You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
HANOI: HARYATI MAHMOOD<br />
PHUKET THAILAND<br />
Peter Komposch<br />
General manager,<br />
Dusit Thani Laguna<br />
Phuket<br />
GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER:<br />
I would strongly recommend<br />
that you try the best of royal Thai<br />
cuisine at Ruen Thai restaurant<br />
at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. It’s<br />
housed in a charming old teak<br />
house with Thai décor, set in a<br />
beautiful garden overlooking the<br />
azure lagoon and the mountains on<br />
the west coast of the island.<br />
BEST BUY FOR UNDER<br />
S$50: Handmade sarongs<br />
called patae that feature beautiful<br />
patterns. These make lovely<br />
presents for everyone.<br />
SURVIVAL TIP FOR<br />
TOURISTS: Don’t be afraid<br />
to try to speak Thai when on holiday<br />
— the locals are delighted when<br />
you do.<br />
UNUSUAL FACT: Thai people<br />
with long surnames are<br />
normally descended from migrants<br />
who came from mainland China.<br />
FAVOURITE LOCAL<br />
FESTIVAL: The Phuket<br />
Vegetarian Festival.<br />
PHUKET<br />
Coral Island<br />
off Phuket<br />
FROM THE AIRPORT<br />
Patong Beach<br />
32km from Phuket<br />
International Airport<br />
Travel time Patong<br />
Beach is around<br />
45mins by car<br />
Taxi Abt THB400<br />
(S$16.80).<br />
Shuttle bus Every<br />
30mins at THB52<br />
(S$2) and takes<br />
about an hour<br />
ON THE GO<br />
1. Motorbikes A<br />
cheap and convenient<br />
way to explore all the<br />
tiny lanes around the<br />
beach — but drive<br />
with care!<br />
2. Tuk-tuk<br />
Exhilarating but<br />
best used for short<br />
distances only.<br />
HANOI VIETNAM<br />
BEST BREAKFAST: Pho<br />
(noodles) in the street will<br />
get your day off to the right start.<br />
GREAT PLACE FOR DINNER:<br />
Saigon restaurant at<br />
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake.<br />
BEST NIGHT OUT: Rooftop<br />
Bar is a great place.<br />
BEST PLACE TO PARTY<br />
WITH THE GANG: Taboo Bar<br />
at Westlake.<br />
BEST BUY FOR UNDER<br />
S$50: Clothes made<br />
of silk.<br />
MUST-BUY (MONEY NO<br />
OBJECT!): Vietnamese<br />
lacquer paintings.<br />
MUST-BUY GIFT: Non, which<br />
is the conical peasant hat<br />
popular in Vietnam.<br />
INSIDER’S TIP: Visit the<br />
bustling fl ower market in<br />
the morning.<br />
MUST-EATS: Cha ca, which<br />
is grilled minced fi sh that<br />
originated in Vietnam more than 100<br />
years ago.<br />
INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES<br />
Nguyen Hang Nga<br />
PR manager,<br />
InterContinental<br />
Hanoi Westlake<br />
Ha Long Bay<br />
vendors<br />
HANOI<br />
FROM THE AIRPORT<br />
CBD 45km from Noi<br />
Bai International<br />
Airport<br />
Travel time About 30<br />
mins by car<br />
Taxi Airport taxi costs<br />
a fi xed VND160,000<br />
(S$9.80) for a sedan<br />
and VND190,000<br />
(S$11.70) for SUV<br />
Airport minibus Oneway<br />
trip to city centre<br />
costs VND32,000<br />
(S$2)<br />
ON THE GO<br />
1. Taxi Taxis can be<br />
hailed on the street,<br />
at hotels and at<br />
major attractions. Go<br />
with an accredited<br />
taxi company.<br />
2. Motorbike taxi It’s<br />
the cheapest and<br />
fastest way to get<br />
around the city.<br />
111
Change language