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contents
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Get away from it all and explore, Asia's Ultimate Beach Top 5 Destinations
Maldives, Bali, Phuket Hua Hin, and Koh Chang These are our recommended lists for your beach hideaways, where fine dining combines with a casual Oceanside ambiance to provide you with an unforgettable vacation.
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Explore the Magic of Winter in Hokkaido Fly over Japan's northernmost island,
explored a frozen winter world and the highlight of the city, Sapporo Winter Festival 2011 that springs the city into life in February before the tragic Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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contents 102
A Journey to Tehran, the Heart of Persia
Visit Iran’s top 3 cities; Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan. Exploring the relationship among history, poetry and politics. Learned how to do, and where to go in the Persian Cultural Capital, City of roses, City of gardens, City of flower and nightingale.
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Street Food in Bangkok
Try the Finest Street Food on Earth in Bangkok. Taste the local flavours in the capital city of Bangkok in 3 destination routes; Prang Phutorn Road, Bang Lamphu, and Pahurat.
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Hotel Reviews
Our choices of valuable hotel information for your next stay beach vacations in Thailand.
128 Spa Guide
CHI Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai and SPA Cenvaree at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya.
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Golf Time
Golfing in the Most Distinctive Karst Landform at Stoneforest International Country Club,
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Editor’s talk ON THE COVER Scence from Maldive
S
ummer is one of the best time to get out. The weather’s glorious, the flowers are blooming, and nature awakes and stretches itself into life and vitality. For most countries in Asia, winter is gradually fading and the warmth of summer will soon nestle up, luring us out into the open for fun under the sun once again. This summer, we would like to get cosy beyond the season, as summer escapades are planned, NOW Travel Asia Magazine brings you to the beach destinations, our choice of the best beach hideaways in Bali, Maldives, Phuket, Hua Hin and Koh Chang in Thailand. For urbanites who can’t get enough of the city, try out some of the finest street food on earth in Bangkok’s 3 destination routes; Prang Phutorn Road, Bang Lamphu, and Pahurat. Or if nature is the way to go, Hokkaido’s Sapporo Winter Festival 2011 will keep you interested. We visited the city in the early of February before the tragic Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. I can only imagine how difficult things are right now for the Japanese people. Smile of guest tourists would give courage and hope to Japanese people. And if you are into art and culture, the architectural beauty of Tehran, Iran, is ready to charm you and sweep you off your feet. For your relaxation, we search for inner tranquility in our piece ‘From Within’, where wellness takes center stage and we learn, simply, that we must slow down, take a break at our Spa Guide column. And for those who are not ready to go anywhere just yet, if you subscribe to 2 Year (12 issues) of NOW Travel Asia Magazine, there’s good news for you! Our members get a chance to win a big surprise hideaway package for two. The one lucky privileged winner gets a complimentary Exclusive Wellness Package at Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket, including Two-night accommodation in Hill Pool Villa worth 32,000 Baht. The results for the contest will be announced on our website www.nowtravelasia.com, in July 1, 2011.
Enjoy your travels in the hot season. And watch out for our next issue, design hotels in Asia. Supote Sitthiwong Editor-in-Chief
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owner art director lime asia media inc. ketsaraporn inthana jurairat panya publisher kenneth s. wong marketing department haruthai pathompongphan editorial director kamonthip wacharaamornsak suwalee siriphan tanwarat pratheepthong editor-in-chief accounting department supote sitthiwong nattamon sitthiwong secretary to editor-in-chief sirirat kampichai editorial officer komsun ay-jaroen
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tech traveler
5 BENEFITS FOR iPad 2: TOP BUSINESS TRAVELERS Apple's new second-gen iPad, isn't a dramatic upgrade to the original tablet, but it has some distinctly useful new features for travellers. Best Digital Camera for Travel Powerful camera with GPS The Fujifilm FinePix XP30 is claimed to be the world’s first water, shock, dust and freeze-proof digital camera to feature a built-in GPS Geo-tagging functionality. Both cameras have a 14-megaPixel CCD sensor, a 2.7inch anti-reflective, high-contrast LCD for better viewing in bright sunlight and a high-precision, FUJINON 5x wide angle refractive optical zoom lens with a reinforced hardened glass lens barrier. XP30 comes in black, green and orange, XP20 comes in black, blue, green and orange.
Easier presentations on projectors/TVs The "video mirroring" feature being introduced in iPad 2 will allow much more straightforward presentation of what you see on the iPad screen, simply replicated on the external screen.
The new iPad introduction of a front-facing camera for Apple’s FaceTime video chat, and a rear-facing camera for use with augmented reality apps, or simply taking photos and video with a huge 25cm viewfinder. Front and rear cameras
Better performance with maps on the go The first generation iPad had some of that technology, but the new model also gets a three-axis gyrometer, which allows rapid tracking of movement in all directions.This will be particularly helpful for ‘augmented reality’ apps which let you hold the iPad up and see pointers to interesting places nearby.
Apple now offers an iPad-to-HDMI connector that allows the iPad to be connected digitally to a flat-panel TV, for big-screen movie and TV show playback. Hook it up to your hotel TV to play movies
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17 MAY/JUNE 2011 For more information Please Call +66 (0)2790 8000
what’s now
Emirates Boosts South African Services with Second Daily Flight to Cape Town Starting on the 27th March, Emirates will fly non-stop twice a day to Cape Town. The new service will be operated by an Airbus 340-500 aircraft in a three-class configuration, providing 12 luxurious First Class private suites, 42 angled lie-flat beds in Business and 204 generously-sized Economy Class seats. Flight EK772 will depart Dubai
(DXB) at 03:50, arriving in Cape Town (CPT) at 11:40 the same day. EK773 leaves Cape Town at 13:40 and arrives in Dubai at 01:15 the following day, connecting seamlessly to key centres in Europe, the Middle East, the Indian Sub-continent, Asia and the Far East. www.emirates.com Tel. +66 2 664 1040
Thai Residence Weekend Package at The Sukhothai Bangkok Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence with The Sukhothai Bangkok with the best offer ‘Thai Residence Weekend Package’ from now until 30 November 2011. Thai Residence Weekend Package at Baht 5,500 net per room per night for single or double occupancy in the Superior Room or Baht 6,500 net in Deluxe Studio includes daily buffet breakfast at Colonnade restaurant, complimentary high speed broadband and Wi-Fi Internet access, complimentary one welcome standard brand drink at The Zuk Bar and a choice of either Chocolate Buffet for two persons at the Lobby Salon (Friday – Sunday, 14.00 – 17.30) or ‘Krawaan’ Thai set lunch or dinner (food only) for two persons at Celadon restaurant. Tel. +66 2 344 8888 www.sukhothai.com
ETIHAD Celebrated Seventh Anniversary of Service to Thailand Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates marked its seventh year of service to the Thai capital of Bangkok with a visit by the airline’s CEO, James Hogan, and the launch of a new Thai-language website.Tel. +66 2 260 5820 www.etihadairways.com
Sivatel Grand Opening Celebration Sivatel Tower is ready for the Grand Opening. The celebration took place on the 8th floor, outdoor by the infinity swimming pool where guests could enjoy food and drinks, music and entertainment. It was also an Open House where guests could visit various outlets of the hotel namely ‘The Porch’ fine-dining restaurant and the ‘Eight Spa’ for instance.Memorable not just for the evening but for many times to come as guests departed happy with gift-vouchers to come back and use at The Sivatel Bangkok. Tel. +66-2 309-5000 E-mail: ornmanee@sivatelbangkok.com
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what’s now Hotel Muse Music Collection Volume 1: Before Dawn Launch Party The CEO of Fico Group of Companies, Krit Srichawla, recently held a launch party of ‘Hotel Muse Music Collection Volume 1: Before Dawn’ at The Eugenia Hotel, Sukhumvit 31 in order to introduce Hotel Muse to the society during the Hotel’s pre-opening period. Music collection sets were purchased by various celebrities and all proceeds went to Fico Pattana Foundation. Tel. +66 2 630 4000
Novotel Silom Presents an Exceptional Seafood Buffet at Uncommonly Attractive Prices. From 1 June every Friday a nd Saturday night guests can enjoy a fantastic seafood buffet at only THB 760++ for adults and THB 380++ for children ages five to 11. Buffet highlights include New Zealand mussels, Alaskan king crab, sea bass and freshly shucked French oysters flown in directly from Paris’s Rungis Market. Other treats include herb-infused rock lobster, tiger prawns, poached blue shell crabs, seafood skewers and pan-seared John Dory with caper sauce. For reservations, Tel. +66 2 206 9100 E-mail: h7172-fb2@accor.com www.novotelbangkoksilom.com
Thermal Sauna at Aisawan Spa Sit back, relax and treat yourself with the pampering you deserve with the Steam, Sauna and Jacuzzi package at the Aisawan Spa of the Pullman Pattaya Aisawan. Enjoy a warm and rejuvenating soak in the bubbles of our spa pool, breathe easier with invigorating steam and feel the heat ease the impurities out of your body in the sauna room. Tel. +66 38 411 940-8 to reserve your package today at just Baht 200/hr, Baht 500/day or Baht 2,000/ week for unlimited use www.pullmanhotels.com
Spider-Man Climbs up to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Madame Tussauds Hong Kong has unveiled the wax figure of web-slinging hero Spider-Man to add an atmosphere of heroic adventure to the attraction. This first superhero wax figure ever introduced to the museum will be permanently displayed in the World Premiere zone at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is located on P1 floor of the Peak Tower. Open daily from 10.00 – 22.00 www. madametussauds.com/hongkong
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what’s now 007 Night at Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai The world of international mystery and intrigue took over Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai on 1 April at 007 Night. It’s was the latest in the luxury resort’s popular theme party evenings, following on from the successful Bollywood and Cuban parties. A fantastic evening of music, great cuisine and plenty of fun and charity events, Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi have rising money to donate for the earthquake victims in Japan. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai Tel. +66 53 888 888 www.mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai
Aloft Announces the Top Five Finalists For its ‘ALOFT DECADENT DJ SEARCH COMPETITION’ to Discover the Savviest Musical Mix Masters Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11 has chosen five finalists for the final round of voting for its ‘ALOFT DECADENT DJ SEARCH’ challenge to create cutting-edge music for Aloft Bangkok - Sukhumvit 11. The 5 finalists are; 1. DJ Akaradace 2. DJ Bubblefunk 3. DJ Butung 4. DJ Mode Van 5. DJ Morphelius Aloft invites you to take part in this groovy competition by voting for your favourite tunes. Every month during the “Top 5 Finalists Vote” there will be a lucky draw prize for voters to win. http://aloftbangkok-sukhumvit11decadentdjsearch.tk
Introducing a Brand New Signature in Hospitality - Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces announced the second phase of their brand architecture exercise with the roll-over of 19 hotels to their new brand, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts, slotted in the 5-Star Upper Upscale segment. Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts are slated to appeal to the cosmopolitan global traveler who appreciates new experiences and pleasant surprises. The Vivanta brand is positioned to be stylish and sophisticated, contemporary, vivid and creative and to afford a cool avatar of luxury.
Sax Sensation: Tony Lakatos with the David Gomes Trio featuring Shawn Kelley at The Living Room Masterful saxophonist, Tony Lakatos blows into town from May 20- June 5, 2011 for a much anticipated session at The Living Room. Catch sax sensation, Tony Lakatos at The Living Room from 21.30 hours onwards, Tuesday-Saturday, May 20-June 5 June, 2011. A cover charge of Baht 950 is charged, which entitles one to two standard drinks. He will also add his inimitable touch to the band at the Sunday Jazzy Brunch on May 22nd, May 29th and June 4th. The gourmet brunch is from 12.00 – 15.00 hours and priced at Baht 2,350 per adult and Baht 1,200 per child. Advanced booking is highly recommended. Tel. +66 2 6498353 www.eatdrinkandmore.com/bangkok
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cover story
26 maldive
Luxury at Whisper Level
38 bali
The Island of GOD
50 phuket
A city of Crystal Mountain
72 hua hin
Elegance and Serenity Between the Moutains and the Sea
86 koh chang
The Most Beautiful Shallow Coral Reef in Thailand
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View from Angsana Velavaru Maldive
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To many travelers, the Maldives have long been synonymous with paradise. Whether you’re a honeymooner, scuba diver, or sun-seeking beach lover, Maldives will always be a welcoming place for anyone who visits its beautiful, warm turquoise waters and lush tropical islands. With its picture-perfect scenery, it’s no wonder that this tiny Indian Ocean archipelago has stood out as the ultimate in luxury holiday destinations and there is only one resort on each tourist island.
L u x u r y a t Whisper Level NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Maldives
T
he Maldives, sitting in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is a nation of more than 1,200 coral islands. There are 26 natural atolls in Maldives, most of them uninhabited, with the biggest concentration of resorts on Malé (Kaafu) Atoll, and a few other on Vaavu, Baa and Lhaviyani. Alifu (Ari) Atoll has been declared the new Tourism Zone of the Maldives, and the area has undergone recent construction to upgrade and build new resorts for the nation’s thriving tourism industry. Instead, travelers head straight for exclusive island resorts located on islands all over the country, where various luxuries and amenities compete for attention with a brilliant transparent underwater world. Maldives holidays are Sights to see quiet and private, with long lazy days filled by While Maldives is famed for its beach, sun and surf, there are also various historical lounging in the sun, monuments and exceptional cultural swimming, sunset relics worth checking out. The Hukuru drinks and the gentle Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque), located in the rhythms of the waves capital of Maldives, is the oldest mosque merging with the tunes in the country, dating back to 1656. The of local music. The exterior of the property does not look very Maldives deserve the attractive, but the interior is superb and attention of anyone famed for its elaborate woodcarvings. looking for a uniquely indulgent break, with The small National Museum, a three-storey breathtaking scenery building in one corner of the Sultan’s Park, and sheer luxury that is also worth a visit. This is the only remaining part of the original sultan’s stays with you long palace, and it hosts a large collection of after your holiday has historical artifacts depicting the history ended.
and rich cultural heritage of the country.
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Two Bedroom Water Suite Deck at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
Honeymoon and Romance The Maldives is the perfect setting for an intimate, secluded, private and most importantly, beautiful honeymoon or romantic interlude. The Maldives have plenty of options for newlyweds to choose from, whether it’s a luxury resort island or a private water bungalow. One common thread, however, will be the seclusion and privacy that you will experience in your celebration of love.
Dine under the stars with the sand beneath your toes and the rhythms of the sea in the backdrop. Head to a nearby-uninhabited island and enjoy it all by yourselves for the whole day. Laze around in your private villa as you enjoy a spa treatment right inside the room.
The amazingly romantic and beautiful atmosphere will leave you yearning for more.
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Maldives l where to stay Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa The Idyllic Archipelago of the Maldives Taken from a Sanskrit word that means 'without end', Anantara Maldives is surrounded by the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, offering an endless horizon of aquatic allure. The resort has 68 deluxe beachfront villas, two deluxe beachfront pool villas, 38 deluxe over water suites and two deluxe over-water pool suites all set around a natural, private lagoon. In the villas, the focal point of every suite is its king-sized bed featuring a sensually draped net canopy. Each bed is specially positioned to take in the magnificent ocean view. Eye-catching artwork including reproductions of historic Maldivian black and white prints, pay tribute to the country’s history and heritage. The resort’s public areas showcase recycled wood or plantation teak furniture and specially woven fabrics with sheen of silk. Driftwood has been carefully selected for their gnarled and weathered shapes appear as eye-catching sculptures throughout the resort. (P.O. Box 2014 Dhigufinolhu, South Male Atoll, Male, Republic of Maldives Tel. +960 664 4100 www.dhigu-maldives.anantara.com)
Angsana Velavaru The island resort rests on the virtually untouched South Nilandhe Atoll. Angsana Velavaru offers 79 individual villas with direct beach frontage to the sparkling shores of the spectacular Indian Ocean. The newly 33 InOcean
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Villas (IOV) are the first standalone collection of water villas in the Maldives, located one kilometre from the main island of Velavaru. Each thatched-roof beachfront villa is charmingly decorated with Australian artist Christopher Hogan’s Reef Series artwork of abstract marine life, bringing a little of nature into your tranquil space. All of the two-storey IOV offer a sun deck with a hammock over water, a private infinity pool, and a seamless sense of place with the deliberate use of sliding glass doors and windows. The Premier and Sanctuary IOVs also feature an extended deck with a Thai sala pavilion, plus easy access into the shallow lagoon for avid snorkelers. (South Nilandhe Atoll (Dhaalu Atoll), Republic of Maldives Tel. +960 676 0028 www.angsana.com)
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Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives The Perfect Retreat for Guests Seeking Peace and Solitude
Anantara Veli Resort & Spa The Ultimate Romantic Getaway Here, couples can unwind on endless white sand beaches, palm-fringed islands and pristine coral reefs and find the true meaning of tranquillity. Anantara Veli is located on Veligandu, an island with mature tropical forest and sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean. The resort offers the luxury of time to contemplate the beauty of the Maldivian light as it evolves from morning glow to evening dusk - bathing the coconut thatched roofs in subtly-changing hues, and glittering off the clear waters just beneath the private bungalows. The marvels of nature are complemented by the chic simplicity of the design, and the idyllic seclusion is balanced by all modern conveniences one would expect of a luxury resort. Anantara Veli features 36 Over-Water Bungalows and 14 Deluxe Over-Water Bungalows that are just a few metres from the clear waters that are home to lush coral gardens. Each Over-Water Bungalow has a contemporary design with local Maldivian touches including hardwood flooring and a coconut thatch roof. Maldivian fabrics NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Set on a white sandy beach and designed in a colonial style with whitewashed timber buildings and meandering boardwalks that lead to the guest accommodation, restaurants and other facilities, the resort offers both beachside and over-water accommodation. There is a choice of 112 suites and villas suitable for individual travellers, honeymoon couples and family groups. All guestrooms have separate bedroom and living room, large private terrace, indoor and outdoor showers, and all the amenities of a premier beach resort. The resort features a variety of dining options, pools, recreation activities, sports and fitness facilities, a bar and lounge with nightly entertainment, a SPA Cenvaree, and a Kids’ Club. Some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving sites are within easy reach of the resort and there is a house reef complete with a dedicated sunken ship wreck. (Centara Grand Island, South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives Tel. +960 668 8000 www.centarahotelsresorts.com) stretch across the bed, tropical flowers and jasmine scents float through the elegant bathroom. The private sun terrace offers views of coral garden and easy access to the gentle waters of the lagoon. (P.O. Box 2014 Veligandu, South Male Atoll, Male, Republic of Maldives Tel. 960 664 4100 www.veli-maldives.anantara.com)
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Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru Revealing the Island’s raw Beauty in Tantalizing Instalments The Resort’s design is a pure expression of function over form, characterised by clean lines and lack of unnecessary elaboration, curves, carvings, or decoration. The pure appearance is complemented by the very deliberate orientation of each building; cutthroughs in the vegetation, ‘picture’ frames created by cross beams, extremely private gardens, tall ceilings and seemingly endless jungle paths, that each combine to reveal the raw beauty of the island in tantalising instalments. The airy buildings each adhere to regional styles, from the 45 degree pitch of the high thatched roofs to the use of coral walls. (Four Seasons received approval from the Maldivian Government to recycle the coral used from a redevelopment project and painstakingly revived the ancient Maldivian building techniques on the external walls of the villas.) Entry to each residential domain is via its own turquoise gate with traditional coral walls and lush vegetation providing maximum privacy. (Baa Atoll, Republic of Maldives Tel. +960 66 00 888 www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg)
Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa Exclusive Private Hideaway Engage in exhilarating activities from surfing to shark safaris, dolphin, watching to diving. Sail by dhoni to The Island Spa, the only spa in the Maldives on its own private isle. Retreat to beach accommodations surrounded by tropical blooms or water bungalows with mesmerising ocean views. Traditionally styled accommodations flank the island, either side of a wide garden promenade filled with bright, fragrant flowers. Architectural detailing including decorative lattice panels, curved roof shapes and carved roof features is inspired by Maldivian forms and draws on the traditions of generations of craftsmen. A generous use of timber and thatch complements the natural surroundings, with subtly raised floors maximizing the sea views throughout the island. All en-suite bathrooms integrate an indoor bath and shower area with a Maldivian open‐air shower set in the exotic confines of its own walled garden. (North Malé Atoll, Republic of Maldives Tel. +960 66 44 888 www.fourseasons. com/maldiveskh)
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Others Recommended Accommodations in Maldives Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives Ihuru North Malé Atoll
www.angsana.com
Banyan Tree Maldives Madivaru Ethere Madivaru, North Ari Atoll www.banyantree.com/madivaru
Baros North Malé Atoll, Maldives
www.baros.com
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives South Ari Atoll
www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Cocoa Island South Malé Atoll www.cocoaisland.como.bz
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Rangali Island http://conradhotels1.hilton.com
Diva Didhoonolhu www.atollparadise.com Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru Baa Atoll
www.fourseasons.com/maldiveslg
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa Kuda Huraa www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh
Huvafen Fushi North Malé Atoll http://huvafenfushi.peraquum.com
Naladhu Veligandhu Huraa,
South Malé Atoll www.naladhu.com
Kanuhura Ihayivani Atoll
www.kanuhura.com
One & Only Reethi Rah North Malé Atoll http://reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com
Soneva Fushi Resort Kunfunadhoo Island, Baa Atoll www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi
Soneva Gili Resort And Spa Lankanfushi Lagoon www.sixsenses.com/Soneva-Gili
Taj Exotica Resort And Spa South Male Atoll
www.tajhotels.com
W Retreat & Spa Maldives Fesdu Island, North
Ari Atoll www.wretreatmaldives.us
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Maldives l where to eat Italian Terrazzo At Terrazzo, guests can enjoy Italian bistro specialities for dinner accompanied by a choice of boutique wines from within the restaurant’s well-stocked, transparent wine cellar. There is seating for 30 guests on Local Dishes hefty, high back rattan dining Fish and rice are the chairs at antique teak tables. The ambiance is intimate with staple foods of the French quarter doors openMaldives and local ing out on to a small, quaint dishes usually comprise terrace overlooking the inner fish curry, fish soup and turquoise lagoon of the Indian variations thereof. All Ocean.
tend to be spicy. The consumption of alcohol is illegal unless you have a permit (only issued to foreigners resident in the country).
Geckos Freshly-baked pizza straight from the wood-fired oven is the speciality at Geckos. This is perfect spot to tuck into light meals and pizza piled high with inventive toppings overlooking the lagoon at Veli Island. Dine al fresco on the deck or in the thatched roof pavilion. Sit back or try a game of pool, steps away from the free-standing bar.
However alcohol is available in resorts to non-Muslim guests.
Blu Restaurant and Sunset Bar Blu serves contemporary Italian cuisine for lunch and elegant Italian in the evening. Dazzling white interiors contrast with the blues of the surrounding sky, ocean and lagoon. A ‘sunset’ swimming pool separates the restaurant and sandfloor bar (open all day).
Gastronomic Fire. Salt. Sky. This unique under and over water gastronomic concept features four remarkable venues, each offering a different type of cuisine that is as unique as the perspective. Oenophiles will delight in the impressive underwater wine cellar, the first in the Maldives, featuring over 6,500 bottles, 320 labels from 14 countries and 22 labels available by the glass.
Thai
Lebanese and Moroccan
Baan Huraa Baan Huraa means “Thai house on small coral reef” and offers the first authentic Thai cuisine in the Maldives. With internationally awarded Thai chefs, the over water restaurant hovers on stilts at the edge of the inner lagoon and outer reef with breathtaking views across the Indian Ocean. Baan Huraa is the Resort’s signature restaurant and offers a unique dining experience combining the authentic flavours of Thai traditions ranging from the North (Lanna), North Eastern (Isaan) and Central regions to the humid and rain soaked Southern region (Pak Tai).
Al Barakat Perched over the water adjacent to the main jetty, the restaurant serves Lebanese and Moroccan mezze, grills, platters and stews for dinner on two rooftop terraces under a canopy of stars. The ground floor Shisha Bar is open to the sea, with curtained sofas and ornate lanterns, an atmospheric setting for pre‐dinner drinks or Turkish coffee and Shisha pipes.
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Seafood
Indian
The Fuddan Fusion Grill The Fuddan Fusion Grill faces south east across the inner Digufinolhu Reef and combines contemporary dining with fusion cuisine. The Grill presents a sizzling dining experience with the freshest of locally caught seafood and the choicest cuts of meat creatively prepared in a traditional Maldivian ‘dhumashi’ (smokehouse). This process involves surrounding the seafood or meat in a special framework made from palm leaves which is then placed over coals from coconut husks and cooked in a ‘fuddan’ (grill).
Café Landaa Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Café Landaa has three thatched pavilions separated by reflecting ponds. The vast breakfast buffet includes Asian,continental and international buffet selections with ayurvedic‐labelling, dosha‐specific teas and ayurvedic tonics. Lunch and dinner feature Indian and Asian specialties; a separate Teppanyaki counter in a water garden setting opens for dinneronly. Baraabaru Open for dinner only, Baraabaru serves fine Indian cuisine including specialties from the tandoor and dum, steamed biryani.
Kandu Grill Open for dinner, serving fresh catch of the day alongside choice meats, seafood, salads and side dishes from an open kitchen pavilion. Tables are set in the sand near to the pool. Funa is a lively seafood grill and restaurant, which distils the essence of Maldivian ingredients with a gourmet touch. Kaani is a meeting point of cultural cuisines served throughout the day, starting with a delightful international breakfast buffet, continuing with numerous lunch options, and ending with an abundance of European dishes with an Asian twist for dinner. Fuego Grill A simple, lit evening venue with teak tables and chairs set in the sand overlooking the sea. Fuego serves fresh catch of the day alongside a selection of prime cuts and salads from an open air kitchen pavilion. To dine in complete isolation, sail by dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat) to a ‘floating’ platform table – set on stilts above the water – and await the arrival of dinner by boat.
Terrazzo, The Fuddan Fusion Grill and Baan Huraa located at Angsana Dhigu Resort & Spa; Fire. Salt. Sky. located at Anantara Kihavah Villas; Geckos located at Anantara Veli Resort & Spa; Funa located at Angsana Velavaru; Al Barakat, Blu Restaurant, Sunset Bar, Café Landaa, and Fuego Grill located at Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru; Baraabaru, Kandu Grill, and Reef Club located at Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa
Reef Club Serves Italian fine dining with an emphasis on seafood, homemade pastas, wood‐fired pizzas and grilled meats. The restaurant is tucked away at the southern end of the island, beyond the buzz of the main pool area. Watch the baby black tip reef sharks in the shallow lagoon from tables on the deck or opt for seating under a thatched pavilion or at tables in the sand.
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Maldives l travel fact
CAPITAL LANGUAGE RELIGION TELEPHONE AREA CURRENCY ELECTRICITY POPULATION TIMEGMT
Malé Maldivian Dhivehi, (dialect of Sinhala), English Sunni Muslim 00 960 298 sq km Rufiyaa 220-40V, 50 Hz 396,000 +5 hours
How To Get There Airport Malé International Airport is on Huhule Island a few kilometres from the capital. It is the only international airport in the Maldives. Emirates Airlines www.emirates.com SriLankan Airlines www.srilankan.aero Qatar Airways www.qatarairways.com Singapore Airlines www.singaporeair.com Bangkok Airways www.bangkokair.com The main company for inter-island transfers are; Maldivian Air Taxi www.mataxi.com Trans Maldivian Airways www.tma.com.mv Ask your hotel to sort out transfers. When To Go The best weather is between November and April. The high season falls between December and March. The monsoon runs from May to October, peaking around June. It is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season as there is nothing to do on a rainy day except drink, work out or scuba dive.
Travel Information Visas: Most nationalities will require visas but these are free and can be obtained on arrival for maximum stay of days.
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The Island of GOD
From water-sports to shopping, the island of Bali has it all. Pamper yourself with a chocolate spa treatment before partying the night away at one of its trendiest nightspots, and don’t forget to squeeze in an exquisite gourmet meal or two.
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Here are some sights and activities that you definitely shouldn’t miss while you’re visiting the Island of God.
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#6 If partying is high on your list then the Kuta Beach area is where you want to go. Most parties kick off at noisy discotheques with various dance shows to draw in the crowd. They usually start around midnight and go until the wee hours of the morning.
10 things to do in Bali
#3 The arts and crafts scene in Bali is well developed and highly sought after in the international market. Balinese wood-carving is popular amongst tourists, and you can find some of the best in business at Tegallalang, Pujung and Sebatu.
#1 No trip to Bali is complete without experiencing the hillside tranquility of Ubud. Various trekking and cycling tours are also available for you to take through the maze of never-ending terraced rice paddy fields.
#2 When it comes to shopping in Bali, there is only one place for trendsetting fashionistas, Seminyak.
#4 Bali is still boasts some of the best surfing spots in the world. It has over 20 top quality breaks on the southwest and southeast coast of the island, and a wide range of breaks catering to all skill levels.
#5 Tourists can head towards Lovina, 3 hours north of Kuta, which is famed for their dolphin sightseeing tours. These tours leave the main beaches each morning at dawn with the price usually set at Rp75,000 per person.
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#7 Bali boasts some of the world’s best in the art of spa pampering. Plenty of other hotels and villas offer high-quality Balinese massage using special medicated oils to help you relax and unwind.
#8 Bali is home to some of the finest restaurants in the region, offering highend culinary treats mixed with the great island atmosphere and a friendly face.
#9 Tanjong Benoa is Bali’s premier water-sports hub with various activities available for you to choose from; parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skis, wakeboarding and banana-boats. There are also white-water rafting operators with the Telagawajah and Ayung River being two of the most popular options. #10 Mount Agung is the highest mountain on the island of Bali. The mountain is not only home to the Temple of Besakih, it also holds spiritual significance for the people who live on the island.
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AYANA Resort and Spa Peace and Seclusion, in a Dramatic Oceanfront Setting ocated on natural rocks 14 meters above the Indian L Ocean at the base of AYANA’s towering cliffs, this innovative open-top bar is Bali’s most glam sunset and after-dark destination. Soak up the chic ambience and superstar views as the rhythm of the ocean merges with the funky tunes vibing from the DJ booth elevated above the bar. The location is not the only thing ‘on the rocks’. Signature cocktails are served in chic glasses suspended over natural rocks, within an ingenious fish-bowl base. A delectable selection of tapas is also served ‘on the rocks’, on natural stone plates. Even your bill is presented ‘on the rocks’, as waves break below and stars glitter above, with only the sea between you and the horizon. You couldn’t get any closer to the sunset without setting sail. ( Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia 80364 Tel. +62 361 702 222 www.ayanaresort.com)
Conrad Bali Redefining Baliness Style Through Inspired Design Conrad Bali is situated on Bali’s Nusa Dua coast, the resort is a contemporary Balinese design incorporating local timbers and materials, surrounded with tropical gardens and lagoons with cascading waterfalls. The breathtaking Conrad Bali Suites offer seclusion and sophistication. Set in a private haven, they are surrounded by tropical gardens, reflective pools and ponds. Each suite is exquisitely designed to create a space and atmosphere where you can truly be yourself. The Wellness Studio complements Jiwa Spa and offers a choice of exclusive mind, body and soul therapies including yoga, pilates, meditation and stretching exercises. ( Jalan Pratama 168, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua 80363 Indonesia Tel. +62 361 778 788 www. conradbali.com)
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Viceroy Bali Spacious Villas Mix Traditional and Modern Building Elements The Viceroy Bali is an ultra-luxury all-villa resort majestically situated on a secluded ridge of the Petanu River gorge along Bali’s “Valley of the Kings,” an appellation given by locals for the generations of Balinese royalty who have resided in nearby villages. With its proximity to royalty, the serene tropical valley located near the popular village of Ubud, provided the Australian owning family with an apt brand. The resort is regarded by sophisticated international travelers as one of the world’s most respected tropical hideaways with beautiful valley views, impeccable service and standards and peerless facilities including the feted restaurant and bar, Cascades and opulent spa and beauty center, Lembah. ( Jln. Lanyahan, Br Nagi, Ubud, Bali 80571 Indonesia Tel. +62 361 971 777 www.viceroybali.com)
W Retreat & Spa Bali, Seminyak Trending High for Those in Search of New Playgrounds The newest W Retreat, W Bali is located in the trendy enclave of Seminyak and reinvents the exuberance of its locale, where designer boutiques, diverse galleries, lively restaurants, and modern cocktail bars and clubs hold court. The first W Hotel in Indonesia, W Bali brings a ‘new scene unseen’ to the Island through its modern design and signature bars and restaurants that allow guests and locals alike to mix and mingle or disappear into their private escape.( Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali 80361 Indonesia Tel. +62 361 738 106 www.starwoodhotels.com)
Others Recommended Accommodations in Bali Alila Villas Uluwatu ( Jl Belimbing Sari, Banjar
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Bali ( Jalan
Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Uluwatu 80364 Indonesia Tel. +62 361 848 2166 www.alilahotels.com)
Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu 80364 Indonesia Tel. +62 361 847 1000 www.bulgarihotels.com)
Banyan Tree Ungasan ( Jl Melasti, Banjar
InterContinental Bali Resort ( Jalan
Kelod, Ungasan, IndonesiaTel. +62 361 300 7000 www.ungasanbaliresort.com)
Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran 80361 Indonesia Tel. +62 361 701 888 www.bali.intercontinental.com)
The Oberoi, Bali
The St. Regis Bali Resort (Kawasan
( Jalan Kayu Aya, Denpasar, Seminyak Beach 80033 Indonesia Tel. +62 361 73 0361 www.oberoihotels.com)
Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot S6, Nusa Dua 80363 Indonesia Tel. +62 361 8478 111 www.starwoodhotels.com)
Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, Bali ( Jl. Abimanyu (Dhyana Pura), Seminyak Beach,
Indonesia Tel. +62 361 737 773 http://bali.anantara.com) NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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Recommended Restaurants in Bali Damai Lovina Jalan Damai, Kayuputih, Lovina,
Singaraja www.damai.com - Five-course menus)
Ngiring Ngewedang (Munduk
www.ngiringngewedang.com - Simple food)
Kafe Batan Waru ( Jalan Dewi Sita
www.baligoodfood.com - Balinese and Western cuisine)
Mozaic ( Jalan Raya Sanggingan, Ubud www.mosaic-bali.com - French and Asian)
Mozaic
Axiom( Jalan Raya Seminyak 18A, Seminyak - Modern Australian cuisine)
Bumbu Bali ( Jalan Pratama, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua www.balifoods.com - Balinese food and fish menus)
Double Six Club ( Jalan Double Six, Seminyak www.doublesixclub.com - Pub & bar) Kafe Warisan ( Jalan Raya Kerobokan 38, Kerobokan www.kafewarisan.com - French-influenced cuisine and fish menus) Ku De Ta ( Jalan Laksmana 9, Seminyak
Made’s Warung II ( Jalan Raya, Seminyak -
La Lucciola ( Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak - Focaccia
Paparazzi (Next door to the Double Six Club -
Lola Restaurant ( Jalan Raya kerobokan 58, Kuta www.lolarest.tripod.com - Chic French)
Warungs (In Jimbaran - Freshest seafood by the sea)
www.kudeta.net - Bar and nightclub)
sandwiches, fish'n'chips)
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Simple food)
Members' lounge)
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Ku De Ta
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bali l travel fact
Capital Language Religion Currency Electricity Population Time
Jakarta Bahasa Indonesia, English, Dutch, Javanese, and local dialects Muslim, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Hindu, Buddhist Indonesian rupiah 220V, 50Hz 209 million GMT +8 hours
Tourist Info Opening hours are Monday-Thursday, 7am-2pm; Friday, 7am-11am; and Saturday, 7am-12.30pm. Offices in the main tourist centres keep longer hours.
Local dishes The backbone of all Indonesian cuisine is spice. Typically, the spices are ground and fried in oil to form a paste with which to flavour curries. Rice is a staple, and noodles are popular, too. Seafood is traditional and very good.
How To Get There Airport Jakarta airport and Bali airport. Air Asia www.airasia.com Cathay Pacific Airways www.cathaypacific.com Eva Air www.evaair.com Japan Airlines www.jal.co.jp Korean Air www.koreanair.com Malaysia Airlines www.malaysiaairlines.com Qantas Airways www.qantas.com.au Thai Airways International www.thaiair.com Garuda Indonesia www.garuda-indonesia.com Singapore Airlines www.singaporeair.com
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When To Go The dry season, from April to September, is also when humidity is at its lowest. Be warned that prices will rise between July and September. Travel Information Visas: Citizens of Britain, Ireland, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA, do not need a visa for a stay of up to 60 days. Public Holidays: New Year's Day; Eid-ul Fitr; Balinese saka New Year (March/April); Good Friday; Eid-ul Adha; Waisak Day (May); Ascension Day; Muslim New Year; Maulud Nabi Muhammad; Independence Day (17 August); Ascension Day of Mohammed (December), Christmas Day. Good Buys Local hand woven materials, silver and gold works and woodcarvings.
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A city of Crystal Mountain
There are endless destinations to choose from in Phuket. For many tourists, Phuket is a dichotomy; one island is an idyllic paradise, quiet and serene, while the other, a roundthe-clock party is sought by fun-seekers worldwide.
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phuket
The Richness of Phuket’s Heritage
T
his beautiful island has seen many changes to its geography, its economy and its inhabitants over the years and not least so to its name. The island presently called ‘Phuket’ was given its name with the current spelling in 1967. The original spelling was ‘Bhuket’, the official name of the island awarded during the reign of Rama V (1868-1910). This spelling also being close to the Malay word for mountain which is ‘bukit’ earlier records trace the name back to Tamil sources where Phuket meant ‘Crystal Mountain’.
It was thought by geologists that Phuket was a cape detached from the mainland over time. A third century geographer identified a cape called Jang Si Lang while on route to Malaysia. It is believed this cape was in fact Phuket Tin Mining in Phuket hence the references The presence and value of tin on the island of Phuket on maps to Phuket was always known to the Thai Kingdom and Asia. The being known as ‘Jung Portuguese after occupying nearby Malacca where they Ceylon’. established their centre for tin trade, came to Phuket in Present-day Phuket the late 1500’s and opened a tin warehouse in Thalang. is a multi-cultural island, with its As the boom in tin mining and trading gathered pace inhabitants being many mine owners moved from neighbouring Penang drawn from all corto Phuket to mine tin when tin deposits were exhausted ners of the globe and back home. Also many thousands of Chinese migrated comprising a range from China and nearby Malacca to Phuket to work in of socio-economic the tin mines despite the adverse conditions they groups. However its encountered working in the mines. We can see this today original inhabitants in the existence of the Peranakan community based were Negritos and mainly around Phuket Town. Sea Gypsies from the Andaman Islands. The The heritage of this rich and vibrant cultural latter still to this day group is infused with the influence of Hokkien derive their livelihood Chinese language and Muslim Malay and Singaporean cultural traditions which they from fishing for local seek to preserve to this day. shellfish. Objections to the devastation to the environment and the growing interest in tourism saw the closure of the last tin mine which was in Kathu district in 1992. It would be fair to say that this era of Phuket’s history was responsible for shaping not only the economic and employment profile of the island, but also the foreign policy and the political agendas of the time. The closing of the mines may have been an end of an era but in a strange twist of fate the tin mining industry contributed to at least one aspect of tourism, that being golf. A number of golf courses have been built in the now defunct mines where the undulating chasms produced by cutting swathes out of the land have provided some of the most interesting and scenic holes to entertain fledgling and professional golfers alike.
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Historically Phuket’s economy also relied on tin mining, rubber plantations and in the last few decades, tourism.
Phuket Thai Hua Museum The Thai Hua Museum is dedicated to recounting the history of the Chinese people in Phuket, opened in 2010 using the old Thai Hua school, the oldest Chinese-language school in Phuket. The building, originally opened in 1934, is a classic ‘Sino-Portuguese’ styled building. The galleries on the ground floor cover various aspects of the Thai-Chinese culture, such as dress, education, buildings and food. The exit is through a small market-place and coffee shop. Open 9.00-17.00 every day except Wednesdays and holidays Admission Fee: 200 Baht (6.64 USD). www.thaihuamuseum.com
Soi Rommanee A Stand Still Small Valley in Phuket Town From Phuket historical records, Soi Rommanee was known as the alley where everyone knew that it was a street brothel. That’s why it was called ‘Rommanee’ (Rommanee in Thai is happiness). The buildings in Soi Rommanee are affected by colonial and Chino-Portuguese architects. Nowadays Soi Rommanee is changed. The buildings were colored beautifully. Coffee shops, guesthouses, souvenir shops, are left. This is one of the most romantic valleys in Phuket Town.
Sino-Portuguese Architecture As we saw earlier the flourishing tin mining business on the island brought many cultural groups to Phuket initially seeking work and wealth. Those that stayed and assimilated into the local life, married local Thai women and established their own communities blending traditional cultural practice and belief with the local customs and ways of life. The Hokkien Chinese with connections to the Malaysian Peranakan are the dominant migrant group on the island. But the Europeans namely the British and the Portuguese also left their mark long after they returned home by way of the melting pot of architectural styles know as ‘Sino-Portuguese’ or ‘Sino-Colonial’ architecture. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Early Chinese businessmen at the turn of the 20 century were responsible for the construction of richly, decorated mansions that combined arched, shuttered windows and borrowing Doric, Ionic and Corinthian designs to grace supporting columns for doors. Further examples of this style of architecture can be found in the early shop-houses, mansions, schools, provincial buildings and temples that are concentrated in the heart of Phuket Town. As the name shop-house suggests it was a place for a family to live and do business in. The front of the house was the customer room where business was conducted. The rest of the house including upstairs was for domestic use. Businesses in those days included banks, general stores and tin mining offices. Another key feature is the
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arrangement of the houses known to the Hokkien Chinese as ‘tiam choo’ this simply means a row of shop houses. Each house in the row has a similar layout. Generally they are about five metres wide and can be up to 50 metres long. The huge space is divided up characteristically into a general purpose living area, an open air area with a well, a rear end kitchen and the private rooms upstairs. The Chinese believe in the principles of ‘Feng Shui’ a philosophy that says that all things in your environment must be carefully placed and designed to maximize health and prosperity, hence the uniformity and deliberate design of the houses. Take a walk along Thalang, Krabi, Dibuk, Phang Nga, Ratsada, Ranong, Yaowarat and Phuket Roads known collectively as the Old Town and you will find many examples of shop houses now lovingly restored and reinvented as antique shops, art galleries and trendy restaurants.
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Koh Naka
The Secret Island Hideaway Koh Naka Yai is a small island less than 15 minutes by boat off the east coast of Phuket, set in the beautiful scenic surroundings of Phang Nga Bay, an area that first became famous when it was featured over thirty years ago in the epic James Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, and it hasn't looked back since. A National Park, this stunning bay of paradise island ‘getaways’ is blessed with an abundance of spectacular limestone outcrops and mangrove forests that line Phang Nga Bay and the many tributaries running into it. Amazingly, Koh Naka has up until now managed to escape the tourist plight of many of Phuket's exotic islands, not least Phuket Island itself which has become so popular over the past few years and a ‘must visit’ for holiday seekers worldwide. Koh Naka Yai is the classic postcard image of island exotica with fine, pristine white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, the ultimate place to unwind from the stresses of modern day urban madness. No roads, no cars, no internet cafes, just the chirping of birds and cicadas in the background. The only activity you are likely to encounter during your stay here would be Koh Naka Noi's famous pearl farms, which can be visited on a day trip, or the occasional yacht anchored in the bay. Inevitably, and not surprisingly, the island will one day become home to some upscale resorts but, fortunately for now, Koh Naka remains a virtually uninhabited fisherman's island with only one major home on the entire island, the Koh Naka Retreat. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
The Koh Naka Retreat is the stuff that dreams are made of at Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket, an exclusive private hideaway with a private jetty leading to an infinity edge swimming pool enjoying stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket, provides a beautiful romantic ‘Castaway’ environment for tranquility seeking holidaymakers and honeymooners alike.
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Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket Formerly Six Senses Destination Spa An Exceptional Way to Unwind Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket Formerly Six Senses Destination Spa is a tropical luxury hideaway on Naka Yai Island in Phuket, the resort preaches holistic wellness in its food, activities, and landscaping. Each villa is just steps away from white sand beaches and azure sea. Supporting the spa, Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket Formerly Six Senses Destination Spa offers a total 61 private Pool Villas and Pool Villa Suites, The villa offers private steam showers and an open-air and outdoor bathroom area, as well as an outside garden area with edible landscaping and rain showers. Each Enclave is a cluster of 6 villas, which not only have their own private pools, but also have easy access to a large glass-fronted pool and dining pavilion, exclusively for residents of The Enclave. With every pool villa facility, The Enclave is an ideal for family gatherings and for group such as a board or directors who want to include some healthy activities with their decision making, and other like-minded and special interest groups. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Enjoy Fishetarian and raw foods cuisine draw upon the abundant seafood and fresh produce of Thailand, supporting not only healthy eating but also the SLOW commitment of Six Senses: Sustainable, Local, Organic and Wholesome. The prestigious ‘Retreat on the Hill’ has an outdoor sala for meditation and massage, a private spa with wet and dry treatment rooms, meditation cave, yoga pavilion, gym and relaxation area. The Retreat also has a fully fitted kitchen and personal butler service. Experience its wellness facilities. Indonesian, Thai, Chinese, and Indian, therapies range from body rubs and holistic fitness, to stress-reducing practices and disease prevention. Find the tranquility you seek at the Six Senses Sanctuary Phuket Formerly Six Senses Destination Spa (32 Moo 5, Tambol Paklok, Amphur Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel. +66 76 371 400 www.sixsenses.com)
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Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket Combining the Spirit of the Past with a 21 Century Contemporary Resort Experience Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is uniquely situated directly on the edge of stunning Karon beach, offering unparalleled seclusion and peacefulness. Both striking in size and design, the resort echoes the character of the famous Sino-Portuguese architecture found in the heart of Old Phuket Town. The design comprising lengthy colonnades and stucco mouldings pays homage to a bygone age of burgeoning wealth and opulence that emerged during the booming tin mining era on the island. The luxury accommodation comprises 262 guestrooms with 126 Deluxe Ocean Facing Rooms of which 36 are Premium Rooms, 45 Spa Deluxe Ocean Facing Rooms, 18 Premium Spa Deluxe Ocean Facing Rooms, 45 Deluxe Pool Suites and 18 Luxury Pool Suites. Villas comprise 6 One-Bed Pool Villas and 4 Two-Bed Pool Villas. All guestrooms have a balcony with a stunning sea view and the Spa Deluxe Ocean Rooms have jacuzzis on the balconies.
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The resort boasts a wide variety of leisure facilities including four swimming pools plus 2 water slides and a lazy river, a tennis court, a water sports centre, a fitness centre and Spa Cenvaree. The Spa has 10 single and double treatment rooms, offers Vichy treatments, steam rooms, a relaxation room and manicure/pedicure rooms. Dining options are available to suit all tastes. The Cove is an all-day dining restaurant situated on the beachfront. Open kitchens serve Asian and international melting-pot cuisine within indoor and outdoor terraces. While Mare Italian Restaurant and Bar overlooks the beach and serves pasta and pizza in the day with classic Italian cuisine in the evenings. Unlike other hotels & resorts in Karon, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is one of the few resorts, which are located directly adjacent to the sandy beach of Karon. (683 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Muang, Phuket 83100 Thailand Tel. +66 7620 1234 www.centarahotelsresorts.com)
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Twinpalms Phuket Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Resort Twinpalms Phuket is located in a tranquil and exclusive environment, 175 meters from Surin beach, in an area often referred to as ‘millionaires’row’. Found on the sought after and highly desirable west coast, the area provides one of the most beautiful and least crowded stretches of golden Tropical sand in Phuket. The unique design of Twinpalms Phuket which works in harmony with nature, the ‘Contemporary Tropical’ design and landscaping incorporate a stunning, world-class water garden. The concern for the aesthetic has resulted in a beautiful and serene setting which has a modern, romantic twist. The architectural lines are fresh, clean and blend seamlessly with the environment. There are only 97 luxurious spacious Penthouses, Duplexes, Suites and Rooms, each surrounded by palms, with all of the units featuring a private terrace and offering a pool view. Penthouses & Duplex Pool Suites was called upon to create the 21 unique, luxurious and lavish apartments, finished with a bold juxtaposition of strong lines and a minimalist décor to immediately catch the eye and take the breath away.
The premium bath amenities, multi point bathroom, as well as oversized single looped towels, allow guests to fully relax and indulge in stylish, tasteful and magnificent comfort. “Looking to enjoy yourself in true decadent style? Seeking to join the jet-set? Then Andaman Cruises, Phuket’s most exciting, luxurious and sophisticated yachts, is perfect for day, or even longer charter cruises.”(Phuket’s Most Exciting & Stylish Contemporary Resort 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel. +66 76 316500 www.twinpalms-phuket.com)
Others Recommended Accommodations in Phuket Paresa Resort Phuket
Anantara Phuket Villas
49 Moo 6 Layi Rd., Kamala, Kratu, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel. +66 76 302 000 www.paresaresorts.com
888 Moo 3, Tumbon Mai Khao, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel. +66 76 336 100 www.phuket.anantara.com
Sri panwa, Phuket
15 Moo 6, Kamala Beach, Phuket 83150 Thailand Tel. +66 76 338 777 www.andaraphuket.com
88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd., Tambon Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand Tel. + 66 7 637 1000 www.sripanwa.com
Trisara
Andara Resort and Villas
Aleenta Resort & Spa, Phuket Phangnga
60/1 Moo 6, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel. +66 76 310100 www.trisara.com
33 Mu Khokkloy, Takua Thung, Natai Beach 82140 Thailand Tel. +662 514 8112 www.aleenta.com
The Racha
31/1 Moo 6, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Cherngtalay Thalang 83110 Thailand Tel. +66 7631 7600 www.thepavilionsresorts.com
42/12-13 Moo 5, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130 Thailand Tel. +66 76 355 455 www.theracha.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
The Pavilions, Phuket
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MARE Italian Restaurant Italian Cuisine at its Finest with Strong Seafood Influence Mare is the signature Italian restaurant of Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, overlooking the beach, serving pizza and pasta during the day, and classical Italian cuisine in the evening. The restaurant is equipped with its own bar and wine room.
SANDWICHES CROCCANTE DI PESCE SPADA CON PEPERONI ARROSTITI E SALSA PONZU
Crispy swordfish sandwiches with roasted bell peppers and ponzu sauce
Italian cuisine at its finest with strong seafood influence set in a classic and elegant atmosphere. MARE’s Italian Chef Fabrizio Crocetta, will delight you with a delectable selection of traditional and modern Italian dishes including a delicate antipasto selection, sampler platters and stone baked pizza. Chef Crocetta is an Italian national and graduated of IAL institute, Italy. He brings a wealth of expertise with more than 15 years experience in many Michelin Star restaurants such as Lido Lido(1 Michelin Star) and Uliass (2 Michelin Stars). He won an international award from Italian Finalist C3 at a Valrhona Chocolate competition.
MARE containing an extensive wine cellar with a large variety of wines, our wine sommelier is on hand to ensure your wine will complement whatever dish you choose. Open daily from 11.30 - 00.30 (Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket 683 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Muang, Phuket 83100 Thailand Tel. +66 76 201 234 ext.1276)
Palazzo Theatre and Restaurant Feel the Sensation of Unique Gourmet Theatre. Palazzo Theatre Restaurant, presents magical evenings of interactive theatre, arts and dining that forge a spectacular artistic realm. European cabaret and cirque, divas and madmen, spectacle and sensuality with live music and a gourmet five-course dinner set in a dazzling nightclub make for a truly unforgettable occasion. Also superlative is the food, epicurean delights of appetizers, seafood and meat entrĂŠes and of course desserts all complemented by fine wines. (86/3 Moo 6, Vichidsongkram Rd., Kathu, Phuket Thailand 83120 Tel. +66 76 20 22 77 www.phuket-palazzo.com)
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Catch Beach Club A Chic and Trendy Venue for any Beach Party Phuket’s Most Fashionable Beach Club, the private, stylish beach club offers succulent fresh live seafood, delectable pizza from the wood-fired oven, or sumptuous pasta. Highly desirable as a venue for private parties, all diners are strongly advised to make a reservation to avoid disappointment. Catch Beach Club located 175m from Twinpalms Phuket Resort, is regarded as the most fashionable and SALMON STACK WITH
sauce vierge & crunchy stips Sautéed
exclusive Phuket beach club on the island. The club is also a beloved Phuket wedding and party venue. As a resident of Twinpalms Phuket Resort, enjoy a preferred, carefree beach lifestyle at this fashionable Phuket beach club on bustling Surin Beach. The private, stylish beach club offers succulent Fresh Live Seafood, delectable pizza from the wood fired oven and magnificent pasta by an Australian chef Sasha Durakovic. His secret of cooking is all about keeping it light and fresh using beautiful produce and prepared simply without complicated flavors. His recommendation is Spicy Seafood Ceviche. It’s a recipe that he has modified to local tastes and it has turned out great. You can also choose from live Phuket Lobster, Sea Bass, Andaman Tiger Prawns and Blue & Black Crabs. And don’t miss a chance to try a ‘Tuesday Seafood Beach BBQ & Friday Beach BBQ’.
SASHA DURAKOVIC restaurant chef
Worship the sun in ultra comfy beach loungers or watch people at the cool, over sized terrazzo bar. Take your libation in the luxury beach lounge as the sun kisses the vibrant, distant, multi-hued horizon. Refresh in the private shower rooms and enjoy complimentary fresh fruits, cold towels and magazines. Beach Service: from 09.00 hrs. Restaurant: 11.00-23.00 hrs. Bar: 11.00-01.00 hrs. Bookings recommended (106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road, Cherng Talay, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel. +66 76 316567 www.catchbeachclub.com)
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Sashimi Rolls & Tuna Tartar
Tatonka A Festival of Flavors Created in Open Air This is the home of ‘globetrotter cuisine’, which owner-chef Harold Schwarz developed by taking fresh local products and combining them with cooking and presentation techniques learned in Europe, Colorado and Hawaii. The eclectic, tapas-style selection includes creative vegetarian and seafood dishes and such delights as Peking duck pizza. Ask for a tasting menu, which lets you try a little of everything. Call ahead in the high season. Open for dinner at 18.00, Tatonka arranges free transportation for guests in Laguna area. (382/19 Moo 1, Srisoonton Rd., Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110 Thailand Tel. +66 76 324349 www.phuket.com/tatonka)
Black Bonito
Others Recommended Restaurants in Phuket The Chalet Cuisine Tel. +66 7620 0853 www.thechaletphuket.com
Rockfish - Oceanfront Restaurant & bar Tel. +66 7627 9732 www.rockfishrestaurant.com
Mom Tri's Kitchen
LIM’s Restaurant & NINE Lounge Bar
Tel. +66 7633 3568
Tel. +66 7634 4834 www.limsphuket.com
Mom Tri’s Boathouse Wine & Grill Tel. +66 7633 0015 www.boathousephuket.com
On The Beach
The Cliff Tel. +66 7328 6300-9 www.centarahotelsresorts.com
BYD Bar & Bistro
Tel. +66 7633 0006-7
Tel. +66 7634 3025 www.bydlofts.com
Catch & Grill Seafood Restaurant Tel. +66 7629 0555 ext 7350-1
The Surface Restaurant and Bar Tel. +66 7634 4241 www.laflorapatong.com
IndoChine Tel. +66 7638 0800 www.indochinephuket.com
Concaved Beach Restaurant Tel. +66 7634 1171
Kan Eang@pier Te. +66 8 3173 1187, +66 7638 1212
Nikita’s Tel. 66 7628 8703, +66 8 1091 5788
Chicago Steakhouse Tel. +66 7634 4330 www.chicagosteakhousephuket.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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phuket l travel fact
How to Get to Phuket from Bangkok By Air (1.20 hrs) Domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Bangkok and Phuket. Some flights go to Phuket via Samui Island with a 40-minute stopover. Check with your travel agent for more details or see Useful Calls for phone numbers of domestic airlines. By Bus (about 12 hrs) Air-conditioned and non air-con buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. The trip by air-con bus, normally leaving in the evening, takes about 12 hours. Southern Bus Terminal, 0 2894 6122 By Car (about 12 hrs) From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometres. By Rail There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travellers by train must get off at Phun Phin railway station in Surat Thani and continue by regular bus to Phuket. State Railway of Thailand; Tel. 1690
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special advertorial
Malisa Villa Suites
A GLAMOROUS HEAVEN, YOUR SANCTUARY BY THE SEA
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The experiences are unforgettably private. Once inside, you’ll both discover this is truly a distinctive destination. You’re immersed in a tranquil world of your own. Totally undistracted, free to do whatever you please.
H
eavenly ‘Malisa’ is derived from the name of Thailand’s most exquisite sacred flower, the ‘Mali’ or ‘Jasmine’ delicate white blooms with their entrancing scent, transformed into colorful garlands offered to monks, while lending their beauty to adored icons in Buddhist temples. Malisa Villa Suites thus reflect a simply heavenly experience. Conjuring a quiet aura of timeless allure for ardent lovers like yourselves, affording an exceptional escape perfectly suited for glamorous and intimate encounters.
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Malisa Villa Suites, idyllically set on the stunning white sands of Kata beach, on the internationally acclaimed island of Phuket, the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, where the world is indeed your oyster the moment you and your loved one arrive. Each Villa is a hideaway for couples where the overwhelming mood of tropical romance and luxurious living are sure to awake quiet longings and stir your keen desires for the enticing promises of intimate companionship.
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Offering forty-one magnificently well appointed private villas, Malisa Villa Suites showcase a harmonious blend of contemporary modern spaces gracefully embellished in five distinctive ancient Thai architectural style, transporting you and your beloved one on a dazzling visual experience of Thai history from the Ayuthaya period to Sukhothai, Tavaravadee, Lanna and Srivijaya periods.
Dining option is extensive at Malisa Villa Suites, the alfresco Nanta Restaurant serves tasty foods around the clock from extensive Thai and international menu.
Unobtrusive simplicity of design is the key of unleashing the inherent vibrancy of the natural surroundings, symbolically stripping away all excess, allowing you to focus your senses on the essence of luxurious textures and contemporary tones.
The cultural spa in Malisa Villas with the theme of ‘Peace and Purity is creativity designed to support and promote health by means of natural methods using the traditional Thai medication theory together with the pure and peaceful scent of Mali, or Jasmine Flower.
There’s a sense of sheltered openness in all Villas as every room, including the master bedroom, opens inward to the swimming pool, surrounded by towering wall of cascading water fall to ensure the utmost seclusion for the most intimate of rendezvous. Share pleasurable moments in your private swimming pool silhouetted by the shimmering reflections of poolside candles.
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Additionally, the restaurant provides romantic in-villa dining service for those who like privacy. Uniquely included in the package, you will enjoy in-villa freshly prepared and cooked breakfast every morning.
Malisa Villa Suites will cater to your every desire. No other place on Earth comes this close to Paradise, With they dedicated commitment to exceeding every expectation that you and your beloved one could ever dream of. Come together, become one, in this glamorous heaven, your sanctuary by the sea.
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40/36 Kata Road, Kata Beach, Muang, Phuket 83100 Thailand Tel: + 66 (0) 7628 4760 E-mail: reservation@malisavillas.com NOW TRAVEL ASIA 71 MAY/JUNEwww.malisavillas.com 2011
Elegance and Serenity Between the Moutains and the Sea Hua Hin is 265km from of Bangkok, neighboring towns on the Gulf of Thailand, developed in the 1920s as getaways for Bangkok's elite. It is a mere 3-4 hours' journey from the capital by train.
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hua hin
T
he Thai royal family was the first to embrace this small fishing village as the perfect location for both summer vacations and health retreats. In 1924, King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) built the royal Mareukatayawan Palace amid the tall evergreens that lined these stretches of golden sand.
Hua Hin is also famous for many attractions and some of these places include the breath taking Hua Hin Beach, the Takiap Hill, the Hin Lek Fai Hill, the Spirit Houses, the Nightly Street Market and the Wat Huay Mongkol. Travellers can also seek out the ever so beautiful Hua Hin Hill Vineyard and enjoy wine tasting and gorgeous views of thesurrounding lush landscapes.
History of Hua Hin While the beaches of Phuket and Samui were discovered only recently and have since undergone rapid and sometimes destructive development, Hua Hin has already been the favourite Thai resort for over 70 years. The resort was discovered in the early 1920s by King Rama VII as an ideal getaway from the sultry metropolis of Bangkok. The tranquil fishing village was turned into the Royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper-class. The construction of a railway line from Bangkok ensured its accessibility and popularity with a wider part of the the Thai public. But it was the resort's royal endorsement which has given Hua Hin a special character of its very own. In 1928, King Rama VII built Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace which remains until this today an official royal residence. It is still frequently used by members of the royal family and is open to the public for visits. Hua Hin continued to develop in its own leisurely way, both as an aristocratic resort with the added attraction of an 18-hole golf course, and as a fishing port. The Railway Hotel, today's Sofitel Central Hua Hin, was built by the State Railways of Thailand in 1923 in the architectural style of old Siam.
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Many of Bangkok's rich and famous built their own beachfront summer homes to the north and south along the curving sandy bay, enjoying leisurely family weekends in a resort which has maintained its unique identity.
Things to do in Hua Hin There are plenty of Hua Hin Must Dos, what with it being one of the jewels of Thailand's tourism crown, but we have narrowed down the best activities and places to see.
Muay Thai Muay Thai matches take place every Tuesday and Friday night. The fighters aren't pros by any stretch of the imagination, but they put on a good show. www.wt-thailand.com Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathayawan A summer palace built during the reign of King Rama VI. The one-and two-storey buildings are constructed of prime golden teak and interlinked by covered boardwalks, all raised high above the ground on stilts. Along with the high, tiled roofs and tall, shuttered windows, this design allows for maximum air circulation - a tropical building design sorely missing in most modern Thai architecture. Tel. + 66 3247 2482 Admission: 90 Baht; Hours: 08.30-16.00 Mon-Fri, to 17.00 Sat & Sun Horse Riding Horse riding on the beach is very common around these parts. Horses and their owners can usually be found at the beach at the end of Th Damnoen Kasem. Dusit Resort HuaHin Horse Riding; www.dusit.com
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Elephant Trekking Only three km from the center of Hua Hin on the road that terminates at Pala U is one of Thailand's best elephant camps. You can either be taken on treks of varying lengths or shown around the camp, being introduced to the animals and getting the opportunity to feed them.
Thai-Style Massage With a whole multitude of massage establishments to choose from now in the city, there is real competition for the top slot. One of the five Hua Hin must-dos is the massage parlor on Petchkasem Road located near the Royal Palace and adjacent to the Golden Palace.
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Thai Cookery Courses People the world over love Thai food and you can really delight your friends and loved ones by learning how to cook it. Hua Hin boasts several fine cooking schools that will educate you about the ingredients, spices and procedures involved. Some will even take you to a market - an exhilarating activity in itself - and show which elements to buy because, back home, these may be very hard to find. Walking and Cycling For those of you who are more active in your lifestyle, one of the major Hua Hin must-do's is walking and cycling around this picturesque urban center. Although there are no official trails or lanes marked out, you can have a fun and safe time just so long as you adhere to some basic road codes. Adrenalin Junkies Anyone who feels the need for speed should take advantage of Kart Hua Hin, one of the few official go-karting circuits in all of Thailand. It's located near the airport and one of its main advantages is a banked curve, allowing drivers to really pick up extra speed.
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Plearnwan Shopping and Eating at Hua Hin's First Live Museum Plearnwan is a center of joy and happiness stop the past in order to tell the various tales of Hua Hin in the past toward present. It is well known for its environmentally friendly life style. It recycles paper wraps and containers which have become one of its major attractions to visitors. Entering Hua Hin is like walking through an exclusive wooden gateway and its feeling is almost as if you were taking steps back in to time. There are so much activities to do at Plearnwan, these include clothes in special clothes boutiques, food stalls, massage centres, beauty salons, jewellery shops, restaurants, record stores and many other places of interest. All of these options have a flavour of the past, which the visitors pleasantly absorb.
Visitors can also enjoy live bands performing, PlearnWan coffee prepared in the old fashioned method and other beverages, which are there to be savoured to make you relax and enjoy yourself. The Chai Lai boutique gives you a feeling of old times, which adds to its charm. (4/90-95 Soi Moo Ban Bor Fai, Hua Hin Operation Hours; (No entrance fee) Mon-Thurs: 10.00-22.00, Fri: 10.00-midnight, Sat: 9.00-noon, Sun: 9.00-22.00 www.plearnwan.com)
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hua hin l where to stay
Banyan Resort & Golf, Hua Hin, Thailand An Exclusive Resort Designed in Highest Standards Set in a beautiful landscaped environment, the resort offers a choice of private pool villas and villas with a Jacuzzi. The luxurious villas feature stylish Thai decor and furnishings, and modern appliances. Resort facilities include Lemongrass Restaurant & Bar and the Splash Noodle’s Bar. Just moments from one of the region's most impressive golf courses and a short drive from the heart of Thailand's royal resort town, Banyan Resort & Golf, Hua Hin, Thailand offers guests an enviable lifestyle and is the ideal choice for relaxation with the family and memorable golf holiday. There is the golf course is the crown jewel of the resort, no matter what level of golfer you are, you'll love the challenge, and the scenery, on this world-class championship award winning golf course. The unique contemporary Thai style designed clubhouse features luxurious changing rooms, exclusive club suite accommodation and wonderful dining experiences at Mulligan's and The Terrace Restaurant. Spectacular sunset view accompanied with friendly Thai hospitality provides a unique and very memorable experience for everyone to enjoy. (68/34 Mooban Hua Na, Tambol Nong Gae, Hua Hin, Prachuabkirikhan 77110 Thailand Tel. +66 32 538 888 Email: booking@banyanthailand.com www.banyanthailand.com)
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Putahracsa Hua Hin An Ocean-front Haven At Putahracsa Hua Hin, this is a place of where peace and quiet reigns supreme. The resort is designed to feel like a beach residence, situated in the residential section of Hua Hin, managed by The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts, whose team ensures that guests receive the highest level of service. As a unique residential, The Putahracsa Hua Hin features suites designed to heighten your sense of tranquility and accommodate your treatments as conveniently as possible. 36 Silksand Rooms, 8 Sansky Villas, and 15 Oceanbed Villas, all reflect the owners’ personal touch, incorporating Hua Hin’s tradition and blending it with contemporary design. Two restaurants at Putahracsa Hua Hin, Oceanside Beach Club & Restaurant serving Mediterranean and Asian inspired cuisine overlooking the crystal blue waters of the ocean. Sala Monsoon serving an extensive Thai cuisine to the freshest salads and sandwiches for lunch to an informal way of dinning. During your stay, be sure to visit the Dayspa, where a warm ocean breeze will complement your favorite
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treatment and friendly staffs use only the finest organic products. (22/65 Nahb Kaehat Rd., Hua Hin Prachaub, Kirikhan 77110 Thailand Tel. +66 32 531 470 www.putahracsa.com www.oceansidebeachclub.com)
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Casuarina Beach Resort The Perfect Tropical Getaway Take your dream vacation at Casuarina Beach Resort, take in beautiful gardens, relaxation pools, a labyrinth of private terraces, and a panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand. With a unique collection of 6 Beachfront Villas and 28 spacious Garden Villas, Casuarina Beach Resort definitely the ideal place for a peaceful and relaxing gateway. During the daytime, unwind with a champagne picnic on the beach or get active with water sports and cycling. The resort’s Spasm Spa providing luxurious and relaxing spa treatment and massages, in door and open air treatment. With beachfront location and a view of the sea, The Bambú is a casual and very unique styled restaurant with an extensive menu serving European and Thai favorites.
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It features cool ambience during the day and a romantic, candlelit atmosphere by night. (33 Moo 3, Tumbon Puk-Tien, Ampher Thayang, Petchaburin 76130 Thailand Tel. +66 32 443 000 BKK Reservation Tel. +66 2618 3300 Resort Tel. +66 32 443 000 www.casuarina-resort.com)
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Others Recommended Accommodations in Hua Hin AKA Resort Hua HinTel. +66 32 618 900
Hua Hin Marriott Resort and Spa
www.akaresorts.com
Tel. +66 32 511 881 www.marriott.com
Alila Cha-Am Tel. +66 32 709 555
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort
www.alilahotels.com
Tel. +66 32 616999 www.intercontinental.com
Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa
Let's Sea Alfresdo Resort
Tel: +66 32 520 250 www.huahin.anantara.com
Tel. +66 32 536 888 www.letussea.com
Asara Villa & Suite, Hua Hin Tel. +66 3254
Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin Tel. +66 32 547
Bayburi Vacation Villas Hua Hin Tel. +66 2101 1234 www.lebayburi.com
Sofitel Centara Grand Resort and Villas Tel +66 32 512021 www.sofitel.com
Casa del Mare, Hua Hin Tel. +66 1375 4651
Springfield @ Sea Resort & Spa
www.casadelmare.net
Tel. +660 3270 9300 www.springfieldresort.com
Chiva Som Tel. +66 32 536 536 www.chivasom.com
V Villa Hua Hin Tel. +66 32 616039
7555 www.asaravillaandsuite.com
Cher resort Tel. 663 2 508 508-9
733 www.restdetailhotel.com
www.v-villashuahin.com
Wora Bura Resort & Spa
www.cherresort.com
Dune Tel. +66 32 515 051 www.dunehuahin.com Dusit Thani Hua Hin Hotel Tel. +66 3252
0009 www.dusit.com
Tel. +66 32 536 999 www.worabura.com
X2 Hua Hin Kui Buri Villas by Design Tel. +66 32 601 412 www.x2resorts.com
Evason Hua Hin Tel. +66 32 632 111 www.sixsenses.com/Evason-Hua-Hin
Foresta Boutique Resort & Hotel Hua Hin Pranburi Tel. +66 32 630
678 www.forestaresort.com
Grand Pacific Sovereign Resort Tel. +66 3270 9899 ww.sovereignresortandspa.com
Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa Tel. +66 32 538 999 www1.hilton.com
Cher resort “Modern-Nature” Destination
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hua hin l where to eat
Hua Hin Brewing Company & SOS TUGBOAT BAR
Beer can chicken, Mixed Meat skewer Bangers and Mash Roasted Pork knuckle
Try Something Different to Celebrate a Special Occasion or just Enjoy a Refresh Drink The stylish Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa’s signature bar and venue for good times is the famous Hua Hin Brewing Company that offers the town’s widest and best range of freshly poured beers with the Beer House Sport Bar showing sports from across the globe. Hua Hin Brewing Company is not only a bar, but also a venue serving fine cuts of steak, pub favorites such as burgers and barbequed skewers and the pork knuckles the pub has become famous for. Later at night, a lively band comes on playing a wide range of international music and a guest DJ spins he latest in nightclub beats, making the place to be for quality evening entertainment. Adjacent to the Hua Hin Brewing Company is the newly open SOS TUGBOAT BAR, provides guests with an unique and exclusive area where they can enjoy an ice cold beverage, great snacks, quick, personalized service with outdoor live sporting action and prices that offer value for money, currently not found anywhere else in Hua Hin. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Rainer Schlinck Executive Chef
Thease vibrant venues are also very popular with locals, making it a great venue for tourists to experience a genuine Hua Hin icon. Hua Hin Brewing Company: Open daily 18.00 – 02.00 SOS TUGBOAT BAR: Open daily 17.00 - Midnight (33 Naresdamri Road, Hua Hin 77110, Thailand T. +66 3253 8999)
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Others Recommended Restaurants in Hua Hin Rim Talay (Seafood) Dusit Thani Hua Hin, Tel. +66 0 3252 0009
Baan Thalia (Italian) Anantara Resort and Spa, Tel. +66 0 3252 0250
Ciao (Italian) Hua Hin Mariot Resort and Spa Tel. +66 0 3251 1881
Coustiero (French) Aka Resort Hua Hin Tel. +66 0 3261 8900
Inazia (Asian) Sheraton Hua Hin Tel. +66 0 3270 8000
La Grappa (Italian) 20/5, 20A Poonsuk Rd, Tel. +66 0 3251 6510
La Pailotte (French) 174 Naresdamri Rd, Tel. +66 0 3252 1025
McFarland House (International) Hyatt Regency, 91 Hua Hin-Khao Takiab Rd, Tel. +66 0 3251 1234
Prime (International) 8/5-7 Soi Kanjanomai, Tel. +66 0 3253 2507
Salathai (Thai) Sofitel Centara, Tel. +66 0 3251 2021-38 NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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hua hin l travel fact
When to Go With its fairly dry climate makes possible to visit year round, but the best months to go are November-May when you'll be pretty much guaranteed dry, sunny days. December-January is the high season for tourists, so expect prices to go up as rooms are booked well in advance. Getting There The most relaxing way to get to Hua Hin from Bangkok is by train, which takes roughly three and a half hours from Hualamphong station for about 382 baht ($12). www.railway.co.th You can also make the 3 1/2-hour journey onboard an air-conditioned bus from Bangkok's Southern bus station for under 200 baht($6). Tel. 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 5605, 0 2434 7192. Where to shop Talk to a local and they’ll tell you that you haven’t experienced Hua Hin until you’ve been to the Night Bazaar (Dechanuchit Rd.). Held daily from 18.00, the market is a great place to sample snacks, seafood kebabs, curries, Thai sweets and there are dozens of stalls selling handicrafts and knick-knacks. For a taste of Hua Hin heritage, stop by the Antique Furniture Supply (6 Naresdamri Rd.; Tel +66 32 515 797). AKA (Petchakasem Rd., Tel. +66 32 618 900) boutique sells ultra-modern designer house wares: the bamboo lamps and lacquer ware are particularly attractive.
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Koh Chang truly marvels in all it's rugged glory with stunning jungles for adventurous trecks, beautiful waterfalls where you may be the only person swimming there, not to mention stunning beaches and crystal clear water. And most of the development on the island is along the West coast, which makes for spectacular sunsets.
The Most Beautiful Shallow Coral Reef in Thailand NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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koh chang
I
f you do one thing whilst in Koh Chang, we would really recommend the elephant rides which are operated through a charity in the North of Koh Chang where you get to spend a lot of time with the elephants and can even get in the lake to bathe with them. If you are looking for a different location in Koh Chang and to experience another part of the island then go to stay in Bang Bao, a beautiful and unique fishing village hovering on stilts above the turquoise seas. This really does feel like the edge of the earth, if you want total relaxation away from the madding crowds, this is certainly your place. Koh Chang is one of the few remaining locations in Thailand that has survived the mass development and tourism that others have suffered. This is surprising considering it is the Kingdom's second largest island. Koh Chang itself is the largest of 52 islands that make up the Koh Chang Marine National Park. Untouched and pristine, its natural resources and marine life make it one of the frontier dive destinations in Southeast Asia. Most of Koh Chang's dive sites are located to the south of the main island. The more popular of the other islands that lie to the south of Koh Chang are Koh Kood, Koh Maak and Koh Wai. If it's peace and solitude and the chance to dive or snorkel in and amongst some of Asia's most stunning coral reefs, then the outer islands is where you should head for.
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Koh Kood Island Koh Kood has a good number of pristine beaches with crystal clear water. Inside the island Koh Kood is very wild and jungle-like with scores of coconut and rubber tree plantations. The best time for a visit to Koh Kood is between beginning of November and the end of February. At this time it is relatively cool, dry and mostly sunny. But until the end of May, when it is hotter than the cool season, a visit is still convenient. But it is the underwater world of Koh Kood, largely untouched and unexplored, that is the main attraction. For example, the reef Koh Mai Si Lek, a small island located roughly a mile off the northwest side of Koh Kood consists of hard corals such as the Acropora and Porites species. You can even live the dive lifestyle and explore the underwater world like never before and become a Master Scuba Diver.
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Koh Maak Island Unlike Koh Chang and Koh Kood, Koh Maak is fairly flat and well cultivated with coconut and rubber plantations. There are plenty of bays to the west of the island and has windsurfing and diving schools at the Lazy Days resort.
Koh Wai Koh Wai is a small island with two tranquil beaches. There is some good snorkelling to be experienced amongst the coral and is possibly the most beautiful island in the Koh Chang chain.
Dive Safety Tips Scuba diving is a wonderful and unique activity and feeling safe and secure is an important part of the whole experience. By following some simple rules and avoiding risk factors, you can simply enjoy the wonder and beauty of all that is offered underwater in the Caribbean: Safe diving begins before you even enter the water. Communicate with your buddy about the objective of your dive, the direction, time and depth limits. Diving skills such as emergency procedures can become rusty. Take the time to practice skills with a buddy regularly in a controlled environment. Always conduct a pre-dive safety check and maintain your gear according to manufacturer recommendations. Ascend no faster than 30 feet per minute. Learn to ascend slowly, especially as you approach the surface. Learn to control your buoyancy, divers who cannot do this are unsafe.
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Always make a safety stop. Never dive if you feel unwell or tried, if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if you have a hangover. Monitor your air supply. If you allow it to dwindle early on in the dive you may miss safety stops or ascend faster than you should at the end. If using a dive computer, don’t allow it to give you a false sense of security and don’t dive to the last minute of allowable "no decompression time" at each depth. #Always wait 24 hours after diving before flying.
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Attractions in Koh Chang Excellent Beaches Not all the good beaches are in southern Thailand. At Koh Chang, you can choose to sunbathe on the delicate white sand at the famed White Sand Beach, complete with shops, restaurants and a variety of accommodation. Or you can enjoy the less crowded Klong Prao Beach where many luxury beach hotels are situated. Kai Bae Beach is another popular place among travelers since its a safe place to swim, with many inexpensive bungalows situated nearby.
Historical Dive Sites
Elephant Trail One of the easiest mode of transport that lets you go deep into the jungle to enjoy various mesmerizing sight is by way of riding an elephant. The aptly named Elephant’s Island is host to many charming elephants waiting to serve tourists. These adorable animals are friendly and strong, and can easily take you through the most exquisite spots in Koh Chang’s beautiful jungle.
Koh Chang was a strategic place during the Indochina War, and it turned into a full battlefield between the French Navy and the Thai Navy. The Songkhla and Chonburi, two battleship wrecks in the sea near Ao Salak Phet, make for an attractive diving site. Those not so adventurous can simply opt to snorkel instead of dive, and the sea around Koh Chang boast abundant marine diversity. After reliving the historical clash between battleships of old, visit the Battle of Koh Chang Monument to get a complete sense of the island’s historical importance.
Waterfalls The tropical forest of Koh Chang plays host to numerous waterfalls. One of the must-see attractions is the Than Mayom Waterfall, a four-level waterfall that falls almost perpendicularly from a steep, black granite crag. Both King Rama V and King Rama VI of Thailand signed their initials at the top of the cliff. Nearby, the Klong Phlu Waterfall is another beautiful three-level waterfall that is famed for its beauty.
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Trekker’s Paradise For those preferring the feel of the earth on your feet, Koh Chang is a veritable trekker’s paradise. With its undisturbed forest abundant with wild animals, hiking has never been more interesting, with routes ranging from simple to challenging. The best routes are in the southern half of the island, where you can see animals such as the stump-tailed macaque, silvered langur, and Javan mongoose, amongst many others!
Traditional Village Life Because of its isolation, Koh Chang residents are able to maintain certain lifestyles that are sure to be of interest. You can experience the real fisherman’s life at Bang Bao fishermen’s village, where residents live in houses built on the sea connected to each other by bridges. At Salak Kok village, residents still keep their old way of life.
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koh chang l where to stay
The Dewa Koh Chang Distinctively Different and Absolute Unique
Grand Villas are built in loft style on two floors; provide living room and bedroom, with open bathroom, and an outside Jacuzzi.
With its famous fusion architecture The DEWA Koh Chang blends with rustic, tropical and modern contemporary elements and celebrates in perfection the harmony with its surrounding.
Enjoy the sandy beach and the clear sea or check the Spa facilities with a variety of healthy, relaxing and recreating treatments. If you get hungry, the Dewa invites you to explore Thai, International and Italian cuisine as well as fresh seafood and juicy steaks.
The DEWA Koh Chang offers 40 deluxe rooms features a balcony or terrace with built-in sofas, overlooking the black shiny swimming pool, and all bathrooms are separated into bathtub, shower and toilet. The 17 round single and double Villas impress with high ceilings and hard wood floors, open-style bathrooms with separated facilities and terrace or balcony facing the landscape with ponds. For the ultimate in luxury, 2
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At The DEWA Koh Chang, you will be spoilt with a powdery beach where you can stroll along, with spectacular sunsets impressive views on the mountainous rain forest and the Gulf of Siam. (24/1/1 klong prao beach, moo 4, koh chang, trat 23170 thailand Tel. +66 3955 7339 Fax: +66 3955 7340 www.thedewakohchang.com)
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KC Grande Resort and Spa, Koh Chang Enhancing Your Happiness Thailand is world-renowned for its secluded seaside destinations; in Koh Chang, the KC Grande Resort and Spa is a perfect example, nestled next to a white sand beach hugging the crystalline, turquoise waters of the sea. Modern Thai luxury is tempered by the hotel’s commitment to traditional designs and architecture and its embodiment of Thai cultural values, especially warmth, hospitality, and first-rate service. A mixture of traditional Thai style and contemporary, tropically-flavored décor highlights each of 60 private villas and 80 luxury room, including Sea View Superior, Garden View Deluxe Villa, Garden View Deluxe Room, Sea View Grande Deluxe, Beach Front Deluxe, and Sea View Grande Suite.
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KC Grande Resort and Spa is a world of relaxation with multiple recreational service offered, including diving, fitness center, spa, sauna, swimming pool. The on-site restaurant, pub, bars, and café offer many ways to experience Seafood, Thai and International cuisine. KC Grande Resort and Spa proudly serves fresh, expertly-prepared dishes that provide guests with delicious and memorable meals. (1/1 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand Hotline: +66 39 552 111 www.kckohchang.com)
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The Chill Koh Chang Resort & Spa Welcome to your private getaway paradise. The Chill offers truly unique experience and privacy that redefines the definition of modern luxury resorts. From immersing in the tranquility of the beautiful white-sand beach to unwinding at the luxurious Chill Spa, from indulging at the five-star Thai fusion cuisine restaurant to relaxing in the beautiful tropical postmodern accommodations, The Chill is not just a destination for your vacation, it’s your private getaway paradise. (19/21 Moo4, Kai Bae Beach, Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel. +66 39 552 555 www.thechillkohchang.com)
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AANA Resort & Spa, Koh Chang AANA espouses a philosophy of providing modern luxury living in complete harmony with the environment. AANA aims to nurture what nature has in its offering by being exceptionally responsible to universal ecology. Aana Resort & Spa provides 71 rooms, split in two low-rise building with 42 Deluxe rooms facing the riverside pool, the garden and the river, 17 single, round and elevated Villas with own plunge pool and breathtaking view and 3 low-rise buildings with 6 Grand Deluxe room on the ground floor, each two of them connecting, and 6 Top View rooms on the second and third floor with own plunge pool and an amazing view towards the private beach of the resort. All rooms at Aana have either a King size bed or twin beds with light and comfortable duvets. Unique features at Aana are the generously extra large balconies and terraces with day bed and dining table to enjoy great outdoor living and balmy tropical nights. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Alongside the river situate the Cinnamon restaurant serves up flavorful Thai and European favorites on lacquered wood tables, creating a jovial communal vibe. Dinners are best taken in on the riverboat, it’s a romantic evening for two under the stars. The AAR Spa is well worth a trip after any sort of travel, with the world-renowned art of Thai massage. Each of their exclusive treatments is formulated & enhanced with plant-based ingredients and completely chemicals free. AAR Spa provides relaxing and revitalizing as well as healing treatments. Both flavorful and romantic, the AANA Resort & Spa, Koh Chang is a memorable destination with variety worthy of return. (Klong Praow Beach, Koh Chang, Trad Tel. +66 3955 1539 www.aanaresort.com)
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Others Recommended Accommodations in Koh Chang Panviman Koh Chang Resort 8/15 Klong Prao Beach. Koh Chang 23170 Thailand Tel. +66 3955 1290-6 www.panviman.com Nirvana Resort Koh Chang 12/4-5 Moo 1 Bangbao, Koh Chang-Tai, Trat 23170 Thailand www.koh-chang.com/Nirvana_Resort_Koh_Chang Chivapuri Beach Resort, Koh Chang
Koh Chang Paradise Resort & Spa 39/4 Moo 4, Bann Klong Prao, Koh Chang, Trat 23170, Thailand Tel. +66 39 551 100-1, +66 89 786 3232, +66 86 100 8989 www.kohchangparadise.com
Kooncharaburi Resort Spa & Sailing Club Kong Kang ( Mangrove ) Bay, 1
Moo 4, Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel. +66 039 552 999 www.kooncharaburiresort.com
117 Moo 1, Bang Bao, Koh Chang Tai, Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel : +66 39 558 203, +66 81 366 8883 www.chivapuriresort.com
Koh Chang Cliff Beach
Barali Beach Resort 77 Moo 4, Klong Prao
Bhumiyama Beach Resort Tah Nam Beach,
Tel. +66 3955-7034-5 www.kohchangcliffbeach.com
Beach, Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand www.baralikohchang.com
Chang Island Tel. +66 81 860 4623, +66 3955 8067-9 www.bhumiyama.com
Aiyapura Resort & Spa 29 Moo 3, Chang
Koh Chang Tropicana Resort and Spa 26/3 Moo 4 Klong Prao beach,
Island District, Trad 23170 Thailand. Tel. +66 39 555 111-5 www.aiyapura.com
Dusit Princess Koh Chang 111/1 Moo 1,
Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel. + 66 2 642 4420, + 66 3955 7122 www.kohchangtropicana.net
Tambol Koh Chang Tai, Amphur Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Tel. 1699 (within Thailand), +66 3961 9111, +66 3955 8059 www.dusit.com
Banpu Koh Chang Hotel 911 Moo4, White
GajaPuri Resort and Spa 19/19 Moo 4, Tumbol Koh Chang, Amphur Koh Chang, Trat 23170 THAILAND Tel. +66 2713 7689 ext.111 www.gajapuri.com
Coconut Beach Resort 17/2 Moo 4, Haad
Ramayana Koh Chang Resort Klong Prao Beach, Koh Chang (Ko Chang), Trat 23170 Thailand www.ramayanakochang.com
Sand Beach, Koh Chang, Trat 23120 Thailand Tel. +66 81 863 7314, +66 81 935 6953 www.banpuresort.com Klong Prao, Laem Chaichet, Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand www.coconutbeachkohchang.com
Koh Chang Kacha Resort 88-89, Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel. + 66 39 551 223, + 66 39 551 421-5, +66 87 001 1558-9 www.kohchangkacha.com
Koh Chang Resort and Spa 39 Mu 4, Koh Chang, Trad 2310, Thailand Tel. +66 2 277 5256, +66 2 692 0031 www.kohchangresortandspa.com
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where to eat l koh chang The Cinnamon, Tropical Island Spirit River Cruise Dining The Cinnamon Restaurant is located alongside the river and the access point to the private beach. After starting in the morning with an International and Thai breakfast buffet it will offer for lunch and dinner an a la carte menu with a wide selection of Thai and European dishes with a particular emphasis on healthy and authentic eastern Thai cuisine and a lot of fresh seafood. The extensive wine list of Cinnamon will add to the dining pleasure. Besides sitting alongside the river, there is another dining choice; The Cinnamon offers the riverboat dining experience. Maybe it's a romantic evening for two under the stars. Perhaps you and your friends are looking to experience something tropical and the most memorable memory. Open Daily: 07.00 - 23.00 (AANA Resort & Spa, Koh Chang Klong Praow Beach, Koh Chang, Trat Tel. +66 3955 1539 www.aanaresort.com)
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Others Recommended Restaurants in Koh Chang
White Sand Beach Plaloma Restaurant Thai/European
Natasala Koh Chang The First Thai Classical Dance Show
Klong Phrao Beach Mangiamo Ristorante Italian/Thai
Visitors to Natasala Koh Chang will have the chance to enjoy a traditional Thai Classical Dance Show. Spend your evening at leisure and enjoy Thai atmosphere surrounded by beautiful decoration.
Tel. +66 89 833 0834
Koh Chang Plaza, Room E4-5 Tel. +66 87 015 7478 Chumnan Restaurant Thai Klong Phrao Tel. +66 87 586 4139
Elephant Bar Thai/European
31/17/1 Moo4 Klong Phrao Tel. +66 89 774 1601
Jungle View Restaurant & Bar Thai / European 38/14 Moo 4 Klong Phrao Tel. +66 87 805 8862
Chockdee Restaurant Thai 38 Moo 4 Klong Phrao
Tel. +66 81 910 9052
Kai Bae Beach Kai Bae Marina Thai / European 98/7 Moo 4 Kai Bae Tel. +66 86 835 9928
Papa Deli Bakery Bakery & Deli 98/9 Moo4 Kai Bae Tel. +66 87 941 6511
K.B. Bungalow Thai/European 10/16 Moo 4
Kai Bae
Lonely Beach Salak Phet Village Thai Tel. +66 3955 3042
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Guests are given a detailed program on the background and history to each performance before the show begins, which enables them to appreciate the significance of each dance. (Natasala Koh Chang 104/60, Moo 4 Koh Chang, Trat 23170 Thailand Tel. +66 3 696529 www.natasalakohchang.com)
Fun Fair Night @ Krairas Restaurant
Krairas restaurant features an extensive selection of Thai Cuisine, B.B.Q. Seafood and pork, Chicken, Beef Skewer favourites. Extravagantly, Cabaret Show, Framed in wonderful detailed scenery and the boy and girls of the famed Cabaret’s cast go to make a magical, memorable night. Open 18.30-23.00 (Krairas Restaurant 19/9 Moo 4 Ramayana Koh Chang Resort, Koh Chang, Trat 23120 Thailand Tel. +66 3 955 1033-4, +66 2 261 6364-7)
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where to eat l trat
Prawn Pasta Col Pesto
Spaghetti served with sautéed Andaman prawn tossed with pesto
Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat Mediter-Asian and Seafood Azure is a stylish and contemporary beach side all day restaurant serving a comprehensive breakfast buffet, delicious daytime snacks and meals, and a Mediter-Asian dinner menu featuring Italian Fresco, succulent seafood, and Thai cuisine. A comprehensive range of delicious cocktails and drinks are served poolside together with a wide selection of snacks and custom tailored cuisine. Breakfast: 6.30 – 10.30 A' La Carte: 11.00 – 22.30 (Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat 4/2 Moo 9, Tambol Laem Krud, Amphur Muang, Trat 23000 Thailand Tel. +66 3952 1561-70 www.centarahotelsresorts.com)
Moo Chamuang Stewed pork with chamuang leaves and tamarind
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koh chang l travel fact
Ferry Services Ferries leave from one of three piers every 30 minutes from 7.00 to 17.00. Probably the most popular is the Centrepoint Pier.
Bangbao Speed boat from Koh Chang to Koh Kood Tel. +66 87 054 4300 Arrival
12:00pm
12:15pm (Koh Wai)
400/pax
Bangbao (Koh Wai Pier)
12:30pm
600/pax
Bangbao(Koh Kham Pier)
12:40pm
600/pax
Bangbao (Koh Rayong Pier)
13:00pm 600/pax (Koh Maak)
Bangbao (Koh Maak Pier)
13:45pm 900/pax (Koh Kood)
Bangbao (Away Koh Kood Pier)
(Koh Kham)
(Koh Rayong)
Getting There Koh Chang is 315 kilometres away from Bangkok in the province of Trat. There are several ways of getting there: by air, air-conditioned bus, taxi, hire car or motorcyle. By Air Bangkok Airways flies from Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui to a new airport at Trat. There are flights out of Bangkok which takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. For reservations, Bangkok office Tel. +66 2265 5555 and Trat Tel. +66 3952 5299-300 www.bangkokair.com
Price (Baht)
Departure
Pier
Bangbao Speed boat from Koh Kood to Koh Chang Tel. +66 87 054 4300 Departure 09:00am
By Air-Conditioned Bus First, second-class and VIP air-con buses leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai, on Sukhumvit Road, which is conveniently serviced by the BTS Skytrain. The return fare to Trat, the stopping off point for Koh Chang, ranges from 147 baht for second-class coaches to 420 baht for the VIP coach. From the Trat bus terminal, take a cab or minibus to the ferry at Laem Ngop, which should cost you around 200 baht. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
Arrival
Price (Baht)
10:00am 400/pax (Koh Maak)
Pier Koh Maak Pier
10:20am
600/pax
Koh Rayong Pier
10:30am
600/pax
Koh Kham Pier
10:45am
600/pax
Koh Wai Pier
11:00am
900/pax
Bangbao Pier
(Koh Rayong)
(Koh Kham)
(Koh Wai)
(Koh Chang)
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asia’s hidden gem
TEHRAN THE HEART OF PERSIA Story & Photo by Tanana Saparakpanya
Last summer, my friend and I took the greatest of all holidays, a trip that we have dreamed of for a long time, visit the capital of Persia. I know that Iran is not on everyone’s list of places to visit, but it is a safe place to visit, not mention to about Iraq ‘no words to say’ you all know well.
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I
ran's capital is urban to the max, and the traffic is appalling, but it's worth more than just a stopover. The Tehran Bazaar is a must, though you'd be well served if you hired a guide to wind you through it. In Iran, the foreign women have to pay the scantiest possible attention to the Hijab laws, wearing blouses that barely covered their bottoms. (Hijab means ‘head cover and modest dress for women’ among Muslims, which most Islamic legal systems define as covering everything except the face and hands in public.) Indeed, great shopping is one of the city's primary attractions. Tehran's many museums are worth a visit, especially the Museum of Contemporary Art. Park-é Laleh and Park-é Mellat are where Tehranis gather to picnic, play soccer, and while away cool evenings. Don't even think of missing a morning hike in Darakeh, north of the city, or a cheap and homey breakfast at one of the myriad Chaykhuneh (teahouses) along the trail. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
One of the places worth seeing in Tehran is the National Museum of Iran. It is the combination of two museums, the old Muze-ye and the modernistic white travertine National Arts Museum, inaugurated in 1972. The oldest artefact in the museum are from Kashafrud, Darband and Ganj Par, sites that date back to the Lower Paleolithic period. Mousterian stone tools made by Neanderthals are also on display in the first hall. The most important Upper Paleolithic tools are from the Yafteh Cave, dating back approximately 30,000-35,000 years. After visit the museum, my friend and I decided to check out some interesting sights in the North of the City and began by visiting the Sa’d Abad Museum Complex. The complex had formerly been the Royal summer residence and houses around a dozen different buildings that have all been converted into Museums.
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The most impressive of these are the White Palace and Green Palace, and classic automobiles shuttle people between the two, or it makes for a pleasant 15 minute walk. The White Palace has two bronze boots at the entrance, remnants of a bigger statue of Reza Shah that had stood there pre-revolution. Inside, the rooms are lavishly furnished and most of it has been preserved in its original state. The Green Palace was most notable for its mirrors, which were quite dazzling. After that we finished the day by visit the National Jewels Museum which only opens a few times a week. The Museum houses the World’s largest uncut diamond called the ‘Darya-ye Nur’ (Sea of Light), which is a pink diamond that weighs 182 carats. Also on display is a ‘Globe of Jewels’, which contains 51,366 precious stones and weighs 34 kilograms. Other jaws dropping sparkling objects include several Royal crowns and a Peacock Throne. The Security is very tight. No camera is allowed. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
The next day we fly down to Shiraz, about 919 km (571 miles) south of Tehran. ‘Persian Cultural Capital, City of roses, City of gardens, City of flower and nightingale’ When in Shiraz must not miss the chance to visit the Persepolis. The name is suggestive, you feel like going to see what was the great Persian Empire at its peak, that’s why I put it in my itinerary for the trip. It is a must to every itinerary to Shiraz for its beauty and the grandeur. The Persepolis in Shiraz is a major Shiraz Tourist attraction which represents the grandeur of the Persian Empire. The construction of the imposing palace was started by Darius I who was the successor of Cyrus during 518 BC. The construction was completed by Xerxes I and Artaxerxes I over a long period of 150 years. During 331 BC the palace was burnt down by the occupation of Alexander.
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The beauty of the entire structure is accentuated by its placement atop the lofty terrace which is accessed by a double staircase which leads to the monumental gateway of Gate of Xerxes. The visitors can explore the intricacies of the palace by visiting the vast open space called the huge Apadana or the Audience Hall of Darius. This hall lies in the southern side of the palace. The eastern side boasts of the massive Audience Hall which is the massive Throne Hall. The hall was called as the hall of One Hundred Columns, which was stared by Xerxes and completed by Artaxerxes. The southern part of the building offers the chance to enjoy the sight of many other attractive structures. These attractions include the palace of Darius and Xerxes along with the royal treasury. After that we headed to the precious Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, it is called the alias rose mosque. The entire mosque shines to pink when sunlight strikes because it is made from a pink tile. The color of the stained glass casts a beautiful shadow on the pillar and the floor. The flower like the rose is composed by the subject and the picture is drawn in the tile so that it is called pink mosque. Next we stop by to shopping at Vakil Bazaar, the main bazaar of Shiraz located in the historical center of the city. The Bazaar has beautiful courtyards, caravansaries, bath houses, and old shops which are deemed among the best places in Shiraz to buy all kinds of Persian rugs, spices, copper handicrafts and antiques. Our next destination was Isfahan, Iran’s third largest city after Tehran and Mashhad. Isfahan is located on the main north-south and east-west routes crossing Iran, and was once one of the largest cities in the world. Even today, the city retains much of its past glory. It is famous for its Islamic architecture, with many beautiful boulevards, covered bridges, palaces, mosques, and minarets. This led to the Persian proverb “’Esfahān nesf-e jahān ast” (Isfahan is half of the world). We went to Chehel Sotoun, a pavilion in the middle of a park at the far end of a long pool. The name, meaning “Forty Columns” in Persian, was inspired by the twenty slender wooden columns supporting the entrance
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pavilion, which, when reflected in the waters of the fountain, are said to appear to be forty. The palace contains many frescoes and paintings on ceramic. Many of the ceramic panels have been dispersed and are now in the possession of major museums in the west. Not far from Chehel Sotoun, we walked to Naghsh-e Jahan Square, the second-largest square in the world (after Beijing’s Tianamen Square) known as Iman Square. Constructed between 1598 and 1629, it is now an important historical site, and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It is an area of 83,000 m2. The Shah Mosque is situated on the south side of this square, known as Imam Mosque. The place is an excellent example of Islamic Architecture in Persia. This mosque was constructed during the Safavid period, in 1611 with seven-color mosaic tiles and valuable inscriptions.
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For reasons political, cultural, and geographic, this country remains intriguingly mysterious.
But its rich and lively history lives on in the ruined palaces of Persepolis, in the gardensof Esfahan, and in the bazaars of Tehran. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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On top of the entrance, among the stalactites and above the turquoise lattice window, there is a frame of sevencolor mosaic tile shaped like a vase with two peacocks on both sides which is an example of mosaic tile. The inscription above the entrance being made of white mosaic tile on ultramarine background, is written in Sols script by Alireza Abbasi.
In 2008, the Khaju Bridge, described as one of the world’s great ‘multifunctional’ bridges, made the list of the world’s 10 most amazing bridges at number nine.
The mosque is one of the treasures featured on Around the World in 80 Treasures presented by the architecture historian Dan Cruickshank and is depicted on the reverse of the Iranian 20,000 rials banknote. Sheikh Lotf Allah Mosque is situated on the eastern side of the Iman Square, the western side is the Ali Qapu Palace, and the northern side opens into the Isfahan Grand Bazaar. Ali Qapu Palace had been originally designed as a vast portal. It is fortyeight meters high and there are seven floors, each accessible by a difficult spiral staircase. In the sixth floor music room, deep circular niches are found in the walls, having not only aesthetic value, but also acoustic. Before the sun down we move to Khaju Bridge, is arguably the finest bridge in Isfahan, serving as both a bridge, and a dam. This bridge highlights one of the finest examples of Persian architecture at the height of Safavid cultural influence in Iran. The bridge is an arch bridge and thus does not need cables or additional supports. It is a semicircular structure with abutments on each end (part of a structure that bears the weight or pressure of an arch). The arches shift the weight from the bridge deck to the support structure. The force of compression is pushed outward along the curve of the arch toward the abutments.
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The next morning we end up the trip by went to Abyaneh Village, known as the Red Village because of its red soil and houses. This place is a famous historic Iranian village characterized by a Peculari reddish hue, the village is one of the oldest in Iran, attracting numerous native and foreign tourists year-round, especially during traditional feasts and ceremonies.
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An Abyunaki woman typically wears a white long scarf (covering the shoulders and upper trunk) which has a colourful pattern and an under-knee skirt. An impressive aspect of Abyaneh’s architectures is that the houses are uniform in appearance. The doors, most of which have two knockers, one for the women, and one for the men. If a woman knocks at the door, the lady of the house can open up without having to put on her veil. This trip provided us with wonderful guides who showed their love for their country, and who introduced us to Persian hospitality. We pray that peace will remain in Iran so that we can return to see the many things that we were unable to visit in such a short time.
TIPS Potentially perilous areas in Iran include the western border with Iraq and the eastern border regions with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Most Iranian meals are eaten with a spoon and fork, but visitors may choose a Western dish and eat with a knife and fork. The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden. Rice is the staple food and the Iranians cook it superbly. It is often eaten with wheat bread, yoghurt, lamb and aubergines. In large hotels, a 10 to 15% service charge is added to the bill. In restaurants, it is usual to leave some small change. Tipping is not expected in tea-houses or small hotels.
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TRAVEL FACTs Getting There Tehran Airport is 5km (3 miles) west of the city. Iran Air www.iranair.com Emirates Airlines www.emirates.com Aseman Airline asemanbooking.com (Domestic)
IRAN
Capital Tehran Language Persian, Turkic, Kurdish, various local dialects Religion Shiite and Sunni Muslim Currency Iranian rial Regional specialities • Chelo khoresh (rice topped with vegetables and meat in a nut sauce). • Polo chele (pilau rice), polo sabzi (pilau rice cooked with fresh herbs), polo chirin (sweet-sour saffron-coloured rice with raisins, almonds and orange), adas polo (rice, lentils and meat) and morgh polo (chicken and pilau rice). • Chelo kababs (rice with skew ered meats cooked over charcoal). • Kofte (minced meat formed into meatballs) and kofte gusht (meatloaf). • Abgusht (thick stew). Visas Required by all nationals except for transit passengers continuing their journey within 12 hours and not leaving the airport. When to Go Iran's climate is at its best in spring or fall, but try to avoid the fasting month of Ramadan (August 1 to August 30 this year), when restaurants close during the day.
WARNING
Getting Around The two main ways of getting around in cities of Iran are taxis and buses. In Tehran subway is also a good substitute for many routs. Where to Stay Abbasi Hotel Amadegah St., Chaharbagh-e- Abbasi Ave., Isfahan-Iran Tel. 98 311 222 6010 www.abbasihotel.com Melal Apartment Hotel No. 24, Naseri St., Valiasr Ave., Tehran 19686 Iran www.melal.com Pars International Hotel Zand St., Shiraz-Iran Tel. 98 71 233 6380 www.pars-international-hotel.com Where to Eat Hammam-e Vakil Recommended dishes: the fesenjan (a rich stew of chicken, pomegranate, and walnuts) and the albaloo polo (a hearty platter of rice studded with sour cherries) Taleqani St. Tel. 98 711 222 6467 www.hammam-vakil.com Shater Abbas Restaurant Recommended dishes: the halim bademjan (eggplant and chicken mashed with yogurt) and the sabzi polo (rice with dill, coriander, parsley, and chives) 1 Khakshenasi St. Tel. 98 711 227 1612 Wooden Bridge Teahouse A classic chaykhuneh under the arches of Khajoo Bridge, catering to a student crowd. Women and men can be seen sharing hookahs here in cozy corners (despite a law forbidding women to smoke them). Under Pol-é Khajoo, Kamal Esmaeil St.; 98-311/221-8295
you will not be allowed to enter Iran if there is an Israeli stamp on your passport, and you'll be in even bigger trouble if you come with an Israeli passport.
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around asia
Japanese Winter’s Tale
Explore the magic of winter IN THE NORTHERN
most island od the Land of the Rising Sun, Hokkaido
O
ne and a half hour flight from the glitz of Tokyo floats Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, for years inhabited only by fierce tribes, myths, and shadows. NOW Travel Asia team travels into the fabled snow country to find an unspoiled place where the seafood is bountiful, the bathing is restorative, the skiing is epic, and the soul of old Japan still lives on. As we fly over Hokkaido, the island looks slumbering and still. Our plane descends into whiteness. All of life, the city streets, the dairy farms, the silent volcanoes and boiling hot springs, lies beneath layers of snow. It is a frozen winter world, a mysterious land of submerged identity. Snow falls almost every day in the winter on the northernmost island of the Japanese archipelago, making its largest city, and one of the snowiest in the world. The island was considered uninhabitable for centuries, a place for banished criminals and wild nomads, the indigenous Ainu hunters. Only the southwestern edge was opened for trade in 1854, but even then, people were prohibited from settling on the island for another fourteen years, when the port towns of Otaru and Hakodate NOW TRAVEL ASIA
were built and vast fishing fortunes were made. As you approach the coasts, you will see the craggy coastline and the view of the sea. As you drive into town, the city has an eerie old-Europe feeling, with its redbrick warehouses and methodical design. From the first snowflake that falls on the central mountaintops in September until the official last day of the ski season in May, Hokkaido flourishes through the ice. Tourism booms as people flock to see the impressive ice sculptures at the Sapporo Winter Festival, welcome the salmon back to spawn at the ‘Come Back Salmon’ festival, watch the lively Japan national dog sled races, glance out over frozen lakes, and of course, ski. The highlight of Sapporo’s winter calendar is the Sapporo Winter Festival that springs the city into life in February. A fantastic display of ice sculptures which take months to plan and weeks to make, can be seen along the parks and boulevards, while ski jumping, concerts, snow golf, karaoke, and dancing takes place throughout the city and in bars and clubs. Some of the previous super-sized sculptures have included a replica of Trafalgar Square, the Taj Mahal, Cinderella’s crystal carriage, Japanese Manga(cartoon), and even Harry Potter.
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A life lived close to nature, and in touch with the seasons, is the eternal Japanese ideal. The snowy north of Japan has struggled with poverty and harsh rural conditions for centuries, but because it is relatively
unspoiled, and partly due to the difficulties of life there, it has always been seen as a purer place, where a more authentic spirit prevails.
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From Sapporo it’s an easy route out to the ski slopes thanks to the comprehensive network of buses and trains to the various resorts. Niseko, the most popular resort in Hokkaido, continues to grow yearly with skiers and snowboarders coming from all over the world. A day of skiing or in fact any form of sightseeing in Japan is not completewith the obligatory soak in an onsen (hot spring). Seated upon three volcanicmountain ranges, Hokkaido’s hot springs have been bubbling away for centuries and offer more than two hundred onsen to choose from. Each with its own claim to healing properties and often with a beautiful snow mountain backdrop, sitting outside in a steamy hot onsen while the snow falls around you.
And still there is more. Few places in the world are able to offer such a fascinating and fruitful insight into the beauty and fun of a winter world. It’s almost surprising that it would be found here in Asia, and yet being in Japan you’re glad that it is. Where else would display such amazing of what nature has to offer?
Just one hour from Sapporo, Noboribetsu Onsen is one of the most popular onsen in Hokkaido attracting more than three million visitors a year. You will, however, find onsen throughout the island. Some hotels even have onsen attached, and often it can be the smaller more remote baths that provide the more authentic experience. Remember when visit Hokkaido, don’t miss a chance to walk toward Sakaimachi Street in the town of Otaru nearby Supporo, a narrow road cluttered with cracker vendors, fish markets, and enticing shops filled with wooden crafts, glass-blowing studios, and homemade chocolates. Stepping inside one of these is like falling down a rabbit hole. You never know where you'll wind up, or how much time has passed.
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5
>> Seafood
Things
You Must
Try in
Hokkaido >> Ramen
Miso Ramen can’t get anymore authentic anywhere else than Sapporo, Hokkaido. As the birthplace of Ramen, Sapporo bustles with ramen stalls and restaurants all over the city. Two famous Ramen joints popular amongst tourists are Ramen Republic and Ramen Yokocho. A narrow lane tightly-lined with ramen shops serving the famous Sapporo ramen, Ramen Yokocho is 3-mins by foot from Susukino Subway Station.
>> Beer One thing you can’t miss when experiencing Hokkaido; bottoms up! Other than sakes, Hokkaido is famed for their beers with numerous breweries all over the island. Be sure to hop into one and sample their beer freshly brewed. The top four breweries include Kirin, Sapporo, Suntory and Asahi. However, other microbreweries offer beers that are just as satisfying. One recommendation is to try the Genghis-Khan dinner (BBQ lamb) with the special beer at Sapporo Beer Factory, a perfect blend of delicacy.
Hokkaido’s range of seafood choices is a paradise for seafood-lovers. Crabmeat, salmon, scallop, sea-urchin, salmon roe, any of these underwater delicacies are fresh and supple for your enjoyment. Monstrously huge crabs are popular amongst locals and tourists alike. One place to catch seafood live in action is the morning market at Hakodate. Just a stone throw away from JR Hakodate Station, the Hakodate Asaichi (Hakodate Morning Fair) houses close to 360 shops, all of which are either vendors or restaurants selling seafood. Do get prepared to rise early and experience the market at its “freshest” between 6 to 7am.
>> Chocolates One word, heavenly. You can never leave Hokkaido without bringing home a box of Shiroi Koibito or Royce products. These chocolates are set to sensationalize your palettes with its rich and tantalizing coco aroma, evoking every sinful desire in you for sheer chocolate indulgence. Make a trip down to Shiroi Koibito Park, Ishiya’s chocolate factory where the Shiroi Koibito chocolates are made. Costing only 600 yen, entering the factory feels like walking into the world of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Charles Dickens. Besides watching the production process live, there is a gallery featuring chocolate packaging, tins, a display of hundreds of hot chocolate cups and tea cups, and even a galore of old toys played by kids all over the world. Certainly brings us down memory lane with much nostalgia.
>> Snow Winter is when all the action begins. Despite harsh frosty conditions in February, Odori Park is all fired up with people geared up for the biggest snow event of the year. The world famous “Sapporo Snow Festival” lures 2 million visitors to Hokaiddo each year, attracting snow-builders from all over the world to congregate and compete. Snow sculptures of all kinds are erected along the streets, crafting a magical kingdom out of snow. Ice structures as huge as three-story high buildings, life-size cartoon characters, famous monuments and icons, all of which, made out of sheer ice, are an absolute delight to marvel at. Night time would be the best time to enjoy these works of art as the street will be prettily decorated with lights, illuminating the whole vicinity and turning it into one bright, giant fairyland. NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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TRAVEL FACTs
HOKKAIDO
Visas US passport holders, most EU residents and visitors from Australia do not require a visa if staying in Japan for less than 90 days. South African and some Asian residents are amongst those who are required to get a visa.
JAPAN
How To Get There Thai Airways www.thaiairways.com British Airways www.british-airways.com Japan Airlines www.jal.com Virgin Atlantic www.virginatlantic.com Capital Language Religion Currency Telephon Electricity Time
Tokyo Japanese Shinto, Buddhist Yen 00 81 100V; 50 Hz (in Tokyo and eastern Japan), 60 Hz (western Japan) GMT +9 hours
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Where to Stay Staying in a traditional inn, or Ryokan, is the best way to experience Japanese hospitality. Locating a good Ryokan in Hokkaido is easy, but finding one where the management speak English and are happy to deal with foreigners is trickier. www.ryokancollection.com, www.japaneseguesthouses.com
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food guide
Street Food in Bangkok Bangkok may boast the finest street food on earth. The city has long attracted migrants from across Asia, so its street cuisine, both at vendor carts and in tiny restaurants, blends many styles of cooking. Prang Phutorn Road, Bang Lamphu, and Pahurat are some of the best places to go.
Route #1 Prang Phutorn Road
Audom Pochana
Tom Leud Moo (Curdled Pork Blood in Clear Soup, Traditional Hakka Recipe) Open 8.30 – 16.00 daily Surrounded by groups of civil servants greedily slurping bowls of soup at this no-name restaurant. It is a tiny, family-run restaurant in the older part of Bangkok, which has been around some 100 years, prides itself on typical breakfast meal consisting of pork intestines, spleen, liver and cubes of congealed blood in a clear soup. This is eaten with a bowl or two of boiled rice and is standard fare almost anywhere. (Tel. + +66 8 6772 1600)
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Recommended dishes; Khao Moo Daeng (Roasted BBQ pork served over rice with light gravy) and Khao Moo Kob (Crispy pork served over rice with light gravy, Tel. +66 2 221 3042).
Boon Torn Recommended dishe; Yam Pla Dook Foo (Thai Catfish spicy salad, Tel +66 2 223 3015, +66 2 226 2837).
Nattaporn Ice Cream Open 9.00-17.00 daily Nattaporn has been making ice cream for over 60 years, and the current recipe is from Nattaporn's mother. Coconut flavor ice cream is their all-time classic. They also offer ice cream made from fresh cow's milk. Chocolate flavor is offered, as is traditional Thai iced tea and coffee flavors. (Tel. +66 2 221 3954)
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Route #2 Banglumpoo, Tanee Road
Route #3 Pahurat Street
Aesa sarapen
Little India area of Bangkok known as Pahurat, it is the center of the Indian community. This area is also the largest fabric market in Bangkok, you can also find Indian jewellery, accessories, footwear, incense and even Indian movies. If you do get hot and tired of shopping, there are plenty of Indian foods that you can sample from street vendors and local restaurants.
From the outside, it looks like a small noodle stall, but inside, you’ll find tantalizing Muslim dishes that have been serving for over 60 years. This one-stop shop offers everything from Khao Mok Kai (Biryani rice) to Mataba. Don’t miss the Beef Satay and Oxtail Soup. (Tel. +66 2 282 6378 , +66 8 1401 1326)
Nam Prik Nitaya Nitaya sells one of the Thai food’s most important ingredient, Nam Prik Pao or Roasted Chili Paste in Oil(Chilli Jam), it is often added to Tom Yum Soup and also great with steamed jasmine rice or as a dip for raw or steamed vegetables, pork crackling or crispy rice. (Tel. +66 2 282 8212, +66 2 281 8214)
The best areas for street snacks include the side streets off of
Yaowarat Road, in Chinatown; Talad Loong Perm (Loong Perm market), on 89 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, is in the northern part of Bangkok, just behind the Thai Airways building.
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Other Recommended
Restaurants
Raan Jay Fai, 327 Mahachai Road, near Wat Saket in the older part of Bangkok Tel. + +66 2 223 9384, Nguan Lee, corner of Soi Lang Suan and Soi Sarasin, is in the central business district; Tel. +66 2 250 0936. Chote Chitr, Prang Pu Thorn alley, off Tanao Road, is in the old part of Bangkok. Food Loft, top floor, Central Chidlom department
store, at the corner of Ploenchit Road and Soi Chidlom, is in the central business district.
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hotel review
pattaya, thailand
PATTAYA SEA SAND SUN RESORT AND SPA So near, yet so far from Hassles
Pattaya Sea Sand Sun Resort and Spa is on the beach off Sukhumvit Road, the luxurious resort and spa surrounded by the perfect spot of vacations with 60room boutique-style masterpiece, elegant, and comfort settings of own tropical Bali garden, complimented by 27 oversized stand-alone private Pool Villas Suite and Garden Suite with Jacuzzi. The resort transcends the ordinary and delivers a private stunning-beachfront resort experiences, embracing the natural beauty and providing the ultimate private escape. Indulge yourself in an invigorating treatment based on your highest relaxation is serene sanctuary. Experience the rhythms of touch and spoil yourself with an ideal massage for a truly relax and refreshing with Sea Sand Sun special blended aromas oils to encourage and balance the flow of energy and promote well-being. At the Horizon Sea View Restaurant, Thai favorites are prepared alongside International with a panoramic view of the ocean and surrounding tropical landscape, and is the perfect place for an intimate candle alfresco dinner experience.
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(78/4 M.8, Sukhumvit Rd., Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chonburi 20250 Thailand Tel: +66 38 435 163, +66 238 654-6 www.seasandsunpty.com)
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rayong, thailand
BARI LAMAI RESORT, RAYONG The Boutique Beachfront Haven
The only one boutique style resort in Rayong province, Bari Lamai Resort located at the end of Suan Son Beach. It is perfect for anyone who desires to stay amongst tranquility, sea breeze and beautiful nature. You will rest in private and comfortable atmosphere. All 6 stylish buildings stand in front of the sandy beach. First building holds the reception and Bari Bar restaurant. Upon request, the private dinner or private party can be set on the open air terrace next to the multifunction room. Besides, you can pamper yourself with Thai massage service both in multi-function room and in your room.
living room in the first floor has glass doors around it so that you can go out to breathe ozone at outdoor terrace. Two large bedrooms on the second floor provide kingsize beds, private bathrooms and private balconies. In addition, the resort allows you to take your lovely puppy to stay in your room. You will be enchanted with romantic night time at Bari Lamai. Just visit! Your imagination of graceful live will become true. (124/2 Moo 6 Lieap Had Rd., Lame Maepim, Klaeng, Rayong 21160 Thailand Tel. +66 8 1720 8671, +66 3864 7234-5 www.barilamai.com)
An abundant of plant spread over resort territory for example sea morning glory grow on the beach, coconut trees and Leelavadee trees waver near the swimming pool in front of another 4 buildings; Lamoon Lamai, Bari Bari, Lamai Mamer and Bari Raya. These buildings provide 18 Beach Front Deluxe with their own private balconies. Each room offers panoramic view of sea, the separate living room is on the lower-step floor connecting to balcony or swimming pool. If you come with your family, there is a Beach Front Villa with more modern in-room facilities, the villa offers private rest as you stay in your own home. The splendid NOW TRAVEL ASIA
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pattaya, thailand
MANITA BOUTIQUE HOTEL PATTAYA New Boutique Hotel in South Pattaya
Manita Boutique Hotel is situated in a quiet location of a very buxxing Pattaya. The newly renovated Manita boasts a unique piecr of art decoration and exquisite new interior as a result of a careful planning and artistic mind. Experience the tranquil ambience and comfort at Manita and at the same time enjoy thr fabulous attractions the city of Pattaya has to offer without compromising your peace and quiet accommodation. Manita Boutique Hotel features 18 Beach Front Deluxe and Beach Front Villa offers comfortable rooms and suites. Each room is fully-equipped with standard facilities offering a restful stay. The hotel’s Bari Bar is overlooking the ocean, offers a selection of fresh seafood entrees. Flickering candle-lights and the cool ocean wind will create a very romantic atmosphere for couple and friends. Upon request, the private dinner can be set on the secluded deck by the pool. Enjoy delicious food with variety of cocktails and wines at Bari Bar.
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Staffs at Manita Boutique hotel in Pattaya are always looking forward to welcome all value guests with quality services. (561/1 moo 10 Nongprue Banglamung Chonburi 20150 Thailand Tel. +66 384 89490-1 www.manitahotel.com, www.facebook.com/manitaboutiquehotel)
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samut songkhram, thailand
BAAN AMPHAWA RESORT & SPA
A Reminder that Paradise Really Does Exist
Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa offers the idyllic retreat on the bank of Mae Klong River which blends traditional Thai houses with contemporary Thai luxury to create a haven of historical elegance among the lush tropical landscape. Various activities are available both within the resort and nearby. For example, you can visit the cultural site of Amphawa Floating Market, stroll around local temples and observe the local people’s way of life. What’s more, Amphawa is well known as a place to see thousands of fireflies sparkling at night along the river bank. Embraced by the tropics, 45 units in traditional Thai houses and 14 contemporary villas nestle among ponds and shaded walkways creating the perfect hideaway for those looking to avoid Thailand’s mass tourism. During your stay, you can enjoy the time by the pool or relax with various choice of face and body treatments at Suphannika spa .
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No matter what reason brings you to Amphawa, Baan Amphawa Resort & Spa and the gentle breeze of the Mae Klong River await to comfort you and be a reward for your life. (22 Bangkapom-Kaewfa Rd, Amphawa, Samut Songkhram 75110 Thailand Tel. +66 3475 2222 www.baanamphawa.com)
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spa guide
SPA Cenvaree
at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya The Awakening of the
Soul
Adopting the concept of ‘Awakening’, the spa is inspired by clear open skies, warming woods and experience that are designed to enliven each of your senses through music, rituals and traditions.
T
hroughout your ‘Awakening’ experience at SPA Cenvaree, you will experience with these concepts, including the learning of traditional herbs and their benefits in your spa treatments, enveloping your self in the natural setting, letting go of time and finding peace with inspirational meditative music.
SPA Cenvaree traditional collection of treatments harnesses the healing power of water and traditional touches to deliver you a spa journey personalized to your own sense of wellness.
Guided by the three pillars of well-being, ‘Body’, ‘Energy’, ‘Soul’, SPA Cenvaree at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya’s philosophy is based on the holistic theme of achieving life balance by treating these 3 pillars as one. Blending harmoniously with Thai traditions and culture inspired architecture, SPA Cenvaree embraces the concept of ‘In love with life’ in a sanctuary of tranquility fit for everyone - a career person, a housewife, a working mum, a group of friends or family members.
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SPA Cenvaree at Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya Address 277 Moo 5, Naklua, Banglamung, Pattaya, Chonburi, 20150, Thailand Tel. +66 (0) 3830 1234 E-mail: spacenvareecmbr@chr.co.th www.spacenvaree.com
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Thai style decoration private massage room with aromatic scent.
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CHI, The Spa
At Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai CHI, The Spa debuts at Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai nestled within 4,600 square metres of landscaped, tropical gardens yet conveniently located in the city. CHI, The Spa offers nine spacious, Thai-inspired villas all incorporating the signature CHI ‘spa within a spa’ concept. The main features of the spa include a pool-facing yoga pavilion and a commanding structure called ‘The Sanctum,’ where guests begin their spa experience by discovering their Chinese five-element type. All CHI therapies are based on the Asian philosophy of the traditional five elements, in which metal, water, wood, fire and earth should be in balance with the positive yang and negative yin energy to restore balance and re-energize the mind and the body. For people to maintain good health, it is believed that ‘chi’ must flow freely within the body, and when blocked, ‘dis-ease’ and illness follow. Movement is therefore a key element in releasing blockages. Body massage, exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation combine to assist the body’s natural renewal and form the basis of CHI spa philosophy.
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The CHI signature therapies inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies and based on the national ingredients and indigenous healing rituals of Chiang Mai, signature therapies and massages include; Lanna Blend Massage, Wild Flower Body Glow, Lanna Exotic Massage, Chi Balance, Healing Stone Massage, Mountain Tsampa Rub, and a selection of facial treatments and water therapies. Don't have time to try them all? Well…you better make time. CHI, The Spa Address Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai 89/8 Chang Klan Rd., Muang, Chiang Mai 50100 Thailand Tel. +66 53 253 888 www.shangri-la.com
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golf time
STONEFOREST INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY CLUB A Golfing Paradise with the Most Distinctive Karst Landform
54-hole Stone Forest International Country Club near Kunming, is a Schmidt-Curley Design, one of the world’s most active and innovative golf course design firms. Three courses, Yufeng Ridge, Masters Resort and LeadersPeak, feature the breathtaking stone forest as a backdrop. Considered by many a wonder of the world, its towering, 270-million-year-old karst peaks erupt from the earth over a 135 square-mile area. ‘Leaders’ Peak’ occupies the most heavily-treed portion of the property and can play up to 7,528 yards long, a necessity at the mile-high location. ‘Yufeng Ridge’ starts high above the property with views of all three golf
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courses and the Yunnan countryside. One of the most scenic holes on the property is No. 8, a jaw-dropping par 4 playing into a massive wall of stone and vegetation. To slightly differentiate it from its sister courses, ‘Master’s Resort’ has grass-faced bunkers, more colorful landscaping, and greens with greater undulation. This is one of the most unique sites ever made available for golf. Great care was taken to preserve the dramatic rock formations and gently nestle the holes among the rugged outcroppings. Spectacular vistas, rock-strewn fields and dense pine forests abound, punctuated by lakes and open streams that reflect the stony peaks. Stoneforest International Country Club Address Shilin, Kunming, Yunnan, China Tel. +86 871 7716888 www.stoneforestgolf.com
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