Mango Metro – Volume 10, Issue 3 – February 2016 by Mango Mango Ltd. Part.

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FEBRUARY 2016 • VOLUME 10, ISSUE NO. 3

The Green Oasis pg.4

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Volume 10, Issue No. 3

FEBRUARY 2016 Published by

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B y J a s p r e e t I’ve lived in Bangkok for the majority of the 27 years I’ve spent on planet Earth, and I had never heard of Bang Krachao, popularly known as the “Green Lung of Bangkok” up until 2013, when I stumbled upon an eco-friendly tree house located in Bangkok while surfing the web. I knew I wanted to come back here and explore the area properly before the year ended. I figured, what better way to close out 2015, than to have a staycation on the last weekend of the year? What is the “Green Lung of Bangkok”? Bang Krachao is an automobile-free, gorgeous green oasis depicting Bangkok as it was over 100 years ago. It’s the greatest and closest escape from Bangkok… within Bangkok itself! Almost an island, but not quite, Bang Krachao is accessible by car from one main road. In the green lung of Bangkok, you will find nothing but coconuts, small villages, jungles, cycling paths, temples, and fresh air. I visited the floating market in Bang

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Krachao at the beginning of the year by accident, but never in my wildest dreams could I imagine such a cute abode full of lush green trees and water canals in the middle of Bangkok. I’m going to go ahead and dub this Bangkok’s best-kept secret. Before I obscenely build up expectations, keep in mind that we are still in Bangkok. This means, all the garbage we are throwing in the river does resurface here. You are likely to see quite a large amount of trash on the outskirts of the green lung; sadly, that’s our own fault for not taking care of Mother Nature. You can access Bang Krachao by car, but you’ll only be able to drive on one main road that cuts through this semi-island. I would recommend ditching the car entirely if you plan to enter Bang Krachao, otherwise you’ll find yourself battling a number of bicyclists and motorbikes during your drive. Finally… it’s a locale where bicyclists own the road, and cars

N a r a n g

are looked down upon. Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it? There are two options I recommend for going to the Green Lung: By Car: Drive to Wat Bang Na Nok, a temple where you can park your car overnight. There are no parking fees, but feel free to donate to the temple there, as the monks will appreciate it. This temple is located about a 200-meter walk from Bang Na Pier, from where, you have to catch the ferry to get to Bang Krachao. By BTS: Take the Skytrain to Bang Na station, followed by a taxi to Bang Na Pier, and take the ferry from there. Travel Tip: Crossing the Chao Phraya River with a green ferry boat will cost you 4 baht per person. Spending 4 baht for fresh air and a great view in Bangkok is a steal! Better than any rooftop bar I’ve ever been to. Where to stay on your staycation? There are a limited variety of places to stay on

this eco-friendly and sustainable oasis. More and more people are opting for home stays, as they can experience more deeply rooted culture. I opted to stay at one of the more beautiful locations that I had set my sights on since 2013, Bangkok Tree House. So, what to do? I spent a very eventful day exploring the Green Lung. I arrived to Bangkok Tree House at noon and, after a short rest, decided to take the bicycle out for a ride and explore what Bang Krachao has to offer. I cycled to the floating market, a stick house, a mushroom farm, and a beautiful park. I managed to explore all of this in a leisurely pace within five to six hours, while cycling twelve kilometers in the scorching sun (take shade breaks!). Here’s a list of things I enjoyed during my 24 hours while exploring the green lung.

1. Bicycling The elevated bike paths dissecting the jungle above water canals was by far the highlight of my experience on Bang Krachao and is the only authentic way of experiencing the place in my opinion. Cycling through these narrow paths while passing villages, stick houses, jungles, and farmlands was entirely too much fun. If you enjoy cycling, this is the best it’s going to get near Bangkok. If you aren’t very good at cycling, you should be warned of the narrow 50-80 centimeter cycling trails. One slight mistake, and you could find yourself in the canal. Luckily, I didn’t fall into the canal, but considering my track record of clumsiness, I would not have been surprised if I had. 2. Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market This floating market is only open on Sat-

urdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Most of the shops start to close at around 2.30 p.m., so try and make it there early afternoon; especially if you want to enjoy some delicious local and cheap cuisine from some floating boats. As any market in Bangkok, aside from food, you will find an assortment of items from plants to handicrafts to body care products. The Bang Nam Phueng floating market is the busiest location on Bang Krachao, and not the best representation of the rest of the green lung itself. However, the activities and energy at this market does make for a fun afternoon of exploring and lunching. 3. Mushroom Farm If you like mushrooms, then you’re going to enjoy this man-made mushroom incubator. It has some of the craziest looking

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and most colorful mushrooms I’ve ever seen. This is not usually a place I would wander off to explore, but I’m really glad I did! It was a nice surprise, and a local there gave us a private tour. 4. Sri Nakhon Kuenkhan Park The trees, lakes, and pavilions in this park cover approximately 100 acres of land, making it one of the main features in Bang Krachao. The park is dotted with walking trails, cycling trails, and even paddle boat and kayaking options. You can easily enjoy a nice afternoon picnic in this venue. If you plan on cycling to this park from the ferry pier, know that this bike ride will be about 10-11 kilometers round-trip. Don’t worry about the roads though, as they are pretty flat throughout the island. My two Baht: If you feel like refreshing your lungs, head over to Bang Krachao. If you need a relaxation break from chaotic urban Bangkok, head over to Bang Krachao. If you want to enjoy a picnic away from the noise and pollution, head over to Bang Krachao. If you are a biking enthusiast in search of a stunning bike route, head over to Bang Krachao. I cannot stress enough, how much I recommend the Green Lung of Bangkok. You will find this paradise less than 10 kilometers away from Sukhumvit. There is simply no excuse not to go.

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By Voicu Mihnea Simandan

“Old” Bangkok is slowly disappearing. Apart from a fairly small area in the historical center of Bangkok known as Rattanakosin Island, which includes the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Sanam Luang, and Chinatown, among other major tourist attractions, the Thai capital is under siege by property developers. New luxury residential high-rises and shopping malls are being built at incredible speed on land cleared of the more traditional shophouses that once gave Krungthep a special charm. Luckily, there are still public and private institutions out there that strive to preserve and record the history of the Thai capital. One such institution is Siriraj Hospital, which is already mentioned in travel guides for its unique medical museum, also knows as “The Museum of Death”. Recently, a new museum has been added to the list of museums set up by the hospital: Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum. The history of this new museum can be traced back to 2003 when, on October 3rd, the last train left Bangkok Noi Railway Station, after which the State Railway of Thailand discon

tinued the service and closed down the station. By now, the 33-rai area which served the train station and the station building itself would have been overrun by vegetation, graffiti painted, and vandalized by the urban youth, had it not been donated to the adjacent Siriraj Hospital. On the new plot of land, the hospital administration decided to build a state-of-the-art facility under the

umbrella project “Sayamindradhiraj Medical Institute”. As a result, today, patients with complex health disorders can receive treatment at Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital (www.siphhospital.com), a private medical center built on the donated land and administered by the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital. The new hospital didn’t reduce the Bangkok Noi Railway Station building

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to rubble; on the contrary, it made sure that the station’s legacy remained alive. Also known as the Old Thonburi Railways Station, the building has a rich history dating all the way back to 1903, when it was opened as the terminus point of Thailand’s Southern Line railway network. The station was built by Karl Siegfried Döhring, a German architect and archeologist, who worked for the Siamese government in the early 20th century. Occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War and repeatedly bombed by the Allied forces towards the end of the war, the station building was in ruins until it was rebuilt in 1950 under royal guardianship. When train lines were rerouted to terminate at Hua Lumpong Train Station, the Bangkok Noi Railway Station lost its importance as a transportation hub, and after some redevelopment, it was transferred to Siriraj Hospital. The old station building now houses Siriraj Bimuksthan, a very modern museum that focuses on the history of the Thonburi area and the evolution of modern medicine in Thailand. Opened in 2013, the museum is made up of several buildings and areas that include a giant warehouse and an open-air archeological site. Visitors to the museum are first shown to Sirisarn Praphas, a room lined from floor to ceiling by old bookshelves containing medical books. Here you can watch a short presentation on the history of the railway station and the surrounding area while sitting on wooden benches once used by medical students in their lecture halls. The presentation is in Thai but with English subtitles, and it interacts well with the displays around the room, which light up for effect. The next room, Siriraj Khattiya Phimarn, is an exhibition of royal portraits associated with the development of Siriraj Hospital. From here, you walk into Sthanbimuk Mongkolhet room, which once again, presents the history of Thonburi area. Of great interest is a huge Thai traditional painting and a folding screen with Chinese decorations. Boranraja Sastra room exhibits antique weapons safely displayed in glass cases. The weapons have been preserved in very good condition, and the museum staff is very strict in upholding the “no photo and no video” restriction. Luckily, you are allowed to take photos and videos in all the other rooms and buildings, as long as you refrain from using flash. You can enjoy a 4-D experience in the Khamanakhom Banhan mini-theatre room, where a brief history of the railway

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station is literally put in motion using 3-D glasses, moving bleachers, and a huge screen. If you’re visiting with children, this will be, by far, the most memorable and exciting experience of their trip. Siriraj Buranpavatti and Syamrath Vaidyasasta contain displays and exhibits related to the first medical school in Thailand, as well as general health and wellbeing information. Obviously, the museum’s objective is both that of preserving the history of the Thonburi area, as well as that of being a learning center and educating the public on health issues. Right behind the former railway station building, there’s a huge warehouse called Nivas Sirinaves, or simply Museum Building 3. The atmosphere inside this old rail yard warehouse is contrastingly different from that of the brightly-lit rooms of the museum. For conservation purposes, the light in the warehouse is dim, and most of the space is taken by a huge ancient boat unearthed in the surrounding area. Considered a “significant relic” of “valuable cultural heritage,” the wooden boat stands on a steel frame while a huge mirror in the ceiling allows visitors a good view of the inside hull. The rest of the displays in Building 3 are related to the traditional lifestyle of Thai people along the Chao Phraya River, with a very interesting showcase of the kinds of boats local Thais use to navigate the river and the branching canals. Seen from the other side of the river, the old railway station is positioned between the modern building of the new hospital and an extremely ornate Thai pavilion built inside an artificial pond and made entirely of marble. The view is mesmerizing, and the atmosphere of the old train station still prevails in the air, especially

next to a real Mikado Steam Locomotive “left behind” by the State Railway of Thailand. To really explore the entire museum, you will need a few good hours. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except on Tuesdays and public holidays. Unfortunately, they have a two-price system, with foreigners paying 300 baht entry fee (both adults and children) while Thais only half of that for adults and 50 baht for children, but for expats, try your work visa or other documentation. There is no charge for children under 120 centimeters, regardless of nationality. The easiest way to reach the museum is by river express boat. Get off at Wang Lang Pier (aka Siriraj Pier). You will see the red brick museum building and surrounding grounds on your right. To find out updates and events happening at all seven Siriraj Museums, follow their Facebook page – www.fb.com/ siriraj.museum – or visit the official website of Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum at www.sirirajmuseum.com.

A friend recently recalled his days on Koh Samui in the 1970s, reminiscing about the empty beaches and only the handful of bungalows, no electricity, not to mention the hardships of getting to the magical isle prior to modern tourism. While those days won’t be found in almost any way, shape, or form anymore, other than the occasional power outage leaving you with no current, you can surprisingly still find

theakyra.com/koh-samui While Chaweng is Samui’s most popular and most overdeveloped beach, you can get away from the majority of the crowds at its northern end, where Akyra Chura has a chilled-out beachfront location, with a pool set right overlooking the beach. Best of all, the Akyra Kitchen and Club set up caravanserai-style tables out on the beach, where you can start off with drinks to the arrival of the blue hues at dusk, and

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then move on to romantic candlelit dinners looking out at the fishing boat lights and night sky. The restaurant even does set course dinners featuring fresh seafood, like giant lobsters, served with elegant wine pairings. It’s so subdued, you not only will forget you are in Chaweng, but you might forget what year it is as well.

FEBRUARY 2016

a good number of excellent chillout spots to get away from it all, enjoy the sand and sea, not to mention having a romantic dinner or drink in what is still one of Thailand’s most beautiful spots… if you choose wisely. Here are a few favorites scattered around the island. These places are also excellent resorts, but even if you’re not staying, it’s worth dropping in for a sunset drink or romantic meal.

www.belugaboutiquehotel.com

samuirockpool.com

Down south in Lamai, most tourists make a beeline for Hin Ta Hin Yai, the famed “Grandfather / Grandmother Rocks,” where several immense boulders are noted for their resemblance to human genitalia and have become an obligatory tourist attraction. What most visitors never see lies around the corner, where the tiny Beluga Boutique has set up shop sandwiched between the giant rocks and a private cove that marks the southern tip of Lamai beach. You’ll have

it almost to yourself down here, and the resort resembles a Mediterranean whitewashed villa with bright pink furnishings. Not only is it one of Samui’s most charming places to vacation, but in the evening, the restaurant puts a table up on top of one of the giant rock outcrops right over the sea, with a candle lantern-lit path leading the way up to it. It’s hopelessly romantic, completely unique, and one of Samui’s best spots to be spoiled and escape the hordes.

Not only has the chef, Lucas Leonardi Varin, worked in a handful of Michelin-starred establishments around the world, but you can enjoy his fabulous culinary presentations in one of Samui’s most dramatic settings. The RockPool is located in the prestigious Kanda Residences, set in a secluded spot outside of Choeng Mon, on

the northeast coast. The restaurant sits over rock pools that turn the sea here into foam and froth, and stormy nights can be particularly exciting, as it feels like a really wild escape. With tapas, imported oysters, wagyu beef, and Sunday brunch buffets topping the menu, this is one of the island’s best eat and retreat’s.

www.fb.com/EscapeBeachResort www.samui.intercontinental.com/air-bar

The name here tells the whole story. This is northern Samui’s best getaway, other than perhaps the W, which happens to be right next door and charges a zillion times the price. Come check out the Castaway Restaurant & Bar here, which sits right next to the gorgeous almost-infinity-edge pool, with sweeping views of the entire

Mae Nam Bay, as well as the sunset. The restaurant and resort is tucked into a cove that lies at the end of a dead-end road that involves a very steep climb over a headland, so it really does live up to its moniker. They are so laidback here, they no longer even have a website, just a Facebook page!

If you really want to get away from it all and relive a bit of the real old days in Samui, you’ll have to drive all the way across the island, to the somewhat remote southwest coast, where a few fine resorts sit overlooking pristine beaches that you can have all to yourself at times. The Intercontinental Taling Ngam occupies a remarkable position up on top of a cliff, and its aptly-named Air Bar features

one of the most stunning Samui panoramas to be found, gazing out directly at the setting sun, the Gulf of Thailand, and at the gorgeous turquoise-colored water below. Umbrella-covered tables make it one of the island’s most optimal chill-out spots, and it really is far enough away from the crowds to make you want to settle in for a long while.

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the other

Road

B y

S t e v e

C a l l e r a m e

At a certain point, your tastes change. Like most travelers, I like exploring because it gives me the chance to see something new and unexpected. But after you’ve visited enough famous temples and cathedrals around the world, walked on enough beaches, and followed along on the same tourist routes that all the guidebooks recommend, the experience begins to lose its power. For all the magic it once brought, traveling sooner or later starts to become just a different form of sameness. But it doesn’t have to be. When an old Chinese friend invited me in December to accompany her to a bunch of places I’d never heard of –

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Jiuhuashan, Hongcun, Hangzhou, Wuzhen – I knew I had a chance again to experience that elusive feeling of surprise. Although both of us would still be tourists, we would be a different kind than usual. The plan was to stop along at sites widely known to Chinese people, but rarely visited by outsiders. I couldn’t wait. Our plane landed in Shanghai, which had already seemed like a futuristic city when I’d first seen it 13 years earlier. This time around, Pudong’s ultra-high skyscrapers seemed to disappear into the sky itself, with the tops sometimes hidden behind fog or air pollution. Nanjing Road now looks like a bona fide European shopping street, but for the Chinese characters. The Old City has a somewhat Dis-

ney feel to it these days. Very impressive in a certain way, but it was time to rip off the packaging and get to the real country. We boarded a train for Jiuhuashan (“The Mountain of the Nine Lotuses”) and took a winding bus ride to a village in the mountains. As with China’s other sacred peaks, the entire trek to the top involved climbing a regular staircase rather than a dirt trail, although the views to each side were refreshing and unspoiled. Buddhist temples and monasteries served as natural resting points on the way up, each one seemingly visited by a greater number of genuine believers than sightseers. Wild monkeys could occasionally be seen scavenging alongside the walking paths.

ries of a bygone era that continues to fade deeper into the past as the country enters the modern age. I found these experiences to be satisfying as well, as a slightly different approach to traveling has allowed me to see new layers of a country I’d visited five times before. The result brought us somewhere between the true beauty to be found at the boundary where unspoiled nature and unaffected culture meet… and the Disney-like Old City near the center of Shanghai. To truly understand a country more properly, a special effort should of course be made to experience daily life the way that ordinary citizens do. That approach wasn’t on the agenda here, but in the end, we decided that we didn’t mind. Yes, there are more authentic ways to see China than by exchanging one tourist path for another. On earlier trips with the same travel partner, we embarked on more chalThe mountain town at Jiuhuashan, with its secluded atmosphere and authentic restaurants and teahouses, was a special delight. Visitors should be aware that in the Chinese countryside, it is uncommon for restaurants and guesthouses to heat their interiors, and so there are few ways to escape the cold in the winter. Our itinerary also featured some traditional and historic villages, and the first of these was Hongcun in Anhui province. Surrounded by a kind of moat – the ticket booth officers by the bridge who charge ¥100 for entry to the village must find this to be a convenient feature of the landscape – Hongcun is immensely popular among Chinese visitors for its maze of alleyways providing a wonderful setting for the town’s old and traditional architecture. Traveling the Chinese countryside can be very tricky business even when using the recently-modernized national rail network, but our next destination, the cosmopolitan city of Hangzhou, was more popular and much

easier to get around for a lousy Mandarin speaker like myself. Known across China as a little slice of heaven on earth, Hangzhou is set around a quiet, scenic lake that takes a half-day to circle on foot. The lake area is beautifully maintained, with parks, gardens, temples, and a remarkable pagoda to make the entire circular walking path a delightful place to enjoy the (relatively) fresh air. Our final stop on this brief eastern-China tour would be Wuzhen, another strikingly beautiful old town whose traditional setting draws in so many Chinese visitors that the tourism ironically leads to a special kind of modernization. Wuzhen’s charms are beginning to be discovered by Western travelers as well, but with its old-fashioned architecture and system of canals that brings to mind Venice, the historic center remains a beloved site for Chinese tourists looking to celebrate memo-

lenging visits to the deserts of Xinjiang, her home village in the southeastern province of Fujian, and remote parts of Yunnan where Mandarin is as foreign a language as English. These journeys were fascinating in a different way, as the fewer creature comforts, slow pace of life, and the general isolation from the rest of the world were just what I was looking for at that time. But at a certain point, your tastes change.

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When one hears the words Sriracha, most often you’ll end up thinking of the famous Thai chili sauce and not the district in Chonburi province, where the sauce was first invented and mass-produced. While most kitchens in Thailand use Sriracha sauce almost on a daily basis, it’s actually worth spending a weekend to visit Sriracha at least once during your stay in Thailand. Located 120 kilometers southwest of Bangkok in Changwat Chonburi

on the Gulf of Thailand, Sriracha is a buzzing industrial zone that brings a great contribution to the economy of the Kingdom. Actually, it is the second wealthiest area after Bangkok! But Sriracha is not only a place to do and start a business. It’s also a great travel destination, and on your next trip there, consider exploring the following five great outdoor experiences the district has to offer.

Khao

W 5 Must-dos eekend

anderings

in Sriracha

By Voicu Mihnea Simandan

Kheaw

Open Zoo www.kkopenzoo.com

Unlike most zoos in Thailand (and Asia), Khao Kheaw Open Zoo is more than just a zoo. Yes, there are 8,000 animals of more than 300 species to view and take selfies with, but the zoo offers much more. Apart from the more common educational and research facilities found elsewhere in Thailand, the zoo also provides recreational areas. This basically means that you can have a picnic here! A trip to this zoo will take at least half a day, as there are so many areas to visit, including the African savanna section where you can feed the

giraffes, visit the penguin aquarium, a butterfly garden, a big cats complex, and a walk-though aviary. Plus, a deer park will give you the chance, once again, to feed the bold deer who have no fear of coming up to you to take the food from your hands. The zoo is located on the outskirts of Sriracha in Tambon Bang Phra, in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains (the name of the zoo actually means “Green Mountain”). The zoo is open every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also visit the zoo at night by book-

ing their “After Dark” night safari. Sadly, they have a two-price system. Tickets for foreigners cost 300 baht for adults and 150 baht for children, while for Thai people they cost only 100 baht for adults and 20 baht for children, but they will accept a work permit or other long-term documentation for expats to enjoy the Thai rate. The entry fee includes two free animals shows, but you’ll have to pay more to bring in your car or motorbike. They also have shuttle trains and rentable golf carts.

Find us at Sukhumvit soi 11 Telephone: 02-651-1098 snappernz@snapper-bangkok.com www.snapper-bangkok.com www.facebook.com/SnapperNZ

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Koh

Loi

Koh Loi is a rocky island connected to the mainland by a long causeway that is very easy to find once you’re in downtown Sriracha. It is advisable not to ride a tuk tuk or taxi all the way to the island, but rather walk on the causeway. The view and sound of the sea, the gulls flying and crying in the sky, and the refreshing breeze will make the walk worth it. Once you’ve reached the island, you can climb

On the mainland, not far from the causeway leading to Koh Loi, you’ll find a well-maintained seaside public park called Surasak Montri. It is best to visit it in the late afternoon or evening when the sun is no longer blazing down at full volume. Whether you want to

to the top of a small hill to visit Wat Koh Loi, ring the temple bells, and enjoy the panoramic view from one of its terraces. There are quite a few cats around, so if you’re a cat person, there are many opportunities to feed them (don’t forget to bring cat food from home). To recover from the effort of walking and climbing, sit down next to a small Chinese temple built on the island and enjoy the intricacy of its

exercise on the free equipment installed in the park, go for a jog, take your children to the playground, or just go for a stroll, the park is a great location to wrap up your first day in Sriracha. The road fronting the park is also full of res-

Bura pha Golf Club

www.buraphagolfthailand.com

decorations and its vivid colors characteristic to Chinese religious architecture. A tall white statue of Mae Kuan Im will give you the opportunity to donate some money to the local temple. For a small fee, you can also feed some giant turtles in an artificial pond found nearby, as well as feed yourself with BBQ seafood. Before you leave, pose in front of a statue of two giant spearfish and of a marooned yacht!

Sea

side Park

taurants, especially Japanese ones that cater to the Japanese businessman who work in the surrounding industrial areas. Around here, you’ll also be able to find twoto three-star hotels to rest your bones after a long day out and about.

If the first day of your trip to Sriracha was mainly focused on enjoying and exploring nature, on your second day, consider a visit to Burapha Golf Club. Here you can practice your swing on two 18-hole championship golf courses (links styled) designed by American-based Gary Panks Associates, golf course architects. The green fee is 2,700 baht (2,500 baht on weekdays) to which you have to add the caddy (350 baht) and golf cart (600 baht) fees. If you’re the only player in the group, your family or travel companions can chill out at the clubhouse and enjoy a cold drink and food, or even some tennis or a swim in a pool. The golf club is located on Highway No.7.

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Paramotor School Thailand

www.paramotorthailand.com

To calm the spirits of your companions who are not into golfing, before you return home, head to Paramotor School Thailand for a more thrilling experience. Located in Tambon Nong Kham, this expat-run establishment will fulfill your need for an adrenaline rush before you get back to your 9-to-5 desk job. Obviously, unless you’re trained on how to fly a paramotor, you’ll have to go for the tandem flight offer. No previous knowledge or experience of flying a paramotor, or even of paragliding, is needed, as all you’ll need to do is sit tight in your harness and enjoy the amazing views from above.

For a 20-minute flight, you’ll have to pay 2,400 baht, but if you think this is something you’d like to do in the future, you can consider coming back to their flight school and attend one of the courses they have on offer. After such an invigorating and actionpacked weekend trip, you will surely return to your day job with an even greater passion for local travel and exploration on a weekend wandering. The easiest way to reach Sriracha is by bus. Buses leave hourly from both the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai). If you drive, take the Bangkok-Chonburi motorway or the Bang Na-Trat Highway.

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The 25-Year Legacy Standing Strong Patara - Authentically Different. Patara Fine Thai Restaurant has become one of the world's most famous Thai eateries. Pioneers in the refinement of Thai cuisine whilst preserving the authentic savory flavors, Patara celebrates 25-years of successful operation and growth. Patara boasts award-winning branches around the globe from London, Geneva, Singapore, Beijing to Vienna. However, Patara's Bangkok restaurant is truly a one of a kind establishment located in Bangkok's trendiest highbrow district of Thonglor on Soi 19. Created by Thai restaurateur, KhunPataraSilaOn, the restaurant is housed in a cozy 70's style Thai home that has been fully renovated and redecorated to present elegance and beauty. Winners of multiple Thailand tatler's Best Restaurant accolades amongst other glowing recognitions, PataraThonglor is about

Information: Patara Restaurant Bangkik 375 SoiThonglor 19, Sukhumvit 55, Klongtonnua, Vadhana, Bangkok 10110 Tel: 0-2185 2960-1 Fax: 0-2185 2962 Website: www.patarathailand. com Service hours: Lunch 11.30-14.30 hrs. Dinner 18.00-23.00 hrs.

uniquely executed, Thai cuisine presented in a contemporary style while never comprising authentic taste and quality. Hence their tagline: "authentically different". Just one minute from Thonglor main road, the restaurant is secluded in such a way that it feels worlds away from the bustle of the city that adds to its calm ambience. Entering through the lush garden, servers greet you with cool fragranced towels and the warm Thai-style care. A spacious parking lot is on site to provide easy access and hassle-free parking. Perfect for young foodies, gastronomists and anyone looking for a charming meal. In 1990, KhunPatara wanted to share the true

cooking methods and flavors of exotic Thailand in London where her sons were studying; and that is where Patara's first location opened. Truly ahead of her time, the emphasis then and today remains the same: the finest quality ingredients combined with fine presentation of traditional Thai dishes. Entering into a matchless culinary journey, diners will find signature dishes like the Crab and Betel Leaf curry served in a decorative iron pot gently that sits simmering on the table. The tastes combine the soft sweetness of the fresh crabmeat in a spiced curry sauce, punctuated by the peppery notes of the betel leaf. The Grilled Thai Aubergine and Crabmeat salad is one of Patara's most unique dishes; serving aubergine grilled to sweet tender-

ness and stuffed with chunky fresh crabmeat, drizzled in a tangy lime and shallot caviar vinaigrette. Meanwhile the innovative, must try rendition of a 'Yum Som O' substitutes Norwegian salmon for prawns to pair with piquant pomelo jewels and fresh herbs. Each bite delivers intricate and savory flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. With over two decades of experience, the brand is as dedicated as ever to offering the most flavorful and robust yet traditional conceptions of Thai dishes. Their signature touch is to unite unique, quality ingredients with the most timeless Siamese treatment. The result is nothing short of magical and "authentically different" indeed.

mango metro

FEBRUARY 2016

New Year’s resolution: Take care of your health

By Dr. Anawat Khow-Ean, Chairperson of the Department of Health Screening, Bumrungrad Hospital

It’s the beginning of a brand new year, and like many people, you may be making a New Year’s resolution that has something to do with improving your health. Whether it’s eating healthier, picking up an exercise routine, or quitting smoking, here is a suggestion to help you track your progress.

How can a yearly check-up support my New Year’s resolution?

Routine check-up packages at Bumrungrad

Bumrungrad offers several different health checkup packages, each with our patients’ best interests in mind based on age, gender, and budget: https://www.bumrungrad.com/en/health-checkup-center-bangkok-thailand-jci-best/check-uppackages

Sticking to your New Year’s resolution

Once you have a goal in mind and have schedYou are welcome to discuss with your doctor re- uled a check-up, here are several ways you can More than likely, you’ve been encouraged by garding any special concerns you may have in or- stick to your new goals and get the most out of your doctor to come in for a general check-up der to choose the package best for you, as well as your healthy lifestyle change: each year, even if you feel healthy. A yearly check- to include any additional testing. up is actually a very important part of your health 1. Be realistic: Don’t set goals that are too difficult routine. Our basic check-ups include the most widely ac- to reach. Take smaller steps to ultimately reach cepted screening tests for adult men and wom- your bigger goals. A health check-up is meant for people to evaluate en, but we also offer additional add-ons that are their health and, if it so happens, detect any small considered on a case-by-case basis. 2. Make a pro and con list: Before settling on a problems before they become something much goal, write out the motivations behind your larger. We also have a personalized, interactive website choices – also, jot down some of the less appealthat allows patients to answer a short survey to ing side effects. A health check-up also establishes your normal see if any add-ons are appropriate to consider: vital signs, or “baseline”, so that you can compare https://www.bumrungrad.com/check-up-package 3. Sketch out a plan: Brainstorm the different the progress of any new healthy habits you’ve inways you will stick to your New Year’s resolution. The basic screening will track your cholesterol Sometimes temptations are hard to resist, but corporated into your lifestyle. levels, resting heart rate, fasting blood sugar lev- make sure you have an alternative activity that This perfectly aligns with the common New Year’s els, and blood pressure. can distract you, or a friend to call up for support. resolutions of eating healthier, exercising more, and dropping bad habits so you can track your There is also a urine and stool examination, EKG, 4. Reward yourself: Celebrate your progress by chest x-ray, and an abdominal ultrasound. treating yourself to something you enjoy, but progress using concrete numbers. that won’t conflict with your goal. A yearly check-up is the perfect way to track how Knowing the test results before and after you’ve you’ve improved, while upholding your New incorporated your new, healthier routine will Make this the year you successfully stick to your Year’s resolution. New Year’s resolution. show just how much you’ve improved.

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Mango Moving

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The Dangers of Consuming Too Much Salt By Dr. Chulaporn Roongpisuthipong, Clinical Nutritionist, Diabetes Center, Bumrungrad Hospital

As with many substances consumed in excess, too much salt in your diet can cause health issues. Here’s a look at the short term and long term side effects of eating too much salt (sodium) and tips to keep your consumption of this essential mineral at a healthy level.

The importance of salt

The human body requires salt (sodium) to function properly. Once ingested and dispersed into the blood stream and other fluids of the body, salt takes on several responsibilities. It regulates the electrolytes that allow the brain to carry out electrical signals through to the nerves and muscles, and also controls fluid levels, such as the total blood volume, which subsequently affects blood pressure. Salt also stimulates the adrenal glands, reduces sunstroke, and helps to keep other important minerals in the bloodstream. Only a small amount of salt is needed on a daily basis to perform these essential functions. The recommended daily allowance of salt for the average adult is approximately 2,400mg per day, which is roughly equivalent to one teaspoon of traditional table salt (sodium chloride). However, many people consume salt far in excess of the recommended daily amount, which can lead to health problems.

Short term effects of consuming too much salt

After consuming high amounts of salt, the short

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FEBRUARY 2016

term affects are noticeable shortly thereafter. Common short term side effects of consuming too much salt include swollen hands and feet or a swollen face. Some people become bloated because of water retention or feel excessively thirsty after a salty meal. The affects are generally short lived, and after drinking several glasses of water and deliberately reducing the sodium intake in upcoming meals, the body eliminates the excess sodium and returns to a less swollen state.

Long term effects of consuming too much salt

More serious side effects occur when consumers ingest high amounts of salt over long periods of time. The increased level of sodium in the bloodstream reduces the kidneys’ ability to remove water, therefore increasing the overall blood volume and placing stress on the body’s blood vessels. High blood pressure can eventually lead to strokes and congestive heart failure. As the kidneys constantly work overtime to flush out excess salt, they can develop kidney disease. Consuming too much salt over long periods of time can also lead to fluid collecting in the body’s tissues and cavities. Additionally, a high sodium diet may cause the body to excrete calcium in small amounts, which can eventually lead to osteoporosis.

Reducing the consumption of high-sodium foods

The first step in maintaining a healthy level of salt consumption is knowing which foods are high in sodium. This allows you to make informed decisions on how much and how often you should consume high-sodium foods. Snacks such as chips, pretzels, dried seafood or meats, and salted nuts are high in sodium. Often canned foods (beans, vegetables, and soups) have added salt in the form of flavor enhancers or preservatives, as do pre-packaged foods. Table salt is not the only compound high in sodium. Baking soda and baking powder are also high in salt – as are MSG and fish sauce, two common additives in Thai cooking. Keep in mind that salt (sodium) is an essential nutrient, so consuming too little can have a negative impact on your health as well. Your doctor can advise on how much salt is safe to consume – whether it’s the standard recommended amount or less, depends on your health.

CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE Advertise or announce anything for... FREE!

Max. 75 words. Listings run as space allows or until cancelled.

Email your ad to: dsbkk@mangometro.com

For more DSBKK, click over to fb.com/groups/dsbkk or fb.com/groups/dsbkkpromo For rent – tidy deluxe condo Sukhumvit 34 (Thonglor BTS). Brand new 1 bed unit furnished 28,000Bt p/m incl. weekly maid service, swimming pool, gym, ultra hi-speed internet ready. 089-1222292. (B)

Supalai City Home Condo for sale - Two bedroom, one bathroom, 68 sq meter unit. Only 100 meters from the Udom Suk BTS station. Sale Price 3.89 Million Baht. Contact Ampai 061-629-7999. (B)

Website business services – If you ready to start your new business era online to grow your business and earn more customers send us your requirments to. yui@tobe-website.com Find us here:www.tobe-website.com Skype: yuisoeur Cell: 089 669 4852 (A)

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo for rent (101 sqm) great location ,great views 34th flr. Situated on Wireless rd, 10 min walk from Ploenchit bts, 2 min from the canal taxi and 15 min from airport link. Has a 25m swimming pool and a new gym with new shower and sauna. also has an onsite laundry, convenience store and hairdressers. Asking 30,000 baht per month and open to offers to purchase. Call Jas on 0860486823 (B)

Large 2 bedroom condo for rent (120 m2) – quiet side of Sukhumvit Soi 11, modernly designed, fully furnished, brand new A/Cs, fully fitted Kitchen with oven, 2 bathrooms with rain shower, unobstructed view, onsite pool, sauna & fitness facilities, car park, walking distance to BTS Nana & MRT Sukhumvit / Asoke. Only THB 49,000 per month (1 year contract min.). To arrange a viewing, call Pat 087 517 4129 - pmbkk@hotmail.com (A)

Social Petanque – Fancy a game of French Petanque and meeting new people? Can’t think of anything better than playing on a Saturday or Sunday morning 10-11 am around Sukhumvit-Asoke area? Then, wait no longer, join our Petanque Group and join the next event! Email your contact details to Pat at pmbkk@hotmail.com (B)

Pad Thai & More! Thai Cookery & Catering Classes in your own kitchen. 2.5 hours, four delicious dishes suitable for vegetarians & seafood lovers. Yummy & fun, too. Impress your friends! Call 087810-1880. Email: magicthaiATgmailDOTcom. (B)

Thai lesson with experienced teacher – Promotion! Free 1 hour trial lesson to make your decision. I provide speaking and reading course. You can study on YouTube by watching my videos or follow me on Facebook. YouTube.Maliwan Thai Language Facebook.maliwanthailange Email. maliwanthailange@gmail.com (A)

Brand production in Thailand. Anybody need help on this? Please email white.lily40@yahoo. com (B)

Apt in Sukhumvit soi 11 for rent. 2 bedrooms + 1 study room, 2 bathrooms. 118 sqm F/F open kitchen and living room on 9FL. rent: 33,000/month. contact: 081-3070618 Lee (B)

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February 2016

For sale – Tailor-made genuine white color rattan daybed in very good condition, rarely used. Dimension: L 220* W 70* H 40 CM. Mattress Pad: L 180* W 70* H 10 CM (3 inches thick). For more info and pictures, please contact via LINE ID: poppyolive1983 . Phone: 081-5714724 / Email: prati_pop@hotmail.com (Name: Nannapat Pongbhaesaj)

TREADMILLS, CROSS-TRAINERS, BIKES AND MORE...

Shipping containers going to UK mid march have room for Any thing legal call 081-490-6275 (B)

Promotion! Thai lesson with experience teacher. Free 1 hour trial lesson to make your decision. I provide speaking & reading courses. You can study on YouTube (Maliwan Thai Language) by watching my videos or follow my Facebook fanpage (maliwanthailanguage). email: maliwanthailanguage@ gmail.com • 0917100326 (B)

Welcome christian of any nationality / denomination stay in Bkk, Thailand who would like to pray for salvation of your friends / relatives come together to pray. Only once a year. Please contact: email: welcome.volunteers@yahoo.com (B)

Sale of a plot of land about 15 rais, with a beautiful house and a small pond including surrounding fence. It is located in Tambon Nichom Kraseaw, Danchang District, Supanburi. This land area is very good for building the nursing homes for the elderly, as it is very close to Danchang Hospital. Price for sale is at 20 million baht. For more information, please call 089 9964900, 084 1453883 or email suganyab_bma@hotmail.com. (B)

Caffitaly capsule coffee for sale – We have 7 flavors for sale from THB 23 / capsule. www. stefan.asia for more details. Direct import from Italy. new arrival: s22 + s08 both machines latest models. call stefan 081 846 7770. also have orig. nespresso machines (inissia / citiz / pixie / milk u / lattissima) (B) Can help you with matters you required to be done in Thailand. Fit for those who travel frequently and no time to do by yourselves. Please contact. w.newt@yahoo.com (A) Cheap company set up & work permit – We support you setting up your company and getting your work permit done. Also, we can do BOI, accounting & admin service. Contact at Jin: 091 8869049 or pk@jinda.co.th (B) Language exchange – I am a native French speaker and bilingual English, interested to learn Thai. I live in Sukhumvit / Asoke area. So if you want to learn English or French, I am happy to meet you and do some conversation practice with you. You can email me your contact details at pmbkk@hotmail.com (J)

Extrovert Co., Ltd. require Thai national ‘Sales Operation Manager’ to oversee retail corners of gourmet foods, manage all aspects of retail products in-store, sales, training, recruitment, staff management, planning and executing of sales targets. Person must possess team leadership skills, is hardworking and capable of long hours. Work only 5 days a week. Training provided. Conversational English level required. Salary from 20,000-22,000THB. Send CV with Subject: “Sales Operation Manager Application” to contact@vivinmaison.com / call: 026625662

X-Bankers – business loan consolidators, only over 1.0 MB. good credit, bad credit, no credit, everyone welcome. “We make it possible for you”. Phone: 081-447-1478 (J)

Learning English at ThePrimeEnglish – Learning English; Grammar, Vocab, Writing, Conversation. Taught by the professional Thai teacher. Learning with integration & creative activities. Kindergarten level to adults level. Located at Soi Ramindra19, Bangkok. More Info, pls contact 084.449.1201 (J)

Expert editing, copywriting and ghostwriting offered by retired researcher and valuer of museum quality fine art and antiques. English language writing and speaking help available (academic, business or conversation) to adults. Sathorn-Silom area. Contact information and details to: Mr. Yon (jonhal@gmail. com). (A)

High quality seafoods from Norway and Japan.Free delivery in Bkk. No minimum order. We are lower price than Makro and other supermarket bec. we are a supplier. Fresh or frozen. Tuna, mackerel, salmon, scallops, sea urchin, octopus, etc. uticfoods@hotmail.com (A)

If you are looking for work at home use your computer in your spare time go to www. tripleclicks.com/12510570 – You can register free online and if you feel not right you can terminate anytime. (A)

Condos: 2-bedroom 2-bathroom unit for rent now between Nana - Asoke area near BTS Stations. Rent 25-35,000 Baht / month, email: henry. properties7@gmail.com (a)

For sale – Over 2,600 DVD movies, including some documentaries. You may view the entire list at: http://healththai.org/DVD_List.pdf. They are all neatly alphabetized in 17 DVD caddies. From your browser type in 192.168.1.44, click on the “DVDs” link on the top left, and login as “Guest.” If you have specific questions, please email me at edbkk2010@ gmail.com. I would expect around B45,000 for the entire collection (including the caddies). Make me a reasonable offer. (L)

Private/group speaking Thai lessons – want to learn Thai? Or improve yours? Private tutor or group lessons, all levels. Experienced, professional tutor. Fun, effective & affordable. Call Tip 087-8101880. (a)

Within a walking distance to BTS Chidlom, available a 2 bedroom unit for short / long stay rent. Rent from 38000 Baht a month. Call 0959487221 (L) Beautiful 2 bedroom condo for rent (75 m2) – Sukhumvit Soi 11 - Stylishly newly designed All furniture, A/Cs and Fully fitted Kitchen Brand New – Very nice onsite Pool, Sauna & Fitness Facilities – Car park - Walking distance to BTS Nana & MRT Sukhumvit / Asoke - Only THB 29,000 per month (1 year contract min.) - To arrange a viewing, call Pat 087 517 4129 - pmbkk@hotmail.com (K)

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DISPLAY & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING... At All Bangkok & Pattaya

Need more business...? Obscure location...? Running a promotion...? New business...?

Adverts from 1,000 Baht/month CALL Andy on 080 814 9080

Mango Moving – here to make your move easy! A fully enclosed truck, the hands to load it up, and even free moving boxes! We drop off the boxes to you a couple of days before your move for you to pack; on moving day, we do all the heavy lifting of boxes, furniture, and other items from your old place to your new one; and then we pick up the empty boxes a couple of days after. In English or Thai, call 084-147-5550 or LINE (ID: JokeMango) or message us on our page at www.facebook.com/MangoMoving Want to learn English? Request a teacher here: www.ericgabriel.com/request. I’m a professional English tutor, teacher, and trainer. I have a network of tutors to help any level, any age, and customize lessons to meet each student’s needs. Email questions to eric@ericgabriel.com. (I)

mocktail & cocktail

2 Locations:

• Novotel Platinum • The Scene (Town in Town)

Catering & Events: 084 147 5550

080 246 9000

mango metro

FEbruary 2016