LOOKEAST November 2015

LIFESTYLE

HOTELS

DINING

NIGHTLIFE

SHOPPING

EVENTS

PERSONALITIES

ART

CULTURE

SPAS

FASHION

EST. 1971

NOVEMBER ISSN 0857-1139

TRAVEL

NOVEMBER 2015

WINE COUNTRY The vineyards of Khao Yai

A ‘COOLER’ LUMPUR New KL hotspots

NOVEMBER 2015 VOL.44 NO.11

FOODIE HAVEN

Bangkok’s newest bars and bistros

REAL ESTATE

The Hottest Deals

What to know before investing in Thailand WWW.LOOKEASTMAGAZINE.COM

THB100

WHAT'S INSIDE

NOVEMBER 2015 8 Reader’s Talk

CALENDAR 9 46 56 62 66

What’s On Hotel Deals Spa Offers Dining Promotions Bar Specials

COVER STORY

26

26 STATE OF REAL ESTATE – Experts agree: Despite everything, opportunities still about for real estate and property investors in ThailandWeddings

TRAVEL

18 Feature: Wine Country: Khao Yai’s Vineyard Tours 22 Feature: A ‘Cooler’ Lumpur 38 Culture: Top Thailand Festivals 25 My Favorite Place 36 Feature: Buying Villas in Paradise 40 Checking In: A Stay at Aleenta Hua Hin 42 Ask the Concierge 48 Travel News

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LOOKEAST | WHAT'S INSIDE

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52

LIFESTYLE

44 Neighborhoods: Exploring Or Tor Kor 52 Personality: Opening Borders – Interview ith Sansiri’s SEVP

WINE & DINE

58 Review: Broccoli Revolution – March of the Veggies 60 Round-up: New Foodie Haven – Piman 49 65 Review: Black Amber– Cool Cuts

Step back in time at Scalini as we celebrate Italy's romantic Renaissance period with an authentic Italian medieval

cordially invites you to the night of

Renaissance AVAILABLE 23 TO 28 NOVEMBER

PRICED AT THB 2,400++.

3-COURSE DINNER MENU WITH WINE PAIRINGS FROM THE FAMOUS RIVERA VINEYARD.

On Tuesday 24 November Scalini hosts an extraordinary 6-course Renaissance dinner priced at THB 2,900++ with opera singers, art exhibition by Saverio Lucci and wine pairings from the famous Rivera vineyard.

For reservations please call 02 620 6666 or scan this QR code facebook.com/scalinibangkok @hiltonbkk #scalinibangkok

Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 24

TRAVEL

EDITOR'S NOTE

November High

T

ime flies quickly; why, it’s already November! November is a great month as it heralds the peak of the high season of tourism in the kingdom, and that means there’s so much for us to enjoy in Thailand during this period.

Of course, the gray weather has not totally left us – it is indeed raining hard as I am writing this piece – but this shouldn't discourage anyone from taking a romp to the many destinations awaiting them for to explore. In fact, with the chilly weather starting to be replced with warmer sunny days, we decided to zoom in on Khao Yai, Thailand’s very own “Wine Country,” which is one of the best short-haul trip you can take from Bangkok. Why you should make a visit and why now – we give you the lowdown.

Khao Yai, of course, is not an accidental choice since it also complements very well our main theme perfectly, which deals with “Real Estate (property).” Don’t look now, but Khao Yai is undergoing a property development boom in its own right despite the sluggish economy we’ve been having lately.

We can hardly claim the last word on the state of “Real Estate” in the country today given the nature of our magazine but since we cannot ignore the passions of many of our readers who are interested in the matter, we did our own take anyway.

They’re hardly in-depth but we only mean to whet the appetite of those who might be interested in property investment in Thailand, and maybe reflect slightly on the

bigger current goings-on in the kingdom.

While on it, check out our interview with Sansiri Public Company Limited’s SEVP, Uthai Uthaisangsuk, who gave us some insights on the continuing success of Thailand’s only integrated property development company; and our tips on “Buying Villas in Paradise,” from those on the lookout for property in destinations like Phuket or Samui.

Elsewhere on this issue, we return to Kuala Lumpur for a roundup of the new hotspots in the “Cooler Lumpur,” as we call it. But before you book a flight over, you might want to check out when the “Top Festivals of Thailand” are happening this month, as well as the new local hotpots such as the Or Tor Kor Market, or Piman 49, which you must definitely include on your bucket list.

Thailand is really almost there as the new gourmet destination of the region, if not of the world, and as if to reaffirm that, the “Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants Awards” ceremony will move to Bangkok next year!

And beyond what’s listed in our Dining Specials page, we also rounded up some restaurants that foodies – discerning or not – should visit during their Bangkok stay.

Of course, these are just the main features. Also inside the magazine are more articles and listings of some of the hottest travel news and deals, bar offers, and spa specials this month. We hope you will enjoy reading them.

And we hope you will enjoy Thailand even more. Safe travels everyone!

Percy Roxas Editor-in-Chief percy@lookeastmagazine.com

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LOOKEAST | EDITORIAL

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 chef 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 the 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

TRAVEL

EDITORIAL OUR TEAM

Chairman Dato Satish Sehgal President Ravi Sehgal Group Publishing Director Asha Narula Sehgal Sid Sehgal, Publisher Can’t wait to see what’s next

Dave Stamboulis, Writ er Still likes heavy metal

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

Executive Director Gaurav Sehgal PR Advisor Earth Saiswang Copyeditor Katherine Walsh

Marco Ferrarese, Writer Enjoys the sense of untamed adventure

Jarmmaree Janjaturonrasamee, Art Director Likes to take photos of nature

Michael Moore, Writer

Crusty old curmudgeon who loves writing about new things...

Apichart Boontid, Production Director Plays football every Thursday

Laurence Civil, Writer kfast Drinks Earl Grey tea at brea and at 4 p.m. every day

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.

Ankita Malhotra, Marketing Executive Collects movie tickets

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LOOKEAST | EDITORIAL

Acharin Suthisawad, Chairman Executive Assistant to n Reads detective fictio

Panitkan Apiratanapimonchai, Executive Assistant to CEO Loves spicy Thai food

www.shutterstock.com

ON THE COVER

READER"S TALK EDITOR"S PICK

THIS MONTH'S WINNER

Congratulations to our November winner, Ken Bartholomew Bass, who shares his story and photos during a trip to Phang Nga province recently. Ken will receive two dining vouchers from Indus Contemporary Indian Restaurant valued at THB 1,000 each, as a giveaway prize.

Follow us on Instagram (www. instagram.com/ LookeastMag)

Follow us on Facebook (www. facebook.com/ LookeastMag)

You too can be part of Lookeast. Send us your photos or short travel stories, and get a chance to win some giveaway prizes from our generous sponsors.

Send your contributions to percy@lookeastmagazine.com before the 15th of each month and be part of Look East.

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LOOKEAST | READER’S TALK

REVISITING PHANGA NGA My friends and I recently took a longtail boat to Khao Taupe, also known as James Bond Island, which is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park.

It took around 30 minutes from the pier. With the bright, sunny weather, the sea became even more beautiful sea and the sky seems clearer, which is how I remember it when I visited here with my family as a kid. This time, I can’t help but notice lots of tourists, mainly from China and the Arab countries.

The impressive islands are actually limestone tower karsts. It was such a picturesque place that it was chosen as one of the locations for the 1974 James Bond movie, “The Man with the Golden Gun” (before I was born!). It became a popular tourist destination after the movie was released. We walked around the island and climbed for five minutes into the center of the islands to see yet another interesting place: Khao Phing Kan. The name means, "hills leaning against each other" in Thai, which reflects the connected nature of the islands. Personally, I like the flat limestone cliff tumbled sideways. It looks incredible and this is what nature has made. You should try to make a visit if you can. The place is very accessible from Phuket, which is just around two-hours drive.

Enjoy you trip and take care :)

WHAT'S ON NOVEMBER

national events & festivals

1-31

Flora Park Festival

What: A festival that showcases more than 100,000 flowers of over 20 different species, on a 360-degree angle viewpoint with the spectacular vertical garden. The event will be held on an area of over 50 rai at Khao Phaeng Ma, Wang Nam Keaw district. The event runs until March 2016.

Where: Wang Nam Keaw District, Nakhon Ratchasima More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

25

Loy Krathong Festival

What: A spellbinding ritual also dubbed as the 'festival of lights" and one of the kingdom's oldest and best-preserved traditions (See separate article inside for more).

Where: Throughout Thailand More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

1- 31

Blooming Bua Tong (Mexican Sunflower) Festival

What: Bua Tong Ban or "The Blooming Mexican Sunflower Festival" celebrates the beauty of the sunflowers, which blooms abundantly at this period. Visitors will love to see the sunflower fields, the waterfalls, and the mist at Ban Hua Mae Kham. Peak blooming season ends in December.

Where: Mae Fah Luang District, Mae Hong Son More info: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Call Center at 1672 or 02 250 5500

7-8

Buriram Long Boat Racing Festival What: One of the traditional activities that mark the end of the Buddhist Lent. Besides the boat competitions, visitors can also enjoy boat procession and other cultural performances.

Where: Moon River, Satuek District, Buriram More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

13-15

Phimai Festival

What: A traditional longboat race that draws thousands of visitors from all over. The event is further enhanced by a light and sound presentation at Prasat Hin Phimai, local art and cultural performances, various fun-filled competitions, and sales of local products and exhibitions.

Where: Phimai Historical Park, Nakhon Ratchasima More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

NOVEMBER 2015 | 9

WHAT'S ON NOVEMBER

national events & festivals November Krabi Bergfah Andaman Festival What: November is tourism season in Krabi and this festival is just one of the many activities visitors to the destination can enjoy during this period.

Where: Krabi More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

13-24

Surin Elephant Round-up and Elephant Show

What: One of the most exciting spectacles of the year in Thailand (See separate article inside for more) Where: Surin More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

22-30

Phra Pathom Chedi Festival

What: Phra Pathom Chedi Festival held annually during the 12th, waxing moon day to the 4th, waning moon day on the 12th, lunar month of every year. The festival fair for Paying home to Phra Pathom Chedi is held annually for nine days and nights.

There are all kinds of entertainment as well as displays of the local products.

Where: Nakhon Pathom More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

25-26

Lampang Floating Festival

What: The festival, held during the full moon of 12th lunar month, has been practiced over a thousand years.

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LOOKEAST | WHAT'S ON

Beautifully decorated boats are floated into the river in the belief that doing so makes merit for the next life.

Where: Lampang More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

250 5500

28 Nov7 Dec

What: During this festival, macaque monkeys are offered a scrumptious buffet to thank them for the prosperity they bring to the town (See separate article inside for more).

Where: Lopburi More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

River Kwai Bridge Week

What: The world famous River Kwae Bridge, built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II, becomes the focal point of grand celebrations and activities that both locals and foreigners find fun, interesting, and significant.

Where: Kanchanaburi More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

25

Yi Peng Festival

What: Chiang Mai’s version of Loy Krathong. "Yi Peng" is the northern Thai term referring to the full moon of the 12th lunar month in the Buddhist calendar.

Where: Chiang Mai More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02

29

Monkey Buffet Festival

29 Nov10 Dec

Silk and Phuk Seow Festival

What: One of the major centers of silk production, Khon Kaen is the venue of a fair to promote silk weaving and sericulture. This festival, held in conjunction with the Phuk Siao friendship ritual, features street processions, and Isan cultural shows.

Where: Khon Kaen More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

art & culture

trade fairs & shows

1-22

Abstract: The Truth of Art

Banyan Tree Bangkok

What: This mixed media exhibition features nearly 100 works by Thai artist Ithipol Thangchalok from 1991 up to now.

Where: Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC), 939 Rama 1 Rd (National Stadium), Bangkok More info: 02 214 6630 -8

1-8

More Beauty

What: This exhibition features oil on canvas paintings on the subject of the obsession with beauty. A picture of a woman, who is addictive to the beautification of her face and body with ornaments, beauty products and even excessive plastic surgery, reflects the false social value of the imitated society.

Where: DOB Hualamphong Gallery, DOB Building 4F, 318 Rama 4 Rd, Bangkok More info: 02 237 5592, ext 4

1-20

Present Tense

What: An exhibition by Chiang Rai based artist Angkrit Ajchariyasophon who is interested in the artistic side of time and change.

Where: Schemata Gallery, Liberty Plaza Road, Phrakanong, Bangkok More info: 088 088 8066

1-15

Spirit Of Sanam Luang

What: Cherdwood Sakolaya exhibits photographs that bring back the nostalgic atmosphere of Sanam Luang’s good old days.

Where: Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoen Krung Soi 24, Bangkok More info: 061 835 6842

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Vertical Marathon

What: The 17th Vertical Marathon, an alternative running event to flat road marathons, takes place this month. Dust off those running shoes, kickstart your training regime, and gear yourself to race up 61 stories (1,093 steps) of Banyan Tree Bangkok. Registration fee is THB 400 net/person includes the official Vertical Marathon T-shirt and a meal box; registration is open until Nov. 4.

Where: Banyan Tree Bangkok, Sathorn Road More info: 02 679 1200; banyantree.com

26-29

Photo Fair 2015

What: A grand international photo equipment exhibition that showcases the most advanced technologies in digital photography from around the world.

Where: Event Hall 103-104, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center, Bangna-Trad Road, Bangkok More info: Photo Business Association at 02 803 7570-1 or visit: www.facebook.com/PhotoFairThailand

13- 14

Krabi-Enlive Seakayak Championship

Where: Muang District, Krabi More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

15

Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon

Where: Bangkok More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

22-29

Laguna Phuket Triathlon

What: Asia’s premier destination triathlon. Over the past 20 years the race has attracted thousands of age group athletes as well as triathlon legends.

Where: Phuket More info: TAT Call Center 1672 or 02 250 5500

NOVEMBER 2015 | 11

TRAVEL ITINERARIES

Things to Do in Bangkok Escape Hunt

(●399 Sukhumvit Road, Interchange (Citibank) Tower, Unit C, B2 Level; 02 611 2828; www.escapehunt.com) Wanna play Sherlock? Escape Hunt takes you back 100 years in time to play the part of the famous London detective who has to solve mysteries set in Bangkok.

Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)

(●158 Wang Doem Road (take the boat to Pier Tha Tien and then take the ferry to cross the river; 02 891 2978; www.watarun.org) Wat Arun, voted as the most popular sight for photography in Bangkok, is probably the most photographed attraction in the capital.

Chao Phraya River Tour

(●78/24-29 Maharaj Rd, Maharaj Pier; 02 623 6001–3;

www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com) If you haven’t seen the Chao Phraya River, you haven’t seen Bangkok. A boat tour along it is an enjoyable experience any time of day, especially at sunset.

Shopping at Asiatique The Riverfront

(●2194 Charoenkrung Rd., Wat Prayakrai, Bangkoleam; 02 108 4488; www.thaiasiatique.com) Asiatique The Riverfront, accessible via Saphan Taksin pier, has become a trendy place to shop for Thai handicrafts, fashion accessories, furniture, etc., and enjoy a thriving bar, restaurant, and entertainment scene.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

(●2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict; 02 226 0335; www.watpho.com) Wat Pho, one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok, is famus for its reclining Buddha image. It is also the birthplace of the modern Thai massage schools.

The Peninsula Bangkok Klong Tours (●333 Charoennakorn Rd; 02 861 2888; www.peninsula.com/Bangkok/en) Tour along the Chao Phraya River for two hours on a long-tail boat, cruising

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

the klongs (small canals) to see the Thai lifestyle.

Chatuchak Market

(●Thanon Phahonyothin, BTS Morchit or MRT Kamphaengpecth) Billed as one of the world’s largest weekend markets, awesome Chatuchak covers an area of 27 acres and is divided into 27 sections. It contains more than 15,000 booths selling goods from all over Thailand.

Get Trendy in Thonglor

(● Sukhumvit Soi 55, BTS Thonglor) Thonglor has become a veritable true-blue entertainment hub with restaurants, stores, bar, and clubs: the place to be and be seen!

The Grand Palace

(●Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok; 02 623 5500; www.palaces.thai.net) The Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew) is considered one of the most significant attractions, probably the most important temple, in Thailand.

The Jim Thompson House

(●6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Rd; 02 216 7368; www.jimthompsonhouse.com) The Jim Thompson House is the home of an American entrepreneur who opened the silk business after World War II. Now it houses a museum and his legacy as the "Father if Thai silk"

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

GETTING ADVENTUROUS IN

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khao Yai National Park promises great adventure opportunities because of its breathtaking terrain and abundant wild animal life

by Katherine Walsh

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Dave Stamboulis

S

itting high on a pedestal with a handful of the world’s most impressive parks, Khao Yai in Prachinburi province is not only Thailand’s oldest parkland but it is also the country’s most visited. Now a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Khao Yai National Park is full of promises of adventure, due to its breathtaking terrain and abundant wild animal life. Visitors will be greeted by English-speaking staff at the Visitor Center that is found at the main entrance just south of Pak Chong, who will be able to point eager sightseers in the right direction - as it can be tricky to know where to start when faced with 2168 sq km of dense forest.

An Overview: Khao Yai is home to five different vegetation zones namely: mixed deciduous forest, hilly evergreen forest, evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen rainforest and savannah forest. These terrains are hidden among a variety of landscapes from the mountainous Khao Rom through to the Sai Yai River, where

many guests head to for some exciting river rafting in the ever-tumultuous Kaeng Hin Phoeng Rapids.

With a variety of trails winding their way through the park, hiking is the most popular activity on offer but for those who prefer to keep the - often sweaty - exercise to a minimum; motorbikes are allowed in the park for just THB 30 and prove to be a popular way to tour around.

And if all that isn’t enough to entice, the possibility of spotting one of the 200 wild elephants who reside in the parkland should be enough to tempt the adventurous side out of the least intrepid of travelers.

Wildlife Spotting

(Khao Yai & Beyond, www.khaoyaiandbeyond. com, 23 Moo 12, Klang Dong, Pakchong, Tel: 089 946 1906) As Khao Yai provides a base to over 800 species of fauna, it’s not hard to spot one of the 392 types of birds, 200 reptiles and amphibians or the 112 mammals that reside here. It’s safe to say the jungle is teeming with

animal life, including macaques, otters, civets, bears, water monitors, and porcupines, and here’s a tip worth remembering: a glimpse of the elephants is most likely to be accomplished at the salt licks.

The more daring of visitors can trek deep into the fertile jungle to see what is arguably the most exciting of all of the animals in the park – a wild tiger. These kings of the jungle still roam the most cavernous parts of the park and while sightings are rare, just the suggestion of possibility undoubtedly gets the adrenaline pumping. The park’s gibbon population offer visitors a wild jungle soundtrack backdrop to explore to, that seemingly plays in a loop in the background with their constant hoots and whoops from high up in the swaying trees.

Not to be left out, the Indian Pied Hornbills add an echoing “cak cak” laughing sound that accompanies the rhythmic ringing of the jungle’s cicadas, which intensifies the jungle sound effects to remind sightseers exactly where they are.

The more daring of visitors can trek deep into the fertile jungle to see what is arguably the most exciting of all of the animals in the park – a wild tiger.

NOVEMBER 2015 | 15

Dave Stamboulis

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

The rapids are classed at levels 4 & 5, basically meaning they are strong and fairly tough to conquer but it’s their extremity makes them all the more exhilarating.

River Rafting

(Sai Yai Resort, Tel: 089 094 7210) If you want to take a break from jungle trekking, then head to the Sai Yai River, where the fast-flowing – and needless to say, adrenaline pumping - Kaeng Hin Phoeng Rapids await. Best enjoyed during the wet, green season from June to October, the course features multi-level rapids comprising of swirling surf, whirling waves and splashing spray as the wild water winds its way round protruding rocks and bushes that sprawl out from the banks.

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Abseiling

(Sarika Adventure Point, www.sarikaadventurepoint. com Tel: 037 616 164) Got a head for heights? Abseiling in Khao Yai is not for the faint of heart and anyone up for the rewarding challenge should

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis

Mountain Biking

(Khao Ito, www.bicyclethailand.com/khao-ito/ Tel: 086 090 4945): For adrenaline junkies looking to keep their firmly feet on dry land, mountain biking is readily available on the jungly pathways. The thrilling tracks should only be attempted by experienced mountain bikers, who thrive when faced with single tracks made up of rocks, mud and sticks, which promise to provide more than enough obstacles to conquer for anyone daring enough to want to attempt them. The amazing scenery and views of the park make this a must-do for any biking-thirsty visitor.

try their hand at abseiling down the Than Rattana Waterfall. Unreachable on foot, the gushing waterfall is exciting to abseil due to its secretive nature and involves a 70-meter drop that ensures this is one of the most adventurous activities in the park.

Other cliffs that provide the perfect backdrops for abseiling include the 18m drop followed by the 38m descent that leads into the Namtok Song Sawan.

Other thrilling activities in the park include elephant trekking, bird watching, waterfall exploring, camping, rope adventures and hovercrafting, and what more could one ask for with so much adventure in such a beautiful environment.

TRAVEL ACTIVITIES

During the festive season, chill out with music and outdoor activities at Escape Hua Hin and Escape Khao Yai

E

scape Winter Yard at Escape Khao Yai is back by popular demand in time for the season of celebrations. Relax and hangout amid the mountains and fresh air, underneath the iridescence of the twinkling fairy lit trees on the hotel’s lawn, where you will be able to take the perfect pictures. Enjoy a DIY BBQ Dinner along with outdoor camping activities in the evening with your friends and family, from Nov. 2015 to Feb. 2016, and get a chance to display your skills as a chef. Unlimited accompaniments will be served Friday and Saturday nights, along with cool live music to keep you entertained throughout the

Escape Khao Yai

FESTIVE ESCAPE night. All for THB 999 net per person.

For New Year’s Eve, make the occasion even more special with the “New Year’s Eve Jungle BBQ Buffet at the Escape Winter Yard.” Savor a fantastic variety of BBQ dishes as well as specialties that the region is so famous for. Enjoy a lavish feast while a live band serenades you. Usher in 2016 with Celebration Champagne.

Price is THB 2,500 net per person.

If you prefer the seaside ambiance, then be at Escape Hua Hin. The recommended “Fisherman Flavors Seafood BBQ” features an array of BBQ dishes and more, served by the poolside.

Only THB 499 net per person. Happy

Scan the code and join our promotion now!

Hours every day (5-7 pm.) features a buy 1, get 1 free on selected beverages, while a live band entertains you.

Special hotel room prices at Escape Hua Hin and Escape Khao Yai are also offered Deluxe accommodation, including breakfast for two, start at THB 3,200 net per night Sundays to Thursdays, and THB 3,700 net per night Fridays and Saturdays.

Promo runs Nov. 1, 2014-Feb. 29, 2016 except during the special holidays and break.

For more information, call 032653-346 or email: reservation-huahin@ escape-hotel.com, and 092-823-2590 or reservation-khaoyai@escape-hotel.com.

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

WINE COUNTRY Some may be surprised to learn that Thailand makes its own wine,but yes, Wine Tourism in Khao Yai is thriving!

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

All photos from PB Valley Khao Yai Winery

by Laurence Civil

T

he Khao Yai wine region is a similar distance to drive to from Bangkok as it is to Pattaya, and it is an attractive alternative destination to the beach resort for a short break.

Leaving Bangkok, drive north on Phahonyotin Road, then take the elevated expressway passing Don Muang Airport. Before Ayutthaya, head northeast in the direction of Saraburi, then continue on the Mittraphap Expressway leading to Nakhon Ratchassima up to Pak Chong, about 45km from Saraburi.

From Pak Chong, the national park is at the end of Thanarad Road, south of Pak Chong town. The park entrance is about 20km from the expressway exit, and the park headquarters are located about 10km south from the park entrance. One of the best ways to explore the wine, food, and scenery is by bicycle and while it is best to bring your own; mountain bikes can he hired close to the visitor center for around THB 100 an hour.

Some may be surprised to learn that Thailand makes its own wine, and traditionally this takes place between the 30th and 50th parallels in both the Northern and Southern hemisphere. Thailand pioneered a “New Latitude of Wine” between the 14th and 18th parallels in the Northern Hemisphere. The reason why Khao Yai produces the best quality grape wines in Thailand is due to the fact that it is located in the driest part of the country the northeast, with a high elevation that gives cool and dry conditions during the ripening period.

Explore by bicycle and sleep, eat and drink in the vineyards. There is often a shroud of mist at dawn before the sunrises over the dusky hills to the east. The wine region has four major vineyards namely: PB Valley, GranMonte and Alcidini to the west and Village Farm to the east.

Let's start at PB Valley, where the region’s first vines were planted in 1998 by Dr Piya Bhirombhadki - the

visionary entrepreneur and owner of Boonrawd Brewery. His pioneering rootstock was Shiraz and Chenin Blanc from France and Tempranillo from Spain, and he declared his first vintage in 1998.

That has expanded to 80 hectares sitting at 320-360 meters above sea level where the varieties now include Dornfelder, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Visitors can stay on site at their resort.

Their contribution to wine tourism was recently recognized at the Golden Tourism Awards (Kinaree Awards of Excellence) Thailand’s travel industry’s equivalent to the Oscars in the agro tourism sector.

All nine of their wines were recently recognized at AWC Vienna, where four received silver medals and the remaining five all won “Seals of Approval.”

The year after their first vintage, GranMonte’s Lohitnavy family planted their first Shiraz and Chenin Blanc vines in the Asoke Valley.

Explore by bicycle and sleep, eat and drink in the vineyards.

There is often a shroud of mist at dawn before the sunrises over the dusky hills to the east.

NOVEMBER 2015 | 19

TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

What put them on the wine map was their daughter Nikki, who graduated in oenology from University of Adelaide and returned to Thailand to become the country’s first female winemaker. Her white and rose wines are clean and crisp, with tropical fruit characteristics sealed under screw caps. Hubert de Bourard from Chateau Angelus from St Emilion,

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Bordeaux, mentored her on her red wines, teaching her that a large part of winemaking is the work done in the vineyard. They were the first Thai winery to produce an estate fruit Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can eat exquisite home style food at VinCotto restaurant and sleep in their sevenroom Tuscan-style guest house.

To complete the western trilogy, head to Aldicini - a hillside winery located at an elevation of 550 meters.

It consists of 20 acres of mostly Shiraz, with a few row of Muscat Blau just because they can. The Terra Rosa soil has a lime base with ample minerals and good drainage, ideal to cultivate quality wine grapes.

They are the only users of the Lyre Trellis system that assists canopy management with having enough foliage to facilitate photosynthesis without excessive shade, which would impede the ripening.

We then cross over to the eastern side to visit Village Farm in Baan Pai Ngam ,Wang Nam Keaw district, where villagers previously grew corn

and potatoes. It began in the same era as when GranMonte. Viravat Cholvanich planted his 80 acres of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon at an altitude of 500m above sea level on the southwestern edge of Korat Plateau, between Tublan and the national park.

Wanting a French-style of Thai wine, Jacques Bacou - the owner/winemaker of Chateau du Roc in Corbiers - was retained as a consultant winemaker and brought to Thailand to design and build Chateau de Brumes Winery (the name means 'Chateau in the Mist' after the region’s climate). The grapes are harvested in the cool of the night to ensure they are safely stored before sunrise. The grapes are then pressed and the wine is made using traditional French winemaking techniques by a combined Thai/ French team.

A visit to the wine country is a weekend alternative to the beach.

After 8 p.m. the nights are cool and a jacket or jumper is recommended.

Alcidini 176 Moo 2 Pak Chong Tel +66-80784-6969 Email info@alcidini.com www.alcidini.com Open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

GPS: 14.54343N - 101.6028E GranMonte Vineyard & Wines 52 Moo 9 Phayayen, Pakchong, Tel: +66-4400-9543/4 GPS N 14.34082N 101.16554E PB Valley Khao Yai Winery 102 Moo 5, Phaya Yen Pak Chong Tel: +66-3622-6415/6 Email info@khaoyaiwinery.com GPS: 14.3433N 101.1456E Village Farm & Winery 103 moo 7, Thaisamakee Wang Nam Keow Tel +66-4422-3407/8 Email booking.villagefarm@gmail.com www.villagefarm.co.th GPS 14.38901 N 101.874565 NOVEMBER 2015 | 21

TRAVEL OUTBOUND

Above: Stylish jazz at No Black Tie Bottom (left to right): Findars Café The Bee Merdekarya

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

A ‘COOLER’ LUMPUR The Malaysian capital swings to new beats thanks to a collection of cafés, diners and clubs that cement its reputation as one of the region’s best cities for live music

All photos by Darshen Chelliah

I

by Marco Ferrarese

have heard quite a few travelers complain that “KL doesn’t really rock.” This claim rings partially true: in fact, for those who want more than swanky dance clubs and wine bars where attire does count, a first foray into Kuala Lumpur’s nightlife can turn into a sour experience. On the other hand, knowing where to look, this apparently dull mega-city hides a number of interesting surprises music-wise.

Straight in the midst of the tourist concoction of Petaling Street, KL’s newest kid on the artsy block is Findars Café (84th Floor Jalan Panggong; facebook.com/ findars; 6-12 p.m.; drinks for two RM20).

Cleverly run by an artist collective who produces artwork in-residence, this cozy café come art and performance space lies right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Chinatown district. A principal magnet for the city’s alternative artsy and dreamers crowd, Findars is a great dig to relax with a cup of handdripped home brew while vinyl records crackle in the background. Try the superb imported beans from Vietnam and Guatemala and check out the cult movie screenings and live bands that rock throughout the week.

No Black Tie (17, Jalan Mesui off Jalan Nagasari; noblacktie.com.my; drinks for two from RM40) has been KL’s stylish jazz club mainstay for the past decade, and doubles as a chic Japanese restaurant. Local and international groups sling an eclectic choice of jazz, folk, rock, and blues as the city’s business and social elite drinks the night away.

If you’d rather take your ties and high heels off, head to KL’s quirky food’n’roll bistro The Bee (36B, Level G2, Publika, Jln Dutamas 1, Kuala Lumpur// thebee.com.my// drinks for two RM40). This chic burger joint NOVEMBER 2015 | 23

TRAVEL OUTBOUND

Above: Take a "walk on the wil side" at The Black Box

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come live music stage has a groovy sound system. Post-rock, electronica, indie and rock bands perform here on a regular basis, including foreign touring bands. The Bee’s eclectic calendar is spruced up by popular weekly events such as the Lot 36 Jam Sessions and the popular BBQ Sundays, both great occasions to enjoy engrossing in live performances while munching on king-size burgers or Mexican entrees.

If you’re more after drinks and good vibes rather than barbeques and loud music, Merdekarya (Jalan 5/57 Bukit Gasing, Petaling Jaya // www.merdekarya.com // drinks for two from RM20) in Petaling Jaya is the prime resource for almost-perfect bluesy wails. Run by Malaysian musician and novelist Brian Gomez, this no-frills open mic blues bar has lovingly nurtured the budding local acoustic music scene for about two years. It’s the perfect place to mingle with KL’s creative elite enjoying the reverberated melodies of talented local slow rock artists who take to the main stage almost every night.

LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

Unplugged and acoustic music might not be everybody’s cup of tea so for an electric rock fix, on Thursday nights veer to the nearby Laundry Bar (The Curve, 6 Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya // www.laundrybar.net // drinks for two from RM40) for live bands, cocktails and a sleek purplish interior that makes for a cool film noir ambience. Rockers beware: the place turns into a full scale dance club with Retro DJ sets on Fridays, and club hits on Saturdays.

If you are brave enough, end your Kuala Lumpur music crawl taking the proverbial “walk on the wild side”: pump fists in the air at the Black Box (Publika Solaris Dutamas, Level G2-01, Block A5 Kencana Tower 1, Jalan Dutamas // drinks for two RM25), the closest Kuala Lumpur gets to a real rock music joint, but without the scruff around the edges. Tucked away in a corner of a sparkling shopping gallery Publika, this black-tinged room boosts one of the best PA systems and stages in the city, and runs the gamut from indie

rock to heavy metal. A mainstay for subcultural types, it’s the place to catch passing international touring bands as you rub elbows with KL’s underground fringe.

KL Venue (@Fahrenheit 88, 179 Jalan Bukit Bintang //www.facebook.com/KLVenue-393223030802594), is another subcultural den hidden behind the inner wall partition of glitzy shopping mall Fahreneit 88. Go to the second floor’s food court and follow all the way to the restrooms to find this treasure trove of grunge, hardcore punk and metal rebellion. If you thought Malaysians didn’t rock, you’ll change your mind after a visit here. For more mayhem and Mohawks, alternative punk house Rumah Api (178 Jalan Merdeka, Ampang) stages the fastest and loudest local and international sounds on offer in Kuala Lumpur.

Be advised though that it’s quite different from the Black Box - here you will find plenty of good old scruffs.

TRAVEL MY FAVORITE PLACE

THE LOCAL

THE EXPAT

THE TOURIST

My favorite place: Bangkok Bring there: Your best pair of walking shoes. Walking is the best way to get to know the city.

Must-do: Eat everything and anything.

Eat at street food carts and restaurants along the avenues. Even durian.

Don’t do: Sleep in. You will definitely be missing out on a lot.

Must-see: Or Tor Kor market—one of best fresh markets I have been to—if you are into cooking and food.

Must-buy: Vintage Molam and Luk Thung records at Zudrangma Records, at Sukhumvit Soi 51.

Eat at: Janhom (273/4 Ramkhamhaeng Soi 21,) awesome Southern Thai cuisine Drink at: The Iron Fairies at Thonglor, or Studio Lam located at Sukhumvit Soi 5 – what a fun joint and the music is always good.

Sleep at: The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok – over-the-top hospitality and comfort

My favorite place: I’m a wanderlust who often spends from three weeks to two months in various destinations, but I love Chiang Mai. I think Chiang Mai is the most special place in Thailand because of its culture. This city has perfect size. It is big enough to have everything you want yet small enough to be able to find it. Also, I like the ease of getting here, with hourly fights you can come and go whenever you like. The value of what you receive for your money is great in Chiang Mai (actually, I think it’s the best in Asia) Bring there: Bring your spirit of adventure and desire to have a good time and don’t forget mosquito spray, Thai rubber slipper, and panama hats Must-do: Trekking at Doi Luang, Chaing Dao Must-see: Doi Suthep Must-buy: Hill tribe bags and traditional costume Must-eat: Breakfast at Café de Oasis Nightlife: A heavenly - after dinner spa treatment Sleep at: Oasis Baan Saen Doi Spa Resort

My favorite place: Koh Phi Phi Bring there: Mosquito repellent Must-do: Scuba dive by day, party at night Don’t do: Drink one of those infamous buckets. You don’t know what you’ll get … except a definite hangover the next day.

Must-see: Viewpoint No.2, ideally just before sunset. The view is totally worth the long walk.

Eat at: Anywhere! The food is amazing all over the island.

Drink at: Reggae Bar Sleep at: Any hotel on the port side of the island. The other bay is full of bars and nightclubs, which makes it messy, a bit dirty, and too loud at night to get a good rest.

James Syhabout Age: 35 From: Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand Job: Chef-owner at one Michelin-starred Commis Restaurant, Oakland, U.S.

Toby Allen Age: 53 From: Thailand/United States Job: CEO of TAP Technology, an integrated spa management software company base in Chiang Mai

Rodrigo Aljaro Age: 31 From: Chile Job: Marketing manager at Undurraga Vineyard, Chile

NOVEMBER 2015 | 25

COVER STORY REAL ESTATE

OPPORTUNITY

Experts agree: In general, Thailand remains an attractive proposition for real estate and property investments

by Percy Roxas

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indeed. And why not? The market remains buoyant because of a number of factors: the generally low cost of living, a stable baht (well, relatively), a range of affordable services, and a more relaxed lifestyle. In addition, there is still a growing Thai middleclass with money to invest and a rising cash sector with foreigners seeking to live and work here. And recent indicators suggest that Thailand especially Bangkok - will continue to be a highly sought-after location in Asia.

by Dave Stamboulis

www.shutterstock.com/ 24Novembers

O

ne doesn’t need to look deeper to see the frenzy of real estate developments going on in Bangkok today. A casual drive through the major thoroughfare of Sukhumvit alone, where construction after construction continues to proliferate, easily gives you an idea of how “crazy” the developments are going up.

Thailand remains a favored destination for those considering real estate or property investment,

NOVEMBER 2015 | 27

Sansiri

COVER STORY REAL ESTATE

Bangkok already boasts a wide variety of quite distinctive commercial and residential districts, including Sukhumvit, Sathorn, Silom, Chidlom, Thonglor, Ekkamai, and Langsuan roads. Most of these areas are already home to many foreigners, and not the least because they are near to the skytrain network and other transportation modes -- a key factor to ponder when purchasing property. Closeness to work, medical, retail, and recreational amenities are other crucial points to discuss before signing a contract. If you do have your own vehicle, however, then you

have more freedom to move beyond the city center and research other districts, which may not be as visually attractive and celebrated as the above mentioned, but might provide you an opportunity to buy less expensive property.

And it’s not just in the big metropolis, in fact. Besides those in the capital, a growing number of property developers and brokers are now operating in Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and even Khao Yai. But not surprisingly, Bangkok is the getting the biggest chunk of the cake, and in a manner of speaking, it is still the main market for property investors and buyers.

CONDOS

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Sansiri

Depending of course on budget, lifestyle, expectations, and specific priorities, the options for property buyers are appealing yet also perhaps bewildering with a list that includes luxury penthouses, condos, apartments, houses, villas, and townhouses. The most affordable and

popular accommodation purchase especially in the Bangkok area is a condominium.

Competition is fierce among property companies and owners and it is very much a consumer driven market. Here are some condominiums that are getting a lot of interest, or are selling fast -- if not yet fully sold out:

Vogue at Sukhumvit 16 and 31 offer contrasting but complementary choices of accommodation. Vogue 16, ideally located within easy reach of BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit, has a modern and contemporary feel. The living rooms make effective use of space and light to create an inviting interior. It is a low-rise building consisting of eight floors and 240 units, with one- and twobedroom apartments.

The sister condominium on Sukhumvit 31 has 74 units, a friendly urban environment, and facilities which are equal to that at Vogue 16 with a swimming pool, steam room, and fitness center.

Sansiri

NOVEMBER 2015 | 29

Sansiri

COVER STORY REAL ESTATE

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Ashton Morph 38 on Sukhumvit 38, named after the ash tree, boasts modern, sophisticated interiors complemented by what is regarded as an architectural marvel of a design concept in a lush urban environment. The Millennium Residences, located along Sukhumvit 16-20, is another ideally placed property with an excellent variety of facilities and set among green landscape and relaxing water features.

Farther up the BTS line, the Park Chidlom--with its impressive residential buildings that consists of two towers 28- and 35-stories

high—is hailed as a unique design and with its art deco crowns, the entire construction resembles some of the finest residences overlooking Central Park in New York. In an area of more than five-and-a half rai, there is ample space for the swimming pools, recreational facilities, reflecting ponds, and lush greenery. As expected, the interiors of the exclusive residences match the exteriors, with high ceilings and floor to ceiling glass in most of the living areas, master bedroom and dining rooms to increase the effect of spaciousness and elegance.

BEST PRIC E Golden Teak Wood Plantation in Kanchanaburi

Thomas Glaser

200 Rai plantation located 40 kms from the Myanmar Border (Darn Makham Tia) with approxiamtely 17,000 Golden Teak Trees aged 17 years with legal permit to cut and sell within Thailand.

At Thonglor Soi 4, there is Quattro --‘The Masterpiece Condominium”-- one of Sansiri group‘s most ambitious projects.

In the heart of trendy Thonglor, it boasts cutting edge interior and exterior design, with a superb range of facilities and living features more than worthy of the title, "masterpiece."

MahaNakhon, advertised as Bangkok’s most prestigious address, is situated between Silom and Sathorn roads close to the BTS Chong Nonsi station. The aim is living at its most luxurious including the 200 Ritz-Carlton Residences, outdoor

landscaped public plaza, high-end retail center, and a boutique hotel with 150 rooms.

The buyers? The buyers themselves can be a mix of retirees who have relocated to Bangkok and are wanting a home to relax in; younger working professionals who are employed by large companies in the city and need a base; those who are seeking a second holiday property away from their own country; and others who are aiming to purchase houses/condominiums for rental purposes or to upgrade and sell later to other buyers or tenants.

913 Rai Land Near Myanmar Border in Kanchanaburi.

This is the only land of this size available in Darn Makham Tia, which is located 40 kms from the Myanmar Border and only 4 kms from the main road connecting to the border. 713 Rai is being used as farm land and 200 Rai is being used for a Teak Plantation (about 17 years old). Trees will be sold separately. Suitable for: Industrial Estate, Factories, Logistic Center or similar. Same area as the forthcoming Dawei Project.

Please contact Khun Acharin 083-0965441 or acharin@thesehgalgroup.com

Park Ventures

COVER STORY REAL ESTATE

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Sansiri

More have since risen up of course. According to CBRE Research: “Despite the sluggish state of the overall economy, there was a 96 percent increase year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in downtown condominium launches in Bangkok. After launching very few midtown and suburban projects in Q1, developers returned to the market in the second quarter, launching more than 16,800 new condominium units, an increase of 116 percent quarter-onquarter (Q-o-Q).”

“We have seen mixed results in terms of sales of newly launched condominium projects,” CBRE Research continues. “High sales rates have been achieved in some projects that matched buyers’ expectations in the downtown area as well as the midtown areas on the fringes of downtown. We believe that the buyers of these successful projects were not only end-users but also speculators and buy-to-rent investors.

"However, many entrylevel midtown and suburban

condominiums have been struggling with sales.

“The pressure from the large number of midtown and suburban condominiums expected to be completed this year, coupled with the lower level of demand due to tighter lending criteria, has contributed to stagnant sales in the midtown and suburban areas. Over 72,000 midtown and suburban condominium units are expected for completion this

year with almost 32,000 units to be completed in 2016. The risk remains as to whether speculative buyers of these units will default if they cannot resell before completion and how many end-user buyers will be able to get mortgage loans from banks with tight mortgage lending criteria.”

Looking forward, CBRE Research thinks overall condominium sales will be slower, especially in the midtown and

Thomas Glaser

suburban market. “Developers will use a wide range of tools from soft discounting, like free furniture packages, to hard discounting by actually reducing the prices of completed units to clear inventory,” it says. “More developers are going to try and launch projects in the downtown market, which is perceived as being stronger, but not every project will be able to capture buyers’ imagination and money.”

HOUSING

Many buyers also prefer a house in a housing project, rather than an individual dwelling, because of the availability of central management services, which should include the following: 24-hour security, regular garbage collection, common area cleaning and laundry. Again it is not only the quality of the property, which should be researched but the quality of the shared facilities, as they do contribute to the overall value of the house. By definition, a larger

housing project would tend to have more amenities, and might include a swimming pool, fitness center, or convenience store.

In fact, more foreign buyers are heading to the suburbs, searching for middle to lower-priced housing. The fact that there are fewer high-rise buildings in areas such as Thonburi is seen as a plus by many. It is also welcomed by those with children, as several international schools are situated in areas such as Bangna.

According to CBRE Research, the supply of serviced apartments in Bangkok as of the Q2 stood at 14,150.

“Two serviced apartments were completed and two apartments were converted into serviced apartments during this quarter. Occupancy rates increased by 6 percentage points yearon-year to 81.1 percent in Q2 2015, due to the low base effect arising from the political turmoil in Q2 2014,” it says.

“In Q2 2015, the supply of apartments (single ownership multi-

BEST PRIC E Penthouse Unit in Silom Condominium

11th & 12th Floor 320 sqm unit suitable for office, co-working space or residence. Excellent location on Soi Saladaeng 2, adjacent to Silom Complex with direct BTS Skywalk access to Saladaeng Station. 11th floor unit is 110 sqm and 12th floor unit is 210 sqm. 500 sqm+ roof top for private events. Less than 2 minutes walk to: Saladaeng MRT, Lumpini Park Robinsons, Silom Road, Dusit Thani Hotel, Tops Supermarket, Popular Restaurants and Cafes.

Please contact Khun Acharin 083-0965441 or acharin@thesehgalgroup.com

MahaNakhon

Sansiri

COVER STORY REAL ESTATE

family buildings) in the downtown area of Bangkok totaled around 11,750 units, increasing by 0.4 percent Q-o-Q and 0.3 percent Y-o-Y. Two new apartments located in the Sukhumvit area were completed with a total of 49 units.”

CBRE Research also added that the small number of Japanese expatriates moving back to Japan has a negative effect on the occupancy rate in some serviced apartments, although overall long-term rental rates rose by 3.3 percent Y-o-Y. Which area posted the highest average asking rent rates? The Central Lumpini area with THB 1,260 per sqm per month, CBRE Research tells us.

MahaNakhon

THE BROADER SPECTRUM

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On a broader scale, the real estate and property market covers not just condominiums or housing of course.

There’s also the retail and office segments, the hotel developments, the industrial and investment sectors, not to mention the island villas sector outside Bangkok.

For a more detailed analysis of the current state of the industry,

we recommend a look at the CBRE Research website. CBRE’s “Bangkok Property Report” provides in-depth analysis of the Bangkok real estate market, including property supply and demand, occupancy, take-up, prices, rental trends, and other indicators.

For the rest of you, our foreigner friends who are here to buy some property, it is advisable to do your detective work first. There are several methods of finding property: by looking online, scouring the local newspapers and watching out for signs may be posted in the neighborhoods.

The vast majority of buyers can opt for the more sensible and stress-free route by hiring real estate agents or brokers. Some advice: Choose those with local knowledge, experience, and skills for the most accurate and up-to-date advice.

Many of the companies also provide legal services, and it is highly recommended that you get professional legal representation before you decide on where to put your cash. -- with the LE team

7-COURSE NEW AGE INDIAN CUISINE DEGUSTATION MENU with celebrity chef Nishant Choubey from Dusit Devarana New Delhi On Nov. 11 and 13 Come and celebrate “Diwali” -- the Indian festival of light – by enjoying the food pop-up promotion at the award-winning Indus Restaurant, 7p.m. onwards.

Savor the best of spiced-up, flavor-rich Indian contemporary food with Chef Nishant’s meticulously prepared 7-course menu with his signature twists on classical Indian recipes (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian). Specialties include Study of Tomato, Gatta Gnocchi, Nitro Chili Crystals, Kolkatta Fish, and Caramelized Foie Gras.

Desserts will include Kalakand Cheese Cake and Cointreau Kulfi.

Only THB 2,400++ and THB 3,000++ (inclusive of wine pairing) exclusive of tax and service charge per person Don’t miss this one-of-a kind modern Indian dining experience!

Book now as seats are limited to 50 diners per evening. #71 Sukhumvit Soi 26. | Tel. 02-258-4900 | www.indusbangkok.com | indus@indusbangkok.com

TRAVEL REAL ESTATE

BUYING VILLAS IN PARADISE Here’s a lowdown for those making property purchases on two of Thailand’s most popular islands

by Katherine Walsh

All photos from Sri panwa

J

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ust spent a few weeks in “the land of smiles” and fallen under Thailand’s welcoming spell or lived here for years and are looking for the right property to buy but are not sure where to start? Buying property in Thailand can feel daunting as there are many legalities pertaining to the ownership rights of foreigners purchasing property, but the reality is that the process is far easier than many are led to fear.

It is indeed true that it is imperative for buyers to ensure they have adequate information about the laws on property acquirements in the kingdom in order to be protected from the common difficulties that are easy to encounter, but an educated buyer

should find it simple to avoid any major complications.

Foreign investors looking to spend their hard-earned cash on property on one of the Thai islands will need to begin by getting legal advice from a reliable source. Getting carried away and making a hasty purchase, and being ignorant to the Thai laws that govern the sector will - unfortunately - often see money flushed down the endless pit of non-recoup. Getting a good lawyer is the first step and conducting some personal research is also highly recommended.

Simply put, under Thai law, foreign parties are not permitted to own land, however; they do have the right to ownership of buildings that

the cliffs with views overlooking the ocean.

Hotspots: Areas like Patong, Kata and Karon are popular with anyone looking for a lively, tourist-friendly location, while Chalong, Rawai, Nai Harn, Surin, and Kamala are popular due to their out-of-the-main-touristpath appeal and beach accessibility.

When to Buy: Some of the best value for money deals crop up during the quieter, rainy season that runs from May to November in Phuket.

Who: Russian investors play a pivotal role in buying property in Phuket, along with Chinese, Americans, and Europeans – especially Scandinavians.

are separate from the land – such as condominiums. Two of the most popular ways to purchase land as a foreigner (i.e. to be permitted to buy a villa or house as opposed to a condo) is to take out a long term leasehold or to register a Limited Liability company, both of which any good lawyer will be able to advise would-be buyers about in-depth.

However, if creating a Thai company or buying a condominium isn’t appealing as an investment opportunity, leasing a property on a 30-year lease is the next option but note: it is vital for a successor clause to be added. Alternatively, only companies (not people) should enter the lease and this will help buyers to avoid the lease being scrutinized in the event of a person dying.

Foreign nationals are not entitled to own the following: ● Over 49% of the Thai company that can own the freehold land that a building is built on ● Freehold land

So, just which islands are the easiest to buy on, what type of property should one buy and is there a good time to purchase a dream tropical villa?

Investors seeking high-end, westernized amenities such as glitzy shopping malls and wild party venues mixed with the beauty of idyllic beaches and lush interior jungle will find Phuket hugely appealing.

While anyone seeking a slightly quieter location may prefer Koh Samui, famous for its mountainous backdrops and modern amenities.

Foreign nationals are entitled to own the following: ● A building that is individual from the land ● A property that is registered as a condominium ● A leasehold of up to 30 years

Phuket Overview: Arguably the most famous of Thailand’s islands, with its eclectic mix of modernity and natural beauty all rolled into one island. Phuket is home to some of the country’s most luxurious properties, with many villas perched high on

Koh Samui Overview: Koh Samui is Phuket’s biggest rival in terms of island hierarchy. It is home to long stretches of beautiful coastline, modern road systems and bustling town centers, and many of the most sought-after properties are found either on the beaches or in the mountainous jungle with unbeatable vistas.

Buying property in Thailand can feel daunting as there are many legalities pertaining to the ownership rights of foreigners purchasing property, but the reality is that the process is far easier than many are led to fear.

Hotspots: Chaweng and Lamai are Samui’s main hubs, making them perfect for investors wanting to be close to the action. While Bophut, Maenam, Choeng Mon, Lipa Noi, Nathon and Hua Thanon are ideal for those seeking nature and seclusion.

When to Buy: October to December typically welcome great deals in the property market.

Who: Similar to Phuket - Russians, Chinese and Europeans invest in Koh Samui property with many English, German and Italians taking an interest.

Any investment carries an element of risk, however, Thailand allows investors to safely build on leased land. Show caution when selecting an investment opportunity but bear in mind that the kingdom is now developed enough that adopting the right strategy will ensure an investment is safeguarded. The key?

To hire a lawyer, know the Thai law and understand property ownership rights.

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NOVEMBER FETES Several noteworthy fetes are taking place in different regions of the country this month, so make sure you mark your calendar accordingly

by Dave Stamboulis

T

hai festivals are a great way of getting insight into and participating in Thai traditions and culture, and November is one of the better months in the calendar for seeing some truly unique and extremely colorful festivities. At this time of year, there are several noteworthy fetes that take place in different regions of the country, so make sure you mark your calendar accordingly.

Surin Elephant Roundup

Every year, during the third weekend of November, Surin city in the northeastern region of Isan celebrates the historical connection between elephants and their mahouts (trainers) and the role that the elephants have played in Thai daily life throughout history.

The festival gets going with the elephants replacing taxis, waiting for arriving passengers at Surin’s small train station, and giving them rides around town. There is also a large elephant breakfast to kick off the main event, with a massive lineup of elephants lining the streets to dig into a feast.

The festivities then move over to the large Si Narong Stadium, where there are demonstrations of the techniques used to train elephants, and the big beasts show off their prowess engaging in elephant polo matches, playing football, and large

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us versus them tug o’ war events in which the audience are invited to come out and pull on the rope (of course the elephants always win).

Following the fun and games, the mahouts show off the feeding and bathing rituals, as well as traditional ceremonies like phi pakarn, a rite used to fend off danger during the roundups of wild elephants.

As elephants have traditionally been a vital part of ancient warfare in Siam, the main event of the festival is a fully recreated mock battle with large armies being led by their colorfully costumed elephants, complete with cannons and plenty of smoke and fire.

In addition to these activities, there is also a beauty pageant, a parade, and plenty of rides and photo sessions available with the hundreds of elephants that come in from around the province just for the event. It’s also a great opportunity to experience a local slice of Isaan,

famed not only for its som tam papaya salad and sticky rice, but also for its warm hospitality and funloving inhabitants. Local mor lam folk music and plenty of partying are staples in the small town each year.

The Surin Elephant Roundup takes place on Nov. 20-22.

Lopburi Monkey Banquet

It’s not only elephants who get feted in Thailand. The town of Lopburi in Central Thailand is noted for its abundant monkey population who often seem to have the run of the town, scurrying across the rooftops, greeting arriving trains, and scampering throughout the atmospheric Prang Sam Yod temple.

As the city became noted for its simian population, the residents decided to pay homage to them for drawing in visitors and providing good luck to the town, and thus once a year on the last weekend in November, a massive banquet

Dave Stamboulis

plastic water bottles, and the grounds are littered with monkey droppings yet it is all in the name of good fun.

By the afternoon Lopburi is back to normal with both monkey and man alike sound asleep, and the city looks forward to another year of prosperity and feting their prized primates. The Monkey Banquet will be held on Nov. 28-29.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng Loy Krathong, which means “float a basket,” is one of Thailand’s most important traditional festivals.

The floating “krathongs,” which used to be made from banana tree stalks but are now made from bread or lotus leaves, are formed into rafts, decorated with candles and flowers, and launched by thousands of Thais along rivers, canals, ponds, and other bodies of water, symbolizing the release of anger, bad deeds and corrupt thoughts. The festival also celebrates the end of the harvest

File Photo

Dave Stamboulis

is prepared and thousands of monkeys descend to feast to their hearts content. There are over 4,000 monkeys living in Lopburi, and over 2,000 hang-out at Prang Sam Yod, which is a delightful Khmer temple.

Dozens of tables are laden with food, including some of the most expensive and juiciest durians, and sometimes, the food packets have even been delivered by skydivers, who parachute out of planes and drop into the temple courtyard where the festival occurs!

Due to the large crowds, the monkeys are rather shy at first, but once a few hit the tables, a feeding frenzy begins with thousands of macaques riding on peoples’ shoulders, climbing on photographers’ heads, drinking cans of Coke and Pepsi, and generally making a complete nuisance of themselves.

The temple gets trashed in fruit peel, shredded aluminum cans and

season and pays homage to the Goddess of Water for a bountiful crop.

In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River is the focal point for many Loy Krathong events, with all the top hotels and restaurants with prime access to the river putting on special events, and mass crowds turn out to float their boats.

The festival is even more magical in northern Thailand where it is known as "Yi Peng." This is actually a slightly different festival, but celebrated on the same date, and involves thousands of floating candle lanterns getting released into the sky.

It’s a traditional Lanna Thai festival, but these days there are two festivals: one paid event for tourists with guaranteed seating, transportation and dinner, and the traditional event, which is free of charge but very crowded and chaotic and does take some planning to get to and enjoy.

Loy Krathong and Yi Peng will take place on Nov. 25 this year.

Left: Mahouts and their elephants get ready for the Elephant Roundup in Surin Above, top: A monkey eats a durian at the Monkey Banquet Festival in Lopburi Above, bottom: Participants wait to float their lantern during Yi Peng in Chiang Mai

NOVEMBER 2015 | 39

HOTELS CHECKING IN

Reasons to Love Aleenta Hua Hin

J

ust south of Hua Hin lies Pranburi, one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets when it comes to tourist destinations. The streets are peaceful and free of traffic that you may find yourself sharing the road with cattle from nearby farms, whether you’re riding along in a tuk tuk, car, or better yet, an eco-friendly bicycle.

Quietly tucked away in this little bit of countryside is a most charming resort, Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Pranburi where you can expect picture-perfect water and pristine beaches that seem to be all yours when you stay in one of their luxury beachfront villas.

This hidden oasis of a boutique resort has everything you need for the most relaxing getaway you could

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LOOKEAST | HOTELS

imagine. Only three hours away from the chaos of Bangkok by car, Aleenta in Pranburi makes an idyllic holiday spot and there’s so much more to this resort that meets the eye. Here's a list of some of our favorite things about Aleenta: 1. Saving Mother Nature in every way possible -- Aleenta is setting an incredible example for the hospitality and F&B industries through its sustainability initiatives.

Over the years, the resort has been duly recognized as one of the top sustainable hotels in Asia. It was truly remarkable to see first-hand what’s being done to save our earth and reduce carbon footprint at Aleenta.

Just to give you a one example: water used at Aleenta is heated by solar

panels so the temperature varies each day according to how much heat can be absorbed, but it’s always hot enough for the balmy Thai climate.

You won't find any unsightly solar panels because they’re well hidden underneath the grass rooftops of each villa. These roofs are made with locally grown grass that lets in just enough sunlight for the solar panels to work and also help to keep the villas nice and cool.

Gray water from the villas are also recycled to keep the entire resort looking lush and green, so if the plants ever seem a bit dry then it means the guests aren’t showering enough!

2. Guilt-free 'low carbon footprint' dining - Meals can

All photos from Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa, Pranburi

be enjoyed at Aleenta’s open-air restaurant, The Cellar, which gives you panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. At night, a row of bright green dots light up the horizon – these are squid fishing boats, so you know the calamari is always fresh here.

One of our favorite dishes for main course is the grilled prawn, delicately flavored with local Thai lemongrass. The menu changes quarterly according to what’s being grown each season. All the ingredients used at Aleenta are grown on their organic farms in Pranburi if not sourced within 30km of the resort.

And you can end each meal on a high note with homemade desserts by Aleenta’s talented pastry chef.

3. Cruising the neighborhood on a bike - The comfort of your villa at Aleenta and the stunning view you have of the ocean is difficult to peel yourself away from, but taking the bicycles out for a ride is a must-do.

Not only does the resort provide bicycles, but you can also grab a handy mobile phone from reception in case you get lost or feel too tired to

ride back. Aleenta’s staff will come to your rescue with a golf cart to bring you and the bicycles back!

We cycled down about 15 minutes away from Aleenta to Khao Kalok, a small rocky mountain with a hiking trial that takes you all the way to a beautiful viewpoint. It’s not the most strenuous hike, but there are lots of rocks and steep parts. Somehow we managed to complete the trail in sandals, but would definitely recommend sneakers or close toed shoes.

At the bottom of the mountain there’s a beach where you can kick back and relax with a chilled coconut.

If you’re hungry, just head over to the food stalls offering local Thai fare and seafood. We had a mini feast of prawns and crabs that were caught fresh that morning!

4. Treat yourself to a celebrity facial - After you’ve been kissed by the sun, there’s no better way to rejuvenate your skin than with a facial spa by the world renowned Linda Meredith facial treatments available at Aleenta’s Ayurah Wellness Center.

The therapists are professional and

take great care to provide the most relaxing experience. Simply close your eyes and let them work their magic on your skin.

All of their products work together to give your skin maximum moisture content for a radiant complexion. The creams and gels are free of unnecessary chemicals such as paraben and even safe to use during pregnancy. It’s no wonder celebrities from around the world give praise to Linda Meredith’s skincare line.

This hidden oasis of a boutique resort has everything you need for the most relaxing getaway you could imagine.

5. Your perfect home-awayfrom home -Each villa is slightly different in taste and style, but all are wonderfully unique in their own way and fitted with all the necessary items to make you feel at home. We were especially pleased to find that our villa came without a television set. Who wants to watch TV when you have the most stunning, unspoiled view of nature’s television right in front of you? We kept the curtains wide-open most of the time to enjoy the breath taking beach view.

The private Jacuzzi pool on our patio was a wonderful touch as well.

However, I found the hammock was my favorite place to hang out – quite literally. Another way that Aleenta gives back to the local community is by providing skills training and jobs. The hammock that I enjoyed so much was actually made by the local fishermen during their downtime.

Each one takes nearly 10 months to complete, but they’re beautiful and durable, and the fishermen have a chance to make some extra income.

Egyptian cotton bed sheets and big fluffy towels are expected at luxury hotels and resorts, but Aleenta has taken an extra step by providing the most comfortable set of cotton pajamas for guests to wear. These pajama sets are light and soft enough to sleep in, yet decent enough to have breakfast in, and definitely the perfect thing to wear for spa treatments.

Aleenta Hua Hin Resort & Spa 183 Moo 4, Paknampran Pranburi Hua Hin www.aleenta.com/huahin/ NOVEMBER 2015 | 41

HOTELS ASK THE CONCIERGE

SERVICE WITH A SMILE Kasem Phanprasitha, chief concierge at Centara Grand Hotel @ Central Plaza Ladprao, says he always tries to serve guests like they are his family

by Earth Saiswang

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LOOKEAST | HOTELS

Centara Grand Hotel @ Central Plaza Ladprao

K

asem Phanprasitha, 54, is the chief concierge at the Centara Grand @ Central Plaza Ladprao. A native of Lopburi Province, he joined The Regent Bangkok on Rajadamri Road as a receptionist after finishing his bachelor’s degree.

Like all concierges, he considers his position as the hotel’s “center of information,” important and routinely does the job of a porter and doorman, as well as being a representative for limousine and airport transfers for guests. He says he treats his guests like family – “those who I love the most,” he points out.

How does he describe a typical day at work? “Standing by to offer assistance to guests with a smile,” Kasem says simply.

“It requires positive thinking and taking good care of every single guest, but I think it is a great job and I love it. I can't imagine myself doing anything else.”

Like any other kind of job, little problems can occur at the concierge workplace, but he explains that for the most part it is fun. “Guests never forget,” he says, “they always remember you even for a small deed.” At the hotel where he previously worked, for example, there was a guest who wanted to buy a three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) to take back home to the U.S. Kasem managed to do that for him, and the guest was forever grateful. In fact, three years later the same guest came back and asked him for help to buy some spare parts for his beloved tuk-tuk.

“And one time, I wrote an informal tour plan on a small piece of paper for a guest who wanted to visit some local attractions. The following week, I found out that the guest gave that same note to a friend who also found it helpful and he passed his thanks onto me as well.”

Kasem shared with us some of the tips he gives to Centara Grand @ Central Ladprao guests: Where to go for the best Thai food – “Suan Bua Thai Restaurant in the hotel. I

always get a lot of compliments from our guests who I recommend this restaurant to. I don’t recommend places that I haven’t tried and I love the food - especially the pomelo salad, yum betel nuts and other - at this restaurant.”

How to avoid pimps, hecklers and scammers – “I always tell guests to be wary of any stranger who approaches them to offer something. I also hand them a hotel name card, so that they can get help right away if they need it.”

Where to bring friends to chill-out – “Blue Sky Bar on the hotel’s 24th floor, where guests can enjoy a great view not only of the big city, but also of the green Chatuchak Park nearby.”

Best way to enjoy their Bangkok holiday – “I’m probably biased, but family members can just enjoy in the hotel swimming pool together, or going to the Central Ladprao department store, which is connected to the hotel. But I also recommend that guests explore places such as the amusement parks like Dream World and Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, as well as the Grand Palace and other beautiful temples.”

Where to shop – “Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Central Department stores, as they are both close to the hotel.”

The easiest way to get back and forth to the hotel – “BTS Chatuchak Station, MRT (Phoholyothin Station) or local taxi.”

LIMITED EDITION ASTRAL GEMS PENDANTS BE A PROUD OWNER NOW AND HELP THE NEEDY!

In celebration of its 27th anniversary, Astral Gemstone Talismans unveils a meticulously designed Sri Ganesha Navaratana pendant in aid of the Ramathibodi Foundation.

Designed by renowned gemologist Richard Brown, the limited edition pendants are all handcrafted and emphasize the auspicious number 9.

The Ganesha is sculptured from a 90% clean, natural quartz crystal while the Navaratana consists of a fine 4-mm round-cut ruby, surrounded by a 3-mm round-cut diamond, moonstone, red coral, hessonite, blue sapphire, chrysoberyl cat’s eye, yellow sapphire, and emerald.

Set in 90% yellow gold containing herbal ashes of a Bodhi Tree, all precious gemstones are certified 90% clean.

Each pendant also has an OM symbol and a stamped serial number.

Only 900 pieces will be available – at THB36,000, THB 45,000, and THB 54,000

depending on the size of the pendant and the intricacy of the gold setting.

Ten percent of the sales will go to the Ramathibodi Foundation, which helps sick or terminally ill patients.

Major credit cards accepted with up to 10-month installment plans.

Online payments are available via www.shop-agt.com/376-crystal-sri-ganesha-navaratana-1-999.htm For more details, contact Khun Orawan at 089 772 4098, Khun Panee at 02 252 1230, or visit the Astral Gems stores on the ground floor of CRC Tower, All Seasons Place, Wireless Road; or at La Villa Lifestyle Complex, Phaholyothin Road

TRAVEL MARKETS

SLICE OF THAILAND Or Tor Kor is a fascinating place to stroll about, enjoy a few snacks, and view a slice of Thailand at its best

by Michael Moore

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

T

hailand is packed with outdoor markets where farmers sell their products. Sometimes they appear as if by magic on predetermined days in fields located along country roads. More permanent versions appear on a daily basis in vast sheds located in towns and cities.

They are fascinating places with an array of fish, meat, poultry and produce often not seen in other parts of the world.

Like automobiles, they range in quality from beat-up jalopies to sparkling luxury models. The top model – Thailand's Bentley so to speak – is Or Tor Kor (pronounced Aw Taw Kaw), located adjacent to Bangkok's famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. Described by CNNGO as the fourth “best wet market” in the world, it is easily reached by taking the MRT subway to Kamphaeng Phet station and then departing at exit 3, the one marked “Marketing Organization for Farmers.” When you emerge from

beneath the ground, you will be in Or Tor Kor.

Although many factors contribute to its premier status, one of the most prominent is cleanliness.

Or Tor Kor sparkles with frequently mopped white tile floors and welltended booths mounded with fruits, vegetables, pots of curry paste and a host of other items. But it is much more than simply a place that puts a smile on the face of health department officials.

Quality. To go on sale at this

market, products must be of the highest quality; second-rate items simply don't appear. This is one of the main reasons it is so popular with restaurant owners and others seeking the finest fruit and produce available. For those looking for football-sized pomelos, mangoes without a single dark spot, or gigantic apples with equally large price tags, Or Tor Kor is where they will find what the are looking for.

All photos from Michael Moore

wide selection of fresh “Westernstyle' spices like oregano, thyme and rosemary.

Seafood. The market also has one

Fruit.

Although many things are sold here, the fruit available is probably the most remarkable.

Thailand is noted for its vast selection of tropical fruits and when they are in season, all of them make an appearance. Durian, the infamously pungent fruit encased in a spiky skin, was in season during our visit and several varieties of it were prominently displayed. We also saw numerous fruits rarely found in Western markets, including rambutan, jackfruit, dragon fruit and custard apples. A wide variety of dried fruit is also available, including tasty slices of dried durian and mango.

Or Tor Kor specializes in local products, but the Thai love for fruit causes exceptions to be made. We saw quality blackberries and navel oranges from the USA; beautiful apples from Japan; and beautiful avocados from Australia.

Vegetables.

The market is also a great place to find the finest vegetables available in Thailand.

Of special note is the special shop featuring items from Royal Projects in the north of Thailand. Here you will find things like beautiful leeks; a variety of types of lettuce; and

of the best selections of seafood to be found in Bangkok. A real mind-blower are the gigantic fresh water prawns – they are the size of lobsters! There is also a wide selection of fresh fish that includes several items seldom seen in other local markets, including mullet, flounders, rock fish (think bouillabaisse) and groupers. For those who like things really fresh, several seafood items – like swimmer crabs – are available live in tanks.

Or Tor Kor specializes in local products, but the Thai love for fruit causes exceptions to be made.

Food Court.

Yes, Or Tor Kor is a market where people by products to take away with, but it is also a capital place to have breakfast, lunch or a snack. Foreigners often avoid Bangkok's famous “street food” because of fears about cleanliness, but this concern diminishes significantly at sparkling clean Or Tor Kor. A good way to start is with a unique fruit juice like the incredibly delicious passion fruit juice. Then progress on to a tasty curry, perhaps a mussel omelet cooked on a huge steel pan, or some delicious Chiang Mai-style sausage.

And for those who simply want a cup of coffee, it is available in several forms using locally grown beans.

Even if you are not interested in shopping, Or Tor Kor is a fascinating place to stroll about, enjoy a few snacks and view a slice of Thailand at its best. We highly recommend it as a place to visit.

NOVEMBER 2015 | 45

TRAVEL HOTEL DEALS

LOY KRATHONG SPECIALS

The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

Eastin Hotel Makkasan Bangkok

STAY LONGER, SAVE MORE

EASTIN MAKKASAN

DHARA DHEVI CHIANG MAI

What A special buffet dinner by the pool to celebrate true Thai culture on the most magical night of the year in Thailand.

Where: Eastin Hotel Makkasan Bangkok When: Nov. 25 How much: THB 1,200 net per person More info: 02 651 7600 or 093 884 9860

HUA CHANG BANGKOK

What: An exquisite authentic Thai set dinner and live traditional Thai music after floating your krathong in an enchanting magical atmosphere for all Loy Krathong celebrants.

Where: Poolside Bar and Miss Siam Restaurant When: Nov. 25 More info: 02 217 0777, email: info@ huachanghotel.com

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LOOKEAST | TRAVEL

DREAM HONEYMOONER PACKAGE

asita eco resort

Poolside Bar and Miss Siam Restaurant

What: Experience Thailand’s “most beautiful festival,” made even more special by the exclusive two-nights package offered at The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai, one of the city's most exciting resorts. The “Enchanting Loy Krathong” is a 3-day/2night package inclusive of many perks and benefits.

Where: The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai When: Nov. 24-26 only How much: THB 46,900 per deluxe villa

ASITA ECO-RESORT

What: asita eco resort, an eco-friendly lifestyle resort offering escape the congested city, just 10 minutes away from the Amphawa Floating Market and the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and a mere one-hour from Bangkok, has launched a special offer for the “Loy Krathong Festival” in November. The package is for two persons and includes perks and enjoyable fun activities.

Where: asita eco resort, samut songkrham When: Nov. 25 How much: THB 3,000 net (Superior Room), THB 3,500 net (Deluxe), and THB 4,200 net (Villa Deluxe).

More info: 081 999 1692, 081 999 4641, 034 767 333 or visit www.asitaresort.com

What: Book a 3 or 4-night stay and benefit from a 25% saving on the hotel’s Best Flexible Rate or save 30% off your 5th to 7th night-stay in a resort known for luxury accommodation, gourmet dining, Thailand’s largest free-form swimming pool, activities for the whole family, and more. The longer you stay, the more you save.

Where: Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort When: Until Dec. 20 How much: Rates start at THB 3,127+++ per room per night More info: 075 627 800

What: Dream Hotel Bangkok offers the “Dream Honeymooner Package” for 2-night stay at the hotel’s Premier King Room. The package is inclusive of daily buffet breakfast, complimentary one bottle of sparkling wine, flower spread over the bed and in bathroom, one dinner for 2, and more.

Where: Dream Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 When: Until Dec. 31 How much: THB 7,900 net More info: www.dreamhotels.com/ bangkok

PHANOM RUNG DEAL

What: Enjoy a fuss-free, travel package for two nights at Amari Buriram United and catch a glimpse of a unique phenomenon that is Phanom Rung. The special package includes a journey that begins in the wee hours of the morning to see Prasat Phanom Rung, where it is believed the ’gateway to heaven’ may be seen.

Where: Amari Buriram United, Buriram When: Until Dec. 20 How much: Starts at THB 6,237++ THB for a two-night stay in a Deluxe room More info: www.amari.com/buriramunited/

What: Treat yourself during your next visit to Bangkok with this great value MRT Package. Relax and make yourself at home in a superior or deluxe room with breathtaking view of the city, and enjoy exclusive privileges as well.

Where: Golden Sovereign Tulip Hotel Bangkok When: Until Dec. 31 How much: THB 2,300 net (Superior Room/Single); THB 2,600 net (Double Room); THB 2,600 net (Deluxe Room/ Single); THB 2,900 net (Double Room) More info: 02 614 4777, ext. 8711-2 or email: rsvn@gtsbkk.com

ADVANCE SUITE OFFER

What: Experience absolute relaxation in luxurious suites with the “Advance Suite Deals” promotion at Dusit Thani Hua Hin. Enjoy discounts up to 30% when reserving the suite of your choice 14 days in advance.

Where: Dusit Thani Hua Hin When: Ongoing How much: Starts at THB 6300 ++ More info: www.dusit.com/dthh or contact 032 520 009

EXECUTIVE PACKAGE

What: This Golden Tulip Sovereign Hotel package features many exclusive privileges are provided such as, complimentary daily buffet breakfast, hotel shuttle van service, late check-out hours, complementary WiFi, usage of fitness facilities, steam, Jacuzzi and many more!

Where: 92 Soi Saengcham, Rama 9 Road Huay Kwang Bangkok When: Until Dec. 31 How much: From THB 3300 ++ More info: 02 612 8711; email: rsvn@ gtsbkk.com

MAGICAL WEDDINGS

What: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi, part of the U chain of boutique hotels and resorts and prior winner of “Thailand’s Most Romantic Resort,” invites couples to share the joy of their wedding day by staying at the resort. The resort is currently offering a very special “Engagement and Water Pouring Ceremony Package” for brides and grooms. The package includes an indoor and outdoor wedding venue, monk ceremony, floral stand, backdrop, Thaistyle water pouring set up and one night’s stay for the bride and groom.

Where: U Inchantree Kanchanaburi When: Until Dec. 31 How much: starting from THB 39,900 and catering for up to 50 guests More info: 034 521 584 or email: reserve@ukanchanaburi.com

BUSINESS PLUS

What: Enjoy luxurious facilities, services, and privileges during the business trip in Bangkok with the “Business Plus Package.” Special benefits include daily buffet breakfast at Chatuchak Café or in-room dining, free upgrade to the next available room category, unlimited in-room internet access, complimentary local calls, complimentary laundry, late check-out

Amari Buriram United

Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Golden Sovereign Tulip Hotel Bangkok

MRT PACKAGE

(subject to room availability), and more.

Where: Centara Grand @ Central Plaza Ladprao, Bangkok (MRT: Phahonyothin Road) When: Until Jan. 15, 2016 How much: Rates start at THB 4,400++ per night for a minimum of two consecutive nights in a Deluxe Room or THB 6,200++ per night for a minimum of two consecutive nights in a Deluxe Suite Room.

More info: 02 541 1234, ext. 4116-19; email: reservationcglb@chr.co.th

VALUE PACKAGE

What: Amari Pattaya’s new “Value Package” offers a number of privileges, including a lunch or dinner at Tavern

by The Sea Restaurant, 20% discount at Breeze Spa for any treatment, 10% discount on food and beverages, and late checkout at 2 p.m. This package applies to a minimum 2-nights stay at a Deluxe Ocean View Twin, Executive Club King, Junior Suite and Junior Suite Ocean View room.

Where: Amari Pattaya When: Until March 31, 2016 How much: Starts at THB 10,20 More info: 038 418 418 or visit www.amari.com/ocean-pattaya

Vacant Land in Ekkamai

73 sq.wah, adjacent to Khlong Saen Saeb in Ekamai Soi 32, Ekamai Bridge connecting New Petchburi Road. Motorcycle access to the land. Service pier walking distance. Suitable for a 7-storey budget BEST apartment/condominium building.

Please contact Khun Acharin 083-0965441 or acharin@thesehgalgroup.com

PRIC

E

NOVEMBER 2015 | 47

Uno Mas

X2 Villas

TRAVEL NEWS

New X2 Villas offers modern retro charm

Uno Mas appoints chef de cuisine-manager

Robert Maurer-Loeffler, group director operations Bangkok & City hotels of the Cntara Hotels & Resorts group, has announced the appointment of Joan Tanya Dot as chef de cuisine/manager of Uno Mas, a new dining destination at Bangkok Convention Centre of Centara Grand Hotel & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld. The Spanish-born Dot boasts more than 15 years of experience in the kitchen operations field. He graduated from Escola Bell Art, Barcelona, Spain.

He has worked for Wine Down, Cayman Islands; Hotel Ayre Rossellon, Barcelona, Spain; and La Dehesa Restaurant, London, England. Prior to this appointment he was Spanish chef and manager/executive sous chef at Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok.

Bangkok: Grande Centre Point Hotels present “green, healthy, and creative Thai experiences in convenient locations” aimed at the upper midscale market as a new brand strategy.

Owned and operated by L&H Hotel Management, the newly rebranded Grande Centre Point Hotels currently has a portfolio of three properties in Bangkok: the 277-room Grande Centre Point Hotel Ploenchit (2003); the 526-room Grande Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri (2007); and the 498-room Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21 (2011).

The Grande Centre Point Hotels brand seeks to offer services and experiences for guests that go above and beyond the high-class offerings of properties under its affiliated Centre Point Hospitality. Grande refers to a premium on space and location with easy access to the city’s main central business districts such as Sukhumvit, Siam and Silom where headquarters of multinational companies and government offices are found.

Grande Centre Point Hotels are all within two minute walks of the mass transportation systems such as the BTS sky train or the MRT Underground stations so Bangkok’s best shopping, dining and entertainment areas are within easy reach. In the case of the Grande Centre Point Terminal 21, the hotel and adjoining luxury T21 mall actually connects via a sky-bridge.

L&H Hotel Management is currently expanding the Grande Centre Point Hotels portfolio and plans to open a new hotel in Bangkok’s Thonglor area in 2016. It also plans to expand to other locations in Thailand within the next three years.

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Grande Centre Point

Grande Centre Point Hotels unveils new brand strategy

Chiang Mai - Thailand’s based design hotel group X2 (CrossTo) recently announced the opening of X2 Chiang Mai Nimman Villa. Located in the street of perennial culture of Chiang Mai, this X2 signature villa is nestled in the famous chic street, Nimmanahaeminda where it provides a luxury design escape in the heart of trendy Chiang Mai.

X2 Chiang Mai Nimman boasts seven bedrooms and a private rooftop sundeck, all in modern retro style. Highlighted by spacious and light filled spaces, which create a warm but stylish ‘blast from the past feel’ while also reflecting the destination’s rich Chiang Mai heritage and culture. Each room in this villa is furnished

by Thai and international designers in a modern mid-century theme. High quality Scandinavian designed furniture from teak timbers feature strongly, and create a luxury accommodation option that is unique and charming.

Having been swept up in a wave of development in recent years, Chiang Mai has become an attractive destination to explore for both Thai and foreigners.

Travelers are attracted by the charm of northern artistic cultural importance in beautiful temples, the original city walls, and laidback feeling in the middle of the northern mountains.

X2 Chiang Mai Nimman is located in the city center of Chiang Mai on Nimmanahaeminda street, the chic quarter of town where it is bustling with coffee shops, tea houses, wine bars, trendy restaurants and boutique stores and surrounded by pristine landscape and an abundance of historical attractions.

Bangkok -- The six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries – Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the People’s Republic of China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam – prioritize joint tourism marketing.

Introduced at the recently concluded 20th Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Ministerial Conference in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, the new “Experience Mekong Tourism Marketing Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2020” has been launched and aligns the shared objectives of GMS countries by developing thematic multicountry tour programs and promoting secondary destinations to help distribute the benefits of tourism more widely.

The plan aims to boost tourism competitiveness in GMS, and increase visitor arrivals and destination expenditure.

Jens Thraenhart, executive director of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, said he was optimistic that the marketing plan would help raise further the profile of the GMS as a world-class destination.

The plan recognizes the competitive global tourism landscape, changing consumer behavior, the importance of the Internet and mobile usage, improved infrastructure and access to the GMS.

Ascott more than triples units

Bangkok -- CapitaLand Limited’s wholly owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has made its first foray into the popular destinations of Pattaya, Thailand; and Cebu, the Philippines; by securing five new contracts to manage 875 apartment units. With 14 management contracts signed in Southeast Asia this year, Ascott has added over 2,700 serviced residence units in the region; more than triple the number of units added in the same region for the whole of 2014.

“We have ramped up our expansion in Southeast Asia as we see strong growth potential in the long-term, says Lee Chee Koon, Ascott’s chief executive officer.

“With more than 13,000 apartment units in 73 properties across eight countries in Southeast Asia, over 30% of Ascott’s global footprint is now concentrated in this fastgrowing region. Southeast Asia is shaping up to be one of the most vibrant and attractive markets for foreign investors – with a young population driving domestic demand, growing export figures and various economic policies in place to attract foreign capital.

“The upcoming ASEAN Economic Community will not only boost economic integration in the region, it will also transform Southeast Asia into an economic powerhouse with a population of more than 600 million.”

Ascott has been expanding beyond the capital cities to other areas with significant growth opportunities for serviced residences. For instance, Pattaya is a major city in Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard region with many multinational companies while Cebu is the second major business capital in the Philippines after Manila. Both are also popular tourist destinations. This year, Ascott also secured properties in Jakarta and Yogyakarta in Indonesia; Kota Kinabalu, Nusajaya and Miri in Malaysia; Bangkok and Sri Racha in Thailand as well as Binh Duong province and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

Ascott is also present in Yangon, Myanmar; and Vientiane, Laos.

Ascott

GMS tourism marketing strategy launched

Phuket – Singapore commercial real estate developer Castlewood Group has announced the launch of their first Dream-branded hotel & spa in Phuket, Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa opening later this year. This is part of the recently signed strategic partnership agreement with Début Hotel Group for the development and operation of the upscale Dream Hotels lifestyle brand throughout Asia.

The newly named Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa is slated to open in December this year.

Located at the beautiful Bang Tao beach, this is the first project with Castlewood Group and its subsidiaries who are looking to develop up to 20 Dream Hotels over the next 10 years to cater to the chic discerning travelers seeking exceptional experiences in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The hotel has been awarded in the category of New Hotel Construction and Design at the Asia Pacific Property Awards, the Asia Pacific Hotel Awards and the International Hotel Awards and will showcase two Michelin starred Chefs at its signature restaurant Trilogy, a very first for Phuket.

Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa is just minutes from Layan Beach on the northern peninsular of Bang Tao Beach, in an upmarket area favored by international five star hotels and luxury villa communities.

A triple award-winning eco-friendly hotel design, the Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa breaks new ground with its environmental-friendly features including: 'green' walls to shade all access corridors, passive ventilation design to encourage airflow and reduce power, sun incidence modeling, large overhanging balconies for shade, green roofs for climate management, and low consumption-LED lights and water features. The indigenous landscape is integral to the architecture of the hotel to create an experience that is unique to Thailand within its 174 guestrooms, suites and villas.

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Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa

Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa opening in December

Pullman Grande Bangkok Sukhumvit

Dusit Smiles

TRAVEL NEWS

Dusit Smiles Charity Run

Dusit Princess Srinakarin invites the public to join the “2015 Dusit Smiles Charity Run” to be held at Suanluang Rama IX, on Nov. 1 from 5.30 a.m. onwards. The race, supported by Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd., Ricoh (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Thainamthip Co., Ltd., is a 5.7 km. charity run in support of the “Dusit Smiles for Operation Smiles” project. All proceeds after deduction of expenses will be donated to support the cost of cleft lips and palate children surgery around Thailand. The charity run ticket is THB 150, charity run shirt at THB 350. For more information contact the hotel’s Marketing Communication Department at 02 721 8400, ext. 2052 or email: intouch.cc@ dusit.com.

Pullman Grande Bangkok Sukhumvit joins marathon for AIDS awareness

Philippe Le Bourhis (center), general manager of Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit receives Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali’s trophy cup on behalf of AccorHotels Thailand, as the “Organization with the most participants,” during the recent TBCA MiniMarathon for AID Awareness 2015. More than 160 AccorHotels staff joined the marathon.

Le Bourhis received the trophy from Greg Watkins (lleft), TBCA chairman and BCCT executive director. AccorHotels Thailand has been a major supporter of the TBCA Mini Marathon for AIDS Awareness 2015, which is organized annually by the Thailand Business Coalition on AIDS organization.

Cape & Kantary Hotels has announced the appointment of Daniel Reichert as the new resident manager of Cape House, Bangkok. Reichert obtained the Hotel Management Diploma from Les Roches in Switzerland and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management from IUBH School of Business and Management, Germany. During his studies at university and professional experiences in Europe and Asia, Reichert enjoyed a well-rounded career in the rooms, food and beverage, marketing, and revenue department of multi-award winning international hotel chains. Reichert’s favorable attitude, polished social adroitness, and comprehensive understanding of the hotel industry is expected to make a positive impact upon the staff and guests of Cape House, Bangkok.

Cape House Bangkok

APPOINTMENTS Cape House Bangkok appoints new RM

Amari Watergate Bangkok has appointed a new executive chef, Patrick Fournes. Patrick, who previously worked at the Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort, will be overseeing the kitchen operations for Amari Watergate Bangkok’s dining venues.

Patrick specializes in Italian cuisine. He began his 23-year culinary career in France his native country - where he gained initial experience in a pastry shop. He then developed his career in the F&B Department at 5-star hotels especially when he moved to Switzerland and then crossed continents to Hong Kong, Morocco, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, Vietnam, and now to Thailand.

Patrick is passionate about the daily interactions in managing a kitchen and the challenges that this field presents. He said he is very excited to serve the guests at Amari Watergate Bangkok with his expertise in preparing outstanding dishes, using the skills that he has gained over the years.

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Amari Watergate BKk

Amari Watergate BKk welcomes new executive chef

Uthai Uthaisangsuk, Senior Executive Vice President for Business Development and Project Development (High Rise), Sansiri Public Co., Ltd

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Photo from Sansiri

LIFESTYLE PERSONALITIES

OPENING BORDERS SEVP Uthai Uthaisangsuk hopes to boost Sansiri’s skyrocketing sales volume further with “Open Borders,” which caters specifically to foreigners looking to buy property in Thailand

A

s the senior executive vice president for business development and project development (SEVP-High Rise), Uthai Uthaisangsuk has seen how the 30-year-old Sansiri Public Company Limited grew rapidly. Being responsible for policy management, business development, and high-rise project supervision, he has overseen many successful projects and has helped to ensure the company’s strong performance over the years.

Last year, another challenge beckoned and it looks as promising as ever: Sansiri’s international markets division, called “Open Borders,” which he also supervises. It aims to expand further its business through the sale of high-rise projects to foreign buyers.

In fact, the Kasetsart engineering graduate and a master’s degree (business administration) holder from Middle Tennessee State, USA (among other credentials), revealed that the “Open Borders” department already sold some THB 1.5-billion of property to Thai and foreign buyers last year.

He aims to double that figure by the end of this year. Three multi-billion baht projects along the BTS routes were sold right on the first days of their pre-sales periods.

The affable Uthai has been with the Sansiri group from the beginning and he’s proud to be part of the company. “Sansiri has developed almost 280 projects in Thailand, including the one in London, England, to date,” he tells us. “With its strong 31-year track record in Thailand and loyal customers both in the country and overseas, Sansiri is now ranked as one of Thailand’s top three property companies.”

The winner of the 2013 Southeast Asia Property Awards (Best Developer -Thailand) has achieved, just over the first nine months of 2015, total sales of THB 20.5 billion, or 60 percent of the year's target of THB 33-billion.

by Percy Roxas That’s a record however one looks at it. "This has set us well on our course to meet our sales aspirations for 2015," he says. Sansiri targets THB 30-billion sales and THB 35-billion in revenue for 2015.

But like his colleagues at Sansiri, Uthai does not gauge the company’s success by sales volume or revenue alone.

“Our president, Srettha Thavisin, has always said that a company’s success does not rely on sales volume alone; we want to be the most preferred brand among our target customers.” In fact, they may already have achieved that. They were awarded ‘The Most Admired Brand – Property Sector’ by the leading Thai marketing magazine, BrandAge. Moreover, Sansiri boasts the biggest fan base and number of followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, compared to their rivals.

Uthai says one of the great joys of working with Sansiri is not only in knowing that the company is leading in the Thai property market but also in knowing that it fulfills its clients’ lifestyle needs.

“Sansiri provides the best products to every market segment – from a THB 1-million condominium unit to a THB 100-million luxury estate," he says. "Our 200-plus projects nationwide cover every housing preference in the market.”

“We are a partner for living,” he continues. “Sansiri constructs a life, not just a building. That is the reason why we have to continually initiate services and products to deliver to our customers.”

And that is why he is especially excited about heading the “Open Borders.” By concentrating now more than ever on foreign buyers, he hopes to help expand Sansiri’s success even further. The Sansiri brand is already well-known among Thai buyers, so he believes it is about time they branch

out to other markets.

During Q4, Sansiri plans to launch new projects with a combined value of THB 21.5-billion. Of these, five will be condominiums while another five will be single houses.

“Sansiri, the only integrated property developer in Thailand, prides itself on serving its customers for life. When we build and sell a property to homebuyers, we become their lifelong partners. We position ourselves as a ‘one-stop shop for all things real estate’. We believe that this will be highly appealing to foreign investors,” he says.

“Open Borders” is backed

by Sansiri’s sister company, Plus Properties, which is charged with running property management in all of their properties, including residential services, maintenance, brokerage advice and rental property management.

“This will be particularly attractive to our foreign customers in Thailand,” Uthai says.

And Sansiri is more than just a property company, he says. “We strive to enhance the quality of life and create a pleasurable living experience for our stakeholders, including customers, business partners, employees and relevant communities in order to create a good life for everyone,” he explains as he cites Sansiri’s advantages.

“We strive to provide best in products and services that cover all market segments both in Thailand and overseas; and most of our projects provide yields from rent that reaches up to 5-7 percent.”

“Clients can rely on Sansiri as a trustworthy brand in Thailand with an outstanding milestone record,” he concludes. “By offering full-range services-from property development to after-sale service-we provide not only homes but also a lifestyle and a unique brand experience."

By offering a full-range of services, our goal is based on the belief that our company is an essential part of living.

NOVEMBER 2015 | 53

LIFESTYLE SPECIAL OFFERS

CELEBRATORY FEAST Hilton Pattaya celebrates its 5th anniversary this month with several amazing offers for guests to wine and dine in style at its outstanding F&B outlets!

by Percy Roxas

N

All photos from Hilton Pattaya

ovember is an auspicious month for Hilton Pattaya Hotel as it marked the month when the five-star hotel opened, five years ago, to set a new standard for style and sophistication in Pattaya hotel living. This year, the hotel upped the festive ante even further by giving its guests an opportunity to celebrate its 5th anniversary by enjoying several amazing offers at the

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hotel’s outstanding F&B venues.

“We want the public to celebrate our 5th anniversary together with us,” says Hilton Pattaya GM Mr. Rudolf Troestler “That is why we have lined-up several amazing offers at our F&B outlets for them to enjoy. We want them to come and feel the spirit of celebration by taking advantage of these unbeatable offers, available only throughout November!”

ADVERTORIAL

Here’s a run-down of Hilton Pattaya’s amazing offers:

The offers

At the Drift (Level 16), guests can enjoy a selection of freshly baked pastries, cakes, and canapés accompanied by their free choice of tea or coffee, during the “Anniversary Afternoon Tea Set” promotion for just THB750 per set for two persons.

At the Edge (Level 14), a “Dinner Promotion” will be ongoing, where guests can received an Exclusive Anniversary Privilege vouchers valued at over THB 10,000, if they spen a minimum of just THB 5,000 per table.

Also at the Edge, a special weekend treat awaits diners during the “Sunday Brunch Promotion”

on Nov. 29. Guests will receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and a Hilton Pattaya “Teddy Bear” (minimum of four diners per table).

And at the Horizon (Level 34), diners will enjoy the culinary flair from the winners of hotel’s F&B Master’s Cup 2005 Competition.

Hilton Pattaya’s young, talented chefs will create five special menus especially for those joining in the celebration.

Also, in conjunction with the annual “Pattaya International Fireworks Festival” this month, Hilton Pattaya is introducing special offers on Nov. 27 and 28. The hotel, one of the choicest locations in the city for guests to enjoy the fireworks display because of its location fronting the Pattaya Bay and offering spectacular panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand, offers guests a chance to wine and dine in style at four venues within the hotel while they soak in the fireworks.

the core of Hilton Pattaya’s design concept and philosophy. Panoramic views, high quality design and finishes, and impeccable service play an integral part of the experience that is on offer to both leisure and business travelers.

From the moment you arrive you will know that a new standard for style and sophistication has been set. A unique combination of light, textures, and finishes create an atmosphere of pure indulgence. The luxurious hotel is just 90 minutes from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

For more details and reservations, please contact: 038 253 000 or email Bkkhp_pattaya_ festive@hilton.com)

“We want the public to celebrate our 5th anniversary together with us,and that is why we have linedup several amazing offers for our guests to enjoy.

The hotel

Unique by design and centrally located, the award-winning Hilton Pattaya rises 34 levels above CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, Southeast Asia’s largest beachfront shopping complex, and offers spectacular views over north and south Pattaya Bay and the Gulf of Thailand. Styled with the property’s beachfront location in mind, all rooms and suites feature a stunning panoramic view of the ocean with private balconies.

This unique position forms NOVEMBER 2015 | 55

Breeze Spa

Spa Cenvaree

LIFESTYLE SPA DEALS

Spice of Life Treatment

‘Love is All-Year Round’

What: Surprise your partner with the two-hour For Him & For Her treatment.

For him, a masculine massage to sooth underlying muscles, and for her, a reviving massage for a youthful, glowing skin. Book this package now and enjoy a complimentary dip in the Jacuzzi, or indulge in a warm oil scalp massage together.

When: Until Nov. 30 Where: Breeze Spa, Amari Pattaya How much: THB 4,800 for 2 persons More info: 038 418 418 or visit www.breeze-spa.com

Silky Skin with Lycon

What: Want to regain a clear and perfectly smooth skin, then So SPA’s waxing treatment

by Lycon, formulated with the finest natural resins, bees wax, and sensuous aromatherapy, could be for you. Lycon is a skin conditioning treatment for even sensitive skins.

Where: So SPA, 11th floor of Sofitel So Bangkok, Rama IV Road (MRT: Lumpini) When: Ongoing More info: 02 624 0000 or email H6835-TH2@Sofitel.com

Anti-Aging Facial

Spa Ten

What: Feel young, look young, and keep your skin looking ageless, smooth, and radiant with this anti-aging facial treatment.

Where: Spa Ten is on the 11th floor, Siam@Siam Bangkok Design Hotel & Spa, Bangkok, Rama I Rd (BTS: National Stadium) When: Ongoing How much: Avail of this special 60-minute anti-aging facial now – is only for THB 1,900 More info: 02 217 3000, ext. spa ten or spaten@siamatsiam.com

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What: Treatment begins with 40 minutes of "Spice Body Glow" fresh Thai herbs exfoliation to naturally clean and eliminate dead cells to leave your skin feeling wonderfully refreshed. A 60-minute Aromatic signature blend massage oil follows. It ends with purifying facial, 20 minutes of "Warming Mulberry Pouch Facial” massage to soothe and calm the skin while enhance brightening effects.

When: Ongoing Where: Spa Cenvaree, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, 1 Damnernkasem Road, Hua Hin

King of Oasis Promo

What: Buy 1 “King of Oasis” massage treatment and get another 1 at 50 percent off. The signature treatment is a two-hour massage that takes your spa experience to the next level of satisfaction. Using invigorating and unique combination of “East-Meets-West” massage techniques, it employs kneading, thumb pressure, stretching and firm compression combined with a warm aromatherapy oil massage that indulges the senses. Benefits of this massage include relief from stiff muscles and muscular discomfort, improved sleep and the reduction of stress.

Where: All Oasis Spa location When: Until December How much: THB 3,900++ for two hours, and get another one at 50 percent off More info: 02 262 2122, email res@ oasisspa.net

ADVERTORIAL

THE POWER OF WHITE with Dr. Sunil Dental International Clinic

E

veryone wants a Hollywood smile but not everyone is born with one. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have one, and that’s where Dr. Sunil and his team at Dr. Sunil Dental International Clinic come in.

This distinctive dental clinic with a team of 35 certified professionals, dentists with a passion for the science of dental with art of cosmetic dentistry, provide optimal dental health within state-of-the-art facilities in a relaxing environment.

Dr. Sunil Dental Clinic offers a smile makeover and full reconstruction within a week’s time saving up to 70% of costs for patients (all-inclusive) from the patient’s home country. The clinic offers customized packages, consultations, free limo pick-up service, treatment plan, and promises a valuable service.

Dr. Sunil is a prosthodontist who specializes in procedures such as inlays, onlays, ceramic crowns, implant crowns, bridges, and veneers as well as partial and full dentures. A graduate of Chiangmai University, he has headed the Dental Departments at Kloynthai and Phetcharavet hospitals for 15 years, and is associated with the various professional dental associations and societies of Thailand.

Backed by years of extensive practice with multifaceted and international

cases, Dr. Sunil provides the best dental solutions, including various dental and cosmetic challenges in smile makeover and dental reconstruction.

Dr. Sunil’s caring approach and attention to detail gives even the most apprehensive patients immediate relief and that’s why patients travel from around the world to see him.

A specialist in the restoration and substitution of teeth, Dr. Sunil is a considerate perfectionist who is passionate about his work. He takes time to explain all options available to patients to ensure that they are fully informed regarding their treatment, options, and packages.

He speaks Thai, Arabic, and Indian languages, and by providing knowledge that is necessary to restore or replace natural teeth, and treating facial and dental deformities to perfect the aesthetics of a

patient’s smile, he is often regarded as the Thailand dental industry’s “wunderkid.”

Join Dr. Sunil’s satisfied patients from around the world and enjoy the benefits of the power of smile. Your best smile, the whitest teeth – with the latest dental technology and the best care!

Only at Dr. Sunil Dental International Clinic!

Sukhumvit Soi 71 Soi Pridi Banomyong 14 Building No.5, Moobaan Pakamas, Bangkok, Thailand BTS Phrakhanong Station (Exit #8) Tel: 02 314 6238 Email: oberoibkk@yahoo.com Website: www.drsunildental.com

NOVEMBER 2015 | 57

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

MARCH OF VEGGIES Broccoli Revolution seeks to show that vegetarian cuisine can actually be elevated to a fine dining option

While the restaurant has just finished several months with a soft opening limited menu, November sees the launch of a full selection of dishes.

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T

he foodie blitz that continues to storm Bangkok has seen Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and just about every style and cuisine under the sun represented, but strangely enough, we haven’t seen any vegetarian restaurants. This is why it’s refreshing to see the corner of Sukhumvit at Soi 49 taken over by Broccoli Revolution, a veggie lover’s heaven that seeks to show that vegetarian cuisine can actually be elevated to a fine dining option.

Owner Naya Ehrlich-Adam, a Thai woman married to an Austrian man who owns the noted Monsoon restaurants in Yangon and Ho Chi Minh, decided to share her love of good, healthy food by opening a place in Bangkok, but it differs from her previous venues that focused mainly on dishes from Asia. Broccoli Revolution is more of an east meets west approach, with the menu spanning Middle Eastern mezze (appetizer plates) of hummus, baba ghanouj, and tzatziki, or Mexican guacamole and salsa, plus Vietnamese pho, several Burmese dishes, and

LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

All photos by Dave Stamboulis

by Dave Stamboulis

plenty more, showcasing many of her favorite foods from around the globe.

Top sellers include the quinoa burgers served with guacamole and charcoal buns, along with homemade French fries or salad, and the aforementioned mezze platters, which also have tabouleh, marinated olives, and pita bread in addition to all the dips.

The menu also includes a variety of tasty salads, such as the watermelon and radish salad, which comes served with a touch of hummus and fresh rocket leaves. In a welcome difference from the average trendy new Bangkok restaurant, portions here are actually large enough to fill one up without needing to head out to the nearest street noodle vendor afterwards.

While the restaurant has just finished several months with a soft opening menu, limited to a small selection of appetizers, soups, salads, and main dishes, November sees the launch of a full selection of dishes.

Plus, there are weekly specials made from whatever fresh organic ingredients are available on the market, like organic figs or pomelos.

Juices are also a big part of the restaurant, with a long list of hand-pressed fresh vegetable and

fruit options to choose from with ingredients like kale, cucumber, spinach, and beetroot prominently featured.

For those who think it’s all purist here, there are plenty of reasons other than the healthy food to entice one to hang out. The restaurant stocks Beer Lao and Chalong Bay Rum, has organic wines by the glass and bottle, and also has a list of fruit cocktails. Additionally, there’s vegan pumpkin pie or chocolate fudge cake amongst the list of desserts, and they even do large berry smoothies served in a bowl.

Broccoli Revolution is located right on the corner of Sukhumvit Soi 49 in a large open-space industrialstyle decorated spot with brick walls and lots of hanging ferns and other potted plants - reminiscent of a Manhattan organic green space.

Open from 7 a.m., it’s a great place to enjoy the views out of the large windows that give prime street viewing spots, and there are a selection of teas and homemade granola or chia seeds amongst the items available.

Broccoli Revolution 899 Sukhumvit Soi 49 Tel. 02 662 5002

All photos from Marcel Tapas Bar & Restaurant

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

FRENCH IMPRESSIONS Marcel, a tapas bar and restaurant on Sathorn Road, brings a taste of Gallic gastronomy and ambience in Bangkok

by Christopher Scott Dixon

‘W

hat rain?’ I said to my wife as we entered Marcel Tapas Bar and Restaurant on Sathorn Soi 10, a short walk from BTS Chong Nonsi. The fierce storm outside was already a distant memory as we eased into comfortable chairs in the cozy environment of this new French-themed bistro, set up by a Thai-French couple Arissa (Pom) Nakkerd and Louis Brunissen, who bring with them more than 10 years of experience running a fine-dining restaurant in Paris.

The premises is a shop-house style with inviting glass doors at the front and arched windows on the side. The ground floor where we dined has a really casual feel, with chairs for couples and larger tables for groups. There is also a bar counter in the center. The upstairs eating area has more formal dining tables and a semi-open kitchen, and the subdued lighting adds to the atmosphere.

There are lots of dark wood furniture, objets d’art on the shelves above, and a black and white checkered floor.

Guests are greeted quickly and warmly and they are a mix of back packers, expats, business folk, and locals.

We began with two cocktails. One was called Clover from the “Classique” list, which was a zingy fusion of gin, raspberry, lemon and egg white. The other was a feisty Baudelaire-spiced rum, ginger, honey, syrup, and lemon drink that came from the signature line up of French writers, all of whom interestingly succumbed to alcoholism. But don’t let that put you off in sampling the cocktails as well as the small but distinguished wine list, from which we later enjoyed a very respectable E. Guigual red, 2011 Cote du Rhone.

From the “Tapas” menu, we were first presented with melt–inthe-mouth Camembert croquettes, followed by tasty calamari with chorizo and pastis and for a neat

twist, not deep-fried but stir-fried.

Seafood is sourced from Trat daily, so this means exciting changes to the menu.

Next up were the flavorsome slow-cooked duck confit rilletes. As the restaurant filled up, we filled up too on the mains: tender lamb loin, gnocchi, Parmesan, and a carrot puree’. This was followed by a generous-sized bowl of fresh mussels with a side of crunchy French (well they had to be) fries.

A truly gorgeous “Duo Chocolat” came for dessert, which was a perfect marriage of dark and white chocolate, and cream that finished off a splendid evening.

Vive Marcel!

There are lots of dark wood furniture, objets d’art on the shelves above, and a black and white checkered floor.

Marcel Tapas Bar & Restaurant Sathorn Soi 10, Sathorn, Bangkok www.facebook.com/ MarcelRestaurantBangkok Tel: 02 635 3533

NOVEMBER 2015 | 59

WINE&DINE FEATURE

B

angkok boasts an incredibly large and diverse supply of fabulous eating spots, located mostly in dozens of enclaves around the city. A fabulous new addition to these restaurant-rich oases is Piman 49, located about 100m from the Samitvej Hospital on Sukhumvit Soi 49. It is unique in several ways, but its most distinguishing characteristics are the variety - and high quality - of the casual laidback restaurants that are found there. They are all run by veteran restaurateurs and this is reflected in the quality of the food they serve.

As we make a clockwise swing around the parking lot marking the center of Piman 49, D'Ark (Tel: 02 662 7900) is the first restaurant we encounter, which is good because it is superb. Come here for breakfast, coffee, a snack or a full meal and you will be delighted. Baked goods are made in-house by Joffrey Jacob, and regular menu items are the work of Jeriko van der Wolf, both young French chefs with impeccable credentials. There is always a vigilant manager on duty to ensure everything is runs smoothly. Coffee comes in several manifestations, including those made with single origin beans purchased directly by the restaurant. Quality is what this place is all about.

As we move clockwise, we come to Kaiyang Suayai by Mangmoom (Tel: 02 662 6428),

Piman 49 is a fabulous new addition to Bangkok’s restaurant-rich oases

by Michael Moore

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LOOKEAST | WINE & DINE

All photos by Willem Deenik Bangkok

NEW FOODIE HAVEN

a Thai restaurant operated by a prominent family that serves authentic Isan food for lunch and dinner. Although we have yet to dine here, it gets rave reviews for the quality and authenticity of what is served. Teien Sushi Bar (Tel: 02 662 5757), located on the floor above, is another place we have yet to visit.

As the name implies, Saigon Recipe (Tel: 02 662 6311) serves Vietnamese food: a cuisine that everyone seems to love because of its emphasis on using fresh, natural ingredients. Located on three floors, the restaurant's charming retro decor is from the age when the French roamed the streets of Hanoi. Operated by a Japanese/Vietnamese couple with Vietnamese cooks in the kitchen, the food is authentic and tasty. This is a great place to introduce yourself to Vietnam's scrumptious cuisine.

Next to Saigon Recipe is Kati (Tel: 092 626 0011), a Thai restaurant that uses recipes from a Thai governmentsupported project called Thai Delicious, an undertaking designed to preserve and promote authentic Thai food. It is a small and intimate place with soft colors, lots of bricks, a rustic wooden floor and a collection of ceramic knick-knacks lining the walls. Although the recipes were checked for authenticity, the restaurant uses organic ingredients whenever possible and eschews the use of MSG. This is a nice place for reasonably-priced authentic Thai food.

At about midday, the newly opened Coffee Club was encountered. It is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and - of course - coffee. A part of a popular chain from Australia, there are several outlets in Bangkok. In addition to its UTZ-certified coffee with a blend of beans from Colombia, Brazil and India, it has a surprisingly extensive menu that starts with small pastry items and ranges up to steaks.

Although it is still in the process of getting underway, with its pedigree it looks like it has a promising future.

Next on our clockwise tour is Ramen Tei Premium (Tel: 02 260 7786-7), a Japanese chain that has operated in Bangkok since 1983 and

now has five outlets in the city. It serves a variety of dishes centered on ramen noodles. The portions are large and the food is reasonably priced.

Moving on we come to a real gem, Rocket S49 (Tel: 02 662 6637). Step through the door and you immediately recognize you are in a well-run eating spot: immaculately clean, pleasant (without being overbearing) servers, a menu that makes sense, and most important of all - excellent food. Breakfast and coffee are the real highlights here, but so are most of the other things on the menu. The interior is bright and airy with a Scandinavian feel emanating from the abundance of white marble, blonde furnishings, and large atriumlike windows.

Next on our list is GĂźte (Tel: 02 662 7719), a small bakery, cafe and patisserie. This is a quaintly small

place that serves European-style baked goods with Japanese overtones.

It is an excellnet place for a cup of coffee and tea in the late afternoon.

Our last stop is Karatama Robatayaki (Tel: 02 662 4237), a Japanese restaurant featuring a style of cooking that usually involves grilling food that has been impaled on skewers. Very popular in Japan, these restaurants are always fun. Customers sit in front of an array of items available for grilling. They point to what they want and one of the “cooks� seated behind and above the array of food promptly grills it and then passes it down to the customer. To enjoy this experience in Bangkok, Karatama is a must.

The next time you want to go out to eat, head to Piman 49, where you are sure to find a restaurant that you will really enjoy.

The next time you want to go out to eat, head to Piman 49, where you are sure to find a restaurant that you will really enjoy.

NOVEMBER 2015 | 61

Brasserie Europa

WINE&DINE DINING SPECIALS

Kempinski Thanksgiving

Red Sky

What: For the first time, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok will be offering a Thanksgiving dinner buffet. Enjoy a feast featuring traditional roast turkey served with classic trimmings, turkey ragout fettuccini served with wild mushrooms and crispy herb parmesan as well as traditional sweets, including pumpkin, pecan or apple pie along with lavish buffet stations.

Where: Brasserie Europa, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, 991/9 Rama I Road When: Nov. 25 How much: Starting at THB 1,800++ per adult with free-flow non-alcoholic beverages, THB 2,750++ with free-flow Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne NV, and THB 900++ for children aged 6 – 12 More info: 02 162 9000 or email brasserie.siambangkok@kempinski.com

Alba White Truffle Tasting

What: Enjoy premium quality Alba white truffle imported from the north of Italy with this “Autumn Seasonal Tasting’ promotion, which features a five-course set dinner created by Executive Sous Chef, Hugo Coudurier.

Where: Red Sky, 55th floor, Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld (BTS: Chidlom) When: November only How much: THB 4,555++ per person More info: 02 100 6255 or email: diningcgcw@chr.co.th

Weekend Poolside BBQ

What: Conrad Bangkok’s culinary team will serve up a delectable offering of classic international and Thai BBQ dishes during the Weekend Poolside BBQ at the City Terrace.

Where: City Terrace, 7th Floor, Conrad Bangkok, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd (BTS: Ploenchit) When: Starts Nov. 7 How much: A la carte from THB 200; unlimited BBQ from THB 900 More info: 02 690 9999, Email: bkkci. info@conradhotels.com

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Espresso

City Terrace

Special promo: Come 5, Pay 4

Seafood Specialties

What: The new “Catch of the Day” promotion this month adds to an already expansive daily international buffet a range of fresh seafood selections from the world’s finest waters at the Espresso.

Where: Espresso, InterContinental Bangkok (BTS: Childom) When: Throughout November How much: THB 1,259++ per person, Sunday to Thursday More info: 02 656 0444 ext. 6430 or visit: www.bangkok.intercontinental.com

What: An all you can eat dim sum lunch and dinner priced inclusive of hot or cold chrysanthemum or Chinese tea at a perfect place for families, friends, and business colleagues to celebrate special occasions.

Where: Garden Court Restaurant, Chaophya Park Hotel Bangkok, Ratchadapisek Road When: Ongoing How much: THB 820 net More info: 02 290 0125; 081 43 542 43

White Truffles

What: Chef Edoardo Bonavolta invites you to experience Italian white truffles, one of the world’s most sought-after delicacies and a match made in heaven for any dish.

Available for only a few brief months

Latest Recipe

What: A four-month lobster festival aiming to bring forth foodies taste the fusion to the richest level of authentic Chinese meals starts this month. Back again for Lobster lovers with superb Lobster imported from Canada.

Where: Loong Foong Chinese Restaurant, 2nd floor, Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok, Ratchadapisek Road When: From now till Jan. 31, 2016 How much: Starts at THB 1,800++ More info: 02 694 2222, ext. 1540

International Lunch + Dinner Buffet

What: Enjoy international lunch and dinner buffet in a relaxed dining atmosphere, , featuring dishes especially created for the health conscious by the talented chef, Markus Rotard, and his professional culinary team.

Where: Latest Recipe, Le Meridien Bangkok, Suriwongse Road, Bangkok When: Ongoing How much: THB 995++ per person More info: 02 232 8888 or email fbadmin.lmbkk@lemeridien.com

Memories of Ancient Siam

What: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok invites guests to experience the warmth of the ancient Thai market as the hotel brings guests back in time to the King Rama V era to celebrate this year’s traditional Loy Krathong Festival. Guests can choose a Loy Krathong celebration and float krathongs into the Chao Phraya River and watch the fireworks display in any of the hotel’s venues.

When: Nov. 25 Where: Shangri-:a Hotel Bangkok, Charoenkrung Road (BTS:Saphan Taksin) How much: THB 5,500 net for adults at Riverfront Poolside, THB 5,200 net for the Horizon Cruise, THB 5,000 and THB 3,800 net at NEXT2 Café, THB 4,000 net and THB 5,000 (alfresco) at Salathip, and THB 5,000 at Angelini. Kids 4 to 11 half price.

Early-Bird Offer available.

More info: 02 369 952, email: restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com

Diwali Degustation Dinner @ Indus

What: Celebrity Chef Nishant Choubey, from Dusit Devarana New Delhi, will serve the best of spiced-up, flavor-rich contemporary Indian food during the 7-course "New Age Indian Degustation Menu" designed to mark this year's Diwali celebrations.

Where: Indus Contemporary Indin Restaurant, Sukhumvit 26 When: November 11 and 13 How much: THB 2,400++ (food only); THB 3,000++ (with wine pairing) More info: 02 259 4900; email: indus@ indusbangkok.com

Indus

Lobster Festival

What: Restaurant Savelberg Thailand recently introduced a 2-course Weekday Business Lunch and 5-course Weekend Lunch with optional free-flow De Castellane Champagne The Business Lunch menu has been meticulously crafted by the team of culinary artists headed by Dutch Michelin Star Chef Henk Savelberg, the only chef to have earned four Michelin Stars for his restaurants in Holland. The 5-course Savelberg Weekend Lunch offers guests the opportunity to sample highlights from Savelberg’s À La Carte Menu, featuring contemporary dishes made with French cooking techniques.

Where: Restaurant Savelberg Thailand, Oriental Residence, Wireless Road (BTS: Ploenchit) When: Ongoing How much: THB 990 ++ for the Business Lunch; Regular lunch menu at THB 1,600 ++.

The Savelberg Weekend Lunch is THB3,500++ (food only and THB 4,500++ with free-flow De Castellane Champagne.

More info: 02 252 8001

Shangri-la Hotel Bangkok

Restaurant Savelberg Thailand

LUCE Italian Restaurant

New Savelberg Menu

every year, this rarest of delicacies will be creatively combined with everyday.

Where: LUCE Italian Restaurant, Eastin Grand Sathorn Bangkok (BTS: Surasak) When: November and December More info: 02 210 8100

NOVEMBER 2015 | 63

Bai Yun

WINE&DINE DINING SPECIALS

Sizzling Hotplates The Water Club

What: Partake in the skills of Bai Yun’s culinary team and savour some modern Cantonese dishes prepared on sizzler hotplates.

Where: Bai Yun, 59th Floor, The Banyan Tree Bangkok, Sathorn Road When: Throughout this month More info: 02 679 1200

So Loy Krathong Dinner

What: Loy Krathong by the pool with an amazing view and Thai dance performance, along with a 4-course Thai set menu with a glass of welcome cocktail Where: The Water Club, 10th floor, Sofitel So Bangkok When: Nov. 25 How much: THB 1,700++ per person More info: 02 624 0000 or e-mail: h6835-fb3@sofitel.com

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Fullmoon Moments

What: Experience a full moon night at the roof pool bar with stunning views of Bangkok by night and enjoy a traditional Thai village temple fair atmosphere with classical Thai dance show and live music plus delicious traditional fare buffet and live BBQ cooking station.

When: Nov. 25 Where: U Sukhumvit Bangkok How much: THB 1,150 net per person More info: 02 651 3355 or reserve@ usukhumvitbangkok.com

Apsara River Cruise

What: Enjoy an exquisite International Buffet with family and friends on Thanksgiving Day.at the Atrium or join the Buffet Thanksgiving Dinner Roast with US turkey at the Huntsman Pub When: Nov. 26 Where: Atrium Restaurant, lobby floor; Huntsman Pub, basement floor, The Landmark Bangkok How much: THB 1,700 net (lunch); THB 2,400 net (dinner) per person at the Atrium//THB 900++ per person at the Huntsman Pub. More info: 02 254 0404, ext. 7777 or fb@ landmarkbangkok.com

What: The Kitchen Table presents a fantastic way to make Sunday a relaxing with the new “Lazy Sundays Brunch,” an à la carte brunch menu along with special offers.

Where: W Bangkok, Sathorn Road When: Until Dec. 27 How much: THB 650++ per person More info: 02 344 4311 U Sukhumvit Bangkok

Atrium Restaurant

Landmark Thanksgiving

Lazy Sundays

Loy Krathong Celebration What: There is no better way to pay tribute the Loy Krathong tradition, enjoying a traditional Thai performance and floating your own Krathong on the Chao Phraya River of Kings, than with a magic and romantic dinner cruise.

Where: Apsara River Cruise When: Nov. 25 More info: 02 679 1200

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

ABOVE THE REST Retro is back in style at the Black Amber Barber Shop and Social Club in Thonglor

s the saying goes ‘You're only as good as your last haircut.’ Well, judging by the sharp and trendy look of the youthful Black Amber owner Chavin (Kwan) Tantaterm, he is a great advert for the quality of his establishment.

Tucked away between soi five and seven on Thonglor in the city, the Barber Shop is set on two floors and is an unashamed shrine to masculinity, with its strong and dark colors, simple cemented wall, a bar-type counter, shelves with various male hair pomades, and barber chairs. There is even a selection of ‘men’s magazines for patrons to browse and a display of silk ties for sale. Despite the ‘macho’ ambience, it is stressed that women are welcome to hang out too and there is even a female barber.

It offers far more than a snip and go service, however, the aim is to provide a return to a relaxed

gentleman’s lifestyle where pleasures are savored. Kwan explained the concept: “Both the barber shop and the club reflect my interests. I like cigars, whiskey, good tailoring, tattoos, barbering and jazz, so I incorporate all these here. I want Black Amber to be a place where people can share their passions.”

The social element is crucial with people meeting in the shop, then being informed about the social club’s facilities and attractions and at their leisure they can head over there later.

Forming a boutique complex and covering both premises, are also handmade accessories, tailoring, jewelry, and vintage clothing for sale.

The grooming services include a hot towel shave, cut and shampoo, pedicure, manicure and beard trim.

There are also the ‘fringe’ benefits of a complimentary glass of whiskey with a haircut and the occasional free shoe shine.

From the soothing New York jazz sounds to the genuine warmth in the greeting of the customers, the ambience is that of a return to a golden age, when activities were not meant to be rushed. The composition of patrons is fairly evenly split between locals and expats.

Crossing the street to the social club secreted away in a back alley just off soi 6, we zigzagged nervously through the busy traffic, while Kwan moved with a languid grace, emphasizing again his unhurried philosophy. Step through the door and you enter a dark-themed waiting room with an interior similar to that of a multi-storey building, which was a former “naughty” massage parlor.

Take a look at the ostrich skeleton, the chandeliered ceiling and the black and white chequered floor.

There are display cabinets containing a gloriously eclectic mix of taxidermy

All photos from Black Amber Barber Shop

A

by Christopher Scott Dixon

and exhibits such as masks, books, and old photos; and with a nod to modernity; a small TV showing horror movies - all paying homage to the macabre and mysterious. I half expected Dorian Gray or Edgar Allan Poe to stumble out of the shadows, glass of absinthe in hand.

Climb the short set of marble steps, pass through the iron gate and blackout curtain and you see a splendid subterranean speakeasy, cigar bar setting. The furniture consists of tables, two counters, small sofas and a piano, and more intriguing memorabilia on the walls.

Low-lit and seductive, the club is kept deliberately quiet, although there is live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

As if on some pre-arranged cue, we heard the sudden rumble of thunder and rain lashing down outside - perfectly apt for this gothic venue.

The bar boasts a fine selection of whiskeys said to be the largest in Thonglor. Some might say the food menu is small but I would prefer to describe it as select and well-crafted.

Two venues combining classic style with quirkiness, exceptional personalized services, and great food and drinks, make Black Amber Thonglor a cut above the rest.

From the soothing New York jazz sounds to the genuine warmth in the greeting of the customers, the ambience is that of a return to a golden age, when activities were not meant to be rushed.

NOVEMBER 2015 | 65

St. Regis Bangkok

Havana Bar

WINE&DINE BAR SPECIALS

Bacardi Special

What: Havana Bar, Holiday Inn Pattaya, in partnership with BACARDI Thailand, presents the BACARDI special nights every Friday from 5 p.m. onwards, with all guests welcomed by a complimentary Bacardi Negra shot. Experience a selection of cocktails made on the famous “Bacardi Black” at special price, THB 190 net/glass everyday while you are enjoying the Cuban – inspired ambience with friends and colleagues.

Where: Havana Bar, Holiday Inn Pattaya When: Every Friday until end of November More info: 038 725 555

Jazz Legends at St.Regis

Diplomat Bar

What: Jamie Cullum's concert in Thailand debuts the “Jazz Legends at St. Regis” series in Asia Pacific this month. For one night only, The St. Regis Bar will be transformed into a seductive 20s-era jazz club. Start the evening with bespoke cocktails by acclaimed mixologist Martina Breznanova from Nightjar London rated among the world’s top five bars. Next, a 5-course wine dinner is hosted by celebrity chefs including Michelin-starred Michele Griglio from The St. Regis Florence; Chef Peter Lloyd who runs W London Leicester Square’s restaurant Spice Market—a concept created by Michelin-starred chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, inspired by the street food he enjoyed while traveling in Southeast Asia; Michelinstarred Alfredo Russo from the Dolce Stil restaurant, Turin, Italy; and the culinary team from The St. Regis Bangkok. The evening culminates with an intimate and remarkable performance by Jamie Cullum. Only 60 exclusive seats are available for this spectacular evening.

Where: St. Regis bar, St. Regis Bangkok, Rajdamri Road (BTS: Rajdamri) When: Nov. 12 How much: Pre-dinner cocktails start at 6 p.m. onwards and two packages are available; THB 7,900++ per person for the wine-pairing option, and THB 6,900++ per person for the non-alcoholic option.

More info: 02 207 7777, e-mail fb.bangkok@stregis.com

Get Soulful with Avia Ellis

Men’s Night

WOOBAR

What: Great news for dudes: W Bangkok presents their latest promotion ‘Men’s Night’ at one of the city’s top spots, no less, for meeting up in style. Men will enjoy free-flow Chang beer for a solid hour enjoy on Saturdays, while they share the evening with men, women, whatever – with happening tunes provided by WOOBAR’s resident deck experts: DJ Brown Sugar and DJ Tik. Where: WOOBAR, W Bangkok, 106 North Sathorn (BTS: Chong Nonsri) When: Every Saturday, 8:30-9:30 p.m., until Dec. 25 More info: 02 344 4000

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What: The Diplomat Bar welcomes Avis Ellis. A true musical diva, Avis has been awarded two Black Music Awards for “Best Tribute Artist” and for “Ambassador of Soul.” Avis is an incredible entertainer with an energetic, electrifying voice that captivates audiences of all musical tastes. Avis will perform four sets a night with the J-Rhythm Band Monday to Thursday from 8 p.m.midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to half past midnight.

Where: Diplomat Bar, 1st Floor, Lobby Level, Conrad Bangkok, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Rd When: From today till Jan. 31, 2016 More info: 02 690 9244, email: bkkci. diplomat@conradhotels.com

salads, wraps, sandwiches, paninis, pasta, soups, smoothies Mercury Ville 540 Ploenchit Road Chidlom/Langsuan Intersection Ground Floor BTS: Chidlom Open Daily 9am - 10pm Tel. 02-658-6688

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

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

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