LOOKEAST 2017 April

HOTELS

DINING

NIGHTLIFE

SHOPPING

EVENTS

ART

CULTURE

EST. 1971

APRIL ISSN 0857-1139

TRAVEL

APRIL 2017

APRIL 2017 VOL.46 NO.4

WWW.LOOKEASTMAGAZINE.COM

THB100

WHAT'S INSIDE

APRIL 2017 REGULARS

6 Calendar 10 Things to Do (Shopping) 14 Hotel Listing – Phuket 18 Airline Listings

Travel

22

22 World Wedding Hub – What makes Thailand a “Destination Wedding” capital of the world?

30 Phuket hosts Destination Wedding Congress in May 38 Rattanakosin: The Past at Present

40

38 Checking In

40 Deevana Patong Resort & Spa

Nightlife

42 Mixx Disco amd Boonrawd Brewery

42 2

LOOKEAST | WHAT'S INSIDE

Shopping

44 OP Place and OP Garden

44

TRAVEL

EDITOR'S ESSAY

TO THE NEXT LEVEL

T

he April 2017 edition of Lookeast Magazine will be the last printed issue of our 46-year-old magazine. We are taking the game to a whole new level.

It’s been a great ride, the long years we have spent not only as the longest running English-language travel publication in Thailand but also as one of the most respected titles in this very competitive industry. We are proud of what we have accomplished, we are proud of what we have done, and we are proud to have been a solid pillar in the travel and tourism industry through all those years. But it’s time to take the next step forward.

Welcome to the era of a strong, robust digital Lookeast.

With the recent developments in the print industry, we have decided to pursue digital media instead. We have a new and improved website on the way, and the launch of “Lookeast TV,” which started last year, will be more aggressively pursued this year.

We are also still producing “Weddings & Celebrations in Thailand” - which is a multi-media project combining a high-

quality coffee table book, a website, and a mobile application. This project promotes Thailand as the ultimate wedding destination for discerning Indians worldwide. More will follow.

Indeed, this is an exciting time for us as we take our media business to the next level.

On behalf of the management and the entire team of Lookeast Magazine, let me thank you our contributors, subeditors, writers and contributors, patrons, advertisers, subscribers, and everybody who in one way or another have become part of our journey -- for the unstinting support to the magazine through the years.

It’s been a wonderful journey throughout and we couldn’t have done and achieved what we have in print without you. Please accept our heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

As we embark on our new adventure as a digital media, rest assured that what we have started in print 46 years ago, we will continue to do in the digital arena.

Godspeed to you all – and enjoy your travels wherever they may lead you. Safe travels everyone!

Sawasdee Krub!

Percy Roxas Editor-in-Chief

4

LOOKEAST | EDITORIAL

a part of The Sehgal Group since 1971

Chairman Dato Satish Sehgal President Ravi Sehgal Group Publishing Director Asha Narula Sehgal Publisher Sid Sehgal Director Gaurav Sehgal Advisors Lalit Bakshi Earth Saiswang

Advertising & Media Consultants Co., Ltd. 18th floor Richmond Office Building 75/65 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: + 66 2 204 2982 Fax: + 66 2 204 2984 info@lookeastmagazine.com www.lookeastmagazine.com

OUR TEAM

Percy Roxas Editor-in-Chief

Jarmmaree Janjaturonrasamee, Art Director

Ankita Malhotra, Marketing Executive

Panitkan Apiratanapimonchai, Business Development Executive

Acharin Suthisawad, Executive Assistant to Chairman

APRIL 2017 | 5

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR

BANGKOK

national events & festivals tour dates of Coldplay in Asia, comes to Bangkok this month. The world-renowned international band has just released a new EP, so this upcoming show is a spectacle you won't want to miss.

Where: Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok

NATIONWIDE

16

Easter Indulgence

13-15

Songkran Festival

Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, is a much-awaited time of the year for both locals and foreign visitors. It is a time for family reunions and many family members get together and make merit at the temple and gently pour water mixed with Thai fragrance, called “Nam Op Thai” over the Buddha images. The Nam Op Thai is also used to pour over the hands of the elders when asking them for their blessing. But no Songkran is complete without the water throwing sessions. Most of the activities during Songkran involve water because festival signifies the process of cleansing and purifying one’s self before starting the New Year.

Where: Nationwide More Info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

1

Clutter Sale for Charity

Popular among savvy local shoppers and bargain hunters, the event will feature more than 70 booths selling primarily second-hand items but in almost new condition, donated and/or sold by local VIPs, celebrities, and the expat community.

Dubbed a “flea market extraordinaire” due to the quality of items on sale that include international designer goods, evening wear and fashion accessories, antiques and vintage items, gadgets, gizmos, sports paraphernalia, home décor, small appliances, novelty items, and gently-used

6

LOOKEAST | WHAT'S ON

treasures, as well as slightly-used catwalk outfits from prominent fashion houses and company overruns, is now on its 11th year.

Where: Grand Ballroom, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Rajdamri Road (BTS: Rajdamri) When: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

More info: annabellesdaokaew@gmail. com or call 088 995 6956

7

Coldplay Live in Bangkok The much-awaited sold-out live concert

Enjoy a sumptuous Easter brunch featuring various international flavors and a series of exciting entertainment. Surprise your family with our Easter Sunday market stalls that feature cotton candy, Easter cupcakes, Annette Tuk-tuk ice-creams, Easter Bunny ice cream sticks, special Easter egg dish with truffle and prosciutto, and allow your kids to enjoy our specially arranged kids’ room with lots of fun games and prizes. Executive Chef Nathan Chilcott and his team will seduce foodies with our luxurious Easter Sunday Brunch from 11:30 am to 3 pm at THB 2,800 net per person or an unlimited premium beverage package at THB 3,300 net per person.

Where: The District Grill Room & Bar, Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit More info: 02 797 0000 or visit www. bangkokmarriott.com and www.facebook. com/MarriottSukhumvit

1-17

Flash of Memory/Memory Lapse This group exhibition explores various aspects of memory. Helene Le Chatelier touches on the idea of recording our own memories. In her work, continuous lines of writing can be seen as laboratory samples of heartbeats, striving to analyze the universal and recurring question of living.

Kwanchai Lichaikul presents part of his life story through chronological sequences of his life starting from the most distant memory from his childhood. Finally, Uten Mahamit dissects his large abstract

Yamazato Restaurant

painting into 13 various sized pieces, a metaphor of how one chooses to certain memories.

Where: La Lanta Fine Art, 245/14 Soi 31 Sukhumvit Rd More info: Tel: 02 260 5381; lalanta.com

1-30

Watergate Hotel, Petchburi Road, Bangkok More info: 02 653 9000

Subhashok Art Exhibition

The mixed media works of Thidarat Chantachua aim to bridge together the different cultures in a borderless world.

The artist’s semi-abstract works take visual cues and foundations from Arabic arts that are closely linked to Islam, which is also the artist’s religion.

Where: Subhashok The Arts Center, Soi Phrom Chit, Sukhumvit 39 More info: 02 662 0299

3-30

19-23

With the arrival of Spring and the full bloom of Japan’s famous Sakura cherry blossoms, Master Chef Shigeru Hagiwara of Yamazato Restaurant celebrates with a special Gozen lunch menu and à la carte dishes featuring the freshest of seasonal delicacies. Spring Gozen lunch and à la carte dishes – at THB 1,300++ for Spring Gozen lunch and à la carte dishes from THB 400++ -- are available for lunch 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., dinner: 6-10:30 p.m.

Where: Yamazato Restaurant, 24th Floor, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, Wireless Road, Bangkok More info: 02 687 9000 or email yamazato@okurabangkok.com

It’s the time again for one of ASEAN's leading international trade fairs for trendy gifts and lifestyle products, so if you’re in Bangkok for shopping, don’t miss it. The event, recognized as Thailand's excellent platform for designers and new entrepreneurs to show their latest collections, will be open for trade visitors from 10am-6 p.m. April 19-21, and for the general public from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 22 and 23.

Where: EH99-104, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC), 88 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangkok More info: 02 507 8309; Email: big@ ditp.go.th

BIG + BIH 2017

Amaya Food Gallery

Authentic Taste of Spring

27-29

1-30

ASEANbeauty 2017 S Gallery

Friday Seafood Night

Taking inspiration from the street food of Asia and celebrating Asian cuisine with multiple show kitchens, the newly opened Amaya Food Gallery offers special themed dinner buffets, such as the Friday Seafood Night, that seafood lovers won’t want to miss! With show kitchens dedicated to specialties from Thailand, Southeast Asia, India, and Italy, Amaya invites diners to share and savor the diverse flavors with friends and family in a fun street-market setting. Available every Friday night at THB 1,500++ per person (additional beverage package available at THB 650++) Where: Amaya Food Gallery, Amari

Thailand, and have been widely exhibited across Asia from Hong Kong to Singapore, Shanghai to Taiwan. Val 1967 – 2016 offers a chance to view 17 pieces of artwork by the gifted French artist.

Where: S Gallery, Lobby Level, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Road (BTS: Nana) More info: Martin Gerlier, MoonStar Fine Arts Advisors at 093 5826588 or e-mail: Martin.gerlier@gmail.com

1-30

Val 1967-2016: Art Retrospective

A retrospective of the late French artist and Bangkok resident Valérie Goutard. Her works are held in permanent collections in

Join the leading members of the international beauty industry as they come together in this event, considered to be Southeast Asia’s premier international beauty trade show for Southeast Asia.

Visitors will be able to gain industry insights through three days of business networking, and attending seminars and educational workshops.

Where: EH 103-104, Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center (BITEC), 88 Bangna-Trad Road, Bangkok More info: 02 642 6911; www. aseanbeautyshow.com

APRIL 2017 | 7

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR

UPCOUNTRY NAKHON RATCHASIMA

1-3

In Memory of Thao Suranari

This event is one of the biggest fairs in Nakhon Ratchasima. The “Thao Sranari Memorial Fair” is held every year to commemorate the victory of Thao Suranaree or “Ya Mo,” who employed clever ruses to help fight off the armies of the Lao king Anouvong when he tried to invade Siam in 1826. This year’s program includes the lighting of the ceremonial flame, firework displays, and various competitions in sports, singing, silk making, and drawing; a beauty pageant, and more.

Where: In front of the Thao Suranaree Memorial Statue, Nakhon Ratchasima City, Nakhon Ratchasima More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

national events & festivals Where: Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buriram More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

LAMPANG

1-5

PHUKET Lampang Trains and Horse Carriages Memorial The 17th edition of the “Lampang Trains and Horse Carriages Historical Memorial Day,” will showcase metro markets (Kard Hmua), OTOP products, exhibition of trains, horse carriages, Nakhon Lampang, and government organizations in Lampang.

There will also be a cowboys and cowgirls costume competition, and sightseeing aboard a horse carriage or the Lamp-Tech small train. A food festival after the lightand-sound show completes the event.

Where: In front of the Municipal Hall, Lampang More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

CHANTHABURI

1-7 BURIRAM

1-3

Phanom Rung Miracle

Watch a natural phenomenon -- the sunrise passing through 15 doors at Phanom Rung, a historical park at Chalermphrakiat District, Buriram. Visitors will also enjoy a light-and-sound show (“Miracle of Phanom Rung”), a retro market and a display of OTOP products.

8

LOOKEAST | WHAT'S ON

Homage to Phra Phutthabat Phluang

An annual fair that features an offering ceremony for the angels, the gilding Lord Buddha's footprint, and climbing up Khao Khitchakut, which is a tradition observed through the generations. The tradition stems from a folk belief that those who climb Khao Khitchakut will gain high merit in addition to mental endurance.

Where: Khao Khitchakut, Chanthaburi More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672 or 02 250 5500

8-10

Phuket Bike Week

Phuket Bike Week aims to put Phuket at the forefront of Asian and international communities of big bikers and promote Phuket tourism. Coincided with Songkran festival, the event will showcase traditional aspect of Thai culture where tourists and bikers take part during the water festival.

Where: Patong Beach, Phuket More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

14-17

Phuket Thailand Balloon Music Festival

There will be a colorful ‘night glow’ lightand-sound spectacle, during which the hot air balloons fire their burners accompanied by music. Visitors will be able to take rides in the balloons on tethered flights, as well as on free-flying sightseeing tours, weather permitting.

Where: Phuket Paradise Park, Phuket More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

MAEHONGSON

KRABI

2-5

1-30

Poi Sang Long Festival

An ordination ceremony in accordance with the belief if the Thai Yai people, the Poi Sang Long Festival is one of the most attended in and unique to Mae Hong Son. The threeday festival celebrates every aspect of the ordination ceremony from the “Sang Long receiving day” to the parade when the will be carried on someone’s neck to the third day (“Kam Sang,” which is the ordination day proper.

Where: Mae Hong Son More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

CHACHOENGSAO

1-10

Pad Rew Food and Fruit Festival

Where: Ratchabhat Rachanakarin University, Chacheongsao More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

SUKHOTHAI

7-8

Hat Siao Elephant Ordination Ceremony (Buat Chang)

The “Si Satchanalai Elephant Back Ordination Procession” or “Buat Chang” is held annually at Ban Hat Siao, Amphoe Si Satchanalai. The 7th is the crux of the event, when a procession takes place, while the 8th features a spectacular procession of ordination candidates on the backs of 20-30 decorated elephants.

Where: Wat Hat Siao, Si Satchanalai More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

Learn the Art of Thai Cooking HATYAI

29

International Colorful Balloon Festival in Hat Yai

For three days in April 29 to May 1, the skies in the Jiranakorn Stadium, Hat Yai Distict will display international hot-air balloon.

Visitors can expect to see colorful hot-air balloons in different shapes from around the globe. They will also be given hot-air balloon rides to see Hatyai with a bird’s eye view.

Organizers have planned music concerts, parades, games, and food and beverage vendors at the festival.

Where: Hat Yai, Songkhla More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

PETCHABUN

1-30

Fun Searching for Freshwater Jellyfish

Freshwater jellyfish, which is only found in six places around the world, is the highlight of the renowned eco-tourist destination of Khao Ko National Park. Visitors can enjoy either several fun activities, such as shooting the rapids, besides seeing and feeding fish.

They can see shellfish and butterflies, and look for freshwater jellyfish along the way.

Where: Khao Kho, Phetchabun More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

Learn how to prepare and cook an authentic Thai meal in a fun and interactive cooking class with a gifted chef teaching you the secrets of creating restaurant quality Thai food such as Tom Yam Goong, Panang Chicken, and Tap Tim Groub, at home. After the class, you get to enjoy your delicious dishes. The two-hour class is priced at THB 1,200 ++ per person. (maximum of 4 persons). Advanced booking is required.

Where: Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Krabi More info: H6184-TH1@sofitel.com or call 075 627 800

PETCHABURI

24

Obstacle Fun Run

This competition includes a 7.5km-lap and 10 obstacles. Trail running combines the beautiful outdoor scenery of hiking with the physical challenges of running. If you are the type who loves beautiful, outdoor settings, then this is for you.

Where: Keang Krachan, Phetchaburi More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672

PATTAYA

30

Top of the Gulf Regatta

More than 600 participants from over 30 countries will arrive at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya for some exhilarating sailing across 12 classes, and the standard of competition is expected to be high.

Where: Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand call center 1672 APRIL 2017 | 9

SHOPPING

SHOPPING IN BANGKOK

Y

ou can cover all the shopping destinations, from the world’s largest weekend market, Chatuchak (BTS Morchit stop) to King Power Duty Free Shop (BTS Victory Monument), to Siam Paragon and Siam Center (BTS Siam Square), MBK (BTS: National Stadium), and on to CentralWorld, Gaysorn, Erawan and Amarin shopping centers as well as a little farther off, Platinum

Mall and Pratunam (BTS Chidlom), Terminal 21 (Asoke), EmQuartier and EmDistrict (BTS: Phrom Phong) and even up to the BITEC (BTS: Bangna), where regular shopping fairs are held. And that’s just one BTS line.

Many hotels are situated right to the shopping districts and they are great for shopaholics. The variety of items and products you can purchase is even more staggering, ranging from arts and antiques to international brand-name fashion apparels and accessories. Thai products – from jewelry and precious stones to Thai silk – are popular splurging choices, of course as the international fashion world becomes more interested in the country’s high-quality gems and jewelry products, and Thai silk becomes favored by many international fashion designers, from Beijing to Paris, from New York to Milan, from Tokyo to London.

Chatuchak

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is

10

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

the largest market in Thailand. Also known as JJ Market, it has more than 8,000 stalls, divided into 27 sections.

The market, opened in 1982, remains a favorite of both Bangkok tourists and locals; and it is said that you can find everything that Thailand produces and more from here.

Location: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak

Pratunam

From rainy, cool to hot, the weather in Bangkok rarely ever falls below the 20- degree mark; making it the best place to stroll around and take in the sights. If you’re looking or a steal, head on to the Pratunam Market (Ratchaparop and Petchburi roads), a 24-hour wholesale market is the best place to nab a bargain.

Bangkok shopping inevitably means more choices for clothing purchases and shoppers are spoilt for choice.

Be it chic ensembles from local designers, a tailor-made suit from bespoke tailors, or wholesale deals in

Pratunam, Bangkok has you covered.

Weaving through narrow alleys, you’ll get to experience shopping, before air-con, personal shoppers or luxury brands. How to get there: The easiest way is to take the BTS skytrain from your destination and get off at Chidlom Station. From there, you can walk to Pratunam, or take a motorcycle or bus.

JJ Green Market

Right behind the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market (also called JJ Market) is the JJ Green market, a popular vintage night market. JJ Green is a community mall during the day but when dusk falls especially during weekends, it transforms into a night market that locals call “Siam Gypsy Market.” The market selection includes a mix of clothes, crafts, accessories, retro collectables, antiques and second hand items, but there’s really all kinds of items available here. Of late, this night market has become filled with bars, live bands, vendors and street artists, adding a special flavor the any hangout time. How to get there: From BTS Morchit (or MRT Chatuchak), walk through Chatuchak Park to Kampaeng Phet 3, turn right and walk for about 200m until you see the big 'JJ Green' sign on the left hand side.

because of the diverse offerings it offers. Location: 496-502 Ploenchit Rd, Ratchaprasong Square (BTS: Chidlom)/ Tel: 02 256 9111

Asiatique The Riverfront

From a once-bustling international trade port, the area now known as Asiatique has been transformed into a combination of a mall and a night bazaar. With more than 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants housed under a huge replica warehouse complex, here is something everybody here. Foodies can enjoy at the restaurants and bars; and those looking for some entertainment can enjoy nightly shows such as the Calypso Cabaret, Thai puppets performance, and Muay Thai Live.

Location: Chareonkrung Soi 74-76

Central Chidlom

A seven-storey department store with modern, friendly ambience.

Well-stocked, each floor has a straightforward layout dedicated to urban lifestyles, including beauty products, shoes, handbags, lady’s fashion, men’s fashion, home décor, travel, toys, electronic gadgets, books and more. Location: Corner of Ploenchit and Lang Suan roads (BTS: Chidlom)

MAJOR SHOPPING MALLS IN BANGKOK Amarin Plaza

The five-storey shopping plaza draws in a mixed crowd - from affluent Thais to expats and business travelers

Central Rama 9

The seven-story shopping plaza houses some 300 shops, plus restaurants, cafés, SFX Cineplex, The Rink Ice Arena and anchor stores such as B2S, Power Buy, Uniqlo, and Robinson Department Store. Occupying a prime location at the intersection of Rama IX and Ratchadapisek Roads, Central Plaza Rama 9 has direct access to the MRT underground’s Rama IX Station at the basement level. Location: Corner of Rama IX and Ratchadapisek roads

Centralworld

A mega-shopping complex that offers one of the most exciting shopping experiences in Bangkok.

It has everything from brand name clothing boutiques, funky fashion, high-tech gadgets, bookshops and designer furniture to imported groceries, a lineup of banks, beauty salons, gourmet eateries and even an ice-skating rink. Location: Ratchaprasong Intersection, opposite Gaysorn and Erawan (BTS Chidlom)

Crystal Design Center (CDC)

Pahurat

Considered the cultural heart of the Indian diaspora in Thailand, Pahurat is the place to go for bolts of fabrics, some made in Thailand but most woven in India, as well as readyto-wear pieces and more notions than anyone could ever know what to do with. Pahurat is in Chinatown (Yaowarat).

the hotel. Architecturally it stands out, more sci-fi than shopping, and adding another destination to the mile of Siam malls, which runs from MBK to here. Location: Ploenchit Road, Bangkok (BTS: Ploenchit)

Central Embassy

Opened since May 9, 2014, this giant futuristic building is home to eight floors of designer brands and unique boutiques as well as plenty of exclusive restaurants. Also attached is the six star Park Hyatt Hotel, which rises 37 floors above the city.

Entertainment comes in the form of the most exclusive cinema in the city.

All these delights are housed inside a brushed silver casing, the curved roof rising at one end to incorporate

CDC’s vast 100,000sqm area – the size of 14 standard football pitches – comprises eight buildings, set on a landscaped ground dubbed the ‘sculptural park’. As a one-stop shopping mall, it offers everything imaginable in the realm of product design, from lighting, fitting materials, tiles, windows, doorsto-furniture and home accessories.

Apart from iconic designer brands (e.g. Philippe Starck and the like) and imported collections, the CDC Weekend Market features locally designed items that cater to those with smaller wallets. Location: 1420/1 Praditmanutham Rd; Tel: 02 101 5999

APRIL 2017 | 11

SHOPPING

Digital Gateway

A digital lifestyle center displaying the latest IT gadgets as well as hosting ITrelated events and activities. Contrary to other IT malls around Bangkok, Digital Gateway has no counterfeit products; so, don’t come looking for them here. Location: Ploenchit Road (between Siam Square Soi 3 and 4, with direct access from BTS Siam exit 2)

EmQuartier Bangkok

EmQuartier stands tall on the opposite side of Emporium Shopping Mall on Sukhumvit Road. Expect to find a long list of designer brands as well as a distinctly futuristic design with dozens of restaurants, offices, event halls and a cool atrium garden – complete with a waterfall. Location: 637 Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok (BTS Phrom Phong)

Emporium

Seven layers of shopper's paradise, with the first three floors dedicated solely to fashion. Exclusive worldclass brand names dominate the ground floor, hot international designer items, leather and jewelry the first floor, and glamorous garb for the young and trendy, the second.

Location: Sukhumvit Soi 24/26 (BTS: Phrom Phong)

Esplanade

The Esplanade is a seven-storey shopping and entertainment complex with an innovative ‘artetainment’ concept. Location: Ratchada Road (MRT Thailand Cultural Center)

Erawan Bangkok

A five-storey space covering about 13,000sqm, it's a boutique mall that offers a selection of only the most elegant lifestyle brands. Location: 494 Ploenchit Rd, Ratchaprasong Junction (BTS Chidlom)

Gateway Ekamai

This mall aims to offer an alternative shopping experience from the other cookie-cutter centers across Bangkok.

12

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

The mall is meant to epitomize the Japanese lifestyle that Thai people embrace readily with a mix of restaurants, clothes stores, health and beauty shops, as well as an edutainment center, a large IT zone and a 24-hour supermarket.

Location: Sukhumvit, BTS Ekkamai

Gaysorn

A luxurious, upmarket white marble and gleaming chrome complex housing exclusively high-end luxury goods and designer labels, Haysorn boasts a contemporary design and an innovative retail concept. Location: 999 Ploenchit Rd, Ratchaprasong Junction Tel: +66 (0) 2656 1149

IKEA Bangkok

IKEA, the world-famous Swedish furniture brand, brings its sleek minimalist design to Thai homes. Its 43,000sqm warehouse and showroom space on Bangna-Trad Road displays more than 7,500 furniture and home décor accessories for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens outdoors and much more. Location: Bangna-Trad Highway (km. 8)

K Village

Set on an expansive 24,000sqm area next to Carrefour Rama IV (inside Sukhumvit Soi 26), K Village’s two open-air buildings house some 100 air-conditioned shops divided into five zones: Fashion & Accessories, Café & Restaurants, Health & Beauty, Lifestyle & Technology and Gourmet Market. A major highlight of K Village is its dining zone, and the place is usually packed with diners on weekend evenings. Location: Sukhumvit Soi 26 (BTS Phrom Phong)

MBK

The multi-storey MBK is probably Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall, popular with both tourists and locals. Eight floors packed with 2,000 shops that sell everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVDs. Location: Pathumwan Intersection, diagonally opposite Siam Discovery Centre (BTS National Stadium)

King Power Duty Free Mall Mega Bangna Part of Pullman King Power Bangkok Hotel, this modern glassand-steel mall offers two floors of exclusive duty-free shopping. All purchased items can be picked up at Suvarnabhumi International Airport on departure date. Location: Soi Rang Nam near Victory Monument) (BTS Victory Monument)

Located half way between Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the centre of Bangkok, Mega Bangna is a 35,000sqm low rise shopping mall is mainly known as the home of IKEA, attracting a huge crowd of 'Do It Yourself' home decorators. This is not a high-end shopping mall for tourists but a

very convenient escape for locals and residents. Location: Bangna-Trad Road

Palladium World

Located on the corner of Petchaburi Road and Ratchaprarop, an area is already known for wholesale shopping at Platinum Fashion Mall, electronics Mecca Pantip Plaza and the frantic, all-day and all-night experience of Pratunam Market found just across the road. Location: Petchaburi Road, Pratunam

Paradise Park

Paradise Park brings high street shopping and contemporary lifestyle to eastern Bangkok. It has five floors, with over 700 retail shops, a Cineplex with digital and 3D screens as well as large floor spaces dedicated to modern Thai fashion, IT gadgets, food, banking, home décor and wellness. Location: Srinakarin Road

Golden Place Plaza

This exclusive center, catering mainly toward expats, moneyed Thais and business class travelers, exudes an air of old-world charm. Various leisurely eateries and cafes are scattered throughout. Location: Ratchadamri between Grand Hyatt Erawan and The Regent (BTS Ratchadamri)

Platinum Fashion Mall

Platinum Fashion Mall caters especially to wholesale clothing, selling a similar range of clothing to the Pratunam Market across the street, except in air-conditioned comfort. The mall has six floors which are filled with small outlets - most of them specializing in women's clothing and fashion accessories. Since this is a wholesale mall, you can get items at very reasonable prices - provided you buy larger quantities, usually three items and up. Location: Petchburi Road infront of Amari Watergate Hotel

Pratunam Center

Pratunam Centre is a four-storey

shopping complex targeting the bargain-happy teenagers and young workers by offering cheaper Chinese import product. Location: Intersection of Rajprarop and Petchburi roads

Rivercity

River City is a four-storey mall overlooking sweeping views of the Chao Phraya River. It specializes in antiques and collectibles, with monthly on-site and online auctions, although there’s also a good range of fashion and jewelry shops as well as riverside eateries with outdoor dining terraces. Location: Charoen Krung Soi 30 (next to the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel)

Seacon Square

Seacon Square, a 96 football-field sized entertainment center, is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest malls.

Location: Srinakarin Road (midway between On Nut Road and BangnaTrad Road) (BTS: Take a taxi from On Nut station)

tourists to be the center of Bangkok.

Location: Siam (BTS Station)

Silom Complex

Owned by the Central Group, it is smaller than other shopping centers around Bangkok but still offers a nice variety of international and local boutiques as well as the multi-leveled Central Department Store.

Location: Silom (BTS Sala Daeng)

Terminal 21

Terminal 21 brings the dream of traveling the world to downtown Bangkok, with its cutting-edge concept that places several worldfamous cities under one roof.

Location: Sukhumvit Road between Soi 19 and 21 (MRT Sukhumvit/BTS Asok with direct access via skywalk.

Siam Center

Siam Center may have been around for over 40 years, but it is still enlightening and surprising its customers with cutting-edge, unusual fashion. Location: Siam (BTS Siam Square)

Siam Discovery

Siam Discovery offers the most pleasant and leisurely shopping experience of any of the major shopping malls in Bangkok thanks to its sophisticated concept of how it presents the items on display.

Location: Next to Siam Centre (BTS Siam)

Siam Paragon

Siam Paragon is an immensely popular shopping mall housing a host of international high-end fashion brands, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, a 16-screen Cineplex, and a comprehensive selection of world cuisine. It is considered by many APRIL 2017 | 13

TRAVEL

DIRECTORY HOTEL

PHUKET [Area code: 076] Access Resort & Villas

398-489

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket 366-198

Allamanda Laguna

362-700

Centara Karon Resort Phuket

396-200

All Seasons Naiharn Phuket

289-932

Centara Kata Resort Phuket

370-300

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa 370-999

Centara Villas Phuket

201-234

Amanpuri 324-333

Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong

349-800

Amari Coral Beach Resort

340-106

Central Waterfront Suites

396-767

Amora Beach Resorts

314-236

Chandara Resort & Spa

317-800

Andakira Hotel 366-198

Circle Phuket Resort & Spa

279-999

Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa

336-100

City 216-910

Adaman Beach Suites Hotel

341-879

Club Andaman Beach

Andaman Cannacia Resort & Spa

284-211

Club Mediteranee 330-455

Andaman Embrace Resort & Spa

370-000

Crown Nai Yang Suite Hotel

236-550

Andaman Seaview Hotel

398-111

Daimond Cliff Resort

340-501

Andaman White Beach Resort

316-300

Deevana Patong Resort & Spa

341-414

Angsana Laguna Phuket

324-101

Dewa Phuket Hotel

372-300

Apsolute Seapearl Beach Hotel

341-901

Dolphin Floating Hotel, The

0-2618-7400

Aquamarine Resort & Villa

310-600

Duangjitt Resort & Spa

366-333

Arahmas Resort & Spa

316-000

Dusit Thani Laguna

362-999 1699

Aspasia Spa 284-430

Eastin Yama Hotel Phuket

303-456

Avantika 292-801

Evason Phuket Resort & Spa

381-010

Avista Resort & Spa

Felix Karon View Point

396-666

298-888

340-530

Ayara Hilltops 271-271

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa 396-433

Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa

310-777

Holiday Inn

Baan Maksong Resort & Spa

319-017

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao 603-699

Baan Sukhothai

341-394

Horizon Beach Resort

292-526

Banthai Beach Resort

340-850

Hyton Leelavadee Phuket

292-091

Banyan Tree Resort

324-374

Hyton Marine Phuket

294-181

Bay View Resort

292-787

Impiana Phuket Cabana

340-138

Best Western Allamanda Laguna

362-700

Indigo Pearl

327-006

Best Western Phuket Ocean Resort 396-599

Islandia Park Hotel

396-200

Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach 270-680

JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa 338-000

Blue Canyon Country

328-088

Kalima Beach Resort Hotel

366-198

Blue Marine Resort & Spa, The

370-400

Kamala Bay Terrace Resort

358-999

Boat Lagoon Resort

238-533

Karona Resort & Spa

286-406

Boathouse On Kata Beach, The

330-015

Karon Beach Resort

330-006

Burasari

292-929

Karon Priness Hotel

286-484

Bundararika Villa & Suites Phuket 317-200

Karon Sea Sand Resort & Spa

286-464

C.S. Resort 398-041

Karon Villa Phuket

396-097

Cape Panwa Hotel

Kata Beach Resort

330-530

14

LOOKEAST | DIRECTORY

391-123

370-200

TRAVEL

DIRECTORY HOTEL IN PHUKET

Kata Thani Phuket Beach Resort

330-124

Mission Hills Phuket Golf

Kalim Bay Garden Patong

640-840

Resort & Spa

310-888

La Flora Resort Patong

344-241

Mom Tri's Boathouse

330-015

Laguna Beach Resort

324-352

Mom Tri's Villa Royale

333-568

A Prime Resort

313-412

Movenpick Resort & Spa

Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club 380-200

Karon Beach 396-139

Le Meridien Phuket

Nai Yang Beach Resort

328-400

Malisa 284-760

Novotel Phuket Resort

342-777

Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa 371-371

Novotel Phuket Vinitage Park

380-555

Maiton Resort

214-954

Old Phuket Karon Beach, The

396-353

Malisa Villa Suites

284-760

Orchidacea Resort

284-083

Manathai Resort 270-900

Outrigger Laguna Phuket

360-600

Mangosteen Resort & Spa, The

289-399

P.P. Island 215-014

Marriott Phuket Beach Club

338-000

Panwa BEach Resort Phuket

393-300

Mercure Patong Phuket

302-100

Panwaburi, The

200-800

Merlin Beach Resort

294-300

Patong Bay Garden Resort

340-297

Metropole 215-050

Patong Beach

340-301

Millennium Resort Patong

Patong Bayshore 340-602

370-100

601-999

Patong Merlin

349-888

Patong Palace Hotel

341-998

Patong Paragon Resort & Spa

290-555

Patong Resort 340-551 Pavilion Beach Resort

317-000

Pavillion Phuket 317-600 Peach hill Resort

371-600

Pearl

211-044

Phulin Resort Karon Phuket

398-327

Poppa Palace Patong

345-522

Phuketcyber Inn 220-100 Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa

370-500

Phuket Merlin 212-866 Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa

370-999

Phuket Orchid Resort

358-300

Phuket Panwa Beach Resort

302-900

Phuket town Inn

216-991

Radisson Blu Plaza Resort

602-500

Ramada Phuket South Sea

370-888

Royal Crown Hotel & Palm Spa Resort

340-975

Royal Paradise Hotel, The

340-666

Royal Phuket City

233-333

Sandy Beach Mansion

344-914

Sala Phuket Resort & Spa

338-888

Sawaddi Patong Resort & Spa

343-444

Sea Pearl Villas Resort

303-500

Sea Sun Sand Resort & Spa

343-231

Seaview Patong

341-300

Serene Resort 330-147 Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket

324-101

South Sea Karon Phuket

370-888

Sri panwa 371-000 Supalai Resort & spa Phuket

302-302

Sunset Beach Resort

342-482

Sunsuri Phuket Hotel

336-400

Sunwing Resort & Spa

314-263

Thara Patong Beach Resort

340-135

Thavorn Beach Village & Spa

618-217

Thavorn Grand Plaza

222-240

Trisara 310-100

TRAVEL

DIRECTORY AIRLINES

AEROFLOT RUSSIAN AIRLINES (SU) www.aeroflot.ru Email: bkktosu@aeroflot.ru Sales/Ticket/Rsvn: 0-2134-2180

AIR ASIA (AK) (FD) (QZ) www.airasia.com (Don Meung Airport) Rsvn: 0-2515-9999 Call Center: 0-2515-9999 AIR ASTANA (KC) www.airastana.com Tel: 0-2367-5301, 0-2367-5314-17 AIR AUSTRAL (UU) www.air-austral.com Sales: 0-2235-8228-9 Airport: 0-2134-2673-5

AIR CHINA (CA) www.airchina.co.th Rsvn/Sales/Tktg: 0-2108-1888 Airport: 0-2134-2451-2 / 55 AIR FRANCE (AF) www.airfrance.co.th Tel: 0-2134-2188 Rsvn.Tktg.(Passenger): 0-2610-0808 or 001-800-441-0771 Trade Helpdesk (Agent only): 0-2610-0880, 001-800-441-5741 Group Helpdesk: 0-2680-0899 Lost & Found: 02-134-4357-58 Airport off: 02-131-0011 AIR INDIA (AI) www.sstravel.co.th Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2216-5691-5 Sales: 0-2216-5719 Airport: 0-2134-2634,1343121-2

AIR MACAU (NX) Email: bkktwn@airmacau.co.th Ticketing :0-2286-4288 Sales: 0-2286-7650-52 Airport: 0-2134-2650 AIR MADAGASCAR (MD) www.airmadagascar.com Airport: 0-2134-2671-3 Rsvn./Tktg: 0-2235-8226-7

AIR MANDALAY (6T) www.airmandalay.com Airport : 0-5381-8049, 0-5327-6844 (107) ALITALIA (AZ) www.alitalia.com Rsvn./Tktg: 0-2634-1800 ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS (NH) http://www.ana.co.jp/eng Rsvn: 0-2238-5121 Airport: 0-2134-2403-4 Tktg: 0-2238-5132 Ext.1 Sales: 0-2238-5132 Ext.2 ASIANA AIRLINES (OZ) http://us.flyasiana.com, www.asiana-gsa.com Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2016-6500 Airport: 0-2134-2895-8 Sales (Passenger): 0-2016-6501 Phuket office : 076-328-610

18

LOOKEAST | DIRECTORY

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES (OS) www.austrian.com Call Center: 0-2654-6800 Airport: 0-2134-2850 Lost/Found: 0-2134-2214 Tktg A/P office: 0-2134-2213 BANGKOK AIRWAYS(PG) www.bangkokair.com Email: reservation@bangkokair.com Head Office: 0-2265-5678 Airport: 0-2134-3960 Rsvn: 0-2270-6699 ext. 43711-2 BIMAN BANGLADESH AIRLINES (BG) www.bimanbkk.com Rsvn./Tktg:0-2235-7643-4 Airport: 0-2134-2942-3 Sales: 0-2233-3898 BHUTAN AIRLINES (B3) www.omgexp.com Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2630-4600 Airport off: B3@omgexp.com BRITISH AIRWAYS (BA) www.ba.com Administration fax: 02784 8133 Tollfree: 0018004415906 Group rsvn (9 or more): Groupsales.bkk@ba.com Airport: 0-2134 2264 CAMBODIA ANGKOR AIR (K6) Tel: 0-2635-0999 CEBU PACIFIC AIR (5J) www.cebupacificair.com Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2693-7888 (AUTO)

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS (CX) www.cathaypacific-air.com Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2787-3366 Fare Desk: 0-2263-0662 Sales/Rsvn: 0-2134-2790-1 Airport Off: 0-2134-2888

CHINA AIRLINES (CI) www.china-airlines.com/en/index.htm Airport: 0-2134-2037, 0-2134-2042, 0-2134-2047 Admin/Tktg: 0-2250-9898 Sales: 0-2250-9890-9 Rsvn: 0-2250-9888

CHINA EASTERN (MU) www.ce-air.com Traffic: 0-2134-2101 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2636-6980 Sales: 0-2266-6571-5

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES (CZ) www.cs-air.com/en/ Rsvn/Tktg/Sale:0-2677-7388 Airport: 0-2134-2078-9

DELTA AIRLINES (DL) www.delta.com Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2660-6900 Sales: 0-2660-6999, 0-2660-6900 Airport: 0-2134-2573-6

DRUK AIR (KB) www.drukair.com.bt Airport: 0-2134-3040-1 Rsvn/Tktg/Cargo: 0-2237-9201-5 Bhutan Package Tour: 0-2631-2570 EGYPT AIR (MS) www.egyptair.com.eg Airport: 0-2134-2031-3

Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2231-0506

EL AL ISRAEL AIRLINES (LY) www.elal.co.il Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2671-6145-6 Airport: 0-2134-3528 0-2249-8818-9

EMIRATES (EK) www.emirates.com Airport: 0-2134-2917-18 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2664-1040 Accts/Sales/Admin: 0-2664-1045

ETIHAD AIRWAYS (EY) www.etihad.com Airport: 0-2134-7494-5 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2305-4800 Town Office: 0-2305-4800 Call center 24hrs(AUH): 0-2787-3377 ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES (ET) www.ethiopianairlines.com Airport: 0-2134-3061-5 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2653-4366-8 ext. 1, 2 Ticket Booth: 0-2134-3066 EUROWINGS (EW) Call Center: 0-2654-6800 Sales: 0-2264-2490 Airport Tktg: 0-2134-2213 Lost/Found: 0-2134-2214 EVA AIRWAYS CORPORATION (BR) Airport: 0-2134-2521-5 /27 Rsvn: 0-2269-6288 Tktg: 0-2269-6299 Sale/Admin: 0-2269-6300 FINNAIR (AY) www.finnair.com Airport: 0-2134-2431-2 Sales: 0-2266-3260-5

HAINAN AIRLINES (HU) Tel: 0-2679-5086-7

HONGKONG AIRLINES (HX) www.hongkongairlines.com Tel: 0-2160-5138-9 Sales: 0-2160-5138 Ticketing: 0-2160-5139 HONG KONG EXPRESS AIRWAYS(UO) Tel: 0-2634-2552

HUNNU AIR (MR) Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2652-6030 Airport: 092-342-2471 , 094-980-7574

INDIGO AIRLINES (6E) www.goindigo.in Tel: 0-2134-2960-1 JAPAN AIRLINES (JL) www.th.jal.com Rsvn. and JMB: 0-2131-3300 Ticketing: 0-2134-6710 Toll Free Japan: 001-800-811-0600 English: 001-800-852-5533

JEJU AIR (7C) www.jejuair.net Airport: 0-2134-7792 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2134-3020-22 JET AIRWAYS (9W) www.jetairways.com, Email: bkkreservations@jetairways.com Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2696-8980 Airport: 0-21342627-8 JETSTAR AIRWAYS (3K) (JQ) www.jetstar.com Free Call 24 Hours: 001-800-611-2957 Rsvn: 0-2267-5125

JINAIR(LJ) www.jinair.com Airport:0-2134-0761-2 Rsvn./Tktg.: 0-2168-7495-7

Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2634-0238-9

FIREFLY AIRLINE (FY) www.Fireflyz.com.my Tel: 0-7760-1400 Tel: 076351477 GARUDA INDONESIA (GA) www.garuda-indonesia.com Airport: 0-2134-3080 Sales &Rsvn: 0-2134-7156, 7158 ext. 101-105 Operation : 0-2134-7157 GULF AIR (GF) GSA : www.gulfair.com Tel: 0-2635-1417 (Auto) Airport Off Traffic: 0-2134-2349-52 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2635-1417

KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES (KL) www.klm.co.th Lost & Found: 0-2134-4357-58 Airport off: 0-2131-0011

KENYA AIRWAYS (KQ) www.kenya-airways.com Admin: 0-2630-4545-50 Tktg: 0-2134-6497 Airport sales desk: 0-2134-6497 Kenya Holidays: 0-2634-2207 KOREAN AIR (KE) Rsvn/Tktg: rsvn.bkksm@koreanair.com Airport: 0-2134-2267-70 Sales: 0-2620-6920-26 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2620-6900 Admin: 0-2620-6999

APRIL 2017 | 19

TRAVEL

DIRECTORY AIRLINES

KUWAIT AIRWAYS (KU) Airport: 0-2134-3151-3, Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2654-0545 0-2134-3157, 0-2134-3523

LAO AIRLINES (QV) Airport: 0-2134-2006-8 Rsvn: 0-2236-9822-3, 0-2237-8044 LUFTHANSA GERMAN AIRLINES (LH) www.lufthansa.com Call Center: 0-2654-6800 Sales: 0-2264-2490 Airport Tktg: 0-2134-2213 Experts: 0-2264-2494 Lost/Found: 0-2134-2214 MALAYSIA AIRLINES (MH) http://malaysia-airlines.com.my Airport: 0-2134-3184 Rsvn: 0-2250-6568-74 Tktg./Admin/Sales: 0-2250-6560-7 Airport Ticketing Booth: 0-2134-3180

MAHAN AIR (W5) Admin./Tktg: 0-2231-6961(auto) Airport: 0-2134-3170-1

MYANMAR AIRWAYS INT'L(8M) Airport: 0-2134-3190 Rsvn./Tktg.: 0-2261-5060 Sales&Marketing : 0-2261-5070 NEPAL AIRLINES (RA) www.royalnepal.com Airport: 0-2134-7940 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2266-7146-7 Dir.Line: 0-2266-7157-9

Rsvn/Tktg: 1318

NOK SCOOT (XW) www.nokscoot.co.th Call Center: 0-2021-0000 NORWEGIAN AIR (DY) Tel: +47-6759-3000

OMAN AIR (WY) www.omanair.com Airport: 0-2134-1114-6 Rsvn/Tktg.Sales: 0-2635-1222

ORIENT THAI AIRLINES (OX) www.flyorientthai.com Call Center: 1126 Oversea Call : 0-2229-4100-1 Head Office: 0-2229-4260

PAKISTAN AIRLINES (PK) www.piac.com.pk Airport: 0-2134-2756-9 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2234-2961-5

20

LOOKEAST | DIRECTORY

QANTAS AIRWAYS (QF) www.qantas.com.au Airport : 0-2134-1010 Rsvn./Tktg: 0-2632-6611 Sale : 0-2632-6618-20 Group Sale: 0-2632-6617

QATAR AIRWAYS (QR) www.qatarairways.com/th Airport : 0-2134-3517-8 Rsvn/Tktg.(Asoke): 0-2618-0400 Sales/Admin: 0-2618-0499 Group.Dept : 0-2259-3115

REGENT AIRWAYS (RX) Tel: 0-2634-1270-2 ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES (BI) Airport: 0-2134-2857-8 Rsvn/Tktg/Sales: 0-2638-3050 ROYAL JORDANIAN (RJ) www.rj.com Airport: 0-2134-3312-4 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2638-2960-5 SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES (SK) www.flysas.com/th Airport: 0-2134-2020 Rsvn/Tktg (Passenger): 0-2693-7888

SCOOT AIRLINES (TZ) www.flyscoot.com Rsvn./Tktg. :0-2021-0000 SHANGHAI AIRLINES (FM), CHINA EASTERN (MU) www.ce-air.com Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2636-6980

NEW GEN AIRWAYS(E3) Tel: 0-2159-0920-22 NOK AIR (DD) www.nokair.co.th Call Center: 0-2900-9955

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PR) www.philippineairlines.com, Airport: 0-2134-6830/33 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2633-5713-4 Tktg. Booth : 0-2134-6835

SIAM AIR (08) Tel: 0-2150-1371 SILK AIR (MI) www.silkair.com (66-53) 904 985 / 86 / 87 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-5390-4985-7 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-7630-4018-20

SINGAPORE AIRLINES (SQ) www.singaporeair.com/th Airport: 0-2134-2680 Rsvn: 0-2353-6000 Ticketing: 0-2353-6030 Sales Passenger: 0-2353-6050

SPICEJET (SG) www.spicejet.com Tel: 0-2277-9000 SPRING AIRLINES (9C) Tel: 0-2245-6929-30 SRI LANKAN AIRLINES (UL) www.srilankan.com Airport: 0-2134-2081-2 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2236-8450 Sale : 0-2236-8451

SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES LTD. (LX) www.swiss.com/TH Airport: 0-2134-2095-6 Call Center: 0-2654-6800 # 2 Sale/Account: 0-2204-7777

THAI AIR ASIA X (XJ) www.airasia.com (Don Meung Airport) Rsvn.: 0-2515-9999 Call Center: 0-2515-9999 THAI AIRWAYS INTERNATIONAL (TG) www.thaiairways.com Tel: 0-2545-1000 485 Tel: 0-2288-7000 Airport: 0-2134-5483-4 Rsvn (24 hours): 0-2356-1111 Tktg: 0-2288-7000 Tktg Agent: 0-2288-7246-9 Fare Agent: 0-2356-1122 THAI LION AIR (SL), Call center: 0-2529-9999 MALINDO AIR (OD) Call center: 0-2529-9999

DIRECTORY AIRLINES-CHARTERED XIAMEN AIRLINES (MF) Tel: 0-2237-1899 ASIA ATLANTIC AIRLINES (HQ) www.asiaatlanticairlines.com Tel: 0-2635-5888 BANGKOK AIRWAYS (PG) www.bangkokair.com Airport: 0-2134-3888-9 Head Office: 0-2265-5678 Rsvn: 0-2270-6699 CITY AIRWAYS (E8) www.cityairways.co.th Call Center: 02-996-8808 Group booking: 0-2645-3236 HAPPY AIR Tel: 0-2134-8000-1 Airport Office(HKT): 0-7635-1405 Rsvn:0-7632-7777-8

THAI SMILE(WE) www.thaismileair.com www.Thaismileair.com Tel: 1181 , 0-2118-8888 TIGERAIR (TR) Tel: 0-2530-7887 TIGERAIR TAIWAN (IT) Tel: 0-2530-7887

KAN AIRLINES (K8) www.kanairlines.com Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2551-6111 Airport Chiang Mai: 053-283311 Airport KhonKaen: 043-468345 Airport Mae Hong Son: 053-613188 Airport Pai: 053-699955 Airport Nan: 054-775299 Airport Phisanulok : 055-301522

TURKISH AIRLINES (TK) www.thy.com Airport: 0-2134-2073-4 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2231-0300-7 TURKMENISTAN AIRLINES (T5) www.sunline.de Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2635-0603-4 T’WAY AIR (TW) www.twaygsa.com Airport: 0-2134-7140-1

Rsvn: 0-2653-2111

UKRAINE INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES ( PS ) Tel: 0-2652-6085,0-2652-6089 UNITED AIRLINES (UA) www.unitedairlines.co.th Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2634-1640-2 Sale: 0-2634-1644-2 UZBEKISTAN AIRWAYS (HY) www.uzbekistan-airways.com Airport: 0-2134-2466 Rsvn/Tktg: 0-2635-5400-2

VIETJET AIR (VJ), THAI VIETJET AIR(ZV) Hotline: 0-2277-7111 VIETNAM AIRLINES (VN) www.vietnamair.com.vn/vnhome.htm APRIL 2017 | 21

DESTINATION WEDDING

WORLD WEDDING HUB

22

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Thailand remains the world’s favorite travel destination for couples from around the globe for one-of-a-kind weddings, a “world destination wedding hub” indeed

by Percy Roxas

“

Thailand is one of the most romantic destinations in the world,” one hotel general manager (GM) in Phuket once told us.

Indeed, with hundreds of overseas couples getting married in Thailand every year, the kingdom has become one of the most popular romantic destinations – a veritable weddings and honeymoons hub of the world.

“Thailand’s wedding and honeymoon segment is absolutely huge and it is growing every year,” we remember Juthaporn Rerngronasa, former deputy governor for international marketing of the Tourism Authority of Thailand telling us once. She wasn’t exaggerating.

Research shows that in 2011 alone, more than 8,000 people from India came to Thailand to attend about 40 weddings – averaging 200 guests per wedding. It’s not just Indians who come to Thailand for their “big fat weddings.” That same year, around 600 couples from China chose the kingdom for their weddings, not to mention numerous others from Japan, Korea, and countries from Europe (in that order). In 2012, a survey by Swedish travel agency Resia dubbed Thailand as the ‘No. 1 Destination for Swedish Dream Wedding.’

In 2015, the US-based Recommend Magazine’s readers named Thailand “Asia’s Sexiest Romance/ Honeymoon Destination”. That same year, Fordors. com named it one of the world’s “Best Honeymoon Destinations”. In addition, the paradise island of Samui was listed by Veryfirstto.com as one of the top ten romantic destinations in the world.

This year the figures – as can be gleaned from destination weddings data from major destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya – have escalated further, confirming Thailand’s ever-growing reputation as a “world weddings and honeymoon hub.” One observer even described the destination weddings scene as “exploding.”

One of the most lavish destination weddings held in Thailand was held in Phuket recently, where an Indian couple splashed out half a million dollars on a multi-day wedding that included three days of celebration and activities before the actual ceremony, accommodation, airfares, yacht charters, food and transportation for all the guests.

On the other end of the spectrum is a Chinese couple whose intimate wedding involved only themselves and witnesses.

Whether an intimate ceremony or a grand gala, a Thailand destination wedding promises to be memorable. Whether it is held in an ornate Buddhist temple, on a white sandy beach, on a balloon ride high above lush green forests, in a glittering ballroom

APRIL 2017 | 23

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Angsana Laguna Phuket

Angsana Laguna Phuket

DESTINATION WEDDING

of one of Bangkok’s major hotels, or underwater, extra efforts are taken by the venues to organize a once-in-a lifetime event that will be remembered by both the couple and their guests.

“For our guests, there is neither limit to the imagination,” says a Phuket resort GM, “nor is our will to please.” In one recent destination wedding held in Phuket, a particular couple used a Sino-Portuguese mansion of a former governor in the heart of the island as a backdrop, instead of the usual beach setting.

From our previous interviews, we know that some Phuket resorts organize about eight weddings in 20 months and targeting at least two weddings a month during the low season. Some say they do more.

Angsana Laguna Phuket (076 324 101, 076 324 108; weddingslagunaphuket@angsana.com), one of the seven high-end resorts at Laguna Phuket boasts a wedding chapel overlooking a scenic lagoon, which sees some 100 weddings in a month.

About the same numbers are also recorded at Banyan Tree, Dusit Thani, and Outrigger – all Laguna Phuket resorts.

24

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

In general, destination weddings with a massive guest list and which requires super-sized venue accommodation prefer – but not always -- sprawling resorts with rooms in the hundreds, like that recent wedding in Phuket that involved 300 Indians from New Delhi and 800 Thai-Indians from Bangkok.

But smaller or boutique holiday villas are also emerging as choices for smaller, more intimate getaway weddings, and that is why places like the V Villas in Hua Hin (02 309-3939, www.vvillashuahin.com) is aggressively pursuing a major strategy to attract more weddings.

This Accor-managed resort, with its romantic beachfront and famous dining under the stars, is also favored for honeymoons.

Hua Hin is another top favorite for destination weddings. With several international five-star hotels and resorts – from Anantara to Hyatt, from Hilton to InterContinental, from Radisson Blu to Sheraton and Marriott – not to mention luxury boutique properties sprawling around the charming beach town, this is not

surprising. All are equipped with the ability and capacity to organize and host dream weddings big and small.

A popular destination wedding and honeymoon venue here is Dusit Thani Hua Hin (032-524-009, www.dusitthanihuahin.dusit.com), with its Royal Dusit Hall available for big weddings of up to 1,100 guests.

The ballroom offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand, enhancing the romantic mood of wedding events. The resort’s garden also makes for a perfect backdrop for weddings.

Another is Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa (032-708-000,www. starwood.com/sheraton). Expansive ocean views, a pristine private oceanfront, exclusive dining venues, and flexible meeting facilities are just a few key components of a successful wedding at the Sheraton Hua Hin. The resort’s idyllic atmosphere makes it the perfect setting for a romantic dream wedding.

Real Wedding: Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa Since 2008, Sheraton Hua Hin has been continuously exploring a

DESTINATION WEDDING

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

com) -- one of the classic hotels in Southeast Asia -- and a leading preferred wedding destination for many, recently:

26

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

uploaded on online photo album for the couples to browse and select.

These include pool party, rain dance, or garden fairy. Friendly onsite event specialists help plan a wedding that will certainly to be a resounding success.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Spa Hua Hin

also sets the stage for an exceptionally memorable wedding, which can be hosted along the beachfront pool, on the beach, in our giant topiary garden, or in the splendid Colonial Hall.

Here’s one destination wedding held at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin (032 512-021/38, ext. 718, www.chr.

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

great opportunity in Indian Wedding business. Each year, the resort host numerous Indian wedding ranging from a size of 100-500 people from many different religion and castes such as Hindu, Sikh, Aryan, and Gujarati. The most recent wedding group at the resort is their 50th Indian Wedding.

Most of their clients come from India, U.K., Dubai, and Hong Kong.

The resort is ready to welcome wedding events with their 525sqm.

Grand Ballroom and spacious outdoor conference facilities such as the Oceanfront Lawn (1025 sq m), Island Lawn (570sqm), Luna Lanai Lawn (507sqm) and Chill Out Lawn (810sqm). The ceremonies and events taking place during the wedding include Pooja, Menhdi and Sangeet which can be arranged in the Grand Ballroom, the private nightclub - @ BLACK -- or set up as a sala in the swimming pool or on the seaside function lawns.

For Baraat, the resort can arrange different ideas for the groom such as elephant ride, vintage car, decorated buggy cars, tricycle, or horse. An Indian Chef is on standby at the resort to prepare traditional Indian food, and a team of dedicated chefs can prepare various cuisines such as Thai, Japanese, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, Mexican, and International cuisines.

The wedding theme can be selected from some 100 different beautiful wedding set-up styles

Real Wedding: Centara Grand Resort & Spa, Hua Hin

That Stuart Lee Pollington, 35, a British national working as head of technical operations in the UK, would choose Thailand for his wedding is a no-brainer. First of all, he is marrying a Thai, the pretty 30-year-old Jonrak. Second, he has long fallen in love with Thailand, with its many beautiful places, good weather, and great food. And third, “We wanted somewhere our family could come and enjoy a holiday at the same time as the wedding,” he said.

The couple has been to Hua Hin so many times and they love the place. Thus when they were looking for a wedding location, Hua Hin was the obvious choice. “It is close to Bangkok, which made it easier for our guests to get to,” says Stuart.

“Hua Hin is also a very relaxing place, a good location with great seafood. The Centara Grand Hua Hin was recommended to us by friends, and once we visited the hotel we knew it was right for us because it looked fantastic.”

Stuart said they relied heavily on the Centara Grand staff to help them in organizing the wedding.

One city of these hotels even claim to average 150 weddings a year upwards, says some of our sources, especially during the wedding season of November-January. The hotels also offer many value-added items such as free nights stay for the couple, standard flower décor, spa treatment, and honeymoon package, etc.

Real Weddings: Bangkok

Juan Carlos (Caloy) Santos, 41, an operations associate for a New York firm, married Maria Socorro (Ria) del Rosario, 33, a credit programs manager also from New York, at the former Four Seasons Bangkok (now Anantara Siam Bangkok). What made this couple choose Bangkok over other exotic destinations for their special day?

Lookeast chased the couple for answers in time with this month’s wedding-themed issue.

“Soon after we got engaged in New York, we began putting together ideas by perusing wedding blogs and magazines,” says Ria. “Given that many of our guests would be coming from Asia, we knew that we wanted to have a destination wedding in the area, in a place that was fun and exotic. My sister-in-law recommended Thailand, because she had lived there for several years as a teenager.

"Caloy and I had never been to Thailand before, but after hearing her describe the culture and welcoming nature of its residents, we knew that Thailand would fit the bill. Plus, tying the knot in a never-before seen place seemed like a wonderful adventure for us.”

“It quickly became clear that Bangkok would be the perfect destination city for our wedding, not only because of the exhilarating energy, but also because of the hospitality and the delicious food,” adds Caloy.

“Plus, something new always seems to be found on every corner, whether you’re at a hawker stall, temple, or market. And since we were getting married shortly before New Year’s Eve, we knew that this vibrant city would be in full swing…perfect for celebrating our big day! “

Dusit Thani Bangkok

“Majority of the communication were done via email, and they were extremely helpful in everything we requested,” Jongrak shares, “even making special arrangement for the cake to match something we had seen online and liked. Despite arranging everything this way, and us leaving some decisions to the last minute, everything went perfectly on the day. The staff went out of their way to make sure we had everything we required, from suggesting the jazz band, to matching the wedding cake we wanted.”

For their theme, Stuart and Jongrak chose white/pink flowers.

Then, “we chose a garden setting for the wedding, which was perfect,” says Stuart. “The walk down the 'aisle' from the Elephant Bush and the first view of the bride were very special for me. Jongrak loved the flower arch at the reception and the photo locations around the hotel.”

The two received lots of compliments about their wedding location, set-up, staff and the dinner buffet. “Everyone who went to the wedding said how wonderful the location was and how professional and helpful the staff were,” says Jongrak. “The hotel upgraded our room for the wedding night and it was laid-out perfectly inside, with towels folded into the shape of swans and flower petals on the bed. The whole wedding package, including spa massage, was perfect.” The two went to Phuket for their honeymoon.

But in fact, couples don’t have to go far from Bangkok to realize a lavish dream wedding. Bangkok alone boasts several venues to fully satisfy the requirements for even the most demanding wedding couples.

Lavish weddings – destination or otherwise -- have been hosted

by Shangri-La Bangkok, The Peninsula Bangkok, Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, Royal Orchid Sheraton, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, and Millenniun Hilton Bangkok.

Dusit Thani Bangkok, an institution in events and social functions regularly hosts nuptial events for both local and foreign visitors in the capital.

After selecting Bangkok, the couple said it was very easy for them to decide on having their reception at the hotel. “The packages they offer for weddings are amazing, and very flexible to almost any desire!” echo the couple. “Plus, the hotel staff were so accommodating. The hotel itself has a lot of charm—with just enough style to really make you feel like you’re in Bangkok (as opposed to any random city in the world).”

Planning a destination wedding from halfway around the world was certainly challenging, but the couple were blessed to have a Bangkok expert, the bride’s sister-in-law Carmina, her (very) patient Mom, and wedding coordinator Annie Lim, who visited Bangkok no less than three times before the couple arrived in December. “Needless to say, our wedding would have never happened without them,” says Ria. In the digital age, it’s so easy to swap great ideas with other couples planning their weddings all over the world. Caloy and Ria spent a lot of time pulling ideas together, until they were able to create a ‘mood board’ for the big day.

“We were lucky to have the support of the hotel's event planning staff, who worked with our 'team' to execute our requests,” they say.

“No request was too extreme, or too difficult; the support we received from the team was really beyond expectations.

In the end, we really felt as APRIL 2017 | 27

Royal Cliff Pattaya

DESTINATION WEDDING

though we were receiving the best kind of surprise on our wedding day.”

The couple received compliments on every single aspect of their wedding. “Many of our guests stated that they had never had so much fun at a wedding, which made us so happy,” Ria says. “After all, our goal was to make our guests as happy as we were.”

For their wedding theme, the two chose the color of eggplant, lavender, blush, and silver. “We had a number of inspirations for our theme, but it can be loosely defined as: night market / lounge,” says Ria. “We wanted our wedding to feel like a real party, rather than a formal event where our guests would be expected to sit in the same spot all evening. So, we set up the ballroom with a number of different seating arrangements: conventional round dining tables, cozy sofas and chairs, cocktail tables, and leather ottomans. These were scattered around the ballroom, and our guests could choose to sit where

28

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

they wished. They definitely enjoyed being able to move around and mingle!” To fit the theme, the menu was comprised of the best Thai food the kitchen had to offer, served in bite-sized portions.

"Caloy and I love food, so it was very important for our wedding to be defined by the quality of food served.

Our friends and family are still raving about the food at our wedding, which makes us very happy!

While the couple worked with a wedding planner from the Philippines (Annie Lim) to ensure perfection for the big day, they also made the most of local Bangkok talent, especially the photographer, Sikarin “Fon” Thanachaiary, and videographers, Spell Studio. “They were incredibly professional, and produced worldclass work,” Caloy says. “Finally, our band, the Unicorn Girls and DJ Sunju kept us dancing until early morning hours.”

“In addition to being with our friends and family, experiencing Bangkok for the first time together was an incredibly memorable part of our wedding,” the couple says. “There was so much to see, taste, smell—we only wish that we had more time to spend in this beautiful city.”

Following the wedding, the couple spent New Year’s Eve in Bangkok with their immediate families and then drove to Hua Hin. “We were finally able to unwind and get some alone time! It was a perfect choice, given the ease of getting there from Bangkok, and the wonderful resort Putahracsa,” says Ria.

There has also been a veritable explosion of wedding packages offered by many hotels and resorts around the kingdom to attract more and more planners of a destination wedding.

In Phuket for one, the Angsana Laguna Phuket has an “Angsana Diamond Package,” which includes a personal assistant for Wedding Planning, ; complimentary room upgrade for bride & groom to Angsana 1 Bedroom Loft; round trip airport transfer for bride & groom; a Western Style blessing ceremony with celebrant to conduct the ceremony; venue decoration with tropical flower; bridal bouquet; corsage for groom and three corsages for groomsmen; a bottle of sparkling wine on wedding day at ceremony; a photographer for 2 hours (100 digital photos on CD); a 90-min couple spa treatment at the awardwinning Angsana Spa; a romantic dinner for couple with one bottle of house red or white wine; a romantic set up in room on the wedding night; breakfast in-bed after the wedding day; a Congratulations Wedding Certificate; and a wedding gift from Angsana Gallery – all at Bt99,000++.

The wedding could be held at the Poolside Garden, XANA Lawn, or XANA Horizon Deck, with guests between two and 50. Other packages are available of course.

In Pattaya, a couple can enjoy a wonderful themed wedding at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya (038 301-234, ext. 4174) – the first themed hotel

DESTINATION WEDDING PHUKET

PHUKET HOSTS DESTINATION WEDDINGS CONGRESS World’s leading wedding planners to hold DWP Congress 2017 at Banyan Tree Laguna Phuket, May 2-4

A

wedding planner whose celebrity clients include Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Drew Barrymore, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Oprah Winfrey; another who has been designing and planning weddings for celebrities, royal families, CEOs and athletes for more than 33 years; still

30

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

another who runs one of the biggest event planning and design companies in the US since 1996; and yet still another who heads a firm specializing in creating signature weddings in Hong Kong, Bali, China, and across Asia – these are among the world’s most renowned wedding planners who are attending the “Destination

Wedding Planners Congress (DWP Congress 2017)” scheduled at the Banyan Tree Laguna Phuket on May 2-4.

DWP Congress, the only event of its kind in the world, brings together high-end destination wedding planners, wedding related businesses, destination marketing

All photos from Banyan Tree Laguna Phuket

companies aside from hospitality companies and providers in Phuket and Thailand.

“It is also as I understand, a great opportunity for people who provide ancillary services to meet and exchange ideas and contacts. Above all it is a networking event,” adds Sriram Kailasam, general manager of Banyan Tree Laguna Phuket, the host venue. “Hopefully, we can plant a seed in every event organizers mind to hold at least one event in Phuket each year.”

The weddings and honeymoon industry in Phuket is still developing, seeing numbers from India, Hong Kong and China,” says Khun Sriram.

HOST VENUE

“In terms of accessibility, Phuket

has great advantages including international flight connections, which make it on par with big island destinations such as Bali, Hawaii, and others. However, it is the smallest in size which gives it that level of attraction.”

“Banyan Tree Phuket does not come to mind as your typical hotel venue for events given that we don’t have a large ballroom and things like that,” Khun Siriam continues.

“However, those exact same things make us unique and special. Every event organizer, and especially the parents of the bride and groom, can liken the resort to a canvas where they can create some magical setups while accessing the facilities (wedding chapel, etc.) of Laguna Phuket, and give their guests a great pool villa accommodation all underpinned by the Banyan Tree service.

Banyan Tree Phuket hosts 10 small to medium weddings per year on average: from small weddings of about 10 villas to medium sized weddings of up to 40 guests and large buyouts of the entire resort.

GLOBAL AWARENESS

“Global awareness for Phuket as a destination is the obvious one but, beyond that it would be to share the great Thai hospitality and its particular suitability to such social events,” said Khun Siriram.

The event includes groundbreaking conference sessions, networking functions, ritzy cocktail receptions, lavish luncheons, and themed gala dinners, all designed to help participants capitalize on this multi-billion-dollar industry.

“This event is being organized purely for destination weddings organizers with great resume and experience; those who have hosted amazing events in special locations.

Participants from previous events come from South Africa to North American countries and China and other parts of Asia, so the event seems APRIL 2017 | 31

DESTINATION WEDDING PHUKET

to cover the entire globe wedding event organizers and partners and seems to have become quite remarkable in a relatively short time,” Khun Sriram says.

“Laguna Phuket, with its long stretch of Bangtao beach and several world-class hotels of different brands, is a great venue. As a host venue, we feel that Banyan Tree Phuket will showcase the entire location, its comprehensive appeal and ease of access to other parts of Phuket. We will be housing them and also catering

32

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

for all their events during the two-day event.

“As the host resort, we are very pleased to have been selected given that we are not the most obvious ballroom type hotel. It goes to show the imagination and creativity of TAT and their partners. On behalf of Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree is proud to showcase all the facilities and hotels within Laguna.”

“We hope that this will renew weddings and honeymoons market for the entire island and definitely showcase the level of sophistication and service that Phuket can provide.”

Organized by Dubai-based QNA International, the DWP Congress has been held previously in Greece, Mauritius, and Italy. It is a purely invitation-only trade event with prescheduled appointments managed via an on-line system. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is the official host partner this year, along with Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket, and The Wedding Bliss.

“TAT sees the Weddings and Honeymoons market as a part of the overall strategy to boost the flow

of high-spending, long-staying visitors,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor. “Although Thailand’s prowess for handling weddings and honeymoons is well-known amongst major source markets like India and the Middle East, TAT is keen to source new markets in Europe, America and Latin America.”

He said the event would help TAT better understand the latest trends and technologies in managing such events and also upgrade the knowledge and expertise of local suppliers of products and services such as F&B, logistics, and audiovisual companies.

The line-up of confirmed speakers for 2017 includes Preston Bailey, Katherine Apostolidis, Koby Bar Yehuda, Marcy Blum, Mohomed Morani, Joe Blackman, Wendy El-Khoury, Bryan Rafanelli, Evelyn Mills, Alison Hotchkiss, Matthew Oliver, Michelle Rago, Innayat Khubchandani, Christina Holt, Bhavnesh Sawhney, Funke BurknorObruthe, Joanne Brown, Kevin Lee, Janine Closs, Sumant Jayakrishnan, Joann Gregoli, and Aleit Swanepoel.

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

in Thailand -- for prices starting at Bt940 net per person for cocktail, Bt1,300 net per person for buffet dinner and Bt13,550 net per table for Chinese dinner. In fact, there’s even a special offer is available for those whose wedding budgets start at only Bt120,000 net, all-inclusive and promising an unforgettable event overseen by a professional wedding organizer. Check the prices with respective hotels as they may change when this issue comes out.

The wedding event manager at Royal Cliff Pattaya sums it up: “Wedding packages really help in controlling the budget and also provides various wedding ideas and themes to the couple. Royal Cliff’s packages are expertly tailored to include every couples’ needs, taking nationality, budget, and personal experiences into account.”

Even for those marrying in Bangkok, similar wedding packages are available. For one, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, has a series of wedding packages available for its various venues that provide options ranging from the intimate and chic M23 events space through to mega events in the convention center, with spending amounts that start from Bt250,000 on food and beverage.

Another Centara Grand, this one in Ladprao (02-541-1234, ext.

4210; cglbcatering@chr.co.th)), has wedding packages at prices starting at Bt 190,000 net inclusive of a host of benefits and perks. It even includes a honeymoon stay for two nights at

one of the many Centara properties in Thailand

Needless to say, tailor-made services can be easily availed of and even outside the hotels’ wedding organizers – couples can still enjoy the services of professional wedding merchants: hair and makeup stylists, personal wedding assistants, creative floral artists, a team of dedicated staff on hand for the sole purpose of making any one’s big day perfect.

Many resorts and hotels in Thailand will provide help in setting up your wedding. But of course, do your research beforehand to find a resort right for you.

“At the end of the day, each couple has their own ideas for their wedding, from the number of guests, venue, theme, and season,” says Caloy and Ria. “For us Bangkok was the ideal location because of the sheer level of options available for nearly any style. We would recommend finding a great hotel (with an equally great wedding planning staff), which can make planning a destination wedding very smooth.

"It also helps to have some familiarity with the area and customs, to prevent any stress and heartache.

But no matter what, I’m certain that any couple would be happy to get married in Bangkok.”

“Give yourselves plenty of time to arrange everything but also trust the staff,” adds Stuart and Jongrak. " Thailand is a great place to get married. Give your self plenty of time to arrange the legal side of it and then enjoy your big day.”

WHY A WEDDING IN THAILAND? IN A CAPSULE VENUES: Hotels in beach destinations such as Samui, Krabi, Phuket and Hua HIn have spectacular beachfront, gardens, and poolside venues that make for surreal settings and fantastic photographs. Hotels in Bangkok each have their own personality: large ballrooms, each one better than the other! Other destinations – from the islands to the mountains -- lend well to any theme a couple might imagine for the best day of their life.

DÉCOR: Flowers in Thailand are amazing.

Beautiful blooms as well as exquisite designs, garlands, and arrangements all part of the wedding! Professional wedding decorators are skilled and creative, and can make sure you will have an amazing wedding atmosphere.

ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS: Numerous.

Thai performers and even international performers are readily available in Thailand. Equipment is cutting edge, from sounds to lights and stuff.

F&B: Thailand’s amazing food and menu favorites can be adjusted to your tastes if you don’t like spicy food. International menus are available from all 5-star hotels.

HOSPITALITY: The warmth and helpful attitude of locals as well as the support you will receive is fantastic.

THINGS TO DO: Thailand has a myriad of tourist attractions, activities, shopping, and much more to keep your guests busy. There’s so much options starting from pre-nuptial arrangements to post-wedding and honeymoon activities.

COST: A beach wedding is not as expensive as you think. Hotel rooms as well as banquet rates are quite reasonable even for a 5-star property.

Professional wedding managers are available at your easy beck and call. For example, a company called Faraway Weddings said a Thailand wedding it organized costs the couple only a total of 6,500 GBP (11,000AUD), compared to abut 20,000 GBP or 34,000AUD a same wedding would cost if done in the UK or Australia.

APRIL 2017 | 29

contemporary indian dining

#71 Sukhumvit Soi 26. | Tel. 02-258-4900, 02-260-4790-1 | www.indusbangkok.com | indus@indusbangkok.com

Trisara

TRAVEL FEATURE

34

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

FOR THE HGHROLLERS Phuket continues to transform -- and fast -- into a real up-market tourism destination – a true-blue high-profile jetsetter’s paradise

P

huket continues to become a favorite of the world’s high-rollers and many world-famous international celebrities – despite efforts to make themselves as anonymous as can be – are seen around the island as they play in one of the island’s lovely beaches, eat in some of the destination’s gourmet restaurants, or cavort in some luxurious hotel swimming pools and yachts.

In fact, sightings of international celebrities are no longer big news among Phuket folks, and many luxury resorts, and especially the Royal Marina Phuket, have their own celebrity calendar. Many of the world’s rich and famous have become regular fixtures on Phuket hotels, raising the island’s profile further as the tropical playground to the world’s high rollers.

And why not? With experiences ranging from oceanic adventure to spiritual enlightenment that it offer, Phuket is the perfect destination for all types of travelers -- from the chilland thrill-seekers to the international jetsetters bored with their present playground.

Phuket really have what it takes to cater to and satisfy the world’s high rollers. Certainly, in the last few years, Phuket it has been transforming fast into a real up-market tourism destination – a true-blue high-profile jetsetter’s paradise.

Not more than about 25 years or so ago, Phuket was hardly on the

by Percy Roxas tourism map. Blessed with rich, natural beauty, the island had, at the time, rather rudimentary infrastructure, and there were only a handful of hotels, including the Pansea Hotel and the Phuket Yacht Club. It was, in general, more rural than urban, and even the main town was rustic.

As one local recalls, “If you crossed the road from Club Med then, you will find yourself standing in ricefields. Getting to Kamala Beach meant jolting along a rough track through rubber plantations. Patong was a quiet little village.” Indeed, going to any of the beaches in those days, felt like going to your own private strip of powdery white sand.

“When I first came to Phuket in the early 1970s,” added writer Harold Stevens, “Phuket town was like a hub which had roads, and very rough ones, radiating out to all the coves.

If you wanted to travel from Patong to Karon, no more than half a dozen kilometers, you had to go to Phuket Town first and travel from there to Karon.” Each of the many bays and coves that make up the island has become a resort area in recent years.

The turning point was 1987, when things began to change. After the Tourism Authority of Thailand launched the “Visit Thailand Year,” a growing number of tourists who visited Bangkok also went to Phuket. Phuket had become a major destination, firmly etched on the world’s tourist map. Since then, it has made a steady upward climb as one

of Thailand’s top tourist destinations, wavering only when the country stumbles into an economic crunch or political uncertainty, but consistently rising again like a Phoenix afterwards.

Today, general quality of life has arguably improved 100 percent.

Infrastructure development is booming. Shopping options have increased with the opening of the Phuket JungCeylon, Central Festival, Tesco-Lotus, Carrefour, Index, Makro, and other new shopping outlets. In 1994, one wouldn’t find a movie house in Phuket Town; today there’s a modern multiplex in Patong. Discos abound, and bars of all kinds are a-plenty. Dining choices have never been more varied either, with a score of top-shelf restaurants offering specialized cuisine from many countries easily within reach.

In fact Phuket has recently been conferred “City of Gastronomy” status

by UNESCO.

And more leisure activities, both land-and sea-based, are now available. Since the opening of the Royal Marina Phuket (076 379379) in December 2005, distinguished international visitors have become frequent Phuket visitors. Many come in their private jets. In 2006, reports said some 840 private jets landed at the Phuket International Airport. Today, the well-heeled crowd constitutes the a large part of the visitors in Phuket.

Where do they stay when in Phuket? There is no dearth of luxury resorts in the island nowadays, APRIL 2017 | 35

36

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

JW Marriott Resort & Spa Phuket

Banyan Tree

consisting of really fabulous places, many with private pools, lush tropical gardens, magnificent sea views, and excellent services (including a private butler in most). The likes of Kylie Minogue and David Beckham stay at The Banyan Tree (076 324-374); because as the New York Times once puts it: it’s chic, it’s private, and it’s (supposed to be) paparazzi-proof. It appeals to celebs and jetsetters with a conscience.

Many enjoy the supremely luxurious Trisara (971 310-100), which is acknowledged as Southeast Asia’s most intimate and exclusive resort and spa, and it’s easy to see why. Others like the JW Marriott Resort & Spa Phuket (076 338-000), a distinctive haven set amid acres of spectacular gardens.

Then, there are those who prefer the Amanpuri (076 324-333), Anantara (076 336-100), The Racha (076 355-455), Dusit Laguna, Angsana Laguna, and Indigo Pearl, among others, also all epitomes of luxury and extravagant holidays.

Truth is, Phuket is now home to some of the most fabulous hotels and resorts in the region, if not the world, and strings of international awards bear this out. Also, Phuket continuously beefs up the range of holiday experience it offers. There’s always something new, something different to experience.

Presently, several tour operators and service providers are creating tailor-made specialty luxury holiday products to meet, and even exceed,

Angsana Laguna

TRAVEL FEATURE

their requirements: sea plane charters, personal chefs, masseuses, yoga instructors, limousine arrangements, island tours, private yacht rentals, sailing and fishing charters, helicopters, scuba diving, snorkeling trips, and more.

With these, those looking for luxury holidays are expected to find Phuket “Just perfect.” As Bill Gates, who was here a few years ago, said, "Phuket is one of the best holidays I’ve ever had.”

With Phuket becoming a center for luxury and extravagance, not to mention outstanding levels of customer service and architectural beauty, we might be seeing more and more of the world’s rich and famous making the island not only their playground, but also their second home.

Indeed, with a continuously growing portfolio of luxury resorts and property developments around the island, we can only wish they would come in droves continually.

The Chinese and Asean visitor arrivals have actually seen a dramatic rise. But, that is another story.

WHAT TO SEE

Phuket Town Phuket town is in the northwest of Mueang Phuket, the capital district of Phuket Province, which covers the southern part of the island. The western and southern coast consists of several from the northwest: Karon, Kata, Kata Noi, Nai Harn, Rawai and the Friendship Beach along Chalong Bay. The beaches are separated from each other by the rocky capes; most notably the Promthep Cape at the southernmost trip of the island.

The cape is popular because of its dramatic sunset views. The town proper is noted for its Sino-Portuguese buildings and houses and Old World charm.

Temples Wat Chalong is the most important of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket.

TRAVEL FEATURE

Chalong Bay Chalong Bay is a safe mooring place for many yachts and tour boats because it is protected from strong winds. Many daytrips to the nearby islands start here as well, so it can be crowded between sunrise and 9 a.m. when the boats leave and between 4 and 5 p.m. when they return. A vast parking area and a number of restaurants, shops, tourist information kiosks, and open-air waiting areas have been built to serve passing visitors. A number of quality restaurants, pubs, and bars have developed in the recent years.

Panwa Cape This cape is home to the Marine Biological Research Center and Phuket's Aquarium, where visitors may view several hundred exotic and colorful marine species found in the teeming waters of Phuket and elsewhere. There are a few accommodations developing in the area in the recent years, and some of the hotels also have an attractive beach often reserved only for their guests.

THE MAIN BEACHES

Patong Beach -- The beach features a massive number of restaurants catering to any taste and cuisine, pubs and bars, and tour and travel agencies. Patong also is noted for its night market, which pops up at sunset along the sidewalks of the beach road.

The opening of a lifestyle-shopping complex, Phuket JungCeylon, has just enhanced its reputation for shopping. Live music can be found in most pubs and bars, but nightlife is centered on Soi Bangla. During the daytime, Patong Beach is ideal for swimming and watersports.

Karon Beach -- The second largest of Phuket’s main tourist beaches, Karon hosts many large resort complexes lining the back road of

Indigo Pearl

It is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who were noted in Thai history for their role in helping injured tin miners during a rebellion in 1876.

the beach. The beach here, often frequented by families and longstaying travelers, is never is too crowded.

Kata Beach -- Very popular with families, it is an all-around favorite, mainly because of its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, and lively, but not raucous, nightlife.

The clear water is perfect for swimming, and at the north end rests a coral reef teeming with colorful tropical fish and corals.

Kata Noi Beach -- Located south of Kata, this is a smaller beach with only a few hotels and other scattered developments. The beach is superb, and the scenery is breathtaking.

Swimming can be difficult, however.

Nai Harn Beach -- A wide variety of watersports can be enjoyed here but swimmers should be warned about dangerous currents from May to October. One can walk from here to nearby Promthep Cape to observe fiery, spectacular sunsets.

Mai Khao -- Mai Khao Beach, on the northwest coast of Phuket, stretches a bit over 10km, but it is still much less developed than other beaches on the island. Mai Khao is a very popular camping spot.

Layan Beach -- Many birds and other wildlife call this peaceful area home. You can reach the beach by walking pass the Laguna Phuket Resort or by following the highway and turning in to Nai Thon beach at the road sign, which can be accessed by a small road, passing close by the Banyan Tree Golf Club.

Bang Tao Beach -- Bang Tao is a large open bay featuring one of Phuket’s longest beaches. In the olden days, the whole area was used for tin mining but since then a number of luxury resorts and apartments have emerged there.

During the dry season (Nov-April), swimming is excellent. During summer months, swimming is restricted due to strong currents.

Surin Beach -- Surin had seen a lot of mid- to upper market development in recent years, and continues to rapidly gain popularity among couples and families alike. Big waves make Surin a dangerous place to swim during the rainy season, but during the dry months, it is a perfect location to create holiday memories.

Kamala Beach -- The 2kmbeach is very beautiful. There are accommodations ranging from guesthouses to international class hotels to self-catering apartments, as well as a number of small Thai restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist population.

Kalim Beach -- Despite the quieter edge to this beach, its proximity to Patong Beach makes it ideal for those who like to have a bit more quiet time while preserving easy access of the nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment.

Rawai Beach -- Rawai Beach is the site of the famous Chao Ley (Sea Gipsy) villages, as well as the very first tourist beach of the island.

Today, Rawai is more of a transit point for day boat excursions out to the numerous islands surrounding Phuket.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Air – Several domestic flights operate daily from Bangkok at both regular (and a bit higher) price; and low-cost fares. For details, contact Thai Airways (02 628-2000, www. thaiairways.com), Bangkok Airways (02 265-5678, 02 265-5555, www. bangkokair.com); Thai Air Asia (02 5159999, www.airasia. com), and Nok Air (1318, www.nokair. com). Phuket also offer direct flights to international destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, Sydney, and even Europe (via Eurowings).

By Bus -- Buses (both air-conditioned and non-air) leave daily from Bangkok’s Southern Terminal Station to Phuket.

Travel time is approximately from 12 to 14 hours. For more info, call 02 435-1199, 02 4351200, 02 434-7192, 02 434-5557-8 or visit www.transport. co.th. Buses also leave Khao Sarn Road with probably slightly higher fares.

By Train -- If you’re taking the overnight train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station, get off at Suratthani, then to take a bus to Phuket. For schedule check by caling 02 223-7010, 02 204-444, and 02 621-8701.

By Car – You can also drive Phuket.

APRIL 2017 | 37

BANGKOK: Over 300 years of history

All photos by Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall

TRAVEL CULTURE

Want to better understand Bangkok and appreciate its colorful history?

Get a fun “crash course” at the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall!

by Percy Roxas

I

t’s been there for six years now, the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, retracing on a daily basis, the life and times of the royal city that we now call Bangkok. Located next to the Mahajesadabodintr Pavilion Court just a few steps from the Democracy Monument, the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (100 Ratchadamneon Klang Rd // Tel: 02 621 0044) - also called “Nitas Rattanakosin” - is a new generation museum that uses cutting-edge multi-media technology in retelling

38

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Bangkok’s history which makes learning about it not only more compelling but also more fun.

As with other museums, it is predicated on guided tours. But unlike other museums where you are merely a passive observer, here you become more involved in the discovery. Most of the activities are interactive and this puts you in a self-learning mode.

The tour starts at the lobby where a huge LED canvas welcomes you with its changing lights and colors. But wait, stand in front of the LED a little longer, maybe wave your hand a bit, and you’ll see a flight of birds (or their shadows) fly through.

Our own journey started with a pretty guide, Beer, explaining to us what the hall is all about. “Krung Rattanakosin” was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam before the country was renamed to “Thailand” and the city was called “Bangkok,” she begins.

“It was a city of grandeur and glory,” Beer continues, as she takes us to a Timeline display that traces the chronological events starting from the founding of Rattanakosin by King

Rama 1 in 1782, and leading up to the present day. We have no doubt that that era was a great one indeed, and the display just whetted our interest even more. The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is divided into nine sections by the way.

Beer leads us to the room called “Grandeur Rattanakosin” where the story of Rattanakosin is related via four-dimensional multi-media spectacles. With the aid of audiovisuals, but also with much help from sensory elements (scent and touch), guests—mostly Thais that day—got into the proper mood for learning.

The show was engaging, and indeed, even before the 10-minute showcase was finished, we were already getting a bit nostalgic.

Then we exited through a door leading to the “Prestige of the Kingdom.” This section is really all about the Grand Palace, the enduring landmark that is usually the first in any Bangkok first-timer’s tour program. One might say that it's better to visit the real thing since it's really not far away from the museum, but I don’t think one can get a real up-close view of what made it such an amazing place as is possible from here. Beyond the replicas of important statues that one sees in the palace, one gets to inspect intrinsic details, such as the art that went into the buildings, and get a comparative look at the architectural styles prevalent in those days; a feast for the eyes, as well as for the artistic mind.

This showcase continued in the “Prestige of the Land” section, where the evolution of the Grand Palace was presented in audio-visual episodes that include an account of the Emerald Buddha’s journey from Vientiane to Bangkok, among other things.

Then, we were led to a section called “Remarkable Entertainments.”

Entering the door revealed a circular arena without seats, and as soon as we sat cross-legged in a corner, we were regaled by a display of the various Thai traditional entertainment forms from the era. Such a rich culture indeed, we whispered to ourselves as our eyes were transfixed on the visual retelling of how traditional Thai dance and performing arts developed into the nation’s pride and joy of today; and not just the “khon,” “lakorn” (play), or “hoon” (puppet), mind you. After the show, we had a DIY opportunity, and we mimicked “khon gestures, watched a special version of “Ramayana,” and even tried our hand operating royal-court puppet shows – with well-placed, user-friendly gadgets.

Now it’s time for the “Renowned Ceremonies.” The spotlight, as the section’s name implies, is on traditional ceremonies of the era, many of which are still practiced today, like the Rice Ploughing Ceremony in Sanam Luang.

Even if you know about these royal ceremonies beforehand, there are likely many other details that can be learnt during the tour.

At the “Graceful Architectures,” where the symbolic palaces, temples, and residences of Rattanakosin are displayed, we saw how Western styles were combined with homogenous styles to give them a unique look and feel. One realizes how indeed one culture can enrich the other and vice versa, to give this world a common heritage.

At the “Impressive Communities” section, we traveled back to the lost age of innocence, and it made us understand why there is such a massive retro revival movement these days. We were allowed to walk, at our own pace, and try first hand

“rarities” salvaged from the good old days: a jukebox, old magazine covers, a typical barbershop, beauty salons, a village store, etc. – which made us feel even more nostalgic.

At the “Sightseeing Highlights,” more places of interest were further revealed. The unexpected part was having our photo taken by a vintage camera, making us feel like Valentino or Chaplin, and then seeing ourselves “star” in a presentation in the next room afterwards.

But it wasn't over yet. At “The Colorful Thai Way of Living” section, we observe how the Thai lifestyle has changed from the early Rattanakosin era to the present. The folk wisdom, culture, tradition, and other factors and influences that have shaped the Thai people’s outlook and way of life are deconstructed for you in detail in an effort to give you a more coherent understanding of its whole. And with several entertaining touch-screen games we felt like we were riding a time machine: traversing the rivers and klongs; taking a tram along Charoen Krung Road --the first road n Bangkok where urban development and modernization began; dropping by the various shops along the road, and taking a picture to make a postcard to send back home as a souvenir, among other things. We felt like we were there in that very time and place indeed.

By the time we reached the “The Heart and Soul of The Nation” section, which delves into the important legacy, accomplishments, and contributions of the ruling Chakri Dynasty, we know we have to catch our breath for a while. There are still other interesting sections to explore, there are still so many things to learn, but it had been more than two hours already and our legs were already complaining from the non-stop walking.

We reckon that with all the contributions this ruling Royal Family has done for Thailand, it is but just and proper to devote more time to this section, and so we decided that we shall have to come back – if only for those.

As we climb up a few more

steps, we were thinking: Perhaps, the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is not for every tourist. But if you want to understand more about Bangkok, and maybe appreciate it more, then it’s time you look at its glorious, checkered past. Nowhere is this past presented more extensively than at the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall.

Even if you’re not a history buff, there’s surely something to be learned here.

Oh, there’s an Observatory Point on the 4th floor where you can enjoy an almost 360-degree view of Ratchadamnoen Road and surrounds.

It’s a great place to rest after the long walking tour, and enjoy an afternoon cuppa served by True Coffee.

... unlike other museums where you are merely a passive observer, here you become more involved in the discovery.

The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Entrance fee is THB 100 for both Thai and foreign visitors, free for children not taller than 120cm, For tourists especially, this experience could proved to be more than just a brush with local history!

APRIL 2017 | 39

Deevana Patong Resort & Spa

CHECKING IN PHUKET

SOMETHING UNIQUE Three properties in the Deevana Hotels & Resorts group allow Phuket visitors to appreciate what Patong has to offer without overwhelming them with being right there

40

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Ramada Phuket Deevana

I

’ll be the first to admit: I don’t enjoy tourist locales. The wild drunkenness, the row after row of kitschy souvenir stands, the borderline harassments of tailor shops, the sidewalk vendors, are too much for me. So when I travel to Phuket, I usually stay on quieter beaches such as Kata Noi or Surin.

But the problem with those beach areas is that they’re a bit far off from where anything is going on, unlike Patong. I’ve been hesitant to stay in Patong, until I found a great option –

in fact, three great options, Deevana Patong Resort and Spa, Ramada Phuket Deevana, and Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong.

All these three resorts are in Patong proper indeed, but thankfully they’re not right on Patong Beach.

Deevana Patong Resort & Spa (Tel: 076 341 414), for one, is a short 10-minute walk away, which makes a big difference as anyone who has stayed in Patong can attest to.

The 235-room resort is surrounded by 12 acres of gardens, which

Deevana Plaza Phuket

Deevana Patong Resort & Spa

while you indulge in a rejuvenating treatment at the wellness spa.

Dine on international cuisine at the all day restaurant and stop by the lobby Bake & Bev for light refreshments. Meeting rooms and business services are also provided for banquets and events.

Also only steps away from Patong Beach and its bustling nightlife is the third in the Deevana Hotels & Resorts Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong (Tel: 076 302 100), which brings a distinctive style and contemporary lightness to the otherwise down-toearth Patong Beach.

With 249 tastefully appointed rooms and suites, Orientala Wellness Spa treatments, offbeat dining experience of an offbeat dining experience of an original Thai and International Cuisine at the Phuket Cafe, astronomical themed leisure activities and hi-tech meeting and seminar facilities, the hotel is a highlight in itself – and a must-stay

Deevana Plaza Phuket

balances it all. Once in the room, you’ll forget that you’ve just left the noise and crowds of Soi Bangla.

This is a great thing, especially for first time tourists. The Garden Wing consists of 155 rooms spread out throughout the garden areas of the resort. These rooms tend to be favored by Western travelers. These rooms are nice because they’re a bit more remote and give you a feel of being off on an island somewhere and less of a feeling of large-scale hotel. The Deluxe Wing consists of 80 rooms, located directly above the pool and offers the quickest access to all the hotel’s services, restaurants, and main pool.

Deevana also features a great range of facilities -- everything you’d expect if you were stuck on a remote resort. The spa is truly wonderful and is worth a visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel.

Its sister property, Ramada Phuket Deevana (Tel: 076 207 500), is another great option. A contemporary resort brimming with Thai details puts guests within five minutes stroll of the beautiful white sand beach, vibrant nightlife district, and huge shopping and entertainment mall to name just a few.

Ramada Phuket Deevana is a serene escape from the city streets of Patong. The delightful elephant artwork throughout the resort adds a smile to your stay and the guestrooms are tastefully furnished. Splash around under the tropical sunshine at the outdoor swimming pool with a built-in Jacuzzi and keep the little ones entertained at the kid's club

for individuals, couples, families and business travelers on vacation in Phuket.

So there: Three different hotels in Patong; each with a distinct personality, and each with a common touch – the genuine service from staff members who are all very attentive and courteous. Some staff will even recognize your face and even remember your room number! And I must mention the breakfast buffet too. Many resorts in Thailand are starting to cut back on their provided services but here, it’s like the sky’s the limit.

Each of the three hotels offers something unique. Each allows you to appreciate what Patong has to offer without overwhelming you with being right there. The serenity found within the grounds of the three resorts stand in stark contrast to the crowded beach just a short walk away, and that is something truly unique and worth experiencing.

APRIL 2017 | 41

WINE&DINE

BEST BEATS Hot in the city: MIXX Disco promises a night to remember in Bangkok

I

n a city renowned for the quality, quantity, and variety of its nightlife, winning an accolade as the top nightclub in any single year is a significant achievement. To earn the same achievement in three or more consecutive years is even more remarkable. MIXX Disco, located on the ground floor of the InterContinental Hotel Bangkok – a short walk from BTS Chidlom - is a proud bearer of that distinction. After the success of its sister operation in Pattaya, the club was opened in 2010.

Since then, it has built a reputation as being the place to be seen in the capital.

MIXX is not your ordinary nightclub in the City of Angels. Enter

42

LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

through the solid double doors of the basement and you are in the nonsmoking Hip Hop room. The interior is a profusion of red. Long sofas face each other across the open dance area and along the rear are several crimson-curtained VIP booths, which are reserved for groups or small parties.

A collection of bar stools stand behind the sofas in an area that offers more opportunities for intimate conversation. Billowing ruby drapes cover the low ceiling and below are large chandeliers with replica candles. The obligatory glittering crystal ball hangs over the dance area. The DJ station looks down on the floor and to each side of it are metallic-railed podiums, where the

All photos from MIXX Disco

dancers perform.

The décor suggests unashamed opulence, with gold-colored cherubs adorning the four corners of the substantial bar area and other statues perch above the sofas. Framed reprints of classic nudes occupy space on the walls, including the birth of Venus. As befits the name of MIXX, elegance is merged with modernity, as TV screens play music videos blinking from all sides.

MIXX comprises two rooms and moving through a small tunnel brings you into the House Music area, which allows smoking. This is a kaleidoscope of blues and purples, as well as laser lighting, giving it a different feel from the Hip Hop room. Trance and progressive house music are pumped out here.

Applying the correct ingredients of atmosphere, music, and environment and blending them effectively is easier said than done.

Yet it is something MIXX has proved

itself to be a master at.

As the general manager, Mate Vundac, once told Lookeast: “We believe we have created a great combination of sounds and a terrific vibe around the place, and that’s a key to our success. But more importantly, a major part of our success comes from the attention to detail we put in how we treat our customers.”

He emphasizes that to keep its No. 1 position, MIXX strives to keep improving and offers new events and surprises to its patrons.

MIXX opens nightly at 10 p.m. but the party really gets going around midnight, when the volume increases and much of the attention is on the entry of the sexy twin teams of coyote girls. Clad in skimpy lingerie and skyscraper heels they clamber onto their respective mini-stages and produce some wonderfully mesmerizing gyrations. Taking their cue, more people crowd around the floor below and bottles in hand; they

shimmy and strut their stuff.

The guests are as diverse as the range of cocktails available. They include locals, tourists and expats. It was interesting to see a spread of ages from young professionals to more seasoned individuals. The breadth of nationalities was also very pleasing to witness.

There is a dress code and smart casual is in, but sandals, shorts, flipflops and beachwear are out.

The strong focus on customer service is evident with a small army of black and white shirted staff attentive, but never pushy. They take orders from tables and return with drinks, or you can get served at the bar where staff will advise guests on seating arrangements. Many guests are greeted as regular visitors and there is a superb and almost tangible buzz to the venue.

The variety of events and promotion nights on offer include the popular Ladies Nights on Wednesdays as well as events featuring celebrity DJs. The energy of the guys playing the tracks encourages the audience to get up and dance.

It is always fascinating to see the changing dynamics of a club over a period of time and we saw how from MIXX opened quietly only to welcome a pulsating throng enjoying themselves a couple of hours later. We reluctantly departed at 1 a.m. when the room was jumping but one thing’s for sure - we will be back!

MIXX Disco President Tower/InterContinenatal Hotel Bangkok, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok (BTS: Chidlom) Tel: 02 656 0383 http://mixx-discotheque.com/ bangkok/ APRIL 2017 | 43

SHOPPING

MORE THAN JUST SHOPPING O.P. Place doesn’t offer just prestigious shopping; it offers an exclusive experience

T

here was a time, before the age of crowded megamalls, when mention of O.P. Place elicits romantic images of the art of elegant shopping.

It still does, in fact, albeit in a tone not as loud as those given to the uber-humungous malls now existing in Central Bangkok. Perhaps the intimate boutique shopping arcades in Bangkok are no longer enjoying a heyday, but O.P. Place is alive and thriving in its own way, and signs-thanks God--are it will stay that for still a very long time.

For O.P. Place is more than just a shopping arcade. It is one of Bangkok’s priceless legacy, a tacit

44

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

reminder of those yonder days when the feeling of elegance and exclusivity are as much a true mark of shopping as are the high-quality merchandise --arts and antiques predominantly -on sale here.

Its remarkable neo-classic building lends O.P. Place a distinctive charm and spirit, but its uniqueness lies not only in the architecture -which won the “Outstanding Architect under Conservation” award by The Association of Siamese Architects Under Royal Patronage in 1982 -but also in its interior décor and the diverse, high-end line of merchandise sold inside the premises.

Located just beside the venerable

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Bangkok, O.P. Place was once a favored refuge of high-heeled shoppers staying at the hotel. Through the years, and with the emergence of bigger, swankier shopping malls – not to mention in the inevitability of the changing profile of shoppers – the number of retail shops calling O.P. Place its home has decreased. The quality, though, has remained high.

There are presently 59 retail shops at O.P. Place, each showcasing exclusive products, ranging from invaluable Asian antique, artifacts, handicrafts, home décor items, handwoven silk, custom-made furniture to the finest jewelry. As well, there

All photos from O.P. Place

are art galleries, and good and items from Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's Chitralada project.

Truth be told, there's no comparing O.P. Place to the glowing, well-lighted shops at the newer, poshier shopping malls. It's on a league all its own. It is a boutiqueshopping arcade, arguably the first in the city, borne before the term even evolved to describe its present meaning.

Indeed, O.P. Place remains a great place to buy Asian antiques in Bangkok. As one blogger friend said, “If you want to know where to buy antiques in Bangkok, you can't go wrong by starting here.” Maybe you can find more choices in the bigger malls these days but what you will find at O.P. Place will seldom be available elsewhere.

O.P. Place doesn’t offer just shopping; it offers an experience.

Walking around the place, you will enjoy not only browsing over two floors of independently owned shops, but also the wood-paneled corridors. The shops are less flashy perhaps, but there no less elegant: boutiques, Chitralada shops, carpets stores, as well as stores for Thai silk, decorations, handicrafts, jewelry, leather goods, paintings and art, souvenirs, and tailor shops -- they're all here.

A must-not miss shop here is the Ashwood Gallery, which covers almost the entire third floor. It is a beautifully laid out gallery of antique arts, crafts, and furniture. It is a must-visit for antique collectors or just people who would like to own a piece of some excellent Asian heritage.

Shoppers can enter O.P. Place from either of the two entrances at the end of the building or at the

central entrance, which takes you into the lobby area where your eyes are welcomed by shining wood. The dominant color is red and green, and there’s a vibe that tells reminds you of how venerable this place once was.

The centerpiece at the lobby is a semi-manually operated old style elevator, adding to the character of the arcade. But it’s also fun suing the stairs on either side of the lift, if you prefer to walk the 10 or so steps to the next level.

On the second floor, are comfortable armchairs placed around the balcony area overlooking the lobby allowing you to look at the window displays while relaxing over a drink, if you prefer that over a coffee or tea break at The Oriental Hotel, which is just around the corner.

If you would like to experience a different kind of shopping in Bangkok, O.P. Place might be for you.

It is open from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm, and you can linger for as long as you want, after buying items that have tickled your fancy.

O.P. Place 30/1 Soi 38, Charoenkrung Rd, Bangrak, Bangkok Tel: 02 266 0186 APRIL 2017 | 45

SHOPPING

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS In this day and age of shopping places that seem like clones of one another, O.P. Garden – like its sister O.P. Place – retains its unique character with its modern, vibrant spirit contrasting perfectly with the area’s historic legacy

T

he phrase “best of both worlds” easily comes to mind when you see O.P Garden, located on Soi Charoenkrung 36, in one of Bangkok’s most historic areas that house famed landmarks such as the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok and the French Embassy.

46

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

by Percy Roxas

O.P. Garden is a contemporary shopping place, both in age, style, and vision, but it makes good use of the character and spirit of the historic district.

There is a youthful vibrancy in the shopping center, which integrates the pleasant, relaxing atmosphere of an outdoor courtyard with the retail

shops. Surrounding the garden courtyard are well-known restaurants and café, which gives the O.P. Garden a mod-community mall ambience.

The feeling is more like visiting an outdoor art exhibition and shopping can be complemented by enjoying sumptuous food or cold drinks in an utterly relaxing

All photos from O.P. Garden

atmosphere. This is in delightful contrast with the compound, which consists of historical buildings that house selected shops where only highquality merchandises -- home décor, collectible art, and jewelry -- are offered.

O.P. Garden is actually a younger sister of the venerable O.P. Place.

The “OP” brand for luxury shopping was launched in 2009 by TCC Capital Land. The emphasis at O.P. Place is on the selection of stores that offer products with high quality and craftsmanship in a magnificent building with classical architecture.

O.P. Garden, meanwhile, is younger and deliberately different, although it still carries the O.P brand identity.

In fact, the old buildings where

O.P. Garden now stands were built during the reign of King Rama V (King Rama 5). Later, it became the United Medical, the first polyclinic of Siam at that time. The structure consists of five beautiful small buildings with space in the middle.

When the United Medical shut down, the owners of O.P. Place saw the potential of another compact shopping center in the area. Thus, O.P. Garden was born.

The small courtyard in the middle became a centerpiece, trees were added to the project, and various design elements were put in place to make it as modern as can be.

And while the OP trademark focuses on decorative collectibles and art, products at O.P. Garden are a bit

more eclectic in a modern way. The design was contemporary and the shops are modern and unique.

The overall atmosphere is friendly and laidback, and customers can shop and then enjoy a delicious meal and drink, or just hang-out and enjoy the breeze in a spirit of true relaxation.

In this day and age of shopping places that are seemingly clones of one another, O.P. Garden – like its sister O.P. Place – retains its unqiue character; its modern, vibrant spirit mingling perfectly with the area’s historic legacy.

O.P. Garden 4, 6 Soi Charoen Krung 36, Bangrak, Tel: 0 2266 0186 up to 95 APRIL 2017 | 47

salads, wraps, sandwiches, paninis, pasta, soups, smoothies

Mercury Ville 540 Ploenchit Road Chidlom/Langsuan Intersection Ground Floor BTS: Chidlom Open Daily 9am - 10pm Tel. 02-658-6688

Siam Paragon 991 Rama1 Road Ground Floor (Opposite MK Gold) BTS: Siam Open Daily 10am - 10pm Tel. 02-610-7714

Exchange Tower First Floor next to True Fitness (BTS: Asoke) Tel. 02-258-2280

Empire Tower Second Floor Sathorn / Narathiwas Intersection BTS: Chong Nonsi Tel. 02-670-1898

Siam Discovery First Floor (Energy Bar) BTS: Siam/National Stadium

Order delivery through:

#dressedthailand

dressedthailand

Franchise Inquiries: info@thesehgalgroup.com