Lookeast July 2014

LIFESTYLE

HOTELS

DINING

NIGHTLIFE

SHOPPING

EVENTS

PERSONALITIES

ART

CULTURE

SPAS

Fashion

EST. 1971

J U LY I S S N 0 8 5 7 - 1 1 3 9

TRAVEL

JULY 2014

HUA HIN

and beyond

VIETNAM: J U LY 2 0 1 4 V O L . 4 3 N O . 7

A Shopaholic’s Survival Guide to Ho Chi Minh City

Ubon Ratchathani’s Giant

Candle Festival Going Green:

Hotels with Eco Practices in Thailand Bordeaux Rendez-Vous 2014:

The Bangkok Chapter www.lookeastmagazine.com

thb100

WHAT'S INSIDE JULY

JULY 2014 CALENDAR 6 54 58 66 70

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

TRAVEL

12 Culture: Ubon Ratchathani’s Giant Candle Festival Features: 14 Get Ready to Take Photos Like You Never Imagined at Mae Sot 20 Going Green: Hotels with Eco Practices in Thailand 46 Vietnam: A Shopaholic ’s Survival Guide to Ho Chi Minh City 26 Cover story: Hua Hin and Beyond ● The Story of Thailand’s Legendary Beach Town ● Cha-Am and Pranburi ● Mini Guide Checking In: 40 Mandalay Samui Villas 42 Dusit D2 Chiang Mai 44 Phuket Panwa 50 My Favorite Place: Hua Hin, by Chef Kent Arnon Masanglong 52 Travel News

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40 LIFESTYLE

56 The Hedonist: Toys with Expensive Wheels and Fins 59 Wellness: “Seeing” With the Hands: Blind Massage Therapists at Centara Grand’s Spa Cenvaree

WINE&DINE

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Restaurants and Bars: 60 Kaguya 62 Smalls 63 Zeppelin 64 Monde 69 The Oenophile: Bordeaux Rendez-Vous 2014: The Bangkok Chapter

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS EST. 1971

travel

Duncan Forgan Duncan has spent the past five years living and working in Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand. He was a features writer for the national newspapers in his native Scotland, and an editor of various travel guides in the Middle East.

He writes and broadcasts for outlets worldwide on Asian travel, culture, and cuisine. www.duncankarol.com Harold Stephens The author of 32 books and thousands of newspaper and magazine stories, Harold Stephens began writing travel and adventure stories for Lookeast in 1974. He worked with the Bangkok Post for 14 years and is a travel correspondent for Thai Airways.

Laurence Civil “Life is all about taste and style” are Laurence’s words to live by. Twenty-three years working for a British airline gave him his passion for food, wine, and travel, and a visit to China in the ’80s inspired his earlier stories. His articles have been published in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok since 1994.

Federico Brandi An international affairs specialist with focus on ASEAN countries, Federico fell in love with Thailand and lives in Bangkok after working in external affairs, policy analysis, and development projects in Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Malaysia, and East Timor.

OTHER CONTRUBUTORS ● Alexander Eeckhout (Restaurants) ● Gaurav Sehgal (Hotels) ● Kent Arnon Masanglong (Travel) ● Lucie Barke (Restaurants) ● Maia Kara (Wellness) ● Pantip Supradit (Restaurants)

Publisher Sid Sehgal sid@thesehgalgroup.com Editor-in-Chief Anita Zaror editor@lookeastmagazine.com Editorial Assistant Coco Lavender edassistant@lookeastmagazine.com Editorial Consultant Melanie Blake Art Director Jarmmaree Janjaturonrasamee Photographer Alisa Hubert Production Director Apichart Boontid Marketing Executive Ankita Malhotra ankita@thesehgalgroup.com PR Consultant Earth Saisawang Executive Assistant to Chairman Acharin Suthisawad acharin@thesehgalgroup.com Executive Assistant to CEO Panitkan Apiratanapimonchai panitkan@thesehgalgroup.com President Ravi Sehgal Group Publishing Director Asha Narula Sehgal Executive Director Gaurav Sehgal

EST. 1971

Dave Stamboulis A Greek-American travel writer and professional photographer based in Bangkok. His photos are represented by Getty Images and Alamy, and he is a writer for Fodor’s guidebook to Thailand and Laos, as well as for USA Today’s “Bangkok Expert” travel website.

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

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Lookeast | EDITORIAL

travel

EDITORIAL EDITOR'S NOTE

That Which Stays in Our Hearts Forever new Scandinavian friends—who now are good old friends—and taking a barefoot walk on the beach, yes, still in our Rama IX dresses. We felt somewhat like Owen Wilson in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris” as we enjoyed the life of yesteryear, but in the present. This contrast of old and new, of traditional and modern, of sophisticated and simple, is the essence of the timeless allure that captivates those who have been to Hua Hin.

We hope you will enjoy the walk back in time we’ll take in these pages, to this traditional Thai beach town and its surroundings. This month we will also take you shopping in Ho Chi Minh City and show you how to take memories and leave just footprints at certain eco-friendly hotels in Thailand.

My grandmother always says, “They don’t make things like they used to.” And she is right. Some vintage outfits never lose their charm; some historic buildings always keep their magic. And certain places that shone in the past will continue to shine, as they have what it takes to enter our hearts and stay there forever. Hua Hin is one of them.

Discover it with Lookeast.

Marianna Dietrich

A

t the beginning of this year, a friend and I arrived at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin on a warm Friday afternoon to be greeted with cold drinks and a certain quiet flair embodied by the hotel’s high ceilings, period-style furniture and topiary gardens, the woman in a long pleated dress playing the harp, and the classic cars from the 1920s onward parked all around as part of the festivities for that weekend’s Hua Hin Automobile Concours.

This property, built in 1923, was formerly the Railway Hotel and became a landmark together with Hua Hin’s emergence as Thailand’s first beach resort when the railway line between Thailand and Malaysia was opened.

My friend and I found a small shop downtown where we rented Rama IX dresses, got old-fashioned hairdos, and headed back for a charity dinner at the hotel, where I was chosen as the runner-up in the costume competition for the outfit you see in the photo.

Because Hua Hin is a traditional place, the party finished early. But we wanted to stay in our gracious dresses a little longer, so we ended up dancing at a local bar with

Best regards,

Anita Zaror Editor-in-Chief

FRONT COVER Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa

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WHAT'S ON JULY

ZALORA Brings the Fashion High-Street Online

Hansar Bangkok

What: ZALORA, Asia’s leading online fashion destination, has expanded its assortment with the addition of international fashion brands Mango, Aldo, American Apparel, and New Look.

Bringing the best of the fashion high-street online, ZALORA will make it easier than ever to access these popular and wellloved brands with 1–3 day delivery time, free and easy returns within 30 days, and multiple payment methods including cash on delivery.

When: Ongoing Where: www.zalora.co.th How much: Varies

What: Thailand is an ideal location for families as Thai people have a fun loving nature and adore children. Laguna Phuket’s hotels are child-friendly and set up to accept families, with family rooms offering children’s amenities, kids’ menus, mini-marts and four dedicated kids’ clubs organizing daily activities. Most have babysitting services too. Toddlers to teenagers can be entertained for the day whilst parents explore resort’s boutique shopping, spas, and golf club with the knowledge that their young ones are in safe and friendly hands. Available activities range from games to arts and crafts, face-painting, fish feeding, and supervised swimming for toddlers, to internet access in well-equipped games rooms with play stations, video games, pool tables, etc.

Teens can ride bikes, play tennis, golf, go sailing or canoeing, or take a Thai cookery class and more.

When: From now until October 31 Where: Laguna Phuket How much: Kids stay, play, and eat for free (terms and conditions apply) More info: 076 362 300; www.lagunaphuket.com

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Lookeast | WHAT'S ON

Viber

Summer Family Fun

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok

What: Are you an epicurean, foodie, or gourmand? Hansar Bangkok’s Chef’s Inspiration Package for two includes: sip a glass of French wine or a premium cocktail at ROUGE; enjoy a stunning appetizer set from the bites’ menu at ROUGE; indulge in a three-course dinner from the chef’s weekly Inspiration Menu; sleep in the spacious Edge Suite with interior garden wall, custom Terrazzo tub, luxurious bedding, and pillow menu; and enjoy the spicy mystique of Thai cuisine with a 20% discount at the Café Boca.

When: From now until October 31 Where: Hansar Bangkok How much: Two nights for two people at THB 19,750 or one night at THB 9,875; three nights for two people at THB 27,400 or THB 9,133 per night.

More info: 02 209 1234; reservations@hansarbangkok.com

ZALORA

Chef’s Inspiration Package for Travelling Gourmets

Viber Hits 100 Million Concurrent Online Users

What: Viber, the leading mobile communications platform offering free messaging and HD-quality phone calls, announced a key milestone revealing that it now has more than 100 million concurrent online users. This milestone is a clear sign of the surging popularity of the platform and its active and highly engaged community of users. “As usage increases, our priority remains the same: introducing features, adding more platforms, and improving Viber with every new version.

This is exactly what we’ve done with the new Viber Desktop, and we’re really excited for our users to try it out,” said Talmon Marco, CEO of Viber.

When: Ongoing Where: www.viber.com How much: Free

Family Flavor at Dusit Thani Hua Hin

What: Let your little ones unleash their culinary creativity and find out if there is a future king or queen of the kitchen!

Dusit Thani Hua Hin has cooked up a tasty two-night Junior Super Chef Package, where great food and family fun are the main ingredients. Your child will enjoy a hands-on 60-minute cooking class, learning basic baking techniques under the watchful guidance of one of the hotel’s own master chefs. After tasting their Super Chef’s creations, everyone gets to enjoy the delectable Dusit buffet dinner.

When: From now until December 15 Where: Dusit Thani Hua Hin How much: THB 17,000++ per package More info: 03 252 0009

WHAT'S ON JULY

Bastille Day

Great Value Bento Set at The Eatery

What: Grab a Lunch Bento Set featuring a variety of Japanese dishes plus dessert at The Eatery, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok. The Bento Box Menu is available in four options: Pork Tonkatsu, breaded fried pork with Japanese barbecue sauce, steamed rice, and cheese cake; Beef Yakitori, skewered beef, grilled vegetables and teriyaki sauce, garlic fried rice, and sliced fresh fruits; Hibachi Chicken, sautéed chicken, zucchini and mushrooms, garlic fried rice, and carrot cake; Salmon Teriyaki, salmon teriyaki, steamed rice, and sliced fresh fruits. All sets are served with miso soup and house salad.

When: Ongoing, daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Eatery, Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok How much: THB 450 net per set More info: 02 309 3201, fbadmin.sukhumvit15@fourpoints.com

Popping Up at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

What: This is the last month that Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is hosting the Pop-Up Charcuterie Room dining concept at the Parichart Court. Stop for a glass of wine or two enjoyed alongside the cold cuts from around the world: a wide selection of hams, salamis, chorizo, saucisson, speck, and much more, served in a casual, cozy environment. Wines are selected from different regions around the world to pair well with the day’s charcuterie selection, with an extensive selection available both by the glass and the bottle.

When: Only during July, Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. onward Where: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok How much: Varies More info: (02) 126 8866

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Lookeast | WHAT'S ON

What: Commemorate the French Independence Day indulging in some scrumptious delectable food at Romsai.

A grand buffet layered with some of the greatest French culinary treasures such as oysters, foie gras, coq au vin, beef bourguignon, scallops Provencal, crêpes Suzette and much more awaits you.

When: July 11 to 14, daily for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch Where: Romsai, Banyan Tree Bangkok How much: Varies More info: 02 679 1200

Oriental Residence Bangkok

What: The Hua Hin Jazz Festival, a recognized jazz festival in Thailand for the past 12 years, will take place in July at Hua Hin Queen’s Park, surrounded with beautiful gardens. The lineup this year consists of The Saxophone Madness, a jam session of leading saxophonists in Thailand with the legendary Tong Tewan as a special guest; Steve Cannon, one of the most recognized trumpet masters with his special show “Tribute to the Trumpet Legends”; for the first time on stage, new jazz stars who proved themselves to the Thai audience through various singing competitions; the highly acclaimed band from Japan, The Travelers; The Infinity, the first fusion jazz band in Thailand; and Soul After Six with their well-known “sing along songs” and featuring the repertoire from their new album.

When: July 26 from 5 p.m. till midnight Where: Hua Hin Queen's Park (Suan Rachinee National Park), Amphur Hua Hin, Prachuab Kiri Khan How much: Varies More info: www.facebook.com/officialhuahinjazzfestival2014

Hua Hin Jazz Festival

Hua Hin Jazz Festival 2014

Celebrate the U.S. Independence Day with Burger Month at Café Claire

What: To celebrate the U.S. Independence Day, Café Claire is offering a selection of burger choices. Enjoy an assortment of delicious “U.S. city” themed burger dishes such as the Los Angeles Burger (grilled chicken burger with Thousand Island, white onion, lettuce, tomato, coleslaw, and pickles on pretzel bun, served with French fries); New Orleans Burger (grilled wagyu beef burger with Cajun hot sauce, lettuce, tomato, gherkin, and grated cheddar on sesame bun, and spicy baked potato); New York Burger (grilled wagyu beef burger with Shack sauce, lettuce, grilled avocado, pickles, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese on sourdough bun, served with garden salad and potato wedges); Boston Burger (grilled Boston lobster and prawns burger with Hollandaise sauce, crispy fried onion, tomato, and cheddar cheese on brioche bun, served with garden salad), and many more.

When: From now until July 31 Where: Café Claire, Oriental Residences Bangkok How much: Varies More info: 02 125 900 ext. Café Claire

contemporary indian dining

The Indus Experience has just been revamped.

Come and try our brand new menu.

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

WHAT'S ON JULY

Bangkok’s Broadway Babe is Back

Sofitel So Bangkok

What: Don't miss Burlesque at Betty’s, with Bangkok’s Broadway Babe, Kristen Evelyn Rossi, every Wednesday. Popup cabaret style performances throughout dinner, and if you still until the last set, you may just get a little extra with your dessert!

When: Every Wednesday Where: Bangkok Betty, Sukhumvit 22 How much: Free; table booking suggested More info: 02 633 4223

So Spa Membership at So SPA Sofitel So Bangkok

What: Discover So SPA’s concept combining French cosmetology with Thai’s best well-kept beauty traditions. The So SPA Membership will receive exclusive privileges such as: a value of THB 20,000 net to be spent at So SPA at Sofitel So Bangkok; one complimentary night in So Suite Spa for two people (valued at THB 18,000++); discounts that range from 10 percent to 40 percent on treatments, So FIT memberships, beauty salon (Style Paris) services, retail products, and food; and complimentary car parking for four hours.

When: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: So SPA, Sofitel So Bangkok How much: THB 20,000 net More info: 02 624 0000; H6835-TH2@Sofitel.com

All You Can Eat at The St. Regis Bangkok

What: Eat all you can with these promotions: mussels and barbeque ribs at THB 990++ per person; crab at THB 1,490++ per person; beverage package at THB 500++ (free-flowing beer and house wines); free-flowing mussels and French fries on Wednesdays; free-flowing barbeque ribs, pumpkin gratin, and grilled vegetables on Thursdays; free-flowing crab, rice, and som tam on Fridays.

When: Ongoing Where: Viu, The St. Regis Bangkok How much: See above More info: 02 207 7777; www.stregisbangkok.com

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Lookeast | WHAT'S ON

Dream Hotel

What: Woobar at W Bangkok will be holding Business in Heels’ next event: the Networking Mixer. Come along for social night and mingle with professional women living and working in Bangkok. The Networking Mixer will feature fun speed networking, delicious finger food, a yummy glass of sparkling bubbles on arrival, and discounted drink prices from the bar thereafter. Plus, walk away with an exciting goodie bag filled with gifts including a copy of Lookeast magazine! This is a women’s event only.

When: July 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Woobar, W Bangkok How much: THB 1,000 More info: www.businessinheels.com

Business in Heels

Business in Heels’ Networking Mixer

Salmon Creations at Dream Hotel

What: Enjoy a selection of healthy and tasty salmon specialities with market fresh ingredients at Flava Restaurant & Bar’s Salmon Promotion. Highlighted dishes include salmon teriyaki; grilled salmon with spicy salad (laab salmon); salmon steak burger with mixed salad and French fries, and more. All dishes are served with rice or boiled potatoes.

When: From now until July 31, daily from 12:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: Flava Restaurant & Bar, Dream Hotel How much: THB 189++ per dish More info: 02 254 8500; info@dreambkk.com

TRAVEL CULTURE

LET THERE BE LIGHT Ubon Ratchathani’s Giant Candle Festival

U

bon Ratchathani is a sleepy provincial capital perched along the banks of the beautiful Mun River that is famed for its forest temples, spicy Isaan larb phet duck salad, and its Wat Nong Bua chedi, modeled on the famed stupa in Bodh Gaya, India. While the town is worth a visit at any time of year, July is the prime time to come calling, as Ubon literally lights up by hosting one of Thailand’s biggest festivals, the Giant Candle Festival, which celebrates Khao Pansaa, or the Buddhist Rains Retreat holiday period.

The Candle Festival celebration has been around since the start of the

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Dato Satish Sehgal

by Dave Stamboulis

century, and its origin lies in the monks retreating to their temples for a meditative period during the rainy season. The local Buddhists in the surrounding community would donate items that the monks could put to use during this time, perhaps the most useful being candles which the monks needed for burning in the temples during meditation in this dark and dreary period. This practice evolved into small processions with lighted candles celebrating the Buddhist Lent and, eventually turned into today’s mammoth event.

Each temple in Ubon Ratchathani is represented during the festival by several

giant wax candles that are carved and sculpted into figures from Buddhism, the Ramayana legend, or Hindu mythology.

The candles are beautiful, labor-intensive works of art, and helping to create them is seen as an opportunity to acquire merit for the sculptors, for whom Lenten candles are a way of furthering Buddhist tradition. In recent years, due to the popularity of the festival, artists from around the world have come to contribute their talents by working on wax candles for the event. The candlemaking process is incredibly elaborate and painstakingly slow, with floats taking over six months to make, and everything being done by hand.

Dave Stamboulis

groups, and just about every other local organization, all taking civic pride and looking for luck in the coming year.

Despite this being a solemn religious festival, an abundance of imbibing of spirits takes place, with plenty of beer and rice wine being drunk from early in the morning; just like any other Thai festival, the main focus here seems to be on having fun, letting one’s hair down, and just having a highly sanuk (fun) good time. The mor lam folk music musicians from Isaan are renowned for their rural love songs punctuated by bawdy humor as well as their musical talents, and the floats that they are playing on are thronged by masses of festival-goers who dance in abandon as they follow alongside them.

The one drawback of the Candle Festival is that it is one of the biggest events of the year in Thailand, and all accommodations in Ubon tend to get booked well in advance. The city’s tourism office is fantastic at helping out stranded travellers and will go out of its way to find rooms, but it is better to be safe and arrive early, or else make bookings beforehand.

Travel Tips

This year’s Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani will take place July 22–23.

Go: Ubon Ratchathani is accessible from Bangkok by train (11 hours), bus (9 hours), and plane (Thai Airways and Air Asia).

Dave Stamboulis

The evening before the festival, the giant candles are brought out on floats from their respective temples and drawn through the streets of town to the main square of Thung Si Meuang, in downtown Ubon, where a giant votive candle stands in homage to the city’s main claim to fame.

The decorated floats are brought out for the first time and set up for everyone to admire and photograph. Marchers with lit candles accompany the floats, looking to gain merit and good fortune by participating in the event. Meanwhile, a giant outdoor market and amusement park are set up in the City Park, complete with food vendors, rides, and entertainment, while a massive numbers of visitors from the rest of the country pour in, readying for the big parade to come.

The next morning the festival gets underway with traditional dancers, mor lam musicians from Isaan, tattoo artists, and marching bands, all leading the way through the center of town.

The huge candle floats soon follow, now decked out with beauty queens riding on them, surrounded by Girl Scouts, school

Stay: For comfortable boutique lodgings near the center of town, stay at the relaxing Tohsang City, located in a quiet residential area. Rooms start at THB 2,200. Alternatively, head out to the Tohsang’s luxury properties, an hour out of town in Khongjiam, along the Mekong River, where private villas with plunge pools and grand views of Laos and the mighty river await.

You can check hotels like Tohsang Hotel (●251 Palachai Road, Ubon Ratchathani; 045 245 531–9) and Tohsang Sedhapura (●68 Mu 7, Ban Huay Mak Tay, Khongjiam; 045 351 174–6; www.tohsang.com).

JUly 2014 | 13

Dave Stamboulis

TRAVEL FEATURE

GET READY TO TAKE PHOTOS LIKE YOU NEVER IMAGINED The small town of Mae Sot will one day be part of the route that will take overland travelers from Istanbul to Singapore. See it before that happens.

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Harold Stephens

I

t’s a small town, interesting enough for its remoteness and its location right on the Thai–Burmese border.

That being said, one might hardly imagine that in the near—hopefully very near—future, this town, called Mae Sot, will be one of the busiest and most important border towns in Thailand.

That’s a broad statement, but it’s a fact. Why’s that? Mae Sot will one day form part of Asia’s great Route 1, which will take overland travelers all the way from Istanbul to Singapore. It’s not just wishful thinking.

The Thai–Myanmar Friendship Bridge was completed in 1996 and already links Mae Sot with Myawadi and the highway west to Mawlamyine (Moulmein) and Yangon.

by Harold Stephens

st

st

TRAVEL FEATURE

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Dave Stamboulis

Harold Stephens

women in traditional hill-tribe dress, and Thai army rangers doing their shopping.

Shop signs along the streets are in Thai, Burmese, and Chinese. Most of the temple architecture in Mae Sot is Burmese. The town’s Burmese population is largely Muslim, while those living outside town are Buddhist, and the Karen are mostly Christian. Don’t forget to visit the market behind the Siam Hotel where you can find more than food. And would you believe Mae Sot also boasts of a landing strip for light airplanes?

Dave Stamboulis

Dave Stamboulis

Unfortunately, the route is not yet open to international travel. We have to admit, though, the route does present an exciting prospect for future overland travel. At the moment foreigners can go no farther than Myawadi. All that’s needed is for Myanmar to get its act together.

So why go to Mae Sot if you cannot travel all the way to Istanbul? If for no other reason than to say, in the days to come, that “I was in Mae Sot back when…”

But there are other reasons, too. One is the drive over Road 105 that takes the motorist over a scenic winding road that leads to Mae Sot and the border, a few kilometers beyond the town. An interesting stop en route is the spirit house below Phawoh Mountain, where truck drivers make offerings for a safe passage. Road 105 sweeps through forests into a peaceful valley dotted with miniature farmhouses, white chedis, and ornate Burmese-style temples.

Mae Sot is not a “bustling little town” as I read in one guidebook. Nevertheless, it is interesting to see a town in Thailand that looks as they all must have looked a few generations ago. By all means, park your car and take a walk through the streets. You will quickly notice that the town is an interesting mixture of races.

The photographer will have a delight and can take pictures of Burmese men in their longyi (sarongs), Hmong and Karen

Dave Stamboulis

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you can find in Thailand, with everything from small-carved elephants to whole bedroom sets and wall-size, floor-to-ceiling decorations. If for nothing else but this, the trip to Mae Sot is worth it.

If you want to cross over the bridge and take a peek at Myanmar, the fee for a day crossing is USD 10 for foreigners, and the border is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; check with the tourist police before doing so.

Myawadi is a fairly typical Burmese town, loaded with monasteries and temples. The most important temple is Shwe Muay Wan, a traditional bellshaped stupa gilded with many kilos of gold and topped by more than 1,600 precious and semiprecious gems. And they tell me the stones and gold are real.

Surrounding the main stupa are 28 smaller stupas, and these in turn are encircled by 12 larger ones; you need a guidebook to understand them all. Fascinating for visitors at the southern side of town are Myawadi’s 1,000-year-old city walls, which were probably erected by the early Mon inhabitants. At the moment it’s not legal to travel beyond Myawadi, but let’s hope in a few years that will change.

One last note: if time permits, visit Wat Phra That Doi Din Kiu, a forest temple a few kilometers northwest of Mae Sot, on a 300-meter high hill overlooking Mae Nam Moei and Myanmar. A small chedi mounted on what looks like a boulder that has been balanced on the edge of a cliff is one of the attractions, and is reminiscent

Dave Stamboulis

You will hear, of course, that Mae Sot is the center of the black-market trade between Myanmar and Thailand, which may be true, but for the casual visitor it’s not obvious and, certainly, not worth investigating. It’s no secret that Mae Sot has also become the most important jade and gem center along the border, with most of the trade controlled by Chinese and Indian immigrants from Myanmar. In fact, it’s known for its big Thai–Burmese gem fair held in April. At this same time, Burmese boxers meet for an annual Thai boxing competition, held somewhere outside town in the traditional style.

Matches are fought in a circular ring and go for five rounds; the first four rounds last three minutes, while the fifth has no time limit. Hands bound in hemp, the boxers fight till first blood or knockout.

After seeing the town, take a drive to the Moei River, which is spanned by the Friendship Bridge. The road to the right of the bridge is quite amazing for its shops, mainly teak carvings and woodwork, and its Burmese tapestries and woven cloth.

I cannot visit the place without driving back to Bangkok with a load of teak, and once I even had to hire a truck to follow me. The carvings are some of the cheapest

Dave Stamboulis

TRAVEL FEATURE

of the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Myanmar. The trail makes for an interesting hike. You can get a great view of a teak forest across the river in Myanmar. Who said teak is gone?

There are a couple of small limestone caves in the side of the hill, on the way to the peak. The dirt road that leads to the wat from Ban Mae Tao passes through a couple of Karen villages.

Don’t forget your camera. You will get photographs like you never imagined.

One advantage of driving is many hill tribe folk come down to the roadside to see the foreigners passing. They don’t mind having their pictures taken. After all, there are so few tourists, and you will be the attraction.

Smile.

TRAVEL FEATURE

GOING GREEN

There’s still some work to be done in Thailand when it comes to eco practices. But some hotels are already paving the way.

by Dave Stamboulis

The Tongsai Bay

Soneva Kiri

W

hile July brings the onset of the rainy season to Thailand in earnest, it is nevertheless a great month to travel. The countryside turns a lush green, with all the rice fields fully planted, and low season prices take effect and the crowds thin out. Although the landscape may be verdant, Thailand has often lagged behind other vacation spots when it comes to green resorts. Many tourists want to have eco-friendly and green vacations these days, and, unfortunately, low-impact and small-scale alternative tourism that employs sustainable and conservationist methods falls somewhat flat in many areas here—it can be pretty disparaging to arrive in a gorgeous natural environment, only to find that one’s holiday bungalow is dumping sewage right out into the bay ahead. However, while the pickings may be slim, there are a few shining examples of green retreats that are setting the trend for Thai eco-resorts and providing great examples for the future of green tourism in Thailand.

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Co., Ltd.

Books can be purchased online directly from the publisher.

www.wolfendenpublishing.com Orders with a Bangkok mailing address same day delivery.

"I love all of Harold Stephens books"

— Han Suyin, Author of A Many-Splendoured Thing

“Autographed copies available at the Kisok, The Mandarin Oriental Hotel”

Asita Eco Resort

TRAVEL FEATURE

water consuming. The resort also grows its own vegetables in an organic garden, and the owner, who comes from a family in the seafood business, sources only extremely fresh local seafood, which is reflected in the superb scrumptious and healthy meals served by the canal-side restaurant.

While Asita is far removed from the chaos and stresses of city life, all rooms do have fast and free wireless connections should you need to stay in touch, and if you do feel the urge to do more than just

Asita Eco Resort (●33 T. Taihard,

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Soneva Kiri (●110 Moo 4, Koh Kood;

Soneva Kiri

Samut Songkhram; 034 767 333; 089 866 2168; www.asitaresort.com) may be only 65 kilometers from Bangkok, yet it seems like light years away.

This haven of serenity is perched alongside of a canal leading into the Mae Klong River, just a short boat ride away from the Amphawa floating market.

Bounded by water on one side and a forest of pines on the other, all of the 20 low-key and minimalist villas here are constructed with eco-friendly materials.

The rooms feature creatively designed wooden stools, light holders, and tables, rattan sofas and wall hangings, and all have large windows looking out upon the meandering canal that runs through the property, with bamboo decks leading right from one’s room out to the water, which is suitable for swimming in and filled with an array of colorful carp. Low-energy light bulbs are the norm here, collected river and rainwater is used for gardening and cleaning, waste gets separated for recycling, and toilets and washing machines are low

chill out, there is a wealth of sightseeing practically on the doorstep. The Amphawa weekend floating market is a short scenic boat trip away, and the resort runs a free shuttle boat on Saturdays when the market is in full swing. In addition, the famed Damnoen Saduak floating market is a short drive or boat ride away, and also the traditional Tha Kha floating market, where locals hawk food and fruit to each other on various lunar dates each month, is nearby and a great place to experience traditional life. One also should catch the unique Mae Klong railway market while here; where a vendor market is set up right on the train tracks and the umbrella-covered stalls must be collapsed each time a train rolls through. Asita provides bicycles at the resort for those who wish to get some exercise, and the quiet roads around the river are ripe for exploring.

While many visitors to this area come to take boat tours at Amphawa to watch the seasonal fireflies at night, Asita Resort has an abundance of them throughout the grounds right on the property. Instead of rushing around, you can just relax with a cocktail or locally grown organic herbal drink on your private balcony over the canal, watching the light show take place in this oasis of tranquility.

081 345 2791; 082 208 8888; www.soneva. com/soneva-kiri) has a pretty, paradisiacal spot on sleepy Koh Kood and does a great job of taking care of it as well. The resort has 27 huge pool villas and eight private residences hidden away among the palms draped over a postcard-perfect bay. The allnatural materials used here help the villas and buildings blend in effortlessly with their surroundings. The resort also has some features one won’t find anywhere else in Thailand, let alone the world, such as the Tree Pod dining experience, an intimate bamboo pod built for two that is hoisted up in the air above the jungle canopy and sea, where wait staff arrive on zip lines and serve fresh gourmet fare from Soneva’s organic garden. If the heights are a bit too dizzying, you can always choose the resort’s restaurant, Benz, a lantern-lit eatery built from recycled wood which perches on stilts over the mangroves.

TRAVEL FEATURE

The Tongsai Bay

The Tongsai Bay

Racha

Ratcha Yai, Phuket; 076 355 455; www.theracha.com) is for those who want to play Robinson Crusoe. Located on an unspoiled beach on Racha Yai Island, 35 minutes by boat from Phuket, with exquisite Andaman scenery, it features a perfect white sand beach and an emerald bay. Befitting such a paradisiacal spot, it remains true to environmentally sound principles. The single-story villas blend in with the land, and for each tree that has been cut down in order to build something at the Racha, two more have been planted as replacements. Plenty of rope lights and energy-saving lamps are used throughout the resort, the pools use ozone instead of chlorine, and there are no fabric curtains used anywhere, as a way of cutting down on laundry. In addition, the resort cleans the public beach in front of it daily, and has even installed public toilet facilities for visiting day trippers from Phuket.

Racha

The Racha (●42/12–13 Moo 5, Rawai,

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(●84 Moo 5, Bo Phut, Ko Samui; 077 245 480; www.tongsaibay.co.th) Located on a secluded beach just 10 minutes from Koh Samui airport, family-owned The Tongsai Bay—a hotel with 83 suites and villas, each with sitting area, terrace or balcony with open-air bath—has been a serious custodian of the environment from day one of its construction. Aiming to preserve the island’s natural environment while maintaining luxury and comfort, the resort has developed its own “Green Project,” taking care to not contaminate water and soil, decreasing the amount of rubbish created, avoiding plastic products on site, and supporting animal and tree conservation. These efforts have earned the resort several accolades, including the Green Planet Award 2007 by Kuoni, Lifestyle+Travel Magazine Reader’s Choice Award 2008 – Green Award (Runner-Up), Green Leaf Certificate 2009 by the Green Leaf Foundation (4 Leafs), as well as the “Green Spa 2012-2013” award from from the Green Leaf Foundation and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), among many others.

Liv it e like you

dream it

Our hotel opened in 1923, when Hua Hin became Thailand’s first beach resort. Just steps away from the sand and the warm waters of the ocean, the hotel represented an age of elegance and sophisticated rail travel. Today, sensitively brought into our era with classic rooms and the option of luxury pool villas, it still does.

Live the age of elegance like you dream it, with Centara.

www.centarahotelsresorts.com T: +66 (0) 3251 2021-38 • E: chbr@chr.co.th

TRAVEL COVER STORY

THAILAND’S LEGENDARY BEACH TOWN Why does Hua Hin—now extending to neighboring Cha-Am and further south to Pranburi—still hold a special place in the hearts of travelers? Here’s why.

T

hais love it. Foreigners love it.

And even those who claim to have already enough of beach destinations still fall for it. We are referring to Hua Hin, one of Thailand’s most popular seaside resorts, located some 280 kilometers south of Bangkok.

There’s just something about Hua Hin that immediately gets to you, something that calms the spirit and soothes the soul— probably the same something that inspired King Rama VII of Thailand to call it “Klai Klang Won (Far from Worries)” and build a summer place there in the early 1920s.

Perhaps it is in the traditional Asian idyllic charm, the totally laidback character, or the completely friendly Thai feel. But even today, as an established international beach destination with full facilities for all kinds of tourists, Hua Hin has retained the characteristics that make it perfect for a quiet and relaxing breakaway.

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TRAVEL COVER STORY

In fact, Hua Hin—and by extension Cha-Am—has always been considered a unique place for special interest groups (as those in the travel trade call them) such as families, spa-goers, and golfers.

Its “royal seal of approval” has made it a de facto destination of choice among Thailand’s high society, but its allure has also not escaped the attention of the new breed of young professionals from Bangkok who frequent the place during weekends; and foreign visitors with money to spend, who enjoy the luxuries and comforts of plush five-star hotels, who can afford to play at world-class golf courses, who like to get pampered and spoiled at some of the world’s best spas, and who delight in sumptuous dining and fine wines. In short, those who can celebrate the good life.

Without being snobbish, the small fishing village called Samor Riang in 1834— which became Laem Hin (Stone Cape), and then Hua Hin (Stone Head) in 1911, the same year the railroad from Bangkok was completed—has indeed become the jewel in the crown of Thai beach resorts.

The first to recognize the beauty and potential of Hua Hin was Prince Nares, who was minister of public works during the time of King Rama V. He built a residence on the southern end of Lam Hin Village. Soon other members of the royal family followed suit, and by 1916 many of

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them had built a complex of houses over the scenic group of rocks at the northern end of the village.

With the completion of the southern railway line connecting Siam to British Malaya, the fishing village inevitably rose up to its present tourism fortunes. Initially it was the State Railway of Thailand that organized food and accommodation for those who had to travel longer than three days by train. Hua Hin became a common stop-off point for travelers, and with a number of them looking for a break from train travel, very basic, even uncomfortable by today’s standards, accommodations were built near the train station.

Eventually in 1922, to provide travelers with more comfort and convenience, the State Railway decided to build the Western-style Railway Hotel (the forerunner of today’s Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, one of Asia’s legendary hotels). An Italian architect designed the building as a luxurious two-story European-style hotel made of brick and wood. At about the same time, a road maintenance engineer, A.O. Robins, was commissioned to build a golf course opposite the railway station—the original nine-hole, 3,000-yard Royal Hua Hin Golf Course—and tennis courts, to welcome the first hotel guests on October 26, 1922. When the hotel formally opened in

January 1923, it was described as “the most luxurious and modern hotel in the region.”

From there the rest, as they say, is history.

The destination continued to grow in popularity and today, more than 100 years later, Hua Hin still holds a special place in the hearts of travelers. While the “tourist belt” has enlarged—now extending to neighbouring Cha-Am and further south to Pranburi—Hua Hin has been able to maintain its positive vibes; its reputation for combining the convenience of a modern holiday destination with the fascinating charm of a fishing community. It still has an active fishing port, and over at the Khao Takiap village of today, a moderately sized community still thrives by the same age-old trade.

Today’s Hua Hin is a major tourism destination by any standards. The extensive five-mile long main beach is now lined with hotels, resorts, and other tourist facilities such as seafood restaurant which are outdoing one another in architectural style, ambiance, facilities, and services.

Outstanding hotels are now the norm (see our mini guide in the following pages), and there’s so much to choose by way of accommodation to fit a traveler’s requirement for a perfect stay.

Hua Hin is also a world-renowned spa and wellness center, and spa-goers from all corners of the world come to sample the

TRAVEL COVER STORY wide array of treatments and pampering services on offer. The city also plays host to the highest density of world-class golf courses anywhere in the kingdom, and names such as Banyan Golf Club, Black Mountain, The Imperial Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa, and Milford Golf Course are just a few among the many that offer packages and tours in this veritable golfing paradise.

There is a big vineyard on the outskirts (Hua Hin Hills Vineyard) and many other man-made attractions have beefed up the natural wonders, such as the Plearn Wan, a re-creation of old Hua Hin and a top tourist draw; the Hua Hin Floating Market; the Cicada, a more classy version of the Hua Hin Night Bazaar; and the recently-opened Camel Republic in Cha-Am. Nighlife is tame compared to Bangkok, Pattaya, or even Patong, but lively.

Practically all of the major hotels have a live band to entertain those in search of musical entertainment. Dining and wining, as well, are geared toward a high-end gourmet level, and there are all kinds of cuisine available for all kinds of food lovers. By the way, if you’re curious about where the Thais go for great daytime street food, try going to Hua Hin 51, just a few walks toward the beach.

Despite its fast-track tourism growth, the town has been able to retain its more traditional charms, and keep its very strong local feel. Also, it has thus far avoided the

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over-commercialization that has struck other popular Thai tourist destinations, although concerns are beginning to mount as many tourists today say that Hua Hin has become a very expensive destination.

There are those who are afraid that Hua Hin is almost bursting at the seams, especially with the development in the real estate sector. Indeed, you don’t have to dig deep to see that the real property sector is enjoying a heyday. Not only residential properties, condominiums, beach villas are mushrooming left and right. Shopping malls and complexes are sprouting as well, and there are rumors of a new Central Mall and Big C coming up, while The Venezia—a shopping center that emulates Venice and its canals—has become a popular tourist attraction.

But there seems to be no real trouble in paradise yet. Most hotels and resorts in Hua Hin seem to be taking the green approach in their operations, thanks to rising environmental awareness even among guests; and so far the government is having what it calls the Environment Watch. There seems to be a consensus in both the public and private sectors that Hua Hin should remain the serene, peaceful, relaxing place it is, with a pace of life slower than elsewhere in the kingdom.

It is probably safe to say that thus far, the destination has been trying hard to avoid much of the same mistakes that its counterparts elsewhere in the kingdom

have been committing.

Alongside Hua Hin, Cha-Am— regarded by many travelers as part of a complete Hua Hin area holiday—is following on the footsteps of its more internationally popular neighbor. In fact, with Hua Hin sometimes too crowded and busy on weekends or during events such as the annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival or the Hua Hin Vintage Car Parade, Cha-Am provides a perfect alternative for those who want to be a bit away from the hustle and bustle but still be near the action.

Pranburi, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly popular for its quietness, for having some of Thailand’s last unspoiled beaches, and for its convenience to the stunning Sam Roi Yod National Park, with its mangrove forest where a river flows into the sea. Locates just 30 kilometers from Hua Hin, Pranburi is seeing the development of a number of mid-range and upscale hotels and resorts.

What visitors to Hua Hin and the surrounding areas see at the moment is a destination that is growing in its ability to meet its capacity in a very progressive way. And the area seems set to fulfill its promise: a destination that is ready not only to welcome even the most discerning holidaymakers in the world, but also to enhance their amazing experience of Thailand. See it for yourself.

Dave Stamboulis

TRAVEL COVER STORY

HUA HIN MINI GUIDE Why go, what to see, what to do, eating and drinking, plus where to stay in Hua Hin, Cha Am, and Pranburi

Why Go

For proximity to a good beach resort, Hua Hin can’t be beat. With a private car, you can be down here in less than a few hours, and the plethora of public minivans from Bangkok get down here in about the same.

Hua Hin makes for a great stress-free escape from the capital. The old town area is low key, full of quaint antique and retro shops, along with simple mom-and-pop family-style eateries. The night market has

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tasty cheap seafood, there are few hassles from the touts, and the annual Hua Hin Jazz Festival—held yearly in June—has become one of Asia’s best, bringing in big international jazz stars to perform on large stages.

What to See

Even if you don’t come here by train, you should have a look at Hua Hin’s railway station. It is one of Thailand’s oldest train stations, built by Rama VI in the 1920s, and features the Thai-style Royal Waiting Room, used to greet the king and his court, built in the same style as Maruekkhathayawan Palace in Cha Am. The Cicada Market (●Petchkasem Rd; 032 536 606) has become a weekend staple in Hua Hin, where handmade crafts and art goods are sold, accompanied by live music and art performances. Santorini Park (● 032 772 999; www.santoriniparkchaam. com) is Hua Hin’s latest theme park (it’s actually just up the road in Cha Am). This perfectly recreated Greek island getaway, complete with whitewashed and bluepainted houses, features amusement park rides and boutique shopping.

Dave Stamboulis

W

hile Hua Hin might not have the stunning beaches of Phuket or Samui, its sands are certainly a lot more scenic than Pattaya’s and, at around two hours from Bangkok, it is certainly the nearest and dearest beach resort for those seeking a weekend escape from the capital.

There are plenty of pampering resorts to choose from, and the old town remains development-free and still retains a lot of charm. The town is associated with Thai royalty, as it was built up by King Prajadhipok in the 1920s and is home to the present royal family today.

By Dave Stamboulis

What to Do

Other than lazing on the beach, a pilgrimage to Khao Takiab mountain is in order. This small peak, lying toward the south end of town, has a Buddhist temple up top, and gives a commanding view of the entire Hua Hin area, which gives extensive panoramas and photo ops in every direction. If sunning your buns gets a bit tedious but you still want to hang out on the beach, Hua Hin has the privilege of being the only beach in Thailand where you can go horse riding.

The Hua Hin Horse Club (●089 378 1266; www.horseridinghuahin.com) offers riding lessons and more to bring all your

SPRINGFIELD @ SEA RESORT & SPA

Bask in barefoot splendor. Springfield @Sea, the new gem on Cha-Am beach, the latest creation in the Springfield Group provides the finest in boutique resort elegance, uniting luxurious living with nature.

Springfield@SEA Resort and Spa, very 21st century, is where some of the most stylish new digs are happening. Laid-back for young families, this is a tropical resort that also offers adventure around every corner.

Bangkok Office : 9M Fl., Thaniya Plaza Bldg., 52 Silom Rd., Bangkok 10500 Thailand. Tel : +66(0) 2231-2244 Fax : +66(0) 2231 2249 Cha-Am Office : 858 Jumnong-Poomivej Rd., Cha-Am, Petchburi 76120 Thailand. Tel : +66(0) 3270-9300 Fax : +66(0) 3270-9333 www.springfieldresort.com E-mail : reservationbkk@springfieldresort.com

TRAVEL COVER STORY 20 minutes or so, dropping you off in downtown Hua Hin a few hours later. The train is also a relaxing means of travel, and the express train 43 leaves Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station at 8:05 a.m., calling in at Hua Hin at 11:25 a.m., with tickets including lunch service. There are also buses to Hua Hin from the Southern Bus Station, but this is pretty unpractical for most folks due to the distance from downtown Bangkok out to the terminal, which sits far over on the Thonburi side of town.

equestrian fantasies to life. Visitors to Hua Hin shouldn’t miss making the trip down to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (●www.dnp.go.th), which is less than an hour south from town. This fantastic nature escape is home to quiet beaches, great hiking, abundant birdlife, and an amazing sinkhole cave where beams of light shine on a throne room built in the cave for King Rama V.

Eating and Drinking

The Living Room Bistro and Wine Bar (●3 Soi Hua Hin 51, Damroengrat Rd; 032 530 487) is the latest player on the burgeoning Hua Hin gastro scene, serving up fusion dishes in a ‘50s-style wooden beach house. The Night Market (●Damnoen Kasam Rd, next to the train

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station) may not have air con and fine silverware, but is well worth a visit, with vendors dishing out generous portions of curried crab and king prawns along with plenty of other fresh seafood. True to its name, La Birra (●Hua Hin Khao Takiab Rd; 084 567 6989) serves up a variety of excellent imported beers to go along with Italian pasta in an al fresco Mediterraneanstyle bistro setting. If you’re craving a Moroccan tajine, the sensual Al Hamra (●63/411 Petchkasem Rd; 032 616 777), in the opulent Marrakesh Resort, creates Moroccan and fusion dishes in an authentic Moorish setting.

How to Get There

Super convenient minivans leave from Victory Monument in Bangkok every

Villa Maroc

The Putahracsa

Dave Stamboulis

Hotel De La Paix

Dave Stamboulis

Sleeping

Hua Hin and nearby Cha Am and Pranburi certainly have no shortage of gorgeous resorts to rest up in. They are lined with some of Thailand’s poshest resorts, and there is a staggering list of great places to pamper oneself in whether they be private villas, landscaped gardens, beachfront property, fine dining, or the total seclusion that you are looking for.

Top spots include the boutique Hotel De La Paix (●www.hoteldelapaixhh. com) in Cha Am; designed by noted Thai architect Duangrit Bunnag, it’s full of shiny marble, aged timber, reflection pools, and plenty of space for dining under the stars. V Villas (●www.v-villashuahin. com) in Hua Hin has 23 elegant pool villas in Italian villazzo design, all equipped with state-of-the-art Bose entertainment systems; the hotel’s award-winning Villazzo Restaurant offers a range of pastas, pizza, superb fresh seafood, and plenty of Thai dishes as well. The Putahracsa (●www. putahracsa.com) offers stylish digs set in the historic district of downtown Hua Hin, and its Oceanside Restaurant is a great spot for romantic dinners; other nice touches here include horizon ozone pool villas and a pampering spa. Down the road in Pranburi, Villa Maroc (●www.villamarocresort.com) features a

TRAVEL COVER STORY

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Hansar Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa

bit of Morocco in Thailand, with exotic riad-style mansions with courtyards and pools, plus the award-winning Casablanca Restaurant and Shisha Bar to add to your North African fantasies. The Moroccan craze doesn’t stop here either, with The Marrakesh Hua Hin Resort & Spa (●www.marrakeshresortandspa.com) getting in on the action, with Jacuzzi suites and plenty of mosaic tile work and bright colors to complement the Arabian fountains. The prestigious Hansar (●www.hansarpranburi.com) has also opened a property in Pranburi, with a gorgeous resort nestled against the 300 peaks of Sam Roi Yot and set on one of Thailand’s last undiscovered beaches.

Also in this area you will find the swank X2 Kui Buri Villas (●www.x2resorts. com), set on four acres of virgin beachfront land, and featuring private villas with pools. The Sheraton is also in on the action here with two properties: The Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas (●www. sheratonhuahinpranburi.com) has private villas along the beachfront surrounded by lush tropical gardens and waterways, and is a superb spot to get away from it all. Up the road, the Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa (●www.sheratonhuahin.com) has an immense lagoon-shaped pool, one

Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas

Escape Hua Hin

Dusit Thani Hua Hin

of Thailand’s most impressive swimming locales in which to cool off, to go with its trademark upscale rooms and facilities.

Not to be left out, the Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa (●www3.hilton.com) has stylishly appointed rooms with balconies overlooking the sea, and a staggering choice of 10 restaurants and bars from which to imbibe the surroundings. For something different, the Sansiri Hotel Collection’s Escape Hua Hin (●www. escape-hotel.com) has re-created the look of traditional Hua Hin fishing villages, with red-roofed villas set around a beautiful pool, with Sand, Sun, and Sea rooms to choose from, each incorporating different scents, colors, and music. Surrounded by lush greenery, the Dusit Thani Hua Hin (●www.dusit.com) resembles a Mediterranean villa retreat with Thai touches, and the large pool is flanked by an ornamental lake and lily pond; outstanding service and amenities complement the elegant surroundings. If you are looking for colonial and historic charm, the Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas (●www.centarahotelsresorts.com)

JULY 2014 | 37

Hyatt Regency Hua Hin

The Intercontinental Hua Hin

The Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa

Springfield@Sea Resort

TRAVEL COVER STORY

has taken over one of Asia’s most classic hotels: the 1923 former railway hotel, with 42 villas that boast period-style furniture, hardwood floors, and Thai silk amongst the trappings of luxury. For a private lakeside retreat, you’ll be hard pressed to outdo the Aka Hua Hin (●www.akaresorts. com), where luxury villas feature such delights as private infinity pools and open-air sunken baths. The resort is set on 20 acres of verdant landscape, with sala gardens and an infinity pool adding to the meditative atmosphere; guests can take advantage of private villa dining to suit any occasion. The Intercontinental Hua Hin (●huahin.intercontinental.com) has a great beachside location and boasts unique features such as the two-story colonial beachfront digs, La Residence. Also not to be missed here is the enormous 55 square meter infinity edge pool, which comes complete with a fiber optic system to create a twinkling starlight effect come nighttime.

Not far from the airport, the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin (●huahin.regency.

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hyatt.com) boasts the longest beachfront of all of Hua Hin’s hotels. The resort’s decadent Barai Spa has 18 exotic treatment rooms in which to pamper oneself, and there is a river, lagoon, and beach pool here, all of which are interconnected, along with a 22-meter water slide, ensuring you will never get too overheated while on holiday in the Gulf of Thailand.

Springfield@Sea Resort (●858 Jumnong Poomivej Rd; 032 709 300, www.springfieldresort.com/atsea/index. html) is a stylish modern tropical paradise set around a massive pool, with 105 rooms tucked away in lush gardens offering sea and beach views, which you can admire from the porch swings that come with every room. A water slide and rain curtain fountain are part of the abundant waterworks here, and everything is lit up at night with glowing multi-colored lighting, creating a dynamic display.

Mida De Sea (●1349 Soi Cha-am 53 (Bo-Kia Road); 032 771 976–85, www. midadeseahuahin.com) is a chic and

stylish resort with 113 rooms that feature private terraces and balconies overlooking the sea, with each contemporary designed suite coming with plenty of five-star amenities. Those opting for suites on the second level have direct access to the gorgeous elongated swimming pool that is the centerpiece of the property. Plus Property (●www.rentalfortheholidays. com) offers three options in Hua Hin: The “Rental for the Holidays” program provides utmost comfort with resort-environment accommodation, first-class facilities, and particularly affordable rates when reserved on a monthly basis; they offer a variety of room types. Baan San Ploen beachfront condominiums, also available for rent, are only a five-minute walk to Hua Hin’s Night Market. And Chelona, a luxury beachfront resort condominium complex, offers a luxury experience in Mediterranean-style architectural design, with white plaster walls and bright blue doors and window frames.

HOTELS CHECKING IN

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Mandalay Beach Villas Koh Samui

THE GREAT ESCAPE How to enjoy a beautiful sunset, good food, and the sound of the ocean from your private open-air living room at Mandalay Beach Villas Koh Samui.

S

by Gaurav Sehgal

ometimes when life gets too hectic you just have this great need to just get away. Away from the tall claustrophobic buildings, cars, traffic, loud noises, bright lights, and the general sensory overload that can attack, especially when you live in a big city. And sometimes, all you need for that break are a couple of friends, great view, good food, and the sound of wind in the trees or waves peacefully rolling onto the sand … a beautiful sunset never hurts, either. What if I told you that there is a place in Thailand far enough from the realities of day-to-day life, but not so far that you feel disconnected, where you can enjoy all of the above from the comfort of your own modern, stylish open-air living room?

Upon landing at Koh Samui international airport, we were greeted with cool bottled water and a van to take us to our private luxury villa, only about a 20-minute drive away: Mandalay Beach Villas Koh Samui (●www.mandalaybeachvillas.com). Upon entering the villa, we were greeted by our two live-in villa staff members, who brought us welcome drinks and some refreshing cold towels. We were shown around the property, which boasts three large bedrooms and bathrooms, a stateof-the-art kitchen connected to a dining area, and a TV room with a large 3-D flat screen TV, Apple TV, a DVD player, and a sound system attached to speakers all around the villa. The villa also features

a large private pool with underwater LED lights, setting a real romantic atmosphere every evening. A few steps down past the pool, and you are on the beach. From almost anywhere you are in the villa, you can gaze out into the horizon. My personal favorite was the covered cabana with lazy lawn chairs….. sitting on them gave you the feeling of being on the ocean! There is also a kayak for you whenever you want. A guard patrols the beach in front of the villa, so security is never of concern. Aaah! our own private luxurious paradise for the next couple of days.

The villa staff played a definite role in our overall experience. Whether it was food, water, towels, transportation, excursions, massages, snacks from the nearest convenience store, or even information, they were always there with answers and solutions and unfailingly made us constantly feel welcome and at home, instilling in us the feeling that nothing was ever out of reach or too much of a hassle, because of them; their service was so heartfelt and always, always with an irresistible smile!

All in all, I give Mandalay Beach Villas five out of five stars, with rooms, service, ambience, security, and relaxation all accounted for. Highly recommended for a group of friends, a family (the whole area is very child-friendly), as well as for couples. Perfect for groups looking for pure relaxation but combined with luxury. I am already dreaming of my next visit!

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Dusit D2

HOTELS CHECKING IN

A YOUTHFUL STAY IN TRADITIONAL CHIANG MAI Ancestral Thai medicine, eclectic world cuisine, and a good location for sightseeing make Dusit D2 Chiang Mai a smart choice.

A

s I stepped out of the baggage hall of Chiang Mai International Airport, a hotel representative dressed smartly in an open-collar white shirt, orange suspenders, black trousers, and sneakers stepped forward to greet me with a positive attitude. Within minutes he had me and my baggage into the shuttle bus for the 15-minute transfer to the hotel.

On arrival at 131-room boutique Dusit D2 Chiang Mai (â—?100 Chang Klan Rd, Chiang Mai; 053 99 9999; www. dusitd2chiangmai.dusit.com), as I was

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by Laurence Civil staying in a studio suite, I was accord Club privileges, including private check-in and check-out while seated in the comfort of the Club Lounge on 7th floor. The checkin paperwork was minimal, requiring only a photocopy of my passport and my signature on the registration card. The process was seamless, and was completed almost before I realized what was happening. I was then escorted to my suite on the 6th floor.

My lodging was spacious: a total of 64 square meters. On the left was a walk-in closet which connected through a sliding

door to the bathroom. The main part of the room was a living area which could if needed be converted into a single bedroom or be a lounge area with a writing desk and a sofa area to relax in. A full-length sliding door separated the bedroom from these areas. The decor was warm and comfortable, featuring light wood and orange. The clever design of the studio suite meant that I could entertain in the living area and guests could have access to the bathroom, with the bedroom remaining totally private.

For a city stay, the location is perfect.

generation of traveler.

Executive Chef Chalong Sakkapalangkul prepared a special tasting menu for me at Moxie, the hotel’s signature restaurant, to demonstrate its eclectic selection of world cuisines. His appetizer selection started with a twist on the traditional papaya salad by adding soft shell crab; vermicelli noodle salad with lightly grilled tuna and a Vietnaminfluenced rice paper rolls filled with diced shrimp. His cream of mushroom soup with white truffle foam had a silky light texture and deliciously smooth taste. He drew on the local Chiang Mai sausage or “sai ua” made with minced pork herbs, spices and red Thai chili paste as the base for his spaghetti. His baked fish curry served with cherry tomato salad was deliciously light. Another Japanese influence was seen in his salmon teriyaki served with garlic rice. There was an American South inspiration in his BBQ pork ribs with mashed sweet potato.

For dessert, he presented the classic Thai dessert of mango with sticky rice and raspberry ice cream. I ate around the world in a single meal.

A spa treatment is an essential element of a relaxing stay. So I made my way the Devarana, the Dusit Thani spa brand, the name comes from the Sanskrit word that means “Garden in Heaven.” The Spa offers an atmosphere of ultimate relaxation in its own heavenly garden. The emphasis is on pampering and wellness, East meets West. Thai health and beauty practices that have been sourced from age-old therapies are updated with modern knowledge to pamper and rejuvenate guests.

I tried their signature “Harmony of Tad Si-the Traditional Thai Medicine,” lasting two hours. It’s an ancient Thai therapy based on the Buddhist teaching that the human body is composed of Tad Si, or four elements of earth, water, wind, and fire. Traditional Thai medicine also believes that diseases are caused by two main factors: first, an imbalance of the four elements in the body, and second that the mind is governed by “ego,” and ego leads to unhealthy emotions of attachment, aggression, and obscuration that can disturb the body’s harmony.

The Harmony of Tad Si combines a Thai herbal compress dipped in aromatic oil tailored to each guest’s body element, with Thai massage, incorporating pressure point and stretching techniques to relax muscles, relieve soreness, promote circulation, and stimulate the nerve meridians of the body.

A heavenly stay with the next generation. Dusit Thani.

Dusit D2

Set back some 70 meters from the famous Chang Klan Road, the hotel is a two-minute walk from the bustling night bazaar, restaurants, and Tapae gateway home to the ancient temples. I could feel the heartbeat of the city.

To give a sense of perspective of where the brand sits within the Dusit Thani group, Dusit Thani Hotels are the matriarch, offering a traditional and slightly formal Thai style of hospitality; the Princess offers a style that’s more like staying with a favorite aunt, slightly less formal. Dusit D2 is the youthful next generation—the values of hospitality remain unchanged, butt they are delivered in a way that is appropriate for their generation of travelers. Unashamedly, their color scheme is the ever-present vibrant orange to convey a a chic contemporary vibe, with a refreshing sense of playfulness. D2 is a resort brand whose distinctive combination of cutting-edge design, high-tech connectivity, and efficient, modern convenience reflects the needs and desires of today’s new

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HOTELS CHECKING IN

MY CONDO AT THE BEACH How Phuket Panwa surprised me on a casual weekend getaway ‌

Phuket Panwa

by Anita Zaror

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Phuket Panwa

hat do you look for when choosing a home? Distance to work or your kids’ school? It having a vintage or modern feel? Or maybe an affordable price? What I’ve noticed about the choices I’ve made for places I’ve lived in recent years is that they always have an architecture that slightly escapes the usual apartment layout.

They are duplex lofts with high ceilings, no doors—except for closets and bathrooms—, an open kitchen, and long curtains for a huge window that always offers a stunning view on the other side. That’s why when I entered the Andaman Loft Pool Room at Phuket Panwa (●8/88 Moo 7, Sakdidech Road, Vichit, Muang Phuket, Phuket; 076 302 900; www.phuketpanwabeachresort.com), located on the quiet Makham Bay in Cape Panwa, the first thing I said was “wow.” This place felt like home.

Phuket Panwa’s decoration was inspired by the beach town’s Sino-Portuguese

heritage. Each of its 227 rooms has either a private balcony or terrace and soundproof design (not that it’s really required), along with 40-inch LED TVs and DVD players, iPod docking stations, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. But what that really stands out, from the Panwa Room’s 42 square meters to The Royal Suite’s 330 square meters, is the rooms’ spaciousness, and the tranquil atmosphere that is encompassed by the resort’s 200-meter stretch of private beach facing smaller islands in the Andaman Sea.

From Patio, the resort’s Mediterranean seaside restaurant where bossa nova is playing, to the sound of the barman’s cocktail shaker and that of small waves breaking on the shore, Phuket Punwa is full of comforting music to the ears of those who wish to escape the noise of big cities. Your eyes might want to rest on the beach houses sitting

on the green hillsides spotted with bright red and yellow flowers, or on the longtail boats, yachts, and ships far behind, floating peacefully after a busy morning out in the open sea. You may spot as well the occasional honeymooners kissing far out in the water.

My favorite dish at Patio was Chef Vira’s fried rice with onion, chili, shrimp, and egg, which can be eaten together with a choice of mustard beef, pan-fried fish, duck in orange sauce, or chicken with mushroom sauce.

But my absolute favorite dining outlet at the resort is Biscuit, a bakerycafé offering homemade bites—like their delicious macarons—and a selection of premium teas and coffees. Mosaic, the all-day dining Thai cuisine restaurant; the Lobby Lounge, particularly suitable for afternoon tea or evening cocktails; and Splash Pool Bar & Beach BBQ, for poolside refreshments—together with prompt and convenient room service—complete the resort’s F&B outlets.

Phuket Panwa offers several water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and sailing. I tried the stand-up paddleboard in order to take a closer look to the colorful beach houses that look so nice from the beach. And it was indeed interesting to see them, and a jellyfish the size of a football (the largest I’d even seen in my life!), as well as the smiling villager who said, “Sawasdee krub” when I paddled past him watching him fish with a rudimentary net held together with Coca-Cola bottles and the water up to his chest.

Not that I needed more relaxation in that quiet environment after I had chilled in my room’s Jacuzzi, slept in a super comfortable queen size bed the previous night, and swum in what felt like my room’s private swimming pool that morning. But after some sports at the resort’s 24-hour fitness center, I headed to the spa and let go in the capable hands of the therapist while I indulged in the Aromatic Suit Massage (THB 2,000 for 60 minutes and THB 2,500 for 90 minutes), a complete face, scalp, and body anti-stress treatment done with essential oils of the customer’s choice.

Phuket Panwa has three meeting rooms on the resort’s top floor, and it’s also commonly reserved for weddings. As for my little holiday there, it was blissful. How could it not be when it felt like being at home, but at the beach.

JUly 2014 | 45

TRAVEL FEATURE

A SHOPAHOLIC ’S SURVIVAL GUIDE TO HO CHI MINH CITY The Vietnamese city is a paradise for foodies, bargain-hunters, and fashionistas; here’s where you should go

by Duncan Forgan

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o Chi Minh City (or Saigon) has come a long way, and nowhere is this shift more immediately apparent to visitors than in the boom in its consumer culture. Vietnam is still nominally a communist country where portraits of Ho Chi Minh are ubiquitous.

Closer inspection, however, reveals the modern-day Saigon. Glass fronted shop fronts bear the names of luxury brands such as Cartier, Gucci and Christian

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Louboutin. A growing collection of towering skyscrapers, the most striking of which is the iconic lotus flower-inspired Bitexco Tower, conceal glitzy sky-bars and contemporary dining options. Vietnam, with its relentlessly entrepreneurial southern hub, has an ever-evolving shopping and dining scene to rival any in Asia.

What makes shopping in Ho Chi Minh City such a rewarding experience is not just the increased profusion of big name brands

and labels. It is also the way that these international options are juxtaposed with niche independent retailers, boutiques, and traditional markets.

Most of the main international names are located in the city’s downtown area.

The Rex Arcade (●4-6 Le Loi St, District 1, +84 8 3829 2185) adjacent to the iconic Rex Hotel, features Chanel, Burberry, Cartier, Rolex, and Ralph Lauren among its stores, while Dong Khoi—probably Ho Chi Minh City’s main shopping street—has Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Aldo, and Christian Louboutin. Worth visiting for a fix of global glamour is the Vincom Centre (●72 Vincom Center HCM, 72 Le Thanh Ton St, +84 8 39369999), which counts Jimmy Choo, BCBG, Gap, and Mango among its many stores. There is also Runway Boutique, regarded as the premier shopping spot in town by many of Saigon's fashionistas.

Ho Chi Minh City, however, has plenty

more in its retail locker. One of the best things to do in the city is to get a garment tailor made. Good quality fabric can be bought at low cost at various markets and shops in the city. Excellent choices include Ben Thanh Market (●District 1) and Tan Dinh Market (●District 3). Having secured your fabric, bring a picture or, better, a sample of what you want to one of the many master tailors in town. Tricia & Verona and Cao Minh are both reliably good options.

The city is also strong on independent retail outlets. L’Usine (●151 Dong Khoi, D1, +84 8 6674 3565), a concept store café, is situated in a beautiful converted shophouse off Dong Khoi and houses men’s and women’s street fashion and a range of stylish trinkets such as retro motorcycle helmets and Lomo cameras. Other fascinating places include Lam Boutique (●71 Mac Thi Buoi, D1, +84 9 06712 309) and Song (●76D Le Thanh Ton, D1, +84

8 3824 6986) for clothes, Gaya (●Le Lai Corner, Nguyen Van Trang St., D1, +84 8 3925 1495) for designer furniture and home goods, Life Impression (●47 Ton That Thiep, D1, +84 8 3831 4521) for creative lacquerware and Saigon Kitsch (●43 Ton That Thiep, D1, +84 8 38218272) for a pop art take on Vietnamese Communist Party memorabilia.

Bargain-hunters should head for Ben Thanh Market (●Ben Thanh Roundabout, D1) or Saigon Square (●7789 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1). The former, the city’s most famous market, is great for home goods and accessories, while Saigon Square hides many excellent fashion items.

Ho Chi Minh City is not known as one of the world’s great food cities for nothing.

From exclusive dining areas to spots filled with locals devouring smoky short ribs and toasting each other with icy bottles of Saigon beer, the variety is extraordinary.

The city’s stock in trade is great JUly 2014 | 47

TRAVEL FEATURE Vietnamese cuisine, so that’s where you should probably start. Some of the best food is found on the street, but the variety of dishes and vendors can be intimidating for the casual visitor. For an authentic and easily interpreted insight into sidewalk fare, head to Quan An Ngon (●160 Pasteur St, D1, +84 8 8239 9449). Here, top street vendors are corralled into the garden of a giant colonial villa where they can showcase their skills in palatial surrounds. The atmosphere is generally buzzing, the prices are low and the food is amazing.

Another place for top-notch traditional Vietnamese cooking is Cuch Gach Quan (●10 Dang Tat, D1, +84 8 3848 0144).

Located on the outer fringes of District 1 in a gracefully converted mansion, their menu covers a full spectrum of Vietnamese dishes lovingly prepared in an open kitchen by chefs Co Diep and Chi Bay. Special mention goes to their smoky eggplant fried in scallion oil and Diep’s wonderfully silken house-made tofu.

Surprisingly, given the city’s modernity, new spins on Vietnamese cookery are hard to find. One of the few contemporary Vietnamese restaurants is Xu (●75 Hai Ba Trung Street, Dl, +84 8 3824 8468) where Australian-Vietnamese chef Bien Nguyen produces fusion dishes such as pork belly braised in coconut juice.

Most of the world’s great cuisines are represented in Ho Chi Minh City. The French flag is flown proudly at venues such

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as La Cuisine (●48 Le Thanh Ton, D1, +84 8 2229 8882) and Ty Coz (●178/4 Pasteur St, D1, +84 8 3822 2457). Other international gems include Tandoor (●7 4/6 Hai Ba Trung Street, D1, +84 8 930 4839) for Indian food, Warda for Lebanese (●71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, D1, +84 8 3823 3822), and Pizza 4Ps (●8/15 Le Thanh Ton Street, D1, +84 8 3822 9838) for flawless traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas with a Japanese twist.

For a splurge, try Square One (●Park Hyatt Hotel, 2 Lam Son Square, D1, +848 3824 1234) or head across Lam Son Square to Reflections (●Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square, D1, +84 8 3823 4999) and then back upstairs to Saigon Saigon bar to get this runaway train of a city into perspective.

TRAVEL MY FAVORITE PLACE

CELEBRITY HUA HIN All the reasons why this traditional beach town is chef Kent Arnon Masanglong’s favorite place

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orn and raised in Bangkok, chef Kent Arnon Masanglong is better known as the winner of Thailand’s 2012 “Iron Chef” competition. He is the chef in charge of the official receptions of the Royal Family of Thailand, and he has worked for more than 30 years in upscale hotels and restaurants around the world, including in Canada, New Zealand, Shanghai, Dubai, Switzerland, Cape Town, and Thailand. He has cooked for the team of Miss Thailand Universe 2011, and has given Thai cooking classes for personalities such as tennis players Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, and Rafael Nadal, and renowned singers like Paul Anka and Francis Yip. But it was one experience in particular which gave Hua Hin a special place in his heart: working at the InterContinental Hua Hin.

“As Chef de Cuisine, I was responsible for each restaurant and every catering reception in the hotel. The InterContinental Hua Hin has regularly been chosen as the accommodation for

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royal guests, dignitaries, Hollywood stars, and celebrities; it has set up major international venues such as Hua Hin Film Festival—the red carpet parade of stars on the beach—where Michelle Yeoh, Jacky Cheung, Luc Besson, Alex Meraz, Johnny Nguyen, Ryan Gosling, and many others famous film directors and superstars from Hollywood, Asia, and Thailand have passed by,” he explains.

Chef Kent received an honorary Bachelor of Arts in Hotel and Tourism Industry Management from Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin Wang Klai Kangwon Campus, Hua Hin, in 2012. He then decided to make a contribution back to Thai society, and today he collaborates with the Thai Chef Association and with the university’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Industry. Even as he helps governmental bodies to promote authentic Thai cuisine and Thai export food products, he also gave us recommendations for Lookeast’s readers to keep in mind when visiting Hua Hin.

Bring there: A lot of friends Must-do: Have an elephant ride at the Siam Winery Hua Hin vineyard.

And give merit to the Big Buddha (Luang Phor Tuad Statue) at Wat Huay Mongkol Buddhist Temple.

Don't do: Don’t honk the horn in front of Klai Kangwon Palace.

Must-see: Good night skyline! The northern end the rocky mountain of Khao Takiab has an amazing view; it’s the most colorful spot in Hua Hin at night.

Must-buy: Shopaholics should go to Chatsila Night Market.

Eat at: Coco 51 Drink at: Cantaloupe Island Bar & Bistro Sleep at: The InterContinental Hua Hin

HOTELS CHECKING IN

ADVERTORIAL

Overview of Rooms

Thai-style contemporary rooms fully furnished with modern comfort and amenities.

Best of Both Worlds Deevana Patong Resort & Spa offers an experience of Phuket’s action center from an oasis of tranquility.

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ocated at the center of all the action in Phuket’s most popular destination—Patong—, Deevana Patong Resort & Spa (●43/2 Raj-U-Thid 200 Pee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket; 076 341 414–5; www.deevanapatong.com) is just minutes away from the famous Bangla Road nightlife, Jungceylon shopping and entertainment center and, of course, the wonderful golden sands of the glorious Patong Beach.

When entering the grand lobby of Deevana, however, a feeling of calm and tranquility awaits as this elegant Thai resort with spacious tropical gardens and tasteful guest rooms and suites takes you to an oasis of calm relaxation – the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday getaway.

Function Venues

Vanda Conference Room is located on the ground floor.

Facilities

Air conditioning with individual control; color TV with satellite channel with international news; safety box in room; Deevana Spa; gym; private bathroom with hot and cold shower; free WiFi at public areas; walking distance to the Patong Beach’s night life and shopping area.

Deevana in Numbers

Total number of guestrooms: 216 Total ballroom capacity Round table setup with stage: 40 people Cocktail setup with stage: 100 people Theatre setup with stage: 100 people Additional function areas and total capacity of each Garden: 250 people Poolside: 80 seats Restaurants: 12- seats

Additional Features

In-house wedding planner; Indian cuisine; beauty salon; spa

JUly 2014 | 51

AOT

TRAVEL NEWS

Amari Phuket

Automated Check-In Service at Suvarnabhumi Airport

CSR Activity at Ban Nok School

Suvarnabhumi Airport has introduced the Common Use Self Service (CUSS) system, an automated check-in service, for the convenience of its passengers whereby passengers no longer need to queue up at airline check-in counters.

There are currently 16 automated check-in machines available for use at the Departure Hall, situated between Entrances 3 and 4 and Entrances 7 and 8. Fourteen airlines are using the CUSS system: Thai Airways, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific Airways, Austrian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Transaero Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Kenya Airways, Delta Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, and EVA Air.

Club Med

Club Med Unveils Its First China Beach Resort

Club Med has announced the debut of its first beach resort in China. Club Med Dong’ao Island is a Mediterranean-style retreat offering ocean adventures and unspoiled nature, set on an exclusive island neighboring Hong Kong and Macau. The resort showcases the best of Club Med’s new upscale positioning for premium all-inclusive holidays. Club Med Dong’ao Island combines two zones: Premium Resort Club Med and Le Luxe by Club Med. Club Med Dong’ao Island opened June 20, unveiling the exclusive luxury zone, Le Luxe by Club Med.

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Tamara Kobiolke has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa. Prior to joining The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket, Tamara held the position of Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Missoni Edinburgh. Supported by an accounting background, she has since worked in events and catering as well as sales and marketing in five-star resorts and city center hotels throughout Scotland including Fairmont St. Andrews and Cameron House on Loch Lomond, as well in her home country of Australia with Starwood Hotels & Resorts at The Westin Sydney.

Hilton Pattaya

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket Welcomes New Director of Sales & Marketing

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa

The CSR Team of Amari Pattaya, led by Ornnicha Jiansathid, CSR Conductor (third from left), Amari Emerald Cove Koh Chang, and the Nova Platinum Hotel recently joined with the Ruk Thai Foundation to organize the event “84 Years, 84 Schools – Let’s do Good for Our King” at Ban Nok School, Chonburi. The event hosted many activities to share knowledge and fun games to further prepare students to become outstanding citizens.

Hilton Pattaya Plants Corals to Commemorate 2014 World Environment Day

Hilton Pattaya’s general manager, Rudolf Troestler, together with more than 20 executives of Hilton Pattaya joined a coral reef planting project for 2014 World Environment Day at ToeiNgam beach in Sattahip. Participation in the project demonstrates the hotel’s concern for the environment and its commitment to live sustainably. World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness of and action for the environment.

The Tongsai Bay Awarded 2014 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence The Tongsai Bay has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award. The accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide.

TRAVEL HOTEL DEALS

Weekly Discount Plus for Thai Residents

What: Whether on a family vacation in the vibrant city of Pattaya, on a romantic getaway, or an adventure weekend escape, Thai residents can now enjoy an ultimate hotel experience in one of Thailand’s premiere five-star hotels for less, with Royal Cliff Hotels Group’s Weekly Discount Plus Package. Book now and receive a forty percent discount on the guest room rate, and forty five percent discount on the suite rate.

When: From now until October 31 Where: Royal Cliff Hotels Group More info: www.royalcliff.com

Good Morning Sunshine at Le Bayburi Pranburi

What: Le Bayburi Pranburi, a luxurious threebedroom beachfront pool villa is introducing Good Morning Sunshine promotion that offers guests one breakfast basket worth THB 1,100 and one time mini-bar replenishment worth THB 800 per stay. The offer is applied to any booking made through www.LeBayburi.com or book@LeBayburi.com for a two-night stay or more. Rates start at THB 14,400 net per night, and the villa can accommodate six to eight people.

When: From now until October 31 Where: Le Bayburi Pranburi More info: www.lebayburi.com

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

What: Pamper yourself with the Presidential Package at Hotel de la Paix, Cha Am Beach, including two consecutive nights accommodation in a Pool Villa, with breakfast for two people; nightly sunset cocktails and canapés on the beach; one-time Romantic private cabana beach BBQ for two people; one-time 90-minute Mochachino Energizing Scrub with Aromatic Massage for two people, and more. Rate starts at THB 30,500 net, and is applicable Sunday thru Friday. Overnight stay on Saturday or public holiday has a surcharge of THB 2,500 THB per package.

When: From now until September 30 Where: Hotel de la Paix, Cha Am Beach, Hua Hin More info: 032 709 555, book@hoteldelapaixhh.com

Twenty Percent Off Your Stay at Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

What: Plan ahead for your holiday and save up to twenty percent off Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa’s Best Available Rate, by booking in advance. The only hotel in Hua Hin offering sea views from all 296 guest rooms and suites, the resort is built around a large free-form swimming pool with Jacuzzi and slide, and boasts direct access to the public beach.

When: Ongoing Where: Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa More info: 032 538 999

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Le Bayburi Pranburi

Presidential Package

Room, Dine, and Spa for Two

What: Enjoy four-nights accommodation in a luxurious Lagoon Access Room with daily buffet breakfast for two people, sparkling wine and an in-room floral bath, a romantic three-course dinner, an afternoon tea ritual for two people per stay, 90-minute Shine Massage for two people per stay, late check-out until 4 p.m., and more for THB 59,999 net per room, for a four-nights stay.

When: From now until October 31 Where: Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa More info: 032 708000, www.sheraton.com/huahin

X2 Samui

Beat the Heat

Angsana Laguna Phuket

What: If the heat is too unbearable, beat it by getting away to the island! X2 Samui is inviting you to enjoy their hospitality in the luxury of their design resort, at a very affordable price with the “Beat the Heat” promotion that will give you a free upgrade from Deluxe Garden Villa to Deluxe Pool Villa. It comes with daily Champagne Breakfast for two, one time mini-bar replenishment and complimentary round trip transfer between resort and Samui Airport or Lipa Noi Pier. Rate start at THB 5,097 net.

When: From now until July 15 Where: X2 Samui More info: www.X2LOBBY.com

Angsana Laguna Phuket Offers Special Rates to Thai Residents What: Angsana Laguna Phuket is offering promotional room rates—starting at THB 2,900—to Thais and expats living in Thailand, until October 31, 2014. Guests booking the Thai Resident Rate offer will get daily breakfast; 50% discount on food and beverage from June to September 2014; 25% discount on food and beverage on July and August 2014; and 50% discount on spa services from now until October 2014.

When: Offer open for new bookings until October 30, and valid for stays until October 31, 2014 Where: Angsana Laguna Phuket More info: 076 324 101; reservations-lagunaphuket@angsana.com

Luxury Motorbike Tours

Vivaldi PR

LIFESTYLE THE HEDONIST

TOYS WITH EXPENSIVE WHEELS AND FINS HOW TO SAIL, RIDE, OR DRIVE THROUGH THAILAND IN STYLE.

by Coco Lavander

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ith 510,890 square kilometers of land and 2,230 of water, Thailand offers plenty of expensive toys with wheels and fins to roam around in. And if you want to do it in style, the myriad of possibilities range from casual yacht trips at a nearby beach town, to luxury motorbike tours … and well, if you live here, the options go all the way to being the proud owner of one of the most sought-after international luxury cars, which are also available in the country.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Renting a yacht is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Thailand’s beaches, but from the sea. And if you are in Bangkok, you don’t need to go too far to take advantage of this possibility. Just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, in Pattaya, companies like Lady Ann Yachting (●081 984 5160, www.ladyannyachting.com) offer full-day (THB 55,000), half-day (THB 45,000), and sunset trips (THB 35,000) in fully equipped yachts for either two or up to 50 people, including a seafood barbeque for lunch, entertainment, and an

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experienced captain. Its manager, Parkin Rungsangtaratorn, explains, “You will be spending time enjoying the sea, sand, and sun like no other. For a day trip, begin your cruise out to Koh Lan, Koh Phai, or Koh Rin islands; make a stop to feed the monkeys, and then head further out where, after an hour, you will find yourself in the clear crisp sea, on a white sandy beach, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, sunbathing and, later in the afternoon, cruising back to shore, watching the sunset.”

Evel Knievel Style

Companies like Luxury Motorbike Tours (●093 194 2119, www. luxurymotorbiketours.com) offers journeys from 10 to 14 days around Thailand (and Cambodia), covering distances from 900 to 2,200 kilometers, with prices ranging from THB 270,000 to THB 440,000. The trips can be done in a choice of different motorcycles, such as BMW F650GS, Honda VFR 750 & 1200 (automatic, no clash), Honda CB 500, Kawasaky Versys 650, Kawasaki Er-6N, and Honda Transalp 600V.

Beauty in the Drive

While the first Jaguar F-TYPE in Thailand—a two-seater convertible that with a V6 or V8 engine coupled with a twin-vortex supercharger, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds, and priced in Thailand from THB 8.6 million to THB 10.5 million—was presented recently to its new owners, the 35th Bangkok International Motor Show 2014 was celebrated March 26–April 6. Also presented at the show were car models like the Q by Aston Martin, BMW i9, Porsche Macan, and Ducati’s 1199 Superleggera.

Rolls-Royce also presented for the first time in Asia the Ghost Majestic Horse Collection, a special model with just 35 units on production that will celebrate this year of the horse of the Zodiac calendar, used among Asian countries such as Thailand, China, Vietnam, and Japan.

Another highlight of the show was the Ghost Phantom Extended Wheelbase (EWB) priced at THB 42.5 million.

LIFESTYLE SPA DEALS

Head, Mind, and Soul Massage

Lookeast | Lifestyle

What: Conrad Koh Samui is offering its guests a wide variety of complimentary daily wellness programs, including tai chi and pilates, and spa workshop activities that will allow you to learn the D.I.Y. body scrubbing, nourishing hair mask, or Thai stretching techniques for neck and shoulder, during your stay, while enjoying a luxurious spa experience at the resort.

When: Ongoing Where: Conrad Koh Samui How much: Varies More info: www.conradkohsamui.com

Men’s “Time Out” Spa Treatments

Hilton Pattaya

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Complimentary Wellness Treatments for Guests

137 Pillars House

What: eforea: spa at Hilton introduced the “Head, Mind, and Soul Massage,” designed to bring relaxation and healthy hair to overtired guests. The therapeutic experience consists of a 60-minute head massage which combines deepflowing, nurturing, and relaxing techniques to dispel stress and relieves tension.

When: Ongoing Where: eforea: spa at Hilton, Hilton Pattaya How much: THB 1,800 net per package per person More info: 038 253 000; pattaya. info@hilton.com

What: Amari Phuket’s guests can enjoy Breeze Spa’s new treatment designed especially for men looking to relax and revive from head to toe after a busy day. Book any 90-minute massage and you will receive a complimentary 30-minute facial treatment by Comfort Zone.

When: From now until August 31 Where: Breeze Spa, Amari Phuket How much: THB 2,700 net More info: 07 634 0106 ext. 8809; phuket@breeze-spa.com

Amari Phuket

What: Six Senses spa’s range of oil blends, used during treatments at Six Senses spas, are available for purchase to continue enhancing the results of yogic programs at home. Some of these oils were known by ancient people to protect one on an energetic level, while others relate to individual chakras or are beneficial for muscular skeletal development, toning, and firming the body. Try the Muscle Ease Blend, Rasayana Blend, Bliss Blend, or Aura Protection Mist.

When: Ongoing Where: At selected Six Senses spas How much: Varies More info: www.sixsenses.com

Hot Spa Promotion for Men

Ambassador Hotel Bangkok

Ayurveda Aromatherapy Products

What: Responding to the increasing popularity of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai’s spa services and specific requests for men’s treatments, the spa is now offering an exquisite range of “Time Out” treatments for men using Aromatherapy Associates products.

When: Starting July 1 guests will enjoy the complimentary use of the herbal steam room before or after a treatment, as preferred.

Where: The Spa, 137 Pillars House How much: Complimentary for guests More info: 053 247 788, www.137pillarshouse.com

Beautifying Spa Package

What: Begin this beautifying treatment with the Organic Rice Milk Body Scrub to gently exfoliate the skin, followed by a dip in the Jacuzzi to open your pores and to better assist nutrient absorption from the Relaxing Body Massage with organic oil, as the therapist massages you and melts your tensions away (105 minutes).

When: From now until August 31, daily from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: The Spa, Ambassador Hotel Bangkok How much: THB 1,600 net per person More info: 02 254 0444 ext. 1254; spabkk@amtel.co.th

LIFESTYLE WELLNESS

“Seeing” With the Hands Centara Grand’s Spa Cenvaree, at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, is the first in the hotel family to employ two blind therapists.

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by Maia Kara of gooseberry tea, I was asked about my individual preferences and wishes to guarantee a tailor-made treatment.

Paranee Fongta, my therapist, did magic with her hands while stretching, pulling, and expertly searching for “problem” points to apply pressure relieving muscular pain and stress. Thai royal massage covers a whole body, starting from toes, moving up your legs, up to the back and shoulders, finishing with head massage—it leaves you completely relaxed and rejuvenated. The massage was accompanied by the soft tranquil music and soothing scent of lavender.

Spa Cenvaree in Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok is the first in the Centara hotel family to employ two blind therapists. Another two treatment packages these therapists perform are a 60-minute Traditional Foot Massage (at THB 1,100++) and an Aromatherapy Massage (THB 1,600++ for 60 minutes and THB 2,000++ for 90 minutes). The spa’s staff of highly trained seeing therapists is also available to offer service on these and other various packages and treatments, including body therapy, facial care, ayurvedic treatments, and many more.

Centara Grand

eing a spa junkie, I have tried quite a few different places, from local massage shops to five-star luxury spas since I moved to Bangkok a few months ago.

Always looking for a new experience, I was excited to read about “blind massage therapists who, due to their lack of sight, are considered to ‘see’ through their hands, channeling their energy through other senses and feeling the flow of energy through their sense of touch.” Thus, I made an appointment for a one-hour Royal Thai Massage (THB 1,300++ per person for 60 minutes and THB 1,600++ for 90 minutes) to start my weekend at Spa Cenvaree at Centara Grand (●Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, 1695 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 02 541 1234, www. centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/ cglb).

Upon my arrival I was welcomed by the scent of orange with a drop of lemongrass. The spa adopts a lotus zen concept, taking design cues from lotus flowers. It has seven multi-function therapy rooms, a Thai massage room, a manicure and pedicure suite and a relaxation room.

While enjoying a cold towel and a glass

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JUly 2014 | 59

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

BITES FROM A FAIRY TALE Forget what you know about Japanese food, and try Kaguya Japanese Gastro Bar. You’ll be surprised.

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“Kaguya is the name of a character in an old Japanese fairytale,” says Chef Kong.

“She was born of the moon and raised by humans. Basically, it is a story full of natural details, and we came up with ideas of sceneries of bamboo deco and stone walls,” he tells us, and adds, “the aesthetics of the story motivated the deco.”

The hardest thing about dining at Kaguya is to make up your mind on what to choose from the mouthwatering menu.

So you had better forget what you know about Japanese food and perhaps start your experience with the Kaguya spring roll. With the look and shape of a maki, but served warm, it is made with glass noodles instead of seaweed, and it’s filled with moist, delicious tiger prawns.

For something crispier, choose the giant tiger prawn stuffed with truffle and wild mushroom tempura. Tempura is still a classic of Japanese cuisine, but Chef Kong has used his knowledge of French cuisine and mixed both cultures in a blissful bite. The tempura crust is crunchy but not overdone, while the tiger prawn melts in the mouth. After your fist bite, the flavors of truffle and cèpes (more popularly

known as porcini mushrooms) will literally explode in your mouth.

When in Japan … you must have a miso soup! And another winner on Kaguya’s menu is vanilla miso soup with scallop. You will definitely get the taste of the classic Japanese soup in your palate, but also feel the vanilla seeds bringing a velvety touch to it, along with some sweetness. Bites from a fairy tale, truly.

Lucie Brake

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fter attending high school in Canada and studying to be a musician in Boston for a year, Chef Kongwuth Chaiwongkachon got back to his real passion: cooking.

Born of a Chinese father and a Thai mother, Chef Kong is a talented multicultural food artist, who mastered his cuisine technique at the Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School in Bangkok.

His natural creativity and his French techniques are found in each dish he delivers at Kaguya Japanese Gastro Bar (●137 The Third Place Building, Thonglo Soi 10, Sukhumvit 55, North Klong-Ton, Bangkok; 02 714 9974; 086 881 7299), which opened its doors July 15, 2013.

Take your time to sit back, relax, and indulge in a drink before starting your meal. Kaguya offers a beautiful range of wine and a unique list of beers (beer lovers, try the Hitachino Nest, Japanese craft beer collection). But the stars of the drinks menu are the cocktails. Fresh, fruity, and light, perfect for the weather nowadays, the Okinowa Sour is a must.

by Lucie Barke

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

NOT SO SMALL AFTER ALL

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by Alexander Eeckhout

new place for Sathornites has opened up on Suan Phlu.

From the founder of Q Bar comes something completely different. From loud to quiet, from big to not so big, the place is aptly named Smalls (●186/3 Suan Phlu Soi 1, Bangkok; 095 585 1398). In sharp contrast to David Jacobson’s previous establishment, Smalls is a quiet and dimly lit café that’s dark and beautiful enough for whispers daylight can’t endure.

The bar has a lovely Old World interior that’s fit for a Wes Anderson movie. Quirky items here and there together with big art pieces give it character. Of course, a place like this doesn’t come without music: jazz, blues, R&B, and soul are softly played in the background, plus there will be live jazz every week.

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Although it’s called Smalls, the bar has three levels with room for 80 people. The top level is a rooftop terrace sort of place, where you can catch a breeze and smoke a cigarette—although I think a Cuban cigar would suit the decor better. The second level is mostly indoors but has a balcony hugging the building, where you can sit as well. The first level is accessed from the street through lovely revolving doors. Each level has its own bar, stocked with a wide variety of fine liquors and other alcoholic beverages. They have a good selection of excellent tequilas, single malts, absinthes, and so on. And at Smalls they want you to enjoy your drink as well, so they pour 45 ml drinks instead of the usual 37.5 ml.

However, if you’re not into rare absinthes or Scottish firewater, try one of their smooth and delicious cocktails, such as

Smalls

The newest venture from the founder of Q Bar, Smalls, is now open for business in Sathorn.

the Chocolatini or blueberry sidecar (THB 270++).

Smalls has quite a large food menu for a bar, and serves food until 1:30 a.m. Dishes range from simple fried rice (THB 160++) and hamburgers (THB 180–230++) to escargots (THB 340++), French cold cuts and cheeses (THB 490++) David’s French business partner, Bruno, guarantees that the French items on the menu are of high quality, but make no mistake: all the ingredients are meticulously sourced.

Apart from being closed on Tuesday, they’re open from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m., but keep in mind that on curfew days, the doors stop revolving at midnight.

A good bar for a conversation can be hard to find in Bangkok—a great one like this comes along rarely indeed.

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

BANGKOK FROM AN AIRSHIP Zeppelin, a new sky bar on Sukhumvit, is giving a different view of the city’s skyline. ooking for an affordable rooftop bar and restaurant? That is the key concept of Zeppelin (●1595/500 45-46 Floor Luk Condominium, B Tower Sukhumvit Road, Phra Khanong, 02 116 4452, www. facebook.com/Zeppelinbarandrestuarant), a new sky bar located on the 46th floor, a few minutes away from Phra Khanong BTS station (exit 3).

Stepping inside Zeppelin, we were welcomed by easy jazz music and wowed by the ambience. Decorated in four themes, Zeppelin presents you with the Engine Room, a wine cellar-style bar; Monte Bianco, a charming dining room; Bivouac, romantic outdoor beds perfect for couples (not yet open at the time of review); and Sky Scrape, a spacious outdoor area with comfy couches. The Sky Scrape highlights a glass path that gives a breath-taking look down 45 floors below, daring you to walk over.

But Zeppelin is not just another rooftop bar. It actually allows you to see Bangkok from a different vantage point, as its location is farther from the heart of the city. From the 46th floor, instead of being blocked by other high-rise buildings, you will find a beautiful 360-degree view of Bangkok and look at the city from a

distance.

In addition to a great ambience, Zeppelin also offers a fine variety in their menu, primarily Mediterranean and Thai, with Australian steak, poultry, seafood, and pasta dishes, among others. We started with the niçoise salad (THB 190) and slowroasted duck breast and mashed potato cassis raspberry sauce (THB 390). The highlight of the night was the tiger prawn with garlic parsley sauté vegetable bacon curry sauce (THB 430). The fresh prawn was nicely grilled and well seasoned with a combination of curry powder, garlic, and ginger made into a sauce that goes perfectly with the prawns.

Fancy some drinks? Zeppelin offers bottles of wine starting from less than THB 2,000, and a number of cocktails ranging between THB 300 and THB 400.

Opened since January 2014, Zeppelin has yet to launch a grand opening, as the staff is eager to perfect everything before doing so. But there is one thing that doesn’t need any perfecting: the experience of enjoying delicious food and drinks with the city view from this airship.

Open daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Reservations recommended on Fridays and Saturdays.

Thanyarat Phumpaka

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by Pantip Supradit

JUly 2014 | 63

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

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SIMPLICITY OF FOOD IN A RELAXED ENVIRONMENT Le Monde c’est prêt. A preview of the restaurant and bar’s upcoming grand opening, in Sukhumvit Soi 39.

by Federico Brandi

Monde

aunched with a soft opening in mid-February of this year, Monde (●555/27 Sukhumvit Soi 39, Bangkok, 085 009 6508, www.facebook.com/mondeofficial) is one of the new additions to those areas where people who can’t find space in the overpopulated Thong Lor are moving.

The bar is located on the rooftop of a newly finished five-story building, where mainly Japanese restaurants are popping up. Despite its proximity to the main roads, the area is quiet and is a perfect place to chill with friends. With its wide open setting and simple décor, this restaurant is a haven from a bustling city and a place where you can take time out to enjoy with friends and family and tuck into good drink and simple food.

Embracing the simplicity of food in a relaxed environment is the idea behind Monde. You sit on a large, comfy couch, enjoy some snack food while waiting for your cocktail, and chat with your friends.

In this peaceful space, an inviting sushi bar will be opened to expand the food selection. Coming from the elevator, you will see on the opposite side of the rooftop the main bar, which is flanked by two gazebos, where you can sit and enjoy one of the 40 different flavors of shisha.

The drink menu, the wine list, and the food menu are large enough for a newly opened venue, stretching from Thai food to international cuisine. My advice is to try the stir-fried tofu in tamarind sauce, one of the best choices, although not really particular to Monde’s menu. The restaurant manager and the kitchen staff are working to design a new menu with a personal touch and a sharper focus on Japanese food.

The signature cocktails are usually light and sweet, apt for the young audience of university students who was filling up the bar when I was there. If you are a fan of strawberries, you will love the Soju Strawberry.

Acoustic live music is onstage every night from 9 p.m. to midnight, and until 1:30 a.m. on weekends.

Monde is still a work in progress and is defining its true soul but, for sure, the scene and the venue will make this place the perfect spot for chill hangouts and weekly catch-ups with friends and family.

Monde’s grand opening is scheduled for July or August.

Open Monday to Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

www.thaiselect.com

Italian Lifestyle Lunch Buffet at Le Fenix Sukhumvit

What: L3 Eatery Restaurant presents an “Italian Lifestyle Lunch Buffet” offering variety of Italian Pasta with selection of tomato sauce, Carbonara sauce, Bolognese sauce, or Marinara sauce served with four choices of pasta noodles, lasagna, risotto, chicken with mushroom sauce, roasted pork with Provencal, baked spinach with cheese, mashed potatoes, Italian soup served with assortment of breads (garlic, pesto, seafood breads, and bruschetta breads), as well as a hot and cold appetizers corner recommenced by the chef.

When: From now until August 31 Where: L3 Eatery, Le Fenix Sukhumvit How much: THB 279 net per adult (excluding drinks); “Come4 Pay3” special promotion on weekdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More info: 02 305 4000; fbm@lefenixbangkok.com; www.lefenixbangkok.com

Truffles Promotion

What: Visit Park Society rooftop restaurant and bar, on Sofitel So Bangkok’s 29th floor, for an exclusive highlight menu that uses fine truffles from around the world. This five-course set menu was prepared by Park Society’s Chef de Cuisine, Angela Brown.

When: From now until July 31 Where: Park Society, Sofitel So Bangkok How much: Five courses at THB 3,999++ per person More info: 02 624 0000, H6835-FB5@Sofitel.com

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Lookeast | wine & dine

A Delicious Twist of Crunchy Noodle Wrapped Shrimp What: InAzia’s culinary team has been casting their nets to bring you fresh and sweet meat of tiger prawns and prepare perfectly to present its most utterly irresistible seafood on your table. Indulge in a simple but uniquely tasteful dish “Crunchy Noodle Wrapped Shrimp,” a dish that features delicious taste of shrimps.

When: Daily from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: InAzia, Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa How much: Varies More info: 032 708 000 ext. 4303; fb.huahin@sheraton.com

A Summer of Epicurean Delights

The Okura Prestige Bangkok

Okura Mooncakes Mark 2014 Mid-Autumn Festival

What: The Okura Prestige Bangkok is marking this year’s mid-Autumn Festival with a new range of mooncakes for sale at the hotel’s specialist bakery outlet La Pâtisserie. The mooncakes feature six classic fillings: durian, lotus seed, red bean, and chestnut as well as jujube and mixed nuts mooncakes that are made with salted egg yolk.

When: From August 1 until October 15 Where: La Pâtisserie, The Okura Prestige Bangkok How much: Starts at THB 160 More info: 02 687 9020; fb@okurabangkok.com

What: Spoil yourself with an exquisite dining experience at Vertigo; immerse in the beauty of this alluring venue and let the unobstructed wrap-around views of Bangkok at night charm you while you indulge in a four-course menu specially designed by executive chef Jai. Start with crispy saffron arancini, rucola, tomato jalapeno salsa or butternut pumpkin soup with pumpkin tortellini and flame-grilled wagyu MB5 with mashed potatoes, buttered asparagus and wild mushroom jus, or choose grilled cumin spiced eggplant, saffron risotto for your main dish follow by chef’s selection dessert to celebrate the summer season.

When: Daily from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (opening hours are subject to weather conditions) Where: Vertigo, The Banyan Tree Bangkok How much: THB 2,300++ per person More info: 02 679 1200

The Banyan Tree Bangkok

Le Fenix Sukhumvit

Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

WINE&DINE DINING SPECIALS

bangkok gets dressed.

salads, wraps, sandwiches, paninis, soups, smoothies Mercury Ville 540 Ploenchit Road Chidlom/Langsuan Intersection Ground Floor BTS: Chidlom Open Daily 10am - 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

www.dressedsalads.com www.facebook.com/dressedthailand Home delivery via

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

Ambassador Hotel Bangkok

What: Ambassador Hotel Bangkok celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with its famous collection of exquisitely handcrafted mooncakes, created by their very own chef from Hong Kong, Lau Chi Kwong.

When: From July 8 till August 9 Where: Mooncake shop, Ambassador Hotel Bangkok How much: Varies More info: 02 254 0444 ext. 1592–3

Koi’s Taste of Summer Dining Experience

What: Designed with refreshing, smooth, and cooling flavors in mind, Koi has created a five-course dining set with imported sashimi of tuna, lobster bisque, organic salad with Californian raspberries, New Zealand grass fed rib eye beef, and their Koi Bangkok signature creation of nigiri sushi, made with fresh mangos and coconuts.

When: Ongoing Where: Koi How much: THB 1,599++; tailored French wine and Japanese sake pairing at THB 600 baht++ More info: 02 258 1590

“Foie Gras” the Palate at Dalah Restaurant

What: Dalah Restaurant at Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas invites all foie gras lovers to try the “Foie Gras Delicacies” degustation menu, with artfully-prepared recipes prepared by chef Jerome Chautard and his team. Choose from foie gras compresse green asperge and parma ham; foie gras pan fried, brioche and dried fruits sauce; foie gras terrine brioche red onion;

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Lookeast | wine & dine

and foie gras crème brûlée including other classic and modern creations.

When: Daily during July from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Dalah, Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas How much: Varies More info: 032 909 900 ext. 124; fb.huahin@sheraton.com

Promotions at D’Orsay Restaurant

What: Monday and Tuesday: Set lunch special, order four get one free.

Wednesday: Free-flowing wine at THB 495 net from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday: Order 12 Gillardeau and get one Inedit. Saturday and Sunday: Order Tomahawk Wagyu and get one La Minga red wine. July 14, French National Day: 30 percent discount with cash payment. 20 percent discount with credit card payment When: During July Where: D’Orsay Restaurant How much: See above More info: 02 650 4747; 092 655 942

Afternoon Tea at Platinum Lounge What: Relax after a busy day of shopping in Pratunam with a set of 12 dishes from savory to sweet, and a selection of tea with the latest Afternoon Tea promotion at Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam.

When: Daily from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., from now until December 31 Where: Platinum Lounge, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam How much: THB 245++ per set More info: 02 160 7123; 02 160 7100 ext.

8702, www.novotelbangkokplatinum.com

Mango Festival

What: Chef Yongyuth presented a selection of mouth-watering mango menus at Radius including tiger prawn with mango salsa, smoked salmon and mango wasabi, spicy mango salad with seafood and more.

When: Daily from now until July 31, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Radius restaurant, Cape Dara Resort Pattaya How much: Starts at THB 155 net More info: 038 933 888, www.capedarapattaya.com

TV Celebrity Chef Kristen Kish Set to Star at Elements

What: Kristen Kish, winner of the 2012 Top Chef TV show in the United States, makes a series of guest appearances at Elements. Her dinner presentations are already sold out, but the restaurant is still taking reservations for Kirsten’s series of set lunches from noon till 2:30 p.m.

When: From July 29 to August 2 Where: Elements, The Okura Prestige Bangkok How much: Varies More info: 02 687 9000; elements@okurabangkok.com

The Okura Prestige Bangkok

The Legendary Ambassador Mooncakes

Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam

WINE&DINE DINING SPECIALS

WINE&DINE THE OENOPHILE

Bordeaux Rendez-Vous 2014: The Bangkok Chapter Nineteen châteaux from Bordeaux gathered in Southeast Asia to promote a bit more than French wines ...

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UBIFRANCE Thailand

arrière Frères, a French wine merchant founded almost a century ago that specializes in the sale of Grands Crus classés wines in 80 countries, recently gathered 19 prestigious estates from Bordeaux and brought them to Southeast Asia under the “Bordeaux Rendez-Vous 2014” events held in Singapore, Vientiane, Jakarta, Bali, and Bangkok. During the sessions, local sommeliers, F&B managers, and wine aficionados had a chance to try the wines of some of the most prestigious châteaux of this French region, and to converse with their owners and representatives.

This knowledge exchange is relevant, and absolutely necessary.

UBIFRANCE Thailand

by Anita Zaror

According to a study done by Euromonitor International in November 2013, “In 2012, the consumption of wine in Thailand witnessed growth potential due to the continuous expansion of wine drinkers in response to the launch of New World wines at more affordable prices. Wider distribution in both the off-trade and ontrade channels also provided greater access to wine, especially with the wider selection of wine on the shelves of convenience stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets and alcoholic drinks specialist retailers.

Moreover, the endeavors of exclusive wine importers also encouraged consumers to try wine served with meals, through the establishment of chained wine bars and restaurants in urban areas.” The Bordeaux Rendez-Vous 2014 is one of many examples of the latter.

And I have indeed been surprised by locals ordering bottles of wine in clubs in Bangkok—something that in the West is normally left to get-togethers at restaurants and pubs—just another sign that proves that drinking wine is becoming increasingly en vogue in the kingdom, regardless of the

high prices because of taxes. Despite having developed wine lists that suit both newbie and more experienced palates, some prestigious five-star hotels in town don’t have an in-house sommelier to suggest suitable pairings to dishes created by their chefs, who sometimes even have experience in award-winning restaurants worldwide.

However, I am gladly impressed whenever I come across a Thai owner of a wine cellar, or a Thai sommelier talking about wines of the Old and New Worlds and stepping out of the traditional beer to suggest a wine that goes well with a green curry, a pork belly soup, or a spicy pad thai. At Bordeaux Rendez-Vous, in fact, several speakers highlighted the suitability of some of certain varietals – such as Gewürztraminer – and wines with hints of spice – such as Château Coutet Premier Cru Classé – to be paired with Thai people’s favorite flavors and preference for spice.

Wine education is growing slowly but steadily in Thailand thanks to organized programs such as those offered by Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School, or casual ones led by restaurants (e.g., Cellar 11, Scalini at Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok) or wine aficionado groups (e.g., The Bangkok Wine Club on Meetup.com, the British Club Bangkok’s wine tastings). And having Bangkok being chosen to receive some of the most highly regarded wineries from Bordeaux is one more crucial step in leading the upcoming change of a crowd that will be more demanding, and boost wine sales to also benefit the booming Thai wine industry.

Bordeaux Rendez-Vous 2014 was held in the spirit of four values: sharing, passion, opening minds, and discovery.

There’s no doubt it fulfilled each of them, in addition to planting one more seed for wine culture to keep on growing in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

JULY 2014 | 69

Sofitel So Bangkok

WINE&DINE BAR SPECIALS

Say Wine & Say Cheese

What: Every third Friday of the month, say wine and cheese at Sambal Bar & Grill with a wide selection of cheese and wide from around the world.

When: July 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Sambal Bar & Grill, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers How much: THB 599 ++ More info: www.royalorchidsheraton. com/sambal

Montes Wine Tasting at Mixo Sofitel So Bangkok

What: Enjoy a selection of six Montes Chilean wines served with canapé at MIXO, located on ninth floor of Sofitel So Bangkok, with an amazing view overlooking the Bangkok’s skyline and Lumpini Park.

When: July 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: MIXO, Sofitel So Bangkok How much: THB 500++ per person More info: 02 624 0000; H6835-FB3@sofitel.com

What: Thursday night is ladies’ night at Ocean Bangkok. Ladies enjoy free-flowing sangria and selected bites (pintxos).

When: Every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Ocean Bangkok, Livingstones Urban Boutique Resort How much: Drinks at THB 100 all night More info: 02 630 4000, w ww.oceanbangkok.com

Ladies Night Free-Flow Wines at Cellar 11

What: Ladies, get your friends together and meet at Cellar 11 to enjoy European Bistro cuisine every Tuesday for Ladies Night, where you will be pampered with free-flowing red and white wines.

When: Every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: Cellar 11 Wine Bar & Bistro How much: Free-flowing wine free for ladies More info: 02 255 5833–35, www.cellar11.com

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Twisted Classics at Café Mozu

What: “This time,” says Ron Ramirez, lebua’s master mixologist, “we’ve taken a futuristic approach to five legendary classics, maintaining their traditional flavor but adding love, care, and a passion for detail combined with exquisite delivery to create finely crafted futuristic masterpieces that redefine luxurious poolside bar service.”

The “Twisted Classics” cocktail series include: Liquid Martini (originally the classic Martini); Nitropolitan (originally the Cosmopolitan); My-Thai (originally the Mai Tai); Red Velvet Caipirinha (originally the Caipirinha); and Black Clover Club (originally the Clover Club). Try them at MIXO. When: Ongoing Where: MIXO, lebua at State Tower How much: Varies More info: www.lebua.com/cafe-mozu

lebua at State Tower

Angels Thursday at Ocean Bangkok

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We are located directly across the Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok. Just ask the staff for directions.

117-121 New Rd., Bangrak 44 (Beside Shangri-La Hotel), Bangkok 10500, Thailand.

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