
Malisa Villa Suites
The resort is also only a short drive to the tremendously popular Patong Beach as well. Visitors can take in both the remarkable mountain of the area, and are near to some of Phuket’s most wellknown tourist sites, including the Chalong Temple. It’s also a only a forty-minute drive from the Phuket International Airport.
The Malisa Villa Suites are considered the ideal spot for couples and honeymooners. Equipped with every imaginable amenity and accented with superbly detailed natural decor, all the villas offer discerning couples the restful echo of a lifestyle warmed by the tropical sun.
Malisa Villa Suites 40 / 36 Kata Road, Kata Beach, Muang, Phuket 83100 Thailand. Tel: +66 76 284 760-64 Fax: +66 76 284 765 E-mail: info@malisavillas.com Website: www.malisavillas.com
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
The resort has 211 rooms, suites and villas: Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Sea View Rooms, Junior Suites, Suites and Pool Villas offering guests convenient amenities such as Internet access and in-room movies. All rooms feature private balconies and unique blend of distinctive Thai culture while villas boast spacious interior with beamed ceilings and large terrace area leading to a private infinity pool.
Food lovers will be delighted to discover the hotel’s array of dining venues overlooking the Andaman Sea. Aqua Restaurant & Terrace, all-day dining restaurant, serves buffet and delectable a la carte menu. Guests can have indoor or outdoor meal at Azur which serves fresh Thai seafood cooked to your liking. Swim up to the rim and get refreshed with poolside services at Edge, the relaxing pool bar. Cocktails, combinations and healthy meals are on-call. At Octo Bar & Lounge, guests can enjoy chilled drinks and tasty snacks with stunning scenery above the Andaman Sea.
Radisson Blu Plaza Resort
You can indulge yourself at Talay Spa offering a large repertoire of treatments including beauty, consultation and fitness training. For children, they can enjoy Sapparot Club, the on-site kid’s club with pool and waterslide. The resort also provides other facilities and services such as fitness center, free high-speed internet access and hosting events or wedding.
Phuket Panwa Beach
Situated on the island’s southeastern coastline, The Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach, a five-star beach resort, is the perfect spot for a family vacation, honeymoon or relaxing getaway. The resort is also an ideal place for Phuket holidays with beach frontage and easy access to island cruises and day tours.
Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach 44/5 Moo 8 Sakdidesh Rd, Vichit, Muang 83000 Phuket Thailand Tel: +66 76 602 500 Fax: 66 76 602 555 Email: res.phuket@radisson.com Website: www.radissonblu.com/resort-phuket
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Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
Sukko Cultural Spa & Resort Spread over 20 acres and surrounded by verdant woods and watercourses that spring from high mountains, Sukko Cultural Spa and Suriya Spa Villa presents the culture of ultimate happiness and exquisiteness of Thai living which visitors can embrace and then embark on a journey for the well-being of both body and soul. Thai culture: the philosophy of traditional medicine, the practices for a healthy life and the rituals of respect for the earth are woven together to become the art of Thai living, which is simple, yet subtle and full of senses.
Featuring its own private Jacuzzi,2-bed spa room, and a steam room, Jacuzzi and Spa Villa provide the perfect backdrop for Thai spa experiences in the privacy of your own residence, a lifestyle Thais have been privileged to throughout history.
Renowned as the world’s first Thai cultural spa, Sukko Cultural Spa provides Thai wellness therapies that support andpromote health by means of natural methods using the traditional Thai medication theory. According to this theory, the human body is composed of four elements: earth, water, wind and fire. To prevent illness there must be a balance between these four elements. Jacuzzi Spa Villas Set in a Traditional Thai cluster-rooms architectural style, Jacuzzi Spa Villas features teak wood bedroom areas. A sun-roof rain shower and wooden veranda with a traditional teak wood day bed. The veranda is favorite with appreciators starry nights and cicada’s songs all in amidst the lush tropical greenery. Sukko Cultural Spa and Resort 5/10 Moo 3, Chaofa (West) Rd., Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand Tel: +66 76 263 222 Fax: +66 76 264 533 Email: info@sukkospa.com, sukko@sukkospa.com Website: www.sukkospa.com
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Hip Plazas and Markets
Where to Stay
Sunwing Resort
A Family — focused Resort This is a fully-contained family resort with its own restaurants, entertainment programs and a host of activities for all ages. For those whose ideal vacation consists of sipping colorful concoctions while dipping a toe in the surf or dozing off under swaying casuarina trees, then the Sunwing Resort fits your bill to the tee. For kids who love Lollo the Giraffe and Bernie the Bear to parents looking for a quiet moment alone, the Sunwing Resort, with its supercomprehensive kids’ program, is the resort for children of all ages. With activities and entertainment to please each and every taste in your family from the smallest infant to the hardiest grandparent the Sunwing Resort makes everyone’s fantasies a reality and leaves you with memories that
will last a lifetime. The large swimming pools, children pools, playground area, 2 Pool Slides, water sports, indoor games and much more, all combine to make sure everyone’s whims are catered to. And then for those who prefer adventure and excitement, from exploring the undersea universe to skimming along the surface of the turquoise waters on skis, then this resort is the ultimate destination. Everything you need is at your doorstep; it’s just a matter of choosing what to do. Located on the beautiful island of Phuket, Sunwing Resort is a unique beachfront resort that provides a memorable holiday for the whole family.
Sunwing Resort Kamala Beach 96/66 Moo 3 Kamala Beach, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 83150 Tel: +66 76 386 165-70 Fax: +66 76 386 171-2 Email: info@sunwingkamala.com Website: www.sunwingkamala.com Sunwing Resort & Spa Bangtao Beach 22 Moo 2 Cheung Thalay, Thalang, Phuket, Thailand 83110 Tel: +66 76 314 263-69 Fax: +66 76 314 270-71 Email: info@sunwingphuket.com Website: www.sunwingphuket.com
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Twinpalms Phuket Resort Set in a private and exclusive beachfront property dubbed as “Millionaire’s Row”, Twinpalms Phuket Resort provides the comforts of a luxury resort in its well-appointed and generously-sized Penthouses, Suites and Rooms. The chic resort’s unique design, created by Martin Palleros, one of the top landscape architects in the Asia Pacific, features a “contemporary tropical” design and landscaping resulting to a beautiful and serene setting with a modern romantic twist.
A romantic holiday experience in a secluded paradise awaits you at Twinpalms Phuket Resort. Guests are spoilt for accommodation choices varying from Penthouse, Suites, and Rooms; they may vary in sizes and features but all of the guestrooms evoke an effortless living and lifestyle. Surrounded by towering palm trees, all units feature a private terrace offering a lagoon view. With thoughtfullydesigned guest rooms furnished with minimalist yet elegant décor, each of the 97 specious units is combined with the relaxing tranquility of a secluded getaway. Among which, the sublime penmanship of Martin Palleros was called upon to create the 21 unique, luxurious and lavish apartments, including fine wine cellar, Cuban cigar humidor and latest entertainment system, among others.
Having Phuket’s most inventive, style-setting beach clubs, Twinpalms brings glamour and exciting tropical nights to the sands of Phuket. The Catch Beach Club is open to all who love fashion, fun and fabulous seaside dining, while the Bimi Beach Club is Phuket’s Only All Day Party Beach Club for party-goers to enjoy a stylish yet strippeddown spot to mingle, dance and set free their island spirit along the dazzling shores of Surin. Bongo Rum Bar, another fun-in-the-sun is set to stir up the Phuket Island spirit, bringing to the beach Asia’s biggest collection of finely aged, quality distilled rum from around the world, scents of fresh sugar cane wafting through the salty air. Twinpalms Phuket Resort offers other top-notch facilities such as swimming pools, well-equipped fitness center complete with personal trainers and stylish conference facilities to accommodate all types of events. To further enjoy your stay at the Twinpalms and explore the nearby attractions, there are exciting leisure activities on land and on water on offer; these include golf, elephant trekking, horse riding, watch shows and cabarets, cruising on a luxury yacht, big game fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, island hopping, and more. Complimentary guest services include snacks and refreshments at the lounge (for Penthouse and Duplex Suite guests), library with extensive book, magazine and DVD collections, broadband internet access, daily weekday newspaper delivery, welcome amenities upon arrival and 24-hour room and residence host services. For a fine dining at Twinpalms, guests can choose from a culinary Thai and fusion dishes served at Oriental Spoon Grill & Bar, a delectable beach front degustation with succulent fresh live seafood and Italian flavors at Catch & Bimi Beach Clubs, a first and most popular Sunday Brunch in Phuket, and more. Getting the best pampering experience in a plush environment is a part of a truly rewarding holiday. The Sun Spa offers utmost privacy, luxury and exclusivity as you indulge in any of the rejuvenating treatments. The adept spa therapists administer holistic healing combining ancient Eastern therapies with the latest Western techniques to restore the balance of mind, body and spirit.
Twinpalms Phuket Resort 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110 Tel: +66 76 316 500 Fax: +66 76 316 599 E-mail: book@twinpalms-phuket.com Website: www.twinpalms-phuket.com
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Destinations
Khao Lak Before the 26 December 2004 tsunami, Khao Lak was seen as the “in” place to build a resort, and many Thais did so. The problem was that many of them built on flat land, near the water’s edge without any kind of natural or man-made barrier between their resort and the sea, so when the tsunami hit, it hit hard. Overview
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Despite the trauma it experienced, Khao Lak remains an incredibly beautiful and serene place. This is Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi 30 years ago.
Picture Perfect
If you’re looking for beer bars, karaoke, cabaret shows, and the cacophony of unmuffled motorcycles, tuk-tuks, touts and traffic, Khao Lak is not for you. But if you just want to lie on a beach and have a nice, quiet holiday amid Thailand’s great outdoors, Khao Lak is just the place. And the people that make their livelihood from the tourist industry are waiting to welcome you. They need you back. Many still don’t realize that Khao Lak is once again is ready to host large groups of visitors. The tourist infrastructure is back in place and operational. It’s all there-banks, currency exchanges, ATMs, diveshops, bars, restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, convenience stores, traditional massage shops, Internet cafés, eco-tour operators, clothing shops and, of course, tailor shops.
Phang Nga Bay first came to the world’s attention when part of the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun starring Roger Moore was filmed there. To this day, busloads of tourists are regularly shipped up to Phang Nga Bay to see James Bond Island. The annual Phang Nga Bay Regatta has also gone along way to helping spread the beauty of the province’s karst topography as sailors have left the event stunned by the pinnacles of limestone. Art & Culture The tsunami caused so much trauma in this area; Khao Lak was hit the hardest of any spot in Thailand. More people died here than did in the attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre on 9/11and more Swedes died in Khao Lak than any other disaster in that country’s history. So pay homage to those that suffered and perished in the tragedy by visiting the tsunami memorial at the Baan Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park. And as with every disaster, there’s also a rebirth. If you want to see some amazing wood craftsmanship, get yourself to a boatyard and see some talented local carpenters at work carving some wonderful wooden boats.
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Shopping
Opportunities for adventure sports or eco-tours abound: trekking in Khao Sok and Khao Lak National Parks, river canoeing, kayaking, mountainbiking, and scuba-diving in the nearby Similans and Surins, generally regarded as the most beautiful diving spots in the Andaman Sea.
No one goes to Khao Lak to shop, but since you’re there, there’s probably some beachwear that would look good on friends and relatives back home. And some of the shops do sell some nice batik sarongs. And, believe it, there will be a ubiquitous tailor offering you a good deal or a suit or blouse.
Dining Out You are in one of the most exotic fishing spots in the world, so if you are a seafood devotee you’re in luck. If you want an adventure, try buying direct from the fishermen and cooking your own dinner. Or, if you are adventurous find out where the locals eat their seafood, and enjoy some of the best local delicacies. Nearby Environs The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands about 100km northwest of Phuket, which form the Similan Marine National Park. Famed for their spectacular underwater scenery and marine life, the Similans are regarded as one of top dive spots in the world. Koh Miang is the only island which has some development, housing the park headquarters, a visitor’s centre and some rudimentary accommodation. There is also a royal residence on Koh Miang. The best time to visit the Similans is from November to April.
ONLY IN KHAO LAK If you happen to make it to Ranong, a couple hours north of Khao Lak, and a want a true adventure head out to the Mergui Archipelago, which consist of 800 uninhabited islands in Burmese waters. Facilities are few and far between, but these have been called “the world’s last islands in tropical waters, still in pristine conditions.” While in Ranong, make sure you pay a trip to the Raksawarin Hot Springs, located a kilometre outside of town. Boats can be chartered from Saphan Plaa (Fish Bridge) to visit the surrounding islands and the casino at Thahtay Kyun Island.
Walks Khao Sok is one of the premier national parks in the country, as it is the world’s oldest evergreen forest (160 million years old) and a great spot of jungle hikes. It’s also home to Raffleasia Keri, the second largest flower in the world, measuring 80cm in diameter. Bamboo bungalows on the park’s Cheow Lan Lake are a great place to enjoy the majesty of the park as it fills with mist early in the morning and if you’re lucky the hooting of gibbons can be heard.
Getting There The quickest way to get to Khao Lak is to fly into Phuket, then either rent a car, or have your resort pick you up. You can catch a bus down from Bangkok and get off at Takua Pa or Thai Muang (Khao Lak sits in between them), or just ask the driver to let you off in front of your resort. Public transportation is limited, so if you don’t rent a car, think about a motorbike, or depend on hotel taxis and motorcycle taxis to get around. Local Knowledge Public Transport – In Khao Lak, it is possible to hire cars, motorbikes or bicycles. Cars can be rented at the airport while some hotels rent out motorbikes and bicycles. Songthaews and local buses are also available to those who want to explore the area or they can avail hotel/ resort shuttle buses. Area Code – 076 is the local area used to dial to Khao Lak Seasons – It is cool in Khao Lak from November to March when it is less humid; the hottest time is from April to May, although there may be short and heavy thunderstorms. The weather is generally fine from June to August but there can be heavy showers. During September and early October come the long intervals of sunshine between heavy showers.
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
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Beside the superb location, there are several nearby attractions around the resort such as Takuapa old town (Sino-Portuguese architecture), Khao Sok & Khao Lak National Parks, Phang-Nga Bay and the well-known Similan and Surin Islands. The resort is well designed in modern Thai style, featuring 195 guest rooms, with friendly and well-trained staff offering professional service. This four-star resort has 195 spacious guest rooms ranging from superior to deluxe rooms as well pool-access rooms, suites and garden and pool villas. Each room type at Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa designed to suit individual needs.
Experience the real taste of Thai cuisine and a creative blend of Eastern and Western flavours. You will find and international breakfast with fresh homemade bakery, a variety of mouth-watering seafood dishes served at the stunning beachfront restaurant. Apsara is ideal for both holiday-makers and corporate meeting organizers with a 150-metre long beach, a spacious lawn with sun loungers surrounded by lush tropical gardens, a kid’s room, a beachfront swimming pool, a gym, library, a meeting room, spa and Wifi access throughout all combining to ensure joyful holidays and fruitful business meetings. The resort is also an ideal venue for beach-themed weddings as guest can create their own tailor-made wedding theme.
Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa This resort is idyllically situated on a peaceful white sandy beach of Khao Lak in Phang Nga, 95 kilometers northeast of Phuket International Airport. The province of Phang Nga is famous in Thailand for its superb natural beauty both onshore and underwater, and known as the location of famous James Bond Island, one of the most recognizable destinations in the world. Located in Phang Nga, the resort itself is harmoniously blended in with the tropical garden and attached lagoon; these offer a perfect holidays for everyone.
Apsara Beachfront Resort and Villa 45 Moo 2, Kukkak, Takuapa, Phang-Nga 82190 Tel: +66 76 584 444 Fax: +66 76 584 445 E-mail: info@apsarakhaolak.com Website: www.apsarakhaolak.com
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The 116 room and villa resort offers a choice of 54 Deluxe Oasis rooms, 22 Deluxe Lanai rooms, 24 Deluxe Jacuzzi rooms, eight exclusive Oceanfront Villas and eight private Pool Villas. Chic and contemporary, the 40.5 square metre of living space with an additional 10 square metre balcony to enjoy, Deluxe Oasis rooms feature a spacious bathroom with rain shower, large bath tub, King or two queen beds, working desk, LCD TV in-room, safety box, tea and coffee facilities and much more. With same in room facilities, Deluxe Lanai offers even more extra space with a 23.5 square metre balcony and patio to enjoy while soaking in the sun on a crisp, clear Khao Lak day when Deluxe Jacuzzi rooms feature a defining open bathroom concept that creates spaciousness highlighting private in-room Jacuzzi. The resort’s flagship accommodations are the Ocean Front Villas, exquisitely decorated and are situated perfectly right on the beach with an uninterrupted ocean view. Each villa is situated on 134 square metre plots with 64 square metre of personal space within. With floor to ceiling glass windows and chic blue lighting, the chic Private Pool Villas provide complete privacy. Guests enjoy the luxury of a private swimming pool, garden, sala pavilion and sun lounges, a spacious bathroom with twin basins, Jacuzzi, rain shower and modern facilities such as an iPod dock, DVD/CD player and luscious his/her amenities.
Ramada Khao Lak Resort
Exceptional resort facilities include a swimming pool with uninterrupted views of the ocean and a tranquil spa is hidden in a lush tropical garden. Here, in luxurious treatment pavilions guests can enjoy a private herbal steam room, sauna, and outdoor
Ramada Khao Lak Resort is located directly on Bang Niang Beach in beautiful Khao Lak, Phang Nga Province. Guests of the idyllic resort can relax on the sundecks, and in dining areas and oceanfront villas just steps from the white sand beach.
Jacuzzi. Treatments such as body massages, scrubs, wraps, hair treatments, manicures, pedicures and bathing rituals. Dine in style Dining at Ramada Khao Lak Resort is a delight for discerning epicureans. Guests can start the day with an enticing breakfast buffet at The Kitchen with live cooking stations and highly personalized service. Throughout the day, Mellow Bean offers premium ground coffees, fresh juices, sandwiches, snacks, ice creams and cakes. At the Pool Bar daily specials including noodles, pasta, sandwiches, salads and burgers accompanied by healthy shakes and beverages. Sassi’s Beach Club is Ramada Khao Lak Resort ’s signature venue to eat and drink throughout the day offering Italian dishes and traditional Thai selections served in the comfort of the air-conditioned dining room with the views of the beach just footsteps away. Family fun Ramada Khao Lak Resort provides fun and relaxation for the whole family. At the colourful Kid’s Club Playland youngsters can enjoy an outdoor play centre, indoor activity zone, computer games, DVDs and organized arts and crafts lessons. There’re even kid’s spa treatments and mini-eco tours to experience. A large outdoor horizon edge swimming pool features a natural lagoon style design, with children’s pool near the beach, whirlpool, sunbathing deck and water fountains. Surrounded by sun-beds and lounges this is the perfect place to recline and relax in the sun. Guest services at Ramada Khao Lak Resort include 24-hour reception and security, car rental, transfers, tours, valet parking limousine service, baby-sitting, mountain bike reatel, table tennis, and free wireless internet throughout the resort, and more. The resort is a short stroll from numerous small eateries, bars, souvenir and gift shops, and the main village of Khao Lak is only a 5-minute drive away. Surrounding Khao Lak are numerous national parks, waterfalls and the famous Surin and Similian Islands, one of the Ranked #2 of 50 hotels in Khao Lak
Ramada Khao Lak Resort, Phang Nga 59 Moo 5, Tumbon Kukkak, Takuapa District Phang Nga, Thailand 82190 Tel: +66 76 427 777 Fax: +66 76 427 784 Visit the website at www.ramadakhaolak.com
Ranked #1 of 151 hotels in Khao Lak/Phang Nga
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
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Krabi More and more people are choosing Krabi province as their destination of choice when planning a trip to southern Thailand and justifiably so. Krabi is rich in natural resources and beautiful coastlines and its striking karst topography is a natural for all kinds of eco-tourism adventures. Overview
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS
Mainland tourist Krabi is really divided into two different areas: Ao Nang, which you can access by road; and Railay Beach, which you must access by boat. Ao Nang, which was once just a pit-stop along the tourist trail, is now becoming a resort destination in its own right. There’s a promenade right in front of the beach, which features everything you’d need for happy and relaxing holiday. Many sea kayak and dive operators have sprung up of late and there are even a few elephant tour operators, so you won’t be stuck for things to do.
Picture Perfect
Krabi is also known for its cave temples, many of which make for an interesting day trip, especially Wat Tham Sua (the Tiger Cave Temple), a 1,237 step mountaintop shrine with spectacular views of the surrounding area. It will take more than a few great waves to rid this region of the colossal limestone karsts the region is famed for. Lying about 50 kilometres east of Phuket in the Andaman Sea are the world-famous Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Don and the uninhabited Phi Phi Le).
Photographers in legions have shot the myriad colours of blue surrounding Phi Phi from the Phi Phi viewpoint, a 180m vertical climb. It’s a good hike and well worth the effort. This panorama from the viewpoint atop Phi Phi Don overlooking Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam is still one of the most photographed in the region. Art & Culture Further south, Koh Lanta is such a special place that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is helping to preserve it. In today’s global society, fraught with clashes based on religious and cultural intolerance, Lanta Old Town serves as a model where differences between the local Thai Chinese, the Urak Lawoi clan (the sea gypsies) and Muslims are showcased as a natural way of life. They have worked together for over 200 years and many have even married into each other’s communities.
Phi Phi Le is known for two lovely lagoons: Maya, on the west coast (made famous by the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio) and Pilah, on the east coast. Another tourist attraction of note is the Viking Cave, located at the northernmost tip of the island, which contains pictographs of Asian junks and other ships, dating back 400 years.
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Located 20km north of Krabi lies Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, a must for nature lovers who can marvel at the rain forest that runs through it from its highest point, a 1350m peak. There’s also a massive cave featuring stalagmites and stalactites and a number of beautiful waterfalls. Further south Koh Lanta is starting to make a name for itself as good spot to dive and snorkel.
From up-market resorts to basic bungalows, ATMs, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, traditional massage shops, mini-marts and shops selling all kinds of merchandise Krabi, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta have everything you’ll need to keep you happy for a few days of snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming and just hanging out.
Dining Out Krabi doesn’t have the glorious 5-star restaurants of nearby Phuket, but it does have a number of glorious beaches, so why not make your own lunch, hire a longtail boat and find a deserted beach where you can enjoy a fabulous feast on a deserted beach. Nearby Environs Koh Lanta features ten beautifully flat white-sand beaches on the western side of the island. The island is a good spot to get in some great diving, snorkeling and island hopping and a large national park on the southern island is a great spot for trekking and wildlife spotting.
ONLY IN KRABI The karst topography of Krabi is breathtaking and a must see for any traveller to Thailand, and it has quickly developed into a world-famous rockclimbing locale. This came about when a number of years back a few mountaineers who had just spent time hiking the Himalayas, went to Krabi for a vacation. Given their restless nature, they couldn’t sit still. Seeing the limestone karsts of Ao Railay beckon, they decided to interface with them. The rest is history, and today climbers will come from all over the world to mix a vacation on the beach with an exciting rock-climbing excursion.
Walks On Koh Lanta, a large national park on the southern island is a great spot for trekking and wildlife spotting. And there are ten beautifully flat whitesand beaches that travellers covet so on the western side of the island. While on Krabi, head for the beautiful white beach of Phra Nang Beach, near the exclusive Rayavadee resort.
Getting There Boats between Koh Lanta and Krabi usually run twice a day and the trip takes two hours. And there is a ferry service between Koh Lanta and Phi Phi in high season (October-April), which takes ninety minutes. Boat trips between Phi Phi and Krabi usually run three times a day and take ninety minutes. The boat trip between Phuket and Phi Phi can take up to two hours, also runs three times a day and the boats moor at Ton Sai Bay in Phi Phi. (Prices of boat trips and their departure times can change, so it’s best to confirm these upon your arrival.) Local Knowledge Public Transport – There are many local buses or songthaew that run throughout the day in Krabi. In Krabi Town, motorcycle taxis are a fast way to get around. The regular taxis which people hire as a “car and driver/ guide” can be hired on a daily basis. For those seeking adventures and want to explore on their own, they can hire motorcycles or cars. Prices vary so it is good to inquire first and negotiate. Area Code - 075 is the local area used to dial to Krabi Seasons – It is ideal to visit Krabi in late January and February where it is possible to enjoy nearly perfect conditions -calm, glassy seas, clear blue skies, moderate temperature and a small chance for rain. During MayOctober is the rainy season where sunny days are punctuated by short, heavy afternoon showers. 124 Chic Travel Thailand
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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
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Where to Stay
Krabi La PlaYa Resort is an idyllic resort hotel located in Ao Nang, an area of outstanding natural beauty. The resort is situated within two acres of landscaped gardens and features a unique swimming pool with several individual whirlpools, and poolside sala pavilions where guests can indulge in the pleasures of traditional Thai massage. Guests can also enjoy relaxation at the tranquil spa, and at the Pool Bar and Garden Bar.
The interior lobby decor reflects contemporary Thai style and creates an enchanting atmosphere and warm welcome for guests. Accommodation includes 79 attractive Superior, Deluxe, or Pool-Side deluxe rooms. Guests can enjoy a range of delicious Thai, Asian and Western cuisines at The Spice restaurant. Vegetarian dishes are also available along with daily specialties and poolside barbecue dinners.
Krabi La Playa Resort, Ao Nang, Krabi
Krabi La PlaYa Resort 143 Moo 3, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphur Muang, Krabi 81000 Tel: +66 75 637 015-20, +66 75 637 500 Fax: +66 75 661 323 Bangkok Sales OfďŹ ce: 942/54 Charn Issara Tower I, 2nd Floor Rama IV Road, Suriwonge, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: +66 2 234 9400 , +66 2 2632 6677 Fax: +66 2 234 9401 Email: info@krabilaplaya.com Website: www.krabilaplaya.com
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The resort’s Studio, Pool Access, Pool Access Mini Suite, Mini Suite rooms, Honeymoon and Moon Deck Suites are designed meticulously with elegant furnishings and modern comforts such as air conditioning, flat screen TV with DVD player, work desk, IDD telephone. minibar, personal safe and hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, free WiFi internet access, iPod Docking Station and beach basket with mattress. For dining and relaxation, the resort includes one restaurant and two pool bars. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool on the ground floor and a salt-chlorinator pool and Jacuzzi on the rooftop. During the nightime the lights will be changed to various colors. Other facilities include a library, spa and massage, laundry service, 24 hours security guard and CCTV viewer and a souvenir shop. The Small, Krabi 167 Moo 3, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphur Muang, Krabi 81000 Thailand Tel: +66 75 661 590-2 Fax: +66 75 661 593 Bangkok Sales OfďŹ ce: 942/54 Charn Issara Tower I, 2nd Floor Rama IV Road, Suriwonge, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: +66 2 234 9400 , +66 2 2632 6677 Fax: +66 2 234 9401 Email: info@thesmallhotelgroup.com Website: www.thesmallhotelgroup.com
The Small, Krabi Asian Chic Resort
With just 38 rooms, guests are assured privacy and a high degree of personalized service.
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Guest accommodations include 75 rooms and 46 Villas. Each villa has a total living area of 204 sq.m built on a piece of hilly land ranging from 700 to 1,000 sq.m Spacious, elegant and unpretentious in their architectural design, they provide commanding views of Ba Kan Tiang bay and the surrounding tropical forest. The villa consists of a master bedroom facing the bay, bathroom with “rain-shower” a larch bathtub with view overlooking the bay, sundeck featuring a private 5.5x3 metre infinity edge swimming pool and a Thai Sala allowing private spa treatment whenever needed. We also have 2-bedroom villas offering a living space of 279 sq.m or 3-bedroom villas with 422 sq.m. There is no time for boredom here since you will be kept busy with all the facilities and service we provide. There are 4 restaurants, 5 bar, a wine cellar, PADI dive centre, World Class Pimalai Spa, library lounge, water sport and beach activities, 2 large infinity edge swimming pools with Jacuzzi and children’s pool, activities centre, and boat rental service to nearby island for snorkeling and Liveaboard scuba diving boat. A Member of Small Luxury Hotel of The World – Pimalai Resort & Spa have received worldwide recognitions from its excellence service and 5 stars accommodations which also included World Travel Awards 2007 for Thailand leading resort, World luxury Hotel Award for 4 consecutive years 2009-2012 for best scenic view through its commitment to sustainability Pimalai’s an official member of Green Leaf foundation and the resort also name Asean Green Hotel Award 2010 also “Conde Nast Johensen” Luxury Spa recommended for its famous Pimalai Spa and most recent “International Hotel Award 2012-2013” for best hotel architecture and most recent AREA awards Asia Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards 2012 Southeast Asia.
PIMALAI RESORT & SPA, KOH LANTA Between yesterday and tomorrow, Lies a moment of possibility. LIVE AN ETERNAL MOMENT
At an absolutely breathtaking location with a 900 metre strip of private beach,you will find Pimalai Resort and Spa. The Pool Villa Estate of Pimalai Resort & Spa is located on 12 hectares of lush tropical vegetation, some 60 metres above sea level and offers unrivaled views of Ba Kan Tiang pristine sandy beach and bay of Lanta island.
Pimalai Resort and Spa 99 Moo 5, Ba Kan Tiang Beach Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150, Thailand Tel: +66 2 320 5500 Fax: +66 2 320 5503 Email: reservation@pimalai.com Visit the website at www.pimalai.com
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Where to Stay - Koh Phi Phi
P.P. Erawan Palms Resort P.P. Erawan Palms Resort, is luxury beach resort with Thai island style accommodation, located on Leamtong Beach (cape of God), the northern most beach of Phi Phi Don Island,
Phi Phi Island is situated in Andaman Sea, 48 km away from Phuket Island. The islands are blessed with beautiful white sand beaches and rich marine life, which is an idyllic holiday place for people of all ages.
Phi Phi Natural Resort
The resort is situated just minutes walk from a straight long white sandy Beach, where in the evening; breathtaking beautiful sunset can be seen.
Phi Phi is undoubtedly among Thailand’s most beautiful and enchanting destinations. While other resort areas have suffered from ever-increasing popularity with tourists and the inevitable development, Phi Phi has managed to retain its charm and sense of tranquility. Phi Phi can be reached in different ways – by coach, by air or by ferry.
“Enrich your life, body, mind and soul. Memories of sea and sun to last forever” Thai-island style resort by the beach. PP Erawan Palms offers standard buildings and individual deluxe bungalows. The beautiful scenery and romantic atmosphere will blow you away. If you have trouble finding transportation, please check www.andamanwavemaster.com
Phi Phi Natural Resort has been carefully designed to fit in with the outstanding beauty of the area and provides the perfect retreat for those seeking rest and relaxation. The resort’s location is simply idyllic. Overlooking a pristine white sand beach and the crystal clear sea, guests have their own piece of paradise. Complete with modern amenities, the resort offers guests six types of accommodation to suit their needs and
P.P Erawan Palms Resort Moo 8 ,Leamtong Beach, Koh Phi Phi, Aonang, Krabi Tel: +66 75 627 500-23 Fax: +66 75 627 524 Email: info@pperawanpalms.com Phuket office: phuket@pperawanpalms.com Website: www.pperawanpalms.com
Phi Phi Natural Resort Moo 8, Leamtong, Phi Phi Island, Tambol Ao Nang, Krabi 81000 Tel: + 66 (0) 75 818706 upto 7, +66 (0) 81 8941696 Fax: +66 (0) 75 818708 upto 9 Email: info@phiphinatural.com Website: www.phiphinatural.com
preferences: 12 Standard Rooms in a townhouse-style building that has mountain views, 34 Superior Cottages with garden view balconies, 19 Deluxe Cottages with a separate bedroom and living room, 4 Multi-bed Cottages which have1 double bed and 2 bunk beds, 1 Family Cottage with two large bedrooms that can house 4 persons, and 5 Pool Villas with two large bedrooms, private balcony and pool. Dining at Phi Phi Natural offers a variety of high quality cuisine. The opened-air sea view Coffee Shop serves Thai, Chinese and European cuisines plus fresh seafood caught in local waters. The venue is open for lunch and dinner from an a la carte menu. It is also the perfect place to enjoy an exotic cocktail or ice cold beer. The resort can also cater for banquets or parties of up to 150 guests. Phi Phi Natural offers a variety of outdoor activities and water sports that can suit any of their guests.
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Railay Bay Resort & Spa, Krabi Accommodation at the resort includes the garden view Railay Deluxe Cottages. Each bungalow has been designed as a private and romantic hideaway and features a traditional tropical-style thatched roof and charming pathway entrance. Guests are just a short walk from the lagoon area. The three Beachfront Suites have their own private terrace overlooking the crystal clear waters of Andaman Sea. At sunset, when the sea and sky are bathed in a warm glow that reaches to the horizon, the view is truly spectacular. Other options include the Railay Garden Pool Villas, the perfect way to provide the children with hours of fun in their private pool. Outstanding Facilities The resort’s Railay Restaurant offers a wide variety of Thai dishes and fresh seafood. In addition, there is also fabulous pizza and other Western dishes to savour.
Located beside one of the world’s most glorious beaches, Railay Bay Resort & Spa in Krabi is a dream destination for families and honeymoon couples. Fronted by the white sands and azure waters of Railay Bay, incredible natural beauty surrounding the resort is simply breathtaking.
Families can enjoy time together in the resort’s beachfront swimming pool with a magnificent view of the Andaman Sea, or relax at a more private pool complete with bar service. At the Discovery Centre, tourist information is available from knowledgeable staff dedicated to making your holiday a memorable experience. The spa at Railay Bay Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of calm and relaxation upholding the timeless wisdom of Thailand’s healing arts. Enter a world of tranquility and experience the pleasures of massage, aromatherapy and herbal treatments.
Railay Princess Resort & Spa, Krabi Experience your dream family vacation at Railay Princess Resort & Spa. Situated in the middle of Railay Peninsular the beautiful resort is ideal for a families and honeymoon couples in search for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy one of Thailand’s most scenic areas. Guests are just five minutes from the renowned Phranang Beach and the lagoon.
Accommodation includes Princess Deluxe Room with tastefully decorated and furnished rooms plus a private terrace. The triple Princess Deluxe Family Room is the perfect choice for small families with up to 2 children. Guests enjoy garden and swimming pool views. Facilities at the resort include the Princess Tourist Center where friendly staffs are delighted to help make your stay more enjoyable. Excursions available include island hopping trips by speed boat. The Princess Restaurant overlooks the large pond and offers a comprehensive selection of delicious Thai and International dishes complemented by wines, cocktails and beers. At Waree Spa, an extensive spa menu offers a range of memorable pampering services including the chance to relax with a Thai massage. Refresh yourself with a special herbal scrub and mask, and recharge with an invigorating detox package.
Railay Princess Resort & Spa, 145/1 M.2 Ao Nang Mueang Krabi 81000 Thailand Tel: +66 75 819 401-3/819 407-9 ext 4 Email: info@krabi-railayprincess.com Website: www.krabi-railayprincess.com.
Railay Spa Railay Bay Resort, 145 M.2 Ao-nang , Muang Distric, Krabi 81000 Thailand Tel: +66 75 819 401-3/819 407-9 ext 0218-0112-0113 Email: info@krabi-railaybay.com Website: www.krabi-railaybay.com
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Stroll through a resort embodying timeless French colonial architecture with dark-panelled soaring wood-polished teak arches and lofty high-vaulted ceilings. Luxurious rooms and suites offer balconies overlooking gardens, and the glorious Andaman Sea. An amazing 7,000 sq.m. swimming pool flows at the heart of the resort, a design masterpiece and the largest pool in Thailand. For golf enthusiasts, enjoy the region’s dramatic natural landscape while savouring a golf resort holiday with thrilling games on the course of the neighbouring Phokeethra Golf Krabi.
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort Kr a b i P hokeet h r a
So SPA’s treatments use international and local high-end products. The prestigious skincare brand L’Occitane emphasizes the authenticity of French beauty traditions through the use of plants and flowers from Provence including Immortelle Secret to Brightness facials, an almond detoxifying balance, and relaxing aromatherapy massages. Ytsara, an Asian luxury spa product, is used for all Asian treatments including the Art of Discovery herbal compress massages and the Energy Flow balance treatment. So SPA presents original treatments to lavish your face and body with a seamless blend of nature and the modernity of French skin care. Indulge in the pleasure of an exclusive treatment by L’Occitane and Ytsara, the hallmark of French and Thai luxury and beauty. So SPA even has special treatments for golfers, and children so the whole family can enjoy a luxurious spa experience while staying at the resort.
In the resort itself, the first worldwide So SPA with L’Occitane offers guests rejuvenating world traditions combined with French cosmetology in the privacy of an intimate setting. With stunning views overlooking the swimming pool and gardens and surrounded by an array of different local flowers and trees. It is close to the main hotel building and lobby area.
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort blends the dramatic beauty of Krabi’s stunning karst topography with the French joie de’ vivre. Experience colonial elegance, limestone cliffs, L’Occitane spa treatments, ancient sea caves and beachfront golf, all while staying at this exclusive resort located in one of Thailand’s most beautiful provinces.
So SPA has 12 exclusive treatment rooms: 2 specifically for Thai massages, 2 for facial treatments, 4 single rooms as well as 4 double rooms for couples. So SPA incorporates exquisite touches of Thai traditions to heighten your spa experience. The décor at So SPA is designed in ancient Thai style and when your treatment begins, therapists will hang an elegant garland on the treatment room door to communicate that the room is occupied.
Escape to the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort for a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a great golf getaway all in tropical splendour. The resort also does a tremendous job of staging weddings.
Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort 200 Moo 3, Klong Muang Beach, Tambon Nongtalay, Amphur Muang, Krabi 81000 Tel: +66 75 62 78 00 Fax: +66 75 62 78 99 Email: rsvn@sofitelphokeethrakrabi.com Website: www.sofitel.com/6184
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Villa 360, Phi Phi Islands Villa 360 is the first and only resort having all panoramic sea view villas. Located on the peaceful Phi Phi Don, the resort is designed to highlight the view of natural surroundings from the sloping hillside and capture the view of Andaman Sea. Villa 360 is the only resort on Phi Phi Islands that satisfies guests by both sunrise and sunset. 33 oceanic view villas provide guests a spacious balcony facing to the panoramic sea view. All villas feature facilities: refrigerator, mini bar, international cable television, Wi-Fi access, and the king size beds adorned with Egyptian cotton sheets. Guests can relax in the luxurious bathtub while enjoying beauteous scenery over the ocean. The restaurant serves authentic Thai & International cuisine all day. Drinking the local ingredients mixed beverages can make you feel fresh. Guests can indulge themselves with the 360’s spa treatment from body scrub to Thai massage which helps ensuring well-being and increasing circulation. You can enjoy a massage in the relaxing atmosphere on 360’s private seafront deck. The resort also provides an infinity-edge pool where guests can absorb striking view of Phi Phi Islands while they are swimming.
Villa 360, Phi Phi Islands 58 Moo 8, Ao Nang, Muang Krabi, Krabi, 81000 Thailand Tel: +66 75 626 900-10 Fax: +66 76 626 947 E-mail: reservation@phiphivilla360.com Website: phiphivilla360.com
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Cuisine
Thai Noodles One of the most exciting adventures for a traveler is trying the local food. And when it comes to food Thailand is a land of thrills, offering a dizzying array of dishes based on the four taste sensations: Sour, sweet, salty and bitter. Understanding a little about the cuisine we encounter on a daily basis helps us to make the right choices as we make our culinary journey through The Land of Smiles and sizzling frying pans. As good a place as any to unravel the mysteries of Thai cuisine is with noodles. Where did they come from and what are the most popular noodle dishes called?
Pad See Ew
Guay Teow Rad Na
Origins Most Thai noodle dishes are of Chinese origin and are relatively recent additions to the Thai culinary universe. Traditionally, Thai people prepared and ate food at home. When large groups of Chinese laborers arrived, they brought their own cuisine and street vendors who sold prepared food for the mostly Chinese clientele. This happened throughout Southeast Asia, and “street food” owes much to Chinese migration. The Chinese brought new cooking techniques to Thailand, which were quickly incorporated into Thai cuisine and made their own. Below are four types of popular and commonly found Thai noodle dishes. Phad Thai Listed at number five on ‘World’s 50 most delicious food’ readers’ poll compiled by CNNTravel in 2011, Phad Thai is arguably the best known of all Thai foods. It is made with light and simple ingredients consisting of rice noodles, pawns, eggs, shallots, roasted peanuts and chilies garnished with coriander leaves and lime. Phad Thai has been known in Thailand for hundreds of years, the type of noodles having been introduced to Ayutthaya, the former capital of the kingdom, by Vietnamese traders. However, it was made popular by Luang Phibunsongkhran, the prime minister during the late 1930s and 1940s. As part of his campaign to reduce domestic rice consumption in order to increase the amount available for export he encouraged the population to replace their staple diet of rice for noodle based Phad Thai. Today, Phad Thai can be easily found the length and breadth of Thailand, in mobile kitchens and just about every outlet that claims to be a Thai restaurant. Westerners particularly like this dish for its peanut flavor and relatively non-spicy taste. Fried Wide Noodles with Soy Sauce — Pad See Ew
Phad Thai
Pad See Ew is a popular street-food most commonly found in Central Thailand. This dish literally means ‘stir fried soy sauce’ and is easily identifiable by the wide, flat rice noodles that are both nutritious and filling. Traditionally the dish is served with thinly sliced pork and Chinese
Broccoli. Rarely do you see other vegetables but nowadays you will often find ‘pad see ew’ with other types of meat as well as seafood and chicken. A good chef will guarantee the noodles are firm and separated, overcook them for a minute and they become mushy, but you can be the judge of that. Thai Rice Noodles with Seafood — Guay Teow Rad Na With the Gulf of Thailand to one side and the Andaman Sea to the other it’s no wonder some of the most tantalizing food to be found in Thailand are seafood dishes. Thai rice noodles with seafood is just one of those. Choose the right vender or restaurant and you’ll be served a steaming bowl of shelled prawns, bite sized pieces of squid, scallops, bass, red snapper or similar fish on a bed of rice noodles. As the name suggests, rice noodles are made from rice with the principal ingredients being rice, flour and water and are commonly found in the cuisine of Sri Lanka, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia and, of course, Thailand. Rice Sticky Noodles with Tomato Chili Sauce and Pork — Khanom Chin Nam Ngiao A specialty of Northern Thailand, Khanom Chin Nam Ngiao consists Thai fermented rice noodles served with pork in a sauce made with pork broth and tomato, crushed fried dry chilies, pork blood, dry fermented soybean, and dried red kapok flowers. The flavor should be spicy and salty with a thick broth, perfect for those cold winter nights in the north. The rice noodles (khanom chin) are made from rice which has first been fermented for three days, boiled, and then made into noodles by pressing the resulting dough through a sieve into boiling water. Khanom in Thai usually refers to desserts, but in a wider sense can denote many things that use any type of flour as its main ingredient. Although chin means “Chinese” in Thai, this type of noodle originated from the Mon people who inhabited the region which is now central Thailand before the arrival of the Thai people from southern China. The word khanom chin is probably derived from the Mon words khohn ohm jin, meaning “twice boiled”.
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Shopping
Chiang Mai Walking Street – Sunday Market Every Sunday, from mid afternoon until midnight, one of Chiang Mai’s great weekly events takes place. Walking Street Market, also known as the Sunday Market, starts at Thapae Gate and runs along the length of Ratchadamnoen Road into the heart of the Old City while showcasing the artistry of local people. Authentic gifts Shoppers looking for authentic gifts and souvenirs are spoilt for choice. Locally made clothes, hill tribe jewelry and hand made goods of every description are fashioned from an incredible array of materials such as wood, metals, ceramics, fabrics, paper, coconuts and much more besides. The products are truly authentic and original, making this the perfect place to find gifts or beautiful things to decorate your home. If you are purchasing, don’t forget to bargain as most goods are not labeled with price tags. Asiatique Riverfront
Asiatique Riverfront
Hip Plazas and Markets Asiatique Riverfront Opened in May 2012, Asiatique is more than a typical night market – it’s also a shopping and lifestyle complex that plays homage to Bangkok’s past as a riverside trading post during the end of the 19th century. Many of the old buildings have been maintained and given a facelift, successfully blending together old and new Bangkok.
The Venezia, Hua Hin Hip Plazas and Markets
performed at the Lumpini night plaza) and the famous Calypso Bangkok Theater. Last but not least is the big wheel towering over the Chao Phraya River and offering spectacular views of the city. The Venezia Hua Hin
The Asiatic Riverfront is separated into four districts. The Waterfront District is where you enter if you arrive by boat. Here you’ll find fancy restaurants and event venues lined up along a 300m boardwalk. Occasional concerts and festivals are staged along the boardwalk.
The Venezia Hua Hin has modeled itself on one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Venice, Italy. Ideally located 700 meters from Hua Hin airport and a short drive from the beach, The Venezia features iconic Venetian landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square and The Grand Canal, running 200 meters into the heart of Venice, or in this case, Venezia. Visitors can enjoy Italian ice cream while gondolas ferry them along the winding canal and through the shopping complex, bringing to life the atmosphere of Venice.
The Chareonkrung District houses more than 1,000 retail shops selling handicrafts, home decor, souvenirs, but also the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre and the Calypso Show.
The colors and architectural style of the buildings reflect those of Venice, while the landscape is brought alive with a brilliant array of flowers, fountains and Venetian sculptures.
The Down Square District is a mixture of Thai & Western influences and houses a large sports bar, international food, and a small events area.
Food, Entertainment and Shopping The food and beverage zone will delight the gourmands with a broad choice of international restaurants as well as the best Thai food money can buy. Pubs and bakery shops offering fine Italian coffee are also available.
The Factory District is where most of the 1500 small shops are located in old warehouses. You’ll find lots of fashion, handicrafts, furniture, home furnishings, souvenirs, design items, jewelry and so much more. Eating and Entertainment With more than 40 restaurants cooking up food from around the world foodies are spoilt for choice. Amongst the international choice of cuisine are Japanese, Italian, Korean, American, Thai, Chinese, and even Turkish kebabs.
Food and drink is also available at the Walking Street Market. There are a number of temples along Rachadamnoen Road and their grounds are open to vendors, many of whom conjure up mouth watering local cuisine right in front of your eyes. Adding to the festive nature of the market are pavement artists of all descriptions, traditional musicians, Thai dancers, puppet shows, living statues and rock bands. Chatuchak Weekend Market Aka JJ Market Wikipedia lists Chatuchak Weekend Market as the largest in the world and after one visit you’ll understand why. Covering over 35 hectares encasing 15,000 stalls the market attracts as many as 200,000 shoppers on weekends. Almost everything under the sun is available here: Household items, clothing, Thai handicrafts, religious artifacts, antiques, collectables, foods, and even exotic pets.
Plan your day Because of its sheer size a trip to JJ Market can be exhausting so we recommend you stay hydrated, bargain wisely, carry a map and know what you’re looking for before you go as it’s easy to get lost in the labyrinthine network of stalls. Nancy Chandles publishes a line of popular, hand-drawn maps that are indispensable. Her Bangkok map, which includes JJ Market, should help you avoid getting lost amidst the endless rows of vintage T-shirts, sneakers and dried fish. Jungceylon – Phuket Located in the very center of Patong beach at the end of Soi Bangla, Jungceylon is a world class-shopping complex that has something to please every age, gender and nationality. The 200-plus stores in this shopping mecca mall sell brand-name clothes, spectacles, sunglasses, cosmetics and perfumes, shoes, DVDs, computer games, tons of mobile phones and electrical goods galore. Entertainment There is also an SF Cinema showing five films at the same time, a gaming arcade and Mario Land Games Zone, a Mega Force where you rent a gun and shoot a target that zips across the screen, a Strike Bowl with 16 bowling lanes and an XD Theater that offers 4D rides to the center of the earth. And if that’s all a bit too futuristic, there’s also a Shell World Museum and Shop, just to remind you that in the real world, you’re on holiday by the sea.
The local and international fashion zone brings the catwalk to town while meeting the needs of the not so glamorous while the Services zone offers supermarkets, banks, IT services, spa, bookstore and more. Last but not least is the Arts and decor zone covering 4,000 square meters and a 24-meter high tower offering spectacular views.
When you’re done with shopping and eating there are several shows taking place, like the Joe Louis Puppet Theater (which formerly
Chiang Mai Walking Street
Chatuchak Weekend Market
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Nightlife
O’Reilly
Cloud 47
Patpong
Bangkok Nightlife There are few cities in the world that compete with Bangkok when it comes to nightlife. Whether you’re looking to sip cocktails beneath the stars in a rooftop bar, dance the night away or drink ale in a traditional pub while watching live sports, it’s all here, often at surprisingly low prices. Below is a brief guide to four popular night zones in the City of Angels. Silom Silom has a great selection of pubs, clubs and swanky nightspots that attract the party crowd seven nights a week. If your idea of a great night out is downing a Guinness, enjoying a pub meal and watching football beamed live from Europe then try Molly Malone’s Irish Bar on Soi Convent or O’Reilly’s under Sala Dang BTS on Silom Road.
Finally, if you’re planning on dancing the night away seek out one of the clubs with live bands or beat-spinning DJs strung along Patpong Road such as Lucifer’s, Radio City, Twilo and Funky Dojos.
If old fashion pubs don’t float your boat try Cloud 47 located at the top of the United Center office tower. Cloud 47 is quite different from any other rooftop bar you might have visited before. Usually it’s all posh and glitzy, with drink prices listed as high as the building itself. Here, the prices are surprisingly friendly and the atmosphere is casual. Many night revelers are drawn to the infamous red light district, Patpong. Located in Silom, its side streets house pole-dancers and lady-boys as well as several outdoor bars that make for great people watching. Literally on the doorstep of these dance bars is Patpong market, a favorite amongst tourists looking for bootleg DVDs, fashionable clothing, jewelry, fake watches and anything else that’ll make a great present to take home.
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Sukhumvit Road
Thonglor
The nightlife options along Sukhumvit Road are forever evolving with new venues continuously adding to the list.
Thonglor has become a magnet for the young, trendy and moneyed with some of the city’s higher end dining and nightlife options here. There’s an eclectic choice of drinking and dining spots in Thong Lor, including Iron Fairies on Soi 12 that offers a unique atmosphere with live jazz and 16 specially crafted cocktails named after sunken ships. For more funky jazz and colorful cocktails try Blue Velvet on Soi 5, another unique venue that recreates the ambience of medieval Europe.
Sukhumvit Soi 11 has become one of the liveliest night zones in Bangkok with a choice of excellent restaurants, including Tapas Spanish Bar, as well as several sports bars and mobile cocktail bars where inexpensive drinks pack a punch. As an antidote to Soi 11’s throbbing techno music, try The Nest, a peaceful rooftop bar nestled on top of Fenix Hotel, where you can enjoy a quiet cocktail with great views of the city. On Sukhumvit Soi 31 you’ll find The Royal Oak and The Dubliner, two of the most popular British and Irish pubs in town serving fine ale and traditional food late into the night. The atmosphere is friendly and parties have a way of happening spontaneously. Those looking to party late into the night should try Glow Nightclub on Sukhumvit Soi 23 where hipsters dance to the most cutting edge house music in the city. Another hot nightspot is Grease Nightclub on Sukhumvit Soi 49. Grease is an all inclusive venue that offers something for everyone – from hardcore clubbers to rooftop stargazers. Specifically, the club has a restaurant, dance venue, live music bar and a tree-lined rooftop lounge.
Rock Club between Soi 8 and 10 is a huge, modern style English pub. Numerous draught and bottled beers are available as are a large selection of excellent wines and cocktails. Food includes traditional English as well as Thai and international cuisine. Live bands provide the evening entertainment. Nightclubers can move onto Demo Nightclub, considered one of the coolest and most fashionable nightclubs in Bangkok with bare brick walls covered in graffiti, exposed piping and metal shutters instead of doors. There’s also a large outdoor area which is a popular place to hang out and chat to fellow party people without the need to shout.
Cosmic Café
Route 66
LED
RCA — RAMA 9 Rooad RCA is a night clubbers utopia where you can experience international DJs, live concerts and soundtracks by popular local artists all in one night. The epicenter of Bangkok’s clubbing scene, the RCA is separated into four blocks: Block A is closest to Rama 9 Road, and, at the opposite end, Block D leads onto Petchaburi Road. All of the clubs stay open until at least 2am in the morning and the action kicks off around 7pm. Each club will issue a stamp to allow you to re-enter and explore as many venues as you wish. A popular place to start off the night is Cosmic Café, an understated beer garden with live music played amongst fairy lights. The vibe changes depending on the style of music being played, and on any given night you can be treated to anything from an acoustic duo to a five-piece soul band. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a dance venue, but Route 66 Nightclub is a good start. Having achieved legendary status in Bangkok for its wild parties, it seems every night owl in the city has passed through their doors at one time or another. Another standout club is LED Nightclub, formerly known as 808 Bangkok. Considered one of the best clubs on the RCA strip with a mega-sound-system and a range of bass-heavy musical genres played on Fridays and Saturdays only. Take some ID and roll back the years.
Grease
GLOW
Web Watch: www.bangkok.com/nightlife bangkok.sawadee.com/nightlife.htm www.siam2nite.com/en www.farangfriendly.com/bangkok-nightlife
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Vegetable, Soap and Wood Carvings In Thailand
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Cuisine
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants Vertigo and Moon Bar On the rooftop of Bangkok’s Banyan Tree Hotel is Vertigo restaurant and Moon Bar. With an unusually narrow and elongated shape it’s easy to be overcome with vertigo and to imagine yourself on board a space ship in the sky. Open to the stars, the stomach churning views from this 61st floor venue are rivaled only by the menu. A long time favorite with both tourists and locals Vertigo and Moon Bar continues to impress with creative menu ideas and great cocktails.
Octave Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Signature Dish: Flame Grilled Lamb Rack: 2,200 Baht Signature Cocktail: Vertigo Sunset: 370 Baht
Above Eleven Rooftop Bar
Sirocco and Sky Bar
Octave Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Sirocco and Sky Bar
Ideally located right next to Thonglor, the recently opened Marriot Hotel’s multi level rooftop bar, Octave, boasts some of the most impressive 360-degree views to be found in Bangkok. The décor is stylish modernindustrial featuring light brown wooden furniture and steel accents, with a blue theme running throughout. An in house DJ sets the tone with smooth and funky house that’s not too loud.
Sitting atop the 63rd floor of the Lebua hotel, with sweeping views of the city’s bright lights, the Sirocco is undoubtedly one of the most iconic dining spots in Bangkok. Live jazz is performed every night to the delight of style savvy fun seekers with a head for heights. And while the city lights flicker below the adjoining Sky Bar changes color every few seconds while you choose from an alluring list of cocktails.
Tiger Prawns Teriyaki, served from the Yakatori Grill: 410 Baht Wagyu Beef with Ponzu Glaze: 410 Baht Signature Cocktail: Foreign trader: 425 Baht
Signature Dishes:
Signature Dishes:
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Foie Gras Duo, La Garrigues” Lamb Rack, Wagyu Beef Short Rib: Price range 500-3,000 Baht Signature Cocktails: Senses including Corn Star, Flirtini, Sky Spring, Dark N Dirty, Sunshine and Moonlight: Price range 500 Baht
Above Eleven Rooftop Bar Sitting on top of the luxurious Fraser Suites Hotel, Above Eleven molds itself on a Peruvian, Japanese theme. The first floor of the rooftop bar comprises an enclosed bar top surrounded by tables lining the edges. Wander upstairs and you’ll be and surrounded by leather sofas and soft lighting with tree like pillars supporting a glass roof beneath a dome of stars. The views are spectacular and the music is played low, creating an ambience ideal for relaxing and chatting with friends. There is an extensive range of sushi dishes plus an interesting menu of Peruvian Japanese fusion averaging 350 Baht to 550 Baht Average price per person: Chilcano with Pisco, lime, fresh ginger and ginger ale: 320 Baht Signature Dish:
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Cloud 47 Bar and Bistro
Centara Grand: Red Sky
Opened in August 2013 and set atop Silom’s United Tower, multisectioned pub and restaurant Cloud 47 has a distinctly Thai flavor amidst its cubist style layout. Here, there’s space enough for some 500 people in either the laidback beer garden or the more upscale wine zone. The prices are surprisingly friendly and the location, a stone’s throw from Patpong night market and evening entertainment zone, making it an ideal hangout for the night owls amongst us. The views are spectacular and the vibe is relaxed and convivial.
Perched on the 55th floor of the Centara Grand Hotel, Red Sky is chic urban, al fresco bistro melded to a wine and martini bar. True to its name, red is the theme color while French bistro style cuisine is accompanied with smooth melodies from the silky voiced resident trio. Drink in the 360-degree views over Bangkok and enjoy the menu, which is one of the best in Bangkok.
Signature Dish: Thai snacks start at around 200 Baht Signature Cocktail: Margarita: 320 Baht
Wagu Beef with French Fries and Red Wine Sauce: 1,800 Baht Signature Cocktail: Mojito Special with Strawberry: 390 Baht Signature Dish:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------Long Table The Nest
Long Table is a swanky bar and restaurant that was created by the minds behind the once iconic Bed Supper Club. Located 25 floors above the city the venue is distinguished by the long tables that encourage mingling and make for a communal vibe. Opened in 2008, Long Table has become a favorite among those in search of gourmet food and picturesque views. To make the most of the great views order al-fresco drinks and step out onto the patio for a long night beneath the stars. Pla Ka Pong Thod Krob Kub Yum Mamuang — fried sea bass with green mango salad and sweet tamarind chili sauce Signature Cocktail: Bangkok Cosmopolitan Signature Dish:
Park Society KU DE TA
Nestled on the rooftop of Le Fenix Hotel, The Nest offers a casual and relaxed ambience with comfortable seating around tables in a garden setting, or at high tables around the bar. A “beach” area where faux rattan cabanas are placed on a sandy platform offers some novelty, while the private seating areas are ideal for more discreet gatherings. The 360-degree views bring to life the Sukhumvit skyline in all its electric energy.
Spread over the 39th and 40th floor of Sathorn Square Building, this recently opened entertainment playground promises to become a mandatory pit stop on Bangkok’s international party circuit. Guests can choose from seven distinctly themed bars, which include Soundgarden, Amber Bar, Aviary, Ku Bar, Grill Bar, Lounge, as well as a private bar in their Members Club. In addition there are three restaurants serving modern Asian cuisine, Japanese and premium steak. Of course, Ku De Ta would not be complete without a dance-floor, and there happens to be two… so let the party begin.
Thai Prawn Sticks with Deep Fried Prawn Mousse and Lemongrass: 220 Baht Signature Cocktail: Mojito Tower – Three liter jug containing one bottle of rum and serving four or more people: 2,000 Baht Signature Dish:
Park Society — So Sofitel Bangkok Let your imagination run free as you’re led through a futuristic maze of bold design, where embossed stainless steel, infinity mirrors and intersecting polygons guide you to your table – inside or outside, 29 stories into the sky. Just below the hotel is the green immensity of Lumpini Park and beyond the striking glass-and-metal skyline of Siam and Silom; tall towers with their ever-changing colors and lights… truly magnificent. Signature Dish: Thai Chicken Skewers: 320 Baht Signature Cocktail: PS I Love You: Vodka Ket 1 and Family Juice: 350 Baht
Long Table
---------------------------------------------------------------------------Zoom at Anantara Sathorn Zoom, opening on 28th November 2013, is Bangkok’s newest chillout venue, offering innovative bar and restaurant experiences with 380 degree cityscape views on the 40th floor of Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. Chicly designed throughout, Zoom features a light bar counter in the middle of the venue, an illuminated DJ station and two VIP areas on either end of the bar where guests can enjoy private dining. Exciting fusion food is matched by a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as well as an extensive sushi menu. Signature Dish: Phad Thai Lobster: 1,200 Baht Signature Cocktail: Paradise on Earth: 375 Baht
Centara Grand: Red Sky
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The Nest
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Cloud 47 Bar and Bistro
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Travel
Three Days and Two Nights in Bangkok Bangkok is a city famous for its historic temples, world-class shopping malls, fantastic cuisine, friendly people and exciting nightlife. But to experience the best of Bangkok takes some forward planning, so to help you on your way we’ve compiled an itinerary to make sure you make the most of your, “Three Days and Two Nights in Bangkok.”
Day One Morning: 9 a.m. Day one revolves around life on and beside the Chao Phraya River. Begin the day at Saphan Taksin Pier and take a tourist boat for approximately 20 minutes to Wat Pho Pier. At Wat Pho Pier take a five-minute walk to the magnificent Grand Palace, the city’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782 — and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government — the Grand Palace of Bangkok is guaranteed to impress with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. After an extensive tour of the Grand Palace and temple take a five-minute walk back toward Wat Pho Pier for a lunch break. Midday Lunch and Onwards Enjoy lunch el fresco style at The Deck in Arun Residence, a popular Thai restaurant located near Wat Pho and overlooking the Chao Phraya River. After a relaxing lunch and some cool drinks pay a visit to Wat Pho, explore the grounds of one of Thailand’s oldest and largest temple complexes distinguished by a 15-meter high and 43-meter long reclining Buddha.
music. At Rama VIII Bridge, the cruise turns around, allowing for one last glimpse of Bangkok’s time-honored temples. If you still have the energy continue down the river, why not round off the day with a performance from the famous Calypso Bangkok Theatre at Asiatique Riverfront, a newly built plaza located on an old pier on the Chao Phraya. Tip: Apart from the tourist boat, there are 4 types of Chao Phraya Express Boat services: local line boat (no flag), orange flag boat, green flag boat and yellow flag boat. If you would like to travel by express boat, the orange flag boat is recommended because it runs between Nonthaburi and Wat Rajsingkorn from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. everyday and costs only 15 baht. Before you get on a boat, you should notice the flag first since the boats are quite similar. For more information, visit www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/home/.
Take the boat back to Saphan Taksin and get fitted for a suit at one of the tailors opposite the Shangri La Hotel. After getting fitted up take some time out to relax, refresh and change into evening wear. Evening Take a tuk tuk or taxi from your hotel to River City on the Chao Phraya. At 7pm it’s time experience the Chao Phraya River by night with a dinner cruise on the luxurious Le Grand Pearl. After being welcomed on board with warm smiles and cocktails, you’ll begin a journey up the river, starting at River City Pier, then passing some of the city’s most iconic sites that line the river. After enjoying a lavish Thai and international buffet dinner, relax under the stars and moonlight, as a live band enhances the mood with background 152 Chic Travel Thailand
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Day Two Morning: 8 a.m. Begin the day with an early morning walk around the lake in Lumpini Park, located in the heart of Bangkok’s business district next to Rama IV Road. At this time of day the park is peaceful but busy with groups of people exercising and practicing martial arts such as tai chi. After building up an appetite it’s time for a buffet breakfast at The Pavilion in the Dusit Thani, Thailand’s iconic 5 star hotel that overlooks Lumpini Park. From the Dusit Thani take a BTS to National Stadium and The Jim Thompson House. A guided tour through the teakwood house built by Jim Thompson will open your eyes to the fascinating mystery of the man who single handedly kick started Thailand’s international trade in silk during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands in 1967 and has never been seen since.
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Hip Plazas and Markets
Evening Muay Thai, or kick boxing, is Thailand’s national sport. It’s also one of the most thrilling spectacles in the whole of sport. At around 6:30pm make your way to Lumpini Stadium on Rama IV Road, a short distance from where you began the day in Lumpini Park. Prepare yourself for a thrilling couple of hours of entertainment as some of sports fastest and fittest athletes dance, dodge, and deliver devastating blows in the ring. This is one night out you’ll be talking about for some time to come. With the adrenalin running high it’s time for a night out on the town, starting at the popular restaurants and mobile bars that fill the streets on Sukhumvit Soi 11. From there on the world is your oyster. Tip: You should be careful with your belongings and bring them with you all the time although you just take a walk in Lumpini Park.
Day Three
Some of the finest silk in the whole of Thailand can be bought at Jim Thompson House.
Morning: 9 a.m. After all the action of yesterday a late breakfast will suffice just fine.
Midday Onwards Lunch by the pond amidst the lush vegetation and teakwood buildings of the Jim Thompson House is the perfect way to round off a morning tour.
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most important hubs for the jewelry trade. Rare and brilliant stones of every description and from every continent pass through Bangkok to be polished and set, so it would be a shame to miss out on a tour through Bangkok’s jewelry quarter, which encompasses both Silom Road and the area around the fabled Oriental Hotel in Bang Rak district. This is a fascinating area in its own right and a great place to take a cultural tour, as well as shop for gems, silverware, ethnic jewelry, artifacts and many other curiosities.
After lunch take a short walk to the The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC), a new facility for the contemporary arts. Enjoy the latest exhibitions and get the pulse of the Thai contemporary arts scene. Follow up with a trip to the Paragon Shopping Complex where many of the world’s luxury brands are begging for attention. All this racing around will be getting exhausting by now so take time to unwind, clock in for some spa treatment at the nearby Kempinsky Hotel and prepare yourself for an energetic evening.
Midday Onwards At midday it’s time to collect the suit you had ordered on day one and make your way by taxi to the Erawan Tea Rooms at the Hyatt Hotel. Luxuriate in 5 star comfort and enjoy Thai snacks along with some of the finest tea known to man. After lunch its time to visit the Erawan Shrine located next to The Hyatt Hotel. Housing a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu god of creation, Brahma, the Erawan Shrine is a popular tourist attraction that often features performances by resident Thai dance troupes, who are hired by worshippers in return for seeing their prayers at the shrine answered. To wind up your three day and two nights in Bangkok why not take a short taxi ride to the cathedral of gadgets and gizmos otherwise known as Parntip Plaza. Here you can fill your bag full of video games and electrical goodies that’ll make great presents for family and friends, bringing you popularity and fame when you return home. Tip: If you travel by Tuk-Tuk, you should bargain with the driver in advance so that the fare will be reasonable. Besides, you should buy jewelry from large factory or shop in order to make sure that they are real jewelry.
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What to See
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Traveling by Train
Thailand has one of the best railway networks in the Southeast Asian region and although progress along the aging tracks can be slow, the somewhat sedate pace is undoubtedly one of its great attractions. The State Railways of Thailand’s network penetrates all regions of the country, passing through some of the most beautiful countryside and pulling into many small but bustling stations. As a passenger in the comfortable carriages you are afforded the opportunity to see a part of the country and a way of life that is completely missed by those who choose to fly. Cheap and convenient, travel by train also allows you the luxury and adventure of being able to jump off anywhere that you please along the line.
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Elephant Trekking
Elephant trekking is popular in Thailand but try and choose the elephant camp with care. Not all places have the elephants’ welfare as a primary concern. The best is without doubt the Elephant Nature Park, outside Chiang Mai. Established in 1995, the Elephant Nature Park in the beautiful Mae Taeng Valley is home to dozen of rescued elephants. Founder Lek Chailert’s groundbreaking efforts to save the endangered and much maligned Asian elephant has received praise and awards from around the world. The Elephant Nature Park welcomes volunteer workers. For further information visit www elephantnaturefoundation.org
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Cycling and Motorcycling
Thailand is becoming increasing popular with cyclists. The country has a network of beautiful roads and lanes to explore. A number of specialist cycle tour companies are based in Thailand and offer anything from easy going half day rides to ten day adventures. Popular destinations include the north of Thailand but there are also cycle tours in Bangkok. For motorcyclists, the north of Thailand is simply heaven. Miles of open roads wind their way through a mountainous landscape. Motorcycles are available for hire in Chiang Mai.
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www.johngray-seacanoe.com
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White Water Rafting
In you are into white water rafting, head to the north of Thailand. When the rainy season arrives in May, rivers in the far north swell and flow south with a power guaranteed to quicken the pulse of any adrenalin junky. One of the most popular and long-established stretches of water for rafting is the Mae Taeng River in Chiang Mai province. Easily accessible and close to the provincial capital, the Mae Taeng is an excellent choice for one and two day outings while using Chiang Mai as a base.
Fishing
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Sailing
Thai waters are scattered with idyllic islands and are a paradise for sailors. Many companies in Phuket, Koh Samui and Pattaya charter catamarans, monohulls and super yachts with a range of options including bareboat, crewed, day trips, live-aboard, catering and racing. Cruises and sailing junks provide the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
Trekking
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Many people travel to Chiang Mai and the north for trekking in the mountains. The area is populated by six major hill tribes, the Karen, Hmong, Lahu, Yao, Akha and Lisu. Each tribe has distinctive ceremonial clothing, agricultural customs, and languages. Treks in the hills typically last from one to seven days and take visitors through forested mountains and valleys, and include visits to remote hill tribe settlements for overnight stays. Treks commonly feature travel by foot, bamboo raft, elephant and jeep. Mae Hon Son is a popular area for trekking.
Rock Climbing
Krabi and Phi Phi in southern Thailand are renowned for stunning limestone rock formations and caves. Whether you are a professional climber or a total novice, Krabi offers climbing routes up sheer limestone cliffs that will challenge and excite. To get an idea of why Krabi is such a popular spot for climbers, there are over 600 routes that have been mapped, graded and bolted. Most are in the Railay Beach and Ton Sai Beach areas. There are an additional 100 routes Ko Phi Phi to explore.
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Camping
Camping in Thailand is popular with nature lovers and young students. The best places to camp are in the country’s many national parks. Most have at least one camp site. Come equipped with a sleeping bag torch, rain gear, insect repellent, a water container and a small medical kit. The best time of year for camping is in the cool season from November until February.
Several businesses in Thailand operate kayak and rafting tours. The original and renowned kayaking tour company is run by John Gray, a kayaker and dedicated environmentalist. His tours are simply the best and Gray is greatly respected. Several tours are available including a day trip around the islands.
Adventures in Thailand Fishing is very popular in Thailand. Down south, it is big game fishing that attracts sportsmen. The Andaman Sea is renowned as haven for big game fishing. Several companies offer chartered trips with daily rates. Depending on the season, fishermen can expect to haul in blue marlin, tuna, shark and barracuda. Local companies charter three-day live-on-board excursions in search of sailfish and other prized game fish. Most companies supports a catch and release policy. For freshwater fisherman there are also many lakes around the country where you can try and haul in 100 kilogram Mekong catfish and other monsters.
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www.resotelgroup.com
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