LOOKEAST May 2016

LIFESTYLE

HOTELS

DINING

NIGHTLIFE

SHOPPING

EVENTS

PERSONALITIES

ART

CULTURE

SPAS

FASHION

EST. 1971

M AY I S S N 0 8 5 7 - 1 1 3 9

TRAVEL

MAY 2016

FINDING TICAO

Why visit this low-key RP island now

Samui PARADISE REVISITED

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN Hidden gems to discover in the North

M AY 2 0 1 6 VO L . 4 5 N O. 5

MUST-VISIT HOTSPOTS

New places to explore in Bangkok more inside!

WWW.LOOKEASTMAGAZINE.COM

THB100

WHAT'S INSIDE

MAY 2016 CALENDAR 10 What’s On in May 36 Hotel Deals 59 Spa Specials 70 Dining Promotions 74 Bar Offers

TRAVEL

16 My Favorite Place 18 Inbound -- Samui 26 Outbound -- Finding Ticao, The Philippines 30 Culture -- Hilltribes 32 Outdoor Activities -Climb Every Mountain 38 Ask the Concierge 40 Travel News 44 Checking in -- Asita 46 Checking in -- Conrad Samui

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62 46

LIFESTYLE

48 Real Estate -- Building Foundations 50 Bangkok for Families 52 Themed Parks -- Splashed Landing 56 Trends -- Smile Like You Mean It: Dental Tourism 60 Personality -- Meet Robert Rijnders of ONYX

WINE & DINE

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62 Chef in Focus -- Joan Roca: Recipe for Success 64 Restaurant Review -- 7 Hotspots

FASHION VISIONARY

Siam Center is Thailand’s first shopping center where has usually provided latest fashion trends for 40 years since it was built in 1973. As the center of fashion in the heart of Bangkok, Siam Center hosts not only many famous international brands but also the cream of Thai designers for decades.

Renowned as hub for Thai design.

Rotsaniyom White Label

TRAVEL

EDITORIAL EDITOR'S NOTE

slice of paradise

Y

our own slice of paradise -- this oft-quoted phrase can be added easily to the ever-growing list of clichés in the vocabulary of modern travelers. But how else to describe an island like Samui, which is truly like paradise on earth?

Since backpackers discovered Koh Samui more than 30 years ago, this island has charmed its way into the mindset of savvy, professional modern peregrines, and today millions of travelers arrive to escape, explore, relax, chill-out, party – and enjoy their own version of paradise within a total 88.3sqm land area.

The “koh” (that’s ‘island’ in Thai) is no longer one for Robinson Crusoe, but few can refute the fact that it has preserved its original natural allure despite the onset of heavy tourism traffic. It remains one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions.

Thus In May, it is only fitting that Lookeast takes you to this paradisiacal island to enjoy its infinity of delights.

While guest demographics on the island still suggests a mixed bag of visitors, Samui is increasingly carving a reputation as a “party central” that appeal to the millennials. But really it is an island of thrills and excitement, with many new hotspots to meet your fun requirements whatever they may be, whoever you may be. From the powdery white beaches on the mainland to the dreamy islets around it, from the hospitality services that are unique to Samui to the emerging luxurious verve and the pervading new party spirit around the island, there is something to ensure a perfect holiday to anyone who

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LOOKEAST | EDITORIAL

comes under its spell. Samui has it all indeed, and the choice is yours!

But we at Lookeast want to give you as much as we can too! Thus, corollary to our “Samui to party” focus we give you a peek of the various “Outdoor Activities” available in the country. These include the hidden mountain gems in the North (“Climb Every Mountain, page 32), the waterparks rage now engulfing the kingdom (“Splash Landing, page 52) and even what’s in store for family travelers in Bangkok. As you can see, we have something for you whether you are traveling solo or bringing in the entire household.

And that’s not all. A variety of other interesting features complete this month’s line-up, including one on the hill tribes (Thailand’s Ethnic Mélange, page 30); essays related to the sectors of Medical Tourism (Smile Like You Mean it, page 56) and Real Estate & Property (Building Foundations, page 46). For our regional focus, we take you to Ticao Island (Finding Ticao, page 26), an unspoiled small island jewel somewhere in the Philippines that is yet to make it to the mainstream tourism map. And of course, in our Wine & Dine section, we have the scoop about the new Bangkok hotspots, as always.

Indeed a diverse blend of articles complement our regular sections, along with the hottest hotel, wine & dine, spa, and bar deals, which we hope will make you enjoy reading Lookeast Magazine even more. As we always say, this issue is for you. Every issue is.

And if by any chance you have missed an issue from your favorite outlet or e-mag library, just check us out on www. lookeastmagazine.com for more stories and updates; and for some previews and upcoming tips, follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts too.

Here’s wishing you an enjoyable holiday wherever the travel bug takes you.

And safe travels, every one!

Sawasdee Krub!

Percy Roxas Editor-in-Chief

TRAVEL

EDITORIAL OUR TEAM

Chairman Dato Satish Sehgal President Ravi Sehgal Group Publishing Director Asha Narula Sehgal Marco Ferrarese, Writer Enjoys the sense of untamed adventure

Sid Sehgal, Publisher Loves this issue.

Dave Stamboulis, Writ er Still likes heavy metal

Director Lalit Bakshi Executive Director Gaurav Sehgal PR Advisor Earth Saiswang Copyeditor Katherine Walsh

Christopher Scott Dixon, Writer Two subjects he can never know enough: women and cricket

Apichart Boontid, Production Director Plays football every Thursday

Zipporah Gene, Writer A party without cake, is just a meeting

Rich Kantita, Staff Writer Music with everything

Ankita Malhotra, Marketing Executive Expect the unexpected

Jarmmaree Janjaturonrasamee, Art Director Likes to take photos of nature

Chalermkwan Turnbulll Business Development Executive Love all kinds of sport

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 Views and opinions expressed by individual writers and contributors in the articles herein, do not necessarily reflect those of Lookeast magazine or of Advertising Media Consultants Co., Ltd. All prices are correct at the time of going to press, but are subject to change.

Reproduction in whole or part without written consent from Lookeast is strictly forbidden.

Panitkan Apiratanapimonchai,

Business Development Executive Loves spicy Thai food

Acharin Suthisawad, Chairman Executive Assistant to n Reads detective fictio

Conrad Koh Samui

ON THE COVER

Wattanaporn Sodasoi, Executive Assistant to CEO Where there is perfection there is no story to tell

Pool with a view -- a woman enjoys an amzing time at Conrad Koh Samui.

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LOOKEAST | EDITORIAL

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FOCUS ON GREAT FLAVORS Yasuda -- Tantalizing modern Japanese meals!

Welcome to Yasuda and enjoy our extensive menu of noodle dishes, curry, seafood, Thai favorites -- and beef, our signature highlight But our main goal is to offer you the finest Kobe beef at the most competitive prices so we have several delicious options and appetizing steak sets for you to choose from.

Enjoy great food created with total dedication to quality and taste, amid a memorable setting.

Book your table now!

YASUDA 74, Sukhumvit Soi 34, Bangkok SUN-THU 11:00-22:00 ( L.O. 21:30 ) FRI & SAT 11:00-23:00 ( L.O. 22:30 ) Tel: 02-258-2530 www.ondorugroup.jp

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

national events & festivals

21-28

13-15

Samui Regatta

What: The “15th Samui Regatta” gathers Asia's sailing elite to Koh Samui this month.

Hosted by Centara Grand Breach Resort Samui, the final event in the regional 2015/16 AsianYachting Grand Prix championship – a series of 12 5-star sailing events around Asia – is the crown jewel and brings the season to an exciting and glamorous end. The event culminates in an elegant and memorable Gala Dinner under the stars at Centara Grand Samui, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Where: Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, Koh Samui How much: A daily spectator boat is available for THB 800 per person. Tickets to the nightly beach parties and prize-givings, as well as the Gala Dinner on the final evening, are also available.

More info: info@regattas.asia; www.samuiregatta.com

May Royal

Ploughing Ceremony

What: The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is held at the Sanam Luang ceremonial site in Bangkok each year. In Sukhothai period (1257 - 1350 A.D.) more than 700 years ago, During the Ayutthaya period, this ancient ceremony was incorporated into the Palace Laws and became known as Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan, or First Ploughing Ceremony, which formerly was performed exclusively as a Brahmin ritual. The ceremony, which heralds the start of the new rice-growing season, was undertaken to assure a successful planting season and an abundance of the nation's crops. Festivities were held to boost the

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LOOKEAST | WHAT'S ON

farmers' morale, urging them to strive for an abundant harvest and ensure sufficient reserves for times of war as well as for export overseas.

Where: Sanam Luang, Bangkok

1-4

Top of the Gulf Regatta

What: The last four days of the annual ‘Top of the Gulf Regatta.’ The event has grown to become the largest by boat number and become the center of boat racing in Asia, and helps promote the tourism of Pattaya as well.

Where: Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya

Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Festival

What: The “Bun Bang Fai Festival” is held in accordance to ancient Thai beliefs that supernatural powers can help rice production for the incoming rice planting season. Thus, the local people create a rocket or 'Bang Fai' and send them to “heaven,” so the god of rain would bless them with plentiful rain for rice cultivation.

So, the celebration is entirely to the god of rain. Many colorful events characterize the celebration but the highlight is when the rockets are fired from their launch platforms one by one. The rocket that reaches the greatest height is considered the winner.

Where: Phaya Thaen Park, Mueang District, Yasothon

1-30

Pang Sida Butterfly Watching Festival

What: Ongoing until July 31, this festival is mainly butterfly exhibition and butterfly watching demonstration by officers from Pang Sida National Park, camping activity, sleep in tents, and play Pang Sida waterfall.

A good opportunity for tourists to visit and enjoy the park.

Where: Pang Sida National Park, Mueang District, Sa Kaeo

ENOTECA – SIMPLY, INIMITABLY ITALIAN! Historic Italian family, Italian chef, Italian sommelier – nothing less, nothing more to provide you with real Italian experience. At Enoteca.

Tucked away in an inner alley with an intimate house and garden setting, Enoteca’s philosophy of tradition with innovation will delight you with “Slow food cooked with biodynamic products.”

Enjoy food cooked by some of the most talented chefs from Italy with creativity and simplicity, yet thoroughly modern and high quality.

Served with what is an exclusively Italian wine list -with more than 400 labels that include a Barolo collection alongside rare vintage wines.

Come and indulge in inspired creations from southern Italy with a definitive touch of modernity – at Enoteca.

Probably Bangkok’s most authentic Italian gourmet restaurant!

Soi Sukhumvit 27, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: 02 258 4386 | Fax: 02 259 917

Email: enotecabangkok@gmail.com www.enotecabangkok.com

We are open everyday from 5.30PM till Midnight

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR

art & culture

1-2

2

Landmark Wedding Showcase

Grand Opera Concert

What: The 3rd Grand Opera Concert returns Royal Cliff. Held in conjunction with the occasion of the 70th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne, Royal Cliff Hotels Group together with the Grand Opera (Thailand) again organize the “Music of Love and Devotion: An Evening of Opera and Musical Favorites.” The event starts at 7 p.m.

Royal Cliff will be offering special room rates should anyone wish to stay overnight between May 1 and 3 (email: marcom@royalcliff.com or call 038 250 421, ext 2818 or 2878 to book).

Where: Head of State Chamber of the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel, Pattaya How much: THB 300 for students, THB 500 for guests of the Royal Cliff Hotels Group, and THB 700 for the public.

More info: 095 564 1966 or 02 259 1204; email: piyanarong.com@gmail.com.

Where: Ballroom, 7th floor, The Landmark Bangkok, Sukhumvit Road What: Meet wedding specialists responsible for designing all aspects of your big day, including the main stage, decorations, photo backdrop, cake stage, flower themes and photo backdrop; and wedding planner to give advice and ideas on the theme of your party.

More info: 02 254 0404, ext. 4829; email: catering@landmarkbangkok.com

1-30 ThaiCraft Fair

Shifting Horizons: Music, Myth, and Memory

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ThaiCraft Fair

What: ThaiCraft has the ideal gifts for you, products lovingly and carefully handcrafted by local artisans nationwide, all of whom you can also meet at the fair. Buy something special at fairly traded prices.

Where: L Floor, A Jasmine City Bldg., Sukhumvit More info: 085 506 6677; email: katekaew@thaicraft.org

What: The works of John Sanborn, a key member of the second wave of American video artists that included Bill Viola, Gary Hill, Dara Birnbaum, and Tony Oursler.

The year 2015 marked the return of Sanborn as a figure to be reckoned with and whose creative history set a series of signposts for 21st century chronology, how an artist who wandered in and out of corporate worlds, makes his way back into the fold. The exhibition will be on display until July 10.

Where: Main Gallery, 7th floor, Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BTS: National Stadium) More info:

1-30

Omnivoyeur and Electrical Walks Bangkok

What: Until July 10, this “Electromagnetic

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LOOKEAST | WHAT'S ON

Head of State Chamber of the Royal Cliff Grand Hotel

trade fairs & shows

Sound and Visual Project that is part of the Urban Media Project by Goethe Institute in Bangkok will b eon display. Renowned German sound artist Christina Kubisch and a Thai Photographer, Miti Ruangkritya, investigate the urban landscape like Bangkok.

Where: Main Gallery, 7th floor, Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BTS: National Stadium)

1-30

Thailand Eye

What: This contemporary Thai art exhibition is part of a series of celebrations marking the 60th Anniversary of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the 160th Anniversary of Thailand -UK diplomatic relations in 2015. The exhibition was in London until January prior to its presentation to the Thai public, until Aug. 7.

Where: Main Gallery, 8th floor, Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BTS: National Stadium)

WHAT'S ON CALENDAR

miscellany

wine & dine

Bounce Thailand

25-28

Return of the Crowning Touch

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Bounce’s Tramp Camp

La Vie

What: 2-Michelin Star chef Stéphane Buron from the French Alps returns to La VIE at VIE Hotel Bangkok to prepare a 7-course dinner menu. Chef Stéphane is described as a showcase of fine French cuisine and bears the coveted M.O.F. (Meilleurs Ouvriers de France), the highest and most prestigious award amongst all professional craftsmen in France. Chef Stéphane has also been named the Best French Professional and is well known as the “Crowning Touch” of acclaimed Le Chabichou, the oldest and most distinguished hotel in the charming village of Courchevel. His cooking is inventive, refined, and generous. Dinner is served at 7 p.m.

Where: La Vie, VIE Hotel Bangkok, Phya Thai Road, Bangkok How much: THB 6,000 for the set dinner; THB 8,000 with wine pairing More info: 083 820 4224, email: afbm@viehotelbangkok.com; 081 9100 280, email: fb@viehotelbangkok.com

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Michelin Chef at The Sukhothai

The Sukhothai

What: The Sukhothai Bangkok furthers its reputation as a leading destination hotel for fine dining by inviting 3-Michelin Star chef to join “The Art of Dining” series in 2016. An exquisite gourmet event will feature for first time in Thailand, the exalted cuisine of 3-Michelin Star Chef Emmanuel Renaut. Renaut was born in Soisy-sous-Montmorency, France. He developed his culinary talent by joining the CFA of Laon in 1984, training in Étouvelles and later in Paris. In 1998, Emmanuel established himself at Mégève in Haute-Savoie and founded his own restaurant, Flocons de Sel. He received his first Michelin star in 2003, his second in 2006, and his third in 2012, in addition to being named "Cooking Chef of the Year." In 2007, he published La Montagne et le Cuisinier with Isabelle Hintzy and Catherine de Montalembert. He is also the holder of the prestigious "Meilleur Ouvrier de France" (Best Craftsmen of France) and "Compagnon du Tour de France" (Companion of the Tour de France). Renaut creates his own brand of cuisine, generous, lively, colorful, appealing, and modern. Sourcing products in their purest form, then transforming them in a manner that reveals their very best qualities reflects Emmanuel’s style, committed as he is to using his creativity to produce exceptional, unique dishes.

Where: The Sukhothai Bangkok, Sathorn Road How much: Set Lunch at THB 4,500++ per person (food only); Set Dinner THB 8,500++ per person (food only) More info: 02 344 8888 or email: promotions@sukhothai.com

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LOOKEAST | WHAT'S ON

What: The new summer program for kids big and small who want to experience the fun and learn free-jumping on a trampoline properly and safely. This program will enhance the skills of those who have jumped before and open new experiences for those who have never tried it. Visitors can experience the fun out on the trampoline itself. Tramp Camp is open to all ages.

Where: Bounce Thailand, 5th Floor, The Street Rachada How much: 10 sessions for THB 9,500 More info: 02 014 2446; www.bounceinc. co.th

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Eastin Grand Yoga Charity Buffet

What: After its initial success last year, the Yoga charity event returns this year as the hotel celebrates its 5th year of service.

Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok invites all yoga and health-loving people to join the “Eastin Grand Yoga Charity Buffet.” Learn from some of Thailand’s leading yoga teachers including Kru Sukhum (Yoga Sutra), Kru Ake (Yoga and Me), Kru Aman (Trika), Kru Sam (R&R), Kru Poh, and Kru Rudra. Proceeds go to Baan Dek Ramintra School (Home for Blind Disabilities).

Where: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok How much: THB 499 More info: 02 210 8100, ext. 7302

TRAVEL MY FAVORITE PLACE

THE LOCAL

THE EXPAT

THE TOURIST

My favorite place: My favorite place to travel to from Bangkok would be Chiang Mai. Bring there: Your family/friends, walking shoes, camera, sunscreen, a jacket (it can get cold on the mountains), and a big appetite!

Must-do: Drink coffee (Chiang Mai is coffee heaven!), eat Kao Soy, walk around the night market, go to the waterfalls and temples, and have brunch at hip restaurants.

Must-see: Temples, waterfalls, Doi Suthep, and Doi Inthanon: if you love to hike, this is the place to be!

Must-buy: Coffee, food, goodies to bring to your friends at home, and local handicrafts Eat at: Local restaurants -- any restaurant with Northern food will be amazing.

Drink at: Yayee Rooftop Bar, bars on the street Sleep at: Boutique hotels

My favorite place: Bangkok Bring there: Comfortable walking shoes and clothes, money, party mood Must-do: Visit Chatuchak Market, book a Klong Tour, and enjoy the food!

Must-see: The Flower Market and Chinatown are a must-see in the early morning: so vibrant with colors and fragrances, not to mention the variety of local food Must-buy: Jewelry, Thai silk, and local handicrafts Eat at: While Bangkok is definitely now in the mainstream radar for gourmet dining, do not miss the street food, especially in the Chinatown area. My alltime favorite though: I love Italian food, so it’s Opus Restaurant Drink at: Sirocco, on top of the lebua State Tower where you can enjoy the fantastic view of Bangkok skyline Sleep at: By the river @ Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel!

My favorite place: Bangkok, of course!

I love shopping at its malls, such as the EmQuartier. There are always many things to see, do, and enjoy!

Bring there: Money! Lots of it if you want to shop!

Must-do: Take a daytrip to Khao Yai and join a safari, where you can be with elephants in their natural habitat.

Must-see: Temples along the Chao Phaya River.

Must-buy: Fruits. Tropical fruits are available everywhere at a cheap price, you can easily buy them; something I can never do abroad!

Eat at: Thonglor restaurants or anywhere with authentic Thai food.

Drink at: Khao San Road, with all its drinking stools and clubs, although there are countless options for a fun night out.

Sleep at: A hotel on Sukhumvit Road.

Sukhumvit is a good area to stay in because it is central Bangkok and so there is always something to do no matter what time of day.

Name: Apasiri (Pear) Kulthanan Age: 23 Country: Thailand Job/Profession: Marketing and Communications Director, Ticketmelon Co., Ltd.

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Name: Regina Wilson Age: 43 Country: Australia Job/Profession: Hotel Manager at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel

Name: Jhena Waring Age: 20 Country: United Kingdom Job/Profession: Student

TRAVEL INBOUND

Samui

Spread: Along the beach in Lamai.

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With plenty of sights to see, a gamut of activities to do, and an abundance of amazing places to relax, chill-out, and enjoy – Koh Samui proves that life is more than just a beach; it’s a party!

by Rich Kantita

Choeng Mon

Mae Nam

Bophut

Nathon

Lipa Noi

Chaweng

Thong Krut

Photo by Dave Stamboulis

Lamai Taling Ngam

MAY 2016 | 19

THAILAND Bangkok

Gulf of Thailand KohSamui

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e landed on the east coast of Koh Samui, eager –like most passengers of the plane --to jumpstart our trip. It was my first time to visit, and I was really excited to discover what makes this island, a so-called gem of the South, very popular. As my friend and I were to find out later, Samui is more than just a major tourist destination.

Life here is more than just a beach; it is one big party! No wonder some people are already calling it, the “Ibiza of Asia.”

Prior to touchdown, I did a Google search and learned that Samui doesn’t have many cultural places to visit. Unlike most areas in Thailand where within every few kilometers there’s usually one temple, Samui-despite its size--does not have that many of temples nor historical monuments, for that matter. Still, there are plenty of sights to see and an abundance of outdoorsy activities to do. This island of great natural beauty

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Photo from Conrad Koh Samui

Photo from Vana Belle Koh Samui

TRAVEL INBOUND

is teeming with amazing places to indulge in the view, relax, chill-out, and enjoy. I was determined not to miss out on the best it has to offer.

SIGHTS TO SEE

Several temples made it to our mustvisit list. These include Wat Phra Yai Ko Pan, where a Big Buddha can be seen across a small island separated from the mainland. Built in 1972, this Big Buddha sits majestically on the edge of this island (Bophut, Ko Fan), as if watching over everything around it. The veritable spiritual heart of Samui is a popular attraction and is in the bucket list of almost every Samui traveler.

Wat Khao Hua Jook (Chaweng, Sanam Bin Road) and Laem Sor Pagoda (Laem Sor Road, Taling Ngam) are also great to visit, if only for their distinctive traditional architecture. The former, which houses a replica of Buddha’s footprint, has a vantage point where one can

enjoy a panorama that reaches out to neighboring Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, from a viewpoint located over 90m above sea level. The latter is a chedi that sits right by the beach and delights with its beautiful, bright yellow-golden garb. The Laem Sor temple underwent renovation after the residing monk died a few years ago but remains a significant religious symbol among the locals.

There are a few more temples to visit around the island, if you want to do so.

Sightseeing in Samui is not complete without mentioning one of the island’s top attractions, the iconic twin rock formation called Hin TaHin Yai (Lamai Beach, Thaweerat Pakdee Road). This odd creation of Nature depicts human genitals, one of the male and another of the female, which make a lot of people curious to see them. “Hin” in Thai means rocks. “Ta” means grandfather and “Yai” means grandmother, definitely a more polite way to call

TRAVEL INBOUND them. Few people can resist taking selfies with them, if only because they make fun conversation topics back home.

But Samui island life is more than just the temples or Hin Ta-Hin Yai. Being in the moment, just inhaling the fresh exhilarating sea breeze is priceless enough, but there’s more to explore indeed. And we wanted to see what’s beyond the world-famous white beaches.

HITTING THE ROAD

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Tongsai Bay Resort

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The Five Island Restaurant

Mövenpick Resort

One of the best decisions we had made prior to going to Samui was hitting the road with a rented car.

It’s been said that taxis on the island charge crazy fares. Taxi fare starts at THB 100, but you can end up paying over THB 500 just to get from the airport to your hotel. In fact, getting from one end of Samui to another takes approximately 40 minutes, give or take, and with a GPS, getting to know Samui is on your fingertips.

As we drive up and down the zigzag road from Bophut to Lipa Noi,

the ever-so-blue ocean sneaked up on us. “That’s a beautiful spot for some pictures,” I said pointing to where the ocean seems to be right at our fingertips. “Of course,” my friend replied as the car comes to a halt, “that’s the viewpoint of the island.”

We saw a white cementedwalkway stretching out along the cliff.

There was a steep stairway leading down to the rocks that look toward the gulf. We climbed onto the rocks from the artificial path to the top of large rocks formations, and enjoyed the photo ops. After getting our picturesque shots, we made a dash for a well-deserved coconut drink. As we were drinking the coconut juice, I was thinking, “I could stay here forever.”

But of course for now, I am just here to explore and experience. And there’s really so much more to do.

Among the most recommended “must-dos” is a walk to the Fisherman’s Village in Bophut.

We decided to go there. The locals had warned us about the traffic, especially on a Friday, but we didn’t

think it would stretch out all the way from the center of Bophut and beach road to up toward The Wharf, the boutique outdoor shopping plaza!

Imagine this heavy traffic, from 5:30 p.m. to around 10:30 p.m., every Friday, when the walking streets come alive with some of the most happening activities on the island.

Certainly, the walking streets offer that authentic Thai weekend market feel: stalls, vendors, and all, to all foreigners. But it’s not just that.

What makes this experience more awesome is the unique mystique that embraces visitors, thanks to the traditional Chinese shophouses that have been converted into trendy boutiques and apparel shops, and hip bars and chic restaurants, that enhance the quaint ambiance of this former sleepy fishing village.

And this is not even the island’s “party central” yet. The title goes to Chaweng, Lamai, and not surprisingly, the smaller beach areas such as Lipa Noi, which is seemingly also coming of age as a party hub.

Nikki Beach Samui Beach Republic

PARTY TIME

The island appears to be sedated during daytime, probably because most people have been busy the night before, and most tourists are into some outdoorsy activities both in the mainland and beyond. Samui by day is different from Samui by night. But during weekends, the parties start early – with the brunches. Brunch parties are among the most common activities on the island during the weekends, and they attract a great crowd.

Beach Republic, the “red, white and all things funky” hotel in Lipa Noi, offers a fun Sunday brunch by the beach. With DJs providing a good vibe and the buffet of food and cocktails here, your Sundays couldn’t have been better spent than here.

Another amazing brunch, also in Lipa Noi, can be enjoyed at Nikki Beach Samui, the well-known brand from Miami known for celebrating the high and good life. Their Sunday Brunch definitely lives up to discriminating expectations. There are other great Sunday Brunches on the island of course.

For others, daytime parties are even more luxurious and exclusive.

They rent out private yachts or luxury speedboats to catch the peaceful waves of the ocean. These travelers, which include some of the world’s jetsetters, carry their exclusive lifestyle with them. They lay low under the sun to get some golden tan, enjoy their private champagne party away from the crowds, and prepare for a glitzy evening later. Several islands and islets surround Samui, and just sailing around them until

sunset can add a very special touch to any vacation.

And when dusk falls and night owls gear up to unwind the streets of Samui get busier with characteristic vibrancy. The neon signs light up, the loud music begins to blurt, and a frenetic energy engulfs the island, especially in the areas of Bophut, Lamai, and Chaweng.

Chaweng Beach, for those who have not been there yet, is like Khao Sarn in Bangkok but with more breezes, more sand, and that inescapable tropical island verve.

There are plenty of bars and clubs to hop around and try. One highly recommended party place is Cha Cha Moon Beach Club (077 300 222, Chaweng-Choeng-Mon Road), where various amazing DJs come to spin. Not far from it, across the road, is Solo Bar (077 300 466, ChawengChoeng-Mon Road), with some fantastic live music and DJs in a very cool mixture.

Then there is Bar Ice (077 484 933, Chumchon Chaweng Yai Soi 4), located across the curve of Central Festival, where you can bask in -7° Celsius. At the newest addition, The Beach Bar Koh Samui (081-9782448, Chumchon Chaweng Yai Road) right by Sheraton beachfront, people can let their hair down, sip some nice cocktails and go where the night takes them. With a private beach that isn’t as crowded as those in Chaweng, The Beach Bar is enjoyable both day and night.

These places are considered the newer incarnation of legendary Samui hotspots that include ZIco’s at Centara Grand Samui, Reggae

Pub, and Green Mango. And we have hardly touched the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

ISLAND CHOW

Most visitors do not even have to leave their Samui hotels to enjoy a pleasurable wine and dine experience as almost all of the resorts have F&B outlets they are justifiably proud about. But we can’t resist mentioning our relatively newer discoveries:

The Jungle Club (081 894 2327; www.jungleclubsamui. com), which offers some of the best panoramic views of Chaweng Beach during the day, is a low-key, very bohemian, hilltribe designed resort and restaurant. Good for relaxation and an afternoon burst of sunlight, their cuisine is Thai and French with a special ‘The Jungle BBQ’ every day.

One of the most authentic Thai restaurants in Chaweng is Galanga (077 963 213; www.galangasamui. com). But be warned if your taste buds are still unacquainted with the spiciness of Thai food because Galanga does not adapt food to foreign palates. The very fresh, very mouthwatering seafood selections are just indescribably luscious.

The Five Island Restaurant (077 423 577; www. thefiveislandssamui.com), now in a more accessible new location, does not only offer a better side of the beach at Lipa Noi. But also sticking to what they are good at, the menu is fixed, offering same good range of Thai and European mix.

Dine in the private home of Chez Francois (096 071 1800; www.

MAY 2016 | 23

The Cliff Bar and Grill

Hansar Samui

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

with their Sunday Roast and free Bloody Marys for an hour-and-a half.

Moreover, the menu is as intriguing as their specials. Taking it backto-the-basics as they call it: Taco Belle, Scotch egg, Pastafarian, and Mussellini are only some to truly whet your appetite.

Japanese food is very popular in Bangkok but not as much on the island. But we hit the jackpot at Tai

by Red Snapper (077 963 889; www.fb.com/taibyredsnapper) at the Central Festival. Tai by Red Snapper gives Japanese food a twist, which can only be explained by the satisfied stomach.

Jahn Restaurant (49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Rd, Tambol Taling Ngam; 077-915-888), set atop a plunging cliff with dramatic views of the Taling Ngam coast, is the flagship restaurant of Conrad Samui. Atmosphere is elegant, but soft and muted, and thus does not steal the thunder from the main stars of the restaurant, which is the food. Now regarded as one of the best restaurants in the kingdom, it is not really a Thai restaurant because while the flavor profile and most of the ingredients used are local, the presentation and attention to detail are worthy of any Michelin-star restaurant in Paris.

ROOMS CHECK

Shop well, party well, and then sleep well. Samui is all about living well, and it is home to many amazing luxury and boutique hotels and resorts, as international awardwinning bodies testify. Here are some that we visited and fell in love with:

Nikki Beach Samui (96/3 Moo 2, Lipa Noi Beach, 077 914 500) offers spacious suites, villas, and a penthouse on the calm side of Lipa

HOLISTIC HUBS

Inevitably, the party can only continue for so long. Thankfully, Samui is also known for its holistic centers, considered some of the best

Rockpool

fb.com/chezporte), where guest are in for an exclusive dining experience.

There’s no menu as the chef whips up something new and interesting every day. This culinary experience is not only for the thrill of an amazing taste but the excitement of what will be served.

Rockpool (80/32 Moo 5, Bophut, 077 234 500; www. rockpoolsamui.com) is located at the Kanda Residences, a luxurious and private villa. This white and turquoise blue-themed restaurant is breathtaking, and the all-day dining menu by a Michelin star chef, Lucas Leonardi Varin, is exquisite. Chef Lucas brings to the table an overall meal experience that must be felt, seen, and inhaled for total enjoyment.

Sunset view is better with a nice selection of divine food and wine tasting, especially at The Cliff Bar and Grill (077 448 508; www. thecliffsamui.com), a ‘Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2014’ winner.

Head chef Sergio Martelli creates a worthwhile dining platter taking inspiration from Spain, Portugal, and Italy. It has something that you may not find elsewhere on the island – the “Tapas Passion.” Seafood here is a must, and we recommend the Seafood Platter.

Brunch it out like the British at The Larder (077 601 259 or visit www.thelardersamui.com). They say that Bloody Mary is the cure for the long weekend happy hours and The Larder knows to help you out

places in Thailand to recharge and rejuvenate. I’ve heard about the Tamarind Spring (080 569 6654; www.tamarindsprings.com), as well as some of the famous spas operated by the leading five-star resorts.

There are several detox places, health and wellness centers, and relaxation retreats. If you came here for some recharging and rejuvenation, great places are easy to find and enjoy.

Kamalaya Koh Samui (077 429 800; www.kamalaya.com), a holistic center and wellness retreat, is definitely one of the gems. Kamalaya offers a program that incudes yoga, spa, detox, and more. It has a fitness center for stress and burnout, and offers many other alternatives.

Winner of the “Destination Retreat of the Year,” “Best Destination Spa:”

by The Conde Nast Traveller, among many other awards, Kamalaya is a good initiation to the wellness and wellbeing options available on the island, which are many.

Kamalaya Koh Samui

The Cliff Bar and Grill

TRAVEL INBOUND

some great deals for the perfect Samui vacation.

It is in this high-note that we leave you to let you carry on with your own Samui holiday. Enjoy! – with additional info by Percy Roxas

Sheraton Samui

embraced by the U-shaped resort.

The rooms are chic and modern with touches and details that give it a luxurious feel. Famous as a place of wedding proposals, Hansar Samui can easily sweep away couples off their feet with its romantic mien.

Mövenpick Resort (57/7 Ang Thong Rd, 077 421 721), at Laem Yai Beach, offers privacy and relaxation.

One of the newest developments on the island, the boutique resort has a lovely vertical pool that cascades down to the beach, most tempting during hot sunny days. The beachfront restaurant, The Terrace, offers a great sunset view, which complements its classic Thai dishes for dinner. Make a visit during the daily happy hour and the weekly special themed dinners.

Climb upscale with Vana Belle Koh Samui (9/99 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, 077 915 555), one of Starwood’s Luxury Collection.

‘Vana Belle’ translates to the ancient Sanskrit word for ‘beautiful forest,’ which was brilliantly incorporated in the resort’s design. Vana Belle built different statues of the creatures around the resort, as inspired by “Himmapan,” a mystical forest where mystical creatures live. The stunning resort lives up to expectations of a luxury collection resort indeed and the 24-hour on-call butler service with personalized service will make you weep upon check-out.

Conrad Koh Samui (49/8-9, Hillcrest Rd, 077 915 888) sits right at the tip of Samui’s “tail,” and it only gets better from there. Private pool villas look out to the changing colors of the sky and endless ocean where you hope to find the mainland of Surat Thani beckoning. Whether at the lobby or the restaurant of the poolside, you will enjoy exquisite views, as if the ocean is entirely yours.

The villas include a private pool that overlooks the island giving them an even more majestic disposition.

There are dozens of very luxurious, very private villas on the island that can accommodate only up to 10 adults, with direct beach access, and endless fun and luxeperience enjoyment possibilities.

Visit luxuryvillasamui.com to find

Vana Belle Koh Samui

Noi Beach. But do not expect the same calm on the Ocean Club .The Nikki Beach brand is synonymous with parties and at the center of it is Ocean Club. Nikki Beach hosts some of the best nightlife experiences such as the notorious White Party. Their DJ line-ups attract high-end tourist and partygoers all-year-long.

Another well-known place to stay to be in touch with the nightlife is Beach Republic (176/34 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, 077 458 100). Its penthouse offers an ocean view while cooling off in the private pool and a private Jacuzzi while you’re at it.

Whisgar Samui is located in the Beach Club area. Its red cabana, flag, and couches--alongside the funky beat played by the house DJs--bring a fiery fun spirit to the resort.

Closer to the airport but still quite exclusive and luxurious is the Tongsai Bay Resort at Bophut, which stretches over 25 acres with everything a guest might need such as tennis court, swimming pool, gift shop, toga room, bistro bar and restaurant and gym. The rooms are expansive, with private pools, sea views, and amazing outdoor living areas that you might not want to leave the property. The two restaurants are worth mentioning as it offers a great sunset and beach view with selection of Thai, Chinese, and Western dishes.

Sheraton Samui (86 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, 077 422 020) blends a very Mediterranean-like design with Asian touches to create one of the most beautiful settings on Samui. At the entrance, very captivating lanterns hangs in the center of the lobby expressing a good feng shui. With high ceilings that allow fresh breeze and architecture that brings out the best of the island. Sheraton Samui is already a winner. But it only gets better at the restaurant and poolside. Long Talay, the restaurant on the beachfront, is easily the highlight of the hotel.

One of the most modern, luxurious resorts on the island is Hansar Samui (101/28 Moo 1, Bophut, 077 245 511), which stands right at the edge of The Wharf.

Anyone who walks by will notice the photogenic infinity pool that is

TRAVEL TIPS

Approximately 62,000 people live within the 252m² -land area of Koh Samui hat is divided into seven different districts. The main areas include Bophut, Chaweng, Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam, Mae Nam, and Na Thon, which is famous for its seafood port. The most modernized region, with Central Festival being the only shopping center in the island, is Bophut. Residential areas are located around the areas of Lipa Noi and Mae Nam, but one will not fail to notice the rapid growth of real estate development for luxury living and vacation homes around the island.

Booking a flight – Only two airlines fly into Samui: Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) and Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.com) with tickets that can go up to over THB 5,000. An alternative is to fly into Surat Thani and then cross the ocean by a ferry. Seatran Ferry Pier or Donsak Pier operates 5:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

There is a shuttle service from the Surat Thani Airport to the pier every hour. To check the schedules, visit www. seatranferry.com or www.ferrysamui.com Renting a car or bike – There are many websites specializing on vehicle rentals, including rentalcars.com, sixt.com, avis.com or thairentacar.com. Prices range from THB 690 to THB 2,000 per day. Gas costs about THB 7001,500 full tank approximately. As for motorbikes there are a few local rent/buy/sell stores. You can also rent online (thai-moto.com) with motorbikes costing about THB 800 – 2,000 per day.

MAY 2016 | 25

TRAVEL OUTBOUND/THE PHILIPPINES

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

FINDING TICAO Why this low-key, undiscovered island in central Philippines is the new buzzword in adventure

All photos by by Kit Yeng Chan

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by Marco Ferrarese

ith a choice among a staggering 7,000 and more islands, it can be easy to overlook beautiful atolls in the Philippines. But when it comes to Ticao, a brushstroke of emerald thickets and white sand ringed by intense blue, the mistake is too appalling to continue staying under the radar.

Ticao is one of Masbate province’s three major rural, off-the-beaten-path, islands and floats between the more famous shores of southern Luzon and Cebu.

Rather than pristine beaches, the region is known for the cowboy hats and leather lassos of the Rodeo Masbateño that is held here every April. Besides cowboys and cattle, Ticao Pass’ constant currents and plankton-rich waters lure in a variety of sea giants in the calibre of manta rays, hammerheads, thresher, and whale sharks.

The island’s only tourist fame is the Manta Bowl, an underwater atoll that offers five different divesites ranging from 19m to 24m in depth. Divers flock here on boat-trips from Donsol, an hour-and-a half north across the Ticao Pass in Sorsogon province, Luzon. Between November and June, tourists-laden bumboats rock by in search of whale sharks.

Regardless of these attractions, visitors rarely stay on the island to explore. That’s quite a pity because apart from the divesites, the rest of Ticao’s coast still remains almost untouched. Shores dotted by local fishing communities and a jungle-clad, waterfall aspersed interior are the perfect springboard for adventure seekers.

Ticao Island Resort’s (ticao-island-resort.com; room for two including all meals starts at PHP3400) romantic beach cabanas are the ideal setting to overnight under a carpet of blazing stars, keeping toes constantly tucked in the sand, and without sacrificing comfort. The resort also offers an onsite SSIaccredited diving center, and free kayaks to paddle out at sea and explore.

Ocean activities aside, there’s much more to discover on Ticao if one is willing to follow the rhythms of nature. We discover it by accepting a friend’s invitation that sounds too alluring to our forever-adventure-seeking ears. “Come visit me in the southern tip of Ticao,” my friend wrote in an email.

MAY 2016 | 27

TRAVEL OUTBOUND/THE PHILIPPINES

The next day we rise before the first sunrays paint the horizon purple to take a stroll on the beach...

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“I stay in a house that faces the sea alongside a village of local fishermen and their families.”

Getting there, however, turns out to be quite an adventure. After an overnight boat from Cebu to Masbate, we take local transport to a small village where we sit and wait among bemused locals for our friend’s cousin. When he finally arrives, he takes us to his very small dingy. We must jump in it for a one-hour ride across the pass’ waves.

Gulping down and not moving to keep the dingy in balance, we cross an emerald blue sea, spotting a solitary

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

but gorgeous manta ray along the way, and finally disembark on a beach that’s so desolate and white we can’t believe our luck.

The next day we rise before the first sunrays paint the horizon purple to take a stroll on the beach and observe how the sea rules the ebb and flow of local life. It’s easy enough to convince a group of young, energetic fishermen to let us charter their bangka, a traditional Filipino wooden boat that balances over waves using four curvy outstretched poles. They welcome us on board but business comes first: we agree to wait quietly as they complete their morning fishing expedition to the southern tip of the island.

The bangka glides over the turquoise ocean like a spider floating on glass until we moor at the tiny village of Gibraltar to unload the morning’s catch. For the occasion, the beach has turned into a bustling early morning market where everybody, children included, smiles and sings away participating to the daily fishing chores. As soon as the catch has been sold and nets have been pulled back on board, one of guides turns to us,

ready to keep his promise. “I’ll show you Rock Island,” he says, as we gain speed over gentle waves.

Originally called Minalayo, this tiny atoll emerges like a stony forehead topped with green, unkempt hair right across Ticao’s southernmost tip. Our boat glides into the fresh, shady embrace of its caves.

“Lookout for snakes before jumping in,” our guide warns us.

It was here, in fact, that famous Filipino TV host, Dr. Nielsen Donato, spotted yellow-lipped sea kraits, among the most poisonous sea snakes in the world. We look around carefully scanning for scales, but all we see is alluring transparent water.

Standing in the rocking bangka, the corals underneath look as if they were sealed under a crystal screen.

We bite on our snorkels and dive in, hoping that any sea snakes would tap into the wriggling reef underneath for their breakfast, instead of us. As expected, the only shock we receive is the amazement of swimming into some of the most crystalline waters we have ever jumped in.

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TRAVEL CULTURE

THAILAND’S ETHNIC MELANGE Experience a most evocative slice of the kingdom that few people manage to see -- the real hill tribes – by heading off-the-beaten paths with just a bit of advance planning

by Dave Stamboulis

This Page (Top): Akha women dancing at the New Year Festival in Mae Salong, Chiang Rai (Below) Hmong girls in Mon Jam, Chiang Mai

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any tourists come to Thailand to experience ethnic hill tribe villages and their people, who are noted for their colorful costumes, age-old traditions, and a lifestyle set in some of the country’s gorgeous northernmost outposts. The bad news is that much of the old way of life and scenes out of a National Geographic story have disappeared, with the younger generation trading in costumes for motorbikes and iPhones; far more concerned with making a decent living than posing for a camera-toting visitor. The good news is that there still are spots to take in the old ways, and if one goes about it the right way, he or she can enjoy some fun, insightful experiences.

If you’re interested in hill tribe trekking, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are packed with small tour agencies all eager to separate you from your baht. Many of them do not offer authentic tours, and it’s probably best to rely on word-of-mouth or positive

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

recommendations before signing up.

While it may be a novelty to check out those “longneck” Karen women you’ve seen in magazines, remember that the THB 500 fee charged to enter the prison-like villages where they are kept does not go into their pocket. The average tourist usually walks away feeling pretty empty and guilty about the whole visit. Far preferable is to time your visit to a local event, such as the Akha Swing Festival, the largest annual event for the Akha, which is usually held in late August after rice planting; or the Hmong New Year, in January, when everyone returns home, dons traditional garb, and takes part in village dances and parties where the public are welcome to join.

There are six major hill tribe minorities in Northern Thailand, and within some of these are subgroups.

Probably the most visible and colorful are the Akha, known as “Igaw” in Thai, who are noted for the large silver coined headdresses worn by their women. The Akha are thought

to have descended from Tibet and they inhabit the upper reaches of Thailand’s highest mountains.

They are still the most traditional ethnic group, with strong animist beliefs, village gates guarded by spirit guardians. They used to be opium farmers but opium has since been replaced with more legal and sustainable crops such as tea.

The area around Doi Mae Salong, Thailand’s highest village north of Chiang Rai, is famed for its steep tealeaf terrace plantations, and both the Akha and the Lisu take part in large New Year celebrations up there.

The Lisu, who are also mountain dwellers, also descended from Tibet; and can be recognized by their extremely colorful flowery costumes and flat headdresses. Many Lisu speak Yunnanese, the language of their northern neighbors, and along with the Akha and Hmong, have managed to retain much of their traditions and culture. The Lisu can be found in Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai provinces, and you can

All photos by Dave Stamboulis

even learn Lisu weaving, music, and shamanism skills by taking part in a homestay in the small village of Nong Tong from this enterprising cultural immersion program called Lisu Hill Tribe (www.lisuhilltribe.com/index. htm).

The Hmong (Meo in Thai) are among the most vibrant ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia, seen in Vietnam, Laos, China, and Thailand, with various subgroups (Black Hmong, Green Hmong, Flower Hmong) being named because of the bright embroidered outfits they wear. While most ethnic minority groups live in homes built on stilts, the Hmong build their homes without them, instead making dwellings right on top of food storage cellars. One of the best integrated ethnic groups into Thai society, the Hmong can be found in every province across the north, and one of the best places to enjoy Hmong village life is up around Mon Jam, a village up on a ridge above Mae Rim and Chiang Mai, where there is a Royal Project garden, fresh

air, camping, charming restaurants overlooking the valley, and Hmong villages stretching all across the surrounding hills.

The Karen is Thailand’s largest hill tribe, with a population of over 300,000, which is more than half of the entire ethnic minority population in the country. They are also separated into wide subgroups, and except for the aforementioned “longneck” Karen, they are neither as colorful nor as visibly apparent to outsiders. The Karen has the largest number of converts to Christianity of any minority group as well. Many Karen have settled in Thailand fleeing war and oppression along the border in neighboring Myanmar, and it’s only more recently that some of these areas have become peaceful and open to tourism. A great spot to go trekking, escape from it all, and learn about Karen culture is at the Karen Hill Tribe Lodge (http:// karenhilltribelodge.com/index.php), located well off the beaten track in the mountains northwest of Chiang Mai.

Other hill tribe groups include the Lahu, also known as Mussur.

Their tribal name means “hunters,” gained through their early prowess as hunters and trappers. With a dialect close to Chinese, many Lahu have gone to Taiwan to work, and they have done very well economically, and many now own lychee plantations across Thailand’s north. The Yao, noted for the beautiful large turbans and thick red neck wraps worn by the women, are one of the only hill tribe groups that has a written language, and they excel both as paper makers and in designing farm tool instruments. The Yao population in Thailand is small though, and they are more prevalent in northern Laos, Yunnan, and northern Vietnam.

While hill tribe peoples may be getting harder to find, a bit of advance planning and heading off the beaten path will reveal a side of Thailand’s ethnic mélange that is still going strong, a most radiant and evocative slice of the kingdom that few manage to see.

This Page (Clockwise): Colorful Lisu women at the New Year Festival in Mae Salong, Chiang Rai Young Akha women on a wooden ferris wheel, Mae Salong.

Hmong girl in Mon Jam, Chiang Mai. Hmong boy and his wooden top in Mon Jam, Chiang Mai.

MAY 2016 | 31

TRAVEL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

Spread: A photographer enjoys a sea of mist and sunrise from Phu Chee Fah, Chiang Rai .

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Discover hidden gems up in the mountainous North, find places to escape the crowds, take in some phenomenal natural beauty, and explore the real “Amazing Thailand�

All photos by Dave Stamboulis

by Dave Stamboulis

MAY 2016 | 33

TRAVEL OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Left: Motorcycling under wild Himalayan cherry blossoms (Prunus cerasoides), at Khun Chang Khian, Chiang Mai Top, RIght: A sea of mist and sunrise looking into Laos from Phu Chee Fah, Chiang Rai Bottom, Right: Bamboo rafting in the morning mist, Pang Ung Lake, Mae Hong Son

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hile Thailand is famed for its islands, beaches, and culinary wonders, it also has some real hidden gems up in the mountainous North: places to escape the crowds, to take in some phenomenal natural beauty, and to explore the real “Amazing Thailand” so touted by Thai tourism officials.

Here are a few of my personal favorites.

Phu Chee Fah:

Located at the tip of northern Thailand overlooking Laos, Phu Chee Fah is popular with Thai crowds but way under the radar of foreign tourists. Meaning “mountain pointing to the sky,” an appropriate nickname given that the high point of the 1,628m-peak sticks out like a finger pointing upwards to the heavens, this magical spot overlooks the Mekong River valleys, with views of endless jungle clad

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

peaks jutting up in the distance. The big attraction here is the sunrise, made all the more magnificent during cool season months when the entire valley below is filled with a dense sea of mist that is caused by cold air draining down the mountain slopes, which reduces the air temperature in the valley to condensation point.

Travelers can stay in the small village of Rom Fah Thai about 15-minutes below, or else spend the night camping just below the peak. An added plus is the fact that Phu Chee Fah is a forest park and not a national park, so you don’t have to pay an entry fee! To get there head east from Chiang Rai on Highway 1020, turning off at the town of Thoeng, where there is also public transport up to Rom Fah Thai.

Doi Phu Kha:

Along wild mountain roads far from any 7-11, Tesco, or other sign of modern

Thailand, Doi Phu Kha National Park is the star of rugged Nan province, home to preserved forests and some of the least visited national parks in the country. This park contains peaks just shy of 2,000 meters, and is famous for its chompoo phu kha (Bretschneidera sinesis), an extremely rare and endangered 10m to 20m-tall tree that displays bunches of florescent pink flowers when it blossoms in February and March. Due to habitat loss, the trees are only found in Thailand in this spot, along with a handful of areas in Taiwan and Vietnam. The park also offers some hiking trails, a three-day ascent to one of the country’s more difficult-to-get-to peaks (Phu Wae), waterfalls, some great camping, and again, a splendid sea of mist, seen from the Doi Phu Kha viewpoint, just off the winding skyline ridge road that snakes through the park. For cabins and other park info, contact the park office (Tel: 054 731 623).

Pang Oung: The locals call it

the ‘Switzerland of Thailand,’ and they might not be far off as this high elevation lake surrounded by pine forests in the corner of Mae Hong Son province seems like a foreign country. Pang Oung offers great camping, atmospheric lake rides on bamboo rafts in the morning mist, and a wealth of Karen ethnic culture in the adjoining village where one can sample local cuisine and find quaint homestays. The crazy steep road here is almost worth the trip alone.

For info, call the Pang Tong Royal Development Project, which manages the area (Tel: 053 611 244). Advance permission is required to take a car in overnight at Pang Oung, as well as to book a camping spot.

Tham Lod: Also in Mae Hong

Son just outside of the village of Panmapha, Tham Lod is a massive cave system full of stalactites and stalagmites, one of the largest in

Thailand, and is unique in that a river runs through it. Bamboo rafts with pole men take visitors through the cave, but an even better way to experience the area is by kayak.

Australian cave expert John Spies has lived in Thailand for more than 30 years, knows the area inside out, and his atmospheric Cave Lodge (www.cavelodge.com) is the place to base yourself and book trips to see the million-strong bat colony, explore the various caves, do a trek to th hill tribe villages, and even take your kayak down a waterfall.

It’s one of Thailand’s best bases for adventuresome travelers who want to escape the crowds.

Khun Chang Kian:

Another spot that is quite popular with Thais but almost unknown among foreign visitors, Khun Chang Kian is a village that sits just above Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, in yet a narrow rutted road that makes it difficult to access.

The ethnic Hmong hill tribe village is part of the Highland Agricultural Research Center (Tel: 053 944 053), run by the University of Chiang Mai, and the area is famed for its abundant wild Himalayan cherry blossom trees, which turn the hillsides into blazing pink during the January and February blooming season.

Because Khun Chang Kian sits on the other side of the mountain ridge above Chiang Mai, it is spared the city pollution and haze, and offers plenty of fresh air, great mountain views as well as large working coffee plantation; the slopes here are extremely fertile for growing Arabica beans. While it isn’t far from town, the one-vehicle wide track coming in really is a challenge, and it is recommended if coming by car during the cherry season, to take one of the shared pickup trucks, which can be found about a third of the way in on the road coming from Phuping Palace at the end of the Doi Suthep road.

Top, Left: Kayaking down a dam on the Nam Lang River, Pang Mapha.

Bottom, Left: Exploring Tham Lod Cave by bamboo raft, Pang Mapha.

Above: Camping at Doi Phu Kha National Park in Nan.

MAY 2016 | 35

Anantara Mai Khao first to offer Go-Pro cameras Travelers to Thailand no longer need to pack bulky cameras because paradise just got a technology upgrade. Guests at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas can forget the battery packs and memory sticks at home, and instead avail of the resort’s in-house Go-Pro cameras to create and edit memorable experiences as part of their stay.

To celebrate this ‘first’ for Thailand, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is inviting guests to capture their tropical indulgence in a personalized video with the chance to win a further five-night stay to relive their spectacular memories over and over again.

Amateur filmmakers are also encouraged to film the resorts lush green gardens, show their rush of excitement over the sparkling sea or find their true holiday inspiration and capture it in a 15 seconds mini-movie masterpiece. The resort will also provide easy-to-use editing software for any guest who wants to fine-tune their Anantara Mai Khao moments. Just by giving their video to the hotel team to upload to social media before checkout, guests are automatically entered into the competition.

A team of judges will award videos that best showcase the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas experience. All participants will also be able to take away their footage and final video on a souvenir Anantara USB drive.

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas has been instrumental in providing up to date guest experiences with the resort being the first in Thailand to provide iPads to guests back in 2010. For more information on the competition, go to http://phuket. anantara.com/maikhaomoments/ Entries close on May 31.

BURIRAM SUPER SAVER

What: Enjoy the Super Saver Package for two nights at Amari Buriram United when you visit one of the hidden gems of Thailand, Buriram province. The package includes an authentic Thai set dinner daily, daily breakfast for two, guaranteed early check-in, and more.

Where: Amari Buriram United, Buriram When: Until June 30 How much: Starts at THB 2,752++ per night More info: www.amari.com/buriramunited/

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

SOCCER SEASON

What: Enjoy a 5-star family weekends of sun, sand, sea and soccer, with this package that includes accommodation, buffet breakfast, BBQ dinner, soccer training for kids 4-16 by experienced English League footballers, selected discounts and more.

Where: Dusit Thani Resort Hua Hin When: Valid for stays until Dec. 18 How much: THB 13,499 net for 3 days, 2 nights in Superior Room at weekends, with Friday or Saturday check-in More info: 032 520 296; www.dusit.com

Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok

Anantara Mai Khao

TRAVEL HOTEL DEALS

14-NIGHT PACKAGE

What: Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok is offering a 14-Night Package that includes round-trip airport transfer, guaranteed late checkout until 4 p.m., welcome fruit basket, 30 percent off on laundry service during the stay, and a one-day BTS sky train pass.

When: Until Dec. 31 Where: Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok, Ploenchit, Bangkok How much: Starts at THB 45,020++ in a One-Bedroom Apartment More info: www.shama.com/sukhumvit

FREE NIGHTS

What: Stay an extra night and savor some extra time to experience Vana Belle Samui’s signature luxuries as you explore an authentic island experience. Stay two nights and enjoy your third night free.

The offer includes complimentary daily breakfast for two, daily complimentary Afternoon Tea (except Saturdays), and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the resort.

Where: Vana Belle Koh Samui Resort When: Valid until June 30 More info: www.exclusives.lc.com/VanaBelle-Koh-Samui-3024/special-offers

SHERATON BONUS

What: Give yourself a bonus at Sheraton Samui Resort at Chaweng Noi Beach. Book a room now for two nights and get the third night free. Offer includes daily buffet breakfast for two.

Where: Sheraton Samui Resort When: Valid until June 30 More info: www.deals.sheraton.com/ Sheraton-Samui-Resort-4176/specialoffers

Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi Golf Resort & Spa

What: A luxurious long stay that includes amazing benefits, such as 20% discount on food at CafĂŠ Claire, 20% off on laundry service, complimentary water supply and electricity, complimentary daily housekeeping service (except Sunday and public holidays), complimentary Wi-Fi, and more. Terms and conditions apply Where: Oriental Residence Bangkok, Wireless Road, Bangkok When: Ongoing How much: Starts at THB 90,000 net per month More info: 02 653 9000, ext. 5020

STAY 3, PAY 2

What: Avail of Amari Koh Samui's reopening deal, a special "Stay-Three, PayTwo" package offer.

Where: Amari Koh Samui When: Until July 31 How much: Starts at THB 7,950 THB ++ per night in a Superior Garden Wing room More info: www.amari.com/koh-samui/

Asita Eco Resort

STAY A BIT LONGER

LONG FAMILY HOLIDAYS

What: Spend your long public holidays in May: Labor Day on May 1, Coronation Day on May 5-7, and Visakha Bucha Day on May 20-22, by taking your family to relax in a peaceful nature and located just one hour from Bangkok.

Where: Asita Eco Resort, Amphawa How much: Start s at THB 3,500 net inclusive of breakfast for 2, and activities.

Additional charge of THB 300 for children below 6,THB 600 for kids 6-12, and THB 800 for those aged above 12.

More info: 081 999 1692 and 034 767 333; email at booking@asitaresort.com

ISLAND EXCURSION PLUS

What: Book a private four-hour trip to four islands of Krabi, and get three activities at the Fitness Center on the house. Enjoy the beauty of the islands and enjoy complimentary activities, includimg a 30-minute archery lesson, Thai boxing lesson for one hour, and biking for one hour. Activities ae meant for two persons.

When: Throughout May Where: Sofitel Phokeethra Krabi Golf Resort & Spa How much: THB 20,000++ for up to 6 guests More info: 075 627 800

HOTELS ASK THE CONCIERGE

CREATING SURPRISES

The Monttra Pattaya

A Swiss guest experience manager gives us a glimpse of her job and tells us why it is important to create surprises for hotel guests along the way

by Earth Saiswang

V

iktoria Cecilia Egli, 20, is a guest experience manager at The Monttra, one of the newest luxury boutique hotels in Pattaya. Yes, you read it right. Not front office manager, not guest relations manager, not concierge – but guest experience manager.

As a guest experience manager, Viktoria, a Swiss national, says she is in-charge of monitoring all operational departments throughout the hotel and assuring service excellence among all divisions. It is also her job to manage the unique service amenities at the resort, such as the soap concierge and skin supervisor.

Because the new resort is banking on exceptional guest experience indeed, Viktoria’s duties go beyond and above the usual responsibilities of a concierge. For example, she creates surprises for their guests, which she considers a vital part of her job. "Nothing is too small or too trivial, if they would in any way help enhance the experience of a guest staying at their resort," she says.

There is something about communicating with guests, but most importantly for her, she loves to help and please, “f only for the smile they have on their face when we surprise or help them."

Every time a guest smiles, she says, she sees a confirmation of a job well done, "better than any tap on the shoulder from your boss,” she puts it.

Being there for guests and talking with them while listening carefully to what is being said in-between sentences, is as

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LOOKEAST | HOTELS

much a part of her job, she believes. “This allows me -- us -- to surprise our guests with unexpected magic," she points out.

"Of course, as a manager, I need to practice strong leadership skills and try to improve on daily basis how to lead a team of service superstars, for without a team there is no leader. This has become a core belief in how I do my daily job and deal with my fellow colleagues and guests.”

Viktoria’s typical day begins when she arrives at the hotel early in the morning and wishes all the employees a good day.

“This gives me the chance to quickly chat with them and see if all is well personally and professionally,” she says. “And they appreciate it very much. It motivates them further, knowing that someone listens to them."

Then she quickly enters her office to check for urgent emails or messages and prepare welcome cards for the day's arrivals. If there is a birthday or anniversary, Viktoria organizes a little surprise and hand cards to her team so they can give it to them.

At around 8:30 a.m., which is the usual breakfast time of guests, she makes her way to the restaurant to speak with guests. “This allows me to get instant feedback, and know if something was not up to their expectations, so we can immediately rectify the situation," she continues.

But it also allows her to check if the team can organize efficiently the guest’s daily schedule, whether they want to have a private boat transfer being picked up from

the private beach, a day at the Nong Nooch Garden or a romantic dinner at the cliff side romance table.

"We have the most check-outs at non and it is highly important for me to catch up with guests again before they leave for home or to their next destination,” she says. “This allows me to get a final feedback and opportunity to recover a situation if need be before they leave. We then present them with a farewell gift and send them off.”

Once check-out rush hour is over, she returns to her daily routine: inspecting all areas including rooms of arriving guests to ensure that everything is topnotch. If there are honeymooners or anniversary couples arriving, she would prepare little surprise in their room. “I love doing this and I believe it adds a personal touch,” she says.

She speaks with guests on the property and make sure they have what they need throughout the day. She said this again allows her to tell the guests about their unique services and inform them about the daily rotating free amenities they offer.

In the evening, before her shift ends, she usually takes a bit of time to reflect on her day, thinking what more can be improved and pinpointing in areas she was not yet completely satisfied with during her inspections before doing some admin work.

Then she goes home, but only to prepare for another day again when she could offer guests of The Monttra with more surprises.

TAT

TRAVEL NEWS

Amari Koh Samui

Rise in Indian weddings and honeymoons seen

Amari Koh Samui unveils brand new look

EarthCheck Gold for Centara Hua Hin

Hua Hin -- Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin recently gets EarthCheck Gold Certified through EarthCheck, the world's leading environmental management and professional services group for travel and tourism industry.

“We are extremely proud to receive the Gold certification from EarthCheck,”said Peter Nilsson, the hotel’s general manager. “This reflects the hotels' sustainability efforts in the past 10 years. There are three standout initiatives from our sustainability programs: First is the energy saving onsite wastewater system installation of flat solar heat water panels rather than the traditional LPG from the boiler.

“Second is the reduction of fresh water consumption for the whole resort’s landscape by reusing gray water for irrigation, which is treated effectively and reused in our garden and for zero wastewater release to the public. Third is the success of organic waste reduction, by collecting fruit peels and cuts to produce an ‘effective microorganism liquid’ used for all hotel gardens and give away to staff and the local community," he said.

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Samui – After a year-long refurbishment program, popular beachfront resort Amari Koh Samui re-opened recently. A favorite among Samui travelers since it first opened 25 years ago, the resort re-opens with freshly revamped guest rooms, publicand outdoor-areas, spa, and restaurants.

Amari Koh Samui officially re-opened last month to welcome guests with

bright, comfortable, and spacious new surroundings that resulted from the new warm, Thai-inspired design with a contemporary twist. With 197 guest rooms across three wings – the Garden Wing, Thai Village Wing and Beach Wing – the resort has a room category to fit all travel needs.

A refreshing new addition is the Voyager Lounge, which offers a cool escape from the sun and space to catch up on reading or a board game, and the resort’s Italian restaurant, Prego, has also taken on a fresh new look.

Bangkok – Thailand is forecasting a huge growth in the number of Indian weddings and honeymoons following an annual fam trip organized for wedding planners from India recently.

A total of 17 planners from Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Bangalore were invited for this year’s trip, which covered Bangkok, Phuket, Khao Lak, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Rayong, and Pattaya.

The visit ended with a briefing symposium and table-top opportunity for business networking between the Indian wedding planners and 31 Thai hotels together with 23 wedding service and attractions keen to cater to the market.

Thailand hosts about 300 weddings from India every year, or roughly one event every two days. Each wedding party comprises between 100-600 people, covers three to six days, with budgets ranging from THB 10 million to THB 50 million per event.

An estimated 15 million weddings are held in India every year with an overall expenditure of US$60 billion dollars.

MOU for joint promo

Bangkok – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerry Express (Hong Kong) Ltd., an express arm of Kerry Logistics, Asia’s leading logistics service provider, to launch a joint promotion for the hktdc.com Small Orders online transactional platform.

Under the agreement, suppliers on hktdc.com Small Orders shipping from Hong Kong and Shenzhen to ASEAN countries will enjoy a maximum 20 percent shipping fee discount when delivering via Kerry Express’ network.

Suppliers shipping from Thailand to other countries worldwide will enjoy

Marriott Sathorn Vista

hktdc.com

a maximum 20 percent shipping fee discount, by using services from Kerry Express’ designated partners. The initiative will provide alternative shipping options for Hong Kong, Greater China, and Thai suppliers, and enhance their business offerings.

Marriott Sathorn Vista marks 7th year

Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista recently celebrated its 7th anniversary with a big party to thank its guests, friends, and supporters. “It has come to that time again when we express

tremendous thanks to all our friends, business partners and associates, besides celebrating our 7th anniversary,” said Adrian E, general manager. “We wanted to say a big thank you for their phenomenal support over the past seven years.”

Marriott Executive Apartments is a luxury serviced apartment brand with premier hotel services designed for travelers staying in the city for a day, a month, or more; and provides upscale residential living combined with personalized services backed by the confidence and assurance of Marriott.

Opened in 2009, it is the second property of Marriott Executive Apartments brand in Thailand.

Private Beach Resort Only 3 hours from Bangkok at Ban Phe,Rayong Tel: (038) 651 000-6 www.rayongresort.com

Laguna Phuket Marathon set for entries sell-out

Phuket -- If you haven’t already signed-up for this year’s Laguna Phuket Marathon, you might want to sooner rather than later as the entries are filling-up, and filling-up fast!

With race days on June 4-5 almost here, entries to all races taking place at the 11th Laguna Phuket Marathon are going quickly.

The marathon on June 5 already has over 1,000 registered athletes, taking up more than half of the race’s available slots.

The half-marathon, also taking place on June 5, is also receiving much interest with close to 1,000 runners already registered.

The total number of entry slots at this year’s marathon is limited to a total of 8,300 slots.

Last year close to 6,000 athletes participated in the races, making the marathon’s 10th anniversary a recordbreaking, sold-out event.

Ramada Plaza

Ramada Plaza charity

Bangkok -- Staff at the Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside hotel on Charoenkrung Road accompanied 50 children from Wat Rat Buakaw School to see the world-famous Disney on Ice production recently at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. The visit was arranged as part of the hotel’s continuing commitment to improve the lives of children living in the local community. Photo shows General Manager Klaus Sennik (center, back row) with the children and teachers of Wat Rat Buakaw school and staff from the popular riverside five-star hotel.

Hilton Pattaya

Akita

Bangkok -- ShangriLa Hotel Bangkok recently reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by tying-in its latest corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort with Chinese culture, through paper mache creations inspired by the “Year of Monkey.” Hotelmembers made paper mache monkeys that represent the hotel’s care for the environment with the use of recycled newspapers instead of the hard-to-degrade foam that causes environmental pollution.

Each department created its own monkey representions, including "Sawasdee Monkey," “Muay Thai Monkey” and more.

Area manager and hotel GM, Phillip Couvaras, created an outstanding “Happy and Prosperous” paper mache monkey in red.

Akita beef's Thailand debut Bangkok -- Pratarnporn Phornprapha (3rd from right), managing director of Siam@Siam Co., Ltd., along with Eikichi Saito (2nd from right), CEO of Hokuto Bank from Akita in Japan; and Pradchar Pradyawong (3rd from left) co-founder of Noble Mono Co., Ltd. recently presided over the Thailand debut of Akita Beef. The event was held at La Vue, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok.

Tongsai Bay Promo

What: A 5-day/4-nights "Bike & Hike" package for 2 to stay in a Cottage Suite, inclusive of daily breakfast half day mountain bike tour, two hours hike tour, a 90-minute energizing massage, roundtrip transfers, and more.

Where: The Tongsai Bay Koh Samui When: Valid from now till June 30 and between Sept. 1 and Dec. 20.

How much: THB 39,000 More info: reservation@tongsaibay.co.th or call 02 229 4200; 077 245 480

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Bangkok's Best Restaurant

Shangri-La BKK CSR

Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok

TRAVEL NEWS

Hilton Pattaya 'Earth Hour'

Pattaya -- Hilton Pattaya joined thousands of Hilton Worldwide’s more than 4,600 properties across 102 countries in switching off energy and shining a light on climate change by hosting various Earth Hour activities recently. This year, Hilton Worldwide expanded the environmental celebrations to a full month, reinforcing the company’s commitment to addressing climate change and driving an even larger impact.

As part of its commitment to preserve the environment, Hilton Pattaya has in place a weekly program in its team member dining area to instill awareness and drive action around food waste reduction. In line with Hilton Worldwide’s global commitment, Hilton Pattaya has also banned the serving of shark fin in its restaurants and F&B facilities managed by the hotel.

Best Restaurant winners

Bangkok -- The winners of this year's Bangkok's Best Restaurant Awards were honored recently at a special held at the Napalai Ballroom of Dusit Thani Bangkok.

Previously, there were a total of 16 categories and two winners per category, including the "Editor's Choice" and the "Reader's Choice" award, which it pioneered, This year, the oranizers added another category, Dessert Cafe" putting the number of categories to a total of 17. Thirty four venues participated in the awards event.

The annuat event is orhanized by Bangkok Best Dining & Entertainment magazine, which has been publishing since 1993. The recent awards ceremony was the 18th edition. The awards is regarded by some as one of the major highlights of the Bangkok social calendar.

HOTELS CHECKING IN

ESCAPE TO ASITA Searching for a quiet, environmentally friendly holiday escape not far from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok? Try Asita Eco Resort!

by Percy Roxas

E

ntering this intimate property of only 20 exclusive villas and a three-room house is like entering a world of slow-paced serenity. There’s no rush. There’s no hurry. The energy is laidback. The air is fresh. The surroundings are clean and exhilarating. This is Asita Eco Resort.

Described as a “low-key-with-a touch-of luxury resort,” Asita (Tel:

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LOOKEAST | HOTELS

089 866 2168; email: booking@ asitaresort.com) is for those in search of tranquil, environmentally friendly holidays, and it is a mere hour-and-a half away, just 63km, along Highway 35, southwest of Bangkok.

Asita is hidden among a forest of pine trees and a pristine canal that flows as it probably did in the old days of Siam. Almost everything in the resort is natural and organic,

Green is more than just a theme here; it’s the very soul of the resort.

All photos from Asita

including the materials used in the villas and the bespoke furnishings.

Green is more than just a theme here; it’s the very soul of the resort.

The villas are attractively rustic with accent on cool comfort and minimalist sophistication, but there’s nothing rustic about the service. The staff speak good English, are savvy, polished, and well-trained – the reasons of which become clearer later when you learn that the resort is owned by a hotelier with years of experience in some of Bangkok’s most contemporary-minded hotels.

Thus while local materials are used abundantly and the lush green environment is given much focus, modern touches appear in every cranny. Details combine homogenous elements with in-vogue touches, even in the generously proportioned

and Pak Tor Train Station for those arriving and departing by rail). Or you can take a bike, and a map, and explore the area by yourself.

Whatever your means of exploration, you will encounter only the authentic, even the delicious organic cuisine, which -- following the “Stay Green, Eat Clean concept”-uses only locally sourced produce, cooked by talented resident chefs, and served as fresh as possible to your table. The resort's fresh seafood is complemented by the freshest ingredients including vegetables and herbs from its own garden.

So if you feel like taking a digital detox but stay not far from the crowded capital this weekend, just visit www.asitaresort.com and book a stay now. You will not be disappointed.

And by the way, Asita Eco Resort is perfect for wedding functions or incentive holiday trips too!

bathrooms.

The serene environment might tempt you to turn off your iPhones or leave your iPads in your bag, but you can plug in and play, thanks to the broadband wireless internet, and cable and battery charging points in case you need to reconnect to the outside world.

Indeed, here, you would love to be holed up in your room, sit by the quiet river to free your mind, or stay at the spa for some indulgent pampering. But if you feel like exploring the areas around Samut Songkhram, activities. You can join the daily morning merit-making by the river, attend a cooking class, join a guided yoga session, or participate in the klong tours.

You can hop on a boat to see local marine life or watch the fireflies light up. You can jump on a shuttle for a sail along a historic river and stopovers (at the Mae Klong Market,

MAY 2016 | 45

HOTELS CHECKING IN

BEYOND LUXURY Conrad Koh Samui promises a perfect beach holiday whether you are in the island for pure leisure or for sheer business

L

ooking over the infinityedge pool of the Conrad Koh Samui Resort & Spa it is easy to imagine that your swimming pool reaches all the way to the azure blue horizon, and to be thinking something like, “the whole Southern China Sea: Mine.”

Conrad Koh Samui (49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Rd, Tambol Taling Ngam; Tel: 077 915 888; www. conradkohsamui.com) is a luxury allpool villa property set on an entirehillside on the southernmost tip of the island overlooking Taling Ngam Bay, one of the most picturesque parts of Thailand. All the 80 pool villas offer generous views of the Gulf of Thailand.

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LOOKEAST | HOTELS

The resort’s owns an ample number of 25 acres in the southwest tip of Koh Samui, and views are accordingly clear and tranquil. Cyan blue. Down spreads the white sand of Aow Thai Beach, and forward, the sea, which is like an eternal temptress luring you to swim. But each villa has a 10-22.5m pool, if you prefer leisurely swims, sunbathing sessions, or pool plays in private setting – like us.

But there’s more to enjoy in this property than just the sea views. Nestled on a green hilltop, it is surrounded by a lush forest that ensures privacy and quiet. No inadvertently shared neighbors´ snores, no full moon party

All photos from Conrad Koh Samui

soundtracks -- only the calming lull of the ocean.

All of the villas are furnished in contemporary Thai-style, with original artwork; and bedrooms and bathrooms are conveniently large, with one window-wall that opens to a balcony adding a feel of space. But our villa is even more spacious, posh, and luxurious. The Conrad Royal Oceanview Pool Villa, which is the suite in the resort, is really something.

Our pool villa boasts blackout curtains, signature bedding, luxurious 250 thread count sheets, a choice of pillows, throw blankets, and an alarm radio. Luxurious, undisturbed, yet controllable sleep is obviously given high priority. And If something comes up, housekeeping is available to assist with any further wishes, like a change of a pillow 24 hours a day, as we have experienced it.

Everything in the villa is incredible indeed, and one is awed by even the smallest details used in its construction.

Designed with the island setting in mind, it does not exclude the latest technology. One deductive reason, is like all modern resorts, Conrad Koh Samui must compete for the business travelers´ favor with betterconnected resorts in the whole region of Southeast Asia.

This is why Conrad has many gimmicks for a vacationing high-flying geek. Name any high-tech highlights you might require during your stay and chances are, they have it, stateof0teh art, no less.

But the professional, entertaining technology is just one side of it.

Conrad Koh Samui pays special attention to the overall functionality of the villas, thus making it both perfect whatever your reason for a visit might be. While for us, the villa is a temporary holiday home as we came during the Songkran break, it could also serve as a potential office, if we were coming here to do some business some other time. Indeed, even the most affordable One Bedroom Pool Villa has a long list of work-related amenities.

Probably because of its secluded location, Conrad Koh Samui offers a considerable amount of services; it’s a veritable world in itself. There are three restaurants and two lounges. A wine cellar with over 3,000 vintages operates in the premises.

JAHN RESTAURANT The flagship restaurant Jahn Restaurant deserves our special mention. Set atop a plunging cliff with dramatic views of the southern Taling Ngam coast, the restaurant is often regarded as a jewel in the crown of the island’s increasingly sophisticated dining scene.

Jahn means “moon” in Thai, and like its namesake, the restaurant is mostly radiant, especially in the evening. Lighting is dim, music is soft, and conversations are muted.

The menu lists the usual suspects but with a definitive Western flair (you will love the wagyu beef with massaman sauce and lemongrass rice!), and with a new menu being introduced even as we were writing this, it is really no surprise that Jahn remains a byword among many

Samui foodies. A mere enumeration of the dishes in the menu does not give justice to the care that the chef apparently showers the dishes but the contented, happy faces that we saw at the other tables during our dinner prove that the diners are aware of that fact.

It is also worth mentioning that the service staff speaks excellent English, knows the menu pretty well, and are attentive without being intrusive. With only 28 seats, advanced reservations are highly recommended.

Conrad Koh Samui also boasts a spa with designated beauty, holistic, and wellness programs, besides having a fitness center that offers yoga, tai chi, Thai boxing, and aqua aerobics classes. Seeing the professionally equipped spa, you immediately realize how it makes sense that some people come to this part of the world not because of mai tais but because of a detox.

To say that Conrad Koh Samui has all the ingredients for a perfect beach holiday might sound like a PR line, but once you’ve been there, you know that this more than just a sound bite or a catchphrase.

Whether for leisure or for business, Conrad Koh Samui has something to offer every guest, from pristine nature to high-tech inroom entertainment, from great sea views to unforgettable wine & dine experiences, and not to mention, a fruitful setting for daydreaming of almost megalomaniac proportions.

It is up to you to make a visit and find out for yourself.

Probably because of its secluded location, Conrad Koh Samui offers a considerable amount of services; it’s a veritable world in itself.

MAY 2016 | 47

LIFESTYLE REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS What makes the property market in Bangkok both interesting and challenging for those looking to live or invest here? Here's a look:

by Christopher Scott Dixon

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LOOKEAST | LIFESTYLE

J

udging by the ever-growing number of real estate developments sprouting up around the city, the rather recent gloomy economic forecasts seem to have been largely ignored: there is a rush to construct ever bigger and taller living and working properties in the capital.

Property developers, in fact, see the sector growing 5-10% nationwide this year, particularly in Greater Bangkok, and that percentage is expected to remain in that level at least until 2020. This is because of the government’s strong investment in infrastructure projects, which in turn, opens up new land for property firms to develop residential schemes.

Thai law stipulates that “aliens”

are not permitted to own land in the kingdom. If you are interested in buying, you have two options as a foreign investor: either through a 30year leasehold, or by purchasing the property through a limited company.

It is worth noting that foreigners can purchase apartments as long as Thais own at least 51% of the building.

With the lease idea outlined above, this arrangement is quite unusual. In the vast majority of cases, it happens when a foreign man marries a local woman. The wife, as a Thai citizen, buys the land and stipulates a lease agreement with her foreign spouse.

The second suggestion is to buy land through a business and set up a Thai limited company. Remember

Thomas Glaser

Where to live

that, as stated, you cannot hold half, or more than half of the company’s shares, as a foreigner; the firm has to be at least 51% Thai-owned.

Most foreigners decide to purchase a condo or apartment to live in, but again, it can only be bought in his or her own name provided that at least 51% of the building is owned by a Thai citizen.

Demand for homes close to the two mass-transit systems-BTS and MRT is said to be increasing steadily.

The Onnut district tops the appeal table with a target price of around Bt2.5-million per unit. This can rise, however, as high as Bt3-million or Bt4-million. The most popular unit size ranges from 35 to 40sqm.

When choosing where to live, it is vital to think not only about commuting time but also somewhere that is as stress-free as possible: close to shopping malls, markets, and more crucially, maintains a high level of security.

One landlord usually owns apartments in the city center, and all the units in the building will be in their possession.

A condo unit is usually part of a larger building, which is then rented out by a landlord. Facilities are generally superior to an apartment with swimming pools, fitness centers, and saunas etc. With good locations, they provide the extra benefits of longer-term contracts for tenants, utility bills with no added premiums, more personal attention and a stronger community feel than apartments.

Town houses are another choice and are in general owned by one landlord. Locations are usually less convenient than other accommodation and may require you to use other public transport if not near the BTS or MRT. Facilities are inferior to condos or apartments, but you gain more space at the cost of convenience. Utility bills are similar to condos with a standard rate. With a detached house be aware of hidden expenses, which include maintenance and much higher rent.

Surprisingly prices for newly commenced condo projects in Bangkok can be as much as four to five times higher than for older buildings. These are driven not only by location but also the age, design, specification of the building and its management and maintenance.

There are significant differences between old and new in a number of prime investment locations in the city such as Sukhumivt and Sathon and Lumpini.

In the latter, Somkid Gardens formerly regarded as a top quality condo, can re-sell for THB 120,000 to THB 140,000 per sqm and yet new high-rise developments in the

neighboring area are being purchased for more than THB 300,000 per sqm.

There are a number of reasons for this striking gap. Historically, the vast majority of condo buyers are Thai and there has been a traditional reluctance to occupy “second hand” property. Design issues with old properties are often a problem too; a lack of an attractive lobby area can deter purchasers.

Many older units have ceiling heights that are as low as 2.4m compared to their modern counterparts with heights of 3.0m.

The actual layout of the buildings can be poor, although the sellable area may be more than 300sqm, the fact that some rooms have a column in the middle decreases the utility of the space and is arguably no better than a new 200sqm - development.

Purchasing property to live in or invest is really up to the individual and their particular needs, budget, lifestyle and ambitions.

Many property buyers opt for professional advice and hire a real estate agent. Most, but not all, will be foreign firms. They can save you Many time, have the professional expertise property and experience and will match both buyers opt for listed and unlisted properties for professional you. Their fees are usually paid by advice and the seller and generally total 3 - 6% hire a real of the purchase price. Research the estate agent. property agents carefully. Word Most, but not of mouth recommendations and testimonials are vital. Ask questions all, will be and thoroughly test their knowledge foreign firms. of the area you are thinking of living They can save or investing in. you time,

Do your homework, have a have the solid financial and business plan, professional get the correct advice, and whether expertise and you choose to invest or live in experience Bangkok you’ll be laying solid future and will foundations!

Here are websites of some of the leading real estate companies in Bangkok: -- www.siamrealestate.com -- www.companyvauban.com -- www.property-bangkok.com -- www.acuterealty.com -- www.siampropertygroup.com

match both listed and unlisted properties for you.

MAY 2016 | 49

Zipporah Gene

LIFESTYLE FAMILY TRAVEL

BANGKOK FOR FAMILIES It doesn't exactly have the reputation of being family friendly – but in fact, Bangkok is choc-a-bloc with wholesome activities that you can enjoy whether you're two or 20

by Zipporah Gene

File Photo

T

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

he seemingly neverending array of bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants, understandably give many the impression that Bangkok is a city with an age-limit. But with just under 28-million tourists (2015 figures) coming in an out of the country annually, you will soon discover that there are many spots that offer wholesome family-friendly activities.

A friend of mine recently moved here, with her husband, 2-year-old son, and newborn baby. Concerned that her children would miss out on all the parks and recreation that a green metropolis like London has to offer, she sent out an email to find out what her options were. This provided

astonishing results, as we all soon discovered that Bangkok, besides being an adult’s paradise, offered more than any of us could imagine; for both the young and the young at heart.

Here’s a quick handy guide to some of the things you too can try your hand at in Bangkok.

Take them outdoors

This is usually the first point of call for most people with young children, and a sore spot for those homesick Europeans used to trampling around in rolling hills, heaths, and valleys. OK, so Bangkok doesn’t

Zipporah Gene

Bounce

a fine canteen, selling lots of delicious food at Bangkok’s much loved low prices. Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is also worth mentioning with its impressive multimedia displays and exhibitions. This high-tech museum is a definite crowd pleasure and provides a vivid guide to a period in Thailand’s illustrious past.

Zipporah Gene

Get active as a family

exactly have that much, by way of green space, but did you know that there are 12 major parks in the city alone? There’s Benjakitti Park in Asoke; Chatuchak Park in Morchit; Lumpini Park in the center of town; and the little known and farther afield, Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden; not to mention the most famous of all: Phrom Phong’s Benjasiri Park.

Depending on your location, you’re never too far from a small park, which usually come equipped with jungle gyms for the little ones.

Visit a kids’ playground

An obvious choice for those not yet acclimatized to the searing heat of summer months in Bangkok, kids playgrounds are a great space that allow your children, if they’re not yet of the school age, to meet others in a safe and fun environment.

From Kidzania at Siam Paragon, Imaginia Playland at the Emporium, to the winter-themed Snow Town in Ekkamai Gateway,

you’re literally spoilt for choice when it comes to this option. Bangkok also has three large water/adventure parks too, the most famous being Siam Park City, so you too can join in on the family fun.

Explore, learn, and create

It’s quite easy to make the Children’s Discover Museum a habit. Located in Chatuchak Park, with both an indoor and outdoor area, this is a wonderful place for toddlers and up. There are plenty of interactive features, exhibitions and displays to keep those insatiable and highly inquisitive young minds entertained for hours.

The Science Museum and Planetarium, which is right next to Ekkamai bus terminal, is also terrific for the budding astronauts and space captains in the family. Unfortunately, the English language show is only on Tuesdays at 10am, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of other fun activities and interactive games to keep them occupied. They’ve even got

Bangkok is fast becoming the fitness hub of Southeast Asia. It feels like not one single week goes by without emergence of a new gym, or a fitness fad. There’s seems to be anything and everything, from swimming and ‘trampolining’ to wake-boarding, from rock climbing to fishing - you name it, they’ve got it. So why not look out for family friendly offers at local health centers, but also check to see if your regular local gym does activities for children as well. Flow House, which is located at the tail end of Sukhumvit 26, is one such venue, that also seems to go down well with all the ages.

There’s a fantastic viewing platform to watch your kids make waves in this innovative surf simulator. Or, you can bring them to The Street, on Ratchadapisek Road, where a place called Bounce is sure to delight sport-minded children of all ages.

There’s seems to be anything and everything, from swimming and ‘trampolining’ to wakeboarding, from rock climbing to fishing you name it, they’ve got it.

Teach them to taste

Children are hard wired to take in and process new experiences such as flavors, sights and sounds, long before they can even properly express what it is they’re experiencing. New and changing stimuli are vital to their development, so why not take your little maestros on a culinary adventure? Bangkok is quit rightly described as a foodie paradise. With a superb array of local and international cuisine, all at reasonable prices, it’s the best place to teach them all there is to know about the flavors of the world.

MAY 2016 | 51

Vana Nava

LIFESTYLE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

SPLASH LANDING! Where to bring your friends and family to beat the sizzling summer heat – the newest rage in Thailand, the waterparks!

by Rich Kantita

I

Vana Nava

n the last few years, theme parks and water parks have mushroomed around Thailand. This is not surprising, as these parks allow both the young and the young at heart to enjoy some adventure, with unique fun rides and all. With domestic family travel becoming big, and with summer all around us, it is not only timely that we compile a list of some waterparks destination close to Bangkok, which you should hit up while the summer heat is sizzling!

If you are a water park lover, Black Mountain Water Park (1 Moo Tambon Hin Lek Fai, Hua Hin, 032 618 444) should have made it to the top of your list a long time ago,

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being the first to open before other waterparks begin popping up around the country. Situated about 15km outside the city of Hua Hin, this waterpark has it all: a Wake Park, golf course, waterpark, and more.

Tour groups and families visiting Hua Hin should definitely drive up to the place for a relaxing all-in-one vacation. Large white tents surround the park with shades and sunlight alternating with each other, and the clean water, ground, and benches are worthy of the THB 600 entrance for adults (THB 300 for kids). Enjoy the slide carefree, with your belongings safely tucked in the lockers, which are available for rent with THB 200 deposit, and the magnetic key

Santorini Park Cha-am and Santorini Water Fantasy Vana Nava

bracelet safely at your wrist. Towels can be rented at THB 100. By the way, this one-stop destination is also a resort. Nestled in a very luxurious and green valley, Black Mountain has a well-designed, well-appointed private pool villa, facilities for delectable dining and other full-service facilities, and the best part is, the breathtaking getaway is not too far from Bangkok!

Located strategically right at the entrance of Hua Hin, at Cha-am, is the whitewashed cubist houses of Santorini Park Cha-am and Santorini Water Fantasy (Petchakasem Road, Cha-Am Phetchaburi, 032 772 9979), now one of Hua Hin’s main attractions.

Beautifully designed and inspired by Santorini in Greece, it is both a theme

park and a waterpark. A full day at Santorini might not be enough to check out both the theme park and the waterpark, but once there, you should definitely try to check out both. There is a Ferris wheel that gives an amazing view of the neighboring landscape but which should be ridden during sunset, or when the sun is not blazing hot.

Night view is recommended as well.

Santorini Ares’s King Cobra, the water park’s signature attraction, is not only very alluring in the design but also utterly fun. Slide down the 78m-tall snake and then test your fear of falling with the Apollo’s Drop Screamer, and you will understand what we mean.

For family with kids, we recommend the Kid’s Paradise of Demeter, which is adventurous enough for endless

enjoyment.

Vana Nava (129/99 Soi Moo Baan Nong Kae, Hua Hin, 032 909 606), the “first water jungle in Asia,” is colorful, exciting, and scenic on its own. Recently voted as one of the “Top 10 Thailand Best Tourist Attractions 2015,” this co-venture of Tourism Authority of Thailand, King Power International, and the largest Chinese online media, Shanghai’s SINA Corp, has it all. Vana Nava has one of the largest slides in Thailand, sure to give riders butterflies in their stomachs and make them scream loud. Try the Abyss, a 28m- tall slide that will make you drift into the huge funnel making you wonder how loudly one could scream, as well as the SuperBowl and Freefall.

If you grew up with the Power Puff Girls, Cow and Chicken, and Cat and Dog, Cartoon Network should be for you!

MAY 2016 | 53

Cartoon Network Amazone

Cartoon Network Amazone

LIFESTYLE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

For adults, the Swim-Up Bar at the Infinity Pool gives an amazing view of the entire waterpark besides making pretty delicious cocktails as well.

But be reminded that drinking while swimming could make you drunk faster than usual, so be think again before taking thrilling rides that might require your ability to focus.

If you grew up with the Power Puff Girls, Cow and Chicken, and Cat and Dog, Cartoon Network is surely part of your deeply rooted childhood.

The kid in us rejoiced when we heard that the popular kiddie TV channel has opened a theme park in Pattaya, the Cartoon Network Amazone (888 Moo 8 Na Jomtien, Chonburi, 085 367 1611), which claims to be the first not only in Thailand but also in the world. Here, you can geek-out

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and kid-out like it is no one’s business because not only does the rides look colorful and mesmerizing, but also inside some of the tunnels are strips of colors like those rainbow eyes in the TV cartoons. There’s a full scale of adventurous slide to try here. The 90-degree drop is where one stands in the tube and wait for the floor to open as one drops down into the dark hole.

If you have ever dreamt of falling into space, this is where you can live out that dream for real. For a more low-key effect, you can enjoy sitting the waves at the gigantic pool, Mega Wave.

Ramayana Water Park (9 Moo 7 Na Jomtien, Chonburi, 033 005 929), which is yet to open as of this writing, is set to become the biggest waterpark in Thailand. With

over 50 rides and activities, this new destination situated not far from Pattaya proper, at the Jomtien Beach, promises utter fun for waterpark lovers. Besides the waterslides and activities, there’s a large locker room to accommodate enough people at over 184,000sqm. The wave pools are popular but there are natural rivers at the park as well for those looking for a healthy dip without chlorine. After a splish-splash in the waters, you can enjoy a Ramayana performance at a stage with LCD screen that entertains visitors all throughout day and night, and you never even have to leave the water.

With VIP Cabanas in the Water Park and Guesthouses, there’s really no need to be anywhere else but inside the facilities.

Chang Carnival presents Global Carnival

Chang Carnival presents Global Carnival (Lumpini Square, Rama 4 Rd; 02 262 3838) comes to the heart of the city direct from Europe.

Located across Lumpini Park on Wittayu Road, it is easily reachable

by MRT. Just opened last month, the carnival is here for the short-term (just three months) but this early, because of good feedback, we heard they are thinking of extending the visit for another three months. Funseekers can enjoy many thrilling rides, many of which take it back to the oldschool and familiar, such as Bumper Cars, Log Flume, Speed, Skydiver, and more. Of the total 21 rides, four will give adults a good scream. The other 10 are family friendly, and seven others for exclusively for kids.

The highlight of the carnival is the Booster, with its 360-degree spin (about approximately four to fivestoreys high). Other rides might seem childish but worry not as they will give you enough butterflies in the stomach.

There are more fun games for the skillful and a booth for food and beverages. The park opens daily from 4 to 10 p.m. During the evening the rides lit up with colorful lights, which makes getting on them a lot more fun.

Entrance fee is THB 90 exclusive of rides fee. Each ride costs from THB 50 to THB 250. Monthly tickets are available at Thaiticketmajor.com.

MONSTER ATTRACTION

New spectacular theme park opens in Bangkok -- Dinosaur Planet

By Christopher Scott Dixon They might have disappeared around 65 million years ago, but a series of blockbuster movies, mass merchandise, and continuous interest has ensured that the dinosaurs will never go away. The opening in March of Dinosaur Planet, the new sprawling theme park encompassing more than 12,000sqm at the Emsphere, part of the EM District situated between Soi Sukhumvit 22 and 24, has now brought an audio animatronic T-Rex and his pre-historic pals to the city at a cost of more than THB500 million. It is said to be the first amusement venue of its kind in Thailand.

Be a time traveler and journey back to the Jurassic era through eight distinctive zones ranging from Dinosaur District to Dino Eye with its crystal capsule hung from a giant wheel, which is over 50m off the ground, perfect for those selfies as you soar above the prehistoric world below. See the Stars of Dino and take in a show at the Great Volcano Zone. You can also dine and shop at Dino Square and get a rush while riding a dinosaur at Dino Farm.

What is sometimes forgotten is the fact that dinosaurs also ruled the oceans as well as the land. 4D Deep World lets the audience watch battles between the beasts in a 4D simulator. Through a clever of mix of hands-on opportunities and state of the art technology, budding Indiana Jones can also dig up fossils and learn about the dinosaurs with interactive games.

Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Dinosaur Planet is expected to attract 15,000 visitors daily. With games, fun, science, and food, it’s sure to be a “roaring” success! (www. dinosaurplanet.net).

MAY 2016 | 55

LIFESTYLE HEALTH & WELLNESS

SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT A look at the rise of dental tourism in Thailand and why those with dental care needs from around the world flock to the country's major internationally accredited dental clinics

by Zipporah Gene

T

he last decade has seen a surprising rise of the phenomenon in the Thai tourism industry. In 2015 alone, an excess of THB 100 (US$3) billion was generated by medical tourism; reflecting a steady revenue growth of roughly 15% (year-on-year growth) in the sector. As the foremost tourist destination in Asia, these figures unsurprisingly reflect but a fraction of overall arrivals and gains to the nation as a whole.

And with the announcement in

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the 2014 of a new and more proactive tourism action plan by the Thai government, it would appear that over the coming years, the focus will be to solidify Thailand’s status as Southeast Asia’s leading healthcare destination.

This plan, which encourages foreign investment in healthcare in-frastructure, is aimed at attracting a higher caliber of tourists. But it has also been argued that it could potentially slow and reverse the emigration of skilled professionals

But what exactly is medical tourism and why do so many people choose Thailand?

Medical tourism encompasses all manner of convalescence and can be anything from a relaxing and restor-ative spa retreat or getaway, to corrective medical procedure.

Although other Southeast Asian countries are attempting to also gain footing in this lucrative sector, only three countries in the region really stand out as the main hubs: Singapore, known as the center for cardiovascular, neurological, and joint replacement surgery; Malaysia for its burgeoning cardiothoracic facilities; and Thailand, which in particular, is predominantly associated as being the

What to expect?

A quick Google search of the Thai capital clearly reveals the extent that this trend has had on the Bangkok cityscape. The Thonglor area alone, which is roughly only about 4km of land from start to end, boasts over 10 major internationally accredited dental practices. Further study shows that this trend is citywide.

Asavanant Dental Clinic, located at the junction of Sukhumvit and Thonglor, is a famous dental

Photos from Zipporah Gene

and health care workers. To put it simply, the growth of this industry has a positive wider economic and developmental impact on Thailand’s economy and the population at large.

hub for all kinds of cosmetic or sex change procedures.

This carefully marketed and targeted niche market has pushed up the demand for competitive, modern, and innovative healthcare especially over the last couple of years. So much so that, when compared to the price in most Western "developed" nations, many reportedly are able to shave off as much as 50-75 percent off their treatments.

Even with the clear and subsidized pricing laid out by the National Healthcare System of England (NHS), the UK has some of the highest private dental costs in Europe. Many, put off by long waiting times, and the general lack of steady access, often travel further afield in order to seek treatment. Historically, this search led most to other countries in the European Union. However, rising prices, epidemiological shifts and quali-ty differentials in some EU nations has led some to seek out, what one researcher has succinctly dubbed, "sun, sea, sand and‌ surgery."

practice that has just recently entered its 20th year. Originally a small local practitioner above the jewelry shop that heralds the start of the Soi Thonglor, the practice, which is still run by Doctor Asavanant himself, has long since expanded around itself into the sleek and modern 5 -storeyed building that can be found today.

Catering to locals, expatriates, celebrities and medical tourists alike, the practice uses state-of-the-art dental machinery, and deals with everything, from endodontics and orthodontics to prosthodontics and periodontics, to name but a few.

In Thonglor alone are over 10 major internationally accredited dental practices.

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LIFESTYLE HEALTH & WELLNESS

MORE LEADING DENTAL PRACTICES IN BANGKOK

Photos from Dr. Sunil Dental International Clinic

BFC Dental 15/63 Srinakarin 2, Srinakarin Road, opposite Seacon Square,

Dr. Sunil Dental International Clinic (Tel: 085 909 1155; Sukhumvit 71, Soi Pridi Banomyong 14), is one of the most sought-after dental practitioners in the city, especially by international clients and the expat community.

Owned and run by Dr. Sunil, a prosthodontist who graduated from Chiangmai University, and who has headed the Dental Departments at both Kloynthai and Phetcharavet hospitals for years. Dr. Sunil specializes in procedures such as inlays, onlays, ceramic crowns, implant crowns, bridges, and veneers as well as partial and full dentures.

His clinic is backed by years of extensive practice with multifaceted and international cases, and he is often regarded as Thailand dental industry’s “wunderkid.”

Dr. Sunil promises to provide the best dental solutions, including various dental and cosmetic challenges in smile makeover and dental reconstruction with the help of his team of 35 certified professionals providing optimal dental health within state-of-the-art facilities in the relaxing environment.

Patients needing a smile

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makeover or full reconstruction, done within a week’s time, can save up to 70% of costs all-inclusive compared to costs from their home country. Dr. Sunil offers customized packages, consultations, free limo pick-up service, treatment plan; and promises a valuable service.

So much to offer

With so much transparency and so much to offer, it’s not surprising then that dental practices in Thailand are contacted by prospective patients from all over the world daily. Many, however, wrongly assume that with a prior call or email, they can correctly ascertain the entire cost of their treatment.

While most dentists are happy to advise you on the procedure, i.e. how many days a particular treatment will need or even how much downtime is required, without direct inspection, or at the very least an x-ray it is near impossible to predict the exact final cost of the visit.

That said, the fact that there are agencies entirely aimed at creating packages for specific treatments, is clear indication that this market can only expand further.

Inspire Smile Clinic 6th Floor Siam Square 1, Rama 1 Rd (BTS Siam Square, exit 4), Truth Dental Clinic 1st floor Alma Link Building, 25 Soi Chidlom, Ploenchit St. Smile Signature at Seacon Square Inside Seacon Square, Level 3, Room 3016, 55 Srinakarin Road Smile Signature 257/26 Ratchadapisek Rd // 205/2-3 Phyathai Rd // 1701/12 Phaholyothin Rd Thonglor International Dental Care & Cosmetic 113/9-10 Sukhumvit 55 (Thonglor 5) – BTS Thonglor The Ivory Dental Clinic 167/16 Ratchadapisek Rd Bangkok Smile Dental Clinic 32/5-6 Sukhumvit 21 Asoke Rd/ 546/2 Ploenchit Rd Denta-Joy Secon Square, Srinakarin Road // 1st Floor, Fifty Fifth Plaza, Thonglor // 2nd Floor Fifty Fifth Plaza, Sukhumvit // Chaeng Watthana Road, Don Meuang Asok Montri Dental Clinic 38/8 Asok Montri Rd, Sukhumvit 21 Dental Bliss Bangkok 1000/76 Sukpaisan SoiCharoenrat 7, Ratchada-Rama 3 Rd

Lifestyles on 26

LIFESTYLE SPA DEALS

soft and flexible, and opens surprising new ways to get your body into shape. With this unique, fresh approach even challenging exercises and yoga poses become easier.

"Yoga Fly" is suitable for everyone, whether complete beginners or professional performers.

Where: Lifestyles on 26, 26th floor, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center at CentralWorld (BTS: Chidlom) When: Ongoing More info: 02 100 6299

SO Spa

What: Experience the world’s first luxury Thai Hammam with a special introductory offer for a 150-minute “Amaratum Thai Hammam” treatment.

Blending together traditional Turkish and Moroccan bathing practices with the wisdom and gentleness of authentic Thai healing arts, the spa treatment combines the sensations of pampering, soaking, exfoliating, cleansing, contrasting temperatures, deep massage, and calming rejuvenation. Any wellness package stay at Amatara Resort & Wellness Phuket now includes this treatment.

Where: Amatara Phuket, Cape Panwa Phuket When: Ongoing How much: THB 5,900 ++ More info: Call 076 200 808, ext. 7701 or email: reservations.phuket@ amataraphuket.com; or visit www.amataraphuket.com

Magnifique Relaxation

What: Recharge with this “Magnifique Relaxation Spa Package” this month.

Your personal pampering begins with a 30-minute steam treatment to ease those tight muscles, followed by an invigorating 60-minute body scrub using renowned L' Occitane products, and ends with a 60-minute Verbena energizing massage

Amatara Phuket

1st Luxury Thai Hammam

to release the fatigue, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Where: SO Spa with L’Occitance, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort When: Throughout May How much: THB 3,500 per person, THB 6,000 for couples , and THB 9,000 for 4 persons.

More info: 075 627 800 or email: H6184TH@SOFITEL.COM

Yoga Fly

What: Explore the art of "Yoga Fly," which is a fresh, fun new way of exercising and practicing yoga. The program combines all the benefits derived from various fitness methods such as yoga, pilates, aerial dance, acrobatics, and gymnastics. You exercise on a special 7m- long hammock, which is

Honey Oatmeal

What: Enjoy 45 minutes of bliss with this special body treatment that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. The “Honey Oatmeal Body Scrub” uses 100 percent natural products and is perfect to cleanse, soften, heal, and moisturize the skin. A soothing sensation results as crushed almond and rice are gently rubbed over the skin.

When: Ongoing Where: Breeze Spa, Amari Watergate Bangkok, Petchburi Road How much: THB 1,800 net More info: 02 653 9000, ext. 394 or email: watergate@breeze-spa.com

Blind Therapists

What: Two blind therapists join the usual staff of expert therapists at this spa to pamper you with these three ongoing special packages and other treatments.

Where: Spa Cenvaree of Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok When: Ongoing How much: Royal Thai Massage at THB 1,600 for 60 minutes and THB 1,900 for 90 minutes. A a 60-minute Traditional Foot Massage is THB1,300, Aromatherapy Massage is THB 1,900 and THB 2,300 More info: 02 541 1234, ext 4292 and 4567 or email: spacenvareecglb@chr.co.th

MAY 2016 | 59

Robert Rijnders, Senior Vice President and Area General Manager for Pattaya, ONYX Hospitality Group

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Photo from ONYX Hospitality Group

LIFESTYLE PERSONALITY

BACK FULL CIRCLE

Robert Rijnders, now senior vice president and area general manager for Pattaya of the ONYX Hospitality Group, is just glad to be back where his hospitality career started

I

n an exclusive interview that covered a vast range of subjects, Robert Rijnders, senior vice president and area general manager for Pattaya of the ONYX Hospitality Group, recently related how he became a hotelier in Thailand, put us up to some juicy bits in the nitty-gritty world of hospitality management, and gave us a glimpse of the exciting days of Pattaya then and now.

“It’s in the blood,” Rijnders told Lookeast on how he became an hotelier. Now in his 35th year with the same company that started in Pattaya in 1981, the veteran hotelier says he grew up around bars and restaurants, besides having a father who ran a small hotel in his native Heerlen in the Netherlands.

As a young boy, he remembers getting annoyed by his father’s constant pestering on what he wanted to become. “Just because my father owned a hotel doesn’t mean I would automatically follow in his footsteps,” he said. “At that time, I still did not really know what I really wanted to do with my life.”

He decided to give in and attend hotel management school. “I only realized later that what he wanted to know was if I was interested in taking over the family’s hotel business or had other plans,” he said. “But on hindsight, I’m glad I did go to the hotel school.” He graduated from the Maastricht Hotel Management School in 1979.

During a holiday break in his three-year compulsory military service, Rijnders and his best hotel school friend (now GM of the Thai Garden Resort Pattaya) traveled to Asia. “We ended up in Thailand, and this opened a whole new perspective for me, not only about the hospitality industry, but also about this part of the world that was new to us.” He was 23.

“We fell in love with Thailand for obvious reasons,” he said. “Imagine

by Percy Roxas two young provincial guys having discovered what paradise is! But it was never his intention to work and stay in Thailand this long. He said he just intended to live a couple of ‘wild years’ here and return home.

Today, he says that if he could sign-up for another 35 years to stay here, he would.

To make the long story short, Robert joined Amari Hotels & Resorts, then called Siam Lodge Group of Hotels. “But first, I had to convince my sister to take over our Dad’s hotel business,” he recalled. She agreed, and Rijnders earned himself a free card to stay in Asia.

First stint was at the Nipa Lodge Hotel in Pattaya, where he worked until 1986. Then he went to The Rincome Chiang Mai for two years and returned to Pattaya in 1989 (at the Orchid Lodge Hotel). In 1993, he moved to Bangkok for the preopening of the Amari Atrium, which, two years ago, had rebranded as Avani Atrium. After that, he was transferred to the Amari’s corporate headquarters in Bangkok in 2001, and he stayed even after Amari rebranded to ONYX in 2008.

His return to Pattaya last January, after 15 years in a corporate role, brings him back full circle, so to speak. Bringing his long expertise in operational guidance and hands-on management, Rijnders today oversees the five existing properties in Pattaya: Amari Pattaya, Amari Nova Suites, Nova Gold, Nova Park, and Nova Platinum. Rijnders also manages the pre-opening and opening of ONYX’s two newest properties in the region: Amari Residences Pattaya and Nova Express Pattaya.

Rijnder’s multi-property operations experience has provided him with a firm and better understanding of the different traditions and cultures of--as well as business acumen in—the hospitality industry. He sees the next five years as among the most challenging, not only

for Pattaya but also for the expansion that the ONYX group is eyeing in the region; ONYX is also on the lookout for more properties in the Eastern Seaboard -- Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Rayong, Sri Racha, and Na Jomtien, he said.

ONYX in fact had been undergoing aggressive expansion.

“When we started we only had 11 hotels,” Rijnders said. “Now, we have 40 and growing.” The group actually targets to hit more than 100 hotels within the next six to seven years, not only in Thailand but also within Southeast Asia and China. "We should be opening about eight to nine hotels a year, under equity or managed and under multiple brands (Amari, Shama, and OZO),” he said.

He admits that there are quite some challenges to face in the current Pattaya tourism environment, including the ever-changing guest behavior trends, the shifting market forces, and ‘the need to constantly provide value of our ONYX brands to our owners,’ but he thinks the group is ready for these challenges.

“We have to continuously adjust our product, we need to be up-to-date with new demand trends, and we have to reinvent our F&B offerings to be more competitive. For our Amari Pattaya property, we will be working on an exciting re-development and renovation program over the next three years,” he shared.

And he is more than glad to be back on the ground again. “I enjoy seeing it daily on the floor, the small details, which you have forgotten if you are managing from an airconditioned office at the corporate head office,” he said. “What gets me up in the morning are the daily exciting challenges that we hoteliers face. I enjoy most building -- and working together with a solid team who shares my vision to achieve great results for both our owners and our guests. In the end, it’s all about results. It’s the results that count.”

Indeed, there are many opportunities for us to help and assist owners as our partners with our management and marketing expertise,” he said. “We want to grow our brands in the region and not overbuild in Pattaya itself.

MAY 2016 | 61

Chef Joan Roca El Celler de Can Roca

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Photo from World's 50 Best

LIFESTYLE CHEF IN FOCUS

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Recent Bangkok visitor Chef Joan Roca, whose restaurant was voted as No. 1 in the world in 2015, shares his thoughts on Thailand as a gastronomic capital, among other related topics

B

angkok’s nights had more stars than usual in early March, when a bunch of the most renowned chefs in the world gathered here to celebrate Gaggan claim the No. 1 spot in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. We had the pleasure of talking to chef Joan Roca—whose restaurant, El Celler de Can Roca, was voted No. 1 in the world’s homonymous ranking in 2015—about this award, which was celebrated for the first time in Thailand this year.

Q: What’s the importance of Asia’s 50 Best for the dining scene in Asia, and particularly for Thailand as one of the gastronomic capitals in the continent?

A: What it’s telling us is exactly that: that Thailand is a gastronomic superpower – we already knew that.

There is a very energetic, diverse, and warm cuisine here, and also a very complex one, with different styles in every part of the country. This folk gastronomic power is the basis for high-level, creative, innovative cuisine to develop, which is what international rankings—such as Asia’s 50 Best—value. These listings give restaurants great visibility across and the world, and this is good for them, for Asia, and for each of the countries they represent.

Q: Where does traditional cuisine end, and where does modern cuisine begin?

A: This is very difficult to answer because the line is very thin. And I think this is exactly our restaurant’s case: it’s an evolving, slow, progressive, constant process based on nonconformity – this is critical as, if there is conformism, traditional cuisine keeps on being that. When

by Anita Zaror nonconformity is in your DNA, you question that cuisine you grew up with, and you rethink it. Then you travel and realize some things can be modified and enriched, be made more diverse, and also more fun… because the diner wants to have fun. He wants to come and get to know where you live, and how your country and your culture are. But he also wants you to tell him stories: how you are, where you have travelled… all this will show up in your cuisine. Then the shift to the next level takes place, but there is no clear inflection point, it’s a constant evolution, rather.

Q: What elements are required so that a dining experience captivates the five senses or, since we are in a Buddhist country, the six senses, including the mind?

A: That’s the million-dollar question [smiles]. To a greater or lesser extent, all chefs want to excite the diner. We not only wish to satiate the appetite (of course this comes first), but we don’t conform with just that. We want to modify the diner’s mood, to create emotion. We do that by trying to make our dishes tell a story, and also thanks to a committed team who is happy to work at the restaurant, and who will transfer that emotion that comes out of the kitchen to the diners when explaining the dishes to them. The key is that the client knows he will eat well, that employees are happy working there, that he will receive good service, and that the restaurant also cares about corporate social responsibility.

With its well-known gastronomic excellence, a psychologist in the team who manages potential conflict among its 65 employees, and a project by which El Celler makes containers and dishes out of recycled glass, among

other initiatives, brothers Joan, Josep, and Jordi Roca, indeed succeeded in continuously exciting their customers.

In 2013 their restaurant premiered El Somni, a multi-sensory experience that gathered 12 diners from different walks of life in an art center in Barcelona, to explore an oneiric story where the dishes and wines, the images projected, and the music played on that occasion had been planned “to excite.”

“The story started with a girl’s birth, growth and maturity; she experienced falling in love, carnality, conflict, war, and even death. All this was represented in dishes, wines, images, and music – it was very powerful, and a very interesting creative exercise that allowed us to understand where we could push our cuisine to,” he explains.

And this is fresh from the oven: El Celler will soon launch a concept in Barcelona’s opera house where, in 25 minutes, with simpler food and at more accessible prices than El Somni, the Roca brothers will tell diners a story where they will be able to go through some of Cataluña’s most popular gastronomic traditions with the same audiovisual, musical, and gastronomical technique.

Q: What advice would you give to today’s aspiring chefs?

A: I would tell them to think twice if they really like this [laughs], because it’s not easy. Many youngsters get confused nowadays because they see chefs on TV and they think this is wonderful – and it is wonderful, but it’s also tough. It’s a beautiful job, although one you’ll give your life to.

I’d tell them not to get obsessed with recognition, prizes, Michelin stars, or international rankings, but what they have to do is to be happy cooking everyday. Success is in happiness.

It’s a beautiful job, although one you’ll give your life to.

I’d tell them not to get obsessed with recognition, prizes, Michelin stars, or international rankings -what they have to do is to be happy cooking everyday.

MAY 2016 | 63

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

MUST-VISIT HOTSPOTS Where to go for some novel Bangkok food tasting and drinking adventure: here are some new restaurants and bars to explore!

by The Lookeast Team

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LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

Sühring

a 1970s villa at a posh neighborhood far enough but also close enough from the CBD of Sathorn, is where the Sühring brothers invite you to experience, for the first time in Asia, some of the best examples of the so-called “new-German cuisine.”

The brothers were former chefs of Mezzaluna, where their years of experience from Europe became a signature for the restaurant for eight solid years, before opening their own restaurant. The twin, it seems, wanted to prove to the world that German food isn’t just beer, sausages, and Oktoberfest. We are curious of course, but not for long.

At Sühring, the brothers bring to the table modern techniques in serving and preparing German cuisine, although one will not miss the familiar horseradish, sauerkraut, Spätzle, and Frankfurter grune soβe.

Popular traditional German dishes are commonly served in generous portions, and for us, the twin chefs created something that is both sizable and fulfilling indeed: a 9-course and 12-course menu, which might sound excessive but worked brilliantly for us.

The two menus allowed us not only to enjoy the variety of tastes and flavors but also to explore several German dishes all at once. Bite-sized courses were paired with an amazing selection of German wines that effortlessly brought out the taste of each dish to the brim.

Expect a mouthwatering experience that will make you wish to return for more of the Sühring’s brothers cooking. And not to worry: for revisits, the chefs can whip up new things upon requests to keep up the beat.

Sühring

Sühring (Yen Akat 3, 02 287 1799), located in

MARCH MAY2016 2016 | 65

Punjab Grill

Volti Ristorante & Bar

Islero

Sushi Masato (3/22 Soi

Sawasdee 1, Sukhumvit 31, 02 040 0015), the current “talk of the town,” is a hidden gem of a traditional sushi bar in the City of Angels. Chef Masato Shimizu, one of the youngest Michelin star chefs in New York City, was the man behind the restaurant, and he has blessed the city with the finest of culinary experiences.

Taste the freshness of seasonal fish and shellfish that are shipped from Tsukiji market every week, and the real Japanese shari rice that only the skillful can perfectly cook. The menu is filled with about 20 dishes selected by the chef himself, which can be enjoyed at the price of only THB 4,000, exclusive of drinks.

You think that the price is a little bit prohibitive, but apparently many aficionados do not think so. In fact, reservations have been booked until August, so gear up quick and make a reservation now if you want to try the divine tasting of Japanese sushi in Bangkok city as soon as possible! –

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Punjab Grill

Sushi Masato

Islero

Punjab Grill

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

Islero (Ground floor, Athenee

Tower behind Plaza Athenee Bangkok, Wireless Road; Tel: 02 168 8100) Spanish cuisine is coming of age in Bangkok – it seems -- as more and more Spanish restaurants join in the city’s uber-exciting restaurant fray. The youngest kid on the block is Islero, which had its sights set on bringing bold, authentic Castillan flavors through beautifully presented Michelin inspired dishes.

Named after a famous fighting bull that defeated a matador in 1947, Islero offers a menu that not only honors classic Spanish dishes but also pushes their boundaries by embracing modern techniques and presentation.

Head chef Pedro Luis Rodriguez Serrano and famed chef Eduard Bosch, who both have extensive experience in Michelin-starred restaurants, co-created the menu.

A rustic yet refined interior, with the piece de resistance being the central installation/partition featuring food trays in different wooden hues complements sophisticated fare that had foodies saying “wow.”

Make sure you do not miss highlights such as rostit catala cannelloni, a truly appetizing starter, and the grilled octopus tentacles, which are served with beans and traditional Castilian stew.

For the main course, try the lobster rice and the equally sensational suckling pig-Segovia style. There is much, much more to enjoy, of course, but as they say: the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so drop by as soon as you can. The restaurant also features a tapas bar called Cava by Islero, which is perfect for unwinding after work. –

Punjab Grill (Radisson Suites

Bangkok Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 13, 02 645 4952) Known as the “crown jewel of North Indian Frontier gourmet cuisine,” Punjab Grill makes a bold statement from the moment you step into the big wooden carved castle-like gate entrance to settling down your table -- ours right by the glass kitchen where we enjoyed how the meal was made right in front of our very eyes.

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

The rich, distinctive, and flavorful taste of Indian food is well-known to most of us in Bangkok, but Punjab Grill apparently has more under their sleeves,

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This is their second branch in the region, after a recent opening in Singapore that became tremendously popular, and one that we are extremely thankful for. Executive chef Bharath S. Bhat took us to an exquisite culinary journey indeed through his amazing techniques and refined servings.

The house signatures include “Avocado Papdi Chaat,” which is avocado with spicy chutneys and marinated cherry tomatoes served in flour roll cones, “Tawa Scallops,” which is pan-seared king scallop; and “Tandoori Jheenga,” which is tiger prawn char-grilled in a tandoori oven, among the many interesting dishes on the menu.

The rich, distinctive, and flavorful taste of Indian food is well-known to most of us in Bangkok, but Punjab Grill apparently has more under their sleeves, including traditional cocktails and mocktails that we can only describe as full of spice and everything nice, and desserts that are both playful and delicious such as the heavenly “chocolate sphere served in flames.”

LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

(Gaysorn Shopping Plaza, BTS: Chidlom; email: info@nexthospitality.com) takes the Bangkok wine bar sector to an exciting new level, as can be expected from the NEXT Hospitality Group, which conceptualized the place along with Riedel.

Said to be the first not only in Bangkok but also in the world, Riedel Wine Bar and Cellar features 40 wines by the glass (from Wine Emotion System of wine preservation) and 200 by the bottle, so there’s much to choose from. Customers can enjoy new and different selections every time they visit.

A number of wines are artisanal; the rest are well-known labels; and all are served on a recently launched Riedel Veritas range of glassware.

Riedel glassware is unsurpassed in thinness and lightness, and ensures that you drink the correct wine in the correct glass – just FYI.

The decor is classic yet modern, with a dark wood finish that lends a rustic touch to the spacious setting.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural lighting and view of the busy city streets outside. The menu features modern interpretations of classic dishes and a unique selection of charcuterie and cheeses. And the atmosphere will make you want to linger longer: the wine bar is open 11:30 a.m. till midnight.

About Eatery (Sukhumvit 21

Soi 3, Ocean Tower II, 02 665 2772) is the first natural wine bar in the country and offers selections of tapas, soup, pasta, bruschetta, and salad. Of course, the list of wine is extensive, and in addition, there’s one that might interest wine lovers: Orange Wine, known as the new shade of wine, and carries characteristics both white wine and red wine.

Orange wine is produced from white grapes that are macerated with their skin, which blends in the method of making red wine by using black grapes macerated with their skin and white wine that uses white grape but macerated without their skin.

There are more eateries to discover at different corners with craft beer,

Volti Ristorante & Bar

About Eatery

Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar

Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar

charcuterie and cheese, raw bar and a deli.

Volti Ristorante & Bar

(Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok; Tel: 02 236 7777, ext. 6861-6862; www. shangri-la.com/bangkok) features authentic Italian cuisine and live music in the concept of “at-home” luxury. Located at the lobby level of the hotel’s Shangri-La Wing, the place is obviously designed for maximum comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

The main feature is fine Italian cuisine, authentic modern as well as timeless dishes, best enjoyed with the backdrop of Chao Phraya River views, not to mention great live music.

The entrance has a warm inviting design that brings to mind urban Italian-style homes with beautiful plants decorating a brick wall and well-lit floor lamps. The vitality of the modern décor is enhanced by the dominant off-white theme and the nine-stepped walks that lead to the bar on the upper level where the main dining area is located enhance the feeling of vibrancy.

It is in this main dining area where Chef Luca and his team create the hearty modern Italian dishes -- not only visually pleasing but also flavorful and palatable – that include seafood, chicken, veal and vegetarian entrees, as well as pasta and pizza.

The cellar, also in this level, is home to more than 150 world-class wines from around the world that can also be enjoyed in an adjacent outdoor terrace chilling out area accessible through the lower level dining level.

Polside

WINE&DINE SPECIALS & PROMOTIONS

Poolside Barbeque

What: Experience what is called the ultimate International Barbeque Dinner Buffet at the Poolside. Enjoy an exquisite selection from under the sea and BBQ delights fresh from the grill, such as river prawns, cuttlefish, sea bass, New Zealand mussels, marinated chicken, pork, wagyu beef, and assorted sausages.

When: Until July 10 Where: Poolside, 6th floor, Chatrium Bangkok Riverside More info: 02 307 8888, visit www. chatrium.com

What: Enjoy a special menu of exquisite seasonal dishes, just right for sharing, eith each culinary creation on the Fireplace Grill’s new “Seasonal Delights” menu. The dishes features premium ingredients, all imported from France. Highlights include the distinctive flavors of zucchini flowers, crunchy samphire, fresh langoustines, and summer truffles. Available for dinner only.

Where: Fireplace Grill & Bar, InterContinental Hotel Bangkok, Ploenchit Road (BTS: Chidlom) When: Throughout May and June How much: THB 520++ per dish More info: 02 656 0444, ext. 5505 or visit www.bangkok.intercontinental.com

Fireplace Grill & Bar

Seasonal Flavors

Hot and Cold Tapas

Lobster Odyssey

What: Discover a Michelin-star menu highlighted by produce from the sea -- to your table. Amerigo Sesti, head chef at J’AIME, and his team present a 7-course menu created with imported lobster.

When: May 9-21 Where: J’AIME Restaurant, U Sathorn Bangkok, Sathorn How much: THB 3,199 net per person excluding drinks. Available for lunch and dinner.

More info: 02 119 4899 or email reserve@ jaime-bangkok.com

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LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

What: Conrad Bangkok’s first "Caviar Martini Night," showcases many of the finest martinis in the world to be enjoyed with some great live music.

Also enjoy free-flow Beluga Vodka and G’Vine Gin martinis at your leisure while indulging your appetite with premium olive bar, Sicilian lemons, or delicious caviar. The martini trolley will be available every night, 7-9 p.m.

When: May 27 Where: Diplomat Bar How much: THB 4,000++ per person Where: Diplomat Bar, 1st Floor, Lobby Level, Conrad Bangkok More info: 02 690 9244; email: bkkci. diplomat@conradhotels.com

Diplomat Bar

J’AIME

Caviar Martini Night

What: Joan Tanya Dot, Uno Mas chef manager, creates delightful tapas from every region of Spain, from “Cold Tapas” such as mock tuna on ice or foie gras and goat cheese Oreo Cookie, and “Hot Tapas,” such as potatoes soft crisp with spicy tomato sauce and aioli mayonnaise Bravas, prawns garlic paparika and cayenne sizzling in olive oil gambas pil pil, mussels steamed with rosemary, thyme, lemon and white wine; Alaskan scallops cauliflower puree and Joselito ham; and more.

Where: Uno Mas Restaurant, 54th floor, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Center at CentralWorld.

When: Daily, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.

More info: 02 100 6255 or email: diningcgcw@chr.co.th

May Specialty

What: Executive Sous Chef Marco Cammarata of Favola will take you on a journey through Southern Italy to explore the finest imported seafood from the Mediterranean Sea. Where: Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa, 789 Moo 14,

7-Day Burger

What: Welcome summer with the “7 Days, 7 Burgers” promo with an all-new menu items well-crafted by Executive Chef Anan. Until May 31 only.

Where: MoMo Café, Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista How much: Starts at THB 250 More info: 02 343 6789, or email measathornvista@marriott.com

Cascade

Maya

MoMo Café

Bangna-Trad Rd (KM 10.5) When: Until end of May More info: 02 118 7722 or for more information visit favolabangkok.com

Biryani Buffet

What: How about a “Biryani Buffet” featuring a large range of delectable Indian cuisines? Maya present a buffet with items such as non-vegetarian and vegetarian kebabs, breads, and a mouthwatering Biryani Corner (including vegetable biryani, chicken biryani and lamb biryani), plus a choice of two cocktails from a specialty cocktail list, all for just THB 800 net to delight you.

When: Friday nights Where: Maya, 29th floor, Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit More info: 02 683 4888

Cheese & Cold Cuts

What: Love cheese? Indulge in an appetizing platter with three types of cheese, including Brie Cheese, Emmental cheese, and Edam cheese; and a variety of cold cuts, grapes, and dried fruits from around the world this month.

Where: Cascade, Amari Watergate Bangkok, Petchaburi Road, Pratunam When: Everyday, 5-9 p.m.

How much: Enjoy with unlimited beverages at THB 599++ per person with free-flow beverages, or THB 899++ per couple with free-flow beverages More info: 02 653 9000, ext. 353

Terrazzo Restaurant

WINE&DINE SPECIALS & PROMOTIONS

Boston Lobster Scarlett

What: The mouthwatering Boston Lobster menu returns, featuring four styles of Boston lobsters. Enjoy them tantalizing dishes created in Asian and Western styles.

Where: Terrazzo Restaurant, Holiday Inn Pattaya When: Until June How much: THB 1,550 net per item More info: 038 725 555

Scarlett introduces first Dry Ager Machine

The Roof Gastro

Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant of Pullman Bangkok is the first restaurant in Thailand to feature the Dry Ager DX 1000, a professional meat dry aging machine designed to dry age meat but can also be used to produce charcuterie, air-dried cured hams and other meats, as well as store cheese. With this machine, the meat is constantly protected from UV light and kept at a precise temperature of 2°C with 85% humidity thereby preventing maximum weight and mass loss of the meats.

Scarlett is now importing meats exclusively from Rangers Valley Australia, a passionate meat supplier offering premium quality beef, which is renowned for its consistency, flavor, tenderness and succulence. The Australian beef from the Dry Ager DX 1000 will be available on the restaurant’s Côte de Bœuf menu. Prices start from THB 2,550++ per kilo.

Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant is on the 37th floor of Pullman Bangkok SIlom. For reservations, contact 02 238 1991, 096 860 7990, email scarlettbkk@randblab.com

Amazing Akita Beef What: Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the four regions of Thailand. Using the finest ingredients, traditional techniques, handmade spice and pastes, and an extraordinary wealth of knowledge, the chefs at basil create one of Bangkok’s most memorable Thai dining experiences this month. Dishes highlight key ingredients and seasonings from each region. The menu of enticing local appetizers, fragrant soups and curries, and traditional desserts are served with genuine warmth in stylish contemporary setting.

When: Ongoing Where: basil, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (BTS: Asoke) How much: Set menu from THB 1,600++ per person More info: 02 649 8366 or email dining.sgs@luxurycollection.com

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LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

basil

From the 4 Regions

What: Executive Chef Gilles Poitevin creates an amazing promotion showcasing the delicious flavor of Akita Beef, which is being introduced for the first time in Thailand. Be among the first to savor the best of Akita Beef in Thailand, which features the A5 Akita rump sashimi (THB 800 ++), A5 Braised Akita shank in carrot stew (THB 1,400 ++) and A5 pan-seared rump with foie gras (THB 1,800++) as the main highlights. Siam@Siam Bangkok Hotel is the first hotel in the capital to bring the premium beef in Thailand. Get a chance to win two return tickets to Tokyo plus the JR East Weekly Pass Coupon for two to visit Akita in Japan as well when you dine.

Where: The Roof Gastro, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok (BTS: National Stadium) When: Until June More info: 02 217 3000, email: fbrsvn@ siamatsiam.com

What: Hearty beef dishes featuring the best of natural, wholesome Australian beef and prepared in exciting ways are now being served at the Elements Restaurant for lunch and dinner. On the menu are slow-cooked Wagyu beef cheek served with shallots and ginger puree, beef sirloin with roasted garlic and truffle pomme, veal tenderloin with beetroot and mashed potato, and more.

When: Until May 31 Where: InterContinental Pattaya Resort How much: Starts at THB 690++ per dish More info: 038 259 888 or icpattaya@ ihg.com

Loop Italian Restaurant

Sheraton Samui Resort, Koh Samui

What: Spring is the best time for the best taste and texture of white asparagus and Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok’s chef, Luca Casini, showcases his culinary skills in preparing white asparagus using his own recipes for dinner daily. Some exciting white asparagus to be enjoyed in the city this season.

Where: Volti Ristorante & Bar, Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok (BTS: Saphan Taksin) When: Until June 30 How much: THB 560++ to THB 1,060++ per dish More info: 02 236 9952 or 02 236 7777; e-mail: restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com

What: Experience a new, fun new weekend dining with a veritable culinary tour of four of the finest restaurants in Bangkok -- all in one day. A varied "Exotic Safari Brunch" menu can now be enjoyed at Le Danang Vietnamese Restaurant, Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, Hagi Japanese Restaurant, and Suan Bua Modern Thai Restaurant.

When: Ongoing from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. weekends until June 26 Where: Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao (MRT: Phahonyothin) How much: Prices start at THB 1,999++ (food only) More info: 02 541 1234, ext. 4151

InterContinental Pattaya Resort

Australian Beef

Asparagus Temptation

Safari Brunch

What: Kiree Restaurant in Samui offers a delightful buffet and a la carte menu brunch with the option of free-flow premium wine, beer, and cocktails served in cool air-conditioned dining room every Saturday. A great way to spend your Saturday meal on the island.

When: Ongoing, noon till 4 p.m.

Where: Kiree Restaurant, Vana Belle Resort, Koh Samui How much: THB 1,200-3,900 More info: 077 915 555 or visit www. vanabellekohsamui.com/forms/ saturdaybrunch

Volti Ristorante & Bar

Centara Grand @ Central Plaza Ladprao

Kiree Restaurant

Saturday Brunch

Knock-out Gnocchi

What: Chef Roberto’s Italian taste sensations continue this month at the Loop with the exquisite “Gnocchi Sempre Verdict,” a traditional and hearty dish comprising deliciously thick, soft dumplings prepared to perfection with broccoli, shrimps, mushrooms and mozzarella.

When: Throughout May How much: THB 380 net Where: Loop Italian Restaurant, Terrace and Bar, 8th floor of Pathumwan Princess Hotel More info: 02 216 3700, ext. 20818

Food Pairing

What: Pair your small plates with some amazing selection of wine, craft beers, and snacks to pair with your food. Special dishes include fisherman’s prawn satay on roti with peanut dipping best paired with Penfolds Koonungo Hill, Chardonnay or 8 Wired, Semiconductor, American IPA. And of course, there's more.

When: Ongoing Where: Blue Monkey Bar, Sheraton Samui Resort, Koh Samui How much: THB 210-380++ per item More info: 077 422 020

MAY 2016 | 73

WINE&DINE BAR SPECIALS

Rooftop Jazz Night

Cinco de Mayo

Happy Hour at Café Claire What: Bring your friend after work and enjoy a new concept “Happy Hour” with free-flowing drinks, including beer, spirits, cocktails and wines with three kinds of recommended snacks of the day as prepared by Executive Chef Nattakit Kranlayanamitr.

When: Daily from 5 to 9 p.m.

Where: Café Claire, Oriental Residence Bangkok, Wireless Rd How much: THB 999 net per person More info: 02 125 9000, ext. 9080 or email: reservations@oriental-residence. com

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LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

Vertigo TOO

What: Cinco de Mayo, which translates to the ‘fifth of May,’ is a celebration in Mexico and the U.S, commemorating the Mexican’s army victory against France in the 1860s. The fiesta includes treats such as quesadillas, burritos, and nachos and the signature drinks such as margarita, tequila, and more.

When: May 2-6 Where: The Drunken Leprechaun Bangkok, Four Points by Sheraton, Sukhumvit 15 (BTS: Asoke or Nana) How much: THB 260 for food, THB 499 for a margarita pitcher, THB 199 for Mexican shot, and THB 100 for a tequila shot.

More info: 02 309 3255 or email info@ thedrunkenleprechaun.com Maya

Café Claire

By the time this issue comes out, the winners of the world’s most elite cocktail contest held in San Francisco in April would have been announced.

Thailand’s entry is Mitchell “Kai’ Lum, the ultratalented cocktail artisan of Vertigo Too, who showcases “The Haole,” the new concoction that won him the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition 2016 Thailand. Other sensational Bacardi-based beverages from 36 selected promising bartenders around the globe vied for the top prize. With multiple international accolades under his belt, Kai entered the prestigious competition in Thailand with pride and confidence, exhibiting his exceptional skills in presenting a signature cocktail that embodies the tropical island of Hawaii. “The Hoale” is made from prime pineapple mixed with vibrancy of lemon juice, peppery ginger ale perfectly blended in with Bacardi Superior. Since its grand opening in February, Vertigo TOO has offered sophisticated cocktails and cross-cultural food with live music and stunning views of Bangkok’s cityscape to over hundreds of guests.

Wednesdays for Ladies @ Maya

What: Ladies, enjoy free-flow prosecco from 6 to 9 p.m. after spending THB 400++ on food. Maya boasts a relaxed, lounge-style ambience and upbeat music played by resident DJs, ideal for a sundown cocktail and dinner, an after-work gathering, or a party with friends.

When: Wednesdays Where: Maya, 29th floor, Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit More info: 02 683 4888

The Mozart Project

What: On May 13, Thailand’s string king, Tasana Nagavajara joins Pornphan Banternghansa for an evening of piano and violin sonatas by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as part of the 20th Culinary Classics concert series.

Where: The Polo Bar, Dusit Thani Hua Hin When: May 13 How much: THB 500 net per person; THB 1,600 with post-concert Thai Market Night buffet dinner; THB 1,800 with a post-concert 4-course Italian set dinner More info: 032 520 009, ext. 2013 or email: dthhfb@dusit.com

The Drunken Leprechaun Bangkok

What: Enjoy live jazz under the open night sky, 29 floors above the city streets at Park Society Terrace,where sultry jazz meets sexy rooftop vibe.

When: Every Saturday, 8-11 p.m.

Where: Park Society Terrace, Sofitel SO Bangkok, Rama IV Road (MRT: Lumpini) How much: Free entry More info: 02 624 0000 or email: h6835fb3@sofitel.com

‘The Hoale’ at Vertigo TOO

READER'S TALK EDITORS' PICK

THIS MONTH'S WINNER Congratulations to Sudsai Pairung, a Thai culinary student who has just returned from Australia, -- our winner this month. “Poo,” as her family and friends fondly call her, shared with us her experience in Suphan Buri, for which she wins a voucher entitling her for a one-night's stay at the Hilton Hua Hin, our sponsor for thiss issue!

A

t about this time last year, we visited Suphan Buri, one of the central provinces of Thailand located just two hours away from Bangkok. While the province is not as popular among foreign tourists as other central provinces like Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya are, it actually attracts a lot of domestic travelers. The province is home to several tourist attractions. The number of temples alone in the historical province, which was founded in the 7th century, is awesome and it's a pity really that we cannot visit them all.

But we made it to Wat Phai Rong Wua, which houses around mock-up venues important to the Lord Buddha, not to mention the world’s largest cement Buddha image and the world’s largest bronze multi-spired building known as ‘Phra Wihan Roi Yot’ and the Dharmmacakra (‘Wheel of the Doctrine),” among other things. What we found most exciting though is the

"Hell Garden," where thousands of statues depict sinners are supposed to suffer after life. It can give the creeps, but quite interesting.

Another exciting stop was the Celestial Dragon Chinese Village, also known as Wat Mangkon, famous for the giant dragon that suggests the province's Chinese affinity. The village also houses a museum showcasing the history of the first Chinese settlers in Thailand.

The Old Sam Chuk Market is also interesting. This hundred-yearold market along the Tha-Chin River takes us back in time with its wooden shop houses in the Thai original style. And if that’s not enough, one can take a river cruise and witness a surrounding that seems to have been caught in a time warp.

The photos I took are probably not representative of the entire tourism wonders of Suphanburi, but I hope they will encourage more people to visit the province, and enjoy it, as I did -- as soon as possible!

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