NOW Travel Asia Magazine September-October 2017

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 1 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

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IN THIS ISSUE SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2017 This issue of NOW Travel Asia has a great pleasure to announce the nominees of prestigious NOW Travel Asia 2017 and bring you to explore around six fascinating cities in Asia ranging from Bangkok, Guangzhou, Singapore, Tokyo and Taipei. Amazing places, restaurants and café, iconic luxury hotels, and ideal shops are all included to help plan your trip.

Welcome the winter season with In Full View column. It will bring you touch the cold at the highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Tateyama and admire the spellbinding vistas along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

In Out of Asia column, head out to Namibia, the sand city of Africa.

Discover and witness the real nature of wildlife without any barricade at its natural house in Etosha National Park. Go on adventure amongst the endless sand to witness the amazing of nature at Sossusvlei, the large sand dunes.

Get back to Asia, in Dining in Style column, Now Travel Asia has listed the top fine dining restaurants in hotels around Macau for your luxurious yet delicious meals.

Let’s continue to China, China World column brings you up close to Qingdao, the most livable port city in China. Wander through the rich history at the Former German Governor’s Residence and St. Michael’s Cathedral and enjoy the nightlife at Beer Street.

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 3 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017

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SHOWTIME NOW TRAVEL Update news and events about luxury hotel and fine dining around Asia . Special promotion from Venus restaurants and some new release product is waiting for you.

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ASIA AWARDS 2017

Announcing the nominees for the prestigious NOW Travel Asia Award 2017

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WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS Shop the new collection and find new styles fron Disaya Brand.

Disaya is releasing a lasted collection “Fall/ Winter 2017” inspired by spectacle of art painting in the Dutch Golden Age during the 17th century.

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COVER STORY Discover 6 destinations of the most spectacular in Asia included with Bangkok, Vietnam, Guangzhou, Singapore, Tokyo and Taipei. In the cover story will show you where to Eat, Play, Stay and Shop in each city.

The new attractions and the best restaurants were concluded in this issue.

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TREND Shop the new collection and find new styles fron Disaya Brand.

Disaya is releasing a lasted collection “Fall/ Winter 2017” inspired by spectacle of art painting in the Dutch Golden Age during the 17th century.

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017

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IN FULL VIEW Stunning vistas and unique landscapes in the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, known as the “Roof of Japan”. The route passes through the dynamic scenery of Mt. Tateyama in the Japan Alps. Taking a rest at Murodo for a night before counting the route through the tunnel in Mt. Tateyama to Daikando.

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DINING IN STYLE Recommend you to take your special one at the best restaurant hotels in Macau including Portofino, The Apron, Wing Lei Palace, Dynasty 8 and Le Chinois.

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Road to Namibia, the most comprehensively tourist-friendly.

Home to proud tribes steeped in tradition, herds of rare desert-dwelling elephants, wild horses and massive colonies of seals. Taking you to see the best of Africa’s raw landscapes like Dune 45, Big Daddy and Deadvlei in Sossusvlei. Thus, we bring you to explore wild animals at Etosha National Park and learn some tips when you spend time in Namibia!

Jump out into the past in Qingdao, the Green Island city. Qingdao vacations are the perfect opportunity to stretch your wings and seek wisdom in a new place. We bring you to travel to Zhanshan Temple, Qingdao Beer Museam, Laoshan Mountain, May Fourth Square and St. Michael’s Church. Each town, city, or region you visit has its own lore and it’s worth to visit there for once in a lifetime.

OUT OF ASIA

CHINA WORLD

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 7 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

FOUNDER

KENNETH S.WONG

THAILAND OFFICE OW N E R NOW TRAVEL ASIA CO.,LTD

PU B L I SH E R Kenneth S.Wong

E D I TO R -I N -C H I E F Kanapot Sitthiwong

A SSI STA N T TO E D I T I R -I N -C H I E F Pichet Buengmoom

A D M I N I ST R AT I O N Anchalee Sriwichai

G R A PH I C D E SI G N E R S Boontawat Comfun Chokchakrit Namchak

M A R K E T I N G D E PA RT M E N T Bunnawit Prapasansakul Jiranuch Mingkwan

WRITERS Manisa Aiempai Rinlada Chanthacharoen

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I N F L I GH T M AG A Z I N E O F

THAILAND OFFICE: 333/13 Moo3, The Twogether, Mae Hia, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand Tel: +6653 111 334 Fax: +6653 111 335 E-Mail: nowtravelasia@gmail.com, nowtravelasia@qq.com

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ALL RIGHTS IN THIS PUBLICATION ND THE NAME ARE OWN BY NOW TRAVEL ASIA CO,LTD.NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE PERMISSIN OF NOW TRAVEL ASIA CO,LTD.ALLRIGHT RESERVED. NOW TRAVEL ASIA MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BEMONTHLY AND DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THAILAND AND THE BEST OF ASIA

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 9 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

EDITOR’S NOTE

C

old breeze of winter is coming!! It’s time to explore the other face of world covered in cold weather and white snow. In this issue, Now Travel Asia magazine arrange various attractions and festivals at six amazing cities in Asia consisting of Bangkok, Hanoi, Guangzhou, Singapore, Tokyo and Taipei for you to enjoy the beginning of winter. After a long journey, unwind and fill your energy at the luxury hotels we deliberately choose for you. Start your day with a cup of scent coffee and flavorful desserts in the little cafés and end the day with scrumptious feast with your loved one at the restaurants hidden in these six cities. Aside from luxury hotels and mouthwatering cuisine, we will take you to the ideal shops around the cities to witness the local’s life style and find great, particular goods for you and your beloveds. If you don’t have any plan, let’s travel with us to the roof of Japan. We will bring you touch the cold and spectacular vistas at Mt. Tateyama that you would never find anywhere else in the world. Last but not least, I hope the Now Travel Asia Magazine will be a helpful guide for anyone who plans to get on vacation between September to October. Don’t let the cold stop your precious journey.

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2017 Kanapot Sitthiwong Editor-in-Cheif

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 11 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

ONLINE For insights into all that's hot and new on the creative scene visit...

nowtravelasia.com Showtime Update news and event around Asia, special promotion and new innovation are waiting for you to check out!

Travel Collection of the best destination and the most stunning view around Asia and out of Asia. Get the travel news, guides, tips, special offers and more.

Wedding Bringing you touch to the wedding venue or a perfect destination to spend your honeymoon time and many resorts offer great wedding or honeymoon packages to take the pressure off.

Food The premiere destination restaurant, fine dining and beverage around Asia for guiding you the next meal with your loved ones !

Trend Shop the most up-to-date collections of new clothing collection around Asia and find the things you want in the styles you love.

Join the conversation.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube for all of our top stories. nowtravelasia_magazine

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 13 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Show Time

A FUSION OF THAI

GASTRONOMIC DELIGHT AND CULTURE Thai cuisine has been gaining popularity worldwide. It is considered the most delicious among the world, with a unique blend of tastes consisting of hot, sour, sweet, and always highlighted with natural and healthy herbs. From 11th to 20th August, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing collaborates with Thai Embassy to invite Guest Chef Nueng from Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Thailand, to showcase authentic Thai flavors highlighting especially his most popular 10 dishes at Aroma.

Chef Nueng will craft a rich selection of classic Thai dishes. He will bring along selected fresh ingredients and sauces to create most delicious journey through Thai kitchen. Such as different kinds of curries, fresh larb tuna, Tom Yum Soup on top of many other Thai food classics, pairs with special Thai mojitos. Your culinary experience will be enriched by all kinds of Thai crafted decoration and music to create a truly exotic atmosphere. In addition, the Ritz-Carlton, Beijing also invited a popular hand drawing painter, Phithan Thechaniti, who will design colorful visuals for this Thai food festival.

SNAPCHAT SPECTACLES

GIROPTIC IO

Snapchat and its parent company Snap Inc. have launched video-record Spectacles sunglasses. With an easy setup process, good-enough video quality, the colourful glasses will make a great hit. The camera lens on the top right of the glasses can record 10-second video clips in circular format while the light of top left will turn on while recording. It can connect to the user’s smartphone to share on Snapchat or download as a video.

Shopping: www.spectacles.com

Giroptic iO is 360 degree camera that will transform your device into a spherical camera capable to capture the world around you. It features dual lenses offering real-time image processing and lighting port to connect to your device.

Every picture and video you shoot is automatically stored on your smartphone and could be shared via YouTube, Facebook and etc. Share your moment via livestreaming platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter by switching to live broadcasting.

Shopping: www.giroptic.com

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 15 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

QEELIN

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, HONG KONG

THE SALIL HOTEL

Modern interpretations of traditional Chinese fittings and art throughout The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong convey the city’s dynamic culture, and the hotel’s distinctive style is echoed by its upcoming collaboration with International Jeweler Qeelin’s elegant “East meets West” aesthetic.

From September 1 to October 31, 2017, Café 103 of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong will join forces with Qeelin to please even the most discerning palates with a specially crafted French afternoon tea brimming with delightful Asian flavors. Housed in an exclusive gourdshaped tea set stand paying homage to the jeweler’s signature Wulu Collection (Iconic Chinese symbol of blessing and positive energy), the Qeelin Afternoon Tea promises to be a new luxury benchmark for midday pastime.

@SUKHUMVIT 57 - THONGLOR It’s no trompe l’oeil, no trick of the eye: The Salil hotel at Sukhumvit 57 – Thonglor represents a new way to see, feel and truly know Bangkok’s cosmopolitan pleasures.

Imagine a new hotel concept, one founded not merely on providing a place to stay but on the creation of The Concept Living Space in a modern classic with Japonaiserie-inspired design. The Salil Hotel welcomes guests to the true meaning of ‘living’ same as an owner of a well-kept home would welcome their special guests.

Design of hotel was created out of aspiration to use the spaces at their best personalities but yet functional with a touch of care. The Salil in Sukhumvit 57 brings more than five-star elegance to Thonglor. But first, the basic facts. The 130-room, 8-floor hotel comprises 24 Premier rooms, 94 Deluxe rooms and 12 one-bedroom suites at 28, 35 and 45 square meters respectively. Among essential hotel facilities are all-day dining café, tea lounge, souvenir corner, rooftop swimming pool and garden, fitness room, and meeting/working spaces.

TASTE OF JW

ANCIENT WILD MENU JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa proudly presents the Taste of JW, the ‘Ancient Wild’ cooking class at Ginja Cook and the signature set menu at Ginja Taste. Embark on a culinary journey and unearth the wild flavors of Phuket’s rainforests and fisheries, sustainable sourced and perfected throughout the centuries. Guests will step into Phuketian culture during the ‘Ancient Wild’ cooking class, where they will learn how to make authentic dishes with local and experienced Chef Tham, Thai Chef at Ginja Cook. When the cooking is over, relax and enjoy your own cooked meal with your fellow food lovers.

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 17 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

GARMIN

FORERUNNER 935 With a slim and light design, Garmin Forerunner 935 is a GPS sport watch for long activities like an Ironman triathlon or a 50-mile run along some dusty trails.

Packing with multisport tracking that you can records hikes, trail runs, skiing, paddle sports, golf and etc., it comes with GPS, a host of sensors including an altimeter, accelerometer (for indoor tracking), thermometer and compass.

Aside from that, these three modes: training status, training load and training effect metric that are capable to show the effectives of the training are included in this sport watch.

Shopping: www.garmin.com

MOONCAKE FESTIVAL AT LIU RESTAURANT The Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Mooncake Festival and celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the traditional East Asian lunar calendar, which falls on September 15th this year. Across East Asia, from Korea to Singapore, it is a joyous time marked by various happy customs and festivities, and especially by the enjoyment of sweet and creamy or salty and scrumptious Cantonese mooncakes. The round and interestingly patterned mooncake is a symbolic and delicious treat during the festival. The Chinese Master Chef Jacky Chan of Liu restaurant in Conrad Bangkok carefully prepares his mooncakes using only the highest quality ingredients, with all-time fave ‘East meets West’ flavors being Golden Custard and Classic Durian. These exquisite mooncakes will be freshly baked each day and are available from 21st August to 4th October 2017 in various sizes.

KIDS STAY COOL

PACKAGE AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SEOUL Exclusively designed for families with children, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has partnered with LEGO Korea to create a playful kids lounge filled entirely with LEGO bricks and games that will keep the children entertained for hours on end. From giant LEGO brick pool, race track and graffiti wall to a photo zone and comfortable area to watch the LEGO movie in, the LEGO Kids Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is a paradise of fun and play for young guests.

The fun also continues in the guestroom. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is offering kids with luxurious indoor glamping experience complete with a customized sleeping tent, kids’ activity passport, Four Seasons bulldog and delicious snacks for a special overnight experience the children will never forget. Whether it’s a short or long distance trip, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul is an ideal destination for families with children looking for a stress-free vacation.

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 19 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

life

#MuayThaiMassage

nominated for

nominated for

nominated for

A S I A S P A A W A R D S 2 0 1 5

A S I A S P A A W A R D S 2 0 1 4

A S I A S P A A W A R D S 2 0 1 3

Medi-Spa Treatment of the Year

6

Asia's Best Day Spa

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6

In Spa-training of the Year

In Spa-training of the Year

6

2017

NOW TRAVEL ASIA AWARDS

DISCOVER

ELEGANT WORLD

OF ASIA

Following the consecutive success of NOW Travel Asia Awards in the past 5 years, 2017 NOW Travel Asia promises to be more comprehensive in bringing you the best of the best players in hospitality and tourism sectors in Asia Pacific. Discover the elegant world of luxury spreading across 18 categories where Asia’s top hotels, restaurants, spas, airlines, and even chefs will line up for the vote and become the best of their class in Asia’s luxury travel industry. With over 600,000 participated online readers and voters since its first event, NOW Travel Asia Awards has proven to be a successful platform for promoting luxury travel industry and elevate Asia to become the leader of luxury travel, as well as a great guide for travelers to learn of the world-class offerings Asia has to offer! www.nowtravelasiaawards.com

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 21 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

ASIA’S TOp LEISURE HOTEL

1. S31 Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok, Thailand 2. Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 , Thailand 3. Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, Thailand 4. North Hill Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand 5. Muang Samui Spa Resort, Thailand 6. Pathumwan Princess Hotel, Thailand 7. The Ritz- Carlton Hong Kong, Hong Kong 8. Lanna Dusita Riverside Boutique Resort by Andacura, Thailand 9. StarWorld Hotel, Macau 10. Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai, China 11. Grand Hyatt Shanghai, China 12. Shangri-La Chiang Mai, Thailand 13. The Peninsula Hong Kong 14. Conrad Macao, Cotai Central

ASIA’S TOp BUSINESS HOTELS

ASIA’S TOp HERITAGE HOTELS

1. Astor House Hotel, Shanghai, China 2. The Strand Yangon, Myanmar 3. Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai, China 4. Raffles Hotel Singapore, Singapore 5. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Vietnam 6. Tai O Heritage Hotel, Hong Kong

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1. Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, China 2. Conrad Hong Kong, Hong Kong 3. The Ritz Carton Beijing, China 4. The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Thailand 5. The Park Lane Hong Kong a Pullman Hotel, Hong Kong 6. Paxton Park Hotel Chengdu, China 7. Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon, Myanmar 8. Swissotel Le Concorde, Thailand 9. Novotel Phuket Phokeethra, Thailand 10. Conrad Tokyo, Japan 11. The Shilla Seoul, Korea 12. JW Marriott Hotel Beijing, China 13. Sofitel Shanghai Hyland Hotel, China 14. The Ritz Carlton Macau 15. JW Marriott Macau

ASIA’S TOp VILLA RESORTS

ASIA’S TOp DESIGN HOTELS

1. W Bangkok, Thailand 2. North Hill Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand 3. Siam @ Siam, Thailand 4. Galleria 10 Hotel Bangkok, Thailand 5. The Continent Hotel Bangkok, Thailand 6. The Sukhothai Bangkok, Thailand 7. So Sofitel Bangkok, Thailand 8. VIE Hotel Bangkok, Mgallery by Sofitel, Thailand 9. W Guangzhou, China 10. Nook Dee Boutique Resort, Kata Beach by Andacura, Thailand 11. W Taipei, Taiwan 12. The Parisian Macao, Macau

1. Pimalai Resort & Spa, Krabi, Thailand 2. V Villas Hua Hin, MGallery by Sofitel, Thailand 3. Dusit Thani Maldives, Maldives 4. Azur Samui, Thailand 5. Impiana Private Villas Kata Noi, Phuket, Thailand 6. Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay, Thailand

ASIA’S TOp FAMILY HOTELS

1. Broadway Macau, Macau 2. Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam 3. Festive Hotel, Singapore 4. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang, Malaysia 5. Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Thailand 6. Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket

ASIA’S TOp BEACH HOTELS

1. Royal Muang Samui Villas, Thailand 2. Beach Republic, Thailand 3. New Star Beach Resort, Thailand 4. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia 5. Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa 6. W Singapore Sentosa Cove, Singapore 7. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Maldives 8. JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Thailand

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 23 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

ASIA’S TOp EMERGING HOTELS

1. Wyndham Grand Phuket Kalim Bay, Thailand 2. Paxton Vacances Resort Sanya, China 3. Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resoet & Villas, Thailand

ASIA’S TOp SPA HOTELS & RESORTS

ASIA’S TOp WELLNESS SPA

1. Let’s Relax Spa, Chiang Mai, Thailand 2. Arom:D Spa, Thailand 3. Away Spa @ W Bangkok 4. The Oasis Spa Chongqing, China 5. Chiva-Som, Thailand 6. Divana Nature Spa, Thailand 7. Issara Spa @ Paxton Park Hotel Dazhou, China

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1. RarinJinda Wellness Spa Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand 2. Banyan Tree Macau, Macau 3. The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket 4. Fusion Maia Da Nang Resort, Vietnam 5. Pangkor Laut Resort, Malaysia 6. Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16, Macau 7. W Retreat and Spa Bali Seminyak, Indonesia

ASIA’S TOp Fine Dining Restaurants

ASIA’S TOp AIRPORTS

1. Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong 2. Abu Dhabi International Airport, United Arab Emirates 3. Hamad International Airport, Qatar 4. Incheon International Airport, South Korea 5. Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore 6. Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand 7. Tokyo International Haneda 8. Shanghai Pudong International Airport 9. Beijing Capital Airport

1. Acqua Restaurant Phuket, Thailand 2. Suhring Bangkok, Thailand 3. Mix Restaurant & Bar, Thailand 4. Amber Restaurant, Hong Kong 5. Restaurant ANDRE, Singapore 6. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, China 7. La Vie Creative French Cuisine, Bangkok

ASIA’S TOp OUTSTANDING AIRLINES

1. China Southern Airlines, China 2. Etihad Airlines, United Arab Emirates 3. Bangkok Airways, Thailand 4. Emirates Airlines, United Arab Emirates 5. Cathay Pacific Airways, Hong Kong 6. Singapore Airlines, Singapore 7. Qatar Airways, Qatar 8. SilkAir, Singapore 9. Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam 10. Thai Airways, Thailand

ASIA’S TOp BUDGET AIRLINES

1. Thai AirAsia, Thailand 2. Tiger Air, Singapore 3. Vietjet Air, Vietnam

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 25 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

ASIA’S TOp CHEFS

1. Alessandro Frau, Thailand 2. Thomas & Mathias, Thailand 3. Andre Chiang, Singapore 4. Hiroyasu Kawate, Japan 5. Vicky Lau, Hong Kong

ASIA’S TOp ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEXES

1. Galaxy Macau, Macau 2. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 3. The Venetian Macau, Macau 4. Resort World Sentosa, Singapore 5. Andaman Village Shanghai, China

ASIA’S TOp HOTEL CHAIN

1. ONYX Hospitality Group, Thailand 2. Shangri-La Hotel and Resorts, Hong Kong 3. Paxton Vacances Hotel Management Group, China 4. Anantara Hotel Resort and Spa, Thailand 5. Banyan Tree Holding, Singapore 6. Dusit Thani Group, Thailand 7. Marco Polo, Hong Kong 8. Okura Nikko Hotel Management, Japan 9. Rhombus Group, Hong Kong

The 2017 Now travel Asia Awards are bigger. Better and more exciting than before. get involved! let’s vote from now, It will be your choice.

For Vote www.nowtrevelasiaawards.com

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 27 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

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Thailand Beach Wedding & Romantic Venues Explore the alluring southern seas of Thailand at famous romantic destinations. Exchange your vows at where the sand meets the sea in Phuket and Samui Island. Enjoy the taste of authentic Thai and International cuisine at the luxury restaurant amongst spellbinding nature surrounds, soft breeze of the sea and gentle sounds of the waves. NOW Travel Asia proudly presents 8 wedding venues and luxury restaurants and offers great wedding packages for your once-in-a-lifetime moment.

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 29 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa Perpetual love in paradise TawaNN Restaurant TawaNN, signature restaurant of Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa, fully embraces the old philosophical meaning of the Thai word (sun). From a welcoming ambiance to a superb and enriching culinary experience, dining at TawaNN will please the soul and rejuvenate one’s life and happiness with locally sourced seafood and classic Thai dishes. Impressive views of Lamai Bay also combine to make a romantic dining or special night out. A background of light jazz and blues adds to the ambience of enjoyment.

Indulge in an unforgettable luxury experience at the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa. Nestled among lush gardens and only steps from the beach, Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa sets the ideal stage for a tranquil getaway.

If you’re seeking a venue for a wedding or event in Koh Samui, Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa features flexible, wellappointed venue spaces and a spectacular oceanfront backdrop. The resort offers three elegant wedding venues, which combine for more than 1,200 square feet.

The Lotus Room features tasteful design accents and picturesque views of the Koh Samui coastline. The experienced event planners of the Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa will oversee every single aspect of your wedding reception and collaborate with the resort’s talented catering team to design a custom wedding reception menu.

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Location: 208/1 Moo 4, T. Maret, Lamai Beach, Koh Samui 84310 Thailand http://www.marriott.com

Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort An Inspiring Place to Say “I DO” Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, situated oceanfront on a secluded cove on Phuket’s south-western coast, offers limitless discoveries facilities and services that are sure to exceed the creative needs and wants of discerning guests whether on leisure or business.

On a secluded cove, against a canvas of sand and sea, couples exchange vows at a breathtaking resort nestled on a 40-acre seaside haven. Boasting a secluded 500m pristine beach, lush tropical greenery and 470 well-appointed rooms and suites, Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort offers dream weddings and romantic honeymoons in a place of untouched tranquility on the island’s south western coast.

With over 1,310sqm of floor space, the Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort can cater to events of up to 980 persons with plenty of indoor and outdoor venue options.

Many dream wedding ceremonies have been fulfilled here, a perfect prelude to a lifetime together made more romantic by breathtaking sunsets and lush tropical surroundings.

Portofino Italian Restaurant Portofino is a rustic Italian style restaurant serving traditional “trattoria” style cuisine from various regions of Italy. It has inside seating and a pool terrace for guests who want to eat outside. The expert chef proudly presents fresh grilled seafood delights, traditional wood fired pizzas and other interesting homemade recipes such as macaroni, fettuccine, lasagna as well as treats like smoked salmon and lobster salad, served with cocktail sauce.

Apart from Italian dishes, Portofino also offers classic yet delicious desserts and collection of wine, champagne, cool beers and soft drinks.

Location: 29 Soi Karon Nui, Tambon Karon, Amphur Muang, Phuket, 83100, Thailand www.lemeridienphuketbeachresort.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA 31 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa Let a Lifelong Moment Begins Here Located on Lamai Beach, just 20 minutes south from Samui International Airport, discover an enchanting island paradise with breathtaking views over the Gulf of Thailand and stunning landscaping to create a truly luxurious hideaway.

Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa unveils the perfect venue to transform a dreamed wedding into reality. Discover the resort’s Ocean Pier floating 120-metres over the Gulf of Thailand; a unique setting for all couples to indulge romantic private dinners, celebratory sunset cocktails and intimate wedding ceremonies.

Ocean Pier by Latest Recipe Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa invites you to capture memorable and romantic moments on the 120-metre floating Ocean Pier with the breathtaking panoramic views across the Gulf of Thailand. Latest Recipe restaurant offers the guests with great selections of Thai and Western dishes which the guests can choose between 3 course and 4 course meals. For the couples who want more privacy, they can opt for the private dinner for two. Experience a true romantic dinner among the sea and starlight offered by Latest Recipe with you beloved.

Location: 146/24 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, 84310, Thailand www.lemeridienkohsamui.com 32 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket A luxury tropical haven

Situated on the exclusive east coast of Phuket, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa offers a rejuvenating tropical haven overlooking the magnificent Siray Bay. The hotel is just minutes away from Phuket Town, cultural attractions, local markets, restaurants and shopping.

The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa offers a perfect location for your romantic wedding ceremony, plus an opulent retreat in which to hide away and pamper yourselves post-nuptials. Whether you are planning a large or elaborate affair or a simple private occasion on the beach, the resort will to cater to your exact wishes to ensure that your special day is unique and unforgettable for you and all of your guests.

Choose an island wedding: exchange vows on the beach in a romantic and intimate ceremony, or celebrate in expansive contemporary ballroom for a beautiful formal affair. Features options for luncheons, cocktails, preparation or receptions, including Prego’s private dining room and a dedicated pre-function room. All of pre-function spaces feature dazzling ocean views. Highly professional, dedicated banquet team can prepare a menu to accommodate your desires, from authentic Indian cuisine, Pan-Asian, Italian

to basic gourmet, helping you create an event to remember. Every detail of your wedding will be carefully selected and staged to reflect your individuality at a picture-perfect location with personalized services ensure that every detail is attended to. Treat yourself and your guests to the convenience and exquisite amenities, leaving you to revel in the joy of your celebration.

Prego by the Beach Savor the authentic seasonal Italian cuisine at Prego by the Beach, the modern designed restaurant offering impressive views over Siray Bay. Prego restaurant features a bar and open kitchen as well as a moon deck. It is an ideal place for a casual lunch by the beach with a soft ocean breeze, evening dinner and late night cocktails. The restaurant offers a wide range of Italian culinary menu consisting of lasagna, pasta, varying size and topping pizzas and mouthwatering desserts like premium, well-presented ice-creams.

Location: 21/4 Moo 1 T.Rasada, A.Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand www.westinsiraybay.com

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 33 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach Take your first step down the aisle here Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach welcomes business travelers, couples and vacationing families with 5-star accommodation and a simply perfect location. You’ll find the resort on a secluded stretch of Tri-Tang Beach; though the excitement of Patong is close by, its serene surroundings make it seem a world away.

Plan a romantic beach wedding with Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach here in Phuket; the resort is located right on the water. The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa’s elegant wedding venues can accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to grand banquets. Choose the stunning chapel of Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa for your ceremony, followed by a reception in the Merlin Grand Ballroom and Accentuate your wedding with a customized menu, created by the talented culinary team of the resort. Allow Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa’s experienced event planners to assist you with venue décor, entertainment and much more. Your guests will be delighted with our picturesque location in Phuket’s vibrant Patong Beach.

Location: 99 Muen-Ngoen Road, Tri-Trang Beach, Patong Phuket 83150 Thailand www.marriott.com 34 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Merchant Kitchen Opening all day, Merchant Kitchen is the largest restaurant in Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach featuring made-toorder open kitchen. Whether guests are coming for breakfast, lunch or dinner: Merchant Kitchen offers the best of local and Western cuisine. Start your day with breakfast buffet and savor open kitchenstyle cooking in the evening. The seat are provided both inside and outside at the lagoon pool.

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa Take your first step down the aisle here Tropical luxury awaits you at the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. With spacious, elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites and an extensive array of superior amenities, the hotel offers a sophisticated setting for your visit to the Phang-Nga province. You’ll be thrilled with the hotel’s prime beachfront location, moments from famous Khuk Khak Beach, as well as the hotel’s immaculately landscaped resort grounds.

Let JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa help you plan the destination wedding of your dreams in one of our elegant beachfront venues. The hotel’s versatile wedding venues here in Khao Lak feature exquisite design appointments. Impress your guests with a handcrafted reception meal, courtesy of our knowledgeable culinary team. Rely on the expertise of the hotel’s event planners, who will oversee your wedding from start to finish.

Olive Restaurant Olive Restaurant is a Mediterranean style restaurant with stunning sea views. It offers wide range of authentic Italian cuisine and fresh-from-the sea fish dishes as well as a great selection of wines and cocktails. The seats are provided both inside and outside.

Olive opens every evening and has live music most nights. Enjoy thin and crispy wood fired pizzas, creative cocktails and wines, and live entertainment in the magical Mediterranean atmosphere of Olive.

Location: 41/12 Moo 3, Khuk Khak Takuapa, Phang Nga 82190 Thailand www.marriott.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA 35 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui Enchanted Wedding with Vana Belle, Koh Samui Nestled amid a hillside forest emerging on to incandescent white sands and sparkling azure hues, discover authentic, personalized service enriched by a warmth and generosity of spirit from indigenous locals.

Under the shade of native trees, protected from the sun’s dazzling rays, and surrounded by the gentle sound of waves lapping the soft white sands of Chaweng Noi beach; Vana Belle Koh Samui, is nestled amidst its own secluded beachfront forest. Here, natural beauty makes way for a distinctly romantic ambience, creating an unrivalled wedding and honeymoon destination in Koh Samui.

Location: 9/99 Moo 3, Chaweng Noi Beach, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand www.vanabellekohsamui.com 36 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Panali - Vana Belle, Koh Samui Settled above the beach, Panali presents an enchanting gastronomic journey complete with traditional Italian dishes, premier wines and breathtaking views.

It has a thatched-roof dining terrace populated with pillow-topped chairs and sofas and an open-air deck with round tables and cushioned wicker couches.

For lunch, Panali offers Italian dishes combining with lighter options such as select salads, pizza and Panini. When the sun goes down, it’s perfect time to complement the dinner menu comprising homemade Italian specialties like Italian minestrone with pasta, freshly grilled offerings and authentic Italian desserts ranging from limone of ricotta cheesecake to a light yogurt parfait semifreddo.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Take your first step down the aisle here

The JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa welcomes you to beautiful Mai Khao Beach with 5-star accommodation and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The hotel encourages you to spend time relaxing on the beach and letting the breezes wash over you. A 5-star getaway awaits here at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. Celebrate your love with a romantic beach wedding at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa in Phuket, Thailand. Explore the hotel’s 25,726 square feet of elegant venue space, including the magnificent Mai Khao Ballroom. Whether you dream of an intimate gathering or a grand reception, JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa have the perfect venue for you. Allow the hotel’s experienced planning team to assist you with every aspect of your very special occasion and enhance your wedding with delicious, customized catering, created by talented culinary staff of the hotel.

Andaman Grill The Andaman Grill Phuket blends traditional Thai surroundings with the vibe and gastronomy of a modern American steakhouse. Its offers are the best quality steaks served with an assortment of sauces and fresh seafood, caught in the Andaman Sea. Every dish is created to look appealing as well as tasting good.

When the night time falls, the soft lighting enhances the mood make Andaman Grill an ideal choice for lovebirds who are seeking a romantic spot for dinner.

Location: 231 Moo 3 Mai Khao, Talang Phuket 83110 Thailand www.marriott.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA 37 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

38 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

AS I A CITIES

I N S I G HT To k y o | B a n g k o k | S i n g a p o r e | Ta i p e i | G u a n g z h o u Tourism to the Asia region has on the rise for a while now, as travel becomes increasingly affordable to more people, businesses expand into new countries and cities and as young people become increasingly infatuated with exploring.

With a host of colorful cities, storied history and amazing sightseeing, Asia destinations deserve to be on your travel itinerary. Discover 6 destinations of the most spectacular of these landmarks through the following recommended.

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 39 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

TOKYO Looking to stay on the cutting edge of food, drink and shopping trends in Tokyo? Sure, keeping track of all the new restaurants, bars, shops and stands opening across the city every month can feel exhausting and almost hopeless – but that’s where we come in. Sparing you the trouble of wading through long lists of shiny promotional pics and hollow praise, we’ve again compiled a handy list of the top spots to travel this month.

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 41 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Tip The festival will held until Sunday September 10, 2017

PLAY THE TUNNEL OF LOVE IN HIKAWA SHRINE AND JOINING WINDCHIME FESTIVAL Have you ever wished to encounter your true love in the most romantic storybook way possible? Perhaps Kawagoe Hikawa Shrin in Kawagoe city, Saitama, would be able to grant that wish. Known as a ‘love shrine’, Kawagoe Hikawa out in Saitama attracts plenty of fed-up singles looking for help in finding the partner of their dreams. This relatively new summer festival is another chance to do just that, as the hot summer night atmosphere and pretty light-ups ensure that love will be in the air. Colourful fuurin (wind chimes) adorn the grounds and the food and drink stalls include a shrine café.

Location: Hikawa Shrine, Saitama

EAT HOT NEW OPENINGS IN TOKYO HEMP CAFE TOKYO In this heat, there are few better ways to freshen up after a day out in Ebisu than chilling at Hemp Café Tokyo. They serve fresh, organic food – all very herbivoreconscious – as well as some of Japan’s favourite beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. One of the unique drinks on offer is ‘Cannabia,’ a beer made from hemp for those who wish to explore a hint of high in Japan. Although vegan-oriented, the café is worth visiting for anyone, especially if you’re looking to cleanse your innards or stay healthy the hemp way.

Location: 8F, 3-17-14 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

42 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

TENDERLY

TOKYO DISNEY RESORT

If you’re eager to try the latter tipple, also known as ‘One Night in Tokyo’, make your way down to Omori bar Tenderly, run by the masterful Yuko Miyazaki. She’ll recreate our cover cocktail for you with artisanal gin, herb liqueur and real cherry blossom petals. Although this light and refreshing mixture isn’t found on the Tenderly menu, you can ask Miyazaki or one of her lieutenants to make it whenever you like.

And once the cocktail appears in front of you, do take the time to snap a photo and post it on social media.

Location: Omori-Kita Park Bldg 2F, 1-33-11 OmoriKita, Ota-ku, Tokyo

Sitting on a huge tract of land in Tokyo Bay, the Tokyo Disney Resort comprises two adjacent but separate theme parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. The latter, opened in 2001, has given the whole enterprise a massive shot in the arm, since the rest of the park was starting to show its age in parts. Disneyland’s seven main zones boast 43 attractions, while DisneySea has 23 water-based attractions.

Disney has a special place in the hearts of many Japanese people, so the queues can be horrendous. Go early, and preferably on a weekday.

Location: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 43 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

44 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

STAY

HILTON TOKYO

HOTEL OKURA TOKYO

Hilton Tokyo is located in Shinjuku, the heart of Tokyo’s business, shopping and entertainment district, and is an ideal place to experience modern Japan.

A complimentary shuttle operates between the hotel and Shinjuku station and the Tokyo Metro subway is connected to the hotel. Relax in one of the modern Japanese-style rooms and admire stunning city views. The hotel offers WiFi and internet access throughout all rooms and public space.

Relax in one of the 821 modern Japanese-style rooms and suites at Hilton Tokyo and admire stunning city views.

Upgrade to an executive room for exclusive access to the Executive Lounge and enjoy complimentary breakfast and refreshments throughout the day.

Hilton Tokyo offers the perfect venue for a sophisticated dining experience for both epicurean travelers and Tokyo locals. Enjoy Dynasty, Chinese Cuisine reimagined—the chefs at Dynasty cook their signature Peking duck in a dedicated oven, Junisoh, Premium sushi, exquisite multicourse kaiseki and a teppanyaki grill or any of the hotel’s other on-site eateries.

Location: 160-0023, SHINJUKU-KU, 6-2 NISHI-SHINJUKU 6-CHOME, JAPAN

The main lobby gives expression to a uniquely Japanese style of hospitality in an atmosphere of restful serenity that crystallizes the traditional and timeless charm of Wa (harmony).

Hotel Okura Tokyo proudly provides dining experiences combined with a respect for traditions, a relentless pursuit of fine food and have concept floors integrated with the spa facilities and guest rooms.

A firm dignity impervious to fleeting fashion exquisitely converges with innovative approaches in a hotel replete with genuine originality.

Neighboring the Roppongi entertainment district, Hotel Okura Tokyo features an indoor pool available at a charge, 6 restaurants and 2 bars. It is 500 m from Kamiyacho Subway Station and 2 km from the Imperial Palace. Dining Cafe Camellia offers light dishes and the seasonal salad bar, while La Belle Epoque serves French cuisine on the 12th floor. The hotel also has a Chinese restaurant, sushi and teppanyaki. Hotel Okura Tokyo is 2 km from Roppongi Hills and Hama-Rikyu Garden. TameikeSanno Subway Station is 500 m away. On-site parking is free for staying guests.

Location: 2-10-4 Toranomon Minato-ku Tokyo 105-0001 Japan

THE PRINCE GALLERY TOKYO KIOICHO Kioicho is a town embraced in luscious greenery and a rich history, where Japanese traditions and Western culture intertwine. It’s here, in Tokyo’s most dignified neighborhood, that The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho welcomes the guests.

It is a hotel that marries lush nature and artistic designs with cutting-edge functions in a sophisticated manner, accompanied by the top floor views as magnificent as paintings. One step inside, and you’re enveloped in euphoria and sensory stimulation.

The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho offers a personalized environment like never before, delivering comfort that’s customized to the needs of each guest in an exquisite atmosphere via the latest and seamless services. Creating an invaluable moment and environment that’s one step ahead, making those who appreciate authenticity and are in tune with the trends of the times want to stay at the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho Location: 1-2 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8585,JAPAN

SHOP 1LDK APARTMENTS 1LDK Apartments is the lifestyleoriented branch of 1LDK, the popular Nakameguro clothing store that draws an aesthetic comparison with Muji. Offering clothes, food and homeware, the store consists of three main sectors: 1LDK Me for a highly wearable selection of women’s and men’s clothing; the Taste and Sense food section for casual café fare by morning, then a restaurant and bar service from noon to evening; and Edited/Found Store for books and interior goods.

Location: 1F, 1-7-13 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

DAIKANYAMA TSUTAYA BOOKS In a perfect world, all bookshops would be like this. Tokyo’s Klein Dytham Architecture won an award at the World Architecture Festival for their work on Daikanyama T-Site, which is spread across three interlinked buildings adorned with lattices of interlocking Ts. It’s easy to lose hours thumbing through the selections here, which include a good range of English-language titles, art books, antique tomes and magazine back issues. There are also music and DVD sections If you’re looking to enjoy some vintage periodicals and cocktails in a sophisticated setting, meanwhile, the upstairs Anjin lounge is hard to beat.

Location: 17-5 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo NOW TRAVEL ASIA 45 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

BANGKOK Bangkok has become the hot spot, shopping, restaurant & cafe in town over the last few years. known for its excellent choice of upmarket and fashionable restaurants, along with plenty of trendy spots to drink the night away. Bangkok is as intoxicating as it is diverse; a melting pot of exotic aromas, interesting sights and visual delights. It’s a city with infinite layers which you need to explore to reveal its hidden secrets. Find the best Bangkok attractions by area or pick the topics that interest you, whatever it is you are looking for we have covered just about all of the attractions in Bangkok so you can be sure you won’t miss a thing.

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 47 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

EAT RANG MAHAL BANGKOK, REMBRANDT HOTEL

ATTITUDE, AVANI RIVERSIDE BANGKOK HOTEL

SUHRING RESTAURANT Sühring Restaurant would grace any city in the world, so the fact they decided to open in Bangkok is a great boon for the city.

It may sound surprising, but the modern German cuisine is truly exceptional and the familial setting feels inviting and genuine.

Opened in March 2016 by the famed twin chefs – Thomas and Mathias Sühring, this has been the highest profile restaurant opening of 2016 thanks to the fact they are serving something as yet unknown to Bangkok’s fine dining lovers – seasonal, high-end German cuisine. Serving a set menu of 9 or 12 courses only and changing according to seasonal produce, dinner at Sühring is a full evening of exploratory dining, and the price - while expensive in terms of an average meal in the capital - is incredibly good value for money when you consider the quality of the cuisine.

Split into separate rooms, you can choose to dine in the open kitchen, the living room or out in the cool and bright conservatory at the front of the house. Dotted around the house are small mementos from the Chef’s home back in Berlin or from their grandparent’s summerhouse.

Location: No. 10, Yenakat Soi 3, Chongnonsi, Yannawa, Bangkok, Thailand 48 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Attitude Rooftop at Avani Bangkok Hotel is a Riverside cocktail bar that offers an excellent place to head to in the evening for a few drinks with friends. This modern bar has stunning views and an extensive cocktail menu. The Attitude Rooftop is on the twenty-sixth floor of the Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel, which is a 15-minute ferry ride away from the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station Attitude Rooftop at Avani Bangkok is a stylish venue overlooking the Chao Phraya River. The city skyline is breathtaking, especially the view of the lit-up Big Wheel at Asiatique Night Market on the opposite bank of the river. The vibe is definitely on the hip side; the DJ and mixologist please the crowds up at the bar and lounging by the pool, cocktails in hand. While there are some hoppy beers, the drink menu mainly consists of creations with names like “Pinky Chihuahua” and the “Japanese Slipper,” which run between 300 and 400 baht per glass. If you’re feeling hungry, the Boston lobster and Galician rib eye steak are both priced at 1,600 baht. There’s also a number of lighter appetizers to nibble on, such as the caramel duck and madras prawns.

If you like strong drinks and appreciate a good view, a trip to Attitude Rooftop Bangkok will be an evening well spent.

Location: Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel 257 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand

Rang Mahal Bangkok is located on the glamorous rooftop of the Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok. The dining room itself is classically styled with white plaster colonnades and chandeliers, with floor-toceiling windows for enjoying the downtown location. For anyone looking for a taste of Northern Indian flavours in Bangkok, Rang Mahal is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city and has a range of set menus to choose from, such as the Premium Set Menu, which starts at 1,295 THB without drinks. You can choose from an array of delicious starters such as Punjabi samosas, toothsome deep fried triangles of puff pastry packed with spicy potato and peas, or other delights such as Tandoori Jheenga: juicy jumbo shrimp that have been cooked in a charcoal oven.

When it comes to main courses, there are favourites like Murgh Tikka Masala, tandoori chicken cooked in a wok, or Mutton Awadh Korma, mutton cooked in the Mughal style. There is also desert in the form of fresh fruit, masala tea, and Northern Indian signature dishes such as Gulab Jamun, a soup flavoured with almonds and topped with cream cheese dumplings. As well as the Premium Set Menu, there are other set menus to choose from such as the Maharaja Menu which starts at 1,195 THB, and the Maharani Menu, which is a vegetarian set menu that starts at 995 THB. On Sunday lunchtimes, Rang Mahal have a brunch buffet with an incredible range of Indian cuisine to enjoy from 11:00 to 14:30 for the excellent price of 850 baht.

Location: 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand

PLAY

AVATAR DISCOVER PANDORA Discover Pandora is the new state-of-the-art, interactive exhibition which brings the world Pandora to life. You’ve probably watched Avatar for the 200th time and daydream of wandering around those bioluminescent plants and animals of Pandora planet?

Your wish has now come true as AVATAR: Discover Pandora, the interactive exhibition inspired by the James Cameron’s blockbuster will be brought to Southeast Asia for the first time at The Mall Bangkapi. The 2,200-square-meter walk-through exhibition promises to awe you with 10 zones of interactive displays depicting the culture of the Na’vi and life-sized Pandora creatures such as Banshee, Direhorse and Viperwolf.

Location: The Mall Bangkapi, Bangkok, Thailand

NOW TRAVEL ASIA 49 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

STAY

SWISSOTEL LE CONCORDE VIE HOTEL BANGKOK, MGALLERY BY SOFITEL VIE Hotel Bangkok, MGallery by Sofitel is a luxury boutique hotel with a superb location for both leisure and business.

Right in the city center, it provides maximum convenience, with excellent conference and seminar facilities, and is perfect for a special weekend or family stays. The hotel is just steps away from the BTS Skytrain Ratchathewi station and within a ten minutes’ walk to Bangkok’s most renowned shopping malls in the Siam Area. VIE Hotel Bangkok features 154 high ceiling and spacious rooms and suites, each providing dramatic views across an inspiring cityscape with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Intriguing Asian design accents create a refined and relaxed ambience for discerning guests. The Luxury Accommodation in Bangkok provides a spacious bed, pillow menu to suit your preferences and crisp cotton sheets for peaceful nights.

Location: 117/39-40 Phaya Thai Road, Bangkok 50 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

W HOTEL BANGKOK W Bangkok occupies a strategic location on Sathorn Road, a short walk away from a skytrain station and the notorious nightlife of Silom. Be a part of Bangkok’s hippest crowd and revle amid jet setters, fashionistas exotic interior design, and vibrant party scene. Playful, sexy, sleek and stylish. W Bangkok refines the definition of design hotel, with various funky colour themes and striking décor such as a massive spiral staircase and a colourful wall of light inspired by Thailand’s famous tuk-tuk. The room and suites feature softer hues, funky installations, custom-designed furniture, translucent colour glass planks to create privacy between the rooms, and the latest gadgets.

Location: 106 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok

The luxurious Swissotel Le Concorde, Bangkok is a five-star hotel located on Rachadapisek Road, Bangkok’s new thriving central business and entertainment district, and is approximately 40 minutes away from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The Huai Kwang train station is a two-minute walk from the hotel with Bangkok’s prime tourist attractions, central business district and convention centre just a few train stations away.

The 22-storey hotel offers travellers affordable luxury with 407 elegantly spacious rooms and suites and impeccable Swiss hospitality. The top four floors of the hotel are devoted to the Executive Club rooms, which offer complimentary access to the lounge with an exclusive breakfast buffet, evening cocktails, private meeting space and an Executive fitness centre.

Featuring truly amazing meeting and convention facilities, Swissotel Le Concorde Bangkok offers 4,006 m² of meeting space, with a team of event planners on hand to help you hold the perfect wedding.

Location: 204 Rachadapisek Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok, Thailand

SHOP

ROSEMANCLUB Local eyewear label Rosemanclub has ditched its original location in Sam Yam for a new, larger space in Sukhumvit Soi 31. Set behind a leafy facade and within a modern industrial architecture, the brand’s new flagship store showcases Rosemanclub’s complete eyewear collection as well as selected bags and apparel curated by its creative directors. A portrait of His Majesty King Bhumibol, which everyone remembers from the first store, is also reproduced here.

Location: 68/2 Sukhumvit Soi 31 Yaek 4, Bangkok

ZUDRANGMA RECORDS Browsing through for your favorite Vinyls and CDs, Zugrangma offers the classics from 1950-1980’s including the local folk songs and all sort of international music.

DJ Maft Sai, the owner, put in the effort to find even the very rare Jamaican, South African, and Asian sounds that you can only discover here.

Location: 7/1, Sukhumvit soi 51, Wattana, Bangkok

ARISTOTLE Local bag label Aristotle, the brainchild of designer Toto Hongmanee and marketer Tle Raksakulnit, has launched a new collection of small leather bags in warm colors just in time for Valentine’s Day. The compact bags are perfect for stashing small necessities.

Location: Kloset ,3rd floor Siam center NOW TRAVEL ASIA 51 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

SINGAPORE Singapore is a world famous tourist city with highly developed economic. So many famous tourist spots attract traveller from all over the world. Singapore is full of diversities that gives a chance to explore the culture, nature, different creature, history and architecture at a single platform. These days Singapore has become a cynosure for all the tourists visiting here. Iconic landmarks, adventurous activities, pristine beaches & shopping opportunities catch the sight of the visitors. It has many magnificent land marks, parks, wild life, hotels, shopping centres & many more that really fills you with lots of wonders.

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NOW TRAVEL ASIA 53 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

EAT THE BLUE GINGER RESTAURANT The Blue Ginger’s location in the CBD might explain why its constantly filled with white-collar types and expats looking to get acquainted with the cuisine. For the seasoned palate, it does ultimately mean that the food tastes blander than most other Peranakan joints, like the steaming claypot of mild Nyonya fish head curry, or the tall bowl of chap chye bereft of the promised flavours of prawn stock. the signature of a well-bred “Nonya”, or Straits Chinese lady, was how well one could cook. It was often the matriarch of the family who would bring the entire family together, over a mouthwatering spread of spicy and aromatic dishes.

Location: 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 54 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

HAAKON Haakon, pronounced “haw-coon”, is a Scandinavian-inspired café that brings superfoods from Norway to your plate. It only uses premium Norwegian smoked salmon – it’s rich in protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants – to make dishes like salad bowls and eggs Benedict.

For those with a sweet tooth, go for Haakon’s classic acai bowl, topped with coconut flakes, banana, strawberries and blueberries for a quick and guilt-free energy boost.

Location: 01-03 Raffles Holland V, 118 Holland Ave, Singapore

Must Know The development at 21 & 23 Marina Way is expected to open in the first half of this year.

PLAY OUR TAMPINES HUB Easties, there’s no reason for you to slack off on your workout routine now.

New Zealand’s indoor climbing theme park Clip ’n Climb has set up base at HomeTeamNS Tampines space located at the refurbished Our Tampines Hub, a community and sports centre. You won’t find any run-of-the-mill climbing stations here, though. Test your limits and scale over 19 colourful themed walls that range from easy for the rookies to difficult for the more experienced. The best part? The park utilises an automatic belay system, which means you and your friends can climb the different walls at the same time without having to take turns belaying one another. But don’t let its quirky looks fool you, each station stands at 8 metres and are designed to be mentally challenging, featuring different types of grips and obstacles. Experience a twist in rock climbing at the Dry Ice wall where you’ll be given “ice picks” - a pair of wooden sticks - to scale the structure and manoeuvre yourself to the top.

The fun doesn’t just end there. Once you’re done working on your upper body strength, regroup and hop over to Laser Quest for a 10-minute-long laser tag mission where participants can either team up or battle as single players ($14/mission).

Location: L3 HomeTeamNS Tampines, Our Tampines Hub, 51 Tampines Ave 4, Singapore

MARINA ONE Marina One, deemed a “momentous collaboration” between Singapore and Malaysia, is a visually stunning mixed-use development that incorporates residential, commercial and lifestyle activities. It will have 2 residential towers, 1 office tower and 1 retail tower. The most striking thing about this project is the Green Heart, a public vertical garden right smack in the middle of the 4 towers where people can spend time basking in the lush greenery of rooftop gardens and 13m waterfalls.

According to SgProperty, the development is designed by renowned architect Christoph Ingenhoven, who is known for his green and sustainable buildings. He was the man behind Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California.

Location: Marina South, Downtown Core, Singapore NOW TRAVEL ASIA 55 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

STAY

W SINGAPORE - SENTOSA COVE Come alive in the lush greenery and lively coastal setting of our picturesque resort hotel in Sentosa. Located just minutes from the Singapore’s business district, shopping destinations and top tourist attractions.

Whatever you want, whenever you want it, the hotel is happy to provide. Even if it’s a tray of desserts served on a golden skateboard upon check-in. But the pool is where we spent most of our time: open 24/7, it pulses with life in the day and transforms into a private, sensuous and oh-so-inviting space at night. Dining options are never in short supply. Head down to Skirt for steak grilled on an open parilla or challenge the limits of your stomach with the buffet at The Kitchen Table. A skip and hop away from the hotel is Quayside Isle, home to 15 restaurants with views of the marina and its luxury yachts.

Location: 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 56 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

MARINA MANDARIN SINGAPORE

HOTEL JEN TANGLIN SINGAPORE

Featuring elegant rooms with dramatic views of the Singapore skyline, a range of dining options and a mineral water pool, Marina Mandarin offers the best of Singapore’s famous hospitality.

Marina Mandarin Singapore is a 10-minute walk from City Hall MRT Station. Local attractions like The Esplanade, Singapore Flyer and Suntec City Convention Centre are less than 1 km from the hotel. Featuring warm lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows, rooms at Marina Mandarin offer panoramic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline.

A well-equipped 24-hour fitness centre provides guests the opportunity to work out during their stay. A buffet of fresh seafood and international delights are served at the halal-certified AquaMarine Restaurant.

Peach Blossoms Restaurant features DimSum and Cantonese cuisine. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at Atrium Lounge & Senses Patisserie.

Location: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore

Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore by ShangriLa delivers quality, comfort and value to travellers who appreciate the important things done well - stylish and comfortable rooms, with enthusiastic and upbeat staff.

My hotel is located at the start of Orchard Road, a stone’s throw away from the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO heritage site. A traveller’s business and leisure needs are both met seamlessly in this chic, contemporary space. Whether you are travelling alone or having a weekend staycation with your family or a group, your trip will be made better with simple, fuss-free pleasures.

Enjoy fast and free WiFi, unlimited international calls to Singapore, Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as hourly shuttle service to Orchard Road.

Location: 1A Cuscaden Road, Singapore

SHOP GALLERY AND CO Not your average museum store, Gallery and Co brings together retail and activity spaces with two eateries: a cafeteria and the Gallery Cafe. Curated by Loh Lik Peng, Foreign Policy Design Group and Alwyn Chong of Luxasia - collectively known as “& Co” - the retail section stocks products from local and international brands, including General Object, Supermama and Smile Q&Q, whose solarpowered watches can be found in a huge vending machine. And since it’s housed in a temple to art after all.

Location: 01-17 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrews Rd, Singapore

THE TINTIN SHOP Created by Belgian artist Georges Remi (better known as Hergé), The Adventures of Tintin is one of the most popular European comics of the 20th century. Gabriel Tan, the co-owner of the shop, grew up collecting Batman and Superman comics, but when it came to the beloved reporter-cumadventurer, he always had difficulty. “Tintin was one I could never get my hands on and when I could, it was always so expensive.” The character is seen in various forms throughout the shop: hardcover books, limited edition resin figurines and box scenes and even large standing statues should you want Captain Haddock to greet guests entering your home. There are plenty of touristy trinkets, too: book cover postcards go for and t-shirts start from.

Location: 56 Pagoda St, Singapore

SILKAIR

SilkAir flies to 47 destinations, SilkAir provides warm service through their attentive and friendly cabin crew, ensuring the experience of the destination you’re heading to begins when you step onto our plane. As a full service carrier, passengers of SilkAir get to enjoy 30kg economy baggage allowance, complimentary inflight meals, reliable flight schedules and earn Krisflyer miles, not to mention enjoy through check-in services when connecting with Singapore Airlines. www.silkair.com

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TAIPEI Settled in the north of Taiwan, Taipei is a tough little city where multicultures are perfectly blended creating a unique and spectacular city.

Taipei began to develop the area as a financial and commercial district.

With hundreds of glass and steel skyscrapers, broad boulevards, and one of the world’s tallest buildings, Taipei 101, the modern era of Taipei shines through Boasting dozens of world-class performance venues, where you can relish world-class theater and concert events, Taipei offers a wide selection of shopping malls, buzzing nightclubs, lively bars, great quality hotels and exotic restaurants.

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EAT THE ANTIPODEAN

PAUL Located on the Ren’ai Road, Paul is the first branch of French’s famous bakery in Taiwan. The bakery is not huge but pack with baby chandeliers and windows dressed with curtains, various sitting area ranging from modern and classic to antique looking chairs and tables without making it feel too crowded. Its breads covered from sweeter side, cushy and soft, and covered in pork floss are special as they made from dough delivered from France. To find Paul, just look for the bright white capital letters on a black sign for PAUL. From the outside, you can spot array of breads, baguettes and pastries in the foreground and waiters in white coats running around delivering orders as a background.

Location: No. 107, Ren Ai Rd, Sec. 4 Opening Hour: MON-SUN 08:00-22:00

Down a typical residential Taipei alley in Neihu, looking for a small bright blue sign with a kangaroo logo, when spotting an even bigger pop of color with blue benches and a huge sign, turn left, you will see the Antipodean, one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Taiwan. Avocado lovers must love this café since they can have it mashed on toast with smoked salmon and arugula, sliced on a breakfast plate with various toppings or baked with spicy chorizo. Apart from avocado dishes, it also offers coffee, desserts, brunches and sandwiches. As it opens early in the morning, it is a great place to grab a serene breakfast or gather your friends to share salmon avocado toast and big breakfast plates together.

Location: No. 4, Lane 26, Gangqian Rd, Neihu District, Taipei City Opening hour: Mon – Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sat – Sun 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM

PLAY YEHLIU GEOPARK Housing a number of rare and spellbinding geological formations including the iconic “Queen’s Head”, Yehliu Geopark is located along a cape stretching out from the town of Wanli. Spreading around 1,700 metres, the cape which is part of Daliao Miaocene Formation is formed when Datun Mountains were forced to change their shape, jutting out into the ocean. Adjacent to the geopark is the Yehliu Ocean World, the first oceanarium in Taiwan with ocean exhibits, and sea life performances.

Location: No. 167-1, Kantung Rd, Yehliu Village, Wanli District, New Taipei City 20744 Opening hour: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.

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TAIPEI HAKKA YIMIN FESTIVAL Every year around the middle of the seventh lunar month, Hakka Yimin Festival, one of the most compelling and major events are celebrated in Taipei. To present the traditional culture of Hakka and pay the respects to Yimin spirit, a series of activities and performances including the Holy Incense Parade, the Carrying-pole Parade, Hakka opera, grand evening shows, worship ceremonies, and Hakka market will be held. Taipei welcomes people all

over the world to feel creativity and diverse aspects of Hakka culture. Come and join this Hakka spectacular festival.

Location: No. 2, Section 3, Tingzhou Rd, Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City Taiwan, R.O.C

W TAIPEI

STAY

Located in the bustling Xinyi district and a few blocks from the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Taipei 101, W Taipei built in gleaming stainless-steel tower adorned in scarlet neon lights is one of the most iconic hotels in the city of Taipei.

Its lobby is on 10th floor where guests gather their luggage by the front desk or relax in a lounge filled with trampolinesize banquettes and lipstick-red leather couches. For your living pleasure, 405 dreamy rooms embellished with the signature W bed, white lacquer, burnished wood, floral carpet and whimsical elements wait for your arrival. From your room, you will find the scenery of Taipei 101, city and mountains beyond. A stunning 82-foot heated pool with an outdoor wet bar, the Kitchen Table serving a range of cuisines and a mediocre breakfast buffet and Yen, a high-end Chinese restaurant are ready to serve and comfort you.

Location: 10 Zhongxiao East Road Sec. 5, Xinyi District, Taipei, 110, Taiwan

THE REGENT TAIPEI Situated in Formosa’s capital- Taipei, in the midst of the city’s most vibrant cultural, entertainment and shopping district, close to the central business district, Regent Taipei offers the best luxury 5 star hotel experience for both business and leisure travelers. From spacious, luxury accommodation, sophisticated event venues, the world-famous Wellspring spa, boutique shopping, meeting facilities, business services to the finest dining experiences and exclusive lifestyle offerings, this distinguished Taipei hotel exceeds expectations on every level. The hotel offers 538 rooms feature subdued colors and modern elements to create a comfortable yet elegant environment among the largest in the city. All rooms feature wireless Internet, a large marbled bathroom and a Wellspring Bed. Location: No. 3, Ln. 39, Sec. 2 Zhongshan N. Rd., Taipei 104, Taiwan

THE SHERWOOD TAIPEI Located in Songshan, The Sherwood Taipei is within a few miles of popular sights such as Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101, National Palace Museum and Sun YatSen Memorial Hall. This 343-room, 4.5-star hotel welcomes guests with 5 restaurants, a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Onsite parking is available, both free self and paid valet parking (TWD 200 per night)-also useful is an airport shuttle (available 24 hours) for TWD 2800 per person one-way. The front desk has multilingual staff on hand 24/7 to help with dry cleaning/laundry, concierge services, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include a sauna, free WiFi in public areas, and 7 meeting rooms.

Location: No.111, Sec.3, Min Sheng East Road, Taipei, Taiwan

SHOP PINMO PURE SHOP ADDICTION AQUATIC DEVELOPMENT Located on Minzu East Road near Songshan Airport, Addiction Aquatic Development is Taipei’s old fishing market which is turned into upscale and classy market. With the aim to remove the middleman, it houses fresh seafood and aquamarine products in reasonable price from all around the world, a large Japanese-style supermarket, and many themed restaurants under one roof. Enjoy cool upbeat music while exploring through the 10 different areas ranging from a live aquamarine products, a wholesale market supermarket, a standing sushi bar, a charcoal grill to a florist.

Location: No.18, Aly. 2, Ln. 410, Minzu E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City.

Opening hour: 10.00 am – 10.00 pm

Started in 2002 as a graphic design firm, Pinmo Pure shop offers a fine selection of paper products, indie publications, handmade pottery as well as accessories from other Taiwanese designers. Along the Yong Kang Street, two Pinmo Shop are located on. The first store features a tiny bakery in the front to grab a delicious dessert and drip coffee, handmade bags and decent selection of art papers. Its light and bright colour woods provide the warm atmosphere. Enter the shop, you will be surrounded with the shelves of different sizes, shapes and colours of papers.

Situated just 10 minutes away from the first store, the second store consists of the design studio where you can design your own paper goods.

Location: No. 10, Lane 75, Yongkang St., Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106 Opening hour: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, closed on Monday NOW TRAVEL ASIA 61 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

EAT LOCK CHUCK COFFEE

GUANG ZHOU Located in the north of the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou is the third-largest city and most bustling transport and trading hub in China. This city of Ram houses both glittering tower and lush alleys. With mild climate, its mouthwatering cuisine, popular and massive retail stores and thousands of perfectly blended old and new attractions such as the Canton Tower, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, five rams statue and modern amusement park attract over millions of tourists and business persons to venture through this City of Ram.

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On the list of the mustvisit Gungzhou’s café, Lock Chuck Coffee, a minimalist coffee shop must be on the top.

Nestled on the humble neighborhood outside of Ouzhuang Metro Station, this quaint, charming café rocks urban chic without feeling cliché with selections of European and Japanese elements.

The café sources coffee beans from Irving Farm Coffee Roasters in New York City, and features them a blend of three origins for a medium yet satisfying brew. If you go, try a classic latte, single-origin drip or the luxurious Japanese milk tea. Visit this Lock Chuck Coffee once and you will fall in love in its coffee and how they arrange to squeeze that abundance of instagrammable spots within the place.

Location: No.6 Xiniu Road, Guangzhou, China Opening hour: 8.00 am 10.00 pm

SIGNLESS COFFEE Surprisingly that some of the best coffee shops and cocktail bars here in Guangzhou are largely hidden to the naked eye. The visitors will find them only through word of mouth or an in-the-know friend. Signless Coffee is no exception. Take Exit A from Gongyuanqian Metro Station, cross the street, enter an alleyway marked turn right and walk until you see Signless Coffee with a vibrant splash of graffiti on the wall opposite its entrance. When you enter the café, your preference for coffee will be asked and baristas will show collections of jars holding a dozen types of beans ranging from Columbia, Kenya, Panama and more. Some are flowery and taste almost like red tea while others offer thick and chocolatey taste. Visit there, you should try a couple pour-overs (RMB2025) without milk or sugar to experience the different flavors.

Location: 1/F, 5 Nanchao Xin Jie, Qiyi Lu,Yuexiu District.

Opening hour: 11am-9.30pm

new downtown public transportation in Guangzhou

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PLAY CANTON TOWER IN GUANGZHOU Located in Haizhu District, at the south bank of the Pearl River. With a height of 600 meters, the landmark of Guangzhou, Canton Tower or Guangzhou Tower is the highest TV tower in China and the fourth highest tower in the world. While almost towers in the world are extrovert, strong, straight, and rectangular, Canton tower is very slender and tall. With its outstanding design, the tower becomes a must-see scenic spot in Guangzhou. From the top, the visitors will enjoy a birds-eye view of the whole city. Aside from that, the visitors will enjoy astonishing entertainment items, romantic restaurants with mouthwatering foods and several fine lookout platforms for shooting photos inside of the tower. The highlight of this tower is when the tower is illuminated by rainbow lights. Don’t miss to ride the bubble tram at the very top of tower to catch a glimpse of splendid panorama view or get the thrilling experience of free fall from 485 meters height at Sky drop.

Location: 222 Yuejiang W Rd, Haizhu Qu, Guangzhou Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China Opening hour: 09:30 AM - 10:30 PM 64 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

CHIMELONG BIRD PARK Ranked the world’s top tourist site and captivating more than ten million visitors annually, Chimelong Tourist Resort established the newest attraction, Chimelong Bird Park after operating several of China’s top theme parks consisting of Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong International Circus, Chimelong Water Park, as well as Chimelong Safari Park.

Nestled in the area formerly occupied by the Guangzhou Crocodile Park, the park offers the chance to glimpse and get close to over 100 different species of wetland animals

and birds and hosts thrilling crocodile show performing by two Thai tamers and amazing and spellbinding waterfowl show. Spanning several thousand acres, the park features a variety of wetland plants. Have a leisure walk around, admire a number of wetland animals and separated vistas of abundance of floral species at different season among birds chirping at Chimelong Bird Park.

Location: Dashi Town, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511430, China Opening hour: 09:30 AM - 06:30 PM

GRAND HYATT GUANGZHOU

STAY MANDARIN ORIENTAL GUANGZHOU Fusing contemporary luxury with inimitable elegance, Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou is a stunning five-star hotel at the forefront of Guangzhou’s dramatic evolution. In one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods, the hotel offer the most spacious accommodation in the city. With a stunning setting in one of the city’s most exciting

neighborhoods, we offer the most spacious accommodation in the city. With vast floorto-ceiling windows, Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou enjoys dramatic views of the glittering skyline. Ideally located for the city’s attractions, our 263 sumptuous rooms and suites are the epitome of modern fivestar luxury.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel is a 5-minute drive from Guangzhou East Railway Station which directly links to Hong Kong. Taikoo Hui shopping mall is a 5-minute walk away and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.

Location: 389 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, China

Located in the CBD of Pearl River New Town (Zhujiang New Town) of Guangzhou City, Hotel’s Sky Lobby offers panoramic views of Canton Tower, East & West tower, easily visit Guangzhou Opera House and central park (Mall of City). Hotel is 15-minute drive to Guangzhou East Train Station (train station to HKG) and a 15-minute drive to Pazhou International Convention Centre which hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to buyers during the annual Spring & Autumn Canton Fair. 5-star Grand Hyatt Guangzhou offers 368 luxurious rooms with free Wi-Fi access to international websites and social media.

There are unique 5 exciting restaurants and bars offering a wide range of local and international flavors.

Location: 2 Zhujiang West Road, Pearl River New City, Tianhe District, Guangzhou,Guangdong,China NOW TRAVEL ASIA 65 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

1200 BOOKSTORE

SHOP TIMING HOME It might sound unbelievable, but if you are looking forward to purchasing an accommodation in which you can spend the rest of your life, Timing Home is bound for selling an “idea” for your choice of home.

Owned by the Guangzhou-based real estate company “Times Property”, the shop gives customers the first impression with its bleached-white wall decorated with random items such as a range of tableware, household furnishings, microwaves and even a typewriter.

Established in the shop, there is a section for model homes in which you can observe delicate, well-arranged and detail-oriented floorplans that makes the most of the limited area provided to most Chinese apartments. Furthermore, the extensive café in the shop also provides an area for art exhibitions, beauty salons, business meetings and academic forums.

Location: 6/F, Grandview Mall, 228 Tianhe Lu, Tianhe District Opening hour: 10 am-10 pm 66 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Sitting on a peaceful area of Tiyu Dong Lu in Tianhe district is Guangzhou’s first 24-hour bookstore named “1200 bookstore.” This soothing store has been opened since July 12, and it has never ceased to be mentioned about among several groups of backpackers ever since. Decorated in wooden tones, the shop always provides relaxing and warm atmosphere. The store serves as a simple reading room during the day, and switches into complimentary accommodation for backpackers after 23.00 o’clock. The owner, Liu Erxi, first posted his concept of this 24-hour bookshop and free accommodation for itinerant backpackers on his WeChat Moments in May this year, and received tons of support from his friends. Nowadays, there are around 6,000 Chinese written books in the shop. The majority of them are about modern design, art, travel and architecture. Apart from reading books, you can also buy drinks and desserts from the shop to subsidize its operation. In overall, this place is the epitome of sanctuary for anyone seeking a tranquil environment.

Location: 27 Tiyu E Rd, TianHe ZhongXin, Tianhe Qu, Guangzhou Shi, Guangdong Sheng, China, 510620 Open hour: open 24 hour.

CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINE China Southern Air Holding Company is a large state-owned air transport group merging China Southern Airlines, Xinjiang Airlines and China Northern Airlines. China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd., a proud member of SkyTeam, is directly affiliated with China Southern Air Holding Company, specializing in air transportation services. With headquarters based in Guangzhou, China Southern Airlines’ company logo can be seen around the globe with a brilliant red kapok delicately adoring a blue vertical tail fin. China Southern has 15 branches including: Xinjiang, Northern, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hainan, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Dalian, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi, Zhuhai Helicopter, Xi’an and Taiwan; and five holding subsidiaries: Xiamen Airlines, Shantou Airlines, Guizhou Airlines, Zhuhai Airlines and Chongqing Airlines China Southern has bases in Shanghai, Daqing and Shenyang; 22 domestic sales offices located in major Chinese cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen and 56 worldwide sales offices located in New York City, Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Dubai, Sydney, Vancouver, London and Seoul.

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TREND FALL/WINTER 2017

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FALL/WINTER 2017 WA S I N S P I R E D B Y A S P E C TAC L E O F A R T PA I N T I NG IN THE DUTCH GOLDEN AGE D U R I NG T H E 1 7 T H CENTURY, WHICH DERIVES FROM THESE ARTISTS, WHOM WERE A MAJOR OF PA I N T I NG I N T H E DUTCH GOLDEN AGE. AS THE H E R I TAG E O F S T I L L L I F E PA I N T I NG WA S E L E G A N T LY TRANSFORMED INTO THE REFINED GARMENT TOGETHER WITH THE MODERN ASPECT AND D I SAYA ’ S C R A F T S M A N - S H I P.

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D I SAYA S H O P: T H E E M QUA R T I E R , C E N T R A LWO R D A N D SIAM PAR AGON M O R E A B OU T D I SAYA : W W W. D I SAYA . C O M

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IN FULL VIEW

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Roof of Japan

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Tip

To witness the pure white corridor at its highest range, you should visit during April and May.

a m a y e t Mt. Ta

L

ocated in Chubu Sangaku National Park, Toyama, packing with wilderness forests, impressive snow wall, high peaks, hot spring, majestic ponds and the highest dam in Japan, Mt. Tateyama, one of the 3 sacred mountains in Japan along with Mt. Fuji and Mt. Haku attracts tons of tourists and mountain climbers to touch the spellbinding, different vistas during the varying seasons of this spectacular mountain.

Every year during April and November, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route welcomes 76 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

thousands of visitors heading to the same destination, Mt. Tateyama. Connecting Toyama City in Toyama and Omachi Town in Nagano, this route traverses the Mt. Tateyama and Northern Alps, a breathtaking sequence of 3,000m peaks. To cross the incredibly beautiful alpine scenery, seven types of vehicles including cable car, ropeway and trolley bus are prepared to comfort visitors.

It boasts a variety of recordholding attraction, such as Japan’s tallest dam, Japan’s oldest hut, Japan’s highest waterfall, as well as Japan’s highest train station.

Start the route at Tateyama station, hop on the cable car to Bijodaira, and grab a route bus to Midagahara. Take a rest, dine at restaurant or continue the route to Murodo, the highest peak of Mt. Tateyama by trolley bus. At each stop spot, spend the time to enjoy and admire the separated offbeat sceneries.

The hotels above the cloud and fine dining restaurants are well prepared to serve you at Midagahara and Murodo point.

On the way to Murodo, one of the mustsee attractions and a sign of spring season on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route will be spotted. Formed by clearing snow from the road, the white snow corridor or Yuki no Otani that some years is higher than 20 metres offers the majestic experience.

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At the highest point, there are many places that take a short stroll to. You can walk back to snap pictures with the pure white corridor or take the Mukurigaike course to a lake having the same name with the course. During July to October, when snow melts down, the cobalt blue surface of lake reflecting Mt. Tateyama awaits to witness. The ideal plants spring around the lake and also make it a great place for a leisure walk.

Tip

Recommended menu at the Dam Rest House is Kurobe Dam Curry serving with dam shaped rice and lake of delicious river of green curry.

Walk further to Mikurigaike hot spring to bath and relax after the long journey and Emmadai, an observation deck to view Jigokudani, the area of numerous holes, steaming clouds of mist and sulfur smell.

There’s a walking path to walk around the area but it quite danger due to the eruption of volcanic gas.

Along the course, other intriguing places including Chinoike, deep red ponds whose colour comes from the high concentration of iron oxide in the pools and Tateyama Murodo, the oldest mountain hut in Japan are waiting to be explored.

For the mountain climbers, they will surely fall in love with this route as it has myriad levels of difficulty from the easy walking trails around the Murodo bus terminal to the wider network of trails featuring more challenging hikes. Several base camps and huts are also arranged to console every climbers.

Rest at Murodo for a nights before continuing the route.

Hop on the trolley bus through the tunnel in Mt. Tateyama to Daikando, take the ropeway to Kurobedaira and then grab a cable car to Kurobeko where the highest dam in Japan situated in.

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From May to June at Murodo, if you are lucky enough, you may spot Raicho or Ptarmigan which is the ancient bird surviving from the ice age.

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MACAU’ S 5 BE ST RE STAU RANTS 1. PORTOFINO AT THE VENETIAN MACAU This spacious two-storey Italian restaurant at The Venetian Macao provides the ideal venue for a casual dining experience.

Portofino offers both traditional and modern reinterpretations of classic Italian dishes on their menu. Divided into sections that include hot and cold appetisers, salads and soups, pastas, pizzas, and meats straight from the grills, diners have their pick of all things Italian. A restaurant signature is the classic bufala alla pizzaiola, which pairs buffalo mozzarella with capers that add a touch of brininess. The fresh heirloom tomatoes in the dish provide a good contrast to the cheese. Filled with slow-braised beef, the homemade ravioli di carne presents delightful bite-sized parcels of pasta, although we felt that the meat could have used a little more seasoning to bring out the flavours in the dish. The meal would not be complete without sampling one of the pizzas on offer, and the Parma prosciutto pizza did not disappoint.

Presentation is kept simple, but this design allows the quality ingredients to Location stand out, including Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Parma ham, buffalo Esperanca, Macao mozzarella, rocket www.venetianmacao.com and pesto.

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DINING IN STYLE

2. THE APRON AT GALAXY MACAU A new oyster bar, The Apron, has opened at Galaxy Macau, offering an array of jet fresh oysters and signature delicacies ideal for corporate meetings and gatherings.

The Apron focuses on seasonal highquality ingredients, hand-selected for their provenance and sustainability. The restaurant’s premium oysters, chosen from across the globe, include David Herve and d’Isigny from France, and Irish Rock North West Coast County Donegal from Ireland, all served with delicious housemade sauces. The eatery also serves dry-aged in-house beef, selected from farms committed to the quality and care of their farm-to-fork operation, such as coastal rye grass fed Angus from Wakanui, New Zealand, and award-winning Kobe Wagyu from Darling Downs, Australia. Signature dishes on the a la carte menu include Atlantic salmon, Iberico acorn fed pork, and French salt marsh chicken, served with a selection of salads and sides.

Location Galaxy Macao™, COTAI, Macao www.galaxymacao.com

3. WING LEI PALACE AT WYNN PALACE Extraordinary Cantonese fine-dining fare is presented amid a breathtaking palatial setting that honors both cultural traditions and the beauty of China. Your senses will come alive the moment you enter Wing Lei Palace via a lush floral garden featuring 2,880 roses, 720 hydrangeas, 1,680 orchids and five other varieties of exotic blooms. This sets the stage for the drama that awaits, a spectacular three-tiered gold and jewel-toned dining room steeped in splendor; the multileveled room also affords heartstopping views of Wynn Palace’s magnificent Performance Lake. The grandeur of Wing

Lei Palace is rivaled only by the excellence of its cuisine and service. Seasonal menus include celebrated favorites like Wok-Fried Sliced Duck, Braised Whole Fresh Abalone in Oyster Sauce, and Barbecued Suckling Pig. Dishes are complimented by an impressive selection of 50 specialty teas curated by Wynn Palace’s Master Tea Sommelier, while each meal begins with a Welcome Tea and ends with a Digestive Tea. Ultimately, your experience at Wing Lei Palace is Location designed Avenida Da Nave as a feast Desportiva, Cotai, Macau for all the www.wynnpalace.com senses.

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4. DYNASTY 8 AT CONRAD MACAO, COTAI CENTRAL Dynasty 8 in Cotai offers guests a luxurious dining experience, featuring classic authentic high-end Chinese cuisine. Inspiration from the eight Chinese dynasties is reflected in its décor, which exudes luxury and evokes feelings of old-world China charm. Guests can opt to have their meal in the main dining room, or make reservations for one of the eight private dining rooms, which have been richly decorated, each reflecting a style of a different dynasty. The menu is divided into different regions of the country, offering Cantonese, Shanghai, Sichuan, Beijing, Chiu Chow and Macau dishes. A restaurant signature, the crisp-fried crab claw with five spices and garlic pepper is de-shelled for easy eating, and covered with a generous helping of fried garlic. The braised pork ball stuffed Location with diced abalone with superior chicken and oyster sauce, although Conrad Macao, Cotai cooked well, was one-note in terms of flavour. The fried red rice with Central, Estrada do Istmo. s/n, Cotai, Macao sweet corn, dried turnip, spring onion and pine nuts is satisfying and www.conradmacao.com filling without being too greasy, with each grain yielding a springy bite.

5. LE CHINOIS AT SOFITEL MACAU AT PONTE 16 The Sofitel brand’s French heritage extends even to its signature Chinese restaurant, which blends Chinoiserie elements with European elegance. Dark wood furnishings are paired with silky fabrics, while cotemporary geometric light fixtures contrast with the striking displays of rose-red oriental vases that cut up sections of the room. Classic Cantonese dishes with a few instances of French fancy form the menu at Le Chinois, and the house signatures offer glimpses into the chef’s creative mind. A traditional Hakka dish of braised pork belly with preserved vegetables is here transformed into a vegetarian-friendly rendition, where the slabs of fatty swine are replaced by thick slices of braised winter melon. It looks very much like the original, but falls short of the real thing– the melon is a bland vegetable, and it needed a far more intense braising sauce to imbue it with enough flavour. Another signature, a “chef special kung fu soup”, features a broth flavoured with pork and cordyceps, served in a teapot with a tiny Location cup and is tinged with Rua do Visconde Paco de Arcos, Macau a natural sweetness www.sofitelmacau.com from goji berries.

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RECOMMENDED STAY IN MACAU

MUST KNOW

Book direct on our official website and enter preferential code DIR3D to enjoy 20% OFF your room booking with two Ponte 16 3D World tickets!

Enter MODIR to enjoy 10% OFF your room booking with Free Breakfast Buffet! Offer lasts till 31 Dec, 2017.

SOFITEL MACAU AT PONTE 16 Step into Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16, a world of sophisticated elegance in the heart of Macau’s UNESCO-listed historic center. This luxury hotel combines French art de recevoir with touches of Chinese architecture and opulence to envelop you in the city’s unique blend of East and West. Wake up to breathtaking views of the Pearl River delta, find yourself transported by an afternoon of pampering at So SPA, and embrace the art of fine dining at one of our gourmet restaurants. The hotel’s dedicated concierge offers you the key to the best of Macau, from glamorous Portuguese architecture to colonial heritage sites.

Location Rua do Visconde Paço de Arcos, Macau Tel: +853 8861 0016 E-mail: H6480-fo9@ sofitel.com www.sofitelmacau.com

ALL DINING OPTIONS MISTRAL RESTAURANT With an al fresco dining environment overlooking Pearl River Delta, Mistral restaurant provides the perfect setting for the special tastes offered in the contemporary buffet lines and a la carte choices. The French savoir-faire is showcased with the unparalleled quality and variety of food on offer. Daily buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. à la carte menu available from 7am – 10pm.

PRIVÉ FRENCH RESTAURANT Upscale boutique French restaurant serving exceptional menus include a variety of seasonal à la carte dishes which are enhanced by a selection of tasting menus. Privé offers spectacular views of the old city and the historic sites of Macau, with an intimate space that allows for exceptional private dining. It opens 5 days a week Tuesday through Saturday from 6pm to 10pm.

SO SPA So SPA features 6 treatment suites with built-in private shower and changing areas, where natural design elements evoke the idyll of rural Provence. Honey-colored wood, carved floral ceilings and pebbledashed marble all add to the atmosphere of rustic tranquillity

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OUT OF ASIA

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Road to

NAMIBIA

WHERE YOU’VE BEEN AND WHAT YOU’VE SEEN IN AFRICA

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O

f all the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, Namibia is arguably the most comprehensively touristfriendly. Home to proud tribes steeped in tradition, herds of rare desert-dwelling elephants, wild horses and massive colonies of seals, Namibia showcases the very best of Africa’s raw landscapes.

From quaint German-inspired towns to uninhabitable deserts, bushland filled with wildlife and a rocky coastline littered with shipwrecks, Namibia’s untamed charm is compelling, captivating and cameraworthy.

TO SEE WILD ANIMALS AT ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK Etosha National Park is unique in Africa.

The park’s main characteristic is a salt pan so large it can be seen from space. Yet there is abundant wildlife that congregates around the waterholes, giving you almost guaranteed game sightings. At the same time Etosha National Park is one of the most accessible game reserves in Namibia and Southern Africa. The large mammals in Etosha National Park include lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, cheetah, hyena, mountain and plains zebra, springbok, kudu, gemsbok and eland. Among the smaller species you will find jackal, bat-eared fox, warthog, honey badger and ground squirrel. During the dry 86 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

season, the numerous waterholes scattered around the park are the best place to see animals but during the rainy season they disperse all over the park to temporary water sources and to feast on the abundant vegetation which pops up after the rains.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP THROUGH ETOSHA Etosha National Park has 6 camps which are available to the public. The most famous and oldest camps are Okaukuejo in the South (Andersson’s Gate), Halali (which is situated between Okaukeujo and Namutoni), Namutoni and Onkoshi which are located on the North Eastern side of the park (Von Lindguist Gate). In the Western part of the park you have Dolomite camp and the newest camp Olifantsrus, which only has camping facilities. Planning your trip can be challenging at times, especially for those who are visiting the park for the first time.

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Dead Camelthorn Trees against red dunes and blue sky in Deadvlei, Sossusvlei

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Must Know

ROAD AROUND NAMIBIA’S SOSSUSVLEI Situated in the largest conservation area in Africa (the Namib-Naukluft National Park), Sossusvlei is possibly Namibia’s most spectacular and best-known attraction.

Characterised by the large red dunes that surround it, Sossusvlei is a large, white, salt and clay pan and is a great destination all year round. The dunes in this area are some of the highest in the world, reaching almost 400 meters, and provide photographic enthusiasts with wonderful images in the beautiful morning and evening light. Here are the Top 3 places you should visit during your Sossusvlei trip;

1. DUNE 45 Dune 45 is the most popular viewpoint for tourists in the area and its fascinating shape and accessibility makes it the most photographed dune in the world. It is situated 45km from the gate, hence its name, and is easily reached using a 2×4 vehicle. Visitors are allowed to climb Dune 45, so be sure to visit early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the vlei from the top of the Dune. The Dune is 85 meters high and the incredible panoramic view of Dune Valley from the top is well worth the climb. In the morning and evening light the floor of the pan is truly a sight to behold.

Admission Fee: SADC Resident N$60 / person and Car Rental N$10 1N$ = 2.51 THB

2. BIG DADDY Big Daddy, as the name implies, is the tallest dune in the area. At 325 meters tall, this monolithic dune dwarfs the dunes surrounding it. Should you want the ultimate bragging rights, trek to the top of Big Daddy where you can look down onto Deadvlei. Big Daddy is situated between Sossusvlei and Deadvlei.

3. DEADVLEI Not far from Sossusvlei, Deadvlei is well known for its dark, dead camel thorn trees contrasted against the white pan floor.

Hundreds of years ago the Tsauchab River flooded the pan and the abundance of water allowed the camel thorn trees to grow. However, the climate changed and the sand dunes encroached on the pan, blocking the river from reaching the area. Estimated to be approximately 900 years old, the dead trees have not decomposed due to the dry climate in the area. Photographers should not miss the opportunity to visit Deadvlei as the contrast between the pitch-black trees and bleached-white pans, and the rustyred dunes and deep blue sky make for incredible images.

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A NIMMANHAEMIN SURVIVOR, WARMUP HAS BEEN ATTRACTING A YOUNG, TRENDY AND BEAUTIFUL CROWD AS THE EVENING WEARS ON. THE CALL FOR ENTRIES IN ON. WWW.WARMUPCAFE1999.COM 90 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

CHINA WORLD

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ombining fresh sea air and dashing good looks, Qingdao - the name means ‘Green Island’ - is a rare modern city that has managed to preserve some of its past while angling a dazzling modern face to the future. Its blend of concession-era and modern architecture puts China’s standard white-tile and blue-glass developments to shame. The winding cobbled streets, historic German architecture and redcapped hillside villas are captivating and there’s so much to enjoy in the city’s diverse food scene, headlined by the ubiquitous home town beer Tsingtao. Meanwhile, the seaside aspect keeps the town cooler than the inland swelter zones during summer, and slightly warmer in winter.

ZHANSHAN TEMPLE

Qingdao’s Zhanshan Temple makes for a great peaceful retreat from the buzz of downtown. Zhanshan Temple is China’s youngest temple constructed within the Tiantai sect of Buddhism (China’s oldest homegrown sect of Buddhism).

Construction of the main hall, several traditional style temples and the 7-tiered tower began in 1933 and was not finished until 1945. Recently, the cranes and power tools have reincarnated and several new temples and a large ostentatious bell-tower have popped up within the premises over the last years. Located near the entrance

Must Know If you want to get inside the temple complex it will cost you 10 RMB, and it’s open 8:00 am 4:30 pm.

are a pair of stone lions dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In the early 20th century, supposedly some Germans constructing the Jiaoji Railway looted them from a wealthy landowner’s home in modern day Qingzhou (just west of Qingdao) and brought them to Qingdao.

After the German colonial era they were donated to Zhanshan Temple, greatly damaged during the Cultural Revolution, and restored in the 1980’s. Grab some incense and enter through the south gate on Zhiquan Lu for a free peak of the main tower and a lotus pond containing a large Bodhisattva sculpture.

Location 2 Zhiquan Rd, Shinan Qu, Qingdao Shi, Shandong Sheng, China

QINGDAO BEER MUSEUM

Qingdao Beer Museum, which lies on the old site of the Tsingtao Brewery Company, which is a world-famous manufacturing enterprise special in brewing. German Beer Company Qingdao Branch established in 1903, China’s first brewing factory that built with European technology was the predecessor of the Tsingtao Brewery 92 NOW TRAVEL ASIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Company. At present, the museum owns 55 brewing factories and malt factories in 18 cities and provinces in China. The one-hundred-year old Tsingtao Beer has created its own history and culture. Qingdao Beer Museum is the first one of its kind in China, the construction of the museum provides a spectacular showcase for the local beer to oversea visitors, and has become the pride of the local people. In the manufacturing and technology area, the historic buildings, facilities and the original workshops and scenes of production brings the museum to life. Brewing ingredients like barley, brown malt and hops are also on display. Sculptures of staff in the workplace vividly represent the making process. The first floor of this multi-functional space can comfortably accommodate more than 100 visitors, providing both wine-tasting and shopping opportunities. Visitors can also sample the various freshly brewed beers and buy a great variety of souvenirs.

Admission Fee May to October: 60 RMB November to April: 50 RMB Location No.56, Dengzhou Road, China

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LAOSHAN MOUNTAIN

With its religious position in China natural spot, Mt. Laoshan is located by the seaside of East China Sea along the coastline, about 40 kilometers from downtown Qingdao. It is called the No.1 religious mountain because Mt. Laoshan is one of the “Cradles of Taoism”. At the peak of Taoism, there were nine palaces, eight Taoist temples, and 72 nunneries that housed nearly 1,000 Taoist priests and nuns on the mountain. At present, the Taiqing Palace is the largest and oldest among the preserved Taoist establishments. The natural scenery also makes Mt. Laoshan as a perfect place for sightseeing, holidays, recreation, recuperation as well as cultural and patriotism activities. Towering cliff, deep abyss and rocks of untold shapes are so common in Laoshan that they can be seen everywhere. To top all this, the internationally - marketed Tsingtao beer is brewed using the water at Laoshan. Mt. Laoshan is known for its oddly shaped rocks, ancient trees, and crystal-clear springs. Among the most famous springs are the Tianyi Spring on the mountaintop, the Shenshui (Immortal Water) Spring in the Taiqing Palace, and the Shengshuiyang (Ocean of Holy Water) Spring in the Shangqing Palace. People say the mineral water produced here can cure chronic diseases.

Location Laoshan District, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.

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MAY FOURTH SQUARE

St. Michael’s Cathedral, a Catholic Protestant Church located on ZheJiang Road in Qingdao Old Town, was erected by the Divine Word Missionaries in 1934.

The main entrance is centered on the south side of the building facing Qingdao Bay. The Catholic Church is imposingly and elegantly built with yellow granites and reinforced concrete, with concise and graceful patterns carved on the wall surface. Windows are of solemn and simplicity which are designed in semi-circle arch with simple lines. Above the gate is a huge rose window, and on two sides are two bell towers, on each of the red tile-covered cone spires is a 4.5-meter-high cross. Each tower is 56 meters high, with 4 bells hanging inside. Entering the church, it is a spacious hall which is 18 meters high and can hold 1000 people each time. On the corridors on two sides of the hall are two big altars and four small altars. The dome of the church is dignifiedly painted icons, and dazzling lights brimming with strong religious atmosphere.

May Fourth Square is a large public square in Qingdao’s central business district. It is located between the new municipal government building and Fushan Bay and is composed of Shizhengting Square, the central square and the coastal park.

Named after the nationwide protest May Fourth Movement that started in Qingdao, the square is best recognized by the large “May Wind” (Wuyue Feng) sculpture near the seaside. The square is a popular tourist destination, and is bordered by the city government to the north, the sea to the south, and residential and commercial buildings on either side. On pleasant days May Fourth Square fills with young couples on the ground and kites in the air. May 4th Square is very popular as a leisure venue amongst both locals and visitors. On pleasant days, many young couples can be seen at the square, along with children flying kites. In the southern section of the square in the Fushan Bay area, you will find China’s highest fountain.

The urban area surrounding the square has developed into Qingdao’s economic, political, cultural and financial centre.

You will see commercial trade centres, insurance and finance centres, as well as recreational sites. Qingdao hotels such as the Copthorne Hotel Qingdao offer easy access to these attractions.

Location No.15 Zhejiang Road, Shinan District, Qingdao City, Shandong, China

Location Donghai W Rd, DongBu ShangQuan, Shinan Qu, Qingdao Shi, Shandong Sheng, China

ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH

The castle under a stormy sky in summer,Qingdao

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