Lookeast March 2014

LIFESTYLE

HOTELS

DINING

NIGHTLIFE

SHOPPING

EVENTS

PERSONALITIES

ART

CULTURE

SPAS

Fashion

EST. 1971

MARCH ISSN 0857-1139

TRAVEL

MARCH 2014

Highlights of

CULTURE:

Sak Yant Tattoo Festival

MYANMAR

Thailand’s Wine-Producing Regions and Companies

Bangkok’s Must-Try Coffee Shops

Touring the Chao Phraya River and Its Klongs

MINI GUIDES

to Phuket and Myanmar

MARCH 2014 VOL.43 NO.3

The Explore the Beaches and Riches of Thailand’s Second Largest Island

issue

www.lookeastmagazine.com

thb100

WHAT'S INSIDE MARCH

MARCH 2014 CALENDAR 10 What’s On 30 Hotel Deals 48 Spa Offers 58 Dining Specials 62 Wine Specials

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Lookeast | WHAT'S INSIDE

TRAVEL 16 Culture: Wat Bang Phra’s mystical Sak Yant Tattoo Festival 18 Feature: Highlights of Myanmar: The best of Yangon, Mandalay, Inle Lake, and Bagan 22 My Favorite Place: Koh Tao, by Soi Dog’s PR officer, Toon Pawena Mini Guide: 20 Myanmar: Country facts, visas, getting there and around, sightseeing, and where to stay 36 Phuket: Why go, what to see, what to do, eating and drinking, sleeping, how to get there Itineraries: 24 Touring the Chao Phraya River 26 Anantara Bangkok Riverside’s “Klong Guru” Tour Experience Checking In: 27 The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket: Tropical Elegance 28 Thavorn Beach Village and Spa, and Thavorn Palm Beach Resort: Best of Both Worlds 32 Travel News 34 Cover story: Phuket!

Gourmet dining, outdoors, boating life, expats’ picks

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WHAT'S INSIDE MARCH

MARCH 2014 LIFESTYLE 42 Fashion: Off to the Beach with NIKKA Swimwear!

46 Personalities: The GM at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, Martin Raich, explains why Hua Hin continues to be an unrivalled holiday destination in Thailand

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WINE&DINE 50 Bangkok’s Coffee Shops You Want to Try Restaurants: 52 Paste: Haste for Paste 54 Gram: A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That 55 Sensi: Symphony of Flavors 56 Koh: Plates of Island Paradise

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Bars: 57 Roof @ 38th Bar, Mode Sathorn: To Chill and to Party 60The Oenophile: Thailand? Wine producer? Yes! Learn more about the wine producing regions and companies.

travel

EDITOR'S LETTER

Vamos a la Playa, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh

B

Apparel by Burberry Photo by Alisa Hubert

ack in 1983, Italian pop duo Righeira enticed people put on a hat, get their hair tousled by the wind, and bathe in fluorescent water with their song “Vamos a la Playa” (Let’s Go to the Beach), which reached the top charts in Europe that year.

I totally hear the voters: a song that makes you dream about sunny days, sipping cocktails under a palm tree, and eating fresh seafood and fish with your feet in the sand—and not freezing while doing so—is likely to be a hit in countries that allow you to wear your newest swimsuit only a few months a year. The song wasn’t a hit in Thailand … but, then again, here we can enjoy the beach year-round.

In this issue of Lookeast we are taking you to the fabulous beaches and riches of Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, which was recently named Asia’s Top 7 in the 2014 Travelers’ Choice Islands. Winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of the highest rated hotels, restaurants, and attractions listed for each island on TripAdvisor in the past year.

Phuket is a place to experience white sand shores washed by warm water; tropical gardens with unique flora and fauna; a nearly endless variety of outdoor activities and possibilities for islandhopping; food; nightlife; shopping; worldclass resorts; and exquisite sunsets enjoyed from the decks of yachts while listening to Café del Mar and sipping Champagne.

FRONT COVER

Sri panw

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Baba Nest A stylish rooftop deck at Sri panwa Phuket

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Lookeast | EDITORIAL

This month’s fashion section will show you the latest trends in beachwear. We will tour the Chao Phraya River and its klongs, and we will find out why Koh Tao is the favorite place of Soi Dog’s PR officer, Toon Paweena. We’ll also visit Hua Hin, where Martin Raich, GM at two of Sheraton’s properties there, shared with us his thoughts on Hua Hin’s nearly 70 years as a popular holiday destination in Thailand.

Meanwhile, on dry land, we’ll give you a preview of the mystical Sak Yant Tattoo Festival—to be celebrated this month at Wat Bang Phra, in Nakhorn Chaisri—where men in deep trances will be running around … sometimes toward you!

March’s mini guides will take you to, of course, Phuket, and to our featured ASEAN country of the month, Myanmar, where we traveled to get the ultimate list of places you want to see if you visit Yangon, Mandalay, Inle Lake, or Bagan.

And while The Oenophile explored Thailand’s wine-producing regions and companies, we are also bringing you the list of Bangkok’s must-try coffee shops, as well as all you need to know about exciting restaurants and bars that have recently opened: Sensi, Paste, Gram, The Roof @ 38th Floor, and Koh, in Samui.

Enjoy this beach read, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!

Anita Zaror Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS EST. 1971

travel

Alisa Hubert Former model Alisa Hubert is arguably one of Thailand’s most well-known fashion photographers, today. She has collaborated with publications such as Panorama, Love, and Think Design, and her clients include some of the most renowned hotels, restaurants, and faces in Thailand.

Publisher Sid Sehgal sid@thesehgalgroup.com Editor-in-Chief Anita Zaror editor@lookeastmagazine.com Editorial Assistant Coco Lavender edassistant@lookeastmagazine.com

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.

Jimmy Jacquet Hailing from France’s southwest, Jimmy Jacquet— an MBA in business management working in the hospitality industry in Thailand—started water skiing at the age of two, and he has been practicing wakeboarding and participating in competitions for eight years.

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

Richard Mcleish Richard is a Bangkok-based freelance lifestyle writer from Melbourne. While he was on a lifelong mission to learn more about the world, the City of Angels intervened six years ago and has held him captive ever since. When not sniffing out new bars, bands, and beaches, he is writing about them for glossies, broadsheets, and zines.

Copyeditor Melanie Blake

is published monthly by:

Special thanks to: ● Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa ● Cellar 11 ● Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa ● Image Consultant Manunsinee Footrakul, Gaysorn Lifestyle ● NIKKA Swimwear ● Ocean Bangkok ● Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa ● Siam Paragon ● The Westin Siray Bay Other contributors: ● Toon Pawena (My Favorite Place)

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Lookeast | EDITORIAL

Advertising & Media Consultants Co., Ltd. Richmond Office Building 18th floor 75/65 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: + 66 2 204 2449 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.

28 MAR

free flow whisky cocktail

for ladies (6pm-8pm)

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT BY

WHAT'S ON MARCH

What: Hard Rock Pattaya brings the “Step-Up Dance ’14: The Freestyle Prize and Battle” contest for aspiring dancers of any age and nationality, who can participate for prizes worth more than THB 100,000.

It’s possible to compete in three categories: a one-on-one popping dance; a two-on-two freestyle dance; and a team performance comprising two to seven members. The dance style is freestyle.

Winners will also be appointed ambassadors of Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya.

When: Applications through Facebook until March 5; final round on March 15 Where: Hard Rock Hotel Pattaya (●429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road, Chonburi) How much: Free to compete More info: 038 428 755, www.facebook. com/hardrockhotelpattaya

Ocean Bangkok

"Step-Up Dance ’14: The Freestyle Prize and Battle"

Sunday Brunch in Style

What: Starting early afternoon and ending late night, Ocean Bangkok is hosting its popular Sunday BBQ Brunch. Relax by the pool while tasting chef Jacobo’s Gastro Tapas BBQ, and sipping on some sparkling wine.

When: Every Sunday from 12 p.m. till late Where: Ocean Bangkok at Livingstones Urban Boutique Resort (●7 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Bangkok) How much: THB 1,400 for two people (food only) More info: 02 261 2800, www.oceanbangkok.com

ANNIVERSARY

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Lookeast | WHAT'S ON

Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, unveiled the Glenfiddich Anniversary Vintage, an exclusive 25-year-old expression and one of the rarest and finest examples of Glenfiddich’s malt-making expertise, at “Celebrating 125 years of Glenfiddich” in Bangkok.

With only 286 of these bottles released around the world, of which 20 were sent to Asia, five especially numbered bottles were purchased by single malt aficionados for a minimum of USD 1,168 in a silent auction held during the event.

Distilled on Christmas Day in 1987 as part of the single malt’s centenary celebrations, this special release marks 125 years of pioneering whisky making at the Glenfiddich Distillery. It was selected on Christmas Day 2012, the distillery’s 125th anniversary, by founder William Grant’s great-great grandson, Peter Gordon, and his son, Dougal. All 286 bottles of Glenfiddich Anniversary Vintage were taken from just one cask, selected by Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, and William Grant’s descendants. Kinsman said, “The whisky’s unusually high ABV of 55.2 percent signifies the uniqueness of this precious, cask-strength liquid. It is a true connoisseur’s choice and with a host of evocative flavours and subtle aromas, it marks another milestone in our pioneering history.”

Visit www.williamgrant.com for more information on William Grant & Sons and its brands.

Banyan Tree Gallery

Glenfiddich Unveils Very Rare Bottling to Mark 125 Years of Single Malt Excellence

Celebrating Women

What: Celebrate the achievements of women with Banyan Tree Gallery as they commemorate International Women’s Day (March 8). Products are inspired by the official international colors of purple, white, and green. Each color holds a significant meaning to all women, and the gallery is offering an array of gift sets in these colors.

When: During March Where: Banyan Tree Gallery at The Banyan Tree Hotel (●21/100 Thai Wah Tower II, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok) How much: Varies More info: 02 677 3100 ext 2601, www.banyantreegallery.com, www.angsanagallery.com

WHAT'S ON MARCH

SHOW REVIEW

“Nature Meets Art: Tree of Life” What: This exhibition by artist and designer duo Jesse and Chittra Ganning (known as JC Ganning) showcases 15 contemporary art pieces that bring trees to life through acrylic and gold and silver leaf.

When: From now until March 19, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Sofitel So Bangkok (●Ground floor, 2 North Sathorn Rd, Bangkok) How much: Free More info: 02 624 0000, www.sofitel-so-bangkok.com

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Lookeast | WHAT'S ON

Exhibition of Thai Watercolor Artist

What: In its ongoing support of local arts, 137 Pillars House is holding its first event of the year with an art exhibition of watercolor paintings by Associate Professor Sugree Kesornkessara. Named “Relax with Watercolours,” Kesornkessara’s exhibition depicts the different moods as reflected by landscapes at different times of the day.

When: From now until April 15, daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: 137 Pillars House (●2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road, Chiang Mai) How much: Free More info: 053 247 788, www.137pillarshouse.com, www.facebook.com/137pillarshouse.com

137 Pillars House

Sofitel So Bangkok

Bringing the origins and heroes of Thai kickboxing back to life, “Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives” (●www. muaythailive.net, www.facebook.com/ muaythailive.bkk) is an epic live show that captures 300 years of Muay Thai’s history though a combination of hyperreal fights, breathtaking stunts, and sweeping drama.

Created and directed by Ekachai Uekrongtham, celebrated Thai director of the award-winning film “Beautiful Boxer” and the musical hit “Chang & Eng,” the show opened January 22, 2014, at The Stage, Bangkok’s new playhouse at the heart of Asiatique The Riverfront, Asia’s largest lifestyle, dining, and entertainment complex.

“Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives” conjures up Muay Thai’s greatest heroes, from the origins to present day, in a series of tales artfully woven together. Over the course of the show, the audience witnesses a mysterious stranger defeat champions in “The Tiger in Disguise”; they are amazed at the feats of Nai Khanom Tom, a chained prisoner who faces 10 savage fighters in “The Prisoner With Eight Limbs”; they tremble for General Pichai, who confronts heavily armed warriors with his bare hands in “The Broken Swords”; flash-forwarding to the present, the audience also watches in awe as a kickboxing lover rescues his girlfriend from the grips of thugs— Thai style—in “The Action Hero.” Finally, as the show draws to a close, the spiritual power of Muay Thai and its connection to Thai people is revealed in “Muay Thai Forever.”

The 18-strong cast packs an incredible array of talent, including real-life Muay Thai champs, black belt martial artists, professional stuntmen, extreme sports athletes, and traditional Thai dancers.

To do justice to the world's most lethal martial art, Master Sane Tubthimtong—one of Thailand’s most respected Muay Thai masters—choreographed the spectacular fight sequences of the show to re-create a wide variety of Muay Thai styles, from the beautifully choreographed Muay Thai Boran of the origins all the way to the modern high-speed, high-impact kickboxing techniques.

Besides dramatic sword fighting, some uncanny free-running moves, and a blend of traditional Thai and modern dance, the show also features a touch of humor and romance. Stay tuned for upcoming shows.

Muay Thai Live

Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives

WHAT'S ON MARCH

Toast the Luck of the Irish during St. Patrick’s Week at BeerVault

19th Annual Fr. Joe's HDF Charity Golf Tournament

What: Father Joe’s mission is to help the children and communities of the many slums of Bangkok. The mission builds and operates schools, improves family health and welfare, combats the AIDS crisis, shelters orphans and responds to daily emergencies. Sign up before March 14, and don’t miss this year’s Charity Golf Classic. Sponsorship deals available.

When: March 14 at 12 p.m.

Where: The Royal Golf and Country Club (●Bang Sao Thong District, Samut Prakan) How much: THB 3,900; includes Bourbon St. buffet More info: 081 999 6628, thechambers88@hotmail.com, info@bourbonstbkk.com, www. bourbonstbkk.com/golf_tournament.html

What: BeerVault is celebrating St. Patrick’s week! Try your luck by dipping into the Leprechaun’s pot of gold and win over THB 100,000 worth of prizes. Lots of fun, games and great prizes. Special deal on Irish brews and drinks includes: Dirty Hoe (Guinness, Hoegaarden at THB 200/ pint); Irish Car Bomb (Guinness, whisky, and Baileys at THB 350/pint); Black & Tan (Guinness, lager at THB 200/pint); Magners and Guinness at THB 150/half pint, THB 200/pint.

When: From March 10 to the finale on the 17th Where: BeerVault at Four Points by Sheraton (●4 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok) How much: See above More info: 02 309 3201, www.facebook. com/beervault

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Lookeast | WHAT'S ON

Alpha Coders

LAUNCH PREVIEW Wines from the Thracian Lowlands Region of Bulgaria, Soon in Thailand

The Regional Vine and Wine Chamber (RVWC), Trakia (●www. thracianwine.eu, www.facebook.com/thracianwine), a professional association working on behalf of its members and partners for the promotion of the European wine industry, hosted two wine tastings and presentations in Bangkok and Pattaya recently. The events were a preview of Bulgarian wines from the Trachian region, to be launched in the Thai market in the coming months. Participating wineries are leading brands such as Brestovitsa Winery, Villa Yustina Winery, Yamantievs Winery, and Zagrey Winery, among others.

Thracian tribes from what is now the Thracian Lowland first made wine, called “zelus,” as part of their religious ceremonies to better commune with nature and their deity Bacchus, later called Dionysus. Growing vines as cultivated plants began 5,000 to 6,000 years ago in the areas around the Caspian and Black seas, as well as in Middle Asia, Syria and Mesopotamia. Since then, it has become an important means of living for people on the Balkan Peninsula.

RVWC

What: Disney On Ice returns to Bangkok to entertain children and adults with “Disney On Ice Treasure Trove.” The ensemble of nine movies, with more than 50 Disney characters featured, will open with classic Disney favorites: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. The show then takes the audience to Wonderland to meet Alice and company; then to see Peter Pan in Neverland, and deep into the ocean to swim with the Little Mermaid.

At Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani (11 shows in total). Tickets are priced from THB 300 to THB 2,500 and are now available at Thai Ticket Major counters and Major Cineplex counters.

When: March 27 to 30 Where: Impact Arena (●Muang Thong Thani) How much: Tickets at THB 300/600/1,000/1,300/1,500/2,500 More info: www.thaiticketmajor.com

What: The King of Guitar, singer and/or writer of many hits such as “Cocaine,” “Wonderful Tonight,” “Change the World,” “Layla”, and “Blue Eye Blue” will be performing for the third time in Thailand.

When: March 2 at 8 p.m.; gates open 30 minutes before the start of the show Where: Impact Arena (●Muang Thong Thani) How much: Tickets at THB 1,000/2,500/3,500/4,500/5,500/6,000 More info: www.thaiticketmajor.com

Disney on Ice

Disney On Ice Presents Treasure Trove

Eric Clapton Live in Bangkok 2014

TRAVEL CULTURE

ILLUSTRATED MEN Wat Bang Phra’s mystical Sak Yant Tattoo Festival

Tattoo body art

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Lookeast | TRAVEL

Suddenly, the man in front of me leaps to his feat, stares me in the eye, and utters a guttural scream. Convinced he is a tiger, he comes charging at me at full speed, and I have to make like a matador, or more appropriately, like an Olympic 100-meter sprinter, to avoid being hit head on.

Imagine being at a Black Sabbath concert, with a thousand raving lunatics trying to rush the stage, being staved off

by a squadron of soldiers, only with you being the buffer between the lunatics and the troops, and you will get the idea of what being a photographer at the Wat Bang Phra Tattoo Festival entails‌

Wat Bang Phra is a rural temple located in Nakhorn Chaisri, some 40 kilometers from Bangkok. The temple is famed for its previous abbot, Luang Phor Pern, who specialized in giving and

Dave Stamboulis

I

am standing in front of a sea of men (interspersed with a few women), most of whom are covered in prolific body tattoos depicting various animals, mythological creatures, numerological encryptions, and Khmer and Buddhist texts. The majority of the men are entering deep trances, and many of them are beginning to snarl and froth at the mouth.

by Dave Stamboulis

I attempted to take photos from behind a row of seated men, thinking I was safe, only to discover while focusing that the fellow in front of me had decided to wake up and charge the stage. Looking around at the chaos, with men covered in dust and sometimes blood, it didn't look too different from a mosh pit at some frenzied musical event.

Once the monks have finished their chanting and blessings, a signal is given, and the faithful get up and rush the podium in one final bout of chaotic madness.

Everyone tries to reach the stage for a final blessing, and the monks spray water

Lucky amulets

hoses over the crowd to cool things off. In typical Thai fashion, things are suddenly over, with nobody any longer in any kind of trance or acting weird. Vendors hawk som tam and noodles, couples flock to buy wat trinkets, people comment on how “sanuk” (fun) the event was, and it looks like any old temple fair. The faithful climb aboard buses home, convinced that they are safe and that their tigers are back in their cages, at least for another year.

Wat Bang Phra’s Tattoo Festival occurs each year in early March, with the exact auspicious date to be decided by the temple’s abbot.

Men in a trance

Dave Stamboulis

activating talismanic “sak yant” tattoos, which purport to protect the wearer from harm, and can also bestow financial success, family prosperity, and other good luck to the illustrated elite. Luang Phor Pern died several years ago, but Wat Bang Phra continues on his traditions, which have their climax at the annual temple fair.

Young men make up a majority of the blessed (although, yes, this is where Angelina Jolie got her tats), especially those who are involved in dangerous occupations, such as drivers, laborers, stuntmen, and those with links to the mafia. This is because the tattoos are supposed to work very strong charms once activated, not to mention that they offer a relatively inexpensive form of insurance.

To say that the crowd is somewhat akin to a heavy metal rock show attended by a bunch of parolees might not be too far from the truth. The monks at Wat Bang Phra use long metal rods dipped in a mixture of snake venom, ash, and various herbs to apply the tattoos. Wielding the needles like ice axes, they go about their grisly work, and given the size and details of the tattoos, and the pain the wearers must suffer to be engraved upon, the rest of the day's tribulations must be easy.

In the early morning hours, the faithful sit cross-legged on mats in front of a platform that holds a large statue of Luang Phor Pern, as well as a spirit house and other religious paraphernalia.

According to tradition, once the tattooed start going into trances, their tattoos “wake up,” and begin calling to their monks up on the stage. The men then begin to act like the animals depicted on their backs and chests. Lizards slither and crawl on their bellies, hermits inch along like old men, birds flap their wings and screech, and then there are the tigers, which the wat is most famed for, who growl, roar, and eventually charge in a frenzy towards the stage.

The troops of soldiers are waiting for them, often four to five men per charging animal, and they grab the followers in bear hugs and rub their ears, which is meant to calm down the madmen (“that's a nice kitty, isn’t it”). There are open lanes between the rows of seated men, which attempt to give the entranced an unobstructed beeline to the stage, but in their stupor, these paths aren't always adhered to, leading to a fair amount of tripping over bodies and head on collisions.

Chaos in the crowd

MARCH 2014 | 17

TRAVEL FEATURE

One of the world’s most devout Buddhist countries, Myanmar’s unique sights and the genuineness of its people will strike you and win over your heart.

by Anita Zaror

Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset

M

arco Polo called it “The Golden Land.” Rudyard Kipling referred to it as “quite unlike any land you know about.” It’s known as Burma to some, and Myanmar to others. It might have many names, but the country located between Thailand and Bangladesh, bordering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal, has one thing that doesn’t change: it amazes every voyager who passes through.

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Lookeast | TRAVEL

You might be welcomed to Myanmar by the immigration officer greeting you with “Mingalabar” (hello). Then, the lady at Yangon airport’s exchange booth will check every U.S. dollar you want exchange into kyat and give you back the ones she won’t change; those with marks or tears. And then the taxi drivers at the airport’s exit will probably quarrel over which of them you “belong to.” A little bargain-on-the-fare after, you’ll probably hit the road in a very old taxi where the driver will be sitting on

the right—as in the U.K. and its former colonies—but where instead of driving on the left side of the road, they’ll be doing so on the right.

Despite what might look like chaos to the newcomer’s eye, flavors that will vary from region to region (although most of the dishes will use peanut oil in their preparation… a lot of it), two things might really strike you about Myanmar. The first is the people’s devotion to the Buddha, shown from sunrise till sunset by paying

Bule Sky Studio + Shutterstock

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN LAND

respect in their homes, in shops, and at the thousands of temples all over the country— some millenary, some newer—as Buddhism is deeply embedded in the country’s culture and in its inhabitants’ hearts.

People’s selfless kindness might also strike you. On any given day, and particularly in the less touristy places, you might be surprised by locals trying to help you find your hotel, your bus, a restaurant, or even carrying your suitcase, without expecting a tip or anything in return. The reason being is tourism just starting to really boom, so Burmese are still genuine and happily proud to show you their country and their culture, with no ulterior motive.

The country’s political and economical reforms are allowing the development of the hospitality industry, and you’ll be surprised by construction cranes in cities like Yangon that mark the building of five-star hotels, flourishing like flowers in spring. Hence, you’ll always find plenty of options to stay comfortably in Myanmar, although room rates are still high compared to hotels of the same category in nearby countries.

There are many places to visit in Burma, such as Yangon, Kyaiktiyo, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake, Kalaw, Ayeyarwady, and more. However, like other tourists, you may find that your agenda allows you to visit the country for only seven to 10 days. Just keep in mind that you want to spend as little time as possible moving from one city to the next in long bus or boat rides, in order to spend the maximum amount of time in the places you visit—if you don’t, you’ll wish you had.

Myanmar is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination. These are some of the country’s highlights that you can’t miss, and that you better try to enjoy soon, as some of them—such as Inle Lake and Bagan—still remain quite unspoiled.

Yangon

The capital will most likely be the starting point of your trip to Myanmar. Many tourists spend little time here, although there are enough pagodas, markets, museums, and gardens to pass a pleasant few days.

A must-visit in the capital, Shwedagon Paya is a religious monument that has

been a symbol of the country’s identity for the past 2,500 years. The King of Okkalapa erected a pagoda on a hill, and eight of Siddhartha Gautama’s hairs have been enshrined there, together with relics of previous Buddhas. You can spend a full day exploring Shwedagon’s main chedi and its 82 other buildings, taking photos, sitting next to devotees or paying respect yourself, and seeing how people sweep the floor walking forward in a line, while tourists have to get out of the way. You might want to wear sunglasses to diminish the brightness of the hundreds of gold plates that cover the monument, and the thousands of diamonds and other stones encrusted in the spire.

Did you know?

The confusion around the country’s name originated in 1989, when the Burmese military authorities and the current parliamentary government started promoting “Myanmar” as the name for the state, a resolution that countries such as the U.S. didn’t accept. Hence, it is often still referred to as Burma.

Mandalay

One full day is enough to see Mandalay’s attractions. Start by having a very sweet chai and some typical fried dough for breakfast, get the camera ready, and find a tour guide (although it’s likely he’ll find you first). He will be very important in helping you use your time efficiently in the city.

The most important sights to visit here are Mandalay Hill, and doing the 30- to 45-minute walk up it, to experience the journey that the Buddha is said to have done there together with his disciple, Ananda. Have some fresh coconut juice at

the top and head back down to continue your visit to the Mandalay Palace and Fort, Kuthodaw Paya, Shwenandaw Kyaung, Shwe In Bin Kyaung, and Mahamuni Paya. And don’t worry, you’ll have time to see many, maybe too many, more temples afterward in Bagan.

The must-see here is U Bein’s Bridge, at Amarapura, around 15 minutes outside the city. This 1.2 kilometer-long bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world, still stands after 200 years. Its 1,060 teak posts and the people crossing it—including many monks coming to and from nearby Maha Ganayon Kyaung monastery— are usually the subject of beautiful photographs by tourists.

Inle Lake

Nyaung Shwe is one of those places that you want to dedicate more time to. It’s laid back and, although tourism is surprisingly well organized, it’s still quite unspoiled.

You’ll enjoy just chilling in the city, discovering small restaurants serving Shan noodles and other flavors you’ve never tried before.

You can’t miss doing a boat trip around Inle Lake. This scenic trip through the lake will take you past fishermen on stilts and amazing sunsets, perfect for amazing shots. You will get to see different artisan shops where locals have developed commercial activities around blacksmithing, weaving, and tobacco cultivation, among others.

Bagan

If you ever make a bucket list of “100 places to see,” don’t forget to write down “sunrise in Old Bagan” in it.

Seeing the air balloons float up into the sky while an orange sun rises around 6 a.m. from the temples in Bagan Archaeological Zone is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you don’t want to miss. Get there early to get a good spot, as the temples get really crowded with tourists at sunrise. Sunset is also a good time to be there, although you won’t see the balloons. Leave at least a couple of days to explore the 41 square meters of the archaeological zone, which are home to more than 4,000 temples.

MARCH 2014 | 19

TRAVEL MINI GUIDE

MYANMAR Mini Guide From temples to fishermen on stilts, Burma boasts scenic views, friendly people, and historic jewels.

Mandalay

Country Facts

Inle Lake

Population: 52.8 million Language: Burmese (official) Time: UTC+6.5 Currency: Myanmar Kyat (pronounced “chat”); USD 1 = MMK 968. Take only USD, which are widely accepted and easy to exchange; notes have to be in good condition (no tears, marks, etc.) and larger notes get a better exchange rate.

Climate: Tropical monsoon; hot season from March to May; wet season from June to September; cool season from October to February, which is the best time to visit Myanmar.

More info: Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board (●www.myanmar-tourism.com)

Yangon

Visas

Visas can be obtained from any Myanmar embassy or consulate worldwide. Travelers arriving from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong can sometimes get tourist visas within one working day, for a maximum stay up to 28 days.

Getting there

It’s likely that your international flight to Myanmar will arrive in Yangon or Mandalay airports. There are direct flights from nearby capitals such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, and some airlines that fly in are Air Asia, Air China, Air India, Bangkok Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Myanmar Airways International, Silk Air, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines.

Getting around

It takes time to move from one city to the next in Myanmar, as neither the roads nor the vehicles are modern. Boat trips also require that you have a few extra days to spare in commuting. Hence, you might want to prefer taking flights to move around instead, whenever possible. Some airlines that operate domestically are Air Bagan, Air KBZ, Asian Wings Airways, Air Mandalay, and Myanmar Airways International. Otherwise, traveling by bus tends to be more hassle-free and comfortable than by train.

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Where to Stay

Emerald Palace Hotel (●Yarza Thingaha Road, Nay Pyi Taw, +95 67 419 321, www. emeraldpalace.com): Just 5 minutes from the Myanmar Gems Emporium, this newly opened hotel—part of The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts—has been designed using a natural look and feel that features the use of wood, while also offering state-of-the-art audio and visual systems.

The Governor’s Residence (●35 Taw Win Rd, Yangon, +95 1 229 860, www.governorsresidence.com): Discover timeless charm and elegance in this romantic colonial-style mansion that combines Burmese tradition with contemporary luxury.

by magnificent views of the blue mountain ranges and rice paddies. Each of its 45 traditional chalets has a large front-facing glass window that that provides fantastic views of the surrounding scenery.

Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel (●No. 9, Kwin 416. B, 10th Street, Mandalay, +95 2 35 638, www.mandalayhillresorthotel.com) This resort lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill, and offers guests a panoramic view of a myriad of pagodas and the distinctive architecture of the Royal Palace and its moat.

Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel (●Bagan Archeological Zone, Old Bagan, +95 61 600 48–49, www.thiripyitsayaresort.com): Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, this resort sprawls over 24 acres of landscaped gardens, which are home to mature tropical trees and flowering plants, as well as native birds and a number of small tame animals.

Inle Princess Resort (●Magyizin Village Inle Lake, +95 81 209 055, www.inleprincessresort.net) Located on the eastern bank of Inle Lake, next to the Magyizin Village, the resort is surrounded

U Bein’s Bridge, at Amarapura

Luciano Mortula + Shutterstock

Bagan

TRAVEL MY FAVORITE PLACE

Toon Pawena (left) and Natalie Glebova (right) during an animal rescue activity

Animal Rescue Volunteer Meets Koh Tao

Soi Dog’s PR officer, Toon Pawena, shares with us her joy in helping stray animals and enjoying her time on the island.

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by Coco Lavender

f you ever see a woman up to her waist in water on a flooded road trying to save dogs and cats from drowning, it might be Toon Pawena.

Born and raised in Bangkok, the Soi Dog Foundation’s (SDF) public relations officer took a month off from her real estate work three years ago and bought an outboard engine, got a fiberglass boat donated by a friend, and sailed out daily to save neglected dogs in flooded areas of Bangkok.

“It was during the flood in Bangkok, in 2011, when I decided to join the animal rescue volunteer groups to help rescue stranded dogs; most of the cats could get away from the flood somehow, leaving only the poor helpless dogs! I first started as a joining member where I just went with swimming gear such as my protected diving shoes, rash-guard surf shirt, long wetsuit pants … and that was it. I then realized that walking in flood waters of about semichest-height isn’t that fun, and that too much time is wasted in the aqua-aerobic walks (a distance of five kilometers can take up to four or five hours walking in a flood),” she explains.

Since then, she has been to many areas saving animals, almost every day, to the point that she became a popular face on TV; that’s when the volunteer-based SDF found

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her and offered her some help.

“I ended up working for SDF because I love dogs very much and I wanted to make some changes for the better living of the poor lives on the street of Thailand,” she says. “My job is to raise people’s awareness to understand what our foundation is, [how they can help] to improve the quality of the life of these stray animals in Thailand, and why these poor animals need our help.

My main role is to raise funds in order to be able to help these poor creatures in the long term.”

But when Pawena is not saving animals, she enjoys spending time in Koh Tao: “It’s my favorite place in Thailand because it has just all I need: I can escape from the hectic city life to relax and enjoy the sun in marvelous beaches, yet I am still able to live a little bit of nightlife and beach parties.”

She remembers when, during a New Year’s party in 2007, she tried to make jumping a fire rope her next area of expertise: “I decided to join the jumping team of about three drunk farangs and four Thai fire rope experts on the very New Year’s Eve. The result was having my whole left arm burnt but, as the fiesta continued throughout the night, I didn’t realize my arm was that bad until the next morning, when my hair was also a little bit frizzier from the fire too!” She laughs.

Soi Dog

– What are you passionate about in your life?

– I’m passionate about helping others, improving things for the better. And I am not saying this because I want to be Miss Universe, but one day I want to look back and tell people that “I am a part of a change in this matter, and I really did it OK” while collecting some good karma points for a better next life!

Bring there: A happy soul and a good friend. At the end of the trip, you will come back with a happier soul and a closer friend.

Must-do: Go to Koh Nang Yuan (an island just 15 minutes from Koh Tao by longtail boat) snorkeling to see thousands of nosy fish that will swim with you just to check you out.

Don’t do: Fire rope-jumping! And throwing trash into the sea or on the beaches when you are drunk.

As a Thai, I hate to see visitors and just about anybody who is a guest destroying the place they are visiting.

Respect the locals and the place.

Must-see: Shark bay snorkeling in the morning can give you a marvelous start of the day.

Eat at: Any beach restaurant; they always have good and fresh seafood.

Drink at: I don’t really drink, but a few sips of bucket drinks can’t kill you!

Sleep at: Every time I’m there I change my place to a new one just to explore the area, but I always stick to a beachfront place because life it too short to live too far from the beach and the sunrise!

A view of any given day in Koh Tao

TRAVEL ITINERARIES

Touring the Chao Phraya

Anita Zaror

WAYS TO SIGHTSEE ALONG THAILAND’S MOST IMPORTANT RIVER

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Public BoatsThe Chao Phraya River Express Boat (●www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/en/ home) is the easiest and cheapest way to tour the river. It will allow you to cover long stretches of the river for a small price.

Approach the people on the counter at Tha Sathon (or Central Pier, at Saphan Takin BTS station, and tell them where you want to go; they will recommend which colorflag boat you should take. For example, the boat flying the orange flag (THB 15) will stop almost at every pier, while the one with the blue flag (THB 40) will go from Saphan Taksin directly to the Grand Palace.

Private Boats If you’d like to have a more exclusive experience of the river, you can always rent a longtail boat (around THB 1,000 per hour, totally negotiable) and ask to be taken in through the small canals, which is a worthy experience, and something that you won’t get to do on the bigger public boats.

Anita Zaror

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ater. It makes up between 50 and 70 percent of the body’s weight, it is the main source of life, and civilizations have developed near a source of water since the beginning of time.

The Mae Nam Chao Phraya, better known as the Chao Phraya River, is Thailand’s most important river. It flows south from the mountains of northern Thailand 365 kilometers down toward the Gulf of Thailand, and all of the country’s capitals—present and former—have been located on or near its banks.

This river has been an invaluable means of transportation for Thailand’s traditional exports, such as teak and rice, and the Chao Phraya’s “klong” canal system has been used for living, recreation, drainage, fishing, and as a source of water.

If you are visiting Bangkok, you can’t miss the opportunity to explore life on the river. And here are the different ways that you can go about it.

View of a canal from a bridge

Anita Zaror

The Grand Palace, seen from the longtail boat

Renting a private boat is a good way to see what you won’t on the bigger public boats

Dinner Cruises The popular Yok Yor Khlongsan (●Klong San 762 Lard Yar, Klong San district Bangkok, 02 437 3791, 02 437 1121) offers inexpensive Asian and Western dishes you can order a la carte, while enjoying the sunset views from the boat. Anantara Bangkok Riverside (●257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road Thonburi, 02 476 0022, www.bangkok-riverside.anantara. com/manohra-cruises) multi-course menus offered during three hours of a river cruise aboard Manohra Cruises.

Cruising the canals gives a good opportunity to see how people live in them

Anita Zaror

Anita Zaror

Height 14.65cm X Width 21.50cm Life is so peaceful on the canals, you'll forget you're still in Bangkok

TRAVEL ITINERARIES

How to Become Riverwise

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hailand’s waterways were once the nation’s lifeline for communication and transport.

Today, Bangkok’s majestic Chao Phraya River and connecting maze of canals—known in Thai as “klong”—tempt visitors to explore the capital’s thriving age-old lifestyle and rich heritage.

Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa (●257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, 02 476 0022, www. bangkok-riverside.anantara.com) has developed what it calls the “Klong Guru” tour (THB 2,000 per person), which takes the visitor along the Chao Phraya for half a day to discover the food, culture, and way of life that lie along its narrow canals.

Your journey will start by stepping aboard a traditional longtail boat at 11 a.m. Having spent the first 10 years of his life in a traditional canal home, the “Klong Guru”—Anantara’s assistant chief concierge, Visanu Kidkarn—can share insider knowledge that will be key throughout the trip.

Besides making a couple of stops to enjoy fresh coconut juice, sticky rice, and to get some bread to feed the fish for luck

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Anantara

Wat Ratcha Orasaram is one of the stops along the tour

(a typical Thai custom), the boat will take you through the Grand Palace and Temple of Dawn, the floating plant farm, and to explore glittering temples that were created in the Ayutthaya era.

Probably the most interesting and enjoyable stop, especially for children, is at “The Artist’s House,” a gallery where guests can browse a collection of locally inspired drawings, while learning for themselves how to create a Thai painting.

Guests are also invited to try their hand at making handicrafts through carving, making an artistic paper print, or painting a traditional Thai mask. The highlight of the visit to the gallery is a traditional Thai puppet show, which provides guests with a wonderful chance to see how the kingdom’s puppetry dramas bring ancient myths and legends to life.

After the four-hour tour you will have proved to have become so riverwise, that you would be able to challenge a local himself on Thai history, culture, and popular flavors. OK, you might never be able to challenge a Thai on popular flavors …

Anantara

Visanu Kidkarn, the "Klong Guru"

Anita Zaror

Anantara

EXPLORE CULTURAL RICHES AND LOCAL LIFE ALONG BANGKOK’S FASCINATING CANAL MAZE, WITH ANANTARA’S “KLONG GURU.”

Puppet show at The Artist's House

You will get to try sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves during the course of the tour

HOTELS CHECKING IN

ADVERTORIAL

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket

Deluxe Sea View Room

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket overlooks Siray Bay

Inspire Pool Villa

Tropical Elegance All the reasons why staying on Phuket’s exclusive east coast, at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, will make your stay more enjoyable.

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nter a Westin hotel and you will notice immediately how good it feels to be there.

Careful attention is paid to the most important elements of your stay to ensure each visit leaves you feeling better than when you arrived.

Located on the exclusive east coast of Phuket and overlooking magnificent Siray Bay, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket (●21/4 Moo 1 T. Rasada, A. Muang, Phuket, 076 335 600, www. westinsiraybay.com) boasts contemporary design, breathtaking ocean views from each of its 257 guestrooms, suites, and pool villas, as well as the renowned warm Thai hospitality that welcomes guests into a respite of tropical elegance. The hotel is connected by a bridge to Phuket island, and it is eight minutes away from Phuket town, 40 minutes from Phuket International Airport, close to various world-class golf courses, and ideally located for island-

hopping to Phi Phi and Maya Bay.

In-room amenities include Heavenly Bed®, Heavenly Bath®, rainforest shower, LCD televisions, DVD players, outdoor balconies, audio jack packs, high-speed WiFi access, a Refreshment Center, in-room safe, iPod docking stations, and private plunge pools in selected guestrooms and villas.

Fitness & Free Time Energize with the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® fitness, featuring weight machines, free weights, lifestyle classes, and cardio equipment with personal flat screen televisions. The Westin Kids Club® offers fun activities and programs for young guests ages 4 to 12. And for peaceful healing and relaxation, visit the Heavenly Spa by WestinTM.

An abundance of delicious options to eat and drink at the resort include Seasonal Tastes, offering contemporary breakfast and international cuisine; EEST, which serves up authentic pan-Asian dishes;

Prego by the Beach, for outdoor modern Italian fare in a relaxed setting; Daily Treats, a trendy style deli for those ‘grab and go’ items; Splash, for cooling drinks and light snacks by the poolside; and MIX Lounge, offering cocktails as you watch the sun set. The hotel also offers 24-hour inroom dining.

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket is also a perfect spot for meetings and conventions, as its sophisticated meeting accommodation—comprising five meeting rooms with a total of more than 710 square meters—is anchored by the 338 square meter Siray Bay Ballroom, and a climate-controlled pre-function area with ocean views.

Songkran Special Package!

Enjoy 50% discount on pool villas, 35% on suites, and 30% on guestrooms for stays from March 1 to May 31, 2014. Bookings until April 30.

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Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

HOTELS CHECKING IN

Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

Best of Both Worlds

Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

Why choose between a holiday stay in a tropical garden or one by the sea, when you can have both at the same time?

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One of the few unspoiled private beaches remaining in Phuket belongs to Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

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he Thavorn Hotels & Resorts brand makes a statement in Phuket when it comes to authentic Thai-style beachfront properties that are ensconced in the lush tropical forest, and provide direct access to the fabulous beaches surrounding the island. Both Thavorn Beach Village and Spa and Thavorn Palm Beach Resort offer the best of both types of scenery, with good connectivity and easy access to the heart of the city, while still being far enough from it to be able to enjoy quiet and peaceful holidays.

ADVERTORIAL

Located 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport, 10 minutes from Patong Beach, and close to major attractions in the island, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort is just a few steps from Karon Beach, with a 500-meter stretch of white sand beach right in front.

This resort also dedicated most of its land to green areas, having created an oasis amidst tropical orchid gardens, five swimming pools, and elegant, colonialstyle public spaces.

It features 210 contemporary Thai-style furnished rooms in three interconnected low-rise buildings. Inhouse dining options range from enjoying breakfast at Windsong Café and trying authentic Thai food and traditional cultural performances in one of Phuket’s most renowned restaurants, Old Siam, to having drinks at Blue Heaven Pool Bar and the Lobby Bar, as well as trying the flavors of Italy at Ciao Bistro and Café and those of Mexico at Mariachi, an authentic Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. Other facilities and services include a fitness center overlooking the orchid gardens, poolside massage, Thai cooking classes, a beauty salon, and a snooker room.

Both of Thavorn’s hotels in Phuket are also popular for wedding celebrations.

Swimmng pool at Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

There are now few unspoiled private beaches remaining in Phuket, and one of them belongs to Thavorn Beach Village and Spa in the tranquil Nakalay Bay.

Located a 10-minute drive from Patong Beach and close to major Phuket attractions, the hotel has dedicated most of its extensive grounds to nature. After being greeted with a refreshing drink and a cool towel while checking in, you will be escorted to your room as you start to soak in the atmosphere of the tropical garden that gently rolls out onto the shores of the resort’s private beach. Thavorn Beach Village and Spa boasts one of Southeast Asia’s largest free-form freshwater swimming pools; with many mysterious corners to explore, including cascading waterfalls, bridges, Thai sculptures, and exotic plants and flowers. At some point you will always have a part of the 4,900 square meter lagoon to yourself. Enjoy a walk through an unusual and inspiring seafront tropical orchid garden, or indulge in treatments at the five-star spa, work out in the fitness center with a daily program of wellness activities, or enjoy fun Thai cooking classes.

The 191 rooms include seven types: the Poolside Villa, which overlooks the greenery and lagoon pool, with views out into the bay; the Pool Access Villa, which provides the experience of being just a few

steps from the lagoon pool; the Hillside with Ocean View Villa, with a private Jacuzzi on the terrace and panoramic views over Nakalay Bay; the One-Bedroom Suite (Hillside with Ocean View Suite), perched high on the hillside and with stunning views over the Andaman Sea; the Tropical Garden Villa, set apart amidst the tropical gardens and with a spacious private terrace, to better enjoy a sense of your own private space; the Beachside Villa, also set in the forest but just a few steps from the beach, to allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds; and the Beach Front Villa, which is as close as it gets to having your own private beach.

Start your day with breakfast at Marisa Terrace restaurant, which offers a wide selection of Thai, Chinese, Western, and halal food and baked goods to enjoy in a tranquil semi-outdoor garden setting beside the lagoon pool. Taste authentic “royal inspired” dishes for lunch at the Old Siam Authentic Thai Restaurant. Don’t miss afternoon tea with freshly baked cakes at the poolside Lanna-style Thai sala. Finally, end your day watching sunset and having drinks at the Crocodile Pool Bar. The resort also offers private seafood barbecues, cooked by it chefs, which you can enjoy on the terrace of your own private villa.

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

Pool Access Villa at Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

Thavorn Beach Village and Spa

Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

Sunset at Old Siam restaurant, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

Swimming pool at Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

MARCH 2014 | 29

What: Enjoy a special room rate of THB 1,900 net per room per night in a Classic room (Single/ Double) with daily buffet breakfast for two people, preloaded iPod Nano, and free Wi-Fi. Only a limited number of rooms are available for this promotion. Proof of Thai residency (work permit) or citizenship is required upon check-in.

When: From now until further notice Where: Dream Hotel (●10 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Bangkok) More info: 02 254 8500, reservations@ dreambkk.com

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Early Bird Specials: Summer Season

What: Early Bird Special Rates at The Racha include daily buffet breakfast for two people in every room, except the Bedroom Grand Pool Suite (which is up to four people), and The Lighthouse (up to six). Complimentary round-trip land and scheduled speed boat transfers for a minimum stay of five paid nights.

When: From May 1 to October 31, 2014; reservations made at least 15 days in advance, for a minimum stay of two nights Where: The Racha (●42/12-13 Moo 5, Rawai, Muang, Phuket) More info: 076 355 455, reservation@ theracha.com, www.theracha.com

The Okura Prestige Bangkok

What: The Okura Prestige Bangkok is giving couples an opportunity to rediscover romance in style, comfort, and luxury with a special accommodation package in a spacious Prestige Suite at the city’s leading five-star hotel. The package includes a THB 2,000 dinner voucher (to be redeemed at the hotel’s Elements finedining international restaurant), romantic room turn-down each evening, and an in-room floral arrangement. Choose between a Japanese set breakfast at the signature Yamazato restaurant or an international buffet breakfast at the all-day dining venue Up & Above. Couples also get unlimited access to the Okura Club Lounge. Prices per night start from THB 16,000++ per couple.

When: From now until November 10, 2014 Where: The Okura Prestige Bangkok (●Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Bangkok) More info: The package is exclusively available at www.okurabangkok.com

Boathouse by Montara’s 25th Anniversary Promotional Rates

What: Boathouse by Montara, in Phuket’s Kata Beach, is offering 25th anniversary promotional rates for guests reserving five nights or more in any type of suite.

Starting at THB 13,524 per room per night for a Family Sea View suite, the promotional rates include lunch for two at the Boathouse Wine & Grill; dinner for two at RE KÁ TA’s gourmet beachfront restaurant; one-hour oil or Thai massage for two; a bottle of wine upon arrival; and round-trip airport transfers.

When: From now until April 30 (except from April 13–27) Where: Boathouse by Montara (●182 Koktanode Road Kata Beach, Phuket) More info: 076 330 015–7, www.boathousephuket.com

Indulge in a Luxury Weekend Break

What: Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa invites you to check in on a Friday and Saturday and luxuriate in the ultimate “Weekend City Escape” package. Stay one night or more in a Deluxe room and treat yourself to a lavish daily breakfast buffet at The Market, a romantic international buffet dinner with Thai dance performances beside the River of Kings at Riverside Terrace, as well as free Wi-Fi access and late check-out until 3 p.m. Rates start from THB 4,900++ per night in a Deluxe room.

When: From now until December 30, 2014 Where: Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa (●257/1-3 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok) More info: 02 365 9111, reserveanantara@anantara.com

Anantara

Thai Residents Promotion at Dream Hotel Bangkok

Rekindle Romance Accommodation Package

The Racha

What: RunWESTIN is a complimentary program offering a guided, scenic 3.5-kilometer morning run starting from the lobby of The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa (Phuket) and down along the coastline.

Led by Westin's Running Concierge—who will share interesting facts about the area— guests can join a group jog, enjoying fresh air and local scenery. Runners of all levels are welcome to join the group, or they can simply grab a running map and take off on their own. As a post-workout treat, all guests will receive refreshing bottled water and towels to help them cool down.

And not having the right outfit can’t be an excuse, as for THB 150 guests can borrow running shoes with disposable insoles, as well as a New Balance apparel, including shorts, shirts, and socks for the men, and capri pants, shirts, sports bras, and socks for women.

When: Ongoing Where: The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa (●21/4 Moo 1 T. Rasada, A. Muang, Phuket) More info: www.westinsiraybay.com

Dream Hotel Bangkok

Stay Fit for Free With Westin

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa

TRAVEL HOTEL DEALS

HOTELS CHECKING IN

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

ADVERTORIAL

Pavilion at Dalah Restaurant

Dalah Restaurant-Interior

Torch Ginger Beauty on Your Plate Dalah Restaurant and Bar offers à la carte dishes with the tantalizing aromas of Asia and beyond, set in a unique natural surrounding.

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alah Restaurant and Bar, the signature F&B outlet of Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas (●9/22 Moo 5 Paknampran, Amphur Pranburi, Prachuap Khirikhan, +66 32 909 900), offers Western and Asian favorites amidst a lotus pond and lush tropical gardens.

“Dalah” is the Thai name for the torch ginger plant, which, with its unique and stunning deep pink blossoms, can be found in many places along the tropical gardens that surround the resort. While the coziness of a rustic high-ceiling pavilion with neutral colors and pale wooden beams is enhanced by natural lighting to give the dining area an organic feel, wood and iron furniture with casual throw cushions complete the classy yet chilled-out décor of this elegant restaurant.

After being welcomed by Dalah’s friendly and caring staff, you will start the day with a delectable gourmet breakfast buffet that offers a wide spread of hot and cold Thai and international dishes, à la minute cooked dishes from the restaurant’s show kitchen, a wide selection of fresh tropical fruits and fresh juices, healthy

TM

“Color your Plate ” options, and ovenfresh breads, rolls, and pastries.

Throughout the day, there will also always be something delicious to satisfy your cravings: from colorful salad creations to international delightful light meals and classic Thai dishes.

For an intimate dinner for two, or an enjoyable evening with friends or family, the Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas’ talented chefs have created an exquisite seasonally changing menu. The kitchen serves only the best the market has to offer and presents it in the most alluring style, for a memorable dining experience.

Themed dinner buffets with live cooking stations are also available on occasion as well.

Drop by the Dalah Bar, which serves a wide range of premium spirits and wines, to watch bartenders shake up colorful cocktails and fruity concoctions, and enjoy the soothing tranquility of the gorgeous lotus pond and the tropical gardens. The bar is also home to the “Sheraton Social SM Hour ” wine tasting events, which take place three times a week.

The musical themes at Dalah change

to suit different moods throughout the day, from a traditional backing for breakfast to relaxed during the daytime, and to a more up-tempo yet understated evening vibe.

For a more intimate and romantic experience, two discreet sunken dining sala emerge from the lotus pond, creating the ultimate dining ambience for a lifelong memory with that special one.

Revitalized Luxury Meets Exquisite Retreat

An extension of the already popular Sheraton Hua Hin Resort and Spa, Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas is located 38 kilometers away in the tropical rainforest of Pranburi.

Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, it offers an exclusive retreat for the discerning traveler. Surrounded by an environment of pure serenity, the resort features an intimate selection of 55 secluded luxury villas, each with private pool and sunken pool sala.

Stay Connected with Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas' Community at www.sheratonhuahinpranburi.com or call +66 32 909 900

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

Sofitel So Bangkok unveiled a new element in the hotel’s digital lifestyle concept with the launch of a dedicated booking engine for F&B online reservations.

Designed specially for Sofitel properties across Asia-Pacific, the Internet-based restaurant reservations system was developed in close cooperation with eat2eat and is already fully integrated with three Sofitel So Bangkok booking sources: www.sofitel. com/6835, www.sofitel-so-bangkok.com, and www.facebook.com/SofitelSoBangkok.

The restaurant booking system, adopted by all Sofitel Asia Pacific hotels, will feature a user-friendly interface. The simple booking process across all three Internet-based platforms is identical.

Guests will be asked to fill in personal details and contact information, plus reservation details for individual or group bookings. Remarks or special requests can also be made, for example, arranging a birthday cake for a surprise celebration.

Once the form is submitted, the guest will receive a booking confirmation via e-mail or SMS within 24 hours, depending on the preferred communication channel specified.

TripAdvisor Announces World’s Best Accommodations With 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards for Hotels

TripAdvisor announced the winners of its 2014 Travelers’ Choice awards for hotels. In the 12th year of the awards, the world’s most outstanding properties were identified in the categories of Top Hotels, Bargain, B&Bs and Inns, Family, Luxury, Romance, and Small Hotels.

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai was awarded the Top Hotel in Thailand; other properties in the running for Top Hotel included Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, Code (Samui), Layana Resort and Spa (Koh Lanta), 137 Pillars House (Chiang Mai), Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, U Sunsuri Phuket, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Conrad Koh Samui, The Peninsula Bangkok, and Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao). Oriental Kwai Resort was named Best Bargain Hotel in Asia and Thailand, Baan Malinee Bed and Breakfast was named best B&B and Inn in Asia and Thailand, and The Tongsai Bay Koh Samui was named among winners in the Romance category of the 2014 Travelers’ Choice awards.

“We’re excited to recognize the world’s best properties, based on the opinions of those who know them best—the millions of travelers around the globe who come to TripAdvisor to share their experiences,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor. “For those seeking inspiration for their 2014 travel planning, this list of spectacular accommodation that received 2014 Travelers’ Choice awards is a perfect place to start.”

Travelers’ Choice award winners were determined based on the reviews and opinions of millions of TripAdvisor travelers around the globe. In total, 7,123 unique properties worldwide won awards in 2014, with Asia and Thailand featuring 1,518 and 130 unique hotel winners, respectively.

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Mövenpick Phuket Resorts

Sofitel So Bangkok Plugs Into New Digital F&B Lifestyle Concept

Sofitel So Bangkok

TRAVEL NEWS

Mövenpick Phuket Resorts Once Again Awarded Green Globe Certification

Green Globe recently announced the certification of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket for the third year in a row, and of Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket for the second year.

The long-term sustainability management system currently in effect at both Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket and Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach includes daily energy consumption monitoring and water and electricity usage reduction targets. Fresh water is sourced from a deep well and the company-owned wastewater treatment plant. Overall waste reduction targets are achieved through comprehensive reuse/recycle and packaging minimization initiatives, while the hotels’ purchasing policy favors suppliers adhering to ecological sustainability practices. A new line of eco-friendly water bottles and bathroom amenities has also been introduced at both properties.

Green Globe is the premier worldwide certification and performance improvement program developed specifically for the travel and tourism industry. The Green Globe Certification Standard provides organizations with a framework to conduct a comprehensive assessment of their environmental sustainability performance, through which they can monitor improvements and achieve certification. It is reviewed once a year and, to guarantee adherence to the highest international standard, a thirdparty independent auditor is appointed to work with organizations on-site.

Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort

Four Thai Cities Ranked Top 100 City Destinations

by Euromonitor International

Thailand’s political capital and commercial hub of Bangkok has been ranked third in the latest Euromonitor International's 100 Top City Destinations Ranking (2013 edition), covering 100 of the world’s leading cities in terms of international tourist arrivals. Three other popular Thai cities, Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, were ranked 15, 17, and 70, respectively, in the same listing.

The top two cities ahead of Bangkok were Hong Kong and Singapore. Within the top 10, six cities are located in Asia, demonstrating the importance of the region to international travel, especially the increasing numbers of Chinese and Russian visitors, according to Euromonitor International.

Overall, 32 of the top 100 city destinations are in Asia-Pacific, 12 more than in second-place Western Europe.

Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort opens with a spectacular view over the Andaman Sea

Sri panwa

The Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort—the first Hyatt-branded property in Phuket, and the second in Thailand after Hyatt Regency Hua Hin—officially opened on the exclusive west coast of Phuket, just 40 minutes from the international airport and 10 minutes from both the beachside restaurants of Surin and the nightlife of Patong.

Nestled on a verdant, terraced hillside overlooking the beach of Kamala Cove, each of resort’s 199 rooms has a private balcony for guests to enjoy an unobstructed view of the hill cascading down to the Andaman Sea and its spectacular sunsets.

Sri panwa Launches Floating Full Moon Yoga

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Sri panwa, Phuket’s all-villa island resort, will be giving guests the chance to experience “Full Moon Yoga” from May 2014 onward; it’s a tranquil alternative to the all-night partying normally associated with Thailand’s full moon.

The exclusive yoga classes will be taught privately by experienced instructors on Sri panwa’s special floating yoga deck under the full moon each month (May 14, June 13, July 12, August 10, September 9, and October 8), with spectacular views of the Andaman Sea.

Phuket’s landmark destination on Kata Beach to be rebranded as “Boathouse by Montara” As part of the celebrations to mark its 25th Anniversary, Boathouse on Kata Beach, Phuket announced its rebranding as “Boathouse by Montara” to reinforce its position as the island’s landmark destination with a focus on creating a contemporary and all-encompassing lifestyle experience for guests.

ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2014 for Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin Centara Hotels & Resorts

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, a Leading Hotels of the World member, was recognized among 86 winners from 10 ASEAN countries to receive the ASEAN Green Hotel Awards 2014. This award is presented to hotels that meet the required standards, and establish a professional green hotel operation with an environmental plan, green products, and human resource and environment management.

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All the reasons why you should visit:

Sri panwa Phuket

PHUKET

Stunning views from Baba Nest, Sri panwa Phuket

A

THAILAND’S LARGEST ISLAND IS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DESTINATIONS FOR TOURISTS. HERE’S WHY.

decade or two ago still an untouched island, Phuket has become one of Asia’s most prominent stops for discerning travelers who love the boating life, water sports, fine dining, and good fun.

Thailand’s largest island offers a myriad of possibilities for all types of travelers beyond its world-class white sand beaches, internationally acclaimed gastronomy, and well-known local hospitality: ● Land-based tours and activities, such as strolls through the historic Old Town featuring Sino-Portuguese architecture and Chinese shop-houses; a visit to its most famous landmark, the 45-meter Big Buddha on a mountain that offers scenic views over Chalong Bay, Kata Beach, and out into the Andaman Sea; an immersion into Thailand’s culture through visits to Wat Chalong, and many other temples around

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● Unique sunsets from the southwestern tip of Phromthep Cape ● Ocean and island tours to Koh Phi Phi National Park, James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay, and island-hopping to the many “paradise-like” tropical islands around ● Elephant trekking; exploring one of the world’s best preserved rainforests, at Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, one of the oldest rainforest habitats in the world—with a diverse range of plants and animals such as tigers, deer, elephants, bears, gibbons, squirrels, and macaque; and discovering the Phuket of yesteryear at Sirinat National Park ● Scuba diving at Similan Islands National Park, an archipelago consisting of nine small islands ranked as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, located 100 kilometers northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea ● Shopping and eating at Jungceylon

Shopping Complex, Central Festival, Jatujak Weekend Market ● Enjoying the nightlife and entertainment at Patong Beach, Phuket FantaSea, Simon Cabaret, and Muay Thai boxing

Because in Phuket’s early days there was a prohibitory duty of up to 220 percent on yachts imported into Thailand, the island wasn’t a place for wealthy boatowners to go and enjoy its beauty and possibilities. Hence, Royal Phuket Marina was created in 2003, and today it is the center point of several prominent sporting and social events, including the annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.

With the marina, Phuket also saw the development of an upscale marine lifestyle, similar to the one in places like Marbella (Spain), St. Tropez (France), or the Caribbean.

In the following pages, you’ll find more reasons why you should visit Phuket.

GOURMET BITES Holidays are not complete without delicious food. Offering everything from simple yet tasty street food to sophisticated dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs, Phuket is arguably one of Thailand’s most important foodie destinations.

“A

fter being in Phuket for about one year, these are places that I’ve tried and that rank high with locals and expats alike.

OTHER PLACES FOR FINE BITES ON THE ISLAND, RECOMMENDED BY LOOKEAST:

”

International

– Junious Dickerson, Executive Chef at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa

Tumbon Cherng-Talay, Thalang District, 081 956 2742, www.blissbeachclub.com) Relaxed atmosphere. Simply prepared delicious food, great wine list, water sports and siren views of the beach, with a awesome DJs spinning tunes.

Indigo Pearl (●Tambol Sakhu, 116 Moo 1,

Thalang, 076 327 006, www.indigo-pearl.com, www.indigo-pearl.com) The best brunch on the island, with an endless selection of local, international, and freshly cooked seafood. The environment is fresh, clean, and with awesome service to complement the free-flow of wine.

Iniala Beach House

Bliss Beach Club (●202/88 Moo 2,

Boat House Wine and Grill (●182

Italian

| Acqua (●324/15 Prabaramree Rd, Kalim, Patong, 076 618 127, www.acquarestaurantphuket.com) | Salvatore’s (●15 Ratsada Rd, Phuket, 076 225 958, www.salvatorestaurant.com) | Da Maurizio (●223/2 Prabaramee Rd, Patong, 076 344 079, www.baanrimpa. com/italian-restaurant)

Thai

Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, 076 330 015, www.boathousephuket.com) Refined Frenchinfluenced cuisine and a good wine selection with sharp service and staff who attend to all your needs.

| Baba Soul Food (●Sri Panwa Phuket, 88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd, Phuket, 076 371 000, www.babaphuket.com) | Kan Eang @ Pier (●44/1 Viset Rd, Rawai, Phuket, 076 381 212, www.kaneang-pier.com) | Baan Rim Pa (●223 Prabaramee Rd, Patong, Phuket, 076 340 789, www.baanrimpa.com)

Thai Thai (●333 Patak Road, Karon Beach,

European

Indigo Pearl

076 396 433, www.hilton.com/phuket) It’s located inside the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, and I recommended it not only because I’m the chef, but because the menu has just been changed. It basically offers a marriage of cultures, where the very best in traditional Thai flavors are centered on modern techniques and presentations, offering interesting flavor profiles although staying true to the local traditions of the Thai table. The environment is relaxed, semi fine-dining, with views of the lakes and occasional ostentations of peacocks strolling by.

| Aziamendi (●Iniala Beach House, 40/14 Moo 6 Baan Natai T. Khokkloi A. Takuathung, Phang-Nga, 076 451 456, www.iniala.com) | SALA (●Sala Phuket Resort and Spa, 333 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Thalang, Phuket, 076 338 888, www.salaresorts.com/phuket) | RE KÁ TA (●184 Koktanode Rd, Kata, Phuket, 076 330 421, www.rekataphuket. com)

| The 9th Floor (●Sky Inn Condotel, 47 Rat-U-Thid Rd, Patong, 076 344 311, www.the9thfloor.com) | Brasserie (●16/18 Ratsada Rd, Phuket, 076 210 511, www.brasseriephuket.com) | Mom Tri’s Kitchen (●112 Kata Noi Road, Kata, Phuket, 076 333 569, www. momtriphuket.com/mom-tri-kitchen) MARCH 2014 | 35

LIFESTYLE COVER STORY

Phuket P

huket, Pearl of the Andaman.

While the famed beaches of Phuket might not be the empty hidden paradises as they were once known as, there are still plenty of gorgeous locales and enough fun things to do to make the peninsula an excellent spot for a vacation. Contrary to popular belief, Phuket is neither a single beach nor only the infamous nightlife spot of Patong.

A magnificent sunset in Phuket

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Mini Guide

by Dave Stamboulis

What it is, is a huge peninsula that is home to both heavily built-up beach resorts (Patong, Karon, Kata), far quieter strips of sand with great resorts (Nai Harn,Nai Yang, Surin), as well as a main city, the architecturally elegant and stylish Phuket Town, which is a major destination in its own right and home to one of Asia’s wildest and wackiest festivals.

Why Go

Phuket may be expensive and crowded, but there is a reason why this Andaman hotspot is so famous. The beaches here are some of Thailand’s, if not Southeast Asia’s best, with plenty of gorgeous white sand and emerald water out in the Andaman, a real sun worshipper’s paradise. While Karon, Kata, and Patong beaches are packed with beach umbrellas and tourists,

You won’t ever run out of sights in Phuket.

Surin Circle clock tower

THAILAND

Phuket

Parrot fish at Rawai Beach, Phuket

Dave Stamboulis

What To See

Top draws include the Phuket Aquarium (●076 391 126, www.phuketaquarium. org) at Cape Panwa with thousands of fish and glass viewing tunnels, and the Phuket FantaSea (●076 385 000, www. phuket-fantasea.com), known as the ultimate cultural theme park, combining tradition, costumes, acrobatics, elephants, and much more. For nature lovers, a trip out to the Phromthep Cape at Phuket’s southernmost point to watch the sunset is well worth it, as is a visit to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (●www.gibbonproject.org) in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Don’t forget to set aside time for exploring Phuket Town and its Chinese mansions and atmospheric architecture, along with plenty of quaint cafés and artsy shops.

Luxury Sight

some of the lesser known spots like Surin Beach, Bang Tao, or Nai Harn in the south have plenty of space for your beach chair and open space for the kids to run around.

Phuket Town is well worth a day or two for its Sino-Portuguese architecture and Chinese heritage, and if you happen to be in town during the Vegetarian Festival (annually in September/October) you are in for a wild experience, as thousands of devotees go into trances and perform acts of self-mutilation, all in the name of ensuring good luck for the year to come.

The festival is celebrated with plenty of color, fireworks, and parades.

Villa Napalai, Surin Beach, is one of Luxury Sight's properties (see page 38)

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Eating and Drinking

What To Do

paradise of Kalim Beach. Lowbrow Krajok See (●26 Takua Pa Rd, 076 217 903) is the best place for partying in Phuket Town, and is a restaurant that turns into the best dance-and-drink bar around after 10 p.m.

The Natural (“Thammachat” in Thai) (●62/5 Soi Phutorn, 076 214 037) is a longstanding unpretentious eatery in Phuket Town famed for its great inexpensive food and unique décor, ranging from old aquariums to antique bicycles, fishing rods, and other bric-àbrac that adorns the wooden walls. Highly recommended. Kru Wit Seafood (●front of Maphrao Island, 086 687 0892, www. kruvitraft.com) is a one-of-a-kind place where you are taken out to a mini-isle by their free speedboat and then served up ultra fresh seafood at the water’s edge on their floating raft house as you enjoy stunning sunset views. Acqua (●324/15 Prabaramee Road, Kalim Bay, 076 618 127, www.acquarestaurantphuket.com) is Phuket’s premiere Italian eatery, run by a Sardinian chef and set in the gastro-

Besides being a place to just hang out in at the beach or by the pool, Phuket is well known for its water sports in, on, and above the sea. The Andaman offers some great snorkeling and diving opportunities, and it is easy to head out to the famed Similans for a day or two of live-aboard courses and dives. Siam Dive n’ Sail (●www. siamdivers.com) can get you outfitted.

Parasailing gets you above all the action, and plenty of operators can be found in Patong and Karon. Jet skis are also popular, but cannot be recommended due to the numerous operator scams claiming damages. If you must, only go with an operator you trust. Make sure to do a spa treatment while here, as Phuket offers some real pampering. The Cool Spa (●076 371 000, www.coolspaphuket.com) at Sri Panwa has well recommended treatments.

How To Get There

Phuket can be reached by just about every airline from Bangkok, as well as from Chiang Mai and other points. The airport is at the north end of the peninsula, a good 45-minute drive from most of the beaches.

Overnight buses make the arduous 12- to 13-hour trip from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Station. There is no train service to Phuket.

Taxis are notoriously expensive in Phuket and public transportation is limited to services running to and from Phuket Town during daylight hours. Renting a car or scooter is a great alternative.

Sleeping

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Phunawa Phuket

Westin Siray Bay Sri Panwa

Sri Panwa (●88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd., Cape, Panwa, 076 371 000, www. sripanwa.com) offers some of Asia’s swankiest digs and prime real estate, with huge pool villas that command 300-degree sea views perched atop panoramic Cape Panwa. Much further north, the unique Indigo Pearl (●116 Moo 1, Thalang, 076 327 006, www.indigo-pearl.com), designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, recalls the era of the Phuket tin mines and is awash in upscale luxury. For a real Robinson Crusoe fantasy, The Naka Island (●32 Moo 5, Naka Yai Island, 076 371 400, www.nakaislandphuket. com) is located on pristine Naka Island, which sits off Phuket’s northeast coast.

You get here with a private speedboat and will get a glimpse into what Phuket was like 20 years ago. For another tropical paradise, try the private pool villas next to Sirinath National Park at Anantara Phuket Villas (●888 Moo 3, Mai Khao, Thalang, 076 336 100, www.phuket.anantara.com), located on beautiful Mai Khao beach.

Another great escape from the crowds is the Westin Siray Bay (●21/4 Moo 1, Rasada Rd, 076 335 600, www. westinsiraybay.com), hidden away on Phuket’s eastern coast.

If you prefer to have more independence and privacy, you might want to choose staying in properties that will make you feel more like you are at your beach house rather than a hotel. Good examples of this are Phunawa Phuket (●16/1 Patak Road Soi 24 Amphur Muang, Phuket, 076 363 000, www.phunawa.com) which offer 1, 2, and 3-bedroom deluxe suites with en suite bathroom, living room with cable TV and DVD player, a fully equipped kitchen, and an exclusive private rooftop garden with circular Jacuzzi, Sala with sofa, and sun lounge area. There are also companies like Luxury Sight (●www.luxurysight.com), which offer luxury villas and apartments for short, mid, and long-term rental.

FIVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES YOU CAN’T MISS THE ULTIMATE LIST OF FUN IDEAS TO SPICE UP YOUR STAY IN PHUKET

by Jimmy Jacquet

N

Dave Stamboulis

o doubt Phuket is the ultimate beach holiday destination, but there’s also a lot more to experience on the island than that captivating blend of translucent blue sea, white powdery beaches, and guaranteed sunshine.

What if Phuket turned out to be a perfect sports destination as well?

Kiteboarding

Phuket Tree Adventure

The island offers great conditions to practice kiteboarding, from shallow waters and gentle breeze in the southeast, to more acrobatic stunts in the northwest of the island.

The most reputed spots for this sport are Nai Yang Beach, Rawai Beach, and Layan Beach, although the sites change according to the season—generally from June to September, and from November to February, the wind blows around 12 to 18 knots.

You can start with an introductory hour from THB 1,100, a full day for THB 4,400, or a three-day training for THB 11,000. If you want to maximize your learning momentum, you can also get private lessons.

Some shops that you can contact for kiteboarding are: Kitesurfing Phuket (●Chalong Bay, 083 395 2005, www.kitesurfingphuket.com) Kite School Phuket (●080 077 7594, info@kiteschoolphuket.com, www.kiteschoolphuket.com) Kite Boarding Phuket (●081 591 4594, phuket@kiteboardingasia.com, www.kiteboardingphuket.com) Kite Thailand (●081 090 3730, kitethailand@gmail.com, www.kitethailand.com)

Monkey Fun Whether you are looking for a romantic horseback riding escapade, an individual bumpy ride, friendly or family fun, Phuket International Horse Club (●Lagoon Rd. Cherng, Talay, Thalang District, 076 324 199, www.phukethorseclub.com) is the place for you. This clubs offers regular beach tours for one to two hours, as well as magnificent sunset tours.

Prices are around THB 1,000 for one hour (including sunset), and run from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The rides include instructors, the necessary equipment, and insurance. And if you prefer taking things slowly, you can also go for the elephant ride they offer (THB 750 for 30 minutes).

Phuket International Horse Club

Horseback Riding

If you’re afraid your skin will get red, turn brown, and then peel off in the sun, how about hiding in the shadows of the trees? If you ever dreamed of flying in the jungle like Tarzan, great challenges await you at Phuket Xtrem Adventures/ Phuket Tree Adventure (●54/17 Moo 6 T. Chalong, A. Muang, Phuket, 076 383 689, www.xtremadventuresphuket. com) as you walk, cross, jump, climb, fly, and swing through the trees. This is a great option for families as it features 72 stations that range from a section to children to very easy, easy to difficult.

Prices start at THB 1,800.

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Zorbing

Rollerball

How do you it feels to descend a 190-meter hill track in a giant washing machine while enjoying a superb view over Patong Bay? If you are looking to do something absolutely unique in Phuket, wonder no more and go and try zorbing! This activity might sound scary or even dangerous, but the air-layered spheres are especially designed to be completely safe, and to provide a fun activity for the whole family. Phuket’s version happens to be one of world’s longest rides and, at THB 950 a ride, it is a must-try. Those more adventurous can go for unlimited rides for THB 1,600 at Rollerball (●Soi 7 Kalim Patong, Phuket, 089 872 6532, www.rollerball.co)

Go Karting

Sports Equipment Shops

●Water Sport Shop (●59/14-15 Bangkok Road, Taladnua, Muang, Phuket, 076 213 589, info@phuketwatersport.com) ●SPORTathlon (●108/74 Chalermprakiat Rd, T. Rassada, A. Muang, Phuket, 076 261 966, www.sport.co.th) ●Gift and Golf Phuket (●183/3132 City Park Building, Phang-Nga Rd., Phuket Town), 076 233 268, www.giftandgolfphuket.com) ●Saltwater Dreaming (●108/3 Moo 3 Cheongthalay, Thalang, Phuket, 076 271 050, www.saltwater-dreaming.com)

Patong Go Kart

Looking for some real action? Open since 1991, Patong Go Kart (●At the foot of Patong Hill’s Kathu side, on the left-hand side after the police checkpoint when going toward Patong Beach, 076 321 949, open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) is another fun activity for the whole family to practice. On the 750-meter racetrack, you can chose between kids’ karts (140cc), standard karts (200cc), two-seater karts (270cc), or race karts (400cc).

And if you want to double the fun, you can also choose the 600-meter off-road Fun Park situated next to the kart track, where you can drive a buggy to jump and bounce over the humps, and drift in the dirt as well.

You Want It All

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Annual Phuket Sport Events for 2014 Thanyapura Phuket

If you can’t choose from among the numerous outdoor and sport activities that are possible to practice in Phuket, you can practice them all by staying at Thanyapura Phuket (●120/1 Moo 7 Thepkasattri Road, Thepkasattri, Thalang, Phuket, 076 336 000, www.thanyapura.com).

Located a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, Thanyapura offers a diverse portfolio of unique properties on one campus in the heart of Phuket, including Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club Phuket, Mind Center, Integrative Health Center, and Phuket International Academy Day School.

Some programs offers instruction in emotional intelligence, meditation, and related mental training, while others focus on aspects of medicine such as physiotherapy, overall health, sports performance, preventive, regenerative, and anti-aging. The Thanyapura club is based on a unique approach of understanding body, mind, and soul through the practice of sports. This club is the ideal destination for active leisure travelers, as well as professional and amateur sports enthusiasts. It offers world’s top coaches and cutting-edge programs, within a state-of-the-art infrastructure. If one day is not enough, you can even plan a stay in their Sports Hotel or the Retreat Hotel.

The hotel is the ideal destination for both business and leisure trips. All guestrooms are spacious and fully appointed with modern amenities. The hotel’s leisure facilities include a day spa, fully equipped kids’ club, arts studio, and performance center plus innovative food and beverage outlets featuring organic cuisine, wine, and cooking classes.

●Thanyapura 500 Cycle Tour, March 21–23 ●Thanyapura Invitational Swim Meet, March 29–30 ●Phuket ITF Senior Pro Circuit 2014 at Thanyapura, April 5–12 ●Phuket International Rugby 10s 2014 at Thanyapura, May 23–25 ●Thanyapura Sport Performance Camps 2014, June 30 to July 12 ●Tennis Chang ITF Pro Circuit at Thanyapura, July 12–26 ●Laguna Phuket international Marathon, June ●Laguna Phuket international Triathlon Laguna Phuket, Bang Tao Bay, November ●Annual Phuket international Sportfishing Tournament, Chalong Bay, November ●Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, Kata Beach, early December

A One-Stop Lifestyle Shop ROYAL PHUKET MARINA OFFERS THE POSSIBILITY OF LIVING THERE LONG-TERM, SPENDING A SEASONAL HOLIDAY, TAKING CARE OF YOUR BOAT, OR JUST ALLOWING YOU TO TASTE THE LUXURIOUS BOATING LIFE FOR A DAY.

Phuket EXPATS’ PICKS Royal Phuket Marina

“I like the warmth of the people in Phuket; everyone from police to the gardeners are so genuinely nice. And the food is an epicurean’s delight. I experienced much of this at the Renaissance Hotel, a delightful, boutique-like, full service hotel. The staff is amazing, the food is incredible and it is a peaceful retreat for some sun and relaxation.”

– Mr. Randall and Mrs. Jennifer Parrott, Americans living in China who traveled to Phuket in early February this

W

hether you want to go island-hopping or just to enjoy a glass of Champagne while watching the sun set over the sea, exploring the boating life is one of the most popular activities in Phuket.

Royal Phuket Marina (●68 Moo. 2 Thepkrasettre Rd, Kohkaew, Muang, Phuket, 076 360 811–4, www.royalphuketmarina.com) set on the island’s eastern seaboard, in Phang Nga Bay, is the only Five Gold Anchor award marina in Thailand, and only one of three marinas in Asia to rank in the top category.

As Zoran Lalvani, director of business development at Royal Phuket Marina (RPM), explains, this prestigious recognition given by the Yacht Harbour Association—an arm of the British Marine Federation—is analogous to the highest recognition given to five-star hotels around the world. Double the size of any other yachting haven in Phuket, it features an 10,500 square meter upscale retail space, food and beverage outlets, art galleries, the largest convention center and arguably the best health club on the island and one of the best yacht-repairing facilities in the world. “Royal Phuket Marina is also one of the premier mixed-use developments in Thailand,” Lalvani explains. With an initial investment of USD 100 million, the luxury lifestyle marina also boasts a community of 150 berths and luxury villas, penthouses, and condominiums capable of providing lodging to 1,000 people.

RPM can accommodate vessels of up to 35 meters, and it is also one of the island's two marinas with non-tidal deepwater basin and the only that provides private moorings on the doorsteps of the luxury villas.

Also, more than 30 islands with white sand beaches and coral reefs are just about a one-hour cruise from the marina and, depending on the speed of the boat, more islands with stunning landscapes can be reached in Malaysia within three hours.

Taking advantage of the year-round favorable weather in Phuket, 30 percent of the people who enjoy this one-stop lifestyle shop at Thailand’s most prestigious marina are condominium owners who live there. The visitors who book rooms and stay for the weekend are mainly from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok. And other visitors, primarily from Europe and Asia, just keep their boats at the marina and spend three or four months of the year on the island.

“People in Phuket are nice and friendly. Its white sand beaches, natural environment, and Thai food are reasons I keep coming back. My favorite place around is Koh Racha; I had the best daytrip there. We rented a boat and went fishing for tuna. We also did some snorkeling—it was amazing!

The staff on the boat cooked the fish we caught for us on the way back. It was the best day out.”

– Alexander Lopez, a Swedish-Spanish professional who recently relocated to work in Phuket

“I like the beach and swimming pools as I have 2-year-old son, and he enjoys swimming a lot. I particularly like Karon beach. We stayed at Hilton Phuket, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel through a long stretch of white sandy beach. There are lots of activities to do and also many shops nearby to do souvenir shopping.”

– Mrs. Chen, Hong Kong, guest of Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa

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LIFESTYLE FASHION

Off to the Beach!

Shot on Thailand’s stunning beaches such as Hua Hin, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui, NIKKA Swimwear’s “Brazil On My Mind” collection is inspired by its founder’s, Thai model Nikita Parlevliet, love of travel.

Reversible low-cut bikinis, monokinis, and one-piece swimsuits in exotic colors and with that flirty Brazilian fit, will take your imagination all the way to Ipanema beach. NIKKA Swimwear (●www.nikkaswimwear.com) is made in limited runs, and is available in custom-made prints and linings.

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Eric Chieze + NIKKA Swimwear

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Sergio del Amo + NIKKA Swimwear

Eric Chieze + NIKKA Swimwear

Sergio del Amo + NIKKA Swimwear

LIFESTYLE FASHION

Photographer : Alisa Hubert Model : Clara Del Corso Martena Dress : ITTHIKORN ( Viphavadee20, Viphavadee-Rangsit RD, Jomphol, Jatuchak, Bangkok Tel. 022766092-3 Jewelry : Buzzanca www.mariobuzzanca.com Make up & Hair : Usani Korsoongsak Lighting : Thanyarat Pumpaka Production Assistant : Thungthong Thongsher Location : Sensi Restaurant Narathiwas Soi 17 Yaek 5, Bangkok, Thailand 10120

Alisa Hubert Photography +66 878 088 829 www.alisahubert.com alisa.paris2010@gmail.com

LIFESTYLE PERSONALITIES

The GM at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, Martin Raich, explains why the beach town continues to be an unrivalled holiday destination in Thailand.

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Sheraton Hua Hin

“The biggest growth markets for Hua Hin at the moment are China, India, and other ASEAN countries”

– Until now, Hua Hin has been a popular destination for Bangkokians and Westerners. Do you foresee this trend continuing or changing in the future and if so, how?

– Whilst Hua Hin remains popular with Europeans, especially those escaping the northern European winter, and Bangkok residents—both Thai and foreigners—we are already starting to see some changes. The biggest growth markets at the moment are China, India, and other ASEAN countries, as our Asian neighbors benefit from increases in wealth and more opportunities to travel for business and pleasure.

Natural serenity of Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

– You are a golf enthusiast. Which courses do you enjoy playing at in Hua Hin? – In Hua Hin we are spoilt for choice with the number and variety of golf courses, all within about 30 minutes of the town.

My personal favorite is Banyan Tree: the scenery is spectacular and the greens are so well maintained.

But its royal seal and sun-filled days, its eight kilometer-long beach, its fishing port charm and range of activities on offer, from water sports to golf, still wouldn’t be enough to justify Hua Hin’s nearly 70 years of popularity, if it wasn’t also for stunning resorts that offer a comfortable and memorable stay. And Sheraton’s properties in the beach town are good examples of that desired alluring experience that completes the picture.

“Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa is a seafront resort with one of the largest lagoon style swimming pools in Thailand; 56 of our rooms have direct access from

Sheraton Hua Hin

Infinity pool at Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Sheraton Hua Hin

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ua Hin is the oldest and most traditional beach town in Thailand. But what has made it so popular since the reign of King Rama VII, in the early 1920s, till today?

According to Martin Raich, general manager of Sheraton Hua Hin Resort & Spa and Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, Hua Hin offers several pluses to visitors that other beach destinations in Thailand don’t:

“The proximity to Bangkok, only about 2.5 hours/200 kilometers, makes it a great choice for weekends and short breaks.

For our longer stay guests, I think the fact that Hua Hin has a mix of old Thai charm and all the amenities that modern tourists expect, without the crowds of better-known tourist areas such as Phuket and Pattaya, is important. There is something to do for everyone, from royal palaces to water parks, beachfront restaurants to hillside vineyards.

Not forgetting that Hua Hin has the Royal Seal of Approval, of course.”

The story of this royal seal dates back to 1921, when the head of the state railway, His Royal Highness Prince Purachatra Jayakara, built the Hua Hin Railway Hotel—today Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin—in the traditional architectural style of old Siam. Five years later, His Majesty King Prachatipok set the royal seal of approval himself by building a summer palace on the beach, which exists till today. Since then, that sense of elegance and style prevails in Hua Hin, and many of Bangkok’s aristocrats and personalities started building their own beachfront vacation houses there.

your balcony to the swimming pool, and our variety of indoor and outdoor function areas also make this perfect for weddings, conferences and other events. Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, on the other hand, is our natural retreat resort; great for families, friends, and couples wanting to get away from it all for pure relaxation.

All villas have their own private pool, and meals can be served in the comfort of your villa or in Dalah, our signature restaurant and bar,” explains Raich.

– The current political situation has been challenging for the hospitality industry in Thailand. What measures have your hotels taken to counteract this crisis?

– Both our resorts have not been affected as much as hotels in Bangkok city. We ensure that our guests are kept up to date with any events that may affect their travel to or from our resort. Communication and understanding our guests’ needs are of paramount importance to us at all times.

MARCH 2014 | 47

LIFESTYLE SPA OFFERS

“Harmony & Healing, Inside & Out” at Opium Spa by Sodashi

The Siam Hotel

What: This wellness experience brings your body’s seven main chakras into alignment through a fluid combination of massage, specific essential oil blends, and healing crystals.

The results are a calm feeling, a state of harmony, and an increase in overall wellbeing. Feel fully restored with a refreshing facial, part of the treatment as well, with Sodashi products (100 percent chemical free).

When: From now until April 30 Where: The Siam Hotel (●3/2 Thanon Khao, Vachirapayabal, Dusit, Bangkok) How much: THB 6,900++ per person or THB 13,500++ per couple, for a 90-minute Chakra Balancing Treatment and a 30-minute Stop and Relax Facial More info: 02 206 6913, spa@thesiamhotel.com; call 02 206 999 to book your seat on the free shuttle boat to the hotel (30-minute journey)

Memory Therapy

What: InBalance Fitness of Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square offers new members a 20 percent discount on full-time annual memberships purchased throughout March.

Facilities of this fitness center include an outdoor swimming pool, personal trainers, and access to daily fitness activities such as yoga, Fit&Firm, Body Bar, and Body Firm. Members also get free car parking and various discounts at the hotel.

When: Throughout March Where: Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square How much: THB 15,840 including discount for annual membership More info: 02 209 8888, www.novotelbkk.com

Borisud Happy Hour

What: The new Borisud Pure Spa at Mode Sathorn hotel is offering spa lovers the opportunity to indulge in any 60-minute spa body massage with a 50 percent discount.

When: From now until March 31, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Mode Sathorn Hotel (●144 North Sathorn Road, Silom, 11th floor, Surasak BTS) How much: Starts at THB 900 including discount More info: 02 623 4555 ext 1080 or 1081

What: Mutsumi Adachi first uses a muscle test to tune in with your body to give the exact time, person, place, and objects that that are causing blockages due to grief, anger, fear, worry, and unhappiness experienced in past events, or trauma that made a strong impact on the subconscious, all of which affect health, self-love, and self-esteem.

The Memory Therapy is accompanied by aroma oil massage for total relaxation, which will help release the stress and energy blockages.

When: Daily Where: omroom (●8F Alma Link Building No. 25, Soi Chidlom, Ploenchit Road) How much: THB 2,000 for a 60-minute therapy session More info: 082 352 4466, 02 655 6282, www.omroom.net

omroom

Mode Sathorn Hotel

InBalance Fitness Savings

What: AWAY Spa, at the W Hotel, is offering three relaxing new promotions this month.

Enjoy Happy Hour offers with 30 percent discount on all signature, facial, and massage treatments from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Couples 2-Hour Alone Time pampers you and your sweetheart with a 90-minute massage of your choice, 30-minute bath, sweet treats, sparkling wine, and complimentary upgrade to Away Spa Suite. Drift Your Mood Away is a 2-hour session with a 90-minute Away Massage Metamorphosis and a mini 30-minute Away Facial.

When: Ongoing Where: W Bangkok (●106 North Sathorn Road, Bangkok) How much: Couples 2-Hour Alone Time THB 9,000++ for two people; Drift Your Mood Away THB 3,800++ per person.

More info: 02 344 4000, awayspa.wbangkok@whotels.com

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W Bangkok

Promotions at AWAY Spa

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WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS breakfast, gourmet desserts, artisanal coffee, and more.

KIOSK Bangkok (●6th floor, The Emporium, BTS Prompong) Perfect for a break while shopping at Emporium, but also just to have a cup of coffee with a great view of Benjasiri Park.

BANGKOK’S COFFEE SHOPS YOU WANT TO TRY THERE’S A BOOM IN CAFÉS THAT OFFER INTERNATIONAL QUALITY TEA AND COFFEE, TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING FOOD CONCEPTS. GET TO KNOW THEM HERE. Kuppa (●39 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02 259 1954, 02 663 0450–4, www.kuppa.co.th) Open in 1998 as the first restaurant-café in Bangkok to roast coffee in-house, Kuppa focuses on high-quality produce prepared simply, staying true to its flavors.

Karmakamet (●Shops in Chatuchak Weekend Market, Central World, Sukhumvit, Mega Bangna, and Silom, www.karmakamet.co.th) Known for its aromatic products, it’s one of the hippest cafés in town. It’s also a muststop if you’re going shopping to Chatuchak Weekend Market. French-inspired menu.

Ink & Lion Café (●1/7 Ekkamai Soi 2, 091 559 0994, www.facebook.com/inkandlioncafe) Espresso, iced coffee, pour-over, handcrafted coffee, baked goods, and more, amongst wooden furniture, old bicycles, and brick walls. all Six to Twelve (●Urbana Langsuan, 55 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, 02 250 6700, www.facebook. com/allsixtotwelve) Thai standards, Italian staples, and Cordon Bleu classics make up the menu. Good for a

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coffee or a glass of wine. Open from 6 a.m. until midnight.

24 Owls (●39/9 Sukhumvit Soi 12 (Soi feasting) Rd-Nua, 02 391 4509, www.facebook. com/24owls) A classic for a cup of coffee at any time of the day, or for American, Thai, and British traditional breakfasts, brunch, burgers, seafood, or pizza. Open 24 hours.

Roast Coffee & Eatery (●SeenSpace Thonglor 13, 02 185 2865, www.facebook.com/roastbkk) Specialty coffee roaster that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as coffee and drinks.

Duc de Praslin (●16 Soi Prasertsit, 02 392 1120–1, www.gallothai.com) Particularly known for its Belgian chocolates, it’s also a nice quiet place in busy Sukhumvit Road, to stop for breakfast or coffee at any time of the day.

Rocket Coffeebar (●149 Sathorn Soi 12, 02 635 0404, www.rocketcoffeebar.com) With an in-house bakery, it offers

Gram (●1st floor, The 49th Terrace, Sukhumvit Soi 49, Bangkok, 081 884 8554) A newcomer in town that serves everything from American to British, and from Italian to Thai specialties on a quiet outdoors terrace. See our review on page 54.

Calin Café (●8Thonglor, Soi Sukhumvit 55, 081 586 7305, www.facebook.com/calincafe) Parisian-style café, offering classic Frenchinspired dishes, as well as house-made bread and viennoiseries.

The Coffee Club (●02 365 6999, www.facebook.com/ thecoffeeclubthailand) Another chain, it’s a good place for meetings and to work while enjoying all-day breakfast with European-inspired specialties.

Doi Chaang Coffee (●www.doichaangcoffee.com, www.facebook.com/DoiChaangCoffeeCo) Thai chain that produces and serves 100 percent Arabica certified organic fair-trade coffee from Northern Thailand. The beans are sold in Doi Chaang’s own shops and can also be shipped worldwide.

Tom N Toms Coffee (●512 The Opus Thonglor Soi 10, 139 Sukhumvit Soi 63, 02 714 8007, www.tomntoms.co.th) A chain that offers coffee, smoothies, tea, baked goods, brunch, and set menus, in several locations in Bangkok and other cities.

Gloria Jeans (●www.gloriajeanscoffees.co.th) Another international chain that has won the heart of Thais and Westerners in Thailand. It served up high-quality coffee, pastries, and more, always in chic and comfortable atmospheres.

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

HASTE FOR PASTE NEWCOMER TO THE BANGKOK DINING SCENE PASTE SETS THE NEW PACE FOR MODERN THAI

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in contemporary Australian cuisine. The concept is being implemented by a handful of foreigners and Thais alike, but Paste picks up the mantle with a daring modern twist. The flavors come from the freshness of the ingredients, rather than being an over-reaching attempt at confusing attempts of fusion—much in line with traditional Thai (and indeed Asian) cuisine.

Highlights of the revolving menu include master stock poached organic pork neck (THB 450++), which features

Paste Bangkok

ong gone are the days of a Bangkok where the choice was either Old World European or simple local food. Diners now demand to know where a cheese is made or what region of Thailand an edible flower is from. Capturing this moment is newcomer to the scene Paste Bangkok (●120/6 Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02 392 4313, www.pastebangkok.com), operated by Aussie chef Jason Bailey and his wife and partner Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun, who are pushing Thai cuisine into the modern era with respect and finesse.

Nestled in a sub-soi of Thong Lor, the restaurant is a cozy shop house conversion that entertains about 30 diners at 10 tables. A sprung red signature bench lines one wall, with pages from books adorning pillars on the other. Upstairs, a modest mezzanine sports three more tables and an intimate bar for lone punters. The result is a pleasant nook for a romantic meal or a catch-up with friends, completed by indirect lighting and understated music.

Filled with hidden gems, the menu is a gently modern take on the traditional Thai canon. The chefs bring with them the boldness of the full flavors en vogue

Thai-inspired modern cocktails

Paste Bangkok

Master stock poached organic pork with avocado and red grapefruit, toasted

Paste Bangkok

by Richard Mcleish

Free-range duck rubbed with northern Thai “makhwaen” pepper, drizzled with fresh orange and star anise sauce

avocado, red grapefruit, and toasted sticky rice, and is artfully garnished with local flowers for a visual and flavor feast. The superbly tender slow-cooked Australian beef cheek with fresh curry paste (THB 480++) is a rich stew cut with the zing of pickled garlic, ginger, lemongrass and dry spices. Steamed wild sea bass fillet (THB 550++) is prepared with longan honey, fennel, and lemongrass “lon” sauce. The cocktails, such as the Bangkok Mule, (THB20++) are also fused with local herbs and spices. The drink features citrusinfused vodka, lychee liqueur, and locally grown passionfruit, lychee, and lime. The wine is a balance of Old and New Worlds; it is available by the glass.

Paste is a reassuring sign of a city coming into its culinary own. The understated surrounds add to the multifaceted menu that speaks volumes with every bite. And the eclectic crowd of regulars and curios alike—as well as headhunters looking to poach the formula—is a testament to the attractive boldness of the venue, which will continue to evolve as the menu offers up more delights.

Hours: Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 11 p.m.

Anita Zaror

Alisa Hubert

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

Mixed fruit pancake and honey lemonade shake

A LITTLE BIT OF THIS, A LITTLE BIT OF THAT Gram Café and deli offers American, English, Italian, French, and Thai dishes with more than a pinch of style.

“

by Coco Lavender

I like breakfast and travel, and every time I travel I try new places, whether it is abroad or in suburban Thailand,” explains Vasinee Ukkachartkul, AKA Gam, a fashion designer who owns “It’s 9 a.m.”, a womenswear shop in Siam Center.

Some time ago, Gam helped a friend to open a Japanese fusion restaurant, and the customers started liking the dishes she prepared. That’s when she realized that she wanted to have “a café with an outdoors area, kind of relaxing, cozy.” And that was the start of the all-day diner, Gram (●1st floor, The 49th Terrace, Sukhumvit Soi 49, Bangkok, 081 884 8554).

Having tested her good cook hand previously by jams and baked goods that she sold successfully at the Bangkok Farmers’ Market, in December 2013 Gam opened this small kitchen, still in soft opening, that serves around ten tables at The 49th Terrace shopping plaza, near Prompong BTS. “I can’t define whether it’s American or what, because we also have eggs Benedict, English breakfast, eggwhite frittata, so we kind of mix everything together.” Add to this a gram of Thai-ness, too.

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“When you cook for your mum or for friends, you always want them to have the best food. And good ingredients give you good taste as well. I like to eat this way, and I want people to eat the same way, that’s how I pick the ingredients,” says Gam. Lindt Swiss and Callebaut Belgian chocolate, Greek-style yogurt, TWG tea, and French butter and cheeses such as brie de Meaux and Camembert de Normandie are just some of these ingredients, which can either be bought or tasted in one of the restaurant’s dishes.

Some favorites among the expats, families with children, office workers, and teenagers who hang out there to the rhythm of indie pop are eggs Florentine (THB 180), mixed fruit pancake (THB 220), honey lemonade shake (THB 110), and strawberry banana yogurt smoothie (THB 120). On the healthier side, the menu also offers quinoa salad, Portobello mushroom salad, granola yogurt, and homemade jams.

Although The 49th Terrace has trees in front, and Gram is located on the first floor under the stairs, you will not miss its Broadway-style lights. And you’ll never be late for breakfast, either.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Snow fish served with lime reduction

T

raditionally, a tasting menu might crescendo from subtler to richer flavors, and be paired with wines that go from newer whites to full-bodied reds. Sensi (●1040 Narathiwat Soi 17, Yak 5, Sathorn, 02 117 1618, www.sensibangkok.com), Sathorn’s newest Italian restaurant, however, has stepped out of that convention to offer tasting menus that will take you on a journey that may go from sturdy to light, from classic to playful, and that would even go back from a Chianti Classico Fontodi to a Sauvignon Livio Felluga if the chef decides to put a lemony snow fish in the middle of the degustation. And he might.

Opened in late December 2013 by Christian Martena, the former executive chef of Bangkok’s acclaimed Opus wine bar and Italian restaurant, together with his

Former model Clara del Corso, now one of Sensi’s owners, at the chef's table

SYMPHONY Chef Christian Martena performing his alchemy

Alisa Hubert

OF FLAVORS

by Anita Zaror

when dining, which is exactly what Sensi’s seven-course “Degustation Menu” (THB 1,790++) does. If you decide to go for it, chef Martena will approach your table, find out what you feel like having that evening, if you have any allergies, or if there’s something you really dislike eating.

He will then create customized dishes that will surprise you every time, as he assures us that he always remembers what his customers ate on their previous visit.

Hence, you’ll rarely have the same tasting menu to another you experienced at the restaurant before.

“The degustation menu is the best way of expressing myself,” says Martena, “with it, people can really touch the passion that me and my team put on the food.” Eighty percent of Sensi’s customers choose the tasting menu over the a la carte one. Are you wiling to accept such a gastronomic surprise?

Alisa Hubert

French wife, Clara, and Italian investors Mario and Charlotte Buzzanca, Sensi began the new year with a loyal crowd that followed him by word of mouth to the somewhat hidden revamped house that is now its home. The décor is a result of the first independent consultancy project done by former Director of Interior Design for Accor Asia Pacific, Béatrice Martinet.

It features Italian leather, parquet, and tables spread around what seems to be a house’s big living room that can host up to 54 commensals, including the chef’s table, a thick table designed in Thai wood by P. Tendercool. This table has the privilege of being located right in front the open kitchen.

The story behind the name is straightforward: it alludes to the five senses and to giving sensations or experiences

Sathorn’s newest Italian restaurant, Sensi, is orchestrating a whole new tune with its seven-course degustation menus, soon to be paired with wines.

Music to Your Taste Buds Once you’re done with an overture of Prosecco Silver Follador Extra Dry and olive-based amuse-bouches, you’ll be ready to dig into a symphony of flavors that may start with Australian beef tartara served with quail egg and red grapes reduction, with small pieces of raw carrot giving a fresh twist and an enjoyable crunchiness to the dish.

Then, the Burratina served with “balsamic caviar” is bound to surprise you.

Applying techniques of molecular cuisine, Martena puts balsamic vinegar into pearls that explode in the mouth to give a tangy acidity that balances well the creaminess of the cheese.

A mushroom soup and foie gras can’t fail in any gourmet meal. But what would happen if they were put together? Perfect chemistry. The third course of mushroom soup with truffle aroma served with foie gras bruschetta is another great surprise to

be remembered. You might actually never drink a soup as slowly as this one, as you will want to taste every single particle of this match that could well become one of those classics pairings that never fail, such as tomato and basil or beef and red wine.

Hailing from Apulia, an Italian alltime-favorite like risotto of course couldn’t miss being on the menu. Cooking the dish to that desired creamy and oozy point, Martena chose radicchio and salsiccia as the successful ingredients to finish it off.

Then, exactly at the right time, the symphony of flavors’ first fast movement will shift to a necessary down tempo with the snow fish served with lime reduction.

Its lightness, followed by a lemon—or sometimes strawberry—sorbet with Prosecco and vodka will cleanse your palate before entering into the tender lamb cooked sous vide with red wine reduction, which doesn’t require a knife to cut and which almost melts in the mouth.

The concert ends on a high note with the Sensi tiramisu, a deconstructed version of the Italian classic served in an entertaining way, through a chocolate ball that is melted with hot coffee to reveal a creamy mascarpone ice cream with amaretto.

During the soft opening, the a la carte menu (which will change seasonally) offers five starters, four pasta and risotto dishes, and four main courses—all made with 95 percent products sourced from abroad— and the wine list comprises only Italian and French labels. The plan, however, is to also offer tapas in an adjoining room that is now being refurbished, and pair the degustation menu with wine, which is when Martena’s skills as this orchestra’s conductor will lead Sensi’s current symphony in a totally different melody.

Open Monday to Saturday from 6 p.m. till midnight.

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View of the tropical garden and the Gulf of Thailand from the terrace

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

WINE&DINE RESTAURANTS

PLATES OF ISLAND PARADISE A SLICE OF TRADITIONAL THAI CUISINE IN SAMUI

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

ith a nearby international airport and their great reputation as an alluring holiday destination, the breezy beaches of Koh Samui have been attracting visitors since their discovery

by Western eyes in the 1970s. These days, the island is a mecca of resort tourists, with some of the biggest brands having laid their claim to a piece of the coveted shoreline. Among them is Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, which landed in 2006 on the northwest corner of the island. To boost their profile further, the hotel group

A modern décor with a touch of Thai-ness

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opened KOH Thai Kitchen & Bar (●219 Moo 5, Angthong, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 077 243 000; http://www.fourseasons. com/kohsamui/dining/restaurants/koh/) in December 2013 to ensure their guests have the most authentic stay possible in a restaurant that shares the local cuisine with the world.

Perched high in the treeline that takes in the resort and the infinite turquoise Gulf of Thailand beyond, KOH (which means “island” in Thai) continuously reminds its visitors where they are. Conceived and realized by the illustrious Bensley Design Studios, the approach takes visitors past an elongated bar complete with sunlounges outside that maximize the breathtaking views. It then opens up to an enlarged deck that is seemingly suspended above the postcard-perfect vista. Open to the elements, the 70-seat venue features silver and black metallic chandeliers and a backlit wall with chedi-shaped light details to help to create an unmistakably Thai ambience.

The food comes courtesy of Catalan Chef Alex Garés, who brings both his Mediterranean swagger and palate to the kitchen. Working closely with Sous Chef Sumalee “Jeab” Khunpet, Chef Garés has crafted an authentic collection of classic Thai dishes that incorporates less familiar Thai recipes and flavors. “We’re taking a step back to the roots of Thai cuisine to

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

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by Richard Mcleish

offer dishes that aren’t what you’d normally find at your local Thai restaurant, but that feature genuine, clean flavors that come from top quality local products,” says Garés.

With a sharp focus on seafood and local produce, the menu changes three times a week to ensure freshness and interest. Highlights include massaman nua (THB750++) that features melting Wagyu beef cheek in the southern curry classic. From the lunch menu (THB750++ per person for a selection of salad, main dish, rice and desert) phad kaprao moo krob, kai daow is a straight take on the local favorite, with succulent pork belly that raises the goodness of the basil and fish sauce to new levels. Signature cocktails from the bar include the refreshing Koh Cooler (THB420++) with cinnamoninfused vodka, and Thai Leaf (THB420++) with a balanced blend of Tanqueray, basil and bitters. The wine list favors locally produced Monsoon Valley labels from the Hua Hin district (among Old and New World selections) to round out the local flavors.

The result is a local showcase taken to new heights with the dramatic scenery and measured service, making a visit to KOH well worth the splurge. The venue is open to both resort and outside guests, so no visitors to Samui have to miss out.

Chef Alex Garés has a sharp focus on seafood and local produce

Hours: Breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; lunch from noon to 5 p.m.; dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; bar from noon to 11 p.m.

Mode Sathorn Hotel

WINE&DINE BAR REVIEW

View of one of the corners of the terrace, next to the DJ booth

TO CHILL AND TO PARTY ENJOY A MORE PRIVATE ROOFTOP EXPERIENCE OR MINGLE WITH THE CROWD AND THE DJ AT THE ROOF @ 38TH BAR. table for dinner parties. Either there, at the natural wood-topped stretch-bar area, or at your table, you will enjoy trying one of the signature drinks, such as Sky Sangria, Sex on the Roof, and Vanilla Sour Martini, besides margaritas, mojitos, daiquiris, martinis, Champagne concoctions, and many more from a drinks menu with more than 200 options.

The food menu offers a selection of tapas such as “Moroccan spices” (marinated leg of lamb with thyme, olive oil, and Moroccan spices served with mint sauce, THB 360++); dumplings; sushi; “Tart­ambé Alsacienne” (a thin crusty bread with a choice of toppings, THB 390++); and other Eastern and Western classics, such mixed satays (THB 250++) and salsa & guacamole (THB 180++).

Still in soft opening, the The Roof is slowly becoming better known and, as part of the trendy Mode Sathon Hotel, it could eventually be among the most fashionable rooftop bars in town.

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

Mode Sathorn Hotel

newcomer to Bangkok’s sky bar scene, The Roof @ 38th Bar (●Mode Sathorn Hotel, 144 North Sathorn Road, Silom, 02 623 4555, www.modesathorn. com) opened recently to offer a less glitzy and more heterogeneous rooftop alternative to other such lounges in town.

The private and separate disposition of the tables and seats invites guests to have intimate conversations while gazing over Sathorn’s skyline from one of the several spots along the brick- and stone-tiled terrace tracks around the roof, offering 360-degree views from the 38th floor. If you feel more social, however, you can also choose to mingle with the crowd that gathers around the bar and the DJ’s chill-out beats on weekends. With a contemporary design where red, purple, and blue prevail, this fashionable new rooftop lounge and tapas bar enters the market as a good option for both chilling and partying.

The bar also features an exclusive high

Mode Sathorn Hotel

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by Coco Lavender

Tartambé Alsacienne with mushroom, chorizo, and whipped cream

Strawberry cheesecake martini

MARCH 2014 | 57

WINE&DINE DINING SPECIALS

Saturday Seafood Night and Sunday Brunch

What: Ming Xing restaurant, at Cape Dara Resort Pattaya, presented the “Peking Duck Delight” special promotion for the beginning of the New Year. Enjoy this signature dish of crispy whole barbecued Peking duck, as well as other exotic menus made from the same.

When: Daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for dinner from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Cape Dara Resort Pattaya (●256 Dara Beach, Soi 20, Pattaya-Naklua Road, Pattaya) How much: 50 percent discount More info: 038 933 888, www.capedarapattaya.com

Putahracsa Hua Hin

What: Am Café is offering both an international and seafood buffet dinner and a splendid brunch buffet featuring international, Thai, and Asian favorites.

When: Buffet dinner every Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and brunch every Sunday noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Ambassador Hotel Bangkok (●171 Sukhumvit 11) How much: THB 950 More info: 02 254 0444 ext. 1581-2, www.amtel.co.th

Broadway Wine Dinner

What: No need to travel to New York as Putahracsa brings Broadway to Hua Hin, with a five-course dinner inspired by American classics, set against the backdrop of Broadway’s most popular hits and performed live by “Di Notte.” With wines flowing from Mondo Vino, starting with a cocktail reception including canapés, the stage is set for a Manhattan sundown.

When: March 29 from 6:30 p.m. onward Where: Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant, Putahracsa Hua Hin (●22/65 Nahb Kaehat Rd, Hua Hin) How much: THB 1,999 per person More info: 032 531 470, www.putahtacsa. com, www.oceansidebeachclub.com

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Windsor Suites Café

50 Percent Discount on Peking Duck at Ming Xing, Cape Dara Resort

What: Enjoy a Sunday afternoon at The Oyster Bar Bangkok with fresh shucked oysters at a 50 percent discount. Also, try their fresh fish and chef specials with a 20 percent discount. Bookings are recommended.

When: Sundays from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: The Oyster Bar Bangkok (●Narathiwas, Soi 24, Chongnonsi, Bangkok) How much: Varies More info: 02 212 4809

Best of the Month

What: Windsor Suites Café’s “Best of the Month” presents the grilled salmon steak with butter sauce and Windsor organic vegetables à la carte specialty. Also, enjoy the nutritious “Healthy Buffet Cuisine” based on produce grown on its very own Windsor Organic Farm.

When: Ongoing Where: Windsor Suites Café, at Windsor Suites Hotel (●8–10 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok) How much: 20 percent discount on food only, for lunch and dinner (except festive seasons); buffet lunch at THB 499++ per person More info: 02 262 1234 ext 1407

W Does Brunch

What: Enjoy “W Does Brunch” at The Kitchen Table with a sumptuous spread of culinary delights such as an air-dried counter with foie gras and black truffle terrine; king crab legs; queen scallops; a carving station with roasted rib-eye beef, and more, together with fresh juices and a wide selection of alcoholic beverages.

When: From March 1 onward Where: W Bangkok (●106 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangkok) How much: THB 2,200++ per person for food and soft drinks; THB 2,800++ per person for food plus cocktails, wines, beers, and bubbles More info: 02 344 4313, www.whotels.com/bangkok

W Bangkok

Cape Dara Resort Pattaya

The Oyster Bar Bangkok’s Sunday Offer

Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok

Cream Cheese Sweet and Savory at Le Concorde Deli

BBQ by the beach at Centara Khao Lak

What: Saturday night is BBQ night at Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet at the beachside Talay Thong Restaurant, and chill to the music of the Aliz Duo band while being entertained by a fire dance show. The buffet includes steaks, fresh seafood, Thai and international favorites, a salad bar, and much more.

When: Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak (●18/1 Moo 7 Nang Thong Beach, Khao Lak) How much: THB 590++ per person; THB 295++ for children (under 6 years) More info: 076 429 800

Rossini’s New Menu

What: At Rossini’s, Chef Paride Noviello started the new year with delicious new additions to his enticing menu of modern Italian cuisine. Highlights on the new menu include seared goose liver with pumpkin espuma and amaretti crumble; Tuscan-style artichoke soup with 24-month aged Parmesan; risotto with seafood, Prosecco and fava beans; homemade beetroot pappardelle with lamb ragout, and irresistible dessert such as Manjari chocolate with raspberry coulis and hazelnut crisp.

When: Ongoing; lunch Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner Monday to Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Rossini’s, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (●250 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok) How much: Varies More info: 02 6498364, www. sheratongrandesukhumvit.com

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

Centara Khao Lak

What: Delight in a delicious high tea in a stylish atmosphere at Mondo, with scrumptious sweet and savory bites, as well as a choice between Illy coffee and Ronnefeldt tea for drinks. And head over to Mondo for Speakeasy Friday, where whisky lovers can choose from a fine selection of whiskies and whisky cocktails, plus a special selection of tapas offered at a special price throughout the evening.

When: High tea, daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Speakeasy Friday, last Friday of every month Where: Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok (●18/1 Sukhumvit Soi 26, Bangkok) How much: High Tea at Mondo is THB 480++; Speakeasy Fridays is 250 THB net per glass More info: 02 620 6666, www.facebook.com/ HiltonSukhumvit

Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok

New Year in Style with Mondo

What: Le Concorde Deli assures us that cream cheese is not as fattening as one might think, and proudly presents the “Cream Cheese Sweet and Savory” promotion, offering a variety of cheesecakes, including a white chocolate mousse raspberry version at THB 130, Irish cream cake at THB 120, and passion fruit cheesecake at THB 140.

When: Daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Le Concorde Deli, Ground Floor of Swissôtel Le Concorde Bangkok (●204 Ratchadapisek Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok) How much: Varies More info: 02 694 2222 ext 1550

MARCH 2014 | 59

WINE&DINE THE OENOPHILE

THAILAND? WINE PRODUCER?

Especially if you are here visiting, this might come as a surprise to you; but Thailand has actually been producing wines for more than three decades. These are the country’s major wine producers and areas, so besides trying them when you are dining out, don’t miss out on taking a wine tour if you happen to be near them!

PB Valley Estate

Silverlake Vineyard

Located 150 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, PB Valley Estate is on the edge of Khao Yai National Park. This region can be visited year round as this mountainous region is always a few degrees cooler than the capital; even better from November to March, during the dry season. Harvesting of wine grapes is from the end of January to the middle of March each year but table (fresh) grapes are grown and harvested year around. The winery welcome visitors daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and offers wine tours of the property. End your visit trying Thai and Western dishes paired with PB wines at the Great Hornbill Grill or PB Pizza.

Owned by former Thai leading actress, Supansa Nuangphirom, Silverlake Vineyard is located next to the Khao Chee Chan Buddha—also known as the “Buddha Mountain”—just about an hour from Bangkok. At 110 meters above sea level, and with a soil of loamy sand, the winery boasts a flower garden and provides tours though the vineyards, as well as fine dining in its hilltop restaurant.

(●102 Moo 5, Phaya Yen, Pak Chong, 02 262 0030 ext 107, 036 226 415-16, www.khaoyaiwinery.com)

(●31/62 Moo 7, Na Chom Thian, Sattahip, Chonburi, 02 261 6565)

Chateau de Loei

(●7/4 Soi Soonvijai, New Petchburi Rd., Bangkok, 02 716 5337, www.chateaudeloei. com)

PB Valley Estate

The wine shop at PB Valley Estate

More than a decade ago, Dr. Chaijudh Karnasuta, founder of Italthai Group, discovered that the Phurua highlands of northeastern Thailand could produce good wine-making grapes. In 1995, Chateau de Loei put on the market the first commercially produced quality Thai wine, which became the first Thai wine to be exported to Europe and Japan. They currently produce Chenin Blanc for white, and Syrah for red and rosé.

Alcidini

(●176 Moo 2 (Bann Perm Sombut), Wang Kata, Pak Chong, Khao Yai, 085 916 3757, www.alcidini.com)

View of Khao Yai valley

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Lookeast | wine & dine

Located 550 meters above sea level on the hillside in Pak Chong, near Khao Yai National Park, Alcidini boutique vineyard and winery gets plenty of sun during the day and is cooler at the night. The terra rossa, or limestone-based soil, is also rich in minerals, which makes conditions perfect to grow grapes. Visit any time during the year to enjoy 360-degree views of the valley and snacks and Thai fusion food, together with its wines.

PB Valley Estate

Khao Yai

Thailand has been producing wines for more than three decades

Did you know?

●Because Thailand produces wine outside the traditional 30° to 50° latitudes north and south, it falls under the category of “New Latitude” wines. ●The main wine-producing areas in the country are Hua Hin Hills, Pattaya, and Khao Yai, with an elevation of 110 to 530 meters above sea level, and with microclimates that are favorable for growing vines. ●The harvest takes place in Thailand mainly from January to March, although table grapes are grown and harvested all year round. ●The main white grape varietals produced are Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Malaga Blanc, and Viognier; the main red grape varietals are Black Queen/Pokdum, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dornfelder, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Tempranillo; another grape varietal is Muscat. ●According to the Thai Wine Association, annual production is around 500,000 bottles.

Granmonte

(●52 Moo 9 Phayayen, Pak Chong, 02 653 1520–22, 044 009 543-4, 081 900 8282, www.granmonte.com) GranMonte vineyard and winery is located 350 meters above sea level in Asoke Valley, Khao Yai. Known for its beautiful yellow blossom flowers, which are particular to the Khao Yai region, GranMonte is nestled in the valley and thus sheltered from the Pacific Ocean’s tropical storms and the Indian Ocean’s monsoons. Its loam and clay terrain, with limestone sub-soil on a gentle slope with good drainage, allows the growing of premium quality grapes such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Semillon, Verdelho, and Durif. The vineyard is also experimenting with other varietals, such as Grenache, Sangiovese, Barbera, Touriga Nacional, and Touriga Franca. A visit to the winery offers wine and fine dining, private and exclusive accommodation, a vineyard and winery tour, cellar-door shopping, private tastings, and peaceful strolls through the garden.

Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

(●1 Moo 9, Baan Khork Chang Patana, Nong Plup, Hua Hin, 081 701 0444, 081 701 0222, www.huahinhills.com, www.siamwinery.com) Hua Hin Hills Vineyard is located 40 kilometers west of Hua Hin beach town, and is the home of Monsoon Valley Wines. Built on a former elephant corral, where wild Asian elephants used to be domesticated, and just 150 meters above sea level, the terrain is mostly composed of loamy sand and slate, and the microclimate of the area allows the cultivation of grapes, which are harvested and shipped in refrigerated trucks to Siam Winery, near Samut Sakorn, for the production of wine.

The winery receives visitors daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dine at the Sala Wine Bar& Bistro, and don’t miss the wine pairing with tapas.

Pattaya

PB Valley Estate

Hua Hin

Major wine producing areas in Thailand

Village Farm & Winery

(●3 Moo 7 Thaisamakkee Wang Nam Keow, Nakhon Ratchasima, 044 228 407–8, www.villagefarm.co.th) At around 500 meters above sea level, Village Farm & Winery covers 80 acres along the ridges and slopes of Baan Pai Ngam village. Although the first crops of the winery were actually sweet corn and potatoes, in 1997 it Village Farm began to lay the foundation for wine production.

Built in stone, like a classic French chateau, the winery’s building is now called Chateau des Brumes and is produces French-style wines under the guidance of master French winemaker, Jacques Bacou. The vineyard also provides accommodation. ● Khao Yai: Aldicini, Granmonte, PB Valley, Estate, Village Farm & Winery ● Hua Hin: Huan Hin Hills Vineyard ● Pattaya: Silverlake Vineyard ● Phurua: Chateau de Loei MARCH 2014 | 61

WINE&DINE WINE SPECIALS

Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers

What: Blue Elephant’s Master Chef, Nooror Somany Steppe, will showcase innovative Thai cuisine to complement top recognized quality wines from Wang Nam Kiew-based Village Farm & Winery, at a special wine dinner. Diners will have a rare opportunity to taste a five-course Thai dinner featuring som tam Jerusalem artichoke with smoked trout, lobster with mulberry, coconut crab dip and rice crackers, golden-necked pheasant curry, and lamb rack and lemongrass pepper sauce, among other delicacies, paired with fine wines from Village Farm, such as: Village Cellar, Chateau Des Brumes, Le Prestige, the star La Fleur 2005, and the Rose Ma Cherie, crafted by French wine master, Jacques Bacou, to complement the spiciness of Thai food.

When: March 6 Where: Blue Elephant Cooking School & Restaurant Bangkok (●233 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn, Bangkok) How much: THB 3,000 net per person More info: 0-2 673 9353–8, cooking. school@blueelephant.com, www.blueelephant.com/bangkok

Cellar 11

Blue Elephant and Village Farm & Winery’s Wine Dinner

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-flow red and white wines.

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

Where: Cellar 11 Wine Bar & Bistro (●71/1 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok) How much: Free-flow wine free for ladies More info: 02 255 5833–35, www.cellar11.com

All-You-Can-Eat-and-Drink Tapas and Wine Say Cheese and Wine!

What: As an extension of Sheraton Social Hour, enjoy an evening by the River of Kings every third Friday of the month in

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Lookeast | wine & dine

What: Enjoy all-you-can-eat handcrafted tapas and all-you-can-drink wine from Australia, Chile, South Africa, and France to the rhythm and jazz and international music at Rendezvous bar.

When: Ongoing, every Friday and Saturday night from 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Reservation required for big groups.

Where: Rendezvous, The Landmark Bangkok (●138 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok) How much: THB 650++ per person More info: 02 254 0404, www.landmarkbangkok.com

Hotel Muse’s Wine Events

What: Enjoy elegant evenings with The Speakeasy’s “Think Champagne, Drink Champagne” promotion, sipping on Hotel Muse’s very own private sparkling wine label. Then, delight yourself on Su Tha Ros’ Thai flavors and its special deal on wine.

When: “Think Champagne, Drink Champagne”, daily from 6 p.m. onward, from now until April 30; promotion at Su Tha Ros valid for lunch and dinner, from now until March 31 Where: Hotel Muse Bangkok (●55/555 Langsuan Road, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok) How much: “Think Champagne, Drink Champagne” at THB 2,700++ per bottle; two glasses of wine at Su Tha Ros for THB 650++ More info: 02 630 4000, www.hotelmusebangkok.com

Angel’s Ladies Night at Ocean Bangkok

What: Thursday night is ladies’ night at Ocean Bangkok. Go and pamper yourself not only with free-flow sangria and selected bites (pintxos), but also with special massages and accessories to make you even more beautiful!

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

Where: Ocean Bangkok, at Livingstones Urban Boutique Resort (●7 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Bangkok) How much: THB 100 drinks all night More info: 02 630 4000, www.oceanbangkok.com

Hotel Muse

Blue Elephant

an evening full of gourmet cheeses coupled with Chilean wines, such as Sol de Chile Cabernet Sauvignon and Sol de Chile Chardonnay.

When: Every third Friday of the month; next event March 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Sambal Bar & Grill, Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel and Towers (●2 Charoen Krung Road, Soi 30 (Captain Bush Lane), Siphya, Bangrak, Bangkok); complimentary shuttle boat service available from Saphan Taksin BTS station to the hotel every halfhour How much: THB 599++ per person, inclusive of free-flow of wines and a wide variety of cheeses More info: 02 266 9214, events.rosh@sheraton.com

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