Where® Thailand July-August 2017 by Where Thailand

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J U LY- A U G U S T 2 0 1 7 THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GO ®

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MADE IN THAILAND The Thai fashion designers rediscovering local fabrics

Old-school dining institutions Bangkok’s best beer bars

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CONTENTS where

l THAILAND l JULY-AUGUST 2017

The Guide BANGKOK

20 NIGHTLIFE Geek out on local brews with Bangkok's craft beer fanatics at these happening taprooms.

22 DINING

Make reservations at these stunning Thai fine-dining restaurants for dinners that are creative yet authentic.

COMMON THREAD

24 SHOPS+SERVICES

The Bangkok fashion designers breathing new life into local fabrics

Revitalize your wardrobe with the designer finds of the capital's most beautiful boutiques.

25 HEALTH+WELLNESS Check in for a day of pampering at one of these urban spa oases.

DINING 10 STARS OF THE STREET

26 ATTRACTIONS

With the Michelin Guide coming to Bangkok, we look at the old-school shop-house restaurants that might make the cut.

Watch the latest blockbusters in fully-reclined style at one of the city's luxury cinemas.

27 ART This month's must-visit exhibitions and galleries.

EXPLORING

28 NAVIGATE Essential tips on getting around.

14 CHAROENKRUNG Bangkok's oldest road winds its way along the river, and harbors some of the city's most stunning bulidings, delicious dishes and creative bars.

ALSO INSIDE 4

HOT DATES

30 21 THINGS WE LOVE Where Thailand is proud to be an associated publication of the Thailand Chapter of Les Clefs d'Or (the International Concierge Association).

14 Managing Director Andrew Hiransomboon

Staff Writer Bonnie Sananvatananont

MORRIS VISITOR PUBLICATIONS

Managing Editor Oliver Irvine

Contributors Natcha Saguankiattichai, Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

Designers Peeraya Sirathanisa, Anunya Chobnitas

MVP | EXECUTIVE President Donna W. Kessler Vice President, Operations Angela E. Allen Chief Travel Editor Geoff Kohl General Manager, Where Maps Christopher Huber

Where Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower, Room A, 100 North Sathorn Rd. Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 E-mail: where@asia-city.co.th

Morris Comunications Chairman William S. Morris III President & Ceo William S. Morris IV Production Director of Production Kris Miller

Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai

Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo

Interns Kawee Jarach, Napaphat Boonyadhammakul, Punsita Ritthikarn, Siriya Suriyanon, Teerin Julsawad

Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn

On the cover Atelier Pichita

Marketing Executive Plaifon Chienvichai

MVP | NATIONAL SALES Vice President, National Sales Rick Mollineaux Director of Partnerships & National Digital Sales Bridget Cody National Sales Coordinator David Gately

MVP | MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY Director of Manufacturing Donald Horton

E-Mails For Contacts: Firstname.Lastname@ Morris.Com

MORRIS COMUNICATIONS

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@where_thailand

MVP | CREATIVE Chief Creative Officer Haines Wilkerson Senior Regional Editorial Director Margaret Martin Design Director Jane Frey

Photography Director Susan Strayer Creative Coordinator Beverly Mandelblatt E-Mails For All Of The Above: Firstname.Lastname@Morris.Com

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HOT DATES

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Jul 31 - Aug 1

LOSE IT British electro-pop sensations Oh Wonder make a pit-stop in Bangkok during their world tour. The duo first attracted attention with their self-produced monthly releases such as “Body Gold” and “Livewire.” Get lost in the harmonized vocals and upbeat melodies from their latest album, Ultralife, at an intimate nightclub venue. Tickets are B2,000 from thaiticketmajor.com. DND Club, Ekkamai Soi 5/1, 094-414-9266

JUL 1-7

THROUGH JUL 30

JUN 23-25

AUG 24

Americans missing home this Independence Day can make up for it with a five-day (Jul 1-5) party in hip craft beer bar Mikkerller’s backyard. In true American-style, there’ll be sizzling barbecue and Yankee draft brews imported especially for the occasion. A couple days later on Jul 7, get a taste of the local craft beer scene at Thailand Brew Fest, where they’ll have the very best of Thaimade craft beer for B995 (free-flow).

Feast your eyes on over 30 gowns and accessories exclusively designed by the French couturier Pierre Balmain for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Fit For a Queen takes over the stunning royal textile museum located within in the Grand Palace’s grounds, a perfectly fitting place to house such an extravagant collection. Entry fee is B150.

This weekend, Bangkok Farmers’ Market takes place in the chilledout Ekkamai neighborhood. Browse through stalls full of local produce ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to organic beauty products. When it gets too hot, you can cool down with a glass of Thai ice tea or coffee in one of the many cafes nearby. Free entry.

Foo Fighters’ indefinite hiatus is officially over. After 21 years, the legendary American rock band is back with a world tour before releasing their new album, Concrete and Gold, this September. Rock out in Thailand’s capital to the old classics like “Learn to Fly” and “The Pretender.” Tickets starts at B2,500 from thaitickermajor.com.

Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, The Grand Palace, Na Phra Ban Rd. 02-2259430. Open daily 9am-3:30pm

Gateway Ekkamai, 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Ekkamai. www.bkkfm.org

Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd. 02-833-4455

WHAT’S BREWING

Mikkeller, 26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-3819891. Open daily 5pm-midnight

COUTURE CULTURE

HAY DAY

FIGHT NIGHT

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SHOPPING

LOCAL THREADS

Bangkok’s fashion designers are embracing Thai-made fabrics to create clothing at the forefront of trends.

ATELIER PICHITA

PICHITRA BOONYARATAPHAN

n a beach in Si Kao, the beautiful, whitesand coastal region of Trang in Southern Thailand, Atelier Pichita recently debuted a fashion collection dedicated to the region’s fabric craft skills. It was the latest in a series of projects by Pichitra Boonyarataphan (whose eponymous label stretches back to 1980) celebrating Thai fabrics, patterns and manufacturing techniques. With editorials featured in luminary titles from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar, she has become one of Thai fabric’s leading flagbearers, selling locally produced silks and hilltribe patterns to the world With her brand approaching 40, it feels like Pichitra’s work has never been more relevant. As the latest collections of the spring/summer 2017 season attest, more and more Bangkok-based labels are embracing the country’s rich textile craft culture, replacing press-release buzzwords like “exclusive” and “luxury” with “artisan,” “local” and “conscientious,” while placing natural, Thai-made linens, cottons and silks at the core of their work. “It’s commonly thought that Thai silk only suits boring, custom-made dresses in a single color or pattern,” says Pichitra, now aged 63. “That style has long been a hit for public school teachers and middleaged women working in official positions, but here at Pichita, it’s not. I pick up on the exotic characteristics of Thai fabric and put them together to invent something cuttingedge.” In her fall/winter 2016/17 collection, for example, Pichitra created jackets woven from an intricate cross-play of patterns taken from the borders of Northeastern sarong skirts, produced after exploring the fabric culture of Thailand’s Northeastern provinces. “The trip took me to several villages,” she says. “We worked together to spotlight Isaan textiles, and it was during that time that I recognized the beautiful borders on sarongs. It suddenly came to my mind that these borders can be made into something new and intriguing.”

ATELIER PICHITA

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SHOPPING

SEEKER X RETRIEVER

YOUTH APPEAL Pang Sudhinaraset, head designer at Vick’s weekend, is also embracing the fabricmaking skills of the North and Northeast to appeal to a younger clientele. “I’ve seen lots and lots of Thai fabrics that seem fit for casualwear and a younger target audience,” she explains. “We’ve always used imported fabrics for our main line [Vickteerut]. But for Vick’s, I just want to give these local fabrics a try.” She reveals that the process has not been easy. “I have to be frank here,” says Pang. “Whether from the material itself or from unstandardized production, some of the fabrics we’ve received from these villages have quite a rough texture that’s not good for our customers. They’re not paying this not-so-low price to get harsh-feeling clothes.” Her solution has been to mix local fabrics with those from abroad, like Japanese linen. “You will see that not all pieces from Vick’s are made from fabrics from one country,” she explains. “We do have whole Thai linen tops, but then we also

VICK’S WEEKEND

have shirts made from Japanese fabrics that introduce Thai elements, like a Thaimade waist strap. For me, this can at least be one way to continue supporting these fabric-makers.” Vick’s also holds workshops at her boutique in the hip Ari neighborhood for customers to become acquainted with the process of Thai linen-making. “Some people come to our shops and wonder if the price of our products should be lower,” she explains. “Some even said that Thai-made fabrics from Thai brands should not have high prices. That’s why I decided that we should organize a workshop showing them how hard it is for Thai textile-makers, so the public can see the real value of these things.”

weavers if they would like to see their local textiles become industrialized, they also say no. So the future of this profession is quite uncertain.”

SAVING THAI CRAFT

Nutthatida “Nan” Tohchoodee, age 28, is among a niche collective of young Bangkok fashion designers who are taking a fresh look at local fabrics. In Nan’s case, it’s Thai cotton, which she initially discovered from a weaving collective while on a trip to her mother’s hometown in Northern Thailand. “I noticed old folks in these areas wear-

For Pichitra, supporting Thailand’s traditional craft industries is as much of an incentive as the fabrics themselves. “We can’t deny that the young generation in areas producing Thai textiles doesn’t want to do this as a career,” she says. “They don’t want to be weavers like their grandmoms. And when I have asked these old

Yet there is still hope for the industry, according to Pichitra, thanks to new workshop initiatives appealing to a metropolitan audience. “There’s a workshop in the Sa-tuek district of Buriram which, although overlooked by many of the locals, is gaining a lot of attention from outside,” she says. “Many young people even fly from Bangkok to learn how to weave there. It’s apparent that there is still a certain group of people who are very interested in Thailand’s fabric heritage—and this is good for local tourism, as well.”

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ESSENTIALS Atelier Pichita, 77/7 Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-381-2797. www. atelierpichita.com. Collection starts from around B7,500 to B30,000. Mae Teeta, available online at www.maeteeta.net. Collection starts from B2,050. Seeker x Retriever, online at www. seekerxretriever.com. Collection starts from B2,600 Slowstitch, available at Labrador, 3/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd. 02-160-5950. www. centralembassy.com/store/ labrador. Collection starts at B2,200

W/MENSWEAR

SSAP, available at Gin and Milk, 3/F, Siam Center. Or online at www.onionbkk.com. Sakol Boro bomber is B3,580 Vick’s Weekend, Ari Soi 2, 098281-6541. www.vicksweekend. com. Collction starts from B1,200

EEKEND

SLOWSTITCH

ing clothing made from local cotton,” she explains. “The fabric had a real artisan quality—textured and imperfect yet soft to the touch—but the silhouette which they were wearing was a bit stuck in the past. It gave me the idea to bring these fabrics into more modern territory.” Under the brand Seeker x Retriever, Nan has combined modern, minimal styles with a design approach that puts the fabric first. Unisex shirts, trousers, tunics, blazers and dresses come in natural colors of indigo, white and gray (a color derived from takian tree leaves native to Lampang). Her clothing is now on sale in Bangkok, Australia and California, where it has found a home in artistically inclined stores like LA’s Mellore boutique.

MEETING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS Designer and fashion blogger Lauren Yates, the woman behind ponytailjournal. com and a regular contributor to Vogue Australia, has also fostered an international audience for designs which make use of Thai fabrics, specifically Chiang Mai

W/MENSWEAR

indigo-dyed cottons and Northern silks. Called W’menswear, her brand draws on the heritage of the indigo workwear of various world cultures, and has become a huge hit in the craftsmanship-driven fashion markets of Japan, Taiwan and China. Yates now works with a small company in Chiang Mai called Slowstitch, founded by Bangkok native Kanchalee Ngamdamronkand and her Russian partner, Sergey Tishkin, who create their own fabrics and products using natural indigo dye methods and a Japanese pattern-making technique called shibori. Speaking from Chiang Mai, Serge from Slowstitch elaborates: “We work almost exclusively with Thai fabrics, trying to source as close to Chiang Mai as we can. We’re lucky to have a lot of cotton, hemp and silk here. Thai fabric can have an oldcrafty feel; slubby [bumpy] cotton with imperfections that can be interesting. You have to have a balance between the imperfections and durability.” The two designers also produce their own collections of cushions, shawls and other decorative fabrics

W’menswear, available online at www.onionbkk.com. Collection starts from B4,890

TRENDING DESIGN Indigo has become something of a signature for brands specializing in Thai textiles. Originally founded a couple years back in New York by Thai designer Mel Sangsomsap before she relocated to Bangkok, SSAP integrates local weaving and dying techniques into versatile streetwear and workwear. Its special Sakol Project was established especially to promote the natural indigo dying traditions of the Northeastern Sakol Nakorn province. Similarly, Praphaiphan Daengchai, a native of Sakol Nakorn province, last year worked with leading Bangkok design firm Thinkk Studio for her brand Mae Teeta. Together, they produced a contemporary line of items like dresses, T-shirts and jackets made from hemp, cotton and denim, as well as accessories like placemats and napkins. “Fabrics for fashion designers are like building materials to an architect,” says Yates. “Maybe to an untrained eye it’s about trends or style, but in my business it’s about touch and feel.”

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DINING

STARS OF THE STREET

JAY FAI

With the Michelin Guide launching its first Bangkok edition at the end of this year, we look at the oldschool dining institutions that stand a chance of winning a star. JAY FAI

AGAVE (FOO MUI KEE 2) Specialty: Beef tongue stew What makes it stand out: A clash of Western, Chinese and Thai culinary cultures Price per head: B200-300 The original branch of Foo Mui Kee, a restaurant specializing in mid-century Chinese-Thai interpretations of Western food, shut its doors at the end of last year after half a century in downtown Bangkok. On the other side of town, however, another branch of the same family continues to cook the same Chinese-inspired Western recipes. The succulent beef tongue stew tastes of butter and rich gravy, while the beef fillet salad features tender slices of meat and a unique, refreshing dressing. 61/127 Rama 9 Soi 7, 02-248-2150. Open daily 11am-9pm

JAY FAI Specialty: Crab omelet What makes it stand out: Huge chunks of the freshest Thai crabmeat Price per head: B500-1,000 Known for its omelet bursting with crabmeat as well as other classic, wok-fried seafood-

dishes, this Old Town restaurant deserves mention for the sheer quality of the ingredients which its formidable owner/cook personally selects. At the age of 70, she still heads the open kitchen every night, cooking up your food a la minute over a fiery wok. The signature crab omelet’s non-greasy skin gives way to a thick, fluffy interior, while the hearty raad na (stir-fried noodles in gravy) retains its rare, old-fashioned flavor. Be warned that the experience doesn’t come cheap. 327 Maha Chai Rd., 02-223-9384. Open Mon-Sat 1:30pm-1:30am

JAKKEE Specialty: Raad na (noodles in gravy) What makes it stand out: Excellent attention to every detail of a Thai-Chinese classic Price per head: B100-150 Jakkee still retains its old-school look with the original sign out front, despite relocating from Bangkok’s Chinatown to more modern surroundings. The specialty here is raad na featuring young Chinese kale, tender pork and a flavor-packed gravy. The shrimp wantons are also a good shout, bursting with fresh meat. The lunchtime crowd doesn’t lie. 1/35-36 Ratchawithi Soi 7, 02-245-0849. Open TueSun 10am-3pm

CHOTE CHITR

KHAOMUNGAI NAI THONG Specialty: Khao mun gai (Hainanese chicken rice) What makes it stand out: A single dish done to perfection Price per head: B60-150 For one of the city’s best versions of chicken rice, people in the know go to Nai Thong. The space on Sathupradit Soi 58 has expanded over time, but the flavorful signature dish has remained just as amazing. In fact, they perfect every element of khao mun gai: flavorful and perfectly cooked rice that’s not too oily, tender chicken meat and a tasty, tangy sauce. The complimentary soup also uses pickled lime that adds a depth of complexity. 983/20, Sathupradit Soi 58, 02-682-4253. Open TueSun 7am-2:30pm

PEN Specialty: Seafood dishes What makes it stand out: An excellent variety of seafood Price per head: B300-1,000 Behind this unassuming eatery’s dark-tinted windows lies an unlikely setting for some of Bangkok’s most highly praised seafood dish-

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es. The freshness of the ingredients shines, whether it’s steamed crab, grilled prawns or the sensational, palm-sized fish cakes.

between its tender meat. Don’t miss the raad na, characterized by charred noodles and a smoky gravy.

2068/4 Chan Rd., 02-286-7061. Open daily 11am-11pm

88 Soi Charasvieng, North Sathorn Rd., 02-6309200. Open daily 10am-9pm

PRACHAK Specialty: Roast duck and crispy pork What makes it stand out: Perfectly barbecued meat, Chinese-style Price per head: B80-150 JAY FAI

E CHITR

Standing strong for over 100 years, this popular spot serves some of the finest roast duck in the city, along with other excellent Chinese-style barbecue dishes. Chefs slice and dice in the front of the space, giving an interesting show to passersby. To try a bit of everything, order the khao che po: rice topped with roast duck, barbecue pork, crispy pork belly and stuffed pork tail. 1415 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-234-3755. Open daily 7:30am-8:30pm. BTS Saphan Taksin

SAEN YOD

Specialty: Crab-claw noodles What makes it stand out: Wonderful noodles and fresh crab Price per head: B100-300

SANGUAN SRI Specialty: Gang kiew wan (green curry) What makes it stand out: Simple, classic Thai cooking Price per head: B100-200 Visit this humble Wireless Road restaurant for lunch and you’ll be lucky to get a seat. Sanguan Sri is all about oldfashioned, Thai comfort dishes which are perfectly executed. Despite the space’s gloomy appearance, dishes shine brightly, like the toothsome green curry and fish cakes, which are meant to exhibit a little chewiness to showcase the work that went into mixing the fish batter. The gluay chueam (bananas in syrup) are a must for dessert. 59/1 Wireless Rd., 02-252-7637. Open Mon-Sat 10am-3pm

Specialty: Duck noodles

SAWANG

This family-run store doesn’t just pull its own, pleasantly chewy egg noodles fresh daily; it also serves one of the most delicious broths to accompany them. The wontons are also filled with plump, springy shrimp filling. Save some cash by ordering the barbecued pork noodles, but its reputation really lies with the fresh crab claw option. 336/3 Rama 4 Rd., 02-236-1772. MRT Hua Lamphong. There are also branches in Emporium and Siam Paragon. Open Tue–Sun 5-11pm

SOAY Specialty: Guay tiew nuea (beef noodles) What makes it stand out: Tender beef and intense broth Price per head: B100-300 Families and students from around the area have packed this popular beef noodle spot for

What makes it stand out: Excellent noodles and barbecued meat Price per head: B150-500 Tucked in a sub-street off the Charoenkrung main drag, Saen Yod roasts Chinesestyle meats that easily contend with Prachak (see left). Several decades and a fire haven’t diminished the flavors of its thickly-cut pieces of succulent barbecued pork and intense, garlic-flecked, sticky egg noodles. The to-die-for moo krob (crispy pork) contains just the right amount of fat

SANGUAN SRI

PRACHAK

TALKING STREET FOOD WITH CHAWADEE NUALKHAIR, AUTHOR OF BANGKOK’S BEST STREET FOOD AND THAILAND’S BEST STREET FOOD What obstacles might shop-house eateries have to overcome to get a Michelin star? I honestly don’t think there will be too many obstacles to getting a star for a shop-house eatery here, since it appears that Michelin is trying to broaden its scope. The only obstacle would be finding suitable enough places that are not “too” street.

What’s your favorite shop-house restaurant? A place called Nakorn Pochana on Chula Soi 11(02-214-2327). It doesn’t have the best big-ticket dishes, like stir-fried curry crab (Raan Pen has that [see page 10]) or tom yum soup (Jay Fai has that [see page 10]), but it does do the very best stir-fried greens in town, I think. The wok has to be smoking hot and the

cook has to have very fast hands so that the greens (pumpkin shoots, spinach, Chinese broccoli, what have you) don’t get soggy or greasy. That’s probably also why they also do the very best khao pad namlieb (Chinese olive fried rice).

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DINING BANGKOK RESTAURANTS WITH MICHELIN CRED FROM ABROAD

SOMBOON SAVELBERG

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon The French fine dining chain has the most Michelin stars in the world from its branches all over the globe. 5/F, Mahanakorn Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0698. BTS Chong Nonsi

Nahm SUN MOON

decades. The second-generation owner continues to serve a succulently mild beef soup filled with juicy chunks of meat and properly cleaned entrails. 100/2-3 Phra Arthit Rd., 083-495-3129, 086-9829042. Open daily 7am-11pm (except the second and fourth Wednesday of the month)

SOMBOON Specialty: Pu pad pong garee (stir-fried crab with curry and egg)

SOMSONG

For several decades, this restaurant has dished out noodles in the Sukhothai style, topped with a mix of julienned long beans, fermented radish and palm sugar for a unique, intense flavor. They also offer old-fashioned Thai dishes such as kanom jeen sao nam (fermented rice noodles with coconut milk, pineapple and shrimp powder), curries and rare Thai desserts like khao fang piak (sweet sorghum congee).

The original branch of this Thai restaurant in London was awarded one Michelin star within its first six months of opening in 2001. COMO Metropolitan, 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3388

Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin Its Copenhagen big sister Kiin Kiin is one of the few Thai restaurants to hold a Michelin star. Lobby/F, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, 991/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-162-9000. BTS Siam

J’aime

What makes it stand out: Fresh seafood

SUN MOON

Two-Michelin-starred La Cote Saint Jacques’s chef-owner Jean-Michel Lorain has opened his first outpost outside of France here.

Price per head: B300-1,000

Specialty: Eggplant fries

You can now find Somboon branches all over town, but the original on Bantadthong Road still deserves praise for its star pu pad pong garee (stir-fried crab with curry and egg). Be warned that it’s already well on the tourist radar—especially for the Japanese thanks to a visit from their ex-PM—but that hasn’t affected the flavor of their seafood dishes.

U Sathorn Bangkok, 105, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphli, Sathorn Rd., 02-119-4899

What makes it stand out: Extraordinary Sichuan food

Savelberg

8956-21 Chulalongkorn Soi 8, 02-216-4203. Open daily 4-11:30pm

SOMSONG POCHANA Specialty: Sukhothai-style noodles What makes it stand out: Rarity of flavors and quality Price per head: B100-300

112 Sam Sen Soi 1, 02-282-0972. Open daily 9am-4pm

Price per head: B200-500 Tucked down Soi Ngam Duplee, the cramped Sichuan eatery regularly has a queue of customers waiting to try the eggplant fries in crispy batter, baked pork dumplings and crunchy stir-fried string beans. Also don’t miss the intense mapo tofu, a Sichuan dish of tofu with spicy minced meat. However, the lackadaisical attitude towards hygiene might give pause. 5/4 Soi Ngamduplee, Rama 4 Rd., 02-679-7019. Open daily 10:30am-2pm, 5-9:30pm

Veteran Dutch chef Henk Savelberg’s eponymous restaurant in the Netherlands held one star from 1997-2014. G/F, Oriental Residence, 110 Wireless Rd., 02-252-8001

Tim Ho Wan Its original Hong Kong branch is usually referred to as one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the World. 3/F, Terminal 21, Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02006-5288. BTS Asok

Din Tai Fung This Taipei restaurant specializing in xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings) picked up a Michelin star for its Hong Kong branch. G/7, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-646-1282. BTS Chit Lom

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JULY-AUGUST 2017 | BANGKOK

CHAROENKRUNG Stretching along the Eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, the 150-yearold Charoenkrung Road winds its way through some of the city’s major cultural hubs, from the heritage buildings of upper Silom to the delicious streetfood institutions of Chinatown. Thanks to a recent revival of the neighborhoood’s old shop-houses, you’ll also discover a bevvy of cool new bars and art galleries hidden down back streets.

30 WAREHOUSE

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES 14 CHAROENKRUNG

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CHAROENKRUNG Y CHAROENKRUNG’S

TOP 5 STREET-FOOD STALLS

!8 Kao Kha Mu Charoen Sang Silom This famous (and crowded) spot serves Chinese-style stewed pork knuckle with rice. Come early before it sells out. 02-234-8036. Open daily 8:30am1:30pm

!9 Jok Prince Bangrak

NEW

One of the best congee (rice porridge) in Bangkok—a simple but powerful blend of velvety stewed rice, minced pork and poached egg.

FOOJOHN

Step inside this old shop-house and you’re transported to a retro Hong Kong diner like something out of In the Mood for Love—think warm lighting, carefully positioned mirrors, vintage mosaic tiles. Downstairs you’ll find a hip bistro serving cold cuts and crepes alongside wine. A prohibition era-themed cocktail bar sits upstairs, where French spirits are spotlighted in classic cocktails based on The Savoy Cocktail Book (first published back in 1930).

089-795-2629. Open daily 6am12pm, 4pm-9pm

!5 831 Charoenkrung Soi 31, 085-527-3511. Open Wed-Sat 7pm-midnight. MRT Hua Lamphong

GENERAL POST OFFICE

HERITAGE WALK The area between sois 34-44 is rich with architectural attractions. Among them is the 1 Old Customs House (Charoenkrung Soi 36), which dates back to 1880 and was once the trading gateway between Bangkok and the rest of the world. It’s now used as the fire brigade’s headquarters. The newly opened design resource center, TCDC, sits in the grand, Art Deco 2 General Post Office and offers an amazing art and design library as well as a glimpse of hip Bangkok student life. Religious highlights include the Thai-Chinese 3 Wat Suan

Phlu temple (Charoenkrung Soi 42/1), where you can go and pay respect to the Chinese deity Guanyin, and 4 Assumption Cathedral (Charoenkrung Soi 40), a Roman Catholic church dating back to the early 1900s that serves as the place of worship for the Catholic all-boys’ school Assumption College. There’s also a strong Muslim community based around the 5 Haroon Mosque (Charoenkrung Soi 36). Once the city’s largest wooden mosque, it has since been reconstructed in concrete but remains in keeping with traditional Islamic design.

ASSUMPTION CATHEDRAL

@0 Prachak Pet Yang Rumored to have existed for over a century, this place specializes in khao na pet (roasted duck with rice) 02-234-3755. Open daily 7am8:30pm

SERINDIA GALLERY

GALLERIES There are three worthwhile galleries in the 6 O.P. Garden compound (4, 6 Charoenkrung Soi 36, 02-266-0186). The oldest among them is Serindia Gallery (02-238-6410), founded in 2009 by publisher and art enthusiast Shane Suvikapakornkul. The gallery focuses on Asian cultural artefacts, specifically from the Himalayan region. Next door, Modern Gallery (02-238-6449) features work by revered Thai artists like Thawan Duchanee and Chalermchai Kositpipat along with the new generation like Lolay Thaweesak Sritongdee.

JAO LONG LUK CHIN PLA

@1 Jao Long Luk Chin Pla & Jae Lee Luk Chin Pla Located opposite each other, these two restaurants are renowned for their noodles and fish balls. Both are great. Jao Long Luk Chin Pla, 02-2347499. Open daily 6am-9pm Jae Lee Luk Chin Pla, 02-234-2791. Open daily 8am-9pm

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EXPLORING

CHAROENKRUNG DINING

Opened back in 1953 but given a stunning renovation not too long ago, the Mandarin Oriental’s !1 Bamboo Bar is SOULBAR

BAMBOO BAR

one of the city’s oldest live jazz institutions. To this day, it maintains a moody, lounge-lizard atmosphere made even better thanks to some of the city’s best cocktails (try the barrel-aged XO Sazerac). !6 Soulbar (945 Charoenkrung Rd., 083-092-2266) offers live music of a very different sort, in a casual shophouse kitted out with industrial furnishings. Just down the road, the same peo-

SHOPPING The area is well-known for antiques and gemstones, as well as shipping services to help bring your goods home.

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GETTING THERE

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Getting to this part of is easy. Simply take the BTS (Silom line) to Saphan Taksin station. From there you can either explore Charoenkrung by foot or take one of the free hotel boats that shuttle guests from Saphan Taksin pier. Cha

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ya Rd.

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1 Old Customs House 2 General Post Office 3 Wat Suan Phlu Temple 4 Assumption Cathedral 5 Haroon Mosque 6 O.P. Garden - Serindia Gallery - Modern Gallery - Artha Gallery 7 Speedy Grandma 8 Soy Sauce Factory 9 River City -Viva Aviv !0 O.P. Place !1 Mandarin Oriental Hotel - Lotus - Marie-France Van Damme - Le Normandie - Bamboo Bar - Ciao Terrazzo !2 P. Tendercool !3 Fifty-Five Antiques !4 Shangri-La Hotel - Shang Palace - Volti !5 Foojohn !6 Soulbar !7 Kao Kha Mu Charoen Sang Silom !8 Jok Prince Bangrak !9 Prachak Pet Yang @0 Jao Long Luk Chin Pla & Jae Lee Luk Chin Pla Sap

Charoen Rat Rd.

9 River City (Charoenkrung Soi 34, 02-237-0077) is a one-stop shopping complex that offers Thai craft, antiques and artwork by local artists. For fine fashion and decorative objects, !0 O.P. Place (Charoenkrung Soi 38, 02-237-4062) is filled with tailor shops, jewelry specialists and Thai handicraft souvenirs from The Chitralada Projects. It’s also worth taking a look at the historic !1 Mandarin Oriental hotel (Charoenkrung Soi 38, 02-659-9000), where there are several high-end jewelry and fashion brands including Lotus Arts de Vivre (02-236-0400) and Hong Kong-based resort-wear specialist Marie-France Van Damme (02630-9400). Tucked away in a complex of WWII-era warehouses, you’ll find the by-appointment-only showroom of !2 P.Tendercool (02-266-4344), which sells striking tables made from reclaimed slabs of teak. Though purchasing a table will set you back a sixfigure sum, it’s worth dropping by purely for the spectacle, as well as to peer into next door’s !3 Fifty-Five Antiques (02267-2297), which has some of the most impressive ancient Burmese artefacts in the city.

VIVA & AVIV

roen

Soi

ple run !5 Foojohn (see left), a cocktail lounge that channels Wong Kar Wai’s In the Mood for Love. Located right by the Chao Phraya River, 9 Viva & Aviv (B/F, River City Shopping Complex, 23 Yotha Rd, 02-639-6305) is an open-air cocktail bar with a subtle (and chic) pirate theme.

Rd.

Right opposite, French gallerist Pascal Billieres’ Artha Gallery (02-630-9489) aims to promote rising Southeast Asian artists from Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. If you’re looking for something more edgy, head down to Charoenkrung Soi 28. 7 Speedy Grandma (089508-3859) is a big favorite of Bangkok’s alt-indie crowd thanks to its regular exhibitions, film screenings and parties. Nearby, 8 Soy Sauce Factory (061835-6824) is run by the same group of people and focuses on photography exhibitions.

NIGHTLIFE

Pan

SPEEDY GRANDMA

king duck and whole suckling pig. In the same hotel, Volti is a stylish option for Italian cuisine.

Thanks to the many luxury hotels that line the riverbank, this is one of the best areas in Bangkok for high-end dining. The city’s oldest and, by our reckoning, most atmospheric hotel, the !1 Mandarin Oriental, is home to Le Normandie, which for years set the standard for French fine dining in Bangkok. Its combination of old-school silver service and immaculately plated classic cuisine is still hard to beat. At the same hotel, check out the riverside terrace Ciao Terrazzo for something more casual. For a refined Cantonese experience under dripping chandeliers, check out Shang Palace at the !4 Shangri-La Hotel, (Charoenkrung Soi 44, 02-236-7777) where you’ll find a la carte dim sum as well as other Chinese favorites like Pe-

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*Please study full terms and conditions of each promotion at www.citibank.co.th. Copyright © 2017 Citigroup Inc. Citi and Arc Design is a registered service mark of Citigroup Inc. Citi July-Aug_03.indd All Pages

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ThewhereGuide JULY-AUGUST 2017 | BANGKOK

SRI TRAT This restaurant specializes in one of the lesser-known regions of Thai cuisine: the eastern provinces, especially Trat, source of all their fish sauce, salted fish, sundried squid, chamuang leaves and shrimp paste. Order the Eastern staple of moo chamuang (stewed pork belly with chamuang leaves) and crab roe chili dip, as well as creative takes on the cuisine like a chili dip version of moo chamuang in which the pork belly is replaced with minced pork. The setting— azure leather sofas, rich teak paneling, pop-art murals—is a stunning blend of old and new. 90 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-088-0968. Open Wed-Mon noon-11pm

BANGKOK’S BEST VENUES 20 NIGHTLIFE 22 DINING

24 SHOP 25 HEALTH & WELLNESS

26 ATTRACTIONS 27 ART

28 NAVIGATE

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ADVERTORIAL

Did you know?

Known as one of the most popular shopping destinations in Bangkok, CentralWorld is home to restaurants, international fashion brands, book stores, a luxury cinema and more. But what many don’t know about the mall is the hidden gem located just outside its grounds. Thailand is devoutly Buddhist, and Bangkok is filled with temples and Buddhist statues around every corner. Here at CentralWorld, there are two statues sitting in a white spirit house from Buddhism’s Hindu roots: they are Ganesh, the god of success, and Trimurati, the god of love. Religion and Thai beliefs have led many to come pray for luck in their love lives with Trimurati. Many success stories have been rumored around the city, making the shrine ever more popular with people looking for that special someone. It’s been said that 9:30pm is the best time to visit him. Also, remember to bring nine red roses and nine incense sticks as prayer offerings to boost your luck. If you’re already in a relationship, Trimutari can still help. Go with your loved one to place two candles on his shrine for an even stronger relationship. While you’re there, be sure to pray to Ganesh for success in your career. Who knows, a quick visit here could turn your life around. CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Chit Lom

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GUIDE

NIGHTLIFE NEW

BA HAO

Neon red Chinese letters and a do-nothing approach to shop-house restoration give this Chinatown bar the requisite look of old Hong Kong cool, complete with open frontage that spills onto the Yoawarat streets. The guys from The Never Ending Summer and Junker and Bar (two other Bangkok hot spots) created the signature cocktails here. Opium sees a classic negroni spiked with ginseng and herbal liquor, while Five Rivers infuses the flavors of Chinese five spice into rum, Drambuie and Fernet Blanca. Don’t miss owner Tikhamporn Chuenkittivoravat’s duck wontons—she trained at the Mandarin Oriental as a chef. 8 Soi Nana, Maitri Chit Rd., 091-846-9659. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight

Hot Spots

BEST BEER BARS

BOTTLES OF BEER

Y SPOTLIGHT

This friendly bottle shop-slash-bar has one of the best craft beer selections in the city. What’s more, a big proportion of them are from local breweries that only exist in Bangkok. Grab a light-bodied, fruity Chalawan Pale Ale from the fridge and join the international crowd of regulars at the communal counter. And don’t forget to try the Thai drinking snacks like fried, sundried pork, or even half a roast chicken from the vendor out front. Sukhumvit Soi 34, 02-040-0473. Open daily 5pm12:30am. BTS Thong Lo

MIKKELLER

This craft beer stronghold is set in a great location away from the main street and in one of the charming mid-century residential houses scattered around Ekkamai. It’s affiliated with the Danish microbrewery of the same name, known for its unique, smallbatch beers, and is the first Mikkeller bar in Asia. There’s also a resident chef who hosts some fun garden barbecues and offers a regular a la carte food menu. BOTTLES OF BEER

26 Ekkamai Soi 10, 02-381-9891. Open daily 5pmmidnight

Step inside the inconspicuous wooden door wedged between Ainu Japanese bar and Ramen Ajisai and you’ll find a charming, red-lit narrow bar staffed by two veteran Diaego World Class cocktail competition. Don’t miss their White Truffle Martini, which they make using truffle oil-infused Tanqueray Gin chilled to -18 degrees Celsius. Get there early if you want a seat at the bar on a Friday night.

GOLDEN COINS TAPROOM

Local brewer Pipatnapon “Piek” Pumpo runs this six-tap craft beer bar that exclusively serves strains of Piek’s own Golden Coins beer. The bare-brick space also dishes out some perfect drinking food: pulled pork burgers, fish and chips and pork knuckle. Piek launched Golden Coins back in 2011, making it one of Bangkok’s original craft beers. Unlike some of the expat beer bars around town, this one pulls in a big local crowd. Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 082-675-9673. Open daily 5pm-midnight

Rabbit Hole

125 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 081-8223392, 098-969-1335. Open daily 7pm-2am GOLDEN COINS TAPROOM

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GUIDE

NIGHTLIFE AWARD-WINING COCKTAILS

TAPROOM

Located amid the greenery of Sukhumvit Soi 26, Taproom’s selling point comes in the form of 26 rotating taps pouring premium brews from around the world. That means names like BrewDog, Stone, Coronado, Bear Republic, Hitachino, Flying Dog, EvilTwin, Heretic and Speakeasy. Every time a keg finishes (almost everyday), you can expect something new to be hooked up to the tap. The environment is friendly, weekdays see live acoustic bands take the stage, and come the weekend the place kicks into party atmosphere with DJs. 51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 087-460-2626. Open daily 5pm-midnight. BTS Phrom Phong

BRONX LIQUID PARLOUR

L/F, Playhaus Thonglor, 205/22-23 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 02-712-5747. Open daily 6pm-1am

Thonglor Soi 25, 02-036-6071. Open TueSun 7pm-2am

Q&A Praise goes both to its flawlessly cool setting—which mixes the look of a classic railway carriage with a Tokyo sushi counterstyle bar—and the Rough Negroni made from homemade gin. 235/13 Sukhumvit Soi 21, 02-664-1445. Open Mon-Sat 7pm-2am. MRT Phetchaburi

MASH

Pull up a barstool and check with the bartenders (they’re super-knoweldgeable) about what’s being poured from the gleaming row of steampunk taps, or hide yourself away in the mezzanine seating nooks. Devanom IPA is the best Thai craft beer we’ve ever had—well balanced, with the right amount of bitterness and redolent of fruity hops. Nearly all the 16 taps get served in 300ml pours unless it’s high ABV stuff like the 13-percent Stone Woot Stout 200ml. Another well-recommended stout: The Commodore by Ballast Point.

Backstage Bar This Broadway-burlesque space pours drinks courtesy of a Diageo World Class cocktail comp finalist amid Louis XIV-style velvet sofas and a liquor shelf surrounded by backstage mirrors.

Bronx Liquid Parlour Behind a rich velvet curtain sits this sultry den of high-class cocktail cliches from Japanese bartender Hidekuyi Saito. Our top pick: "Sei," a delicious blend of Bacardi Ocho, umeshu (plum wine), cacao, port wine, molasses and matcha.

TAPROOM

WISHBEER HOME BAR

Soi Covent, 089-692-566. Open Mon-Sun 5pmmidnight. BTS Sala Daeng

PIJIU

This giant warehouse serves a dual purpose as its owners online beer delivery website, leaving the gym-like space in the middle as a bar. With its scuffed flooring and furniture strewn about the place, the venue is as easygoing as they come, and the slection of brews is vast. Whether by bottle or draft, enjoy trending beer labels like Brewdog, Bavaria, Evil Twin, Chouffe and Vedett with regular crowd of local hops enthusiasts.

All dark woods, vintage signage and spare lighting, this Chinatown beer bar swings to the sounds of upbeat piano jazz while pouring craft beers like Los Locos Mexican lager and Tuatara Weiz Guy Hefeweizen at some of the best prices in town. In thr fridge you’ll find beers from the top local craft brewers like Happy New Beer. Line your stomach with Chinese cold-cut platters, Sichuan chicken knuckles and dried goat meat.

Sukhumvit Soi 67, 02-650-2113. Open daily 8ammidnight. BTS Phra Khanong

16 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd. Open 5pm-midnight. MRT Hua Lamphong

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GUIDE

DINING NEW

GAA

Chef Gaggan Anand, whose restaurant has been named the best in Asia three years in a row by the voters of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, invests in the talents of one of his former sous-chefs, Garima Arora, at this bright yellow restaurant directly opposite his own. Arora makes her mark with seasonal tasting menus (eight or 12 courses) that spotlight ingredients found in the coastal region between Thailand and India, while also going to pains to make as much produce as possible from scratch, whether it’s a rich split-pea miso paste or creamy paneer cheese. 68/4 Soi Lang Suan, 091-419-2424. Open daily 6-9:30pm. BTS Ratchadamri

Y SPOTLIGHT

Hot Spots

THAI FINE DINING

ISSAYA SIAMESE CLUB

Set in a beautifully restored house, Issaya is all about updating tradition. The turn-of-the-century decor is spruced up with vibrant colors while celebrity chef Ian Kittichai’s authentic Thai cuisine makes classics fresh again. The salad of tender, imported beef comes piled into dainty little towers. The yum hua plee is an elegant pillar of crisp heart of palm and bamboo flower salad. And the delicious chili-glazed baby back ribs sit atop their own banana-leaf-wrapped grill. 4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chuaphloeng Rd., 02-672-9040-1. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm. MRT Khlong Toei

BO.LAN

Ginza Sushi Ichi The name Sushi Ichi comes from the one-Michelin star omakase sushi restaurant of Masakazu Ishibashi in Ginza, Tokyo. For the Bangkok branch, Masakazu personally sources ingredients in Tokyo every single morning and sends them here within 24 hours. Further ensuring the standards here match those in Tokyo, the four-man kitchen team (roughly one chef for every five customers) rotates with the ones in Tokyo and Ichi’s Singapore branch to ensure uniform performance. LG/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-2500014. Open Tue-Sun noon-2:30pm; Tue-Sat 6-11pm; Sun 6-10pm. BTS Chit Lom

BO.LAN

Featuring fine Thai cuisine made using traditional methods and the best ingredients, Bo.lan—an amalgam of chef-couple Bo and Dylan Jones’s names—has made a splash in the global dining world with its aromatic curries, beautifully plated salads and artfully conceived menu. Adding to the allure is a striking dining room, set in an old house replete with tropical garden and close to hipster thoroughfare Soi Thonglor. Try the “Bo. lan balance,” a menu which changes along with the seasons.

24 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-260-2961-2. Open Tue-Sun 6-10:30pm; Sat 6-10:30pm; Sun 6-10:30pm; Sat-Sun noon2:30pm. BTS Thong Lo

ISSAYA SIAMESE CLUB

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GUIDE

DINING HIPSTER FOOD HUBS BANGKOK’S MOST ON-TREND EATERIES

80/20

NAHM

Still considered the “must-go” destination of every aspiring foodie in Bangkok, Nahm—helmed by Australian chef David Thompson—does Thai food made with the very finest ingredients using the most traditional methods. The most popular offerings at Nahm are the set menus, which usually feature dishes like blue swimmer crab curry with fermented rice noodles and the salad of fresh river prawns and Asian pennywort served in communal, Thai-style fashion. COMO Metropolitan, 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3388. Open daily 7-10:30pm; Mon-Fri noon-2pm

80/20

PASTE

Here, two of Bangkok’s most highlyregarded modern chefs, Bongkoch Satongun and Jason Bailey, join forces with the aristocratic Snidwongse family, descendants of King Rama II, to plate up recipes from ancient cook books, with a particular emphasis on curries. Try the massaman lamb curry of crispy young durian, coconut apple and Thai cardomom. 3/F, Gaysorn Plaza, 999 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-1003. Open daily noon-2pm, 6:30-11pm. BTS Chit Lom

LE DU

Once in a while, a Thai restaurant comes around that manages to fuse classic Thai food with modern Western techniques in a manner that doesn’t feel heavy-handed or forced. Such is the case with Le Du, headed by Chef Thitid Tassanakajorn, a Thai chef with a degree from the Culinary Institute of America and stints at 11 Madison Park and The Modern. The menu changes seasonally and the wine list is sourced solely from organic or boutique outfits.

Executive chef Napol Jantraget and his Canadian accomplice Andrew Martin use local ingredients and made-from-scratch elements for a daringly different take on Thai cuisine. The lamb tartare is a complex medley of herbs and spicy Northeastern Thai dressing, while the tea-smoked duck breast with charred young pumpkin and pumpkin puree is further proof fusion is no longer a dirty word. 1052-1054 Charoenkrung Rd., 087-593-1936, 02-6391135. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-midnight; Mon 6pm-midnight

399/3 Silom Soi 7, 092-919-9969. Open Mon-Sat 6-11pm. BTS Chong Nonsi

Crying Thaiger Taking over an intimate wedge of space with an easygoing get-to-know-the-table-next-to-you vibe, the restaurant serves burgers and more protein-packed comfort food—spicy merguez sausage hot dogs, grilled pork chops doused in gorgonzola sauce, and juicy Australian tomahawk steak. To drink, try the Thaiger's Mezgroni (a twist on the negroni featuring mezcal).

NAHM

27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 097-052-8861. Open daily 5-11pm. BTS Thong Lo

Rarb Located on a trendy street in Bangkok’s Old Town, this bar is all about customized cocktails and Isaan-inspired food. The handwritten menu highlights secondary cuts of meat, with dishes like larb (a minty minced-meat salad from Notheast Thailand), deep-fried beef skirt and stewed pig cartilage. The mixlogist gets creative with daily drinks specials. 49 Phra Athit Rd., 081-406-3773. Open Tue-Sun 5pmmidnight

The Missing Burro Nestled in a garden down a surprisingly peaceful alley 7, this restaurant does Mexican food that’s so good you’ll need to book ahead. From a shipping container-turned-kitchen, the Mexican owners, two brothers, serve up traditional Yucatan cuisine: coarse, corn tortilla carnitas, decadent gringa and delicious guacamole. Wash it down with a frothy pisco sour. 145 Thonglor Soi 7, 090-913-2131. Open Wed-Sun 5-11pm; Mon 5-11pm

The Smokin' Pug The incredibly tender smoked ribs are only part of the reason this unassuming shop-house reigns supreme among Bangkok's American barbecue places. Throw in a slide-guitar soundtrack, deliciously smoky bourbon cocktails and a pair of owners who know how to work the room, and it ‘s easily apparent why bookings are an absolute must come the weekend. 88 Surawong Rd., 083-029-7598. Open Tue-Sun 5-11pm. MRT Sam Yan

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GUIDE

SHOPS+SERVICES KAMAKURA SHIRT Guys looking for that perfect, Pinterestworthy collar roll on their shirts head to this pop-up boutique in the hip Ari neighborhood. Kamakura is a Japanese shirtmaker whose reputation stretches to New York’s Madison Avenue. Specializing in a relaxed, Ivy League kind of style, these guys make their shirts out of 100-percent cotton and linen while keeping their prices realistic. The Decorum, Ari Samphan Soi 5, 086-5335255. Open Mon-Fri 12:30-8pm; Sat-Sun 11am8pm. BTS Ari

Hot Spots BEST MULTI-LABEL BOUTIQUES

NEXT TO NORMAL

This multi-label store features fashion and lifestyle products from a long list of global fashion brands such as Ashbury, Thom Browne, Maison Kitsune, Undercover, and Clover Canyon. By mixing and matching products from the diverse pool of labels found in its sleek and modern store, Next to Normal encourages its customers to get a bit more adventurous with their looks and get with the latest catwalk trends. 1/F, Central World, 74/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-646-1847. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Chit Lom

ANOTHER STORY

This concept store gathers designer products from all over the world with a heavy focus on stationery and home decor. Along with international tech, fashion and design brands, there are also plenty of Thai names (Gray Ray, Labrador and Midori) as well as cute home decor pieces (look out for Plural Design, PDM Brand, Karv Design and Alltag). The huge space also has a deli with some to-die-for food. SIWILAI

SIWILAI

4/F, Helix Building, The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-003-6138/9. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom

Y SPOTLIGHT

Taking its name from the Thai word for ‘civilized,’ this 800-sq-meter lifestyle retail space features non-mainstream designer goods headlined by collaborations between Siwilai and of-the-moment brands like Kitsune, Globe-Trotter and Orlebar Brown. As well as fashion, the store also houses vintage records, books, magazines and other curiosities.

5/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-1605809-12. . Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit

ONION

Indie star House Sorasak runs this multilabel men’s fashion store and hub of all things cool. Visit the pocket-sized cafe for the coffee rather than the food (mostly just small bites and baked goods) thanks to their long ties with Brave Roasters. The attached clothing boutique is dedicated to cult imported brands like Saturdays Surf NYC, Beton x Cire and Stanley & Sons, as well as the odd vintage item.

19/12 Ekkamai Soi 12, 02-116-6076. Open Mon-Fri 9am6pm; Sat-Sun 9am-8pm

STATEMENT

Cult brands and the very best local brands take center-stage in this ultra-chic labels store. Its specialty is women’s clothing— from sporty looks and monochrome workwear to glamorous party styles—but guys will find some cool accessories too. Local labels to look out for include Pin & Tux, Ensemble, Anaman and Coralist swimwear. The store is also home to a health-conscious cafe serving coffee, cold-pressed juice and a variety of fruit and granola bowls. Thonglor Soi 11, 02-003-6973. Open Sun-Thu 11am10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight

JIM THOMPSON (SURAWONG) The original, main store of this pioneering Thai silk brand stocks silk clothes and accessories across its significant three floors. The space is classic and palatial, paneled with teak from wall to wall, and shows off a range of elegant silks, from pillowcases and scarves to clubby neckties. There are other branches at Jim Thompson House (a must-visit within the walking distance of BTS National Stadium) as well as various malls and five-star hotels around Bangkok. 9 Surawong Rd., 02-632-8100. Open daily 9am-9pm. BTS Sala Daeng

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GUIDE

HEALTH + WELLNESS

NEW

BEAUTY LIBRARY When Thonglorites in Manolos need to get their roots touched up, they head to this luxuriously low-key spa in a leafy and residential part of town. That the products are 95-percent naturally derived (from the British label Organic Colour Systems) is only half the story; they also have a manicurist on call who earned her stripes from the Japanese Nailist Association, which is like the Cordon Bleu of the mani-pedi world. 10/8-9 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-015-5969. Open daily 9am-11pm. BTS Phrom Phong

Hot Spots URBAN SPA RETREATS

HOUSE OF LAKSHMI MANTRA

Surrounded by greenery, this old houseturned-spa offers a true hideaway in Bangkok. It’s firstly a spa where you can enjoy sublime Thai massage as well as other Asian and European treatments, as well as shop for pretty spa products like soap and body lotion. There’s also a cafe serving Thai-fusion dishes like spaghetti pad Thai with river prawn. Sukhumvit Soi 12, 084-926-2442. Open Mon 11:30am10pm; Wed 11:30am-10pm; Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-10pm; Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. BTS Asok

Teak floors and Jim Thompson silks give this spa villa surrounded by lush gardens a luxurious yet homey feel. Inside you’ll find rooms equipped with steam facilities, jacuzzis and private balconies with views of the garden. Check in for a simple aromatherapy facial, or indulge in all-day wellness packages like the “Jasmine Puring Ritual,” a decadent combination of scrubs, oil massages and facials. Guys, you’ll find a special menu just for you, too. SPA AT FACE

FACE SPA

Tucked away within a beautiful compound of wooden Thai houses, this spa takes you on a trip back in time thanks to its traditional setting and a series of massages and therapies that utilize old-school principles. One of the most popular is the Wat Pho Healer, named after the famous Thai massage school. Continue the mood with a drink at the Face Bar after your treatment.

HOUSE OF LAKSHMI MANTRA

OASIS SPA

Set in a stylish compound, this spa’s cool white exterior gives way to 15 treatment rooms decorated in a Thai Lanna style. The King of Oasis is best suited to men and features a two-hour hot Thai herbal muscle compress and a hot oil massage. Ladies can opt for the two-hour Queen of Oasis, which blends Swedish and aromatherapy massages. They also have other a la carte and package treatments for hair, body and face.

64 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-262-2122. Open daily 10am-10pm

SPA BOTANICA

The Sukhothai, 13/3 Sathorn Rd., 02-2344-8900.Open daily 9am-10pm. MRT Lumphini

Y SPOTLIGHT

29 Sukhumvit Soi 38, 02-713-6048. Open daily 10:30am-8pm. BTS Thong Lo

THE ORIENTAL SPA

As sophisticated as the hotel, The Oriental Spa is set in a century-old teak house including five specialty suites, ten private rooms and a huge variety of treatments under a holistic philosophy. Try the Oriental Signature Treatment, a 1.5-hour aromatherapy signature massage of essential oils; the Oriental Organic Journey, a 2.5-hour full-body detoxifying scrub and steam; the Herbal Wrap, an hour-long wrap using fresh herbs from Chiang Mai to target dehydrated skin, and plenty more options. Full-day and half-day spa packages are also available. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Ave., 02659-9000. Open daily 9am-10pm. Free ferry from BTS Saphan Taksin

RSM Academy Making muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) trendy, this academy offers a wide range of courses designed for different age ranges, abilities and levels of dedication. The gym may look fancy, but the training is deadly serious, carried out by leading muay Thai coaches from Rajadamnern Stadium. Along with regular classes, they also cater for private groups and wannabe pros. 3/F, Seenspace, 251/1 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-185-2384. Open daily 9am-9pm

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GUIDE

ATTRACTIONS BANG KHUN PHROM PALACE NEW

Sitting pretty on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, Bang Khun Phrom Palace is a 100-year-old residence which belonged to Prince Boribhat Sukhumbhandi. One of the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial-style residences in the country, it has just opened its doors to members of the public free of charge. Influenced by Western designs during the Industrial Revolution, the main Bangkhunphrom Palace blends Baroque style with stucco detailing. The public are welcome to walk in but only on Saturdays, and with hours limited to between 10:30am-12pm and 1-4pm. Just bring your passport and you’re good to go. Bangkok of Thailand Museum, 273 Samsen Rd., 02-283-5286

Hot Spots VIP CINEMAS

ENIGMA AT PARAGON CINEPLEX

Y SPOTLIGHT

One of the most prestigious cinemas in Bangkok offers spacious sofa beds where guests can lie down amid pillows and blankets while watching a movie with a glass of wine in hand. The ticket price includes food, too, ranging from dinner to dessert as well as a variety of alcoholic breverages. 5-6/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129- 4635. BTS Siam

EMBASSY CINEPLEX

Sit back in a cocoon-style first-class airplane pod equipped with its own minifridge and enjoy the freshly-released blockbusters projected on state-of-the-art screens aided by the latest sound technology. The complex has a total of five theaters, with other screens equipped with luxurious daybeds and giant sofas. 6/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-1605999. BTS Phloen Chit

EMPRIVE CINECLUB

QUARTIER CINE-ART

Located at the luxurious Emporium shopping complex, this cinema consists of five theaters split between Executive, Executive Suite and First Class seat categories, with all options equiped with the latest technology including surround sound outputs. On top of this, blankets and pillows are provided with every seat, while First Class guests also gain access to the lounge and bar outside the cinema.

This spot’s major selling feature is an incredibly immersive True Screen X theater, which offers a 270-degree field of vision. At the luxurious AEON Theater, you get a pre-movie set meal from the high-end deli Dean & DeLuca and bed-like seating, while the SCB First Screen theater boast a sound system featuring 64 speakers.

5/F, The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-268-8899. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong

4/F, Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-261-0199. BTS Phrom Phong

QUARTIER CINE-ART

Bounce Thailand At Asia’s biggest trampoline park, you can bounce about in a giant room packed with interconnecting trampolines—whether it’s for serious exercise or simply to have some fun. The Free Jumping zone lets you ping around at leisure or practice some pro moves, while the Bounce Fit zone shows you just about the most fun way possible to keep in shape. Kids can join too (aged three and above), with the Bounce Zone offering a safe environment for them to play. 5/F, The St. Ratchada, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02014-2446. Open daily 10am-10pm. MRT Thailand Cultural Centre

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GUIDE

ART

GALLERY

SCHEMATA GALLERY Between Thonglor's coffee shops and cocktail lounges sits one of the city's most design-forward galleries. Although run by the internationally respected product designer Anon Pairot. The gallery is by no means restricted to just design work. Past exhibitions have included the formerly unseen sketches from landscape architect Pok Kobkongsanti (from Terrain + Open Space studio) as well as canvases created over 10 years by Chiang Mai artist Angkrit Ajchariyasophon. 1/F, Liberty Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 55, 088-0888066. Open Wed-Sun 1pm-8pm

Hot Spots THAI ARTS

KINGDOM’S EDGE

Malaysia-based British photographer Richard Humphries launches an exhibition for his new publication, which follows a Malay community in the South of Thailand, offering an alternative yet intimate account of their struggle with ongoing conflict in the region. Jul 7 onwards. Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand, Maneeya Center, 508/15 Phloen Chit Rd, 02-652-0580-1. Open Mon-Fri 10:30am-10pm. BTS Chid Lom

TONSON GALLERY

AN ARTIST IS TRYING TO RETURN TO ‘BEING A WRITER’

Thai contemporary artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook explores the power of writing and its impact on her artistic process. Rasdajarmrearnsook is internationally recognized with work exhibited in New York and Sydney. Through Jan 14, 2018.

House of Lucie, Ekkamai Soi 8, 095-478-9987 Open Tue-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat midday-5pm BTS Ekkamai

BLISSFULLY BLIND

A collaborative project by Thailand’s only dance and movement therapist, Dujdao Vadhanapakorn, and lighting designer Mont Watanasirirochn from Zieght. The experimental performance reflects Thais' eagerness for change following three years of political and social unrest. Jul 13-27. Bangkok CityCity Gallery, 13/3 Sathorn Soi 1, 083087-2725.Open Wed-Sun 1pm-7pm.MRT Lumphini

IMPRINT OF SPIRIT

Thai photographer Rabil Bunnag took these hauntingly enigmatic black and white images of decaying, ancient Thai cities during his field trips in 1953. Explore the series at renowned photographer Manit Sriwanichpoom’s personal gallery. Jul 8-Aug 26. Kathmandu Photo Gallery, 87 Pan Rd., 02-2346700. Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm. BTS Surasak

The prestigious Lucie Foundation presents a selection of work by the world's finest photographers, including 200 originals and published pieces from Elliott Erwitt, Lillian Bassman, Melvin Sokolsky and many more. Through Sep 15.

Y SPOTLIGHT

100 Tonson Gallery, 100 Soi Tonson, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-010-5813. Open Thu-Sun 11am-7pm. BTS Chit Lom

LUCIE MASTERS

BLISSFULLY BLIND

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) Set in the bustling area across the road from Siam Square and MBK, the city's foremost art center lacks a permanent collection but hosts temporary contemporary art exhibitions across its nine floors. They can vary wildly in quality, but regularly offer glimpses of the country's best privately-held contemporary art collections. The center also contains small, design-centric stores, ranging from cafes and restaurants to book shops, and a movie theatre on its top floor. 939 Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630-8. Open Tue-Sun 10am-9pm. BTS National Stadium JULY-AUGUST 2017 I W HERE THA ILA N D 27

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GUIDE

NAVIGATE

Lat Phrao ÅÒ´¾ÃŒÒÇ

Phahon Yothin ¾ËÅâÂ¸Ô¹

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Ratchawithi Rd. ¶¹¹ÃÒªÇÔ¶Õ

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Phaya Thai ¾ÞÒä·

7 Tha Chang ·‹ÒàÃ×Í·‹ÒªŒÒ§

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Sukhumvit ÊØ¢ØÁÇÔ·

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Ratchathewi ÃÒªà·ÇÕ

National Stadium Ê¹ÒÁ¡ÕÌÒ áË‹§ªÒµÔ

Makkasan ÁÑ¡¡ÐÊÑ¹

Ratchaprarop ÃÒª»ÃÒÃ¶

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Phrom Phong ¾ÃŒÍÁ¾§É

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Phra Khanong ¾ÃÐâ¢¹§

Yaowarat Rd.

Tha Tien ·‹ÒàÃ×Í·‹ÒàµÕÂ¹

Ratcha wong ·‹ÒàÃ×Í ÃÒªÇ§¤

Sam Yan ÊÒÁÂ‹Ò¹

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1 Asiatique the Riverfont

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2 Chatuchak Market

!1 Yaowarat (Chinatown)

BTS (Sukhumvit Line)

3 Vimanmek Mansion

!2 Central Rail Station (Hua Lamphong)

BTS (Silom Line)

4 Anantasamakhom Throne Hall

!3 Lumphini Park

MRT

5 Khao San Road

!4 Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre

Airport Rail Link (ARL)

6 National Museum

!5 Siam Paragon

River/Klong (canal)

7 Grand Palace / Temple of The Emerald Buddha

!6 CentralWorld and Zen

8 Wat Pho

!7 Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

9 Wat Arun

!8 Central Chidlom, Central Embassy

Pier

On Nut Í‹Í¹¹Øª

FIND OUT THE LATEST NEWS ON THAILAND AT WWW.WHERETHAILAND.COM AND FACEBOOK.COM/WHERETHAILAND

28 W H E R E T H A I LAND I J ULY- A UGUS T 2 0 1 7

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GUIDE

NAVIGATE

Essential Tips TRANSPORTATION & MONEY AIRPORT LINK

TUK-TUKS

BANKING HOURS

The Airport Rail Link (ARL) is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to get to and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, especially for those traveling light. There are two types of train: Express Line and City Line. The ARL Express Line runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport to either Phaya Thai (connecting to the BTS) or Makkasan stations (10-minute walk to MRT Petchaburi), and takes 20 minutes. The City Line stops at six stations and takes around 40 minutes. Thai Airways passengers boarding the Express Line can check in their bags at Makkasan station. One-way fares are B90 for City Line and B150 for the Express Line. More information at www.srtet.co.th/en

Tuk-tuks are a noisy but fun way of getting around Bangkok, not to mention great photo opportunities. However, they are no guarantee of beating the infamous traffic and you should agree on a price before getting in. Haggle hard but be wary of any cheap offers if you don’t want an unexpected trip to a tailor or gem store.

Banking hours are generally from 8:30am-3:30pm, Monday through Friday except on public holidays and bank holidays. Banks in malls open daily, 10am-8pm.

TAXIS In Bangkok metered taxis are readily available and very affordable, with fares starting from B35 for the first two kilometers. Despite their many colors, there’s no difference in prices and service. Some drivers speak limited English, so do get your destination written down in Thai to avoid any miscommunication. Taxis sometimes try to negotiate a price. Make sure to only pay the metered price. There are now also a number of mobile phone applications and services for those who want to hail a cab without having to hit the streets. The two main apps are Grab Taxi (grabtaxi.com/bangkok-thailand) and Uber (www.uber.com/cities/bangkok).

ATMs are very common in Bangkok and can be found in most areas of Thailand, often located outside 7-Eleven stores. You should easily be able to use overseas cards to withdraw money.

VAT REFUNDS Visitors to Thailand who make purchases of goods valued B5,000 or over from stores displaying the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign are eligible to receive a refund of the VAT paid on the item. At the time you purchase the item present your passport and ask the sales assistant at the store to complete the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form, attaching the original tax invoices to the form. Then at the airport, and before you check-in, present your goods and the refund form to customs officers. After checkin and immigration, proceed to the VAT Refund Office in the departure lounge. Refund amounts under B30,000 will be made in cash (Thai Baht) or by bank draft or credited to your credit card account. Refunds over B30,000 will be made by bank draft or credited to your credit card account.

SKYTRAIN/UNDERGROUND The BTS skytrain stops at Bangkok’s main districts and gives you a bird’s eye view of the city. There are two main lines: the Silom line, which runs from across the river in Bang Wa to National Stadium next to MBK Shopping Centre; and the Sukhumvit line, which runs from Soi Bearing in the eastern part of the city along Sukhumvit before heading up north to Mo Chit station by the Chatuchak Market. Siam is the interchange station between the two lines. Fares are B15-52. Unlimited day passes are B130. The underground, or MRT, is one line but has an extensive reach, from Hua Lamphong train station on the outskirts of Chinatown, down through the main Central Business District before turning North and heading up Ratchadapisek Road past Chatuchak Market and ending at Bang Sue station. Fares are B16-B40. There are three interchange stations: (1) BTS Asoke—MRT Sukhumvit, (2) BTS Sala Daeng— MRT Silom and (3) BTS Mo Chit—MRT Chatuchak. Tickets can be bought for individual journeys, or you can get special one-day tourist passes or tickets that cover a specified number of trips. For more information, go to www.bts.co.th and www. bangkokmetro.co.th. Note that the BTS and MRT use different ticketing systems.

ATMS

TUK-TUKS

CANAL BOATS While Bangkok used to be the Venice of the East, there is now only really one canal (Klong) still used as a means of getting around, Klong Saen Saep has a ferry service that runs daily from Bang Kapi in the Eastern suburbs to Phu Khao Thong or the Golden Mount in the heart of the Old Town (Rattanakosin Island), stopping off at various piers along the way. Be warned though, the boats don’t wait long at the piers, making getting on and off rather nerve-wracking (and physically challenging). And, due to the unsavory nature of the canal water, any picturesque view is blocked by sheets of tarpaulin to prevent splashing. Fares are B9-B120

EXPRESS RIVER BOATS These fast and frequent ferries along the Chao Phraya River are a great way to get a different perspective on the city, as well as a good option for getting to many of the temples and palaces built along the river. The main Sathorn (Central) pier is located by BTS Saphan Taksin with boats heading upstream from here and stopping off at numerous piers all the way to Nonthaburi. Fares range from B15-B42 depending on distance. You can also opt for a tourist ticket (B150), which allows one-day unlimited travel and comes with a guide booklet to some of the leading tourist attractions accessible from the river. From Sathorn (Central) Pier, you can also catch free ferries to many riverside hotels and Asiatique.

ESSENTIAL NUMBERS 1 EMERGENCY SERVICES (FIRE BRIGADE, POLICE) 191 2 AIRPORT RAIL LINK 02-308-5600. airportraillink.railway.co.th 3 BANGKOK MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM (BTS) 02-617 6000 (daily 6am-midnight). www.bts.co.th 4 BTS TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER 02-617-7340-1 (daily: 8am-8pm). www.bts.co.th 5 BANGKOK METRO (MRT) 02-624-5200 (daily 6am-midnight). www.bangkokmetro.co.th 6 CHAO PHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT CALL CENTER 02-623-6001-3 (6am-7pm). www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com 7 SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 02-132-1888. www.suvarnabhumiairport.com 8 TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (TAT) 1672 from Thai numbers. www.tourismthailand.org 9 TOURIST POLICE 24-HOUR CALL CENTER 1155 from Thai numbers or 02-250-5500 JULY-AUGUST 2017 I W HERE THA ILA N D 29

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21 THINGS WE LOVE about Bangkok

1 Tucking into the delicious specialty 7 Tucking into a rack of richly smoked !2 Sampling the best Thai street-food !7 Checking into the urban oasis that Eastern Thai cuisine of Sri Trat restaurant. See page 18.

slow-cooked ribs at the Smokin’ Pug. See page 23.

classics on Charoenkrung Road. See page 14.

2 Tasting the old-school Thai-Chinese delicacies of shop-house dining institutions like Agave. See page 10.

8 Crossing over the river to the beautiful antique spa of Mandarin Oriental. See page 25.

!3 Sipping on the perfectly poured !8 Sampling the best local produce cocktails of ‘50s live jazz institution The Bamboo Bar. See page 15.

is Face Spa for a day of pampering. See page 25.

and shopping for gifts at the Bangkok Farmers’ Market. See page 4.

3 Spending a night out in Chinatown 9 Joining the Bangkok hipsters for !4 Discovering the extraordinary !9 Heading to House of Lucie galat the sultry new cocktail den Ba Hao. See page 20.

a taste of local craft beer culture at Golden Coins Taproom. See page 20.

couture fashion taste of Thailand’s beloved queen at the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. See page 4.

lery for a day of culture with the world’s best photographers. See page 27.

4 Jumping about on the giant trampolines at Bounce Thailand. See page 26.

!0 Discovering the contemporary Thai !5 Wandering the breathtakingly @0 Dropping by Labrador boutique for baroque hallways of the 100-yearold Bang Khun Phrom Palace. See page 26.

!1 Shopping for boutique finds from

@1 Feasting on the locavore cuisine !6 Escaping the rainy season down- of a Thai chef prodigy at Gaa. See

5 Tasting the deliciously inventive takes on Thai food at modern bistro 80/20. See page 23.

the indigo-dyed Thai fabrics of Slowstitch. See page 9.

cuisine of the capital’s most creative young chef at Le Du. See page 22.

the best Thai designers at Another Story. See page 24.

6 Shopping for beautiful Thai silks and

pours in luxury style at Emprive VIP cinema. See page 26.

page 22.

prints at the newly revamped Jim Thompson. See page 24.

where in the world Where is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com ASIA Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong

UNITED STATES Alaska & Yukon, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Georgia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New Orleans, New York, Northern Virginia, Oahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, South Florida, St. Louis, Washington D.C.

CANADA Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Mississauga, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Budapest, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg

30 W H E R E T H AILAND I J ULY- A UGUS T 2 0 1 7

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Where to find Hotels in Bangkok Amara Bangkok AETAS Bangkok All season Bangkok Siam Aloft Bangkok Amari Watergate Hotel Bangkok Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa Arnoma Hotel Baan Noppawong Ballyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Studio Suites Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel Best Western Sukhumvit Cabochon Hotel & Residence Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Centara Grand at Central World Hotel Bangkok Centara Hotel & Resorts Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok Conrad Bangkok Hotel Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park Hotel Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel Bangkok Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Emporium Suites Bangkok Four Points by Sheraton Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa (former Four Seasons) Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Grand Mercure Park Avenue Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Hotel Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 22 Holiday Inn Silom Hotel Hotel Muse Hua Chang Heritage Hotel InterContinental Bangkok Hotel JW Marriott Bangkok Klapsons the River Residences Le Fenix Sukhumvit Lebua Hotel Bangkok Luxx Hotel Majestic Grande hotel Mandarin Oriental Hotel Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point Mercure & ibis Bangkok Siam

P.31 Distribute_Jul-Aug_2017.indd 31

where Thailand

Marriott Sukhumvit 57

The Sukhothai Bangkok Hotel

Millennium Hilton Hotel

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Hotel

Miracle Grand Convention Hotel

VIE Hotel

Montien Riverside Hotel

ViVa Garden

Novotel Bangkok Hotel

W Bangkok Hotel

Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit

Hotels in other province

Novotel Bangkok Impact

Serviced Apartment Adelphi Forty-Nine Courtyard Marriott

Shopping Mall Central World

Oaks Bangkok Sathorn Thailand

Tamarind Village at Chiang Mai

Peninsular Plaza

Park Plaza Sukhumvit Bangkok

Shangri-La Chiang Mai

The Emporium Department Store

Pathumwan Princess Hotel

Sheraton Krabi

The River City Shopping Complex

Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

Dusit D2 Baraquda Pattaya Hotel

Phachara suites

Sheraton HuaHin Resort & Spa

Others

Plaza Athenee Bangkok A Royal Meridien

JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa

Devarana Spa

Pullman Bangkok King Power

Chandara Resort

Elemis Spa at St. Regis

Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Yunomori Onsen & Spa

Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok

Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa

Bangkok Baking Co. (JW Marriott)

Radisson suites bangkok Ramada Encore Bangkok

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa Blue Elephant Restaurant Mandarin Oriental At Paragon Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Ramada Plaza Menam Riverside Bangkok

Dara Samui Beach Resort & Spa Villa

Pizza Romana Pala

Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel

Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort

La Grande Perle

Riva Surya Hotel

Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Kuppadeli

Royal Orchid Sheraton hotel towers

Santiburi Resort

Dean & DeLuca (Thailand) Co., Ltd

Samed Resorts

Conrad Koh Samui

Kalpapruek (Soi Pramuan)

Shangri-La Hotel

Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa

VIVA & AVIV

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel

Centara Grand Beach Resort Villas Hua Hin

the kiwi bangkok sports pub & grill

Siam @ siam design hotel & spa

Lets Sea Hua Hin Al Fresco Resortâ&#x20AC;?

The Australian Pub & BBQ

Siam Kempinski Hotel

Villa Maroc Resort

German Embassy( Press and Cultural

Sivatel Bangkok

Anantara Resort Hua Hin

Section)

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort

TAT at Counter Imformation

Sofitel So

Hard Rock Hotel

Chao Phraya Express Boat

Springfield Group Resort, Golf & Spa

Holiday Inn Pattaya

Bangkok Art and culture Centre

St Regis

Siripanna Villa Resort & Spa Chiang Mai

Yodpiman River Walk

Swissotel Le Concorde Hotel

Centara Duangtawan Hotel Chiang Mai

Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel

Centara Khum Phaya Resort & Spa, Centara

The Berkeley Hotel

Boutique Collection

The Continent Hotel Bangkok

Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai

The Davis Bangkok Hotel

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa

The Landmark Bangkok

Ayara Hilltops Boutique Resort & Spa

The Lit Bangkok

Angsana Laguna Phuket

Where reaches over 100,000 visitors each month. For sales enquiries, contact advertising@ asia-city.co.th or call 02-6249638.

The Metropolitan Hotel The Okura Prestige Bangkok The Siam Hotel

6/23/17 9:19 PM

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4/28/17 3:17 PM