www.krabi-magazine.com
January 2011 ISSUE 61
PHI PHI MAGIC
•TRAVEL•CULTURE•AO NANG•LANTA•LEISURE•NATURE•
Upstairs Seaview Dining * Sunset by the beach with nice breeze * Live Music daily "Good Wine - Fine Steaks and Seafood" Thai and European Cuisine, where West meets East Ra Bieng Talay, what everyone craves for!
Palm Paradise Naga Pura Aonang Soi 8
Noppa r a
B ra ha tT
h eac
Beach Terrace Hotel
Black Canyon
Seafood Street
Boats Ticket
AO NANG BEACH
Boats Ticket
154 Moo2, Ao-Nang, Muang, Krabi, 81000 Thailand Tel : 075 637 180-2, 081 567 3321 www.krabibeachterrace.com E-mail : booking @ krabibeachterrace.com
Editorial
Welcome to Krabi January 2011– ISSUE 61 EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Thomas Gennaro krabimagazine@gmail.com 089 9085990 ART GROUP Creative Director: Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat [Ton®] tonidesign@gmail.com - 089 7727858 Graphic Designers: Bandit Kanjanavarodom [Lim] CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Thomas Gennaro – Nattapat Sunthonphuriwat Lim Zenith - Roberto Spezzani - Tore Larsen Robby Attwater – Ton Company – Norm Flach The Lanta Retreat - Stefano Gonella - Thom Henley DISTRIBUTION AO NANG - KRABI - PHUKET Newspaperdirect Krabi: 075 637459 DISTRIBUTION KOH LANTA - KOH PHI PHI Roberto Spezzani: 082 8005269 PHUKET - KOH SAMUI - BANGKOK Guava Corporations: 089 9085990
KitDee Media & Design Company Limited 247/13 Moo 5, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000 Tel: 075 661144 - 075 637459 - Fax: 075 637460 E-mail: krabimagazine@gmail.com www.facebook.com/krabimagazine
Krabi Magazine is published and produced by KitDee Media & Design Company Limited and is protected by Copyright. No parts of this publication can be used or reproduced in any form – printed, electronic, photocopy or otherwise – without the written permission of the publishers. The publisher reserves the right to refuse to publish adverts, texts or advertising features. Advertising terms and conditions are to be obtained at krabimagazine@gmail.com Please send submissions to krabimagazine@gmail.com DISCLAIMER While great care has been taken in the receipt and handling of material, production and accuracy in this magazine, the publisher will not accept any responsibility for any errors, loss or omissions which may occur. The information and stories published are those of the writers and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or the editor. The description of properties, the contents, whereabouts and price are given in this magazine as a guide only. Please request further details from the advertiser and seek legal advice before entering into any contract to purchase. All information and prices were correct at the time of going to press.
K
rabi Province is considered to be one of the most beautiful regions in a beautiful country. Krabi has it all, from the limestone karsts that characterize the region to world-class beaches, islands, temples, markets, nightlife and shopping, the list is seemingly endless. Gastronomes will find Krabi a sanctuary of fine dining and lovers of the great outdoors will find plenty to keep them occupied - waterfalls, hot springs, national parks, elephant treks are all on offer and Krabi is also one of the world’s premier destinations for rock climbing and scuba diving. The coral reefs of the Andaman Sea are among the world’s best and the Railay Peninsula attracts climbers from all over the world. A journey gives us the chance to see things and people differently, from different angles, with different effects. It is with spirit that Krabi Magazine starts its second phase of a journey to the best places and people Krabi has to offer. It was raining pretty heavily during the last few months of 2010, but statistically January is one of the best months weather-wise to be in Krabi: the skies are becoming bluer, days are hot and nights are cooler. What best way to start 2011 than a sailing boat to the best of the Andaman Sea: a magic trip to ever-popular Koh Phi Phi Islands archipelago. Our feature natural escape takes us to Sa Morakot, the emerald lagoon, a natural wonderland for outdoor pursuits that is still topping the chart of most visited places in the Krabi province. There is also art, entertainment and literature in this New Year issue. Stunning Koh Lanta will soon host the Andaman Freediving Competition, read all about it. The island provides visitors a full tropical experience, with plenty of activities thrown in: cooking classes, drop-in meditation retreats, restaurants, and more. A trip to the southern tip of the island unveils Koh Lanta National Park, 134 sqkm of protected tropical evergreen forest, along with coastal grasslands where Lanta’s hills suddenly plunge into the sea. If you are after a property in Krabi, there is so much to read in our real estate section. You can marvel at the engineering involved in Bangkok’s Rama IX Bridge; read an interview with Khun Ching, Villa Manager at Ton Company; discover the benefits of retiring to the Land of Smiles; get acquainted with the technique of kitchen planning; and find the third part of our regular ‘Build your Dream Homes’ series. Our ever-popular magazine is being successfully distributed all over Thailand in most Asia Books/Bookazine stores, including at the airports, and Krabi is finally being given the attention it deserves. This will help tourists plan their trip to our province in advance, it will make Krabi an interesting option for potential visitors to the area, and it will give our sponsors a much wider exposure. It does not end there! Watch out for our extremely popular Krabi 81000 Miniguides that are massively available to visitors to Krabi and Islands, and for the brand new product Sanuk Cards, complementing the magazine and helping you with your search for the best eats, nightlife, activities, boats and buses timetables, doctors and banks, events; an endless array of information to make your stay reasonably organized from Kitdee Media & Design. Find the above products in your hotel lounge, in restaurants and pubs, at airports and boat piers or in your favourite local travel agency. Browse them avidly and make use of our local expertise. Look out for our logos, and BEWARE OF IMITATIONS! We hope you find Krabi Magazine inspirational and helpful whether you come to Krabi to eat, drink and relax on the beach or participate in any of the numerous activities on offer here in Thailand. And if you are not in Krabi yet, what are you waiting for? Enjoy the magazine, enjoy our printed products, and above all enjoy your holiday in Krabi!
Thomas Gennaro Executive Editor Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
Cover picture courtesy of: Nattapat Sunthonpuriwat
CONTENTS
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January 2011, issue 61
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A Window on Krabi
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Cover Story
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Day Tripper
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Media
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Highlights of this amazing province: town to temples, beaches to Islands, natural hotspots to cultural places.
Aboard of two-masted Jiwa, in a climate of cordiality, Krabi Magazine team experienced unique places. Krabi-Spesialisten is a guarantee of pure organized fun.
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Trek for treats! Sa Morakot, otherwise known as The Crystal Pool, sits in the last significant area of lowland rain forest in Thailand. PLUS: Factfile: Getting there, Khao Nor Chu Chi
Thailand is an attractive location for many Hollywood films and other foreign productions. PLUS: Factfile: Foreign movies shot in Krabi Movie: Bitter/Sweet - A love story set in Krabi
www.amari.com
loves your indulgences
Dive into new sensations at Amari Vogue Krabi. The soothing touch of Thai massage and captivating floral aromas of Sivara Spa. The crisp taste of a wood-fired pizza enjoyed by the beach or the zest of an authentic curry in one of our three signature restaurants and bars. Toast the sunset with a fresh tropical cocktail or unwind to a massage set to the soundtrack of Andaman waves. Whatever your choice, we invite you to find new ways to tantalise your senses at Amari Vogue, inspired by the beauty of Krabi.
For more information contact +66 (0) 7560 7777 Bangkok | Chiang Mai | Pattaya | Koh Chang | Koh Samui | Phuket | Krabi
The longtail boat is truly a place where price comes together with quality of food and service. The Real Thai taste is the main character here. They serve an array of Thai appetizers, chicken satay, mixed seafood fritter plate, Thai main dishes and famous banana fritters with ice-cream by the long tail boat style. To complete the meal there is a selective range of wines, cocktails and other beverage at the bar. The atmosphere is intimate and relaxed with two options: at the chic tables outdoor, or at the upstairs bar. Both locations have great views out over the Andaman Sea. Open daily From 10:00 to 16:00 pm. Special Lunch menu with free sun bed in front of the sea, fine dining till 23:00 pm. Soi Aonang Seafood
Police Box
50 metre
Boat Ticket
Aonang Beach
Aonang Center
Boat Ticket
for reservations please call +66 (0)75 638093, +66 (0)81 0915590
32/17 Moo 2 Ao Nang, Muang, Krabi 81000 e-mail: thelongtailboat@gmail.com
January 2011, issue 61
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CONTENTS
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Entertainment
27
Koh Phi Phi
28
Art
33
Literary Corner
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Koh Lanta
36
Live music from Brookhouse Road at The Irish Rover.
Phi Phi trolley taxis are a useful and inexpensive way to get your heavy load to destination.
Khun Sai recent works expose at the Krabi Contemporary Art Museum: rough acrylic brushing techniques applied to locally made batiks.
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Enjoy poems from Nawattaphume International School, Ao Nang, year six and year seven students.
Get the most out of Koh Lanta. Highlights, maps, reviews and articles: Koh Lanta Highlights: Lanta Features Diving: Andaman Freediving Competition Culinary: Basic Ingredients in Food and Life Feature: Mu Koh Lanta National Park Health & Living: Retreats at The Retreat
Real Estate
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Purchasing and making real estate investments made simple with Krabi Magazine. Construction: The Making of Rama IX Bridge Architect Tips: Going the Extra Mile Lifestyle: Retiring to the Land of Smiles Property News: Exotiq Reveals New Identity Showcased: The Kitchen Property Search: Building a Dream Home Part 3
Directory
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Media Kit and Businesses listed in the Krabi Magazine
Aning Restaurant Thai & International Cuisine
High quality fresh seafood Choise of 12 different cuts of steak Thai food Pizza & Pastas Selected wines Our speciality: Cheese platter Homemade selection of our delicious desserts Gin Long Drink Cider Finnish, Swedish and English menu Daily Finnish and Swedish newspapers Aning Restaurant has become the most renowned and well established restaurant in Ao Nang
The FIRST and ONLY one, a true original Mexican Music Bar & Tex-Mex Restaurant in Ao Nang !
and original Our menu has tasty Eur opean dishes and hes dis ican Mex spapers new h edis Sw and nish Fin d rea to le availab
Map
upstairs.
@ CRAZY GRINGO'S BAR
BIGGEST AND COOLEST MUSICBAR IN AO NANG LIVE DJ MUSIC DANCE FLOOR POOLPARTY
Tex Mex World Co., Ltd.
Aning 7-eleven Ao Nang Beach
Walking Street
423/12 Moo 2, Ao Nang, Muang District Krabi 81000 +66 (0)75 695 176 aningrestaurant@hotmail.com
A window on Krabi
THE ISLANDS
THE CULTURE
Hop on or hire a longtail, the local wooden boats with their picturesque prows. Sail away to Koh Poda, surrounded by turquoise waters, or to Koh Kai, shaped as a chicken and therefore called the Chicken Island, from where a walk on a sandy pathway connects it to Koh Tub. Make a longtail boat or speedboat trip to the Koh Hong archipelago, a group of limestone islands with hidden caves and lagoons perfect for kayaking or snorkeling. Join an organized tour to amazing Koh Phi Phi islands, full of marvelous bays, limestone cliffs, waters rich in marine life, caves where swallow nests are harvested, and much more. Visit Koh Jum and Koh Siboya, small, unspoiled tropical hide-away that have a unique atmosphere. These islands give visitors the time to relax and re-charge their batteries. Or venture out on Koh Lanta, the developing island at the southern end of the province home to sea gypsies communities, where you will meet nature and tradition. A National Park area that comprises many different islands surrounded by coral reefs, such as Koh Ngai and remote Koh Rok.
Ban Natin, on the way from Ao Nang to Klong Muang, is the place to experience the peaceful lifestyle of the local Muslim community. Home accommodation is available, or you can simply make a stopover and see the production of handmade products such as batik paintings, pineapple-fiber paper and coconut shell carving. Wat Klong Thom Museum features various kinds of beads, stone tools, and stone and earthen ornaments in animal shapes of approximately 5,000 years old, uncovered during archeological excavations. Fire dancing, part of the beach culture, is a popular evening activity on the beaches of Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi, performed by acrobatic boys who swing burning torches around their bodies, creating sparkling artistic pictures. Ban Sang-Ka-U is a sea gypsy’s settlement in south-east Lanta Yai. It is there that an old clan of traditional Chao Ley try to preserve a disappearing way of life in this fast-developing island.
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THE BEACHES Ao Nang, at 20km from Krabi Town, is the most developed of Krabi’s beaches, a long stretch of white sandy beach with limestone mountains as a backdrop. It has a wide range of accommodation and services and the main shopping street features restaurants, bars, pubs, souvenir shops, dive centers and tour agencies, massage centers and spas. This is the hub from which to plan your trip at sea and to the nearby islands on a typical longtail boat. Noppharat Thara beach, just around the corner from Ao Nang, is 3km long yet still undeveloped, with only a few resorts and bars. Attractive because of its natural setting, this is where local youngsters and families gather at sunset and at weekends. Savour some local Muslim snacks at the beach stalls, or fill yourself with seafood in the local restaurants at the very end of the beach, near the Noppharat Thara National Park headquarters. At low tide, walk out together with millions of small crabs on the sandy pathways to the small islands near the beach. Railay beaches are split and separated from Krabi and Ao Nang by monumental limestone mountains. Railay has two sides, east and west, and its settings are simply marvelous: crystal clear waters, pure sandy beaches, lush mountains, rocky islands emerging from the sea. Railay can only be reached by boat, a 15 minutes ride from Ao Nang or 30 minutes from Krabi Town. Enjoy a cocktail in one of the beach bars, visit the Phranang Cave, challenge yourself on a rock climbing course, hike the limestone massif to a lagoon and a viewpoint, or simply chill out. Neighbouring Tonsai lies at the base of a cliff which divides it form Railay West. Tonsai has a shallow beach with slow gradients out to sea which is profoundly affected by the tide. Klong Muang beach is a further 20km away from Ao Nang; it is the up-market side of Krabi, the place to be if you are after a peaceful holiday. Catering to families and couples, it is here that you really get the so deserved repose, surrounded by pristine nature. Tubkaek beach is another real place to hide away; long, clean and peaceful, the area has breathtaking views over Koh Hong islands archipelago, and charming sunsets. From there you can venture inside the National Park and try a walking trail to a viewpoint and a waterfall. Koh Lanta beaches have a wide selection of resorts for all tastes and pockets. Lanta Yai island has long stretches of gleaming white sandy beaches and shallow emerald waters. Lined with tropical vegetation, a private spot is never more than a short walk away on a southern beach at Lanta Yai.
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NATURAL HOTSPOTS Limestone mountains or karsts, characterize most of the inland Krabi area, the most spectacular being the massifs of Sai Tai. Susaan Hoi is a 40 million year-old seashell cemetery; once a large swamp where freshwater crustaceans proliferated, today home to 40 centimeter thick, shell encrusted limestone slabs, a geological uniqueness not far from Ao Nang. One must find a broken edge to see the shells clearly, since all of those on the upper surface have been walked on and worn down by the elements and are hard to identify. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, at 20km from Krabi Town, comprises waterfalls, streams, lush forests and caves. It is home to all kind of flora and wildlife and to the highest mountain in the region from which it takes the name. One of the features of the park is Huay Toh Waterfall where water runs down onto several huge pools. Tarnbok Khoranee National Park, in the north of the region, consists of limestone mountains, verdant tropical forest, caves and beautiful islands. It is well-known for its different species of trees growing around a large natural crystal clear pool, and for the hundreds of birds’ species. Phi Hua Toh Cave, in the nearby Bor Thor area, surrounded by mangrove swamps and reachable by boat or kayak, is where to see pre-historic rock paintings depicting animals and humans. Sa Morakot, the Emerald Pool, is a natural wonder: a pond of turquoise water with an average temperature of 30-40C, fed by a hot spring in the middle of the jungle. Hot Springs of Klong Thom, natural Jacuzzis in which to lift away tensions and relieve body and mind with the mineral-enriched waters falling into rocky ponds.
THE TOWN Small, charming, silent at times, nice for a day’s walking tour. Krabi Town is full of old buildings, bars and restaurants, local exotic marketplaces and food stalls at the old Chao Fa pier where to sample the local food. The Krabi motto is: “lively town, lovely people”; Krabi’s simple people are definitely proud of their town and of their warm and generous character. Hop on a longtail boat at Chao Fa pier and visit Khao Kanab Nam, the unique pair of hills facing each other on the opposite banks of the Krabi River, symbols of the town; or embark on a journey to Koh Klang, an island next to town on the mouth of the river, where you will experience lives lived by the local fishing communities; or charter a boatman for a visit to the mangrove backwaters.
THE TEMPLE Located just 9 km from Krabi Town the Wat Tham Seua, or Tiger Cave Monastery, is one of south Thailand’s most famous and interesting forest temples, as the monks live, meditate and worship within a maze of natural caves in an overgrown jungle valley. Many Thai women live out their oldage there as nuns. Explore the inner cave used by monks for meditation. Climb the 1,237 steps up a limestone tower to see the statue of the Buddha and the “footprint of the Buddha” embedded in the rock, and to enjoy one of the best viewpoints of the area. Take the circular walk through Krabi’s rarest of all features, a pocket of primary lowland forest, a circular rocky basin enclosed by high cliffs. Here, along a pathway used by monks to meditate and amongst a number of magnificent trees you can be amazed in front of the largest flared root base of any tree remaining in Thailand.
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Krabi Magazine
Chill Out Sunset Cruiser
Exclusive Cruises Aboard Petchmanee 10
Chill out while cruising around the most beautiful islands Enjoy snorkeling, swimming or canoeing to the nearby beaches Watch the sunset on all trips before heading back home
Snorkelling
TRIPS OFFERED MON 1pm: Koh Poda, Koh Si, Chicken Island (Sunset) TUE 10am: Koh Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Monkey Bay, Viking Cave, Chicken Island (Sunset) WED 1pm: Koh Yawasam, Koh Si, Chicken Island (Sunset) THU 12pm: Bamboo Island, Koh Si, Chicken Island (Sunset) FRI 1pm:
Koh Mae Urai, Koh Si, Chicken Island (Sunset)
SAT 10am: Koh Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Lohsama Bay, Chicken Island (Sunset)
Wine Bar and Restaurant
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Thai and International cuisine
Pasta – Pizza – Imported Steaks – Thai Dishes Organic Salads – Seafood – Take Away Food Fresh Coffee – Home-made Bread & Cakes MODERN DÉCOR – COZY ATMOSPHERE WIDE COCKTAIL SELECTION LARGE WINE LIST
Chill Out Wine Bar & Restaurant – AO NANG BEACH
Professional organizers of Special Events: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings Mention Krabi Magazine to the staff and get a free Chill Out Sunset Cocktail
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Tel./Fax: 075 695674 - www.chilloutkrabi.com - chillout@chilloutkrabi.com
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Chicken Islan
Tel. 075 637245, Fax 075 637246 - www.chilloutkrabi.com - chillout@chilloutkrabi.com
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SUN 12pm: Koh Hong, Paradise Island, Noppharat Thara (Sunset)
Cover Story Story by : Roberto Spezzani Photos by : Nattapat Sunthornphuriwat
O
ur meeting point was the headoffice of Krabi-Spesialisten tour agency. Joyful Norwegian entrepreneur Ms. Ingeborg Fallet Kristensen informed us that the passengers of today’s tour were being picked up at their hotels, with the boarding being scheduled at 10,30 am from the Noppharat Thara Pier. It would be there that we would meet the crew and team that would accompany us in the trip.
Profession: Cordiality Aboard of two-masted Jiwa, in a climate of cordiality, we experienced unique places. KrabiSpesialisten is a guarantee of pure organized fun.
I asked her about how many passengers she expected to have on board. “The highest capacity of Jiwa is 50 pax plus the crew, as per Thai law” told me Ingeborg; “however, we never allow more than 36 tourists on board”, she stated proudly. Krabi Spesialisten also employs 3 tour guides for this trip and 8 seasonal trainees from Krabi Technical College and Sakolnakorn Rajabhat University who repeat the apprenticeship every year until they finish their higher education. This will guarantee the boat will not be crowded, and it seemed like the perfect business card for the company: quality versus quantity. If this was Ingeborg’s spirit, it surely anticipated a great day out. Would she be joining the tour? “Sorry, today I have an organized wedding to supervise, perhaps next time in one of our Thai Culture & Merit-Making road trips” – she excused herself.
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At Noppharat Thara, we unwittingly felt like scouts being organized for an expedition. We crossed sand dunes like happy kids in the low tide of the day to reach the longtail boats that would carry us to the Jiwa. On the boat, we were greeted by the crew and by the 3 guides, who then explained the program of the day. Swedish Dirk Flechtner is one of them. “I love these trips”, he admits. “Back in Sweden I was a fisherman. I endured harsh weather, with little conversation and hard work. With Krabi Spesialisten I found my real self. I love staying with people and chatting, and I visit stunning places. I am a lucky man; Maya Bay is of course much better than cold polar ices, hahaha!” Dirk is the leader that all would want in their excursion. He speaks fluently English, Swedish and German (and ‘nit noi Thai, he sported). The smiles, the courtesy and the availability of the crew would accompany us for the entirety of the tour.
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We got information about the itinerary of the day on nautical maps, and on the beauties we will visit, and were later offered a sumptuous lunch on board. The marine breeze lulled us, while the sun struggled to get a peep of us from behind the clouds. We finally reached Maya Bay, tropical paradise on Koh Phi Phi Leh that gained popularity thanks to Leonardio di Caprio and the movie The Beach. We reached this popular bay in a time of the day when it was not crowded; this once again showed a precise choice by Krabi Spesialisten, with nothing left to chance. Sun, sea, photographs and relaxation are what waited at Maya Bay. A fine sun shone in the sky. After a one-hour stop, we left for Bamboo Island, one of the most perfect pearls of the Krabi seas. During the sail, Jawa stopped opposite the entrance of Viking Cave, a cave that opens on the crystal waters of the Andaman Sea, with a rocky cliff that overlooks the ocean. This cave is famous for the swallow nest business. Swallows make their arrival en masse in January each year to nest, protected by a severe Thai law that forbids troubling the birds. Swallows create these nests with their saliva. The nests are attributed aphrodisiac power and are used in the gastronomic preparations of haute cuisine. This and the exclusive rights of collection concessions granted to local bidders that need to be renewed every 4 years make them a niche product that sells at prohibitive prices (over 80,000 Thai Bath per Kg).
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Once in Bamboo Island, Jiwa crew threw the anchor and a fleet of longtail boats carried us to the beach, crossing a coral reef with plenty of fish. We were equipped with masks, snorkels and loaves of bread to attract the fish to us. In these waters, fish seem not to fear human beings. I was overcome by the appetite of a myriad of yellow and black striped fish that crowded around me, looking for an afternoon snack. Snorkelling in Bamboo Island was an excellent experience thanks to the abundant variety of marine life present. I felt happy! We fed fish and swam for over one hour before Jiwa left for the rest of the trip. We made our way to the covered bridge, where a cocktail party had been organized. All sort of drinks including red and white wines were served, for the joy of all presents. Cheerfulness pervaded all, the perfect moment to exchange impressions with the rest of the tourists, companions of a great journey. I lingered with a couple from Finland; Mr. Ile and wife Marita had been to Thailand 3 times already but it was the first time they were in Krabi: “despite our previous journeys, we keep being amazed at the beauties of the new places we have visited today: Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, places that will remain imprinted in our memory. Krabi and its environs are a great reason to return again on holiday to this lovely country!” Nearby Chicken Island the sun began to set on the horizon. The sky dyed with touches of orange and the scenery was indeed breathtaking, it was one of those moments when words are not needed. Plenty of cameras immortalized the hen’s head shape of Chicken Island with the sunset as a background. All on board looked satisfied; some, overcome by the emotions of the day, abandoned themselves to a light nap. The sun suddenly left and Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara Pier got nearer and nearer. By 7pm, as per schedule, we reached the mainland, where a fleet of minivan awaited for the transfers back to our hotels. Krabi Spesialisten left a mark in my heart. The cordiality and the professionalism with which all the personnel performed their duties were to me, a reporter used to visiting charming places, the true novelty of the day. A thanks goes to Ms.Ingeborg Fallet Kristensen, Krabi Spesialisten MD, and to all their team for the hospitality shown. Needless to say I am more than anxious to participate in the next adventure with them, perhaps the Thai Culture & Merit-Making tour Ingeborg mentioned at the beginning of this lovely day.
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OUR SERVICES IN SOUTHERN THAILAND Tailor-Made Holidays Property Investments Corporate Incentives Scandinavian Management
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CM
MY
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CMY
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w w w . k r a b i - spe s i a l i s te n . c o m
Wedding in Thailand
“Cordiality opens people’s hearts” - Roberto Spezzani “And me, I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it’s not some place you can look for, ‘cause it’s not where you go. It’s how you feel for a moment in your life when you’re a part of something, and if you find that moment... it lasts forever...” Richard voice-over, The Beach
Krabi Spesialisten Co., Ltd. 126 Moo 3, Ao Nang, Mang, Krabi 81000 Tel. +66 75 638 097 -8 Fax: +66 75638 089
For enquiries check on
www.wedding-in-thailand.com
or contact +66 (0) 75 638 097-8, + 66 (0) 819797895 info@wedding-in-thailand.com info@krabi-spesialisten.com
Day Tripper Text by : Thomas Gennaro Photos by: Nattaphat Sunthornphuriwat
Trek for Treats
S
a Morakot, otherwise known as The Crystal Pool, sits in the last significant area of lowland rain forest in Thailand.
Ecotourism and adventure travel have become of the hottest buzzwords in the tourism industry for the last decade. Thailand, with it wealth of natural attractions, national parks and highly developed infrastructure, is the perfect destination for tourists looking for an adventurous holiday, or just an opportunity to really get away from it all and spend some quality time in the great outdoors. Located in Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand ‘s last lowland rainforest home to many rare native species of flora and fauna, is Sa Morakot Pool. As we made our way along the 1.4 km long boardwalk which leads to the crystal pool, we saw various plants and we spotted different species of butterflies and lizards while armies of ants marched across the path and up tree trunks in their never-ending food quest. Depending on the temperature and other factors, the water can be anything from crystal clear to deep green. Visitors determined to see the real emerald colour should plan to visit at dawn or early in the morning. The pool is well surrounded by evergreen plants. Eight natural pools dot the area - Nam Lod (Water Passing Through), Cherng Kao (Vallery), Jorakeh Khao (White Crocodile), Nam Tip (Heavenly Waters), Nam Krahm (Indigo Water), Hun Kaeo (Barking Deer), Noy (Small) and Morakot (Emerald) that gives the area its common name. Sa Morakot is the only pool in which it’s possible to swim, and it’s a perfect place to do so. At approximately 22m in diameter and 1.5m deep, its clean, ambient waters come from the spring upstream, which are sedimented with layers of alkaline limestone, flow over a smooth rock-face resulting in a crystal clear large pool. There is a recently built boardwalk that leads to the source of the crystal pool. Here it’s possible to see spring water bubbling up from the ground in a huge deep-blue coloured pool – a truly remarkable sight.
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FACTFILE KHAO NOR CHU CHI The Khao Nor Chu Chi Lowland Forest Nature Reserve comprises two forest communities that contribute to this unique eco-system: swamp forest and moist evergreen forest. The stream which leads away from the crystal pool also provides the source of what is known as the ‘stream eco-system’ in which birds such as various king-fisher species, fire algae and the water itself all contribute to a very delicately balanced bionetwork in which all the organisms rely equally on each other for survival. Twitchers will be interested to know that the swamp is also home to the rare Pitta Gurney, not seen in the wild for almost fifty years until rediscovered here in 1986. Swamp forest hosts a diversity of plant and tree species that have adapted over thousands of years to tolerate soggy soil conditions. Such species are the Chompuu Nam (Eugenia papillosa) and the Satieo or Garnua an indicator species of swamp forest having a unique looped root system that enables it to breathe and provides it with stability in wet, low nutrient soil conditions. It also provides food for flying foxes that feast on the outerflesh of the fruit of the tree, the discarded stones of which are then collected by locals to make a type of oil used in cooking. The Nepenthes, another indicator species of poor soil habitat, is another fascinating plant – an insectivorous species whose modified leaves called ‘pitchers’ are filled with fluid that trap and digests insects.
WHEN TO GO AND HOW TO GET THERE Sa Morakot can be visited at any time of the year and is best during weekdays, when it’s less busy, and in the green season months, when flora and fauna are at their best. To reach Sa Morakot from Krabi, drive about 40 km south to the small market town of Klong Thom on the Krabi–Trang (Phetkasam) Road. Turn left on the road towards Thung Yai and follow the signposts to the Khao Pra Bang Khram No-Hunting Area headquarters, in the village of Baan Bang Tieo, approx 16 km further. Alternatively, it’s possible to take a motorcycle taxi from Klong Thom for around 60 Baht. If you are driving from Koh Lanta, cover the road from the second ferry out of Lanta to the T-junction of the Krabi-Trang road, turn left and drive to Klong Thom. There, turn right on the road towards Thung Yai and follow the signposts to the Khao Pra Bang Khram NoHunting Area headquarters, in the village of Baan Bang Tieo, approx 16 km further. By far the best way to visit is by organized tour. Any agent in Krabi Town or Ao Nang or Lanta or your hotel can book a tour for you, which includes lunch and optional visits to other attractions. An entrance fee of 200thb applies for Sa Morakot and Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve.
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Media
Thailand: Clapperboard Country
Text by : Thomas Gennaro
D
ozens of foreign films have been shot in Thailand, with the kingdom either playing itself or standing in for a neighboring country, such as Vietnam or Cambodia. Thailand’s 24-hour sunshine advantage, the availability of elephants, varied scenic backdrops, combination of urban and tropical areas, exotic jungle and beach settings, relatively low production and labour costs, a relatively mature domestic film industry that provides a legion of experienced crew members, growing talents in the area of special effects, video games and other emerging fields, have made Thailand an attractive location for many Hollywood films and other foreign productions. Participating in international film festivals, film markets and related events is a great tool for promoting Thailand as a filming location. In November 2010 at the American Film Market, Thailand aimed to capitalize on global film business, not with the usual booth but by hiring a beachside restaurant for a gala dinner and presentation presided over by Princess Ubolratana, to which it invited hundreds of Hollywood executives. On the occasion, the Thai Department of Export showcased Thailand as a shooting location, a place for post-production work (including 3D animation), a potential source for screenplays and films and a home to talented local crews. Tourism Authority of Thailand is keenly interested in attracting production companies to make films in the Kingdom, as the industry usually provides work for Thai film crews and extras, as well as promoting Thailand as a tourist destination. There are developing plans and measures to support related film services business in order to promote tourism, culture and arts in Thailand, with the Thai government expecting an increase of foreign tourist due to the positive impact of movies on the foreign audience. Following the recent deal of the French movie “Largo Winch 2�, with 60% percent of the film to be shot in places like Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Pattaya and a release in February 2011, the TAT is expecting an increase of the number of French tourists.
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The financial side is important too. Every year, more than 400 foreign productions are shot in Thailand, generating a decent national income. During 2009, about 500 foreign productions were shot in the Kingdom. More than 110 foreign productions shot in Thailand between January and February 2010 generated a total income of 213 million Thai baht for the country, a number that would have kept rising hadn’t it been for the political crisis between the Red T-shirts and the government, which caused cancellation or delays in many shootings. For the last five years, foreign movies generated more than six billion Thai bath. 2011 marks efforts from the Thai Government to prepare tax exemptions for foreign filming in Thailand. To regain the trust of the foreign producers and encourage them to come back to Thailand following the 2010 political events in Bangkok, the government is now discussing new laws that will reduce taxes for foreign productions. Like with every business, there is a downside, in this case a constroversial one. The locations of some films have been criticized as being harmful to the environment. The island used to depict villain’s hideout in James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” in 1973 is now a major draw for tourism operators in Phang Nga Bay. After the release of the movie, an important stream of tourists arrived to the island, damaging some of its landscape. The island also nearly lost its original name, Koh Khao Phing Gan, as it is today best known as “James Bond Island”. In 1999, British director Danny Boyle came to Thailand to direct his movie “The Beach”, starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Most of the shooting took place on Maya Bay, in the Phi Phi Island’s national park in Krabi. Despite the discontent of the locals and the environmentalists’ protests, the movie production insisted on alterations to the original landscape of the beach, claiming it was not ‘tropical’ enough. The transportation of equipment also damaged the coral and vegetation of the island. Shootings are today under surveillance to avoid any further environmental deterioration. As an obligation, an official from the “Film Board of Thailand” must consider and approve all applications for location shot permits to foreign productions as well as following the shooting to check if the producers are following the script submitted to the board, and monitoring film shoots to ensure that they do not adversely affect Thailand’s image or damage its natural environment. Thailand is not yet the Hollywood of Asia. However, with the great economic interests in the film industry, government incentives for foreign filmmakers to shoot their productions in Thailand in the works, increased BOI attention to investment in entertainment infrastructure and additional funds for Thai filmmakers and others in the industry, the Thailand Film Office (a government agency under the Office of Tourism Development, Ministry of Tourism and Sports) and several private companies specialized in film-making in Thailand providing local film production service co-coordinators, other government agencies concerned with film location shoots in order to facilitate the work of foreign film crews, it will not be long before Thailand takes its place as the entertainment capital of Asia. Amazing Krabi will surely have its place in the market of course.
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Factfile
Foreign movies shot in Krabi C
apturing Thailand’s photogenic scenery is easy in Krabi. White sandy uninhabited beaches, lush forests and jungles, incredible weather, you name it. This is a list (by all means not comprehensive) of some of the foreign movies partly or entirely shot in this incredible province: Krabi. Men of War (1994), with Dolph Lundgren - mainly shot in Thailand, with Krabi, Ao Nang and Phang Nga making up most of the island scenery. Cutthroat Island (1995) – Renny Harlin’s swashbuckler was filmed on location in Maya Bay and Koh Poda. The Phantom (1996) - a live-action movie set in the 1930s, and incorporated elements from several of the Phantom’s earliest comic-strip adventures. It starred Billy Zane and Catherine Zeta Jones. Krabi doubled as the Phantom’s fictional home country Bengalla. Production designers changed a deserted warehouse in Krabi Town into a large sound stage, where the Phantom’s Skull Cave abode was erected, including his Chronicle Chamber, vault, and radio and treasure rooms. The Beach (2000), with Leonardo di Caprio – Krabi Town and Phi Phi Leh. Hallmark ‘Stranded’ (2001) A stubborn Christian, Mr. Robinson refuses to accept his country’s non-religious belief systems, and with his wife and four children are expatriated on a trading ship to America. But soon a violent storm destroys the vessel, our intrepid survivors wash upon the shores of a lush tropical island. Filmed on location in Krabi, Ao Nam Mao, Khao Kanab Nam. Around the World in 80 Days (2004) - Jackie Chan/Steve Coogan remake of the 1956 film was also filmed in Thailand, with scenes shot in Krabi, Sa Keo and Nai Sa that were meant to take place in a rural village in China. Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith (2005) - The approach to Kashyyyk, the Wookiee homeworld, was filmed around Krabi Province by Santa Film International. The Mysterious Island (2005) - Patrick Stewart Stealth, Jamie Foxx, Jessica Biel and Josh Luca portray high-tech US Navy aviators. The film is a remake of the 1961 feature film based on Jules Verne’s famous novel of the same name. The entire film was shot in Krabi, including the American civil war scenes. Rest and relaxation scenes were filmed in Ao Nang and on Koh Poda. The filming included construction of some amazing sets and spectacular caves, beaches and tropical scenery. The locations on Thailand’s Andaman coast lent themselves well to the ‘pre-historic tropical look.’ Anthony Kaun Hai? (Who is Anthony?) (2006) - Indian movie shot in Krabi Town.
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Movie
Bitter/Sweet A love story set in Krabi
O
f all the movies celebrating Thai beaches and landscapes, this AmericanThai film production highlights the coffee plantations in Thailand in one of the kingdom’s best-known beach destinations – Krabi. The movie features typical Krabi backdrops like karsts mountains and destinations like Sa Morakot and Wat Tham Seua. A scenic setting for a unique love story between a Thai woman executive and an American coffee buyer, with a big cast from the two countries. Bitter Sweet has sultry Thai actress Napakpapha “Mamee” Nakprasite playing Ticha, and dashing American actor Kip Pardue playing Brian Chandler, and the participation of Asian Madonna, Tata Young. The movie was done over an intensive two-week shoot in Krabi in 2008 and was released in 2009. It swept 42nd Annual WorldFest Houston International Film and Video Festival 2009 with highest honors winning Best Director and Best Film, as well as being nominated to receive one of the prestigious REMI awards in its feature film category. Film director Jeff Hare, who has made two award-winning films and several TV serials, at a press-meet in the Shangri-la Hotel could not stop raving about his experiences in Thailand, as it was the first time in the country for him. “I am excited to report that my trip to Thailand for the filming of “Bitter/Sweet” was more than I had ever expected. The crews that were hired worked so much faster and better than I have experienced in over 40 years of film making in America. The cost of everything was 90% less than it would have cost here. I was overwhelmed to be able to employ entire villages as extras to work with us in the filming. The Thai people are extremely caring and loving and welcome us in their world. Our ability to employ these people will bless all of us”. Watch a trailer of Bitter/Sweet online at http://www.capitolmotionpictures. com/bittersweet/index.htm
SYNOPSIS-PLOT No one can sum the movie up better than Hare. When asked what this film is about he said, “This film is a love letter to Thailand; its people, its places, its amazing charms and, last, not least, its tasty coffee.” Bitter/Sweet is a characterdriven romantic comedy, while at the same time, also a classic, fish-out-of-water story. The movie is the story of an American businessman Brian Chandler (Kip Pardue), who seemingly has a perfect life. However, things begin to change for Brian after his boss, renegade coffee mogul Calvert Jenkins (James Brolin) sends him to Thailand to inspect a crop for purchase. Upon arrival, Brian meets Ticha (Napakprapa Mamee Nakprasit), a Bangkok corporate executive, who has longsince given up on the prospects of finding love. At the urging of her old coffee farmer parents with the hopes that Brian will purchase his coffee there and save the village from corrupted middlemen, Ticha takes on the task of bringing Brian to the coffee fields of Southern Krabi, and reconciling with her past. Ticha’s fierce sister Mint (Pakaramai Tong Potrananda) and her handsome boxing boyfriend Komane (Akara Golf Amarttayakul), her outgoing best friend Mook (Supalak Cal Neemyothin) and Mook’s outrageously funny expatriate boyfriend Werner (Spencer Garrett), not to speak of Brian’s fiancée Amanda (Laura Sorensen) give interesting sub plots to the story. Brain and Ticha are essentially same sides of a different coin so they butt heads constantly, to great comic effect. However, as their journey leads them from the cosmopolitan bustle of Bangkok to the pristine, white sands beaches of Krabi, both Brian and Ticha slowly begin to realize that they were made for each other.
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Entertainment
Music & More IRISH ROVER LIVE MUSIC MON: Brook House Road TUE: Mat Paradise WED: Brook House Road THU: Mat Paradise FRI: Brook House Road SAT & SUN: All live sports
T
he Krabi Magazine Entertainment page provides residents and visitors with information on places to go, things to do, dining and local attractions from our affiliates. The Irish Rover in Ao Nang is one pub you’ll have pleasure in visiting. The pub hosts live music 5 days a week. It has the traditional ambience of the rustic Ireland and embodies everything that you would expect of an old traditional Irish pub. Last month we were there to enjoy live music from a Berlin duo part of the band Brookhouse Road. The 2 young and dynamic guys sang and played guitars, doing covers of hits from Floyd to Snow Patrol and Radiohead. Brookhouse Road are well known in the Berlin pub circuits for their sharp sounds and their alternative/Indie/Britpop music style. Bandleader Leigh Evans put together the band after his success in Germany’s 2004 ‘battle of the bands’ competition Emergenza. They have been gigging ever since, and recently produced their first album “Draw The Line”. Brookhouse Road have been inspired by a variety of music styles including Indie, Rock, Electronic and Jazz, which is reflected in the diversity of the music on the album.
PADDYS LIVE MUSIC MON-WED-THU Live Music
Brookhouse Road will be in Ao Nang until mid-January. You can follow their career progresses on Facebook (Brookhouse Road).
GREAT FOOD, LIVE MUSIC, LIVE SPORTS
SAILOR BOB’S CRUISE
Koh Phi Phi Islands Phi Phi Island Village
Spidermonkey Sail & Diving
ach Be ng o L to Koh Lanta 1 hour to Phuket 1.5 hour
NOTE An entry charge of 20 thb is now levied on anyone entering the island from the main pier at Phi Phi Don
Sailing Snorkeling Kayaking Fishing Cliff Jumping Cave Exploring Times to suit your day PRICES INCLUDE: Snorkel Set, Fishing Gear, Shoes Lunch, Drinks, Fruits, Water, Snacks Unlmited free beer on some programs Kids aged up to 15 go free Most programs 1pm to 7pm
Canadian Captain BOB: 084 8486970 Captain Sunshine: 089 6780898 www.saildiving.com
Phi Phi - Thailand
Koh Phi Phi
Peculiar island taxis
I
had been travelling for a while and I felt I deserved a break. And what a better place than Phi Phi islands, I thought. The boat trip was great and fast; I got off the boat, paid the 20thb cleaning entrance fee, fenced off street sellers and ventured to look for a place to sleep. Carrying the luggage was a killer, way too heavy; on top of that I also had a day-bag. ‘Taxi, taxi’ shouted dark-skinned and athletic men waiting on the sand. My saviours, I thought. Hang on a minute! I thought there was no transportation on Phi Phi other than bicycles, how can there be taxis? Phi Phi trolley taxis are a useful and inexpensive way to get your heavy load to destination (which will not be more than a few minutes away anyway). Phi Phi’s tight alleys are clogged with them at any time of the day; you toss your bag in one of them, name your hotel and follow the driver. Pushing their trolleys vigorously, they whistle and hum to make way in the narrow lanes of Phi Phi Don lined with restaurant, tour agencies, bars and guesthouses, and they get to your hotel in no time. Some tourists, especially backpackers, prefer to carry their luggage with them while in search for an inexpensive guest house. It makes sense in a way, as backpacking is all about that: carrying a backpack and saving money. Nevertheless, trolley taxis are a convenient and inexpensive way to give your shoulders a break - plus, most drivers know local guesthouses and will help you find a good deal. Last but not least, you will be contributing to the local economy. Try a trolley taxi while on Phi Phi, and discover the magic peculiarity of the Krabi Province.
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VARILUX SPECIALIST
ART CHEESE WINE MERCHANTS FOOD ITALIA CAFFITALY-CAGLIARI
Art
Sea in Sai
Until 14th January 2011 Krabi Town Contemporary Art Museum
C
ontemporary artist Sai Wannaphon Chimbanchong hails from Bangkok. Khun Sai original style of rough acrylic brushing techniques is applied to her recent works: locally made batiks, using and mixing the batik’s design with the artist’s impressions and emotional imprints, playing with flowers and patterns. As I wait for her arrival at the hall in the Krabi Contemporary Art Museum, I contemplate at the 11 pieces of original art, 180X110 cm. 8 are painted directly on batik fabrics, and 3 are batiks she made. My chat with Khun Sai reveals an easygoing person, dressed in fisherman pants, affable and talkative. I learn that most of the paintings are self-portraits, and that this series was made to move away from Bangkok and from politics (her usual line of work), and to clean up her mind. “I have been in Krabi for a month” says Sai; “I got a house near the beach, and painted an average of 1 painting per day. I sat there, looking at the sea, and depicted my beauties and my nightmares. I sit and sketch in my mind what my feelings are at a particular moment, play guitar a bit, and inspirations comes”. Her original guitar is part of one of the Sea in Sai paintings. One of Khun Sai’s most recent exhibitions was Wall > War at Bangkok Art and Culture Center, which brought attention to the violent incidents that have occurred in Thailand in the 2005-2010 span of time. Her active role in environmental issues includes the exhibitions ‘Art for the forest’ and ‘Art for the environment’. Particularly good her Past >>>> Words portraits exhibitions in 2009. “While one woman may think of the sea, another wants to dissolve into it. Feelings, thoughts and dreams from the soul become intertwined, revealing a desire to return to nature. This is expressed through painting on Batik Fabric at a hill side away from home: Ao Nang Beach”.
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Literary Corner
Young Poets
Nayana Marchesano Suksanguan
Y
ear six and year seven students from Nawattaphume International School, Ao Nang, have been busy writing a variety of poems in their Literacy class. They have each chosen one of their favorites to share with you. Krabi Magazine will publish 2 poems per issue, these are the first 2; enjoy them. Nayana Marchesano Suksanguan Nayana is thirteen years old. She was born in Canada and moved to Thailand when she was very small. Nayana loves playing guitar!
I’m Thankful Even Though I’m thankful for my feet, even though they’re very big. I’m thankful for my teacher, even though she doesn’t eat pig. I’m thankful for the stores, even though they have no sales. I’m thankful for my dogs, even though they have long tales. I’m thankful for my friends, even though they sometimes make me mad. I’m thankful for so many things, except of course, when my teacher gets mad!
Karen Lloyd Karen is twelve years old. She was born in Thailand and has lived here her entire life. Karen loves reading books!
Me Poem
Karen Lloyd
My hair is like an ocean of black waves, curling at the end. My eyes are like pools of black nothingness, never ending pools of wisdom. My heart is like a cold stone, with only warmth in the centre. My eyebrows are black as night, arching over my eyes like an angry black cat. My fingers are like nimble mice, creating and destroying things.
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Scandinavian Residence Ao Nang
www.scandinavianresidence.net
Hotel,rooms: 600-1300bath, breakfast, bar, swimmingpool, tropical garden. “ FREE WI - FI ”
Danish open sandwiches Dansk smørrebrød Danska smörgåsar smärgåsar Rugbrød, øl, rød Aalborg, export, gl.dansk
Lunch restaurant 11:30 am. – 16:00 pm.
087 2646123 Dansk, Svenska, English 085 7877539 Thai 075 695622 Thai & English
Location – see the ao nang map
The Rooftop bar, Krabi Town I TA L I A N
R E S TAU R A N T
A little taste of Italy Home Made Pasta Lasagna - Ravioli Tagliatelle - Italian Sauces Pizza and Focaccia ITALIAN APERITIF DAILY AT 5PM LIVE SPORTS ON FLAT TV - INTERNET AVAILABLE Jinnie Place
Muay Thai Stadium
Pavillion Queen’s Bay
National Park
Hippy Bar
Sabai Resort Ayudhya Resort
OPENS DAILY 8.30 am to 11pm
Aquamarine Resort
ALTA MAREA Happy Bar
Noppharat Thara Beach
Pakasai Krabi La PLaya
Krabi Resort
Ao Nang Beach
noppharat thara beachfront - ao nang
Roof of Hello KR Mansion Happy Hours 4 – 7pm Chao Fa Rd, Krabi Buy 1 get 1 free from 8 – 9pm Tel 075 612761 Great food available Next to 7- eleven The best views & sunsets in town
Minibus to Krabi
N Best Terrace Hotel
Wanna’s Place
Center Point NG AO NAPARADE OD SEAFO
Seafood Street
Sala Bua The Longtail Boat & Lo Spuntino
RA BIENG TALAY
ACH E B A R H A A T P R A T H P O
Noppharat Thara Pier, Boats to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket
Minibus to Ao Nang-Krabi Muslim Food Stalls
Tsunami Memorial Sculpture
HOLD ME CLOSE
Food Courts Fish Restaurants
Soi 8
Restaurant
Mosque
Bergers
Minibus to Ao Nang
Burger King
Cobra Show
Mod Kaew Pub
Ao Nang Paradise Resort Chandee Buffet
Viewla villa Resort
Boat Noodle
Lai Thai Apartments
Minibus to Krabi
Crazy Gringo TexMex
Longtail Boats to Railay
olice Traffic P Boats tickets Longtail esort Beach R last Golden The rman fishe he last cafe T
Dive Equipment shop
Starbucks Somkiet Buri Resort On the Rock Subway Pizza Company Taj Palace Svensen soi RCA Krabi Heritage Resort Dragon Peace Laguna Resort Red Chilli Bernies The Verandah Resort SK Optic Ao Nang Villa Oceanmart Irish Rover Chillout Cafe
Entertainment Spaghetti House Vogue Pranang Thailandia 2
AO NANG B EACH
Beach Road
Road
Clinic
Blue House
Mosque
Pams Pub
Ton Company
Scandinavian Residence to Shell Fossil
Krabi Consultants
Gift’s Bakery Wh isky A Tittlex & i H Frie Local Market o u s nd s e
AO NANG VILLAGE
To KRABI TOWN
Post Office
Ao Na ng
Aquavision Diving Siam Comm. Bank
AO NANG BEACH NOPPHARAT THARA BEACH
Tattoo de Cafe’
ge illa i Vt ens a Ao Nang d h r r a T o Beach Boxing Stadium rald G angsort Res N e ay e B y Em o Ao an R 's e ic aW en al Lae Lay Grill Att Chn QueBand se Restaurant ilio aan ou a P v B teakh entsn S artmliste ia e r p a d t o Lazy Pub niv j A esi ilan ran CarTolmraabi Sp ThRaestau rt e eso sort K e asd y Alis R ai Re a w a B s S ng aka Na rt P ice Ao eso R ls Pol ya stal rist rt u Pla o a Minibus to eso T ood L f t gR h n Ao Nang g t i a N N ran Ao stau n e i a R n B W a yo Lu ab t Lun an Kresor na Se ang La lack C R Happy Bar Ba afo sai B od r s ach e oat s Beerrac Longtail Boats to Railay ail B tecrho t r g T Ca E Lonkets tic
Saturday Market
Minibus to Krabi
Sabai Resort
Pharmacy
Noppharat Thara & Phi Phi Islands National Park Headquarter
St.Agnes Church
Sabai Residence Mandawee
Hippy Bar Ben Beach Bar
NOPPHARAT THARA
KLONG HAENG VILLAGE
Ao Nang Gardens
Thursday Market
Alta Marea Italian Restaurant
Ao Nang Beach Resort
Kitdee Media & Krabi Magazine
Aning Restaurant
Nadivana
Ayudhya Suites
Azzurra Restaurant Jeanette's Restaurant Kings Tailor Eden Restaurant
To KLONG MUANG
Absolute Tailor
SupsaengDao Resort
Nok Minimart
To KRABI TOWN CTOP Nice Nature Homes
WALKING STREET
Boat Restaurant
Centara Krabi Resort
Hotel, Ko Lanta
Koh Lanta Photo : LAYANA RESORT & SPA
Koh Lanta Highlights
K
oh Lanta is situated in the southernmost tip of the Krabi province. It consists of two islands, Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Noi is the smaller of the two islands and does not have tourist facilities. Visitors traveling by road from the main land pass through the smaller island on the way to Koh Lanta Yai, the center of the tourist operations. Ban Sala Dan village, in the north of the island, is Lanta Yai’s commercial center, and the pier where visitors arrive on the island. It is a row of shops, seafood restaurants on stilts, dive shops, tour operators, banks and guest houses that cater for new comers on the island. The bulk of the Lanta beaches lie along the west coast of the island and can all be reached by road: Kho Kwang, Khlong Dao and Phra Ae all have long stretches of white sand facing the Andaman sea, while Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Ba Kan Tiang and other smaller bays are all nice to relax and swim. The east coast of Koh Lanta Yay is flat and has many local villages scattered along its coastline. Koh Lanta has a very diverse cultural mix of people who have lived on the island in harmony for hundreds of years: Thai-Muslim, Thai-Chinese and the original sea gypsies still inhabit the place in harmony. The biggest town on the island is Lanta Old town. Boat trips to Koh Lanta are available during the monsoon free period from October to April. May to November see the closure of some of the island businesses and of the boat passenger services due to rough seas. A minibus service is the alternative way to reach the island via land. For boat schedule to/from Koh Lanta consult our Krabi Miniguide 81000.
Lanta Old Town It was once called Ban Si Raya and was the commercial port for Chinese and Arabic trading boats that sailed between the ports of Phuket, Penang and Singapore. Today it is a village with a few rows of stilted shop houses home to an ancient community that was established on the island long ago. It is a picturesque place with, these Chinese timer shop-houses date back 100 years, from the old days of sea trading. Near the shacks along the coast, local fishermen dock their longtail boats giving the whole scene a very Thai look.
Ba Kantiang Beach Spectacular crystal–clear seawater and soft white sand, romantic sunsets in utmost privacy, this is why Ba Kantiang has come to symbolize an hideaway in Lanta for relaxing in natural surroundings.
Lighthouse on Lanta Located in Tanod Cape, on the southernmost tip of the island, the lighthouse tower of Lanta is the perfect symbol of solitude. It is the place where immaculate nature still survives as it is rarely reached by tourists due to the rugged road conditions.
Koh Lanta National Park The park covers a marine area dotted with several small sandy islands surrounded by coral reefs. The headquarters is located on the island’s southern extremity.
Ban San-ka-u A sea gypsy’s settlement in south-east Lanta Yai. It is there that an old clan of traditional Chao Ley try to preserve a disappearing way of life in this fast-developing island.
Eco-tours These are run all year round from the east coast of Lanta Yai, not affected by the low season rough seas. Make your way to Thung Yee Pheng village for a trip with a local community - www.tungyeepeng.com, or book a tour with friendly and experienced Sun Tours - www.lantalongtail.com
Nature Because of its bio-diversity and richness of natural resources, Lanta is a good place for trekking. Explore limestone cave chambers and passageways in the Lanta caves, or walk upstream to the spring water waterfall, where to swim in cool rock pools.
Fire Dancing This is definitely one interesting part of the Lanta beach culture. A fire dancing show is usually performed by young boys performing twisting acrobatics swinging burning torches and ropes lit on fire around their muscular bodies. A distinguishing show that sparkles in the dark.
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Diving Text & Photos by : Blue Planet Divers
Andaman Freediving Competition 2011 I
n two months’ time, Blue Planet Divers based in Koh Lanta will be hosting the Andaman Freediving Competition for the fourth consecutive year. The event will be held from 10th to 12th February 2011, and is open to all freedivers, be they new to the sport or experienced professionals. Blue Planet Divers have been offering AIDA freediving (or Apnea as it is sometimes known) courses for over six years and have established Koh Lanta as a “go-to destination” to train, not only due to the experienced, multi-lingual freediving instructors on hand, but also for the spectacular freediving conditions due to the calm, clear, warm waters of the Andaman Sea. For those new to the sport of freediving, this is diving without a SCUBA tank, using only the breath in your lungs. The sport originally started as a method of fishing in many countries and, to this day, some of the best freedivers still work in the fishing industry; Thailand has many freediving fishermen. Now, as the sport has grown in popularity, freedivers have set up their own organisations to facilitate competitions and provide training. The most famous of these is AIDA (The International Association for the Development of Freediving), which oversees all the World Record Attempts and provides training in a similar format to the Open Water Course that PADI use to train Scuba Divers. “We have been running the competition as a method of raising the profile of freediving in Thailand,” commented Mellisa Bunyan, from Blue Planet Divers. “The conditions around Koh Lanta are superb for the sport. We run the competition as an open event, but many of our experienced competitors use their scores to contribute to their World Rankings. The thing we always really enjoy about the event is the camaraderie amongst the freedivers, and how the more experienced divers take the time to help, train and coach the less experienced.”
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There are six different disciplines held over two days. The first day takes place at Koh Haa, where the competitors hop on board the Blue Planet Boat for the three sea disciplines: • Free Immersion • With Fins • Without Fins Some of the results from this day have been simply amazing with competitors reaching up to 55m! The second day takes place at Royal Lanta Resort & Spa swimming pool where a further three disciplines are held: • Static (breath holding) • Dynamic with Fins • Dynamic without Fins
“Being new to the sport,” Mellisa told us, “I thought the Static category would be like watching paint dry!!! Who wants to watch a guy hold his breath? Well actually I do!” Mellisa enthused, “My staff and I marvel at a participant’s ability to reach five minutes or more and yet still able to demonstrate that they are in control (For an attempt to count, AIDA judges must determine that the competitor is still in control and has not pushed themselves dangerously too far).” So does it sound interesting to you? Blue Planet Divers regularly have students who learn to freedive in the run up to the competition who then decide to compete and go on to do incredibly well. Last year Olga, a Polish woman, who had never freedived before, decided to try freediving two days before the competition. She reached 30m in the depth sections and came second in the female section. Jay, an Australian man, also decided to join the 2009 competition after sharing a beer with one of our judges the day before the practice session! The competition is fully insured and recognized by AIDA and the entry price includes one practice day (9th February). Blue Planet Divers can provide equipment, such as fins, masks, and lanyards should you require them and there will be a coach on hand to support you. Royal Lanta Resort and Spa is our major sponsor providing some excellent prize for the winners and there are also some amazing equipment prizes too. For more information, contact Mellisa Bunyan at Blue Planet Divers 075 668165 (blueplanetdivers@gmail.com) ESCAPE CABIN FEB09+.pdf
1/19/09
2:06:43 PM
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Our Sanuk Promotion Team meets customers and tourist groups at busy locations to provide personalised, friendly, and competent guidance toward the companies that choose to advertise with us. With such a high level of competition in the tourist and service industries in Krabi and Islands, local businesses need a personal touch to be successful. While you may not have the resources to reach out and touch each one of your customers, Sanuk Cards found the way to deliver this personal touch on your behalf! Imagine your own sales force of 8-10 highly trained, English speaking promotion specialists making face to face contact with your customers in high traffic areas for less than 10 baht an hour! Contact us today to set up a free consultation to learn more about this innovative and profitable way to advertise your business! For more information: krabi@sanukcards.com
stay@escape-cabins.com www.escape-cabins.com
C
M
Y
CM
Stylishly decorated cozy villas nestled
MY
in a peaceful and private setting
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TV and DVD player Fine quality Belgian mattresses for your restful night every single day Never crowded swimming pool with panoramic view of lush tropical nature Single to family size, with or without kitchen, daily to monthly
For more information, contact: krabi@sanukcards.com For more information: krabi@sanukcards.com
Visit our web for availability calendar
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Culinary Story by : Tore Larsen Photos : Time For Lime & friends
The Basic Ingredients
in food and in life
S
till here reporting from Thai and Fusion Cooking School Time For Lime, right on the beachfront on Klong Dao. We are going to learn to cook Pla Boran, a panfried barracuda fish done in a fusion way by marinating it in half sweet chili sauce and half Indonesian sweet soy sauce, but with authentic fresh Thai herbs, roasted chili paste and cashew nuts. Junie states that “some Thai herbs are visually cut two different ways: this is a little bit difficult to understand”. But she also explains why, and tells us that it took her several years to understand this because no cook book explain this; whenever she asked Thai people why they cut the herbs this way and not that way, she always got a confused answer. We now understand why the Tom Yam Soup at the restaurant the other night wasn’t that great when we ate all the stuff we were not supposed to eat!
Sweet, Sour, Salty, is the clue is to find the balance in food. This art isn’t easy even if you go to a cooking class at Time for Lime, on Koh Lanta in Thailand. You have to learn by trying and failing, both in life and in the art of cooking.
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According to Junie, you will never achieve a good taste if you use ingredients the wrong way, which is of course logical, so she or her Thai teacher Bim correct us and the handy tips are coming one after another while we are chopping for the right TASTE! Are you missing any flavor? We are finally all with our balance of flavors after several rounds of tasting and adjusting. “OK, now it tastes good, now your dish has to look tasty too” adds Junie. We are explained principles of food presentation, they show us one example and it looks a dish from a 5 star Restaurant. “Make your own food art, but don’t copy mine! Have fun, let your hair down!” insists our mentor.
I must say I was a little scared at first, but I did let my hair down (I don’t so much hair to let down though) and was very proud at my results. Everybody was busy making their “food of art” and finely we gathered around the long dining table and enjoyed our first dish of the class. I must say it was the best tasting dish I have ever had in Thailand, perhaps because I made it myself. I had two last questions to Junie:
1. Why did you start Time for Lime? “I wanted to do something that I loved; it’s better to try something you want to do and fail, than regret you’ve not tried it. You should never follow a recipe, not food wise or in life; you have to fail and try again, and again, and again...
2. I’ve never heard of a business that gives all their profits away “I don’t believe you’ll be happier in Heaven with money. What we do at Time For Lime is making our guests happy and giving them a precious experience that they can enjoy back home. At the same time doing something worth wild that contributes to thousands of animals that can have a better life, without pain, fear and abuse. I love the island I’m living on and want to do my share on making Koh Lanta a better place both for humans and animals.” TIME FOR LIME Time For Lime consists now of a Thai/Fusion Cookery School, Restaurant, Beach Bar and 8 small bungalows. It is located on the southern end of Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta. It is the first Cooking School on the Island, and will celebrate their 8th anniversary this year. Junie is also the founder Lanta Animal Welfare - www.lantaanimalwelfare.com - the most active group of people that helps stray and unwanted animals at their Animal recovery and aid center on Koh Lanta. All profits from Time For Lime goes directly to the non-profit Lanta Animal Welfare. For more information visit www.timeforlime.net or call 075 684590 -089 9675017.
LaNta aNImaL WELfaRE
DID YOU KNOW....
All profit from Time For Lime goes directly to the charity LANTA ANIMAL WELFARE So.. come Learn, Eat & Drink your hearts out! AND FEEL GOOD
Cooking School thai & fusion Restaurant
Fun & Professional evening Cooking Classes on the Beach Front FANTASTIC 6 dish Tasting Menu that changes every evening
8 years with Quality & Funky Atmosphere
Beach Bar
HAPPY HOUR 5.30-6.30 On our FAMOUS Cocktails
Bungalows
8 cozy air-con & fan
KLONG DAO BEACH - KO LANTA Tel: 075 684 590 www.timeforlime.net
Is a Non - Profit organization. We help keep the Island safe for you by conducting Sterilization & Rabies vaccine programs. We give first aid to injured & abused animals. DOGGIE WALKING at 5 PM ! ! 30 shelter dogs would be truly grateful to get your love & affection. You can adopt as well! Volunteers & donations are greatly appreciated and NEEDED. PLEASE HELP US TO CONTINUE THIS WORK www.lantaanimalwelfare.com 084 304 4331, 089 967 5017
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Semester eller andra hem i solen? Sveriges Televisions utlandskanal SVT World sänder i dag till Europa, Asien, Australien, Afrika och Nordamerika – dygnet runt och året om!
Fråga efter SVT World på ditt hotell – du får en naturbok! Skriv kortfattat vad hotellet svarade på din fråga. Notera hotellets namn, och e-postadress samt om SVT World finns i alla rum, bara i lobbyn eller inte alls. Skicka uppgifterna till oss. Posta: SVT World, Sveriges Television, SE-105 10 Stockholm E-post: svtworld@svt.se eller fyll i blanketten på vår hemsida: svt.se/svtworld För abonnemang: ConNova TVX, svtworld@connova.se +46 (0)141 - 20 39 10, www.connova.se
Lanta PIZZERIA BAJEN STEAKHOUSE
Tel: 081-677 84 95
MiniGo f Nintendo Wii
075-684 309
Phra-Ae Beach - Koh Lanta
www.bajenpizzeria.com
Feature
Mu Koh Lanta National Park A
Text by : Thom Henley
nyone with a desire to see Lanta Yai the way the early sea traders saw it must make a visit to Mu Koh Lanta National Park on the island’s southern extremity. Here 134 sqkm of tropical evergreen forest has been protected, along with coastal grasslands where Lanta’s hills suddenly plunge into the sea. Looking back from the dramatic vantage point of the cape’s little light station, a visitor has the most wonderful panorama of surf crashing on western cliffs and twin bays—one of polished pebbles, the other a glowing crescent of white sand. Separating these beaches is a grassy meadow dotted with sugar palms, undoubtedly planted by earlier setters. The wild forest backdrop is habitat to a host of wildlife: deer, wild pigs, langurs, flying lemur, civets, macaques, monitor lizards, pythons, cobras and nearly 100 recorded species of birds. This is the Lanta that can no longer be found anywhere else and for a naturalist, it is the island’s greatest attraction. Mu Koh Lanta National Park does not end at the cape but encompasses fifteen offshore isles and seamounts are Krabi province’s best dive sites.
Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok These twin islands, far offshore of Lanta’s west coast, are separated by a shallow channel of exquisite coral gardens and are bordered by soft white sandy beaches. Because of the islands’ isolation they receive but a fraction of the divers who descend on other reefs in Krabi province. For this very reason, they offer some of the best snorkeling to be found. Further offshore, on the outer edge of the Andaman Sea, is Krabi’s best is a seamount which poses a hazard to ships but which supports such a dazzling display of colorful corals and associated marine life it is rated one of the top ten dive sites in the world.
Koh Hai (Koh Ngai) This island southeast of Koh Lanta is last outpost of Krabi province. Beautiful stretches of beach on the southern and eastern shores of Koh Hai have drawn enough clientele to support a few resorts on the island, but the main attractions are the excellent dives on the islets just offshore. Koh Chuak, Koh Ma and Koh Waeng are all feature sites with an abundance of soft and hard corals, sea fans, sponges and a wealth of reef fish. There are wonderful caves and caverns to explore while diving these high karst islets. One large cavern has a sandy bottom where resident stingrays stare up at passing divers from their places of concealment—almost completely buried in the sand. A ledge inside the same cavern holds the surprise of a secret beach where holds the surprise of a secret beach where oral snakes go to lay their eggs. Hordes of tour boats out of Trang and Koh Lanta now converge on these sites, so don’t expect to have these locations to yourself during the high tourist season. The dive frenzy reaches its most feverish pitch during Thai holidays, Chinese New Year and Songkran (the Thai New Year). At these times you will see more reef life by lying in a hammock under a coconut palm flipping through a good guide to masks and snorkels, and descending to the elbow-room-only depths.
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Health & Living Text by : The Lanta Retreat
Retreats at The Retreat Retreat means to withdraw. Withdraw from the outside world to the inside world. You need to go away somewhere, preferably alone. You need to give yourself a period in quietness and introspection. To seek the answers within yourself in order to make the small changes will make such a big difference in your quality of life.
F
or someone, a retreat can be a fishing trip up in the mountains in solitude for a period of time; for someone else it can be a silent temple retreat for 10 days. The purpose of mediation retreats is to devote oneself totally to the world within during a period of time, and to get the chance to go deep within through the tools received in the meditation. The impact daily meditation and mindfulness practice has in a humans life is indescribable. The Retreat´s retreat concept is a combination of Astanga yoga for beginners, mindfulness practice and medical Thai massage. We have to begin with the body before we can conquer the mind; because it is through the body we become successful in this battle. When we have gained control over the mind, the emotions and the sensations through our mindfulness practice, we experience true happiness – being in the presence. The Retreat offers different kinds of retreats, with Astanga yoga and meditation present in all of them, but in combination with detox, diving and silence for individuals and groups. New for this season are drop-in retreats. Every morning we have a drop-in mindfulness meditation class. The Astanga yoga is also on a drop in basis. Between and after classes, Ran Gai Sabay, the detox bar underneath the sala, offers fresh herbs, vegetable and fruit drinks. The popular after-yoga boost, with 3 different drinks, will give your body what it needs after a demanding class. You can take a shower, rinse off your body and end a perfect morning totally devoted to the inside world with a 2 hours session of medical Thai massage at Lanta Healthy massage. Enjoy!
This article is provided by Annelie at The Retreat, located in Klong Dao Beach. Contact them for more information on 08 46751094 or check www.theretreatthailand.com
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KOH LANTA YAI NORTH
Passenger Post Office Ferry Car Ferry to Lanta Noi & mainland
KAW KWANG BEACH Kaw Kwang Resort Blue Planet Divers
Lanta Diver Lanta Sailing Ko Lanta Diving Center Blue Planet Divers The Frog
BAN SALADAN
Minivan Station
to Lanta Old Town
Sunday Market Costa Lanta Resort Laguna Beach Club Mike’s Collection Eden Bar&Dining
Phone +66 (0) 75 68 41 24-27 Fax +66 (0) 75 68 41 28
Cafe’au Lait Southern Lanta Resort The Retreat Chaba Bungalows Maneelanta Lanta Island Resort
KLONG DAO BEACH
E-mail : info@lantaislandresort.com Website : www.lantaislandresort.com
ar B n ing e d E Din &
Enjoy tasty Thai dishes European Food New Zealand Beef Fillet Pizza & Pasta Wines & Cocktails
Lanta Car Rental SK Optik
Minivans to Krabi/Phuket Congrit Resto Everything Shop Ancient Realm Resort & Spa
Elephant Trekking
Time for Lime Cooking School & Restaurant Klong Dao boxing stadium Holiday Villa Lanta Resort Lanta Sand Resort Expat Cafe’ Escape Cabins Poseidon Villas Lanta Diver Lanta Tavern Ozone Bar Dreamy Spa I-Yarade Real Estate Lanta Palm Beach Lanta Law Thanee Layana Resort & Spa Tides Restaurant Lanta Casuarina Resort Dive & Relax
KOH LANTA
PHRA AE LONG BEACH
White Flower Bajen Sports
Lanta Castaway Resort EXOTIQ Koh Lanta Real Estate Lantanian Center Desjoyaux Pools Andaman Sunflower
Klong Dao Main Road Beside PT Petrol Station For Reservations Contact Khun Supavadee [Azmi] : 086 8840052 - Mr. Markus : 083 1066606 www.eden-restaurant-lanta.com, e-mail : mail@eden-restaurant-lanta.com
Red Snapper Relax Bay Resort
White Flower Apartments Bajen Steakhouse & Nintendo Wii Minigolf
Lanta Garden Hill Faim de Loup bakery Retro Restaurant Lanta Loft
Lanta Sunset Living
Mike’s Collection
Elephant Trekking to Lanta Old Town & eastern islands
Custom made clothes for ladies and gents
Choose from our large selection of material and style Free pick-up from any hotel on Ko Lanta Your satisfaction is our motto
KLONG KONG BEACH FERRY TIMETABLE: to Koh Phi Phi 8am & 1pm to Ao Nang/Railay 8.30am & 1.30pm to Phuket 8am &1.30pm to Koh Lipe 1pm
Contacts:
083 106 66 06 Mr Markus 075 668 390 Shop
Ko Lanta, Klong Dao main road (beside Eden Restaurant)
Sunrise Creek Villa Project
Chaw Ka Cher Resort
BUILT AND MARKETED BY
Saneh Villas LPH Kirikan LPH Klong Kon Villas
tel. +66 (0)899085990 thomas@exotiqproperty.com www.exotiqproperty.com
BUS TIMETABLE: to Krabi every hour 6am to 5pm to Trang every hour 8am to 3pm to Phuket every hour 7am to 4pm MARKETS: Ban Saladan Sunday mornings Lanta Old Town Monday mornings Klong Nin Saturday mornings
to south of the island
YOUR REAL ESTATE EXPERT IN KOH LANTA Dear Client;
Thank you for providing us the opportunity to assist you. We are glad to receive your request for a property in Koh Lanta. Thanks for your trust in our long-established company. We look forward to meeting you and showing you our extensive portfolio in Koh Lanta and Krabi. Thomas Gennaro - Director
Guava Estates Co., Ltd. / Exotiq Real Estate Krabi [T] +66 75 637459 [M] +66 89 9085990 [E] Thomas@exotiqproperty.com
Krabi - Koh Lanta Office
Pra Ae, Koh Lanta Yai - krabi@exotiqproperty.com
www.exotiqproperty.com
Ran Gai Sabay
Lanta healthy massage
drop in retreat
mindfulness meditation 0730 – 0815 Lassie made from fresh soya milk and fruit Astanga yoga, primary series 0830 – 1130 mindfulness meditation 1130 – 12 after practice boost; apple/ginger lassie, citrus mineral drink and cucumber shot 2 hours medical Thai massage lemongrass the Price: 1600B the retreat is open 7 days a week during January Koh Lanta, Klong Dao Beach, behind ChaBa/Picasso
www.theretreatthailand.com
RENT YOUR OWN HOUSE ! private villa & apartment rental
www.visitlanta.com
Lé Kiri,, spacious boutique pool villas on a secluded unspoiled beach with breathtaking sea view and the understatement of “Sunset”. A promise of paradise
Had Yao is the longest beach on the most peaceful area in Krabi. 10 minutes drive to Pakasai golf course 20 minutes to Krabi International Airport Onsite management
CONTACTS: Tel: +66 (0) 8 1618 7808, +66 (0) 8 1310 1837 Fax: +66 (0) 7635 6245 Email: ekaraj@lekiri.com, info@lekiri.com Website: www.lekiri.com
REAL ESTATE – Construction Text by : Rob Attwater
All Sorts of Span
T
o picture it not being there would be a task in itself. Typically elegant in its Thai engineering style, even though it seemingly consists of mainly steel and rebar, stretching gracefully across the Chao Phraya River in all its illuminated, golden arched beauty. Not to be confused though with the golden arches of Mc Donald’s that too can be seen lighting up the city nightscape from nearly every angle. It’s an overpass in Bangkok that I don’t actually mind sharing with a taxi driver. As long as he is not driving like a madman and insisting on introducing me to his local taste in music. Once I was even tempted to ask if we could (myself and the taxi driver) go back over the bridge for another look. He looked at me as if I was from another planet! Surely not… The Rama IX Bridge connects the Yan Nawa district to Rat Burana district as a part of the Dao Khanong – Port Section of Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway. It can be easily described location wise as being close by to the infamous, but rather shabby looking, Khao San Road area and even closer to the Sanam Luang and Royal palace.
As with most grand openings or customary Thai ceremonies, absolutely no disrespect intended, the bridge was named in Honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60th birthday. Construction started in 1984 and was completed shortly after in 1987. An impressive achievement considering how logistically challenging it must have been. How must they have dealt with the traffic around the surrounding areas? And relocating the occupants that reside and fish along on the banks of the river of kings must have taken some organizing. Nothing stands in the way of progress I suppose. The world’s longest single plane-cabled spanned bridge has an overall length of 3 kilometers and boasts of having 6 lanes. Originally the bridge had the rather boring color scheme of white pylons and black cables but was replaced with a striking yellow to represent the King in 2006. At night the yellow turns to a glimmering gold that reflects the river superbly.
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Onto the more constructive side of this article‌ During Phase I of the project, alternative crossing arrangements were investigated: immersed tube, bored tunnel, cable stayed bridge and suspension bridge. For a bridge, navigation requirements were such that there could be no piers within the main waterway and the clearance should be a minimum of 41m above highest water level. This would result in a high level bridge with 1000m long approach viaducts on either side of the river. A tunnel would be at least 800m long with 500m long approach ramps on either bank. A comprehensive study was undertaken of alternative structural forms for both the bridge and tunnel options and their approaches, which involved extensive ground investigations. The final recommendation was that the high level cable-stayed bridge would be the most suitable and economically advantageous solution. The consortium then undertook detailed design and construction supervision of the bridge. The main 450m span over the river was supported by a single central plane of cables and at the time it was the largest structure of its type in the world. The project also included approximately 2km of pre stressed concrete approach viaducts, together with interchanges with the existing road system and toll collection facilities. Special provisions were made at the bearings of the approach viaducts, to cater for long term settlement resulting from water extraction by deep well pumping in the soft Bangkok clay.Â
This article was supplied by The Lumyai group Ltd, a Development and Construction company based in Krabi. For all your Construction and Home renovation needs please contact our English speaking team for your free quote and any advice required. Please visit our web-site www.lumyaihomes.com to view our latest project. 50
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The Lumyai Group LTD Development and Construction 1:100
Construction and Renovation Kitchen and Bathroom Re-modelling Auto CAD Structural Design Office Fitting and Refurbishment Seasonal Hotel and Restaurant Modification
For a free quote contact us 075 624 062
086 947 8262
www.lumyaihomes.com
THANEE A TORN AT OR EY ORN EY & COUNSELOR AT A LA LAW AW
E-mail: info@thaneelaw.com www.thaneelaw.com
INTERNATIONAL LAW OFFICE STANDARDS YOU CAN TRUST
- Legal advisory - Project management - Company formation - Work permits - Visa and immigration - Business contracts and licenses - Wills and testaments
- Tax and accounting - Real estate expertise - Litigation and dispute resolution - Notary public - Marriages and divorces - Insurances - Mortgages
Ao Nang Exclusive apartments in the center of Ao Nang
lLocation: Ao Nang – Krabi - Thailand l Bedrooms: Studio, 1 and 2 bedroomsl lFeatures: Air-con, lift, terraces, private entrance l Price: From 3,000,000 Thai Bahtl For more information contact:
EN: Thomas +66 (0) 89 9085990 TH: Ton +66 (0) 89 7727858 Web: www.exotiqproperty.com Email: thomas@exotiqproperty.com
INTRODUCING
THE LAI THAI AO NANG’S ONLY LUXURY SERVICED APARTMENTS
STUDIO, 1 BEDROOM, 2 BEDROOM AND PENTHOUSE LUXURY APARTMENTS FOR SALE C E N T R A L L O C AT I O N : WA L K I N G D I S TA N C E TO B E A C H F R O N T S H O P S A N D R E S TA U R A N T S
UNITS INCLUDE: FULLY FURNISHED/KITCHEN INTERNET HALF OLYMPIC POOL
ACTUAL VIEW
24 HOUR SECURITY/CCTV CABLE TV FITNESS CENTER
FOR MORE INFORMATION 075-695091 (TH) 081-3703080 (ENG)
Architect Tips Story : Pierre-Yves Loriers
Going the extra mile Sawitree Gulmat (Khun Ching) joined Ton Company Ltd in July 2010 in the position of Villa Manager, responsible for the seven rental properties currently in the company portfolio. With her wealth of experience in the tourism industry; unsurpassed local knowledge; and seeming inability to say “no” to any demand made on her, she has quickly become an invaluable addition to the team.
KRABI MAGAZINE: What is your background prior to joining Ton Company? KHUN CHING: “I studied tourism at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University and have worked for more than 12 years in the industry, first as a guide – I have my official license from the Tourism Authority of Thailand – for a local tour operator, then also as a booking agent and office manager. “In my previous jobs, I’ve actually already been working with Ton Company, helping to organize excursions and other travel arrangements for the guests in their villas. I know Khun Ton [Pierre-Yves Loriers, Managing Director of the company] well, and vice versa, which is an advantage for both of us as I understand his values and he trusts me with the guests.”
What else do you feel you bring to the job? “Because I am from Krabi – I was born in Sai Thai district – and have worked here my whole life, I can offer our guests the benefit of my local knowledge and experience. I know a lot of people! So from tailor-made excursions to dining advice, it’s very easy for me to help and offer suggestions – and also negotiate the best possible price. My experience with thousands of visitors to Krabi also means I can anticipate our guests’ needs, without them having to ask. I like to think I – and all my staff – are service-minded in this way.”
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What do you find interesting about your new position? “Well, this is a new direction for me and I am enjoying the challenge. I have to manage the Holiday Villas team, and there is also a lot of administrative work, liaising with guests via email and so on. There are so many different aspects to the job, it’s never dull! I get to work both in and out of the office, in front of a computer and directly with customers. At times when there are no guests, we are occupied with villa maintenance and upkeep.”
What is the most rewarding aspect of the job so far? “The best thing, in my opinion, is to see happy faces from our guests. Our whole service team, from drivers to housekeepers, is agreed on this: we aim to give people the best possible holiday. Sometimes this means doing something special, like creating a custom itinerary for a private sightseeing tour, or making sure the villa fridge is stocked with a returning guest’s favourite food. Sometimes, it just means providing caring, personal service with a smile.”
Get VIP treatment with a private concierge Discreet personal attention is one of the cornerstones of Ton Company’s “serviced villa” concept. The villa manager, Khun Ching, and her team will welcome all guests and she is then contactable at any time during the stay on a provided mobile telephone. Khun Ching is noted for her ability to find a solution to any request and specializes in arranging private sightseeing trips. The following are some recent (2010) testimonials from villa guests: “I would have to say that the Ton Company staff was what made our stay exceptional. We worked with Ching over email before our stay and in-person once we arrived. She arranged everything we asked for and even went the extra mile to hand make Loi Kratongs for us to celebrate the Thai festival on the day we arrived. […] We had an amazing honeymoon experience in Ao Nang thanks to Ton Company, we hope to return to Krabi villas with a larger group for a future stay.” Valerie & Graham Clarke “The villa manager is an absolute treasure and really makes a holiday there - nothing is too much trouble and she recommends some great places to see, and to eat in.” J&C from UK “Ching (manager) was so helpful. We wanted a massage and she organised it within half a hour...totally not what we expected...truly amazing. Nothing was any trouble.” “Ching the villa manager was also extremely helpful and even went the extra mile to prepare the dishes we requested for. On a whole it was a great experience and we would love to return to krabi […] just to experience the whole feeling all over again.”
Manager profile Ton Company Ltd offers a superior Krabi holiday experience: bringing together experts in the architecture, design and luxury hospitality fields, they have created, built and manage the best pool villas in the Krabi area. Their concept is simple: to offer a stress-free vacation, with all the services of a luxury hotel in your own private villa compound. Ms Ching, their dedicated villa manager, is at the end of the provided mobile phone and will act as personal concierge throughout visitors’ stay; while their drivers are on call until 10pm to offer transportation anywhere in the local area. Ton Company owns their vehicles so service is prompt and reliable. Every villa is equipped to a high standard and ready to live in: all bed linen and towels are provided (and changed daily); kitchens are full-size and have a modern set of appliances and tableware; and all homes have LCD televisions with satellite channels, as well as DVD players. Their guests’ security is their highest priority; so all villas also offer a walled compound, alarm system and personal digital safes in every bedroom. With one exception (our sea view villa, Baan Breda Beach), all the properties they manage are located in Ao Nang, the main tourist centre of Krabi, less than five minutes’ drive from the beach. Each individual villa offers an instant, no obligation availability check and direct booking system, with secure online payment using a normal credit card (PayPal or bank transfer is also available). Combining western professionalism with warm Thai hospitality, their 18-strong staff and more than ten years of experience in Krabi will ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime. For more information on the comprehensive villa design, construction and management services offered by Ton Company Ltd, please contact them at (075) 695-633 or by email at: Ton@TonCompany.com. www.KrabiArchitect.com - www.TonCompany.com - www.KrabiVilla.com
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Lifestyle
Retiring to the Land of Smiles
A current popular trend in retirement living for citizens of various nations is to seek retirement outside of their home countries. Millions of retirees have flocked to overseas destinations to maximize their retirement budgets, purchase affordable housing, obtain quality health care, and enjoy higher standards of living, including beautiful weather and friendly local people. For these reasons and more, many have chosen to spend their golden years in Thailand, the land of smiles.
Marriage
L
and and Condo Purchase in Thailand
Whilst in most circumstances land cannot be owned outright by foreigners residing in Thailand, a 30 year lease of Thai land with a 2 x 30 year extension is a common arrangement. Foreigners can generally own buildings. Retirees also have the right to freehold ownership of condominiums under certain circumstances. Ao Nang, Klong Muang and Koh Lanta are popular beach resort areas where foreigners and retirees have purchased condominiums and villas.
Thai Retirement Visa If you are over 50 and have sufficient savings you are eligible for a Thailand retirement visa. Foreigners aged 50 to 59 with ill health will require special consideration. Being well prepared with documents and supporting evidence, a oneyear renewable Thailand retirement visa can usually be issued in a day. Partners are generally also eligible for a visa. For those looking for ‘permanent’ retirement in Thailand, an O-A Long Stay/Retirement Visa may be a better option.
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Many foreigners who stay for extended periods in Thailand, including retirees, often decide to remain in Thailand to spend their lives with a Thai partner. A marriage in Thailand is quite common and is a relatively straightforward process, however all documents must be translated into Thai and the marriage certificate is issued in Thai language. Prenuptial agreements are also recognized under Thai law.
Health Care An increasingly popular destination for Medical Tourism, Thailand provides quality, affordable medical care to citizens throughout the world. Many hospitals in Thailand have state of the art medical equipment and Western trained doctors fluent in English. The cost of services for medical treatment in Thai hospitals is often only a fraction of what such operations cost in western facilities.
Last will and testament Foreigners living in Thailand are subject to Thai laws while residing in the Kingdom. In order to ensure that their wishes for the distribution of their assets in Thailand and abroad are carried out, it is helpful to have last will and testaments drawn up in Thailand. Wills in Thailand must be drafted in accordance with Thai law, and it is well advised to hire a law firm with both native English and Thai speaking staff to ensure the accuracy.
Property News
Exotiq unveils a New Identity E
xotiq, South East Asia’s resort focused lifestyle company, has just unveiled its new corporate look. In 2009, Exotiq, the Bali/ Phuket based company, reorganized into three business divisions; property, holidays and furniture retailing. “We recognized a unique value chain for customers looking to holiday, invest and then live in exotic parts of the world” noted Angus MacLachlan, founding partner and CEO for Thailand. “Having built up a sizable brokerage business in the region, we see the opportunity to laterally expand into the holiday and interior furnishing businesses”. To graphically represent the brand in these new business areas Exotiq engaged Equus Design, the leading Singapore based brand consultants, to create a blueprint and new logo identity for the company. “Our brief was to create a new look for Exotiq which would elevate their positioning in the marketplace” explained Alex Mucha, Partner at Equus. “‘Exotiq’ is a distinctive name, and needed little adornment. We therefore developed lettering for the logotype with elegant classic proportions and good legibility.”
Once a new brand blueprint was completed, the designers set about creating a logotype to properly represent the character of the Exotiq brand. The chosen motif actually started life as an orchid but morphed into a humming bird. “We coupled the logotype with a symbol of a hovering hummingbird; the hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.” continued Mucha. The three business divisions all follow the same logotype but are differentiated by a different colour of motif. The real estate business has also been re-named from Exotiq Real Estate to the more concise ‘Exotiq Property’ ‘Enriching Life’ was chosen as the main corporate tagline. “We felt that ‘enriching life’ best encapsulates what we offer. Customers discover exotic parts of the world on one of our holidays, they invest with the help of our property brokerages and they enjoy their new homes with our interior furnishing products” explained Dominique Gallmann, Exotiq co-founder and CEO for Indonesia. The next few months will see all Exotiq offices change over to the new look, a series of innovative websites are in development and the full launch of Exotiq Holidays will take place. Exotiq Property operates 12 offices in 7 South East Asian resorts, Exotiq Holidays currently offers private villa holidays in Bali and Phuket and Exotiq Living in Hua Hin is the company’s first interior design and furnishing store. Exotiq Krabi and Koh Lanta is establishing as the major real estate agent in the area. For more information browse www.exotiqproperty.com or email Krabi@exotiqproperty.com
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The Kitchen Text by : Stefano Gonella
The Kitchen will be the heart of your nest, the hub of the home, the meeting place of your family par excellence, the environment where you will share your experiences, where you will laugh, joke, exchange jokes, and confront the daily difficulties. For these reasons it is important to plan it well.
I
n the planning of a kitchen, it is worth bearing in mind that an extremely attractive kitchen, the perfect one, is a utopia. A perfect kitchen is one perfectly adapted to the requirements of those who live it and work on it. A well-planned kitchen should facilitate and make pleasant the daily work routine that family life demands. Good cooking is an art, and to do it well it is imperative to have the right tools. There are some simple rules to observe during kitchen planning in order to achieve a functional as well as nicelooking ambient.
Rule 1
Ask yourself what weight and role you wish to attribute to the kitchen within the house environment, taking into account the area available and its shape. Will it be an area where people pass through to consume fast meals, or a central area where to spend quality time? Will it be a place where kids do their homework and friends and family dine together, or a simple kitchenette? How many people on average will be eating there? What will be the cooking patterns and methods of those who will use the kitchen: traditional and elaborated or fast and defrost?
Rule 2
Once the function of the kitchen has been decided, you need to define the shape that will better adapt the available area to your lifestyle. The most common kitchens tend to be the logical ones; where the area is larger or the room is squared, kitchen furniture can be laid in different layouts. As it all depends on shape and dimensions, let’s analyze some layouts according to size:
For small and middle size areas: Wall Layout: this is the optimal solution for a limited space as it allows using only one of the two walls, leaving empty space in the room. This solution is only possible if the water and electricity conduits are concentrated along one side. The way to earn further space is to develop your kitchen upwards, fitting practical hanging cabinets. Corridor Layout: it is usually adopted in long environments and utilizes both the main walls, subject to the windows and doors being positioned on minor walls. This option needs a large area, but not necessarily deep as one of the two sides will be used to the operational area, while the other will be a practical storage area. “L� Layout: this represents an optimal solution for areas or mid-dimensions. It allows greater autonomy of motion during activities, avoiding interferences between work and passage, as well as providing space for a dining area. This is an option recommended for spaces with sides of the same length: one will be dedicated to the operating part (washing and cooking), while the other will become the storage and meal preparation area. Krabi Magazine
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For large areas Kitchen with an Island: this is the perfect solution for large areas, as it allows the introduction of a large detached element in the middle part of the room. This island can be used as a workbench, and it can contain drawers or baskets. It can also have a hob, an oven or a sink, in this way becoming operational at 360° even though it does not allow the insertion of spacious tables. This type of setting is only possible if the kitchen area available is at least 15 to 20 sqm. Situated in the middle of the kitchen room, this island will be well integrated with the different compositions of the workplace and is the most contemporary feature in a kitchen. Peninsula Layout: this is distributed alongside two walls with a further supplementary side (often facing the day area) that can be used to consume fast snacks or as an extra area for food preparation. “U” Layout: this is applicable only in very large spaces as it occupies three walls, often leaving free the upper pars of one or two of the walls.
Rule 3 Once the kitchen shape has been defined, you need to carefully take measurements, paying attention to door and windows. All measurements must be taken: heights, lengths, depths, hollow areas and various protuberances. It is also necessary to mark the position of water and drainage connections on the plan, as well as sockets and light spots that may be fixed features that cannot be modified.
Rule 4 Whether you like your kitchen classic instead of romantic, wooden or painted, modern, crisp and fresh, industrial or retro, defining the composition of the cabinets within the working area is one of the most important tasks. How? In order to decide the layout of the work areas, you should forecast what repeated actions you are most likely to repeat while cooking. It is imperative for you to be able to perform these actions easily and with harmony. The ideal sequence of actions is: extract food from the fridge, set it on the working top, wash it and cook it. This sequence defines the best arranging of the elements in a kitchen developed along a single wall, the Wall Layout. One can have a nice kitchen in just a few square meters, as long as the basis of rational organization of the four main functions (conservation, preparation, washing and cooking) are not forgotten. Conservation and Preparation For the best rationalization of the space, all elements dedicated to the conservation of food should be placed close, in the same area: the fridge, the cabinets, and the cupboards. Together they will constitute the kitchen storage, where to find what is needed to cook the dishes. After you’ve got all the ingredients, it is time to work with them: next to the storage area should then be a spacious counter top working area, and all tools we normally use should be handy. These tools for food preparation actions - slice, cut, grind, mince - are stored in drawers and hanging cabinets.
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Washing and Cooking Once the food has been processed, it is normally washed or cooked, so we will need to place, nearby the working area, a sink, a dish rack and an easy to locate dustbin, with a dishwasher at the side for dirty pots. Finally, the cooking area, with one or two ovens, a hob and the hood. In this way the entire food producing process is rationalized and optimized, improving our passing from one side to the other of the kitchen, and helping us to neatly arrange and store all the tools. The kitchen is indeed a complex space to design. Do not forget that a kitchen layout is successful when there are logical and continuous interacting routes between an area and the other of the kitchen; it is thanks to these routes that the preparation of a meal and the cleaning operations that follow are an ensemble of fluid and consequential gestures. Stefano Gonella is MD Houseware Sales Manager and designer. MD Houseware is located in Krabi Town, on the Uttarakit Road in proximities of Talat Kao, and is opened Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. For further information on their products and ideas for your house, browse www. mdhouseware.com
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Building a Dream Home Story by : Norm Flach
Part 3: Toilets and Accessories
Last summer Lory and I spent two weeks on Koh Lanta and visited the building site of our dream home several times. We made some big decisions regarding the location of walls, doors and windows; bathroom showers, sinks and toilets; bedroom doors, and closets; kitchen appliances, sinks and laundry facilities; an outdoor shower and garden; and a three story elevator shaft.
S
o now it was time to pick out all these things that we are locating. Not to say that size is everything, but we needed to know some relative sizes for our available spaces. We also had an opportunity to choose between an endless selection of brands and styles of all of the items listed above. Thomas, our friend and project manager, invited us to make the two hour trip to Krabi Town to visit Home Pro in the Big C shopping complex. Home Pro is the biggest hardware store in town. Let me say first that Lory and I are not shoppers. Although I did get pretty excited about my purchase of a pair of casual pants, and two pair of walking shorts at Big C, shopping for sinks and toilets is not my idea of a good time. Similarly, Lory likes to complete any shopping excursion in a maximum of five minutes, even if it’s for a party dress. So we knew before we set out that this was going to be one brutal day! Thomas arrived at Big C as I paid the cashier for my new pants, and we foraged into Home Pro to make our house a home. We started with toilets. Do you know how many brands and styles of toilets there are in the world? I thought, you know, American Standard and a couple of others. I was aware of at least one Asian style of toilet with a dangerously high water level in the bowl. For this reason, I had first dibs on our toilet choices. There are other considerations in
choosing the ideal toilet. You want the seat to be secure, so that when you shift your weight to one side, the seat does not shift dramatically with a loud clunk, giving the impression that you and the toilet seat are about to shift onto the floor. A third consideration is the flushing apparatus. An ecologically minded consumer will choose the full and half flush option to avoid wasting water. We did not look into the ultra-techno options of automatic flushing, because I still find that phenomenon to be quite disconcerting. The noise of the automatic flush, combined with the vacuum created in the confined air space is frightening enough. But all this while you are in your most vulnerable position – barely dislodged from the toilet seat, posterior exposed, fumbling with your clothing to regain your decorum – as I said, quite disconcerting! Ultimately we chose, I should say I chose, a toilet that satisfied all of my criteria, and went on to look at shower fixtures. We had decided years ago in a hotel on a First Nations Reserve on the Shushwap Lakes in British Columbia, that we wanted our dream home to have a walk-in shower with two showerheads. No waiting – shower at will! So we picked out a rain shower for the far end of our walkin showers, with a separate wall-mounted and/or handheld spray shower half way in. Get the picture? Pure genius. Of course we had to decide on stainless steel or a steel/plastic combo job. Went for the stainless steel for
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durability; then had to choose between the shiny or matt finish steel. Exhausting! Did I mention that there were several different brands and styles of showerheads as well? Done, decision made! I think we went shiny. So now we look at shelving for the showers. We ultimately have to buy for five showers – two in our house, one in our guestroom, and two for the guest suite – but for now we were just looking at furnishing the two bathrooms in our house. I spotted an ideal three-tiered, glass-shelving unit with a stainless steel frame. There is never enough room on shower shelving units, don’t you agree? Unfortunately, Lory spotted a two-tiered unit that she claimed was not only different in some imperceptible way, but also nicer. I really did put up a convincing argument for the three-tiered, and Thomas was with me on this one. Unfortunately, Lory was in her, “And yet, I am unmoved,” mode and would not budge. “OK,” said Thomas the mediator, “but now you owe one to Norm.” Lory reminded Thomas that I had chosen the toilet, and that seemed to her to be a convincing point. On to the kitchen sink! Well, here I have some very important input. In Sumatra we do dishes on weekends when our house manager is off duty, and I do the dishes every evening after dinner. So I do take pride in my dishwashing expertise. First of all, you need two sinks – one for washing in hot, soapy water, and one for rinsing in cool water. Would you believe they had some units with only one sink? And another with one decent sized sink and a piddly little rinsing sink? Shame! Good thing I was there to engineer that decision. I liked a particular model with a large, flat, stainless steel draining area. Of course you have to make sure that the hole for the tap is such that the dual sink is to the left of the draining area. That way you are always moving from left to right. Even Lory, who is left-handed, is in agreement on this point. Inevitably the issue of shiny or matt finish of the stainless steel came up again and you just hope that the model you choose comes with the finish you want. It didn’t. We had to take the Danny Jones on that one. The final consideration in selecting the kitchen sink is the depth of the basins. We go for the deepest because we like the option of leaving dishes to soak overnight. Feeling pretty happy with the choice of kitchen sink, it was time to go on to less important items like the oven, the microwave, the hob, and the fridge. I gave Lory the lead in these decisions since I really could care less. She was fussing over things like having a stacking oven and microwave, and how much of the fridge was a freezer and stuff like that. Yawn! It seemed to take forever, and I was getting really hungry, and said so, but Lory and Thomas just went on and on! There was one issue in these discussions that I did find interesting in all this. In Canada, an oven commonly comes with the stove elements on top. Lory wanted to have this stacking oven as I mentioned before, which means that the elements come separately, like an extended hot plate. In the UK, Thomas tells us, they call this a hob. So we were choosing a hob!
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Now as if choosing a hob is not interesting enough in itself, Thomas raised a fascinating issue – electric or gas? Lory was pretty sure she wanted electric, but this was based mostly on her Canadian paradigm, along with a concern about a potential gas leak that may lead to a deadly asphyxiation experience or worse an explosion of fire in the middle of the night that would leave nothing but cinder ash and two charred bodies. On the other hand, Thomas and I pointed out that Thai cooks always use gas, and we should have the option in our retirement of hiring a Thai house manager, who could cook and clean for us. This for me is a given, but Lory continues to delude herself into thinking that we could manage without full-time help. For me, a house manager whose husband looks after the yard work is the ideal situation. So anyway, Thomas and I won out on the gas versus electric issue. We settled on a hob with three gas elements and one electric. Everybody was happy! The funny thing is that we were dreading this gargantuan shopping adventure, and it turned out being kind of fun. It really felt like we were making our dream home come true. The adrenalin rush from that more than made up for the hours of standing around making boring decisions about toilets and accessories. To be continued…
This article is provided to you by Exotiq Real Estate Brokers. With offices in Krabi, Koh Lanta and other destinations in Bali and Thailand, they offer the largest selection of villas and land for sale in the area, with access to an impressive online database. Visit www.exotiqproperty.com or contact 089 7727858 or 089 9085990 - thomas@exotiqproperty.com for Ao Nang, Krabi and Koh Lanta enquiries.
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Price: 16,700,000 million Baht Contact:089 727 0689 Eng/Thai Landkrabi@hotmail.com
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