Fah Thai Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

NOV-DEC 2017

INDIA FULL

SPECTRUM

IN THAILAND

I THEE WED

PHNOM PENH

CALLING

SPACE

REBORN

COMPLIMENTARY COPY

ibis Styles Krabi Ao Nang

CONTEMPORARY

CONVENIENCE

ibis Styles offers guests an energetic vibe,

exceptional comfort, and the simplicity of allinclusive

pricing with all-you-can-eat breakfast,

broadband internet, and additional extras all part of

the standard rate. Contemporary rooms feature all

the essential amenities including working desks and

safes, and available family rooms make it a joy to

travel with children. With each hotel having a distinct

personality that reflects the creativity found in its

local community, ibis Styles delivers a refreshingly

fun experience at a three-star price.

Opening in December, ibis Styles Bangkok

Sukhumvit Phra Khanong is the ideal base for

exploring the galleries, markets, and eateries in this

up-and-coming neighbourhood. With a free shuttle

bus running to the BTS Skytrain station just 300

metres away, it’s also easy to venture to other parts

of Bangkok. Warm and welcoming rooms feature 40-

inch televisions, thoughtful Thai design elements, and

the signature Sweet Bed concept for a perfect night’s

rest. Additional conveniences — including a kids’ club,

fitness centre, restaurant, and outdoor swimming

pool with poolside bar — deliver everything travellers

need to enjoy a stress-free and rejuvenating stay in

the Thai capital.

Nestled in a lush tropical garden against a backdrop

of breathtaking limestone cliffs, ibis Styles Krabi

Ao Nang is perfect for travellers looking for high

standards at a great value in one of Thailand’s

most spectacular destinations. Whether enjoying

a morning tea on the balcony or unwinding on sun

loungers around the pool, guests are treated to

postcard-perfect views of mountains and palm trees.

The Cliff Cafe and Restaurant serves authentic Thai

dishes and delicious international cuisine throughout

the day, with drinks available at Koh Bar overlooking

the pool. Rooms are stylish and comfortable and

include free Wi-Fi and blackout curtains. And all of

this is just five minutes from the beach with the hotel’s

complimentary shuttle.

Experience Bangkok’s vibrant sights without breaking

the bank at the newly built ibis Styles Bangkok

Sukhumvit 50. The city’s only international 3-star

hotel chain offers everything needed for an enjoyable

stay. The rooms are modern and the decor is decidedly

cheerful, with each floor having its own whimsical

motif. The playfulness continues at the airportthemed

Terminal bistro, which serves excellent local

cuisine and drinks. When it’s time to hit the town, a

complimentary tuk-tuk service shuttles you to the

SkyTrain station and from there you’re only minutes

ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit Phra Khanong from Bangkok’s wide range of cultural landmarks and

entertainment venues.

ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit 50

ibis Styles Phuket City

Bursting with character, ibis Styles Phuket City is the

hip place to discover historic Phuket Town. Immerse

yourself in the local lifestyle with an impressive

number of heritage sites, outdoor markets, parks

and art galleries all within walking distance. And that

same local character is found inside the hotel as well,

with every floor featuring colourful, modern designs

inspired by the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old

Town Phuket. With a focus on comfort, convenience

and outstanding value, ibis Styles Phuket Phokeethra

delivers a truly unique experience, while still only

being a few minutes drive from the island’s beautiful

beaches.

For more information,

visit ibis.com or accorhotels.com.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Welcome aboard our Bangkok Airways flight. Over the past years, we have

selected and offered you our best service as we transport you to new destinations.

We do this with pleasure in our quest to offer everyone great service and

memorable journeys. Recently, we launched our Bangkok-Phu Quoc flights in

Vietnam. This new route is available four times a week – every Tuesday,

Thursday, Friday and Sunday.

Phu Quoc Island is famously known for its natural beauty and also referred

to as “Pearl Island” of South Vietnam. We believe this new destination is going

to have its place in your heart.

On another note, we are pleased to let you know that last month, Bangkok

Airways was awarded the “Best Regional Airline”, by TTG Travel Awards 2017,

an event held annually. It recognises and honours individuals and organisations

in the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region for outstanding performance in

various categories.

My staff and I wish all of you the utmost enjoyment in your travels and that you

avail yourselves of our personal service every time you fly with us on Bangkok

Airways – Asia’s Boutique Airline.

Thank You.

สวัสดีครับท่านผู้โดยสาร ขอต้อนรับผู้โดยสารทุกท่านสู่บริการของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส

ตลอดระยะเวลาที่ผ่านมา เราได้เลือกสรรการบริการและจุดหมายปลายทางใหม่ๆ ให้กับท่านผู้โดยสาร

เพื่อให้ท่านได้สัมผัสการบริการและประสบการณ์การท่องเที่ยวที่แตกต่างออกไป โดยเมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ เราได้

เปิดเส้นทางบินใหม่ กรุงเทพ-เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก ประเทศสาธารณรัฐสังคมนิยมเวียดนาม ให้บริการสัปดาห์

ละ 4 เที่ยวบิน ทุกวันอังคาร พฤหัส ศุกร์ และอาทิตย์

เกาะฟู้โกว๊ก เป็นเกาะซึ่งยังคงมีความงดงามทางธรรมชาติ ถึงขนาดได้รับสมญานามว่า “ไข่มุกแห่ง

เวียดนามใต้” เราเชื่อว่าจุดหมายปลายทางนี้ จะเป็นอีกหนึ่งในจุดหมายปลายทางที่จะอยู่ในใจ

ผู้โดยสารทุกท่านอย่างแน่นอน

เมื่อเดือนที่ผ่านมา เป็นอีกครั้งที ่สายการบินฯ ได้รับรางวัล “Best Regional Airline” จากการ

ประกาศผลของ TTG Travel Awards 2017 โดยรางวัลนี้จัดขึ้นเป็นประจำทุกปี เพื่อเป็นเกียรติแก่

บุคคลและองค์กร ในอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยวที่มีความโดดเด่นในประเภทต่างๆ ของภูมิภาคเอเชียแปซิฟิก

ผมและพนักงานทุกคนขอขอบคุณทุกท่านที่ไว้วางใจและโหวตให้กับสายการบินของเรา ทำให้เราได้รับ

รางวัลจาก TTG Travel Awards อีกครั้งในปีนี้ ซึ่งเราจะรักษามาตรฐาน และพัฒนาการบริการ

ของเราให้ดียิ่งๆ ขึ้นไป

เราหวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งให้ผู้โดยสารทุกท่านได้สัมผัสประสบการณ์ที่ประทับใจเมื่อเดินทางไปพร้อม

กับเรา “บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส เอเชียบูทีคแอร์ไลน์”

ขอบคุณครับ

กัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ

Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth

กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ | President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited

OVERTURES

FEATURES

18 BRAVO BANGKOK

The votes are in with kudos to the

City of Angels. Read more in our

round-up of events that’s happening

around the regional corner of Asia.

23 SCENTS OF STYLE

Make your fragrance the added

touch of confidence before heading

out the door. Sniff out our list of

green and clean to sultry and

come-hither scents.

24 PERFECT TIMING

A good watch may not be about

price but rather about the

impression it makes. See what

head-turning timepieces will keep

you in step.

25 PUTTING ON THE BLING

Let your hands do the talking with

the perfect cocktail ring. Create

a little drama with bigger and

ostentatious – a fun rule when it

comes to such rings.

26 NOT YOUR AVERAGE

CHICKEN SOUP

With mild-mannered looks, the popular

Tom Kha Gai, or chicken coconut soup

packs a punch with its flavours.

28 TROPICAL FLAVOUR

It’s hard to resist the exceptional

goodness and vibrant taste of a

good pineapple. At times tart, but

mostly sweet – this popular fruit

shows up in the best way: fresh,

baked, cooked or in cocktails.

34 PHNOM PENH

A weekend trip to

Phnom Penh sees legacy

architecture that still

stands and heritage spaces

that have been converted

into cool dining and

cultural destinations.

46 COSTUME FIT

Behind every star who

looks sartorially good in

a film is a good costume

designer. From dressing

Keira Knightly to Sarah

Jessica Parker, Arjun

Bhasin lets us in what

inspires his design

ensembles.

56 ON BENDED KNEE

With postcard beaches

and genuine hospitality,

the Land of Smiles is

primed with the very best

in services to cater to

lovebirds from all over the

world who want to get

married in Thailand.

70 INDUSTRIAL

PRESENT

The popular concept

of upcycling continues

as warehouses and

factories undergo megaconversions.

Independent

designers and food

enterpreneurs come

together in Bangkok’s

latest creative spaces.

82 COLOUR BURST

India’s colours are endless

in their manifestations.

Photographer Dinesh

Khanna captures moments

in the vast landscape,

from subdued moods to

bolder hues of life.

A Million

Lotuses

Bloom

Photo: Udon Thani, Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand

HAPPENINGS

CORPORATE

No cinema, no worry. Luang Prabang may not

have its own movie theatre – but that won’t

stop them from holding an international film

festival in the cool outdoors. See listings for

such events at various cultural capitals.

92 BANGKOK

96 CHIANG MAI /

CHIANG RAI

100 SAMUI

104 PHUKET /

KRABI / TRANG

108 PATTAYA

110 HONG KONG

114 SINGAPORE

118 KUALA LUMPUR

120 BAGAN /

MANDALAY /

YANGON

124 LUANG

PRABANG /

DANANG /

HOI AN /

HO CHI MINH

126 MUMBAI

128 MALDIVES

Phnom Penh’s

Art Deco

Market

132 NEWS

From awards to youth camps, get the latest on

Bangkok Airways activities.

140 ROUTE MAP

142 AIRCRAFT INFO

144 AIRPORT MAP

CHECKING OUT

146 PHU QUOC

Often described as exotic and dreamy,

our spotlight shines on Phu Quoc and what

give the island such qualities.

This month’s

cover:

Dressed in

the amazing

technicolours

of India’s Holi

Festival.

BANGKOK AIRWAYS PUBLIC

COMPANY LIMITED

99 Mu 14, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road,

Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok

10900, Thailand

www.bangkokair.com

ADVISORY BOARD

Mr. Prote Setsuwan

Vice President - Marketing

Ms. Sumalee Chaitientong

Vice President - Ancillary Revenues

Mr. Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj

Director - Advertising and Creative

Mr. Benjamin Sirirat

Manager - Branding and Creative

Mrs. Rattanaporn Sa-Nguanjangwong

Business Services - Ancillary Revenues

PUBLISHER

MPMI Group Ltd.

1 Soi Lasalle 23/2,

Bangna, Bangkok 10260, Thailand

Tel. +66 2744 4975

Fax. +66 2744 5271

Managing Director

Chaovanee Ajanant

Email: chaovanee@mpmith.com

EDITORIAL

Email: editorial@fahthaimag.com

Editorial Director Somtawin Chanyawong

Editor-in-Chief Anutra Ungsuprasert

Senior Editor Nawa Acosta Wright

Deputy Editor Sarita Urupongsa

Contributors

Bussara Boonboot

Chalotorn Payomyol

Chusri Ngamprasert

Kay Choomongkol

Korakot Nym Punlopruksa

Marion Bravo

Passakorn Hongthong

Phoowadon Duangmee

Prachi Joshi

Richard Augustin

Sarita Urupongsa

Sirin P Wongpanit

Veena Thoopkrajae

Photo Editor Thewin Chanyawong

Contributing Photographers

Apichat Sukhunnee

Dinesh Khanna

Dolnapa Ram-Indra

Permboon Wongpanit

ART

Creative Director JyeShen Koo

Graphic Designer Pongtorn Khaoplag

Contributing Stylist Saranya Ariyakul

PRODUCTION

Colour Separation: Soontorn Film

Printer: WPS (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

ADVERTISING

advertising@fahthaimag.com

Media Director: Pradub Prasertsri

Media Manager: Daruni Klaprapchon

Marketing Manager: Reza Bizmark

ADVERTISING HOTLINES

Bangkok: Guitar +669 2270 9528

Bob +668 2446 9192

Samui: Penzy +668 7055 7048

OVERSEAS ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES

AUSTRALIA

THE MEDIA COMPANY

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Tel: +612 9909 5800

leanne@themediaco.com.au

CAMBODIA, LAOS,

MYANMAR

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Tel: +668 9468 2440

kittikun@bangkokair.com

Hathaiwan Chieochankitjakan

Tel: +668 6900 5278

hathaiwan@bangkokair.com

CHINA, HONG KONG,

MACAU, TAIWAN

CHINA MEDIA OPTIONS

CO., LTD.

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Tel: +852 2321 9788

rebeccaCMOsupport@gmail.com

FRANCE, GERMANY,

SWITZERLAND

INFOPAC MEDIA HOUSE

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Tel: +331 4643 0066

jcabeille@infopac.fr

INDIA, MALDIVES

RMA MEDIA

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Tel: +9122 2925 3735

kuka@rmamedia.com

KOREA

MEDIREP CO.

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Tel: +822 734 0786

soohoonoh@medireponline.com

JAPAN

PUBLICITAS JAPAN K.K.

Hiroko Minato

Tel: +8150 8882 3456

hiroko.minato@publicitas.com

MALAYSIA

MPMI SDN BHD

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Tel: +603 7880 2185

mpmimy@gmail.com

SINGAPORE, INDONESIA

MPMI PTE LTD

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Tel: +65 6464 6261

mpmisg@gmail.com

UNITED KINGDOM

MAJOR MEDIA LTD.

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Tel: +44(0) 20 8467 8884

david@majormedia.co.uk

USA

THE MULTIMEDIA INC.

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Tel: +14 0790 3500

fmar@multimediausa.com

“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company

Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Ltd. All articles and

photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers

at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the views of the

airline. Bangkok Airways holds no responsibility or liability arising out of the

publication of such articles and photographs.

magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in

any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Bangkok

Airways Public Company Limited and MPMI Group Ltd.

ESSENTIAL NOTES TO GUIDE YOUR TRAVELS

Bright Lights, Big City

Bangkok’s abuzz with the holiday

spirit and glowing brightly from

constant recognition as being one of

the best destinations in the world. For

architecture buffs, include a pit stop

at Hua Lamphong Railway Station and

appreciate the neo-renaissance style

by architect Mario Tamagno.

NEWS AND EVENTS 18 / BEAUTY AND HEALTH 22 / STYLE 24 / ON THE MENU 26 / FRUITFUL FINDS 28 / ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 30

OVERTURES

NEWS AND EVENTS

CHIANG RAI

RUNNING UP NORTH

Avid runners showed up in full force for the Chiang Rai Marathon, with

SEP 2017 the event kicked off by Mr. Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj, Senior Director for

Market Communications at Bangkok Airways. The Chiang Rai Marathon SEP 2017

was the 4th event out of the 6 running programmes under Bangkok Airways

Boutique Series 2017; organised in six of the airline’s destinations in

Thailand, which are Trat (Koh Chang), Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Rai,

Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son. The series is divided into 2 categories

with 4 marathons and 2 trail programmes.

The starting point for the race began at Chiang Rai city hall with

Mr. Boonwate Sipuangchai, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai, presiding

as chairman for the opening ceremony. Four thousand local and foreign

runners did their personal best on their way to marathon victory.

If you’re interested in joining the other two remaining marathons at

Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, please contact Teelakow Co., Ltd. at

www.teelakow.com, T: +66 (0) 95 736 3066 or email: info@teelakow.com.

THAILAND

BANGKOK WORLD’S MOST POPULAR

CITY 2 YEARS IN A ROW

Congratulations to Bangkok once again! The

City of Angels is the pride of the nation as the

Mastercard 2017 Global Destination Cities

Index survey recently announced that the capital

of Thailand took the No.1 spot, winning as the

most popular destination among travellers from

across the globe. Even more exhilarating is the

fact that this is the second year that vibrant

Bangkok or Krungthep Mahanakhon, has won

over 132 top destination cities – such as London

which ranked second, followed by Paris, Dubai,

Singapore, New York, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur and

Tokyo, respectively. According to the index,

Bangkok is projected to welcome nearly 20

million overnight visitors this year.

8-10

DEC 2017

PHUKET

SPOTLIGHT

Sail Away

in Paradise

December marks the yachting season in Phuket

– Southeast Asia’s leading luxury location and

superyacht hot spot – as various yachts and

superyacht go on show on the island during this

period. Among the events, Kata Rocks Superyacht

Rendezvous (KRSR) 2017 takes place featuring

the yachting and the luxury lifestyle with the

gorgeous idyllic backdrop of Phuket. The first

class three-day programme is open to both

sailing and motor yachts measuring over 24

metres in length, whether they visit or are based

in Phuket. Signaling the opening of Phuket’s

luxurious charter season, KRSR offers superyacht

owners a prime-time opportunity to showcase

their flagship vessels. Participants include

world-renowned yacht builders, including the

famed Dutch superyacht builder Feadship, built

by Benetti from Italy, and Vista Jet, one of the

world’s most innovative private jet companies.

Other partners returning for KRSR 2017 include

Burgess, Azimut Yachts, Hemisphere Monaco,

Northrop and Johnson, Bristol Charter, Princess

Yachts, 77 Design, Lee Marine, Sea-Doo, Seal

Superyachts and The Surin Phuket. katarocks.com

16-20

NOV 2017

BANGKOK

SPOTLIGHT

Floral

Extravaganza

It’s time to celebrate and yes, it’s also time to

be surrounded by large and stunning flower

displays in the heart of Bangkok. Thailand’s

oldest department store, Central is celebrating

its 70th Anniversary this year with a super fresh

idea that’s equally fragrant. Around this time

of year, the retail branches of Central Chidlom

and Central Embassy will be converted into a

magnificent garden of splendour, with fresh

floral arrangements masterfully created by

Thailand’s notable designers. After long hours

of shopping and exploring Bangkok, refresh

your day and wander around the 7 floors of

fragrant, colourful and beautiful displays, with

rare blooms from around the world and an

intricate wall of roses at the stores. Check this

out whether you love floral arrangements or

simply want to take time to smell the roses.

central.co.th

2-15

NOV 2017 APR 2018

PHUKET

CHARMS OF THE ANDAMAN

It’s a new chapter for Rosewood Hotels &

Resorts as the new property of Rosewood

Phuket unveils at the beginning of this month.

Nestled along an idyllic 600-metre beachfront

at Emerald Bay in southwestern Phuket, the

resort is offering guests the brand-new package

of the “Charms of the Andaman” which includes

a 2-hour Asaya wellness therapy session, a class

on how to blend essential oils with ingredients

picked fresh from the herb garden, or be part of

a culinary journey at Ta Khai seafood restaurant

and many more. For details, contact

T: +66 (0) 76 356 888, or rosewoodhotels.com

NOW-3

NOV 2017

VIENTIANE

SHOW MASKS GO ON

Vientiane, Laos’ capital, plays host to the 2017 IMACO

international conference until November 3. Organised by the

International Mask Culture & Arts Organization (IMACO).

The biennale mask conference aims to promote intercultural

exchanges in the world of mask art, ensuring stronger

cooperation in their performance art and culture. Putting on

a mask is a transformative experience and we have witnessed

and learned from different forms of performance such as:

the carnival in Venice, Guy Fawkes, Tibetan ritual masks, or

the Lao ancestor masks. The city of Vientiane expects 100

international participants from over 30 countries involved in

the world of mask arts, including mask artists and performers.

worldmask.org

18 19

OVERTURES

NEWS AND EVENTS

12-2

NOV 2017 JAN 2018

SPOTLIGHT

SINGAPORE

Xmas Tunes on

an Iconic Road

Singapore celebrates the holidays in a major way along its

famous shopping street. Around 30 malls and department

stores make up this retail wonderland that offers more

than 5,000 brands.

Don’t miss a chance to mingle with the crowds at the

most wonderful time of the year if you are in Singapore

during their 6 week celebration of Christmas and New

Year. The seemingly endless 2.88km long Orchard Road

will be thoroughly illuminated with extremely enchanting

light installations. From Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura,

Christmas tunes serenade everyone and spread yuletide

cheer, while fantastic lighting at Orchard Road together

with super fun games from booths along the road

welcome visitors of all ages. More than that, a whole

series of larger-than-life installations will be there for

you to share Instagram shots with everyone.

visitsingapore.com

1-23

NOV 2017

ASIA

ED SHEERAN’S ASIAN TOUR TAKES A TURN

1-31

NOV 2017 MAR 2018

KUALA LUMPUR

KL’S FIRST BIENNALE

Kuala Lumpur is ready for its Biennale. The debut art festival is set for the

theme of “BELAS or Be Loved” that recognises, embraces and echoes societal

values and categorised into 5 types of belas (love.) They are Love for Nature

(Belas Alam), Love of Heritage (Belas Warisan), Love for Humanity (Belas Insan),

Love for Animals (Belas Haiwan) and Love for Legendary Icons (Belasungkawa).

The event features an extensive line-up of artists from Southeast Asia, China,

South Korea, Japan and India together with Malaysia’s top 3 artists; Loo Foh

Sang, Long Thien Shih and Wong Hoy Cheong through an exhibition of modern

and contemporary art. The chosen works depict their perspective of a civilised

world that’s inspired by compassion and empathy to ensure the well-being of

mankind. The mega-scale international contemporary art programme will be

shown at the National Art Gallery of Malaysia and various venues.

artgallery.gov.my

Mega-star Ed Sheeran’s World Tour

2017 is one of the most anticipated

this year in Asia. However, at press

time, the British artist suffered

a broken arm from a bicycling

accident, which could affect

performances in countries starting

from Taipei, Osaka, Seoul and Tokyo

at the beginning of November, and

gigs in cities like Hong Kong, Manila,

Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur,

Bangkok, Mumbai and Dubai,

respectively. As a consummate

professional, Sheeran made light

of it – so look for updates on

performance dates. The 26-yearold

singer/songwriter began his

career in 2011 and skyrocketed

to international popularity a year

later. In January 2017, he launched

his third album “Divide”, kicking-off

the biggest musical comeback in

his dual singles “Shape of You” and

“Castle on the Hill”, hitting the No.1

and No.2 spots across the charts

worldwide while seeing the Suffolk

native break a magnitude of records

along the way. If all goes according

to plan, expect indie singer/

songwriter Lauv as guest artist.

Check out schedules and concert

venues at edsheeran.com.

OVERTURES

BEAUTY AND HEALTH

SPOTLIGHT

Secret Seduction

Heading out to party? Then it’s the perfect time

for you to experiment with the proper fragrance

as part of a multi-step strategy to fun. The right

mood needs the right touch of a scent that’s

delicious against your skin as party season begins.

Whatever the occasion, here’s the best fragrance

to go with it.

SOLE DI POSITANO

EAU DE PARFUM

50ML FROM TOM

FORD (8,800 Baht)

Fresh Citrus & Fruits.

Reflects the vibrancy of

sunlight and the image

of a coastal paradise.

BLEU DE CHANEL

EAU DE PARFUM

100ML FROM

CHANEL

(5,000 Baht)

Infused with crisp

citrus notes, it offers an

intense concentration

of scents that are fresh,

clean and vibrant.

Unexpected and

undeniably bold.

In the Mood for

Glitter Rouge

Rouge and glitter can come together as a perfect pair – especially in the holiday

season when you’re dressed your best to go out and celebrate. Glitter on your eyes,

lips and nails easily makes you shine brighter than anyone.

LE VERNIS 604 SCENARIO

LONGWEAR NAIL COLOUR 0.4 OZ

FROM CHANEL (990 Baht)

Not only a colour that’s super-red, but also

formulated with bioceramics and ceramides

that are sure to improve your nail quality.

MAKE BELIEVE IN

YOURSELF EYE & CHEEK

PALETTE (LIMITED

EDITION) 10 X 1.1G/1 X 3G

FROM TARTE (1,850 Baht)

Bring your fairy tale wishes to life.

The highly pigmented hues can be

layered, mixed, or worn alone for a range of

magical looks.

BURBERRY

KISSES SHEER 2G

FROM BURBERRY

(1,250 Baht)

Features a balm-like

gel texture that leaves

your lips with a sheer,

glossy veil of colour in

just one swipe.

SHIMMER DUST 1G FROM

BURBERRY (1,000 Baht)

Gild your look with metallic shine by dotting

shimmer dust beneath the lash line, and finish

off your look with a skin highlighting pen.

UOMO

CASUAL LIFE

EAU DE TOILETTE

100ML FROM

SALVATORE

FERRAGAMO

(4,300 Baht)

Where fresh green

notes interplay with the

powerful woody and

invigorating scents that

shout out dynamism.

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO APHICHAT SUKHUNNEE

➋ JOUES

CONTRASTE 380 SO

CLOSE POWDER

BRUSH 0.21 OZ

FROM CHANEL

(2,000 Baht)

Remarkably silky texture

for easy application

and subtle shading.

Accentuate cheekbones

for a youthful look.

➌ ROUGE ALLURE

LUMINOUS

INTENSE LIP

COLOUR 667 NO.4

0.12 OZ FROM

CHANEL (1,450 Baht)

Dresses your lips up with

unmistakable attitude. It

leaves your lips supple

and protected with lasting

comfort.

➍ CRÉATION

EXCLUSIVE

700 TRAIT DE

CARACTERE

EYESHADOW FROM

CHANEL (2,750 Baht)

Eyes in particular become

more captivating with the

exclusive creation of this

palette of five – all to play a

range of tones for your look.

➎ STYLO YEUX

857 LEGENDARY

WATERPROOF

LONG-LASTING

EYELINER 0.01 OZ

FROM CHANEL

(1,050 Baht)

The gentle, siliconeenriched

formula delivers

smooth and even lining

for your eyes.

LOVE LIGHT

HIGHLIGHTER

9G FROM TOO

FACED

(1,590 Baht)

Turn on your love

light! This combines

the best of powder,

liquid, baked and

cream formulas for an

unparallelled radiance.

Universal shades light you

up all day and night.

KA-BROW! CREAM GEL

EYEBROW COLOUR

WITH BRUSH FROM

BENEFIT (1,000 Baht)

A waterproof cream-gel brow

colour that easily builds

natural-looking to dramatic

brows.

STOCKISTS

SEPHORA

Level1 Siam Center

Tel +66 (0) 2658 1612,

+66 (0) 2658 1616

GF Emquartier

Tel +66 (0) 2003 6400,

+66 (0) 2003 6403

OVERTURES

STYLE

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTOS APHICHAT SUKHUNNEE

➑

It’s Show Time

Like many elements of style, it’s the small

details that make a difference. In the case

of the perfect watch, important facets are

almost unnoticeable…just almost. A few

complementary touches are enough to

bring attention to the subtlety, and is

never a distraction. An eye-catching

timepiece speaks of preparation,

confidence, and accomplishment.

FOR HIM

STAINLESS

STEEL WITH GOLD

IP TREATMENT

AND BLACK

CROCO-PRINT

CALF WITH

CONTRASTING

STITCHING FROM

FERRAGAMO

(60,000 Baht)

➋ STAINLESS STEEL

CASE WITH

BLACK RUBBER

AND ANTI-

REFLECTIVE

SAPPHIRE FROM

CHARRIOL

(100,900 Baht)

➌ MOVEMENT

QUARTZ CASE

MATERIAL

STEEL WITH

SAPPHIRE GLASS

AND BRACELET

MATERIAL

STEEL FROM

CHARRIOL

(119,000 Baht)

➍ YELLOW

GOLD-TONE

STAINLESS STEEL

CASE AND

STRAP, GRACE

PATTERN AND

GOURMETTE

CHAIN TO

TOP RING,

LARGE MEDUSA

HEAD TO CENTRE,

SWISS QUARTZ

MOVEMENT

FROM VERSACE

(74,600 Baht)

STOCKISTS

Central Department Stores

Tel: +66 (0) 2730 7777

Emporium

Tel: +66 (0) 2269 1000

STOCKISTS

Gems Pavillion

1st FL Siam Paragon

Tel +66 (0) 2129 4400

Main FL Emporium

Tel +66 (0) 2664 8606

FOR HER

18K WHITE GOLD,

SET WITH A SOUTH SEA

PEARL AND 1.8 CARATS

DIAMONDS FROM GEMS

PAVILION (246,000 Baht)

➋ 18K WHITE GOLD,

SET WITH 14.93 CARATS

EMERALD AND 10.85

CARATS DIAMONDS FROM

GEMS PAVILION

(7,750,000 Baht)

➌ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET

WITH 6.02 CARATS OF

FANCY BROWN DIAMOND

AND 0.69 CARATS

DIAMONDS FROM GEMS

PAVILION (1,990,000 Baht)

➍ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET

WITH 18.56 CARATS OF

BLUE SAPPHIRE AND 4.65

CARATS DIAMONDS FROM

GEMS PAVILION

(5,990,000 Baht)

➎ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET

WITH 2.2 CARATS IN AN

OVAL SHAPE DIAMOND

AND 160 BRILLIANT-CUT

DIAMONDS TOTALING

0.57 CARATS FROM GEMS

PAVILION (1,750,000 Baht)

➏ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET

WITH 16.7 CARATS OF

BLUE SAPPHIRE AND 8.04

CARATS OF ASSCHER-CUT

AND 106 BRILLIANT-CUT

DIAMONDS TOTALING

1.24 CARATS FROM

GEMS PAVILION

(15,500,000 Baht)

➐ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET

WITH 3 CARATS OF PEAR

SHAPE YELLOW DIAMOND

AND 0.68 CARATS OF

WHITE AND YELLOW

DIAMONDS FROM GEMS

PAVILION (895,000 Baht)

➑ 18K WHITE GOLD, SET

WITH 3.77 CARATS OF

EMERALD AND 1.64 CARATS

OF DIAMONDS GEMS

PAVILION (1,290,000 Baht)

A Cocktail

in Hand

Cocktail rings are particularly

awesome for parties with their

glamorous appearance. Make

it a majestic and bold ornate

ring with an interesting history

behind it. Bold, oversized,

and colourful, it’s the modern

masterpiece for the hand, and

guaranteed to be a statement

in any soiree.

OVERTURES

ON THE MENU

Feasting on a

Flavourful Soup

This light and lovely dish holds much depth

in its creamy appearance. A well-loved dish,

Tom Kha Gai is treasured for its smoothness

and lively flavours.

Words Sarita Urupongsa

Tom Kha Gai or Chicken Coconut

Soup is another local favourite

among Thais and foreigners alike

– a rich soup with coconut milk

that’s infused with the aromatic

essences of galangal, lemongrass,

and kaffir lime leaves.

Best served with steamed

rice, one bowl may never be

enough as the soup comes with

the perfect combination of sour,

salty, and sweet flavours without

the usually bold spicy profile of

Thai dishes that can surprise

the palate. Coconut milk, its

quintessential ingredient, plays

a big part in creating the richer

texture of the creamy white soup.

Tom Kha Gai will never be

complete without authentic Thai

herbs that spices up its flavour

profile to make the creamy soup

stand out. The combination of

key ingredients like galangal,

lemongrass, kaffir lime and, shallots

plays a big part in bringing out the

taste of Tom Kha Gai. Tom Kha

Gai’s mild yet complex broth is also

an ideal base for customisation of

preferred chicken cuts and types of

mushrooms. Now one of the most

asked for dish in Thai restaurants,

some places may modify the

Photos Dolnapa Ram-Indra

recipe by changing from chicken to

shrimp, striped snakefish, or even

just mushrooms.

When talking about Bangkok’s

most-loved restaurants, the name

of Krua Apsorn on Sukhumvit 26

in Bangkok fondly comes up. It’s

known to locals for almost 40

years and legendary for their

classic Thai menus. From its first

branch on Samsen Road close to

Tha Wasukri pier, the restaurant

now operates more than 10

branches nationwide. The place is

best recognised for its homemade

authentic Thai dishes with recipes

that cater to everyone’s palate.

Apart from Krua Apsorn’s signature

recipes that balances tastiness

and rich flavours, the restaurant

uses fresh ingredients procured

by a dedicated team with visits

to several markets to ensure only

quality ones in Krua Apsorn’s

dishes; along with its commitment

not to add monosodium glutamate

and other additives. Krua Apsorn’s

most well-known dishes include

Tom Kha Gai with banana blossom

and free-range chicken cuts, and

other menu items like Chicken

Green Curry and Sour Curry with

climbing wattles and shrimp.

Ingredients

• 200g chicken breasts, cut into bite size

• 50g water

• 150g thick coconut milk

• ½ cup oyster mushrooms or any

mushroom type of one’s choice

• 5 slices young galangal

• 5 pieces of lemongrass, sliced

• 3 shallots, cut and diced

• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn

• 2 dill leaves

• 4 cherry tomatoes

• 3 bird’s eye chillies, slightly ground

• Coriander and dried chillies for garnish

Seasoning

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 1½ tbsp fish sauce

• 1½ tbsp sugar

A Modern Take on

Tom Kha Gai

TOM KHA GAI AT

QUAINT BANGKOK

This fusion restaurant is known for its

meticulous take on Thai cuisine with a creative

and interesting twist. Modern in appearance

and ingredients, its dishes are rich in taste and

cooked with authentic Thai pastes. Quaint

Bangkok’s Tom Kha Gai is praised by diners for

its deliberate choice of a whole chicken leg, as

this part is tender with the right amount of fat.

Here, the chicken is sprinkled with sea salt on

both sides, and the leg is then seared until it

becomes crispy and is later stewed in chicken

stock with herbs for quite some time, at 90

minutes. The tender and juicy chicken, with

its full herbal aroma, is then roasted further to

finish and served atop the soup.

23 Sukhumvit 61, +66 (0) 2714 1998,

+66 (0) 94 495 6949

Cooking Instructions

Boil water and add lemongrass, kaffir lime,

and shallots before adding chicken meat

and leaving all to cook. Lemongrass, kaffir

lime, and shallots will reduce the smell of

fresh chicken meat.

Pour finished stock into a new saucepan.

Add the thick coconut milk and simmer. Be

careful with the heat: if it’s too hot, the oil from

the coconut milk will separate and float up, and

be unappetising. When the water is boiling,

add all the ingredients in (except the seasoning)

and simmer in medium heat.

Stir all the ingredients, including remaining

ones together, and wait until the vegetables

change in colour, around 5-7 minutes. Turn

the stove off immediately.

Season with lime juice, fish sauce, and

sugar. Serve the soup in a bowl and garnish

it with coriander and dried chillies.

Tip

For delicious Tom Kha Gai, select young galangal for better flavour. Older and hard ones

will only bring out the spiciness and won’t balance the taste of the soup.

OVERTURES

ON THE MENU / FRUITFUL FINDS

WORDS & PHOTO KAY CHOOMONGKOL

Tropical

Love

The loveable pineapple

has a prickly exterior

yet hides a sweet

juiciness inside.

The taste shouts of

summer, and the fruit

has inspired motifs of

pineapple prints on

plenty of shirts and

shorts.

Thorny spikes known as ‘eyes’ cover its pinecone-shape and the

pineapple’s green spiky leaves need careful handling, yet a bite

of this tropical fruit magically cools you. Sip any tangy fruit drink

with pineapple and it gives you a taste of paradise.

Thought to have originated in South America, the pineapple

was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 on the

Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. The fruit travelled to Europe

to be cultivated, but it was better suited to a tropical climate.

By the end of the 16th century, many European colonies with

warmer climes began growing them.

It also made its way to Thailand around the same time

and thrived. The sweetest and most popular pineapple is the

Batavia or Si Racha pineapple grown in Chon Buri, Phetchaburi

and Prachuap Khiri Khan. With a juicy yellow interior and bigger

in size, it tastes sweeter than the Phuket pineapple, so named

after its place of origin. The Phuket pineapple shares the same

characteristics with the petite Phu Lae pineapple. Both are pale

yellow, not too juicy but sweet and brittle with a bite. The other

two types are the heirloom Intharachit, found in Cha Choeng Sao

province, and Nang Lae, nurtured in Nang Lae sub-district of

Chiang Rai. Although not that juicy, the latter has a unique

honey scent and tastes very sweet.

The pineapple with its juice that’s sweet and tart is

adored around the world. It can be eaten fresh, juiced,

cooked or preserved, and crucial to a piña colada cocktail!

The fruit serves as a surprising ingredient in some Thai

savoury recipes such as Pineapple Curry with mussels or as

small bites in the royal cuisine inspired Thai canapés called

‘Maa Hor,’ with steamed mince pork on pieces of pineapple.

Try not to overindulge in its sweetness – too much

of the fruit and its enzymes can cause lips and tongue

to experience some sensitivity. Luckily, the delicious

fruit benefits the immune system, aids in digestion and

reduces inflammation.

OVERTURES

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS

Bang Lamphu

Revisited

Housed in a historic

building that used to

be the Wat Sangwet

Printing School,

neighbourhood museum

Pipit Banglamphu

continues telling the

history and lifestyle

of the Bang Lamphu

community in Bangkok.

The area is best known

for its commerce

and local lifestyle

Photos Dolnapa Ram-Indra

Words Sarita Urupongsa

and the place where

backpacker mecca Khao

Sarn Road thrives.

The landmark space

created some years back

remains rich in cultural

history, and should be

a consideration on a

Bangkok itinerary as

visitors get stories that

offer a glimpse into the

ever-popular area. It

can now be said that

the Pipit Banglamphu

compound is the biggest

resource on the old

Bang Lamphu district in

Thailand. Alternately, it

serves as a green space

and recreational area for

residents and visitors

interested in learning

about old Bangkok.

The second floor of

the teakwood building

houses the permanent

exhibition of the Bang

Lamphu community.

Stories date back to

the old days when

the canals of Bangkok

were dug and people

started to move into

the area. In the reign

of King Rama V, streets

were constructed,

bringing changes to

the lifestyle of Bang

Lamphu residents. The

exhibition also features

a zone for “Phra

Nakhon Center” where

highlights showcase

specialty commerce

that existed on little

streets and back alleys

from Bangkok’s golden

era, including Nopparat

Tailor, Thailand’s first

shirt-making shop.

Exploration of Bang

Lamphu wouldn’t

be complete without

catching sight of the

first Lamphu (cork)

tree in this area, shown

in the last room of the

building. It has been

re-planted from the

remaining section of the

original tree that was

partially destroyed after

the great flood in 2011.

Committed to

delivering a fun and

learning experience,

Pipit Banglamphu

carries information in

the Braille alphabet

for visually-impaired

visitors, as well as audio

guides in 7 languages for

foreign tourists. Guided

tours are also available

every 30 minutes

between the hours

of 10am – 4pm. (The

museum opens from

Tuesday – Sunday from

10am - 6pm)

facebook.com/

pipitbanglamphu,

T: +66 (0) 2281 9828

FOLLOW THE SCENT OF TEA

Located opposite Pipit Banglamphu is Mitramit Teahouse, where fragrant teas

rich with the flavours from Taiwan is served in a charming setting of old-style

architecture. Here, tea lovers can enjoy many choices and Thai desserts crafted

from traditional recipes that are not so easy to find these days. Tea sets are

enticingly presented and Mitramit Teahouse also donates all of its profits to

Mayarith Theatre, a theatre and performance space for families and children.

32 Phra Sumen Road, facebook.com/mitramitteahouse

OVERTURES

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS

Giving Back with Art

One should get to know Pairoj

Pichetmetakul, a Thai artist with

a standout reputation, whose

type of work has garnered unique

recognition. Pairoj’s name is

widely known as a young street

artist whose focus champions

the homeless in places like San

Francisco and New York. It all began

when he pursued a master’s degree

in California. One late night, while

passing a secluded alley on the way

home, he witnessed a homeless

man being attacked. He walked

away in fear and helplessness but

the incident never left his memory.

Be it guilt, or whatever else one

wants to call it, that night became

Pairoj’s defining moment. The

artist started approaching homeless

folks, chatting with them, and ended

up painting their portraits to bring

attention to their situation. He used

these portraits as a way for passers-by

to develop awareness, resulting in

money donations or needed items

for the homeless. From painting one

person, then ten more, and up to

a hundred people later, Pairoj has

provided assistance to the homeless

on a regular basis. We do a Q&A to

learn more.

Photos Jittarat Jintasirikul

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE

INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR

ART PROJECT “THE POSITIVITY

SCROLLS?”

“My idea is to search for interesting

aspects that somehow are overlooked.

They can create inspiration, hope, and

a positive attitude as well as illustrate

stories of people and things. “The

Positivity Scrolls” is inspired from my

work during the first phase in which

I drew homeless people and beggars

from various places. I befriended them

and talked to them before asking them

to model for my paintings. Getting to

talk with them allows me a glimpse into

their life. I then know who they used

to be, and what made them live the life

they are living. Those conversations

morphed into paintings. I only want

to use my creativity to get attention

for such people, and any assistance

(received), I contribute it to them. When

the paintings increased in number, I

came up with the project “The Positivity

Scrolls” in the fall of 2013. It featured

about 400 portraits of the homeless

on big scrolls of paper.”

HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN

PEOPLE REGARD YOUR WORK

AS SOMETHING IMPORTANT

AND CHANGE MAKING?

“I don’t think my art could be that

big to change the world. I only hope

that it will bring on a perspective or

positive attitude to a small group of

people or anyone. When someone is

touched by the work, it brings me joy

and I feel encouraged to continue.

I will be even happier if those who

cherish my work adjust ideas to what

they are doing, regardless of which

aspect (of life) they are in.”

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE

ART HANGOUT IN THAILAND?

“I love the Ratchada Train Market. I like

going there for a meal of spicy papaya

salad and grilled fish while sipping my

beer, watching people, and enjoying

the ambience.”

WHAT IS YOUR VIEW

REGARDING THE ART SCENE

IN THAILAND?

“I feel that the art scene in Thailand

awakened recently, especially in Charoen

Krung where there are new galleries

featuring works of aspiring young artists,

as well as (the presence of ) Bukruk

Urban Arts Festival from last year.”

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO

YOUNG THAI ARTISTS?

“Be yourself as much as you can, and

work hard everyday.”

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM

OR PROJECT?

“I want to be the artist who enjoys

what he’s doing. I also want to share

my knowledge and experience with a

young generation who are committed

to art and are following their dreams.”

Apart from the art project that

gives urbanites a different view of the

homeless, Pairoj also does paintings

of people he meets on the streets or

those whose lifestyle inspires him. The

‘models’ come from all walks of life –

from street vendors, hippies, punks, to

street musicians. He started teaching

at Pratt Institute in New York where

he proposed a personal methodology

in creative work. Pairoj usually shows

art videos whose focus on creativity

gives everyone inspiration to come up

with their own inspired projects.

PHNOM PENH

Once a city interrupted, Phnom Penh now shines with fastexpanding

urbanisation and style. In a 3-day weekend, the keen

eyes of a writer note major and dramatic transitions in captivating

traditional sights and a plugged-in culture.

Words Sirin P Wongpanit

Photos Permboon Wongpanit

PHNOM PENH

Cool cafés numbering in the many

can define today’s Phnom Penh.

Appealing restaurants run by some

of the best chefs in the world are

equally represented. Signs of “hipping it

up” are everywhere. Diaspora Cambodians

are moving back into town, creating their

own specialised trendy microcosm while

expatriates loving it here settle down,

creating new leading trends. Phnom Penh

remains on the move, but its finest moments

point to the steady strength and charm of

the local Cambodian people that make this

city uniquely special.

FRIDAY

FIRST, A MEAL

It is best to get settled into the city

with good, hearty food. Start your

trip with lunch at Phnom Penh’s

historic Chinese House, a building

that’s now a very chic bistro, bar

and restaurant. The epitome of

Phnom Penh’s glorious past,

Chinese House is part of the city’s

history when the first concrete

houses were built back during the

1800s for Chinese traders. Now

owned by the granddaughter of

the original owner, the Chinese

House has magnificent details only

a charmed age can confer: faded

French villa-style arched facades,

a traditional Chinese-tiled roof,

original patchwork and hand-hewn

hardwood floor. restaurantphnompenh.com

Clockwise from Top

Phnom Penh

converts a colonial

mansion into an

uber-trendy and

chic restaurant;

Closer encounters

with Khmer

architecture can

be had by signing

up with a tour

outfit that provides

comprehensive city

walkabouts; Visitors

can learn more

about Cambodian

history at the

Bophana Center;

Phnom Penh now

offers a variety

of sophisticated

cuisines.

TOURING KHMER ICONS

Phnom Penh was on the verge

of splendid urbanisation right

after Cambodia’s independence

back in 1953. A sudden burst then

of ‘New Khmer Architecture’ was a

movement of inspired Cambodian

architects led by the most prolific

and avant-garde Vann Molyvann,

who recently passed, whose projects

gained support from the late King

Norodom Sihanouk. Some of those

glorious buildings still thankfully stand,

and tours range from architecture,

cultural walking or cycling tours that’s

organised by Khmer Architecture

Tours. Downloads of their free

maps are available to do your own

sightseeing. ka-tours.org

Equally and incredibly valuable

are the audio-visual historical

archives at the Bophana Center.

As any local would tell you, most

of Cambodian history was lost and

only just orally recorded. Bophana

Center, named after a Khmer Rouge

victim, was founded in late 2006 by

Rithy Panh – an Oscar-nominated

Cambodian auteur whose passion

for filmmaking is deeply intertwined

with his country’s untold stories.

The place is open to the public

and has regular arts and culture

programmes. bophana.org

SIGHTINGS AND TRADITIONAL

PROTEIN

Be a connoisseur of various libations

and take your drinks at the superlative

Elephant Bar. Try to spot the hidden

monkey in the ceiling murals while

sipping their famous ‘Femme Fatale’

cocktail, first made for Jacqueline

Kennedy in 1967. If you’re feeling

even bolder, munch on local protein.

Make these a Phnom Penh rite of

passage for real street food: crispy

fried crickets, bloody cockles and

dried beef sausages. raffles.com/

phnom-penh/dining/elephant-bar

Omakase-inspired with a series

of tasting menus, Le Broken Plate can

easily be the hottest table in town.

Chef owner Narith Plong, who’s

Cambodian with restaurant stints in

Canada, creates an inventive cuisine

inspired by fresh local produce and

flavours of the hometown. Choose

from USD$30, $40 or $50 per person

for multi-course meals. Reservation

is essential.

facebook.com/lebrokenplate

Top Left

It may be full of history but modern

dining has made its foray with welldesigned

space.

Top Right

A modern and trendy restaurant design

puts Phnom Penh on par with other

world-class cities and their dining

concepts.

Bottom Left

The dining scene in in this rapidlychanging

city introduces new looks

and new dishes with a menu of fusion

Asian food.

Bottom Right

Japanese-influenced dishes make this

restaurant a destination in Phnom

Penh and one of the many fine dining

establishments.

PHNOM PENH

SATURDAY

THE LOCAL MOTION

Distinctively big and yellow, the

large dome with four outstretched

architectural arms like a spider

marks Phnom Penh’s Central

Market (Phsar Thmei), yet another

symbol of the city’s past grand

places. Built in 1937, the market is

steadfastly familiar in sight and a

routine spot for its retail offerings

and flavours for local people. Walk

through lines of souvenir shops

towards the back of the market and

choose from the myriad food stalls

and treat yourself to a substantial

local breakfast.

A ROYAL VISIT

Since the year 1865, the Royal

Palace in Phnom Penh served

as residence to the monarchs

of Cambodia, except during the

known periods of turmoil. Now the

premises, except for the Khemarin

Palace where the current king

actually lives, is open to the public.

A personal guided tour for an

additional US$10 is actually worth

it, especially for the personal

historical titbits from a local guide.

A respectful dress code applies.

Top Left

Ornate temples and

the presence of the

Silver Pagoda are

sights to behold with

a visit to the Royal

Palace.

Top Right

The Central Market

takes it design from

art deco.

Bottom Right

The late architect

Vann Molyvann

designed the

National Sports

Complex, which was

completed in 1964.

ONE FINE MEAL

Expect to have a fine dining

treatment in Phnom Penh as it

joins the international ranks of

high-end meals. At the Tiger’s Eye,

the bistro-style restaurant run by

veteran South African chef Timothy

Bruyns, the impeccably prepared

food is Instragram-worthy, and also

indicates that behind the scenes

there’s hard work and almost

everything served is made from

scratch or by hand such as sourdough

breads, smoked butter, preserves

that change daily, egg noodles, and

even miso and tofu. Indulge in his

degustation menus, or simply tuck

into delicious grilled chicken baos.

thetigerseye.online

A NATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX

Among Vann Molyvann’s remaining

masterpieces is the National Olympic

Stadium built during Cambodia’s

heyday in 1964. Inspired by Le

Corbusier’s austere modernism,

the stadium, along with its 60,000-

seat arena, is now the venue where

anyone can still feel the energy of

great modern Khmer architecture.

Join the locals on their evening

aerobic sessions, livened up with

different blasting disco tunes. Or just

be there – before it gets razed and

disappears – and simply soak in the

awesome sight of stark roofs whose

lines create either a zigzag or straight

pattern. Train your sights also on the

eye-catching cantilevered VIP box.

SA SA BASSAC

Another private effort to revive the

Khmer arts scene and strengthen

it is Sa Sa Bassac – an art gallery

and study room. Tucked away on

the upper floors of a nondescript

building, it’s not too far away from

the tourist-dense riverfront and

the Royal Palace areas. Founded in

2011 by curator Erin Gleeson and

the Stiev Selapak artist collective,

Sa Sa Bassac has slowly become

the place for a local art scene with

a broad and international reach.

sasabassac.com.

PHNOM PENH

Hansar Moment of Happiness

A sleepy town no more,

Phnom Penh catches up to

other urban cities with trendy

hang out spaces.

DID + BASSAC LANE + DIM SUM FOR SUPPER

Nightlife in Phnom Penh varies greatly. If you are

up for a challenging gourmet experience, try the

pitch-black Dine in the Dark dinner where role

reversal happens between you and visually impaired

guides. With their assistance, surprise meals are

served without being able to see the food and makes

diners more appreciative of the senses usually

taken for granted. Here, what you eat relies on

the skills of guides that excel in the dining space.

didexperience.com

Bassac Lane started off as a small, tuckedaway

speakeasy (Bar.Sito) and now has become a

nightlife destination in a strip lined with strings of

bars, pubs and restaurants. A nearby pizzeria is also

known to have particularly crispy crusts. Don’t be

surprised if your local tuk tuk does not know where

it is, just tell him to go to Malis Restaurant on

Street 308. facebook.com/bassaclanephnompenh

Feeling like having chicken feet after midnight?

Phnom Penh’s own 24/7 diner Sam Doo Cantonese

restaurant is where late night partygoers crawl

in for steaming hot dim sum, congee or wonton

noodle soup before tucking themselves into

bed. samtoorestaurant.com

82 40

Clockwise from Left

The night life and

bar scene here is

on par with other

Asian cities; one

can expect the

same favourite

cuisines using

the same grade

ingredients and

quality.

Right

Dining in the

Dark offers a

unique experience

where your senses

heighten and

guide you through

the meal.

Samui, Bangkok, Pranburi, Khao Yai, Cha Am

www.hansarhotels.com

PHNOM PENH

Top Left

A temple visit is

always worth the

tranquility it brings.

But at Wat Phnom,

be on the lookout for

naughty monkeys

that may disrupt

your reveries.

Top and

Bottom Right

The grand buildings

of the Raffles Hotel

Le Royal offer

a lesson in Khmer

architecture.

The premier

building was

established

in 1929, with an

interior outfitted

with Cambodian

objet d’art style

furnishings.

SUNDAY

BACK TO ITS ORIGINS

Built in 1372, Wat Phnom – named

after the city’s founder Lady Phen

– are both reasons behind the

origin of Phnom Penh’s name and

the city’s central point. Perched

on a 27-metre man-made leafy

hill, the highly-revered temple

is a centre of celebration during

the Khmer New Year and religious

holidays. Don’t miss paying a visit

to the small Lady Phen shrine in

the back of the temple.

PHNOM PENH RAILWAY STATION

If you are into the nostalgic feel

a train station can give, drop by

Phnom Penh’s French-built train

station, with a history harking

back since the early 1930s. The

place had been deeply associated

with Cambodian political changes

as several political meetings

were secretly held here from the

1960s to 1975. Now, with limited

freight and passenger trains to

Sihanoukville back in service,

one can roam about the working

station and take a quick look

into its white arched beams and

memorabilia. Notice the décor in

this old-timer of a train station,

with its wooden double benches

and old school French-made

bridge, a ‘bascule automatique,’

installed at the platform.

WEEKEND INDULGENCE

Restaurant Le Royal is Phnom

Penh’s icon space for its neoclassic

and opulent dining hall;

yet its weekend brunch from noon

until 3pm fits trendy and

contemporary gourmands. After

a huge and assorted smorgasbord

that includes seafood and a la

table cooking of scallops, river

prawns, lamb shank, quail and a

lot more, guests can swim in the

hotel’s signature pools the whole

afternoon. Prices start at US$58++

for food only up to US$78++ with

free flow champagne and wines.

raffles.com/phnom-penh/dining

STAY

RAFFLES HOTEL LE ROYAL

Phnom Penh’s one and only

heritage hotel, Raffles Hotel Le

Royal is a true sanctuary in the

heart of the city. Built in 1929,

the hotel was once the tallest

building in Phnom Penh. Through

wars and the Khmer Rouge period,

Raffles Hotel has been restored

and expanded with a design that

reminisces Phnom Penh’s glorious

past. Impeccable services. Good for

both business and leisure crowds.

raffles.com/phnom-penh

82 42

PHNOM PENH

ในช่วงวันหยุดยาวสามวัน ฟ้าไทยชวนคุณไป

ดื่มด่ำกับสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวประวัติศาสตร์

คาเฟ่สุดชิค ร้านอาหารของเชฟระดับโลก และ

มนต์เสน่ห์ของชาวกัมพูชาที่ทำให้กรุงพนมเปญ

พิเศษอย่างมีเอกลักษณ์

วันศุกร์ เริ่มทริปด้วยอาหารกลางวันที่

ร้านเก่าแก่ของกรุงพนมเปญอย่าง Chinese

House อาคารคอนกรีตหลังแรกของเมือง

พร้อมรายละเอียดอันงดงามที่มาพร้อมกับ

กาลเวลา ด้านหน้าอาคารสไตล์วิลล่าฝรั่งเศส

หลังคากระเบื้องจีน และพื้นไม้เนื้อแข็งสุด

ประณีต ก่อนจะเดินเที่ยวชม ‘สถาปัตยกรรม

เขมรใหม่’ ที่เกิดขึ้นหลังปี 1953 นำโดย Vann

Molyvann ผู้จัดทำโครงการที่ได้รับการ

สนับสนุนจากพระบาทสมเด็จพระนโรดม สีหนุ

ลองค้นหาข้อมูลแผนที่เดินหรือปั่นจักรยาน

เที่ยวชมได้ที่ ka-tours.org

ชมสื่อโสตทัศน์ประวัติศาสตร์กัมพูชาที่

ศูนย์ศิลปะและวัฒนธรรม Bophana Center

ก่อนจะผ่อนคลายด้วยค็อกเทลอันโด่งดังอย่าง

‘Femme Fatale’ ซึ่งคิดค้นขึ้นเพื่อแจ็กเกอลีน

เคนเนดี ในปี 1967 ที่ Elephant Bar ณ

โรงแรมราฟเฟิลส์ เลอ รอยัล แต่หากใครชื่น

ชอบอาหารสไตล์โอมากาเสะ ให้ตรงไปที่

Le Broken Plate พบเมนูอาหารแปลกใหม่

จากวัตถุดิบและรสชาติท้องถิ่นกัมพูชาแท้ๆ

วันเสาร์ ไปเยี่ยมชมสัญลักษณ์ของพระบรม

มหาราชวังเดิมในพนมเปญที่ ตลาดพซาร์ ทเมยร์

ซึ่งปัจจุบันเป็นแห่งค้าปลีก จำหน่ายตั้งแต่ของ

ฝากไปจนถึงอาหารรูปลักษณ์หลากหลาย

จากนั้นไปยลโฉมพระราชวังหลวงที่เปิดให้

เยี่ยมชมได้ทั้งหมดยกเว้นพระมหาปราสาท

เขมรินทร์อันเป็นเขตพระราชฐาน

82 44

ขวาบน

ภาพจิตรกรรมฝาผนัง

ในพระราชวังหลวง

กลางซ้าย

กล้องวิดีโอโบราณที่

ศูนย์ศิลปะและวัฒนธรรม

Bophana Center

กลางซ้าย

‘Femme Fatale’

ซิกเนเจอร์ค็อกเทลของ

The Elephant Bar

ซ้ายล่าง

กงฟี แซลมอน กับ

โฮมเมดมิโสะ

และแตงกวาดอง

ที่ร้าน Tiger’s Eye.

พักทานอาหารคุณภาพระดับนานาชาติที่

Tiger’s Eye ร้านอาหารบิสโตรซึ่งเสิร์ฟ

อาหารที่สุดพิถีพิถันอย่างขนมปังเปรี้ยว มิโสะ

เต้าหู้ และเมนูเด็ดอย่างเบาไก่ย่าง ก่อนจะไป

เยี่ยมชมผลงานชิ้นเอกของ Vann Molyvann

ที่ยังหลงเหลืออยู่ที่ National Olympic

Stadium จากนั้นหาโอกาสร่วมเต้นแอโรบิกไป

พร้อมกับชาวเมืองพนมเปญ ณ อัฒจันทร์ที่

ผสมผสานศิลปะเขมรได้อย่างลงตัวและจุผู้ชม

ได้มากถึง 60,000 ที่นั่ง

ใช้เวลายามค่ำคืนอย่างท้าทายที่ Dine in

the Dark คุณจะได้สัมผัสประสบการณ์รับ

ประทานทานอาหารแบบมองไม่เห็น เพลินไป

กับต่อมรับรสชาติที่คุณอาจมองข้าม โดยมี

ผู้พิการทางสายตาคอยช่วยเหลือ

ก่อนกลับที่พัก ไปเดินเล่นต่ออีกสัก

หน่อยที่ตรอกบาสัก ตรอกเล็กๆ ที ่กลายเป็น

สถานที่ท่องเที่ยวยามค่ำคืนที่ไม่ไปไม่ได้ และ

หากเกิดท้องร้องขึ้นมาตอนเที่ยงคืน ลองแวะ

ไปที่ร้าน Sam Doo Cantonese รองท้อง

ด้วยติ่มซำ โจ๊กคองกี หรือบะหมี่เกี๊ยวน้ำ

ร้อนๆ ก่อนนอน

วันอาทิตย์ ได้เวลาเยี่ยมชมจุดศูนย์กลาง

ของเมืองที่ วัดพนม ศูนย์กลางของการเฉลิม

ฉลองวันขึ้นปีใหม่และวันสำคัญทางศาสนาของ

กัมพูชา ซึ่งตั้งอยู่บนภูเขาเขียวขจีที่มนุษย์

สร้างขึ้น

พักกายให้หายเหนื่อยที่โรงแรมประวัติ-

ศาสตร์แห่งเดียวของพนมเปญ อย่างโรงแรม

Raffles Hotel Le Royal สร้างเมื่อ ค.ศ.

1929 โรงแรมแห่งนี้เคยเป็นอาคารที่สูงที่สุด

ในเมืองหลวง หลังสงครามและช่วงเขมรแดง

โรงแรมได้รับการบูรณะและขยายต่อเติมเพื่อ

สะท้อนอดีตอันรุ่งโรจน์แห่งกรุงพนมเปญ

อย่าลืม ตบท้ายทริปนี้ให้สมบูรณ์แบบ

ด้วยการแวะไปที่ร้านอาหารสถาปัตยกรรม

สไตล์นีโอคลาสสิก Le Royal ที่เสิร์ฟบรั้นช์

ทุกสุดสัปดาห์ตั้งแต่เที่ยงจนถึงบ่ายสามโมง

“Getaways for kids of all ages” at Raffles Cambodia

Immerse yourselves in the culture and history of the Kingdom of Wonder while taking in the heritage of

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap.

ซ้าย

ตลาดกลาง ณ

กรุงพนมเปญ

ขวา

ขอบฟ้าเมื่อพระอาทิตย์

ทาบทาเมืองหลวงของ

กัมพูชา

Create unforgettable memories for the whole family (two, three, four, or more), enjoying Cambodia’s finest swimming pools along with

our fabulous Raffles Spa and lavish Raffles Afternoon Tea - a tasty treat for all.

The grown-ups can also enjoy their favourite pre-dinner cocktails in the hotels’ iconic Elephant Bars, dining in style with the uniquely offered

Jacqueline Kennedy’s 1967 menu in Phnom Penh and the Royal Dynasty Recipe menu in Siem Reap.

Both of our landmark addresses finding the perfect balance of then and now, while delivering a fabulous getaway experience

for colleagues, couples, and families - including Christmas and New Year (with fireworks in Siem Reap) celebrations.

raffles.com/phnom-penh Reservations: T +855 23 981 888 E: bookus.phnompenh@raffles com

raffles.com/siem-reap Reservations: T +855 63 963 888 E: bookus.siemreap@raffles.com

ARJUN BHASIN

DRESSING

THE

PART

An international costume designer lets us

in on his world of dressing the stars with

India as the guiding light for inspiration –

from outfitting the cast of a new Broadway

production in New York to muppets in a

crime comedy.

Photos Courtesy of Arjun Bhasin

Words Marion Bravo

ARJUN BHASIN

India continues to be a never-ending

assault on the senses and as a designoriented

person, it’s unmatched in

its level of inspiration,” points out

Costume Designer Arjun Bhasin. “I’ve lived

in and out of India throughout my career

and I still find it an explosion of sensory

overload every time I return. Colours

vibrate and come together in never seen

before combinations, textures, tones and

patterns. Inspiration is everywhere: in the

people, food, clothing and architecture.”

While he spends a lot of time in Mumbai,

Bhasin goes where the work takes him,

which is anywhere in the world.

Bottom Left

An intricately carved

doorway, Mehrangarh

Fort, Jodhpur that Bhasin

captured on his travels.

Opposite Left

‘Monsoon Wedding’ the

film brought to the stage

at the Berkeley Repertory

Theatre.

Top

One of the largest forts in

India, Mehrangarh Fort

sits overlooking Jodhpur

city and is a magnificent

and inspiring gem of

Indian architecture.

Photo by Arjun Bhasin

Bottom Right

Bhasin in his Mumbai

flat.

By this time, Bhasin is in Los

Angeles, where he is currently

working on The Happytime

Murders by Brian Henson, a crime

comedy film whose characters

he dresses are humans and

muppets with Melissa McCarthy

in a leading role. He’s also on

hiatus from his work with Sarah

Jessica Parker on HBO’s Divorce.

He once said that his vision was

to dress the actress with an

“elegance, a certain femininity,”

thus vintage styles pointed to the

nostalgia he was aiming for

– something like Grace Kelly or

Katharine Hepburn styles so the

wardrobe for Parker may consist

of pleated trousers and miniskirts

and Seventies boots.

Affable and with a relaxed

demeanour, he chatted about

how the sartorial roads often

lead back to India and how the

sensorial experience and design

inspiration emanates. “Memory

and words seem to fail when

trying to reproduce the India

sensory experience from overseas.

I find that I have to fall back on

the surroundings for example,

for ‘Life of Pi’, and the play

‘Monsoon Wedding,’ I actually

did most of my sourcing in Mumbai

from fabrics, embroideries, and

jewellery to accessories, despite

the fact that so much can now

be found overseas. Costume

design is such a tactile art

that nothing can replace the

physicality of being present in the

creative process,” he says.

It’s a crucial connection as

he recently completed work on

“Monsoon Wedding,” the play

that recently had its Berkeley

Repertory Theatre run in May

before moving to Broadway

next year. Bhasin knew that he

would only be able to draw out

the nuances and authenticity

director Mira Nair was seeking

by going to India to source and

prep for the stage production. A

frequent collaborator with Nair

(The Namesake, The Reluctant

Fundamentalist) and having

worked with Nair on the original

movie on which the play is based

on back in 2001, Bhasin was

very familiar with the storyline

and characters but he had the

challenge to reinterpret it for

a new very different medium,

audience and world. Of course,

he too, was a very different

person, having come so far in

his 20 years since graduating

in film studies from New York

University’s Tisch School of Arts

and having discovered costume

design as a career in his first

undergraduate internship.

The innate knowledge of

growing up surrounded by

intricate textiles and gorgeous

hand-woven fabrics is naturally

ideal training ground for a

costume designer. Bhasin recalls

that while working on “Life of

Pi” with director Ang Lee, a great

detail of importance was placed

on finding the appropriate colour,

weight and texture of the kurta

(or shirt) that Pi wore during the

entire film. “For Pi’s character

alone we had over 200 kurtas that

were aged and used during the

filming each with its nuanced feel

and look necessary to span the

film’s timeframe. It’s that level of

detail and dedication that brings

characters to life so believably.”

Conversely, after a stay in

India for sourcing, or if he has

been working on a Bollywood

film (past work includes Dil

Chahta Hai, Zindagi Na Milegi

Dobara and Baar Baar Dekho),

Bhasin draws inspiration

effortlessly from his experiences

and influences overseas. In fact,

he made his mark in Bollywood

with Dil Chahta Hai by bringing a

With almost 20 years experience in the

industry, Bhasin has cultivated lasting

relationships with tailors, embroiderers

and other highly-skilled artisans in India.

young, relaxed but contemporary

look to the Indian screen like

dressing the characters in hip

t-shirts, fitted suits along with

traditional clothing to reflect a

more modern India. The crosspollination

of influences and

inspirations is something Bhasin

is always looking to explore and

draw-upon for each new project.

Bhasin sites Mangaldas

Market, the overwhelming

wholesale fabric maze, in

south Mumbai as the nucleus

of most costume ideas. Bales of

cotton, fields of chiffon, walls

of embroideries and piles of

neatly folded linen are packed

into 9 narrow lanes. With almost

20 years experience in the

industry, Bhasin has cultivated

lasting relationships with

tailors, embroiderers and other

highly-skilled artisans in India.

“I always look forward to that

creative process that can only

occur when I have a true give and

take in the relationship. These

artisans are so experienced and

when I can present some crazy

idea or pattern I may have seen

on some young kids in Berlin or

the Lower Eastside of New York,

they are open and excited to push

48 49

ARJUN BHASIN

Top

Wedding scene,

‘Monsoon Wedding’

by director

Mira Nair.

Right

Bhasin, sitting in

one of Delhi’s best

preserved baolis

or step-wells of

the centuries-old

Agrasen Ki Baoli.

their skills and make something

special and unique. It’s incredibly

satisfying and fun.”

And not forgetting the other

senses, our conversation shifts

to food, “Of course, while at

Mangaldas I always make time

to either eat at Rajasthani Thali

which has the most amazing

Gujarati food, or the treasure

that is Britannia & Co for some

delicious Parsi cuisine such as

dhansak (a lentil, vegetable and

meat curry drawing inspiration

from Persia and Gujarat). After

the market and lunch something

less hectic is probably in order

so I might also stop by some of

the contemporary shops in the

area such as Bungalow 8. Mumbai

can be exhausting since it’s so

full on but I find that especially

after spending time out of the

country, nothing awakens the

senses like India. It almost

makes everywhere else seem

monochromatic!”

That cross-pollination of

worlds and design is the life

Bhasin knows so well. A world

traveller either for work or play,

or challenging himself with

different visual mediums from

stage to screen big and small,

Bhasin is a thriving example

of how a life lived in design

flourishes by fully stimulating all

the senses.

ARJUN BHASIN

อาร์จัน บาซิน คือนักออกแบบเครื่อง

แต่งกายระดับสากล ผู้ค้นหาแรงบันดาลใจ

ในการออกแบบจากประเทศบ้านเกิด

สำหรับเขา อินเดียเต็มไปด้วยสิ่งที ่คาด

ไม่ถึง สีสันฉูดฉาด รวมถึงการผสมผสาน

ที่ไม่น่าจะเข้ากันได้ สิ่งเหล่านี้ทำให้

อินเดียเป็นดั่งศูนย์รวมแรงบันดาลใจ

ชั ้นเลิศของโลก

อาร์จัน บาซิน ทำงานในวงการ

ออกแบบเสื้อผ้ามาเป็นเวลากว่า 20 ปี

ตั้งแต่เริ่มเป็นเด็กฝึกงานหลังจากจบ

การศึกษาจาก Tisch School of Arts

แห่งมหาวิทยาลัยนิวยอร์ก ปัจจุบันเขา

ออกแบบเครื่องแต่งกายให้กับภาพยนตร์

คอมเมดี้ฆาตกรรมเรื่อง The Happytime

Murders โดย ไบร์อัน เฮนสัน และซีรีส์

Divorce ทางช่อง HBO เขาเล่าให้ฟังว่า

แรงบันดาลใจในการออกแบบเสื้อผ้าของ

เขาอยู่ที่ประเทศอินเดีย ที่สุดแล้วเขาจำเป็น

ต้องกลับมาสัมผัสความซับซ้อนของเนื้อ

ผ้า งานปัก และเครื่องประดับด้วยตัวเองที่

มุมไบเท่านั้น

อาร์จันสั่งสมความรู้เรื่องผ้าทอมือ

อันมีที่มาซับซ้อนมาตลอดชีวิตของเขา

ช่วงที่ทำงานร่วมกับผู้กำกับระดับโลก

อย่างอั้ง ลี่ ในภาพยนตร์เรื่อง Life of Pi

เขาใส่ใจทุกรายละเอียดด้วยการนำ

ศิลปะการแต่งกายของอินเดียมาเผย

แพร่ให้ชาวโลกได้รับรู้ผ่านเสื้อกูร์ตาที่

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200 ตัว

ขณะเดียวกันเขาได้สร้างมิติใหม่ให้

กับวงการภาพยนตร์บอลลีวู้ด ด้วย

การให้ตัวละครในภาพยนตร์สวมใส่

เสื้อยืดสุดฮิปและชุดสูทเนี้ยบควบคู่ไป

กับเสื้อผ้าอินเดียขนานแท้เพื่อสะท้อน

ความทันสมัยสไตล์ภารตะ

ณ ตลาดแมงกัลดัสทางตอนใต้

ของมุมไบที่คลาคล่ำไปด้วยมัดฝ้าย

ผ้าชีฟอง ผ้าปักแขวนเต็มผนัง และ

ผ้าลินินพับพาดเรียงรายเต็มสอง

ข้างทาง อาร์จันเล่าว่า ช่างฝีมือที่นี่

มากด้วยประสบการณ์และพร้อมเปิด

ใจรับความคิดแปลกประหลาดของเขา

เสมอ จนสามารถรังสรรค์ออกมา

เป็นชิ้นงานพิเศษและมีเอกลักษณ์

อย่างเหลือเชื่อ

แน่นอนว่าไม่อาจหลีกเลี่ยงเรื่อง

อาหารการกินพ้น อาร์จันมักหาเวลา

แวะทานอาหารที่ร้านราชาสถานธาลี

ที่ๆ เสิร์ฟอาหารคุชราตเลิศรส ส่วน

ร้านโปรดอีกแห่งที่เขาจะพลาดไม่ได้

คือร้าน Britannia & Co สำหรับลิ้ม

รสอาหารปาร์ซีอันโอชะ จากนั้นแวะ

ร้านร่วมสมัยอย่าง Bungalow 8 เพื่อ

ผ่อนคลายตัวเองหลังจากเมืองมุมไบได้

ดูดพลังเขาไปอย่างมหาศาล อาร์จัน

ยอมรับว่ายังไม่ชินกับการใช้ชีวิตที่นี่นัก

เนื่องจากเขาย้ายไปอาศัยอยู่ต่างแดน

เป็นเวลานาน อย่างไรก็ตาม เขาไม่อาจ

ปฏิเสธได้เลยว่า อินเดียคือดินแดน

ที่สามารถเปิดประสาทสัมผัสทั้ง

ร่างกายและจิตวิญญาณของเขาได้

อย่างแท้จริง

อาร์จัน บาซิน เป็นนักเดินทางที่เต็มที่

กับงาน การใช้ชีวิต เขามักท้าทายความ

สามารถของตัวเองเสมอ ไม่ว่าจะเป็น

งานคอสตูมในละครเวทีและภาพยนตร์

จอเงิน ไม่เกี่ยงว่าจะเป็นสเกลเล็กหรือใหญ่

เขาคือตัวอย่างของนักใช้ชีวิตท่ามกลาง

การออกแบบที่อาศัยประสาทสัมผัส

อันซับซ้อนได้อย่างเต็มอิ่มและเปี่ยม

ประสิทธิภาพ

ขวาบน

คอสตูมที่อาร์จัน บาซิน

ออกแบบให้กับละครเวที

เรื่อง มอนซูน เวดดิ้ง โดย

ผู้กำกับ ไมรา แนร์

ขวาล่าง

ภาพสเก็ตช์เสื้อผ้า

สำหรับตัวละคร

ชาย-หญิงใน

มอนซูน เวดดิ้ง

ซ้ายบน

วันสบายๆ ของอาร์จัน

บาซิน นักออกแบบ

คอสตูมชื่อดังชาวอินเดีย

ซ้ายล่าง

รายละเอียดเนื้อผ้าที่เขา

ใช้กับผลงานดีไซน์เสื้อผ้า

HOLISTIC TREATMENT

NEW HOPE FOR SPINE PATIENTS

Back pain, neck pain, shoulder

pain or pain in any part of the

body may not be as insignificant

an issue as people might think,

especially for patients who normally

buy medicine independently, or

just go to their local reflexology/

massage studio for the treatment

of such pain. When the pain

becomes more severe and

ultimately chronic, patients may

end up having to undergo surgery.

With a commitment to giving

patients options, the Bangkok

Spine Academy at Bangkok

Hospital offers a range

of diagnostic procedures

recommended by an experienced

multidisciplinary team to identify

the source of the pain and ensure

a more effective treatment.

“Patients will come to the hospital only

when their symptoms are severe,” says

Dr. Sarij Srisuparp, Director of the

Bangkok Spine Academy at Bangkok

Hospital. “Backache ruins daily routines.

For example, sitting in an office for an

hour or so is no longer possible for

patients – after sitting for only 30 minutes,

they need to get up and stretch their

bodies. Within the first 1-2 days after

experiencing such pain, patients tend

to take painkillers. The pain may then

subside because most of it comes

from muscle problems. However, if

the back pain occurs deeper than the

muscle layer and it involves nerves,

painkillers may not offer much relief.

Taking painkillers for a long time also

results in bad health,” he says.

Dr. Sarij continues: “The use of

painkillers will relieve the symptoms,

but the cause of the pain remains. In

addition, the nature of the pain depends

on how the patient describes it, such

as pain that feels like ants crawling on

you, pain that feels like ice touching your

skin, or pain like being hit by nails. The

physician must pay attention to and

process such information for accurate

diagnosis in each patient.”

For this reason, the Bangkok Spine

Academy at Bangkok Hospital offers

patients a holistic treatment by its multidisciplinary

health care team. Dr. Marvin

Thepsoparn (Pain Intervention

Specialist) adds: “Doctors will investigate

the cause of the pain by asking for the

patient’s history, and conducting a physical

examination including a chest X-ray or

MRI scan for additional data to determine

several possible pain intervention

approaches such as taking symptom-

specific medication, resting, taking an

anti-inflammatory medication injection

guided by X-rays and ultrasound

waves, or radiofrequency ablation.”

In the old days, after a patient was

treated according to the level of pain,

his or her symptoms could return. This

would be because the patient could

not change a daily routine or because

of aging. The last treatment step was

usually surgery. Due to the limitations

of medical technology in the past,

which did not always facilitate the

best treatment and did not incorporate

the most up-to-date knowledge, some

patients were not completely cured and

their physical and mental condition

actually deteriorated. To fix this problem,

the Bangkok Spine Academy at

Bangkok Hospital, which adheres to

the international standards established

by Joint Commission International (JCI)

in the United States, is strongly

committed to finding the real source of

a patient’s pain. In doing this, the surgeon

can learn more about the specific area

targeted for surgery and will not

operate beyond the necessary areas.

“With modern techniques in spinal

surgery, using tools such as highmagnification

microscopes, doctors

are able to see the nerves and pathology

that need to be corrected. A small

incision can be performed safely, using

the Stealth Navigation System, which

precisely positions and tracks the

location of surgical instruments

throughout a procedure, and also

Intraoperative Monitoring (IOM),

a tool for monitoring the nervous

system during surgery that warns the

doctor if a nerve is touched during

the procedure, enabling more efficient

surgery, says Dr. Sarij.

Dr. Marvin also adds that “The

synergy between physicians who are

specialised in each relevant area enables

the diagnosis to be more specific. After

they have had surgery, we as pain

interventionists have another primary

mission: to get the patient back to

normal life as quickly as possible.”

‘การรักษาแบบองค์รวม’

ความหวังใหม่ของคนไข้โรคกระดูกสันหลัง

อาการปวดหลัง ปวดคอบ่าไหล่ตามจุดต่างๆ

อาจไม่ใช่เรื่องเล็กอย่างที่คิด โดยเฉพาะผู้ป่วยที่

นิยมการซื้อยาทานเองหรือไปนวดกดจุด

สุดท้ายเมื่ออาการปวดเรื้อรังและรุนแรงมากขึ้น

หลายรายอาจต้องลงเอยการรักษาด้วยการ

ผ่าตัด ด้วยความมุ่งมั่น สถาบันโรคกระดูกสันหลัง

กรุงเทพ โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพจึงนำเสนอวิธี

การรักษาที่ใช้การประมวลคำวินิจฉัยของแพทย์

ผู้เชี่ยวชาญหลากหลายสาขา เพื่อสืบหาสาเหตุ

และระบุแหล่งกำเนิดของอาการปวดเพื่อการ

รักษาที่มีประสิทธิผลมากขึ้น

“คนไข้จะมาโรงพยาบาลก็ต่อเมื่ออาการค่อน

ข้างหนักแล้ว” นพ.สาริจฉ์ ศรีสุภาพ ผู้อำนวยการ

สถาบันโรคกระดูกสันหลังกรุงเทพ โรงพยาบาล

กรุงเทพ “ระยะแรกคนไข้มักกินยาแก้ปวดแล้วอาจ

ทุเลาลงเพราะส่วนใหญ่เกิดปัญหาที่กล้ามเนื้อ แต่

หากการปวดหลังที่ลึกกว่าชั้นกล้ามเนื้อและ

เกี่ยวข้องกับเส้นประสาท ยาแก้ปวดอาจช่วย

บรรเทาไม่ได้ และส่งผลเสียต่อสุขภาพ ฉะนั้น

แพทย์ต้องวินิจฉัยต้นเหตุของความปวดให้ได้”

ด้วยเหตุนี้ สถาบันโรคกระดูกสันหลัง

กรุงเทพ โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพจึงรักษาผู้ป่วย

แบบองค์รวม ด้วยการทำงานร่วมกันเป็นทีมของ

แพทย์ผู้เชี่ยวชาญหลากหลายสาขา นพ. มาร์วิน

เทพโสพรรณ แพทย์ผู้เชี่ยวชาญในการรักษา

อาการปวด อธิบายเพิ่มเติมว่า “แพทย์จะซัก

ประวัติ ตรวจร่างกาย ส่งเอกซเรย์หรือสแกน

เอ็มอาร์ไอคนไข้เพื่อนำข้อมูลมาประมวลหาวิธี

ระงับความปวด ซึ่งคนไข้อาจไม่จำเป็นต้องเข้า

รับการผ่าตัดตามวิธีดั้งเดิม”

BANGKOK SPINE ACADEMY

ด้วยข้อจำกัดทางเทคโนโลยีการแพทย์ใน

สมัยก่อน ในหลายกรณีคนไข้จึงยังไม่หายขาดจาก

อาการปวดหลัง เพื่อแก้ไขปัญหานี้ สถาบันโรค

กระดูกสันหลังกรุงเทพ โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพ ซึ่ง

ยึดมาตรฐานสากลในการรักษาเฉพาะทางด้าน

โรคปวดหลังจาก JCI สหรัฐอเมริกา จึงให้ความ

สำคัญกับการค้นหาจุดเจ็บที่แท้จริง ด้วยวิธี

Pain Intervention เพื่อหาเส้นประสาทที่มี

ปัญหา แล้วจึงเริ่มต้นการรักษา

แม้ว่าสุดท้ายแล้วคนไข้จำเป็นต้องได้รับการ

ผ่าตัด ผลการรักษาก็น่าพอใจมากขึ้น “ด้วยความ

ทันสมัยของกล้อง Microscope และระบบนำวิถี

Stealth Navigation System ที่บอกตำแหน่งขณะ

กำลังผ่าตัดจริงได้แม่นยำขึ้น รวมทั้งมีเครื่องมือ

ติดตามการทำงานของระบบประสาทขณะผ่าตัด

ช่วยให้แผลผ่าตัดเล็ก ใช้เวลาสั้นลง เสียเลือดน้อยลง

การฟื้นตัวจึงเร็วขึ้นไปด้วย” นพ.สาริจฉ์กล่าว

นพ. มาร์วิน กล่าวทิ้งท้ายว่า “การประสานงาน

ของแพทย์ผู้เชี่ยวชาญเฉพาะทางในแต่ละด้าน

ช่วยให้การวินิจฉัยได้ผลจำเพาะเจาะจงมากขึ้น

คนไข้มีทางเลือกในการรักษามากขึ้น เพราะหาก

รักษาไม่ถูกจุดหรือผ่าตัดเร็วหรือช้าเกินไป

นอกจากอาการปวดจะไม่บรรเทาแล้ว ยังอาจได้

รับผลเสียมากกว่าที่ควร ในฐานะแพทย์ เรา

ตระหนักเสมอว่าหน้าที่ของเราคือทำให้คนไข้

กลับไปใช้ชีวิตตามปกติให้เร็วที่สุด”

www.bangkokhospital.com

Tel. 1719

BANGKOK HOSPITAL

Soi Soonvijai 7, New Petchburi Road

54 55

DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL

Wedding

Wanderlust

Couples are opting to break from tradition

and marry far from home, bringing friends

and family to exotic locales for memorable

nuptials. We take our readers on the romance

with practical tips required and a passport for a

destination wedding.

Photos Tourism Authority of Thailand

Words Chusri Ngamprasert

hanks to social media, the

world gets smaller and

distances shrink. Postings

from friends, families and

celebrities show dream weddings in

scenic locations far from home –

brought even closer via Instagram,

Twitter or Facebook.

My first destination wedding was

when my best friend arranged her

wedding in a traditional Thai teak

house in Ayutthaya instead of a fancy

hotel in Bangkok a decade ago. The

bride looked graceful and stunning

in her traditional Thai-style wedding

outfit while her French groom looked

exotic and elegant. With a casual

and traditional Thai wedding theme,

guests wore colourful Thai ensembles

that kept them cool in Thailand’s hot

and humid weather. Happy smiles

and joyous laughter from friends

and families of a cosy wedding

surrounded by nostalgic ambience

remains beautifully engraved in

memory.

DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL

Top

Fairytale weddings in

Thailand are made up

of the vivid colours of

the tropics. Couples

can create special

memories in scenic

island settings or

any other romantic

background as

Thailand has them all.

Bottom

A wedding getaway

lets couples engage

in any fantasy

or indulgence they

have for their big day.

Planning a wedding is a task

not for the faint of heart and for

a destination wedding; the bride

and groom would have to plan it

well to make it happen smoothly.

“Isn’t it easier to have a wedding

close to home? Isn’t it cheaper

and more convenient for guests

if you wed in the hotel or a fancy

restaurant in your neighbourhood?

Why don’t you pick the closest

venue that can accommodate

hundreds of our families’ guests?”

Loads of questions abound from

friends and family and leads to

the one big option: ‘Why not a

destination wedding?’

Kevin Lee, founder of Kevin Lee

Productions, who’s one of the top

wedding planners in the United

States says that “a lot of people

would like to go to a destination

wedding. Why? Let’s say you live

in Bangkok - you have been to

20 different Bangkok weddings.

They are all pretty much alike.

Every wedding tends to be the

same. That’s why you want to

marry somewhere like Chiang Mai

or Phuket or different islands,

different cities. You would like (the

wedding) to feel different.” Lee has

designed weddings and events for

A-list celebrities and seen them

attended by the likes of Bill Clinton,

Barack Obama, Brad Pitt, Oprah

Winfrey, Tom Cruise and many

other Hollywood stars.

“That’s why there are so many

times young people look for a

destination wedding – because

they are bored with the same old

thing that happens over and over.

They are bored with the same

environment so they are looking

for a destination location. At the

same time, when you invite all

your friends, you would like to

have the best time with your

friends,” says Lee, whose exuberant

personality creates equally vibrant

events. “Once your mind is set for a

destination wedding, there are a lot

of things to consider because it is

rather more overwhelming than a

traditional wedding close to home,

especially when you’re organising

and arranging so many details

from afar.

At the same time, the farther the

venue is, the costlier it obviously

is when considering the price of

flight tickets and accommodation.

If you just want to get away from

your humdrum environment, going

local is not a bad idea. Sumant

Jayakrishnan, owner of Scenografia

Sumant in Delhi shares tips for

choosing a venue for a destination

wedding. “You are looking for a

place where you don’t have to travel

too much - is it one stop or two

stops? Too much travel and the

guests may not come. The place

should also have the ability to have

“Every wedding tends to be the same. That’s why you

want to marry somewhere like Chiang Mai or Phuket

or different islands, different cities.”

flexibility. It is not good for a place

to be too isolated. The place should

have a vibe and energy of its own. It

has to be exotic, that not everyone

has travelled to.” Jayakrishnan is

an expert on such logistics since

the profession of a scenographer

involves stage design on a TV or

movie set or any event that calls

for space design. “A particular

generation of young people would

like going to places where they

can also party. After the (wedding)

party, they can go to the club.”

So it’s easy to conclude after

talking to the experts that decisions

should be made on the type of

ceremony you want: a small cosy

wedding party with close family

and friends or a big major party

with everyone you’ve known since

primary school. These details

would eventually determine the

kind of stylised theme for your

wedding and also the style of your

wedding outfit.

“An Indian destination wedding

is usually big – it is not small.

European destination weddings

involve a small group of people.

Some of the Indian weddings I

have worked on have had six,

seven or eight hundred people for

a destination. For some people –

which is very few – less is more.

For most Indian clients, more is

more,” says Jayakrishnan with a

smile, who designed one of the

grandest destination wedding for

the daughter of London-based

billionaires Bina and Pramod

Agarwal in Venice with over

800 guests.

“For the wedding day, there

are a lot of things that you have

to think about: the food, the

services, the waiters, the drinks,

the lights, the music, the locations,

the weather. The components;

everything has to (come) together,”

says Lee.

To avoid a destination wedding

nightmare, the bride and groom

have to prepare early, at least

one year before the wedding date.

You have to investigate potential

venues and it is best to visit the

venues at least twice before making

a decision. Check out whether

the venues on your list have onsite

wedding coordinators or a

trustworthy wedding planner.

Top

Fields of blooming

red lotus flowers

and other exuberant

places in nature

provide the perfect

romantic backdrop

that can only be

found in Thailand.

Left

There’s a reason

why so many

lovebirds

choose islands

as a wedding

destination.

Stunning views are

endless possibilities

for creating the

perfect photograph.

58 59

DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL

How to Get

If they do, your destination

wedding would be less stressful to

plan. It is a good idea to check out

reviews from other couples using

their services.

You should learn about the price,

transportation, accommodation and

facilities for you and your guests.

Find out whether any of your guests

need special help or requirements

like a wheelchair or an infant crib.

Things like these can be arranged

with the hotel in advance. It is also

a nice gesture to investigate activity

options to please a wide range of

ages and interests for your guests.

You should also find out what

paperwork you'll need to bring to

process your marriage license and

how you could obtain it.

Send out save-the-date cards

at least four to six months before the

wedding day, so your guests could

make a decision whether to join

or not. It’s a good idea to set up a

wedding website or Facebook page

to keep guests informed of details like

flight and hotel special rates, how to

book, what to pack and the itinerary

of the event. If you plan to wed in a

foreign land, add information about

the local culture, passport and visa

enquiries, and so on.

Also, plan a follow-up reception

when you arrive home so your

friends and relatives who couldn’t

manage the trip would not feel left

out. Invite them for a sit-down

dinner at a nice local restaurant or

a small party at your place. Simply

prepare wedding photos and videos

to share with them so they feel as if

they were there.

Top

Couples find

adventure when

they have a

destination

wedding. Together,

they leave the

comfort of home

and embark on an

new exploration as

a united couple.

Left

Ideal spots like

this colourful pond

provide endless

possibilities to

create romantic

memories.

Why Getting Married in

Thailand is Unforgettable

Anuja Jaggi and Vaibhav Varma

Originally from India, the couple from Dubai wedded at Anantara Riverside, Bangkok

“Why chose Thailand? We really wanted a destination wedding. Thailand

was a perfect fit because it has good (transport) connectivity for guests

coming from all over. In addition, Thailand offered the best of both worlds.

We could pull off a traditional wedding while offering guests something

new. We got a great variety of food (Indian and international), décor,

entertainment and venues that made Thailand our prime choice.”

Anzhelika Timanina and Ivan Vasilenkov

Anzhelika, an Olympic champion and synchronised swimmer

from Russia and her husband, Ivan

“Ivan and I love this country. And I love to travel so my dream was to have

a wedding in a place (that’s) a paradise. Koh Samui is the best place for it.

Thai people are very friendly and smiley. They took care of everything

just straight after we got off the plane. We had two different weddings,

European style and Thai. The first one was held in the hall of the W hotel

with an amazing view, flowers, our favourite music and the presence of our

friends. The Thai ceremony was held in the hotel Santhiya on Koh Phangan.

We decided one day to go back to Koh Phangan. After our Thai ceremony,

we planted a tree in the garden of the hotel. We wanted to see how it’s

growing. This is very romantic.

Ultimate Destination

What is the best time of the

year for the wedding ceremony

in Thailand?

With its versatile climate,

Thailand has multiple

destinations for a wedding at

almost anytime of the year.

Phuket offers some amazing

weather during November till

March, while Koh Samui, just

some 300km away, has its best

season from March to August.

The northern gem of

Chiang Mai has lovely cool

seasons from December

to February with beautiful

evening breezes and mild

temperatures during the day.

In short, any time of the

year is great as long as you find

your perfect dream location.

What is so special about

having a wedding in Thailand?

It’s easy to say everything

is special with a destination

in Thailand: the charm of

the culture, the warmth

of people and hospitality,

Wedding

Wedding Bliss Thailand, one of the top destination wedding planners

in Thailand, offers some tips for lovebirds wishing to have their

dream wedding in a tropical paradise.

some of the best food in the

world, breath-taking views

and 5-star locations. Since

the majority of weddings

in Thailand are destination

weddings, it’s also an amazing

way to combine a holiday

with your friends or maybe your

honeymoon with your wedding,

which creates a truly unique

experience for couples.

How to pick the venue?

Picking the venue is one of

the fun parts of wedding

planning, and it all boils down

to what resonates with the

couple’s personalities. There

are 2 major general types

of wedding venues: hotels

and private villas. Luxury

hotels offer opportunities

of gathering a big party of

people staying together

and the perks of being based

in a 24/7 service facilities

with impeccable service.

Private villas, at the same time,

offer more flexibility with

timings, vendor choices and,

naturally, more privacy for

your special day.

What can one expect for a

destination wedding?

Definitely expect lots of

fun! You can think outside

the wedding day and have

a weekend full of pre- or postwedding

activities – with

yacht trips, area exploration,

cooking classes or spa days.

We even had couples organising

week-long adventure games

for all their friends!

On a more practical note:

be prepared for warm weather:

think light fabrics for your

gowns and suits, make sure to

order enough refreshments,

and have places for your guests

to chill.

How should couples

communicate with the

wedding planner to get a

dream wedding?

Be honest with your wishes,

but be open to suggestions.

You have dreams that your

wedding planner turns into a

vision, and later into reality,

so have trust and faith in the

team you chose!

Best way to communicate

your ideas is through visuals,

so gather all the things you

love on your Pinterest board.

They don’t have to be all

wedding-related: textures,

colours, shapes, mood, food,

- whatever you feel like

resonates with your idea of the

day, and watch the way it all

comes to life!

How does the bride deal with

the wedding dress and the

makeup?

For your destination wedding

in Thailand, choose light

and breathable fabrics:

natural materials are always

the best. Flowy and elegant

silhouettes look more organic

with beach or tropical views,

rather than princess-style

gowns. Whenever possible, do

a make-up and hair trial of

your wedding look to ensure

you’re totally happy with

it before the wedding day.

Foundation on your face is

of paramount importance,

it needs to feel light, yet be

very long-lasting to be safe in

tropical heat.

DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL

ตามเข็มนาฬิกา

จากขวาบน

ไม่ว่าชาติไหนก็สามารถ

จดทะเบียนสมรสอย่าง

ถูกต้องตามกฎหมาย

สากลได้ในประเทศไทย

อาหารสำรับไทยตกแต่ง

อย่างประณีตสำหรับ

งานเลี้ยงรับรอง

ภาพสุดโรแมนติก คู่รัก

กับฉากหลังยามอาทิตย์

อัสดงริมชายหาด

ท้องทะเลไทย

ทุ่งนาสีเขียวสดกับเซ็ตติ้ง

งานแต่งที่เข้าถึงวิถีไทยแท้

“ทำไมต้องจัดงานแต่งงานนอกสถานที ่ จัดที่

โรงแรมไม่สะดวกกว่าเหรอ หาที่ใกล้ๆ น่าจะดี

กว่า” คำถามร้อยแปดผุดขึ้นมา พร้อมกับอีก

คำถามที่ว่า “แล้วทำไมจะจัดงานแต่งงานนอก

สถานที่ไม่ได้” เควิน ลี นักวางแผนจัดงาน

แต่งงานระดับโลก ผู้เคยสร้างสรรค์เวทีออสการ์

และจัดงานแต่งให้กับบรรดาลูกค้าระดับ

เอ-ลิสต์ ของโลก อาทิ บารัค โอบามา แบรด

พิตต์ ทอม ครูซ และอีกมากมาย กล่าวว่า คน

รุ่นใหม่ต้องการงานแต่งงานที่รู้สึกแตกต่าง

เพื่อใช้เวลาร่วมกับเพื่อนๆ ให้คุ้มค่ามากที่สุด

แต่การจัดงานแต่งงานนอกสถานที่ก็มีราย

ละเอียดให้จัดการมากกว่า ยิ่งสถานที่ไกลมาก

เท่าไหร่ ค่าเดินทางและค่าที่พักก็สูงขึ้นเป็นเงา

ตามตัว สุมันต์ จายากริชนัน เจ้าของ

Scenografia Sumant บริษัทออร์แกไนเซอร์

จัดงานในนิวเดลี ประเทศอินเดีย ให้ข้อคิดว่า

สถานที่ควรมีความยืดหยุ่น ไม่ตัดขาดจากโลก

ภายนอกมากเกินไป แต่ต้องไม่ค่อยมีคนไป

เที่ยวชมเท่าไรนัก ดังนั้นเจ้าของงานต้องระบุ

ลักษณะงานแต่งงานให้ชัด เพื่อที่จะได้เลือก

สถานที่และรายละเอียดลำดับต่อไปให้เหมาะสม

มีหลายสิ่งที่คู่บ่าวสาวต้องคำนึงถึงในวัน

แต่งงาน ทั้งเรื่องอาหาร การบริการ เครื่อง

ดื่ม สถานที่ และสภาพอากาศ บ่าวสาวจึง

ควรเตรียมการล่วงหน้าอย่างน้อยหนึ่งปี ถ้า

สถานที่จัดงานมีผู้ประสานงานที่เชื่อถือได้

งานก็จะง่ายขึ้นมาก นอกจากนี ้ยังต้องหา

ข้อมูลเรื่องราคา การเดินทาง ที่พัก และสิ่ง

อำนวยความสะดวกอื่นๆ ประกอบด้วย

อนุจา จักกี และ วัยบัฟ วาร์มา เจ้าบ่าว

และเจ้าสาวจากดูไบเลือกจัดงานแต่งงานที่

อนันตราริเวอร์ไซด์ กรุงเทพมหานคร ด้วย

เหตุผลที่ว่า ประเทศไทยมีการเชื่อมต่อการ

เดินทางที่สามารถรองรับผู้ร่วมงานจากทั่ว

โลกได้ ทั้งคู่สามารถจัดงานแต่งตาม

ประเพณีดั้งเดิม พร้อมกับให้ความรู้สึก

แปลกใหม่แก่ผู้ที่มาร่วมงานไปพร้อมๆ กัน

ประเทศไทยถือเป็นตัวเลือกอันดับแรกๆ

ของคู่แต่งงานจำนวนมากเลยก็ว่าได้

เนื่องจากบ้านเรามีอาหารให้เลือกหลาก

หลาย การออกแบบตกแต่งที่สวยงาม

นอกจากนี้ยังเต็มไปด้วยความบันเทิง และ

สถานที่ที่เหมาะสม

สถานที่จัดงานแต่งงานในประเทศไทยมี

ให้เลือกหลากหลายไม่ว่าจะจัดขึ้นในช่วงไหน

ของปี มนต์เสน่ห์แห่งวัฒนธรรม ความ

อบอุ่นของผู้คน อาหารที่เรียกได้เต็มปากว่า

ดีที่สุดในโลก ทิวทัศน์ที่สะกดทุกลมหายใจ

และสถานที่จัดงานระดับห้าดาว แค่คิดก็สนุก

แล้ว เมื่อนึกถึงภาพกิจกรรมวันหยุดทั้งก่อน

และหลังวันแต่งงาน

ด้วยรางวัลการันตีคุณภาพอย่างรางวัล

ผู้วางแผนจัดงานแต่งงานนอกสถานที่ดีเด่น

จาก Asia and Australia Luxury Travel

Award 2017 เดอะ เวดดิ้ง บลิส ไทยแลนด์

นับเป็นมืออาชีพด้านการจัดงานแต่งงานนอก

สถานที ่ ที่ใส่ใจทุกรายละเอียดพร้อมสไตล์

ระดับเวิร์ลคลาส เพียงบอกความต้องการ

ผู้เชี่ยวชาญก็จะสร้างสรรค์งานแต่งงานสุด

พิเศษขึ้นมา พร้อมกับดูแลตั้งแต่กระบวนการ

แรกเริ่มจนเสร็จสิ้นงานมงคลสมรส ด้วย

ความเชื่อที ่ว่าการแต่งงานไม่ใช่งานเลี้ยง

ธรรมดา ทว่าเป็นเรื่องราวแห่งความรักที่คน

สองคนจะจดจำไปตราบนานเท่านาน

Planning a Perfect

Destination Wedding in Thailand

THE WEDDING BLISS THAILAND

Once-in-a-lifetime event, a

wedding needs an attentive

and caring eye looking after

it, that’s why a wedding

planner role is so important.

The Wedding Bliss Thailand

has everything you can look

for: style, class, an eye for

details, and world-class

professionalism. Clients

from all over the world trust

their expertise, and Lesley,

a beautiful bride who chose

Thailand for her destination

wedding, was one of them.

She quickly understood the

full advantage of having a

wedding planner, and couldn’t

be happier with The Wedding

Bliss Thailand: “Recognise that

you can’t do everything! I’m

a control freak and wanted to

do everything but I realised I

couldn’t. Have faith in your

planners and your bridal party

– they are your best friends

for a reason.”

After all, the wedding is all

about you and your love. Your

ability to relax and immerse

yourself in this atmosphere of

joy, happiness and celebration

is incredibly valuable. “During

the wedding weekend or day,

take quiet moments away for

yourself and your partner to

really enjoy it all,” says Lesley

and we can’t but agree!

With their unceasing

passion, The Wedding Bliss

Thailand conceptualise unique

ideas, attend to the smallest

details and oversee wedding

planning process from the

beginning to the end. A part

of exclusive Destination

Wedding Planner Congress

community and Winners of

Asia and Australia Luxury

Travel Award 2017 as Best

Destination Wedding Planner,

they understand that weddings

are not just an event, but a

part of a unique and beautiful

love story, one that will be

cherished in a family history

for years to come and deserves

this extra special touch they’re

always ready to offer.

Destination Wedding Planner

THAILAND & BEYOND

jess@theweddingblissthiland.com

www.theweddingblissthailand.com

+66 (0) 94 364 6642

DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL

Dreamy Island

Landscapes and An

Unforgettable “I Do”

Where Should You

Get Married?

From warm, sandy beaches to astoundingly blue to green waters, check out our

list of the best locales in Thailand to say ‘I do.’ We include everything you need

to know about the best resorts for your needs, to the heaven-sent coordinators

that do all the legwork to make your destination wedding less stressful,

including all the unique and possible ways to exchange your wedding vows.

ANANTARA MAI KHAO

Beach weddings are the

ultimate experience to

remember forever. At the

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket

Villas, saying “I do” means

being surrounded by blue

skies and cerulean waters in

lush island landscapes. The

property sits on the longest

stretch of beach on the island,

called Mai Khao. Given its

advantageous location, the

white sand’s infinite view

creates a dreamy landscape.

It is bordered by the verdant

green of Sirinath National

Park, adding further to the

ambiance of full romance and

the feel of a private hideaway.

Exchange vows on the beach,

in the gardens or at one of

many indoor venues for a

true Phuket wedding, as the

Anantara promises the perfect

intimate setting. Whether it’s

a Thai or Western ceremony,

experienced coordinators

and staff are on hand to

help plan every memorable

step. Wedding couples

can have their nuptials in

an elegantly familiar way

that’s meaningful or choose

to declare vows in the

Thai traditional way with

ceremonies that symbolically

bind two people together,

complete with the pouring

of scented water in the

resort setting that’s also

reminiscent of a traditional

Thai village. With such

unforgettable settings at

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket

Villas, dreams can come true

and be brought to life.

BREATH-TAKING CHOICES AT ANANTARA LAWANA

With a range of magnificent wedding venues available at Anantara Lawana

Koh Samui Resort, you can marry on the beach, on the Grand Sea View Terrace,

or on the Rooftop with its breath-taking views. Being in the great outdoors,

the gentle fragrance of garlands and flowers add to the ambiance of the day.

Following your marriage ceremony, sip on refreshing cocktails whilst

sharing everlasting moments with either your partner or with family and

friends, and finally ending the evening with a romantic dinner for two or

making it an unforgettable gala dinner. To find out more, contact a dedicated

wedding consultant on T: +66 (0) 77 960 333 or Email: wedding@anantara.com

LIFE IS A JOURNEY.

wedding@anantara.com

www.phuket.anantara.com

+66 (0) 76 336 100

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY AT CELES

Having your special occasion simply requires taking a walk of

a few seconds that take you to a white sand beach with its row

upon row of coconut trees. The multi-purpose venue at Celes has

modern and stylish furnishings to make the event memorable.

The setting is just right whether you are planning an anniversary

celebration, a wedding, or a gathering of friends. Celes also

provides extensive technical equipment that guarantees the best

in audio and visual entertainment. A dedicated team is available

to provide support for an event to run smoothly and ensure it’s a

success from start to finish. T: +66 (0) 77 900 999,

Email: info@celesresorts.com

EXCHANGE VOWS HIGH ABOVE THE RESORT

AT CONRAD KOH SAMUI

What distinguishes the Conrad Koh Samui? It’s not just the

idyllic setting but also the presence of different facilities that

are available for special events. The picturesque beachfront is

especially inviting with the soft white sand dotted with coconut

trees. But it’s the spectacular transparent stage over the sound

of lapping water that makes the location particularly dreamy.

The resort offers another scenic option that includes a ceremony

high above the resort, guaranteeing that your first kiss will be

accompanied by stunning views of the azure sea, dazzling white

beaches, and lush jungles of Koh Samui. T: +66 (0) 77 915 888,

Email: conrad_koh_samui@conradhotels.com

DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL

FLOAT ABOVE THE WATER AT LE MÉRIDIEN

KOH SAMUI RESORT & SPA

Say “I do” in style with an inspiring backdrop literally

floating over the ocean. A wedding at Le Méridien Koh Samui

Resort & Spa unveils the perfect venue to transform a dream

wedding into reality. The resort’s Ocean Pier floating 120

metres over the Gulf of Thailand makes for a memorable

day; the unique setting is a spectacular option for couples

to indulge in romantic private dinners, celebratory sunset

cocktails and intimate wedding ceremonies. A professional

and friendly team is provided, and will cater to every bride’s

needs to ensure that the wedding day is flawless from start

to finish. To create these moments, contact T: +66 (0) 77 960 888,

Email: sales.kohsamui@lemeridien.com

THE COLOURS OF PARADISE AT NIKKI BEACH

Nikki Beach Koh Samui has the picture-perfect sunset

overlooking the surrounding the islands that not only attracts

guests seeking a serene setting, but also those embarking on

a memorable occasion to carry with them for the rest of their lives.

The chance to be married on the spectacular sandy beaches

overlooking the clear blue seas of Thailand is eagerly made

available by resort staff. Couples will be glad to know that events

can be hosted from 20 to 2,000 people.

Ease the stress by working with a wedding planner who’ll

take care of everything such as the flowers, cakes, menu creation,

table linen and décor, spa and beauty services, entertainment,

all the way up to transportation for guests. T: +66 (0) 77 914 500,

Email: enquiry@nikkibeachthailand.com

A ROYAL TREATMENT AT HANSAR

From themed weddings to traditional Thai ceremonies, a Hansar

Samui Resort wedding planner can help cater all your wedding

needs. They’ll offer plenty of options that are considerate of

your budget while ensuring a creative and romantic style like

all brides desire. The Hansar Samui resort offers one of the

best wedding locations along with their team of professionals

who have handled the highest level in guest services. The name

Hansar means happiness and joy in Sanskrit, and the hotel

does their best to ensure that the wedding couple and guests

experience both. T: +66 (0) 77 245 511, reservation@hansarsamui.com

A THAI LANNA WEDDING AT THE

FOUR SEASONS RESORT CHIANG MAI

The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai eases the worry of wedding

planning with specially conceived wedding packages for

couples. Alternatively, if you wish to custom-design your occasion,

Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai event coordinators are ready to

offer expert assistance. Whether you dream of a grand gala or an

intimate gathering, they’ll work with you to provide detailed

ideas to spark your imagination. The result is a wedding that’s

an unforgettably unique event with chance for a Thai Lanna

wedding procession with traditional Thai Lanna music, a blessing

by the Village Elders, a flower bouquet for the bride, and corsages

for the groom and the parents of the bride and groom. A ceremonial

set-up with fresh floral decorations comes complete with a bottle

of champagne for the toast and a 3-tiered wedding cake.

T: +66 (0) 53 298 181, Email: contactus.chiangmai@fourseasons.com

STUNNING BLUE AND LUSH

GREENERY AT THE NAKA

PHUKET

Create your memorable

wedding in paradise when

you choose the romance of

the beach or the welcoming

scenery of a verdant lawn.

The Naka Phuket is the perfect

location for or intimate

wedding ceremonies that

accommodates up to 300

of your friends and family.

A variety of exotic locations

are available from a white

sandy beach to that of a lush

green lawn. Its romance and

uniqueness can be defined

by the fact that it is the only

resort of the island to offer

two natural settings where an

exclusive beach meets with an

unspoiled hillside.

To make sure that the day

runs smoothly, a professional

team of coordinators will be at

the service of the bride while

celebrations and dining can be

tailored to suit all requirements.

T: +66 (0) 76 337 999,

Email: dos@thenakaphuket.com

MAXIMUM ROMANCE AT

THE LIBRARY

Nestled amidst a minimalist

hotel hideaway accented by

a scarlet-red swimming pool

and the deep blue of the sea

beyond, it is nothing short of

breath-taking to arrange a

once-in-a lifetime wedding

at The Library. With a team

of wedding advisors to assist

with every aspect of the big

day, couples can relax in the

knowledge that all important

details have been well taken

care of. From exquisite

flowers and sumptuous

menus to tailor-made

decorations and ultra-chic

accommodations, the Library

will provide ongoing support.

T: +66 (0) 77 422 767-8,

rsvn@thelibrarysamui.com

LOVE CHIC AT PULLMAN PHUKET ARCADIA

A wedding in the modern style property pinpoints the local

beauty of Naithon beach together with a landscape that

offers panoramic views of the ocean. A Phuket wedding here

means an absolute treat for the senses at the resort and

on the beach. The inspiring scenery at this award-winning

Phuket resort is the ideal romantic setting for blissful

nuptials. The Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach offers

various outdoor and indoor venues of different sizes and

ambiance, with fully customised packages for the bride’s

special day.

Further information on wedding packages are available

here T: +66 (0) 76 303 299, pullmanphuketarcadia.com/

wedding-in-phuket/phuket-wedding-packages

DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIAL

Creating the Dream

island wedding

UNFORGETTABLE NUPTIALS AT SANTIBURI

Santiburi Samui offers unmatched romantic beach wedding

packages complemented by personalised services, world-class

accommodation, and delicious cuisine on stunning Koh Samui.

Vows are exchanged with a breath-taking tropical backdrop

to a soundtrack of lapping waves on the champagne shores of

a peaceful bay. Choose a western-style ceremony, or a Thaiinfluenced

blessing. T: +66 (0) 77 425 031, Email: weddings@

santiburi-samui-resort.com

AN ULTIMATE BEACH WEDDING AT THE SHERATON

Celebrate the most romantic day of your life surrounded by the

paradise setting of Sheraton Samui Resort. You’ll feel the love

as you exchange vows on the soft sands of Chaweng Noi beach,

surrounded by swaying palm trees and stunning views of the Gulf of

Siam. The resort plans a seamless experience for family and friends

with comfortable and spacious guest rooms within easy reach of the

island’s airport and cultural attractions. Whether you prefer a Western

or Thai ceremony, a dedicated team of wedding planners will go above

and beyond to ensure that your big day runs smoothly. Wedding

packages at Sheraton Samui Resort start from THB 78,000++.

T: +66 (0) 77 422 020, Email: reservations.kohsamui@sheraton.com

ROMANCE IS IN THE STARS AT VANA BELLE

Unforgettable romantic moments can be spent in a serene cove

on the soft sands of Chaweng Noi beach, one of Koh Samui’s

most sought-after locations. The suites and villas all feature

private pools and contemporary styling that pays homage to

indigenous culture. A couple’s stroll along the serene beach will

see stars reflected on the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Siam.

The property also offers dining that captures the senses with

an authentic menu of local and international flavours. Highly

creative Thai and Western wedding celebrations are options to

create unforgettable memories. T: +66 (0) 77 915 555,

Email: luxurycollection.vanabelle@luxurycollection.com

THE BLISS OF LUSH GREENERY AND

BLUE WATERS OF TONGSAI BAY

A wedding is one of the most auspicious

days in your life and Tongsai Bay is making

it their job to provide the bridal couple and

their party with the most incredible and

memorable day. They’ll work with the bridal

couple to determine the best ceremony

that befits your personality and style for

the blessed union. Tongsai Bay’s many

options are available to make the perfect

day and promising the bride that they will

be there at every step. T: +66 (0) 77 913 750,

Email: weddings@tongsaibay.co.th

THE SIGNATURE WEDDINGS

At Signature Weddings, we cater

for luxury, the unique and the

personal. Our portfolio features

five-star villas that grace the

shores of Koh Samui and Phuket,

offering the best in villa private

wedding venues on both islands.

We take all of the wedding

stresses away, putting the bride

in touch with the best contacts we

have painstakingly found. If you

need an amazing photographer,

we have a varied selection for you

to choose. For the best florists, we

know them all.

We have our own in-house

chefs working in our villas

with top-notch experiences to

create everything and anything

that may be required – from

a lavish seafood barbecue to a

Thai style family dinner. Any

kind of dining preparation can

be accomplished. In addition

to barbecues, we cater after

parties, recovery brunches,

welcome cocktails, boat trips

and many more.

Our Events Planner and

the Signature Weddings team

are there in every step of the

planning process for a dream

wedding in the tropical island

settings of Koh Samui and

Phuket; from the initial enquiry

right up to the wedding day.

Our wedding planner will

be your contact person for the

wedding ceremony, reception,

rehearsal dinner, and related

activities. With someone taking

care of you through the various

stages of wedding planning

and helping achieve the perfect

wedding, you can just relax and

enjoy being a bride.

All your wedding information

will be created in a reference file

and follow-ups will be made by

the Signature Weddings team

to make sure that you and your

party have everything needed

for the ceremony.

If you are interested in having

your wedding ceremony in one of

our stunningly beautiful villas, we

can guide you step by step through

the process of having a tropical

wedding in Thailand.

STIMULATING EXPERIENCES

AT SIX SENSES

Can there be a more perfect way

to wed in paradise? The setting

of Six Senses Samui, with the

stunning Gulf of Thailand

wrapping around as a splendid

backdrop to a special wedding

day. Unique wedding locations

include the panoramic decks of

the resort's signature restaurant

“Dining on the Rocks”, choose the

beach, or enjoy moments by the

infinity pool. T: +66 (0) 77 245 678,

Email: pagm-samui@sixsenses.com

BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH AT THE W

Here’s a place that’s picture-perfect to say “I do.” The ultimate

destination celebration is defined by a barefoot beachside wedding

ceremony where the first kiss as a wedded couple happens

overlooking a sparkling expanse of ocean in Koh Samui. At

W Beach, beachfront ceremonies at the “Tip of SIP” (the outer tip

of the island) are the best way to exchange vows. Expert wedding

coordinators do the ceremony set-up that includes a wedding

arch, flower petals, a stage and chairs for the comfort of guests.

T: +66 (0) 77 915 999, Email: thanapon.tripataraporn@whotels.com

The Signature Weddings

UNIQUE VILLA EVENTS

events@thesignatureweddings.com

www.signatureweddingsthailand.com

+66 (0) 81 270 0788

BANGKOK SPACES

Fast-evolving Bangkok transforms from the

run down into the up and coming. Recently,

a creative facelift in neglected neighbourhood

spots means a chance to be more community

in feel and artisan in movement.

From Industrial to Hip:

WAREHOUSES

SHED THEIR

FORMER IMAGE

Photos & Words:

Korakot Nym Punlopruksa

BANGKOK SPACES

HOW TO FIND THEM

he BTS skytrain from the east side at

Bang Chak station to the city centre

stop at Siam Square is over too

quickly. With its super efficiency,

there’s no point to open a book and read – or

even post something on social media. Such is

Bangkok’s modernised transportation that’s

changed life and timetables and made the

once impossible possible. Zipping along on

the rails allows the duration of journeys to

be bearably shorter, with more time each day

to work, run errands, or tour the city more

effectively and beyond. More than that, it

opens travellers to the energy of forgotten

neighbourhoods.

Top Left to Top Right

Merchandise

displays and art

benefit from

large wall spaces

in warehouse

architecture. Little

work has been done

to tamper with the

As a fan of public transportation,

my daily life constantly takes me

on journeys to discover Bangkok. In

addition to the skytrain, the Khlong

(canal) Saen Saeb boats and the

Chao Phraya River express boats are

favourite modes of transport. They

take me to experience Bangkok’s

constant boom in creativity in very

unique ways, by chance and by choice.

original steel

features and

framework. These

buildings may be

converted, but the

design concepts pay

homage to their

industrial heritage.

Right

Prepared on the

spot, the food

at both modern

warehouse

spaces is a sure

palate-pleaser

in freshness and

presentation.

This time, the boats plied a

path straight to Warehouse 30 and

Yelo House, Bangkok’s newest

creative projects. Both underwent

similar renovation bound by a

concept and desire to rescue and

revive old warehouses, turning

them into modern stimulating

spaces that respect and preserve

the architectural wonders in the old

neighbourhoods. Warehouse 30

greets all those who visit on

Charoen Krung Soi 30, close to

the Chao Phraya River while Yelo

House brings something new that’s

opposite the National Stadium and

close to Khlong Saen Saeb.

MODERN CULTURE RISES

BY THE RIVER

Over the past 5 years, I have been

going to the river area around

Khlong San pier and Si Phraya pier

for a fix of the arts in all its forms.

Things started out with The Space,

located on the second floor of the

low-rise building next to the pier

overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

The Space was the first creative

venue along the river, initiated

and supported by world-renowned

photographer James Nachtwey,

where any form of creation had

a ‘space’ in which to happen:

photography exhibitions, miniconcerts,

performances, pop-up

dinners, workshops and more. Then

came (and still is) the next-door

compound of The Jam Factory, run

by Duangrit Bunnag, a top-tier

Thai architect who revived a set of

dilapidated old warehouses into a

chic space that’s home to a café,

restaurant, showroom, event space,

and his architecture firm.

A similar approach was applied

to his newest project across the

river, adding more hues to Charoen

Krung’s already colourful and

vibrant art scene. The Warehouse

30 complex is a stunning compound

of World War II-era warehouses

that have been resuscitated into

concept stores with local designer

clothing brand Lonely Two-Legged

Creature, the floral shop Wallflower,

handsomely-made furniture maker

P. Tendercool, as well as purveyors

of collectable vinyls, vintage

cameras, photography books,

and more.

The former editor of Thailand’s

Elle Decoration magazine, Rungsima

Kasikranund, joined Duangrit in

sourcing the desired objets d’art

alongside offerings for wellbeing

such as the juice bar Raw & Real.

One of the warehouses is a hall of

food and drink, home to The Fox

and The Moon, serving delicious

light salads and soups, and fresh

brews of coffee can be sipped at

A Coffee Roaster by LI-BRA-RY.

Events that give you real food for

thought can be found in the same

warehouse at the Doc Club Theater

with top documentaries from around

the world being shown with guest

speaker talks and seminars. With all

that, an old storage facility becomes

an integrated, modern culture haven.

A bonus is the presence of

delicious Muslim restaurants and

community nearby where I stop in

for some mouth-watering Thai-

Muslim food before heading to the

Thailand Creative & Design Center

(TCDC), which is less than a 5

minute walk from there.

HANDIWORK BY THE KHLONG

Soi Kasemsan 1 has never been

known for anything beyond its

budget hotels or convenience to a

skytrain stop, a Khlong Saen Saeb

boat stop, and the Jim Thompson

House and Museum in the next

soi (street) over. Then this past

August, Yelo House launched yet

another innovative space in an

unexpected spot.

Unusual in its location and

unmatched in its offerings, Yelo

House is tucked inside the end of the

soi, away from the ever-busy traffic

and mobs of people at the shopping

Above

Original exposed

beams at

Warehouse 30

provide an airy area

to leisurely shop in

comfort for clothing

from independent

designers.

WAREHOUSE 30

52-60 Charoen Krung Rd,

Bang Rak, Bangkok.

map

YELO HOUSE

20/2 Soi Kasemsan 1 (Opposite

MBK shopping mall) on Rama 1

Road, Bangkok.

72 73

BANGKOK SPACES

malls of the Siam Square area. Yelo

House is situated in an impressive

and surprising warehouse that had

been left abandoned for years. One

of the four artistic partners, Oh

Singhasuvich, fell in love with the

charm of the eroding warehouse and

teamed up his friends, Hans-Werner

Muller, Suwanee Suwansaengroj,

and Sulyawate Prasertwitayakarn

to revolutionise the space. This

480-square metre framework

remains a mix of the original and

additional space under one roof.

Walking in, I feel as if I’m entering

into an artist’s studio. Streams of

light penetrate through the glass

walls and overhead skylights.

The surrounding natural light

encourages a laid-back connection

between Yelo House and its

callers. Besides the colour from

the painting exhibition hanging

on the mezzanine floor to my left,

I also notice the striking yellowcab

colours of steel columns. Oh

tells me it’s meant to celebrate

the original existing space of the

warehouse, contrasted by the black

columns to my right and indicating

to more planned work for a new

expansion. This section will be a

co-working space and seminar

rooms, surrounded by art pieces in

the exhibition area.

We continue walking the length

of the ground floor together. I look

left and right into each room that

is for now being arranged as a

Stylist Market where Thai designers

bring their collections of clothing

fashion, home decoration, and

Top

Retail shopping

in converted

warehouses usually

guarantees original

concepts from

emerging designers.

Items are made in

fewer numbers,

giving a shopper

near exclusivity in

the purchase.

Left and Right

One can shop, work,

eat and spend

all day in much

productivity in such

creative spaces.

Neighbourhood

locations offer

accessibility and

easy directions.

Streams of light penetrate through the glass

walls and overhead skylights.

The surrounding natural light encourages a

laid-back connection…

crafts for sale. Both the downstairs

space and the art exhibition floor

are changeable to adapt to various

creative themes. What is permanent

here is a little restaurant called

Hungry Me on the top level and a

coffee corner named Thirsty You;

both look out to the Khlong Saen Saeb

canal with its daily boat traffic and

over to the Baan Krua community on

the other side of the water.

After spending time in such a

cleverly done space, I then follow the

connecting path along the khlong

that leads to the world-famous

silk house and museum of Jim

Thompson, arriving within 1 minute!

I wonder what’s new and wander

further beyond the museum and

cross the slender arching bridge to

Baan Krua community to visit the last

families who are still weaving silk all

these decades later.

The similarities between these

two creative spaces, Warehouse 30

and Yelo House, are the magic keys

that opened doors to neglected

places where the present world

connects to the overlooked past

of Bangkok. By using the old

– namely the warehouses, and

adding an infusion of inventiveness

– a new way to rediscover Bangkok

is born.

BANGKOK SPACES

GETTING AROUND ON WATER

If you’ve been curious about taking

the boat taxis along the canals,

here’s an opportunity to do so as you

visit Warehouse 30 and Yelo House.

Khlong Saen Saeb boats are

lifesavers for Bangkokians who

commute to points east and west

in the city. Consider this practical

option that’s straightforward in its

routes along the khlong (canal) and

packs in many scenic points as a

major bonus. From the east side of

Bangkok, the Khlong Saen Saeb boat

runs parallel with Ramkhamhaeng

Road, Phetchaburi Road, and ends

the first section at Pratunam where

the megamalls are located, the likes

of Central World and Platinum.

It’s still the same khlong but

passengers need to switch to the

smaller boats because the bridges

along the way here are lower. They

run until Saphan Phanfa, right next

to the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)

near Democracy Monument, in

the east of Bangkok all the way

to the west in the Bang Kapi area

at Wat Siboonruang, near the

National Institute of Development

Administration (NIDA). Incredibly

cheap, water taxis are a very fast

alternative to road taxis in Bangkok,

whose rides are anywhere from 11 to

20 baht, offering trips from 5:30am

– 8:30pm.

Clockwise from Top

Catching a Bangkok

water taxi is just

like catching any

form of public

transport. You’ll

just literally have

to be quick on your

feet and jump into

one for a thrill ride.

Bangkok’s major

attractions like the

Golden Mount (Wat

Saket) and nearby

heritage buildings

can be enjoyed

while cruising on a

boat taxi.

Boats can be packed

in the morning

during rush hour.

For more fun, take

it when the crowds

are fewer and you’ll

wont’ be craning

your neck to catch

the sights.

Fun and fear in riding these

boats go hand in hand – it requires

a quick and steady step in and out

of the boat. Once on the boat, the

journey of an undiscovered Bangkok

unfolds. Enjoy the city skyline and

clear skies from your vantage point

but also know that you’ll experience

the artificial blue of plastic as a

flapping sheet is your best shield

against splashing water.

Yelo House and the Jim Thompson

House are located in the second

section of the route. If you come from

the old town, it’s a straight short hop

to Hua Chang pier. But from the

east part of town, you will change

boats at Pratunam pier and get off

again at Hua Chang pier at the next

stop. Then it’s a short walk on the

footbridge along the canal.

CHAO PHRAYA EXPRESS BOAT

Travelling on the river in Bangkok

can easily become one of the

favourite ways to get around

the city and comes with a

romance. It’s fast, cooling yet

calming and it will make you fall

in love with Bangkok again. Chao

Phraya River, a main artery in

Bangkok snakes along the City of

Angels from north to south. Flags

of yellow, orange, and green mark

the stops.

From the BTS train at Saphan

Taksin stop, you can switch to a

boat journey at the pier below, to

take the one that comes from the

left; make sure it goes in the right

direction as you face the river.

Departing from the Old Town,

you head straight to the city where

tall buildings, all aligned on the left

side, greet you. The faster boats

cost more with fewer stops. Just

make sure you get off at Si Phraya

pier. Walk to the main street and

turn right for 200 metres, and

you will see the Warehouse 30

compound on the right side.

BANGKOK SPACES

ตามเข็มนาฬิกา

จากซ้ายบน

โซฟาสำหรับ

นั่งชมสารดคีที่

Doc Club Theater

ข้าวของทั้งแฮนด์เมด

และกล้องวินเทจ

น่าเป็นเจ้าของ

ร้านดอกไม้

Wallflower และสแน็ก

ผลไม้อบแห้งกรุบกรอบ

ทั้งหมดนี้หาได้ที่

โกดังของ Warehouse 30

รถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอสเปลี่ยนแปลงตารางเวลา

และวิถีชีวิตของคนเมือง ทำให้นักท่องเที่ยว

ได้ยลโฉมย่านต่างๆ ในกรุงเทพและได้

พบเห็นความคิดสร้างสรรค์ที่ผลิบานใน

เมืองกรุง ไม่เว้นแม้แต่ซอกหลืบเล็กๆ ที่

สถานที่น่าสนใจเหล่านั้นซุกซ่อนอยู่

วันนี้เรือคลองแสนแสบและเรือด่วน

เจ้าพระยาพาเราไปยังโครงการใหม่

ล่าสุด Warehouse 30 ที่ก่อตั้งขึ้นเพื่อ

ฟื้นคืนชีพโกดังเก่า รักษาความมหัศจรรย์

ทางสถาปัตยกรรมและเปลี่ยนให้โกดัง

เหล่านี้เป็นพื้นที่ใช้สอยสมัยใหม่บนถนน

เจริญกรุงซอย 30 ใกล้กับแม่น้ำเจ้าพระยา

และ Yelo House ซึ่งตั้งอยู่ตรงข้าม

สนามกีฬาแห่งชาติ ใกล้กับคลองแสนแสบ

ตลอดห้าปีที่ผ่านมา ผู้เขียนสังเกต

เห็นงานศิลปะรูปแบบต่างๆ ใกล้กับ

ท่าเรือคลองสานและสี่พระยา ไล่มา

ตั้งแต่ The Space ที่ก่อตั้งและสนับสนุน

โดยช่างภาพระดับโลก คุณเจมส์ แนทช์เวย์

เพื่อใช้เป็นพื้นที่สำหรับนิทรรศการ

ภาพถ่าย มินิคอนเสิร์ต และกิจกรรม

มากมาย รวมถึงคุณดวงฤทธิ์ บุนนาค

สถาปนิกอันดับต้นๆ ของไทยที่ได้

เปลี่ยนโกดังเก่าให้เป็นพื้นที่สุดเก๋

สำหรับร้านอาหาร ห้องจัดแสดงงาน

ศิลปะ และพื้นที่จัดกิจกรรม ภายใต้ชื่อ

The Jam Factory

ด้วยแนวคิดที่คล้ายคลึงกัน

Warehouse 30 ได้รับการแปลงโฉมเป็น

พื้นที่สำหรับร้านค้าที่ผสมผสานแนวคิด

สร้างสรรค์อย่าง ร้านเสื้อผ้าแบรนด์

Lonely Two-Legged Creature ร้าน

ดอกไม้ Wallflower ร้านเฟอร์นิเจอร์

P. Tendercool ร้านขายไวนิลสำหรับ

สะสม และร้านหนังสือภาพถ่าย นอกจาก

นี้ยังมีโกดังหนึ่งหลังสำหรับร้านอาหาร

โดยเฉพาะ หรือจะรับอาหารสมองจาก

Doc Club Theater ที่เสิร์ฟภาพยนตร์

สารคดีจากทั่วโลก ทั้งมีงานสัมมนา และ

นักพูดรับเชิญมากมายมารวมตัวกันที่นี่

ใครๆ อาจรู้จักซอยเกษมสันต์ 1 ใน

ฐานะเป็นที่ตั้งของโรงแรมราคาถูกใกล้

สถานีรถไฟฟ้า ท่าเรือคลองแสนแสบ

และบ้านจิม ทอมป์สัน แต่ใครจะรู้ว่าเมื ่อ

เดือนสิงหาคมที่ผ่านมา มีการเปิดตัว

Yelo House ในโกดังบริเวณท้ายซอยที่

ถูกทิ้งร้างมาหลายปี บนพื้นที่ 480

ตารางเมตรผสมผสานพื้นที่เดิมและส่วน

ต่อเติมใหม่ใต้หลังคาโปร่งแสงเดียวกัน

พร้อมแผนการขยายพื้นที่ออกไปเป็น

co-working space ห้องสัมมนา ที่ราย

ล้อมด้วยงานศิลปะและนิทรรศการ

พื ้นที่ชั้นล่างจัดเป็น Stylist Market

ที่นักออกแบบชาวไทยจะนำเสื้อผ้า

ของตกแต่งบ้าน งานฝีมือที่ออกแบบเอง

มาจำหน่าย พื้นที่ทั้งสองส่วนสามารถ

ปรับเปลี่ยนได้ตามโอกาส แต่สิ่งที่อยู่

ถาวรคือร้านอาหาร Hungry Me และ

ร้านกาแฟ Thirsty You ที่หันหน้าเข้าหา

คลองแสนแสบ ให้คุณได้ลอบมองเรือ

สัญจรและชุมชนบ้านครัวฝั่งตรงข้ามได้

อย่างไม่รู้เบื่อ ทั้งหมดนี้อยู่ห่างจากบ้าน

จิม ทอมป์สันเพียงหนึ่งนาทีเท่านั้น

Warehouse 30 และ Yelo House

คล้ายคลึงกันในแง่ที่เป็นกุญแจสู่สถานที่

ที่ถูกลืม เป็นโกดังเก่าที่รังสรรค์ให้เป็น

สถานที่แห่งใหม่ และนั่นทำให้เราได้ค้นพบ

กรุงเทพฯ ในมุมมองที่ไม่มีใครเคยพบเห็น

มาก่อน

GALLERY

Colourful Expressions:

India’s Classic Looks

Primal colours in India’s quotidian

life hold a mesmerising joyfulness in

their vibrancy. Photographer Dinesh

Khanna captures the enterprising

hues of vendors and their tantalising

goods and other ‘windows’ of

opportunity to colourful street life.

Words & Photos Dinesh Khanna

Doors, windows and

walls are like the facial

features of a home and

as expressive for me as are

the eyes, mouth and skin of a

human face. I respond to these

instinctively and photograph

them constantly even if I may

be working on another project.

I am attracted by the

colours, the forms and the

materials used for doors and

windows and what strikes me

is the diversity across regions,

whether in India or even abroad.

Yes, colours and forms are

definitely different in different

regions and tend to have a

distinctive traditional style in a

particular area. This, of course,

is true of heritage towns. Modern

areas and colonies tend to be

disparate and their doors and

windows don’t ‘talk’ to me in

the same way as the ones in the

old towns do.

The earthy colours of

Ladakh have a spiritual

depth and texture that mix

together effortlessly.

GALLERY

TOP

Street food, to my mind,

shows both the culinary diversity

and richness of any society.

BOTTOM

Any nation which has diverse and widely

available street food can pride itself for

being supportive of its entrepreneurs.

After all, that’s what street vendors are.

India, most definitely, is a rich and

egalitarian place by this measure.

Here, I capture a morning to night journey

of street food around the country.

BOTTOM RIGHT

Early on a winter morning, steam rises

from a pot that has seen many winters

as tea is prepared on a charcoal fire for

pilgrims and local residents.

OPPOSITE PAGE

Modern areas and colonies tend to be

disparate and their doors and windows

don’t ‘talk’ to me in the same way as the

ones in the old towns do.

GALLERY

The narrow lanes of Varanasi

have these unexpected but

charming sights you suddenly

come across as you turn the

corner. Here a family, which

lives within the house, has

set up a vegetable shop with

a really attractive display just

outside their main door.

GALLERY

“… I must say that the original art

is that of the inhabitants of the

houses, which have these features

{of diversity and colours} and

I feel I create these images in

‘collaboration’ with them, even

though they are not aware of it.”

BOTTOM AND RIGHT

The deep colours of Ladakh contrast

wildly with other parts of the

country. The architecture in areas

around India display their own

brand of fresh brightness.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

In the early years of his career, Dinesh

sold calculators in Chawri Bazaar in

India; quality checked garments in a

Faridabad factory and cleared tables as

a busboy in an Upper Eastside bar in

New York. This rather chequered career

path was due to his teenage belief that

if he followed in his photographer

father’s footsteps, he would be yet

another victim of the Indian caste

system. This rebellion further led him

to a 12-year-long career as a Client

Servicing Executive in Advertising

where he finally achieved ‘burn-out’

at the ripe old age of 33 years and

which left him with a burning desire to

become a professional photographer.

Twenty-six years into the journey,

photography is not just a profession

and a passion but his means of

understanding and feeling the world

and life around him.

Dinesh is also a Co-Founder and

Managing Trustee of Nazar Foundation,

which has been set up to promote

photography as an art form. You can

check out his work at portfolio at

dineshkhanna.com.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Mid-way through November,

on the full moon of the

twelfth lunar month, the

Thai rivers are full and the

moon shines at its brightest.

Celebrations for Loy Krathong

begin as floats made of

banana leaves and lanterns

get released during the night

sky, carrying wishes for good

fortune in the new year.

BANGKOK 92 / CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI 96 / SAMUI 100 / PHUKET, KRABI & TRANG 104 / PATTAYA 108 / HONG KONG 110 / SINGAPORE 114 / KL 118 /

BAGAN, MANDALAY & YANGON 120 / PHNOM PENH 122 / LUANG PRABANG, DANANG, HO CHI MINH & HOI AN 124 / MUMBAI 126 / MALDIVES 128

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

BANGKOK

SPOTLIGHT

Nature in a Culinary Hideaway

As nature continues to entice in its

myriad ways, this time its magic has

inspired the team behind Cuisine de

Garden, a Chiang Mai-based dining

destination. Finally opening in the

Thai capital with its concept of

Cuisine de Garden Bkk, the design

team reiterates the nature-inspired

concept with a dining experience

that’s a combination of food, design,

and philosophy. Chef Leelawat

“Nan” Mankongtiphan marks her

own culinary moment with a menu

that showcases a delightful cuisine

crafted from the finest ingredients

and giving it a modern twist. The

serene space unveils itself in a

bustling Bangkok in the quiet alley

of Ekamai Soi 2. Recipes correspond

to a restaurant concept that promises

to indulge the palate while enjoying

its imaginative and tranquil space.

cuisinedegarden.com,

+66 (0) 61 626 2816

EMBRACE THE NOSTALGIA

Tucked in the historic area of Lan Luang,

Bangkok Publishing Residence (BPR) provides

new boutique-style accommodations in

a converted old publishing house where

legendary Bangkok Magazine was created.

Uniquely-renovated, the former shophouse

offers 8 tastefully-decorated rooms and

hardwood furnishings whose luxurious bed

linens guarantee a good night’s sleep amidst

the nostalgic elegance. A stunning rooftop

garden and outdoor jacuzzi makes them the

perfect space to sit back and unwind from the

stress of an urban life. Apart from a memorable

stay and closeness to the past, the Bangkok

Publishing Residence is just a short distance

from city attractions and its current offerings.

facebook.com/bangkokpublishingresidence,

+66 (0) 2282 0288

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

BANGKOK

SPOTLIGHT

Haute French and

High Heels

The latest mouth-watering addition

in Bangkok’s international culinary

scene is Brasserie Cordonnier, an

authentic Parisian restaurant in the

heart of the city at Sukhumvit 11.

French for ‘cobbler,’ the brasserie

offers a mixed concept of food and

fashion also inspired by Christian

Louboutin heels; with executive chef

Clement Hernandez’s skills widely

recognised since his days at J’aime

by Jean Michel Lorain. The current

repertoire gives food lovers pleasing

French cuisine along with vibrant

cocktails from the creation of

renowned mixologist Davide Sambo.

With its extensive menus of original

French delicacies, unique dishes,

and fine wines and spirits, Brasserie

Cordonnier certainly has something

for everyone in search of culinary

refinement. cordonnierbkk.com,

+66 (0) 2045 4343

CITY OF ARTS

Following close on the heels of various biennale art festivals

in cities of urban cool around the world, the Bangkok Art

Biennale is set to debut. The premiere fest begins in 2018

showcasing public art displays from more than 70 Thai and

international artists under the theme of “Beyond Bliss” from

November 2018 to February 2019. Works from different

aspects of the arts, architecture, cinematography, music, and

performing arts will certainly spark off creativity in the City

of Angels and shine the spotlight on Bangkok as a major art

destination. bkkartbiennale.com

MORE SAVOURY NOODLES

Nai Soie is a household name among

Thais and foreigners when it comes

to succulent beef and pork noodles.

From generous bowls of broth stewed

from beef bones and Chinese herbs,

the place has been serving countless

simple noodle soups and other

delicious choices to satisfy the hungry

stomachs of diners. From its humble

establishment on the side of Phra

Athit Road, Nai Soie Beef Noodle

has unveiled its 2nd branch at Fueang

Nakhon intersection under the name

of 26 Braised Beef. Apart from its

established menus, the new branch

offers the latest addition of hotpots in

either pork or beef as well as Kobe beef

stew in a claypot.

facebook.com/26Braisedbeef,

+66 (0) 81 562 5425

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI

Considered one of Thailand’s

most picturesque and atmospheric

festivals, “Loy Krathong” comes

along annually in the evening

of the full moon and in the 12th

month of the lunar calendar.

This year, it falls on November 4.

People release the “krathong

(floats creatively made from

banana trunk and banana leaves

and flowers) into rivers, canal

and lakes to pay respect to the

Goddess of the River.

In Chiang Mai, the festival

has an extra dimension with

Yi Peng, the Northern Thai

festival of sky lanterns. Together,

both festivals result in an

impressively glittering night

scene, with breath-taking

sights of the candle-lit krathong

gliding on the rivers while

the Yi Peng floats along in the

night sky.

SPOTLIGHT

Loy Krathong

at the

Four Seasons

For those looking for an ideal

celebration in Chiang Mai, an exclusive

Loy Krathong night at the Four Seasons

Resort Chiang Mai is an all-encompassing

experience. To make it memorable, plan

a stay at the hotel, enjoy a traditional

Lanna-style dinner for two and join in

festival lantern and krathong making

workshops, culminating into the release

of the krathong and wishing lanterns

known as khom loy.

On Loy Krathong Day itself, ride

into town for the Krathong Parade

and witness the delightful sight of

glowing lights in the sky. You’ll also get

the best vantage point by the river to

release lanterns for blessings and good

fortune. The special package covers

accommodations, daily breakfast and

roundtrip airport transfers. fourseasons.

com/chiangmai/offers/loykrathongfestival-of-lights,

+66 (0) 53 298 181

SUSTAINING ECOTEXTILES

For people with a preference for ecological textiles and use of natural dyes,

including handweaving processes or the artisan skills of handicrafts – it’s worth

sparing half a day or even a full day checking out Studio Naenna in Chiang Mai.

Founded by a former UN official Patricia Cheesman, the studio is managed by her

daughter Morna who also designs clothing, while she focuses on textile design.

Their mission is to preserve and revitalise traditional Thai and Lao textiles and

promote eco-textiles. The work is carried out in collaboration with local weavers

and the practice of fair trade.

Booking ahead is recommended for those wanting to learn details about

the treasures available there. Opening hours: 9am - 5pm, 38/8 Soi Chang Khian,

Huay Kaew Road, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mai,

+66 (0) 53 266 042

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI

THE WHITE TEMPLE

Anyone who visits “The Black House” should not miss a trip to nearby “Wat

Rong Khun”, commonly known as “The White Temple”. The contemporary and

unconventionally-styled temple is the private property owned by national artist

Chalermchai Kositpipat, a younger contemporary of the late artist Tawan Duchanee.

These two prominent destinations in Chiang Rai are brainchild projects of the artists

who are from the same art school in Thailand. Chalermchai himself designed and

constructed the temple. It’s been said that Tawan’s work represents hell and for

Chalermchai, it’s heaven. T: +66 (0) 53 673 579, (0) 53 673 967, (0) 53 673 539

THE BLACK HOUSE

An extraordinary place for every visitor to Chiang Rai is Baandam

Museum, commonly known among visitors as “The Black House”.

True to its name, black is the dominant colour of the museum.

Home to the late national artist Thawan Duchanee who was born

in the province, the museum best explains the artist’s lifetime

of artworks displayed in aged teak wood buildings, sculptures,

installations and poetry. Most buildings showcase cow and buffalo

skulls and horns as decorative items. Tables and chairs clad in

leopard or bear pelts are also part of the aesthetic at the museum

from his personal stash of collectibles. 414 Moo 13 Nang Lae,

Mueang, Chiang Rai, T: +66 (0) 53 705 834, (0) 53 776 333,

(0) 81 673 1155

SPOTLIGHT

A Parade

of Elephants

At the beginning of this year,

almost 100 funky and colourful

life-size elephant statues

were seen over Chiang Mai to

celebrate the 10th anniversary

of “The Elephant Parade.”

Marc and Mike Spits initiated

the project in 2006, moved

by the story of pachyderm

landmine victim Mosha at

the elephant hospital in

Chiang Mai. Since then, the

project has raised millions in

donations to elephant care.

The exhibition itself delighted

spectators in Italy, England,

Amsterdam, California,

Singapore and Denmark.

The art concept has made an

impact and gained momentum

and now has its own museum

called “The Elephant Parade

Land” in the city where it

all started. An ideal place

for the family, the museum

offers education, information,

shopping and other activities

where visitors can paint their

own elephant replicas. Take

a tour to learn about artists

and celebrities who have

“designed” their elephants

as well, including American

superstar singer Katy Perry.

The museum is packed with

fun facts about these large

mammals. Shop for cool

merchandise – you might

as well take home pieces

of exquisite work from

artists such as Paul Smith

or Virgin Air’s Sir Richard

Branson. Taking photos with

exhibited pachyderms is also

an enjoyable experience.

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm,

180/9 Moo. 7, Tambon San

Phisuea, Amphoe Mueang,

Chiang Mai,

+66 (0) 62 918 9621

CMY

INTRODUCING THE MOST STYLISH

SUNDAY BRUNCH ON THE ISLAND

Enjoy live jazz, free-flowing beverages and savour a fine selection of international cuisine.

Indulge in a spa experience* or relax on the beach* while your children have fun learning

at the kids club. Our Brunch is just one of the unique dining experiences to be

discovered at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui.

Find out more at:

fourseasons.com/kohsamui

*additional charge

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

SAMUI

SPOTLIGHT

Everyday I Juggle

Idyllic Samui has gotten more playful

as the circus comes to town. This

one’s a unique and exciting addition

to the island that’s already vibrant

with recreational offerings. Learn a

different kind of performance art with

Samui Circus Studio – a contemporary

school for fire shows and circus

performance. Founded by well-known

performer and juggler Poppy Sanman,

holiday-goers who would love to try

their hand at performing or get as

close to a circus experience as possible

can sign up for courses. The place also

offers tailored classes and services

with choices of activities ranging from

learning circus, dance, and fire show

routines to martial arts. Whether

you’re a first-timer or looking for

engaging activity during a family

holiday – the school with its certified

reputation and professional team of

entertainment experts will teach you a

trick or two! samuicircus.com

RIDE LIKE THE WIND

Fly high with the unforgettable experience

of indoor skydiving. EasyFly Koh Samui,

Thailand’s popular operator of fast ride

EasyKart has opened a sister branch

to offer a different kind of action. The

recreational activity involves a wild ride

into a wind tunnel and gets you floating

high. There’s no airplane jump and no

parachute needed, all it takes is for

thrill seekers to join in the fun at

EasyFly’s facility in Chaweng Lake.

Prepare to experience a real free fall

sensation within a vertical wind tunnel,

where the air moves upwards at

approximately 200km/h.

easykart.net/koh-samui/easyfly

NATURE’S TOUCH

Nestled among the pristine nature of Samui, the Tamarind

Springs Forest Spa is known for its dedicated day spa. With

a debut in 1997, the spa is now recognised worldwide for

superb pampering spa programmes and a method to channel

the peaceful rhythm of nature. Their unique treatment

and holistic approach aims at de-stressing the body and

rejuvenation that’s in tune with the serenity that nature

brings. Some of Tamarind Springs Forest Spa’s acclaimed

programmes include the Forest Spa Herbal Steam Saunas

with a unique sauna room built into a natural rock cave,

together with the refreshing presence of rock plunge pools.

Tamarind Springs Forest Spa also offers accommodations

equally relaxing with their tropical-style villas, healthy

restaurant with a spectacular view, and yoga classes and

retreats. tamarindsprings.com, +66 (0) 80 569 6654

100

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

SAMUI

SPOTLIGHT

Sanctuary of the Mind

Ranging from well-being options

like yoga, detox guidance, holistic

healing to fitness, the Orion Retreat

Centre’s wellness programmes are

noteworthy for its personal approach.

With regimens available year-round

and seasonless in activities, guests can

enjoy physical and spiritual fulfilment

anytime. Orion Retreat Centre offers

wellness programmes that are catered

to fit the needs of guests from around

the world, with full understanding

that everyone has different

goals and expectations when

it comes to wellbeing. Their

attentive care involves a

friendly and professional team

of nutritionists, therapists,

healers, teachers, and skilled

chefs. With the journey at Orion

Retreat Centre, the end result

should be a balanced body and

mind. orionretreat.com,

+66 (0) 93 620 8066

A NEW YEAR AT THE CLIFF

Since its debut on Samui in 2004,

The Cliff Bar & Grill has been one of

the major destinations for savoury

pleasures. The restaurant has garnered

Thailand Tatler’s Thailand’s Best Restaurants

list (2017). Blessed with an unobstructed

view of the serene Gulf of Thailand,

the restaurant offers all-day sophisticated

dining led by executive chef Sergio

Martelli, with an extensive menu

of fabulous tapas and noteworthy

Mediterranean bites.

For this upcoming New Year’s,

the Cliff Bar & Grill is offering the

exclusive New Year’s Eve dinner of a

sumptuous 5-course menu created

from excellent ingredients. The two

seatings for the New Year’s Eve dinner

are at 6-9pm and 9pm until closing.

Complimentary glasses of champagne

accompany the dinner.

thecliffsamui.com, +66 (0) 77 448 508

102

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

PHUKET / KRABI / TRANG

SPOTLIGHT

Popping on Phuket Layan

From December 15, 2017 through to March 15, 2018, fans

of contemporary Japanese food can enjoy the creative

twists of Zuma, a pop-up restaurant on the beach of

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. Inspired by informal izakaya

Japanese dining, Zuma’s pop-up at Sala Layan, the resort’s

beachfront restaurant offers dishes to be shared and

savoured. Popular choices that made Zuma an international

favourite with their award-winning menu include spicy

beef tenderloin with sesame, yellowtail slices with green

chillies and miso-marinated black cod. Diners can also enjoy

dishes from the robata grill alongside the freshest sushi and

sashimi. phuket-layan.anantara.com, +66 (0) 76 317 200

GET YOUR COLOURS GOING

A Phuket destination exemplifying whole body fitness and strength, the Thanyapura Health

and Sports Resort is organising a ‘Colour Fun Run 2017’ December 9, 2017 at the Saphan

Hin area of Phuket town. With distances of 2km, 5km, and 10km, this family event is open to

people of all age groups and limited to 1,000 runners. Tickets now available (starting at Bt350

for the 1K distance for early birds) with complimentary T-shirt, colour powders and sunglasses.

All runners who finish will be given a medal for their achievement. The resort will also host an

after-run party. On a similar fitness note, Thanyapura is also collaborating with Phukethon 2017

on several running evens taking place December 8-10, 2017 also at the Saphan Hin area, with

distances of 10km, half marathon (21.1km), and marathon (42.2km). The three-day event is

now open for online registration at http://event.runlah.com/events/c/pkt17. thanyapura.com,

+66 (0) 76 336 000

104

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

PHUKET / KRABI / TRANG

SPOTLIGHT

By the Seas of Sikao

Sikao, the northwest district of

Trang province boasts of gorgeous

seashores and a national park.

It’s the go-to beach destination for

locals, and Sikao serves as the spot

where most visitors come as a

hop-off point to Trang or nearby

islands at the main piers of Pak

Meng. But the main treat is also the

pristine Haad Chao Mai National Park

that covers the entire shoreline area

of more than 144,000 rai (or 57,000

acres). The long stretch of white

beaches are open to the public and

as an unexpected sight, see content

cattle as they graze. Make plans to

spend the day at the national park

and bring your own picnic basket

and enjoy the beach. Also nearby is

Kantang - the former main district of

Trang where most of the province’s

trading and commerce happened,

thanks to its seaport. Now Kantang

is a popular one-day trip for those

interested in seeing the glorious past

of the old port and its gorgeous and

historic train station. When it’s time

to dine, sample the district’s famous

eateries. These seafood restaurants

have been dishing up meals to diners

for the longest time and is worth a visit.

KRABI WELCOMING STRIPES

Throughout the month of November,

Krabi province welcomes the start of

this year’s tourism season, following the

end of the monsoon rains. Traditional

boats locally known as “Hua Tong

(high bow)” gets adorned with stripes

of colourful jersey fabrics. This longstanding

fishermen tradition marks an

HISTORIC HERBAL SHOP

In Phuket Old Town, the main street of Thalang is still the place

that’s best to observe Phuket’s rich legacy in action. Many

descendants of settled Phuket families still live here, hence the

street is dubbed as a living museum. At Nguan Choon Tong, one

can see the original centuries-old Chinese herbal medicine shop

still selling an array of traditional Chinese prescribed cures and

more. Entering into the shop, one is met with the perfume of

aromatic herbs. Open daily (except Sundays): 8am - 5pm

T: +66 (0) 76 215 901

CMY

auspicious moment for these handcrafted

wood boats commonly used

by local seamen to transfer tourists in

and out of the shores as they explore

Krabi’s magnificent islands. The unique

shape and uplifted bow design on the

hua thong boat lets it withstand the

high waves of the Andaman Sea. Be

on the lookout for the boat, as it’s a

common sight around Krabi, Trang and

Phuket. Krabi alone has about 3,000

of the distinctive high-bowed boats

in operation. Anyone interested in

immersing in the local boating tradition

can choose to hire a hua thong next time

a venture to island hop comes to mind.

tourismthailand.org

106

HAPPENINGS

THAILAND

PATTAYA

INNOVATIVE THEATRE

Your imagination becomes reality in a new

phenomenal entertainment for everyone at Singha

D’Luck Cinematic Theatre. Engaging in this new

cinematic theatre experience in Pattaya actualises a

‘Levitating Theatre’ and is equipped with Asia’s latest

projection system and state of the art technology,

giving you the best theatre experience with seats

that offer maximum comfort. The theatre has four

seating zones with a seating capacity of 1,400

people. At the moment, a “KAAN” show by Singha

Corporation is now at the theatre, with a live

performance that offers an audience the spectacular

theatrical experiences and world of imagination

inspired by classical Thai literature. If you’ve no plans

for the weekend yet, a visit to a new kind of theatre

might just do it. d-luck.com

SPOTLIGHT

Big Fresh

Finding seafood in Pattaya isn’t difficult,

but if you’re seeking the ultimate dining

experience in a perfect atmosphere – not

to mention good music – then it’s Big Fish

you’re after. The restaurant located in the

Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya just

enhanced its seafood buffet with more

premium catches for a quality seafood

BBQ buffet at its best value with free-flow

wine; amid the sea-inspired artworks in a

floor-to-ceiling space spanning 2 floors.

The interior will make you go wow with the

idiosyncratic blend of industrial design and

immersive oceanic colours. Adding a special

touch to the dining experience is superb live

music with performances from well-known

local artists. Fresh seafood, live music and

the company of loved ones will make you feel

indeed like the big fish.

siamatpattaya.com/gastronomy/big-fish

INDOOR FUN OF THE BIGGEST KIND

Remake quality time with the family with

fun time at the playground of Harbor

Pattaya; just the right choice for groups to

experience the largest indoor playground

in Asia. As a new and exceptional

entertainment in Pattaya, the concept of

“The Family Paradise” lets everyone enjoy

themselves in various group activities.

This biggest family entertainment centre

in ASEAN is divided into many different

zones including the Trampoline Park, the

Wall Climbing Gym, SnowLand, RollerLand,

the Laser Battle, the Rink, AdventureLand

and HarborLand. A highlight of Harbor

Pattaya, HarborLand is the largest indoor

playground in Asia whose world-class

standard offers endless fun for kids and a

full family experience. harbor.co.th

108

HAPPENINGS

HONG KONG

SPOTLIGHT

Clockenflap Returns

Hong Kong’s premiere music and

arts festival returns once again to

enthral fans. Clockenflap 2017, which

is celebrating its tenth anniversary,

promises to put on a show like

no other at Hong Kong’s Central

Harbourfront.

Music though remains at the

cornerstone of this music fest and

the organisers this year have spared

no expense to ensure that Clockenflap

delivers what fans have come to expect.

And judging by the eclectic mix of

talents that appeared in previous

events, this year’s festival will not be

short on big names in music.

In addition to headlining musical

talents the likes of Prodigy, Massive

Attack and Feist, Cockenflap 2017 will

also set the stage for Asian musical

talent to shine. Scheduled to perform

during the two-day event this year

are rising Korean R&B artist Dean,

Chinese rap group Higher Brothers and

Taiwanese alternative band Hello Nico,

to name a few. Rock on from 17-19

November. clockenflap.com

POSITIVE CHARGE

The fourth season of the Formula E

championship kicks off in Hong Kong

with an exclusive double header. Hong

Kong will be the battleground for both

opening rounds of the 2017-2018

season, as the world’s best drivers arrive

to compete for honours.

With this year’s championship

expanded to 14 rounds, it’s anybody’s

guess who will capture the chequered

flag at the world’s premier all-electric

open-wheel racing series. But if last year’s

debut event in Hong Kong is anything to

go by, fans will definitely be treated to a

grand time.

Not only will motorsport fans get to

see the fastest electric cars lay rubber

on the purpose-built urban track at the

Central Harbourfront against a stunning

city skyline, but they’re also get to enjoy

off-track activities as well at the E-Village.

So just strap in and enjoy the ride. 2-3

December, hkformulae.com

110

HAPPENINGS

HONG KONG

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Covering a distance of 100km,

Trailwalker is arguably the region’s

toughest hiking event in the region.

But challenging athletes is just one

small part of this signature Hong Kong

event as Trailwalker also helps raise

awareness and funds for good causes.

Organised by Oxfam, Trailwalker

stands as one of the largest fundraising

sporting events in Hong Kong. But

lacing up for this hiking trail is no

mean feat as participants are required

to tackle the tough MacLehose Trail

and other trails in Sai Kung within the

span of 48 hours.

To date, close to 100,000

participants have participated in the

event, raising over HK$538 million.

oxfamtrailwalker.org.hk

AWARD-WINNING NOODLES

The Michelin Star has continuously

been the gold standard when it

comes to rating eateries. And when

it comes to top honours for ramen,

only one name truly stands out –

Tsuta. The Tokyo eatery claimed the

distinction of winning a Michelin Star

in 2015, the first ramen restaurant in

the world to do so.

Now, armed with the highest

culinary accolade, Tsuta is setting up

outlets across the globe, beginning in

Singapore and now Hong Kong. For

ramen fans in Asia’s World City, that’s

certainly good news as they only

need to venture to Causeway Bay to

savour this delectable noodles. The

bad news is there’s an omnipresent

queue to get by first.

Granted, the wait isn’t as long

as the original Tsuta in Tokyo but

the outlet does limit its signature

offerings to just 400 bowls per day.

Open 11.30am to 8pm daily, Hong

Kong, Causeway Bay, Tang Lung St,

+852 3188 2639

SPOTLIGHT

Not Your Regular

Take-Out

Hong Kong’s already popular

street food scene is set to gain

more prominence with the arrival

of HAWKR, a grab-and-go dining

concept that delivers the best of the

region. Taking inspiration from the

best hawker centres from Southeast

Asia, this newly-opened eatery

located on the ground floor of Hoi

Kwong Street in Quarry Bay serves

up an impressive array of signature

favourites from the region.

The brainchild of seasoned

restaurateurs, HAWKR prides

itself on serving fresh, healthy and

hearty dishes to its diners. For Asian

travellers who had their fill of Dim

Sum and Roasted Goose, HAWKR is

perfect to pop in to savour something

familiar. And to ensure that its

clientele are duly satisfied, the eatery

is certainly not short on signature

Southeast Asian goodies.

The impressive spread includes

soup noodles from Malaysia and

Thailand, along with Indonesian

Rendang and Vietnamese Baguette

Sandwiches. Salads and wraps are a

key feature in HAWKR, all naturally

made with an Asian spin, of course.

For those looking to dine in, the outlet

houses a small bar counter with views

of the busy street outside. Open daily,

36 Hoi Kwong Street, +852 2994 9033

112

HAPPENINGS

SINGAPORE

SPOTLIGHT

Party of the Year!

When it comes to parties, few hold a candle to ZoukOut.

And come December, Southeast Asia’s longest running

annual dance music festival returns to get partygoers in

a frenzy with pulsating lights, heart-pumping beats and

booming sets delivered by the best DJs in the world.

This year’s edition will arguably be the biggest yet in

the festival’s 17 year history with a 12-hour dusk-tilldawn

party held at Siloso Beach, Sentosa. To ensure that

the expected crowd of 45,000 fans will be kept happy, the

organisers have already begun assembling an impressive

list of performers to man the decks at this massive

outdoor party.

Already scheduled to perform are the likes of Techno

House maestro Claptone and Electronic Dance producer

and DJ, Marshmello. Also announced to appear are

Flume, Guiboratto and Robin Schulz, with more acts and

artists to be named soon.

8-9 December, zoukout.com/2017

MEET THE FAMILY

After touring the UK, the Addams Family musical comedy will

land at the MES Theatre at Mediacorp, Singapore for a limited

run. Featuring the iconic characters of the TV series and motion

picture, the new stage musical puts this kooky family front

and centre of a brand new adventure. The Addams Family

will feature in an all new original

story with Gomez Addams,

the patriarch of the family,

having to face his worst

nightmare – the new (and

normal) boyfriend of his

daughter, Wednesday.

15 November

to 3 December,

theaddamsfamily.co.uk

BEST FOR BRUNCH

The owners at PS.Cafe claim that

the restaurant is a “refuge for social

gathering”. And judging by the long

lines waiting to get into the venue at

Harding Road each weekend, there’s

definitely truth to their claim.

A hotspot for the Singaporean brunch

crowd, PS.Cafe prides itself on its hearty

offerings of savoury and sweet classics

that occupy space on its menu. Signature

specials include PS.Cafe’s sinfully-yetdelightful

truffle shoestring fries, as well as

its impressive array of cakes, puddings and

tarts. Open daily 8am-11pm, 28b Harding

Road, pscafe.com

114

HAPPENINGS

SINGAPORE

CELEBRATING INDIAN ARTS

For the 16th year running, the best Indian artists and performers in Singapore and the

region will gather on stage to perform at the Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts.

Held at the Esplanade, the festival coincides with the annual Deepavali celebrations

also known as the Festival of Lights.

Despite its humble beginnings in 2002, the Kalaa Utsavam has expanded

beyond its three-day festival format and now takes place across ten days. Designed

and curated to showcase the best of Indian arts, the event presents an extensive

programme made up of classical as well as contemporary performances across

theatre, music and dance.

Scheduled to perform this year include Apsaras Arts, Sharul Channa, Raka Maitra

and Mohamed Noor from Singapore who will be joined by renowned Indian artists

such as Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Daya Shankar, as well as new upcoming artists like

flautist B Vijayagopal and progressive rock band Agam. 17-26 November.

facebook.com/kalaautsavam

SPOTLIGHT

Vintage Diner

With a range of classic rides of both

the two and four-wheeled variety,

Kombi Rocks in Serangoon has been

a gathering space for motorheads

and fans of classic automobiles in

Singapore. The quirky and throwback

feel of the place is indeed charming,

which is why it’s growing as a

prominent venue for both events

as well as weddings.

The diner preserves the cuisine that

was served in the original restaurant

which occupied the premises in the

1970s. As such the menu boasts a

number of Teochew-Thai fusion dishes

alongside hearty American desserts.

Complimenting their F&B offerings

is also an extensive merchandise area

with model cars as well as an in-house

barbershop, aptly named Autocutt.

Nevertheless, it is still the cars

that are the stars here, especially the

vintage Volkswagen Kombi van, which

the outlet is named after. Popular with

the Instagram crowd, Kombi Rocks

also rents out their vintage collection

of cars and bikes for events and for

outdoor catering as well. For a true

experience, opt for the Ride n Dine,

which consists of a chauffeur-driven

joyride in 1960s Kombi and a delectable

4-course meal at the restaurant. Open

daily, 11am-12pm, 66 Yio Chu Kang Rd.,

kombirocks.com

116

HAPPENINGS

MALAYSIA

KUALA LUMPUR / BENTONG

SPOTLIGHT

Creative Space

From the 1960s to the mid-80s, the

Art Printing Works (APW) carved a

reputation of being one of the most

recognised printers in the greater

Kuala Lumpur area. As businesses

ventured toward the digital era, the

once prominent print factory slowly

disappeared into obscurity.

However, in 2013, APW caught

a second wind, after its owners

repurposed it into a creative space.

Now four years on, the area is not

only a prominent dining destination

for KL-ites but also a highly-coveted

space for events for corporations,

small businesses as well as individuals.

The original Printing Factory is

still retained within the confines of

the premises but the appeal of APW

is largely down to its collaborative

workspaces and meeting spaces that

are offered. The facility is also a

popular hangout for foodies with a

wide variety of cuisine on offer with

outlets such as Proof+, dishing out

fresh oven-baked pizzas and Kaiju,

serving creative Thai-Japanese fusion

dishes, also occupying space within APW.

Weekends are when the area truly

comes alive as APW has become a

prominent brunch destination, thanks

to the inventive chefs at the Breakfast

Thieves and well-trained Baristas

at Pulp, a hip and happening coffee

roaster that has made APW their base

of operations.

Open daily, 29 Jalan Riong, Bangsar,

apw.my

SPOTLIGHT

Best of Malaysia

Under One Roof

Nestled within the lush and vibrant

Lake Gardens, surrounded by expansive

trees is this unassuming, yet highlypopular

Malay Restaurant. Situated

on the top floor of a multi-storey car

park, Restoran Rebung could be a hard

find for first-timers, but local diners

continuously make a beeline for this

eatery when the hunger pangs strike

for authentic Malay cuisine.

Owned and operated by local Chef

Ismail, a familiar name in the culinary

circle in the country, Rebung dishes

out a wide array of local delights and

specialities. Do not allow the simple

décor of the restaurant to fool you as

an impressive spread of dishes await

the moment you pass through the

entrance way. For small eaters, there is

a downside as there is no a la carte menu

here as the restaurant caters exclusively

for buffets, but the good news is Rebung

is not short on classic Malay dishes.

Regulars can attest to that Rebung

delivers the best of Malaysia under

one roof, including some hard to find

Malay fare, which can only be found

upon venturing out to the outskirts of

the city. Best of all, they’re all laid out

across an impressive spread for diners

to savour to their hearts content. Just

be prepared to bring an appetite and

you’ll be duly rewarded.

Open 9am to 10pm, Level 5 of

Bukit Aman Multi-Storey Carpark,

restoranrebungdatochefismail.com

RELIVE THE MAGIC

The fantastical world of Harry Potter

comes to life once again with a new

concert series. Harry Potter & the

Philosopher’s Stone in concert will see the

beloved film screened on a large highdefinition

screen whilst accompanied by

live music performed by a full orchestra.

The concert series has already made

its way around the world with sold-out

performances in major cities across the

globe. In November, Malaysia hosts this

exclusive event, which will be performed

by the National Symphonic Orchestra

at the Plenary Hall at the Kuala Lumpur

Convention Centre.

Audiences will not only get to relive

the magic of the film, which kick-started

the highly-popular franchise, but also hear

the mastery of John Williams’ unforgettable

film score performed note for note as the

magic unfolds on screen. 4-5 November,

harrypotterinconcert.com

CHRISTMAS WITH KITARO

Grammy-award winning artiste Kitaro will be entertaining

audiences on Christmas Eve at Resorts World Genting

Highlands. The Japanese supreme instrumentalist, famous for

his brand of contemplative, highly melodic synthesizer music,

will showcase his renowned talents with a latest creative

effort, Kojiki and the Universe.

An experiment in merging music with the movies of the

universe, Kitaro will perform his signature music – which

will be accompanied by dynamic images of the universe that

were provided by both the Kyoto University as well as NASA.

By merging his melodic sounds along with actual time-lapse

images of the cosmos, audiences and fans will undoubtedly be

treated to a multi-sensory feast of the

senses provided by one of music’s true

masters. 24 December, rwgenting.com

118

HAPPENINGS

MYANMAR

BAGAN / MANDALAY / YANGON

SPOTLIGHT

Ayeyarwady

Journey

Feel the first winter breeze greet

your face on the MGRG Express,

the popular express boat that’s

been gliding on the Ayeyarwady

River since 2001. The company that

created the cruise has launched a

new MGRG Express which brings

passengers back and forth between

Mandalay and Bagan. Outfitted

with a new attractive design, a

focus has been given to passenger

safety and comfort along the trip.

Promising a pleasant journey, this

scenic river trip passes pagodas

and Buddhist temples on both

sides of the riverbanks. Just sit

back and seek out sights of serene

river life. The one-day trip departs

Mandalay at around 7am and

arrives Bagan in the evening.

mgrgexpress.com,

+95 2 66204, +95 11 202734

BIKING IN AND AROUND YANGON

Warm up in the cooler season with

a bike ride around Yangon. Apart

from roaming around the city to

see popular tourist attractions, you

can also enjoy seeing Yangon in

a more intimate way. Bike World

Explores Myanmar (BWEM) offers

a Friday night ride in downtown

Yangon or a Sunday morning bike

ride outside of Yangon. The night

ride ambles through the downtown

area with stops at various spots

for drinks and to regroup, with a

return to the starting point around

midnight. You can also enjoy an

entire day cycling on Sunday as the

trip departs at 6.30am. Cyclists are

taken by vehicle to a destination

30 miles north of Yangon where

the off-road ride commences. The

activity ends with a vehicle trip

back to Yangon, arriving about

3pm. cyclingmyanmar.com,

+95 1 527 636

TO MARKET, TO MARKET

Visiting a local food market is one way to observe a bit of local

charm and see artisanal products invitingly displayed. Around

16 kilometres south of downtown Yangon, the town of Thanlyin

formerly known as Syriam, served as a port during the late

1500s and early 1600s. Now it is the well-known site for the

covered area of Thanlyin market. Even though it is situated

close to the country’s new Special Economic Zone, Thanlyin

market is still able to keep its original ambiance. The market

offers fresh seafood at reasonable prices, fresh fruits and

vegetables and local cooking ingredients. Even if you don’t buy

anything, the market is still worth the visit.

Open daily, 16 kilometres south of Yangon

120

HAPPENINGS

CAMBODIA

PHNOM PENH

SPOTLIGHT

The 240 by Maads

For more contemporary fashion

and designs in Phnom Penh, The

240 by Maads offers colourful

selections of designed products by

both local Cambodian, regional and

international artists. The result is a

wide choice of fashion, accessories,

and home decorations that serve

as ideal souvenirs. The bright

yellow concept store is adjacent

to a café, also run by Maads, one

of Cambodia’s leading hospitality

groups with a repertoire of

hotels and restaurants. The

café serves light meals, coffees

and a myriad of drinks. The 240

Starting off as an NGO-based entity back in 1955, Rajana Crafts

was founded to revive the Cambodian arts and design grandeur that

existed from the 9th to 14th century, with an emphasis on resurrecting

the creative talents of the local people. By offering Cambodian people

a sustainable income through their crafts, the organisation has also

offered people a chance to work from home while caring for their

family. Now an independent Cambodian-run nonprofit and social

enterprise, Rajana has two shops in Phnom Penh, one on Street 240

and the other on Street 450. facebook.com/rajanacrafts

features sustainable craft products from

Pomelo for Myanmar, a non-profit craft

shop that supports the livelihoods of 30

disadvantaged group and artisans, as well

as Laurent Villate’s collection of paintings

with the “Views of Phnom Penh,” series.

Vibrant patterned jackets by designer

Anna Lou and a handcrafted map by

Travel Roll from Raphael Seyfried are

among the striking pieces. Eclectic pieces

of furniture are potential buys to surely

change the design mood of your abode

back home. facebook.com/The240pp

GOOD THINGS

On the leafy street of 240 in Phnom Penh sits a special shopping

destination for memorable Cambodian souvenirs. Rajana Crafts dedicates

its inventory to showcasing and selling handcrafted items made and

on a hip street in Phnom Penh, products range from Khmer-art inspired

jewellery, pottery, clothing, and accessories to Cambodian’s signature

shawls and scarves.

A POOLSIDE CINEMA PARADISO

Enjoy movie classics under the nostalgic

Cambodian sky. From November until

December 20, 2017, the Raffles Hotel

Le Royal in Phnom Penh is organising

their annual ritual of ‘Cinema Paradiso’,

showcasing film classics by the pool.

The screening schedules beckon movie

buffs with a classic selection, ranging

from Amadeus (1984) on November 15

and Les Demoiselles de Rochefort (1967)

on November 22, to Jackie (2016) on

November 29 and Raiders of the Lost Ark

(1990) on December 6 and Home Alone

(1981) on December 20.

Seating for the feature starts at

6.30pm, while the movie comes on at

7.00pm. Held every year at Raffles Hotel

Le Royal, guests and non-guests alike can

enjoy the hotel’s iconic pool garden. Price

is US$23 per person, inclusive of half a

bottle of wine, finger foods and canapés

or US$35 for half a bottle of Cava. So,

bring a friend, order a whole bottle

and indulge in an evening in the hotel’s

elegant surroundings and its atmospheric

past of the Cambodian capital.

122

HAPPENINGS

LAOS / VIETNAM

LUANG PRABANG / DANANG / HO CHI MINH / HOI AN

ROMAN HOLIDAY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

SPOTLIGHT

3D Art

Following its success in Thailand,

“Art in Paradise” – the world’s

biggest 3D Art museum – finally

makes it to Vietnam’s booming

resort town of Danang. Its popularity

may transcend that of other cultural

spots like museums as the largescale

three-dimensional art pieces

try to tempt visitors with its brand

of humour and entertainment. Art

in Paradise Danang showcases a

collection of more than 130 unique

and extraordinary three-dimensional

art pieces.

With ‘Art in Paradise Danang’,

you enter a modern white building at

C2 Block at 10 Tran Nhan Tong Street

with anticipation. Then, shoes are

requested to be taken off. Next is a

surprising sight and a mind-blowing

look at 3D art collections like that of

a dark creepy tower, the Smurfs and

a Flying Carpet. They look real,

if startling, in all dimensions.

Distributed in several large rooms,

the artwork done by South Korean

artists is impressive in scale and

dimension. People will try to strike

the silliest pose and before you know

it, you’ll want to do the same, like

trying to tame a lion. Open daily from

9am to 10pm, facebook.com/aipdanang,

+84 91 159 11 00

FULL MOON IN HOI AN

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 45 minutes south of

Danang, will turn off city lights and let moonlight transform

the ancient port town into a magical night; complemented

with flickering light from candles and silk lanterns. The

riverside town, with its mix of eras and styles that range from

wooden Chinese shophouses and temples to colourful French

colonial buildings and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge,

celebrates the Hoi An Lantern Festival every full moon night,

and November and December are the best times to enjoy the

fresh air and enjoy the atmospheric town lit up. The two last

full moons of the year are on November 2 and December 1.

vietnamtourism.gov.vn

Known as the capital of motorcycles, Ho

Chi Minh City has more than four million

bikes and another 1,500 are added each

year. The Vietnamese believe their scooters

and mopeds can carry anyone – including

the tourists – to anywhere, anytime.

Like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck

did in “Roman Holiday”, visitors can enjoy

a larger dose of adventure on a vintage

Vespa in Ho Chi Minh City. Tours offered

by Vietnam Vespa Adventures transport

visitors to the city’s lesser-know areas on

beautifully restored vintage scooters.

A well-versed local guide leads halfday

options like the “Insider’s Saigon”,

traversing through the streets for views of

city life including local stops past temples

smoky with incense sticks in the old

Cholon nieghbourhood, or places where

bird owners gather on weekend mornings

as they take their tweeting pets out for

the day. Significant places in history, like

the spot where the Buddhist monk Thich

Quang Duc burned himself to death, are

covered in the tour.

Snarling traffic and negotiating through

historic street blocks and alleys make

motorcycles the obvious vehicle of choice.

When cars and buses stop at red lights,

scooters fill the gaps and try to stay at

the front row. Before traffic lights turn

green, tourists exchange greetings with

local riders and riders themselves flirt with

drivers. Yet the romance is fleeting. As

soon as the lights change, scooters dash

away on their journey. vespaadventures.com

ALFRESCO FILM FEST

The annual Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) returns to the

ancient Lao capital on December 8-13, transforming the fabled

riverside town into an open-air cinema. The festival showcases

a range of feature film screenings, short film programmes, panel

discussions, and events. This year, LPFF audiences and visitors alike

can look forward to a continuation of the SPOTLIGHT programme

with a new focus on Thailand, led by Bangkok Post writer Kong

Rithdee. With a current Thai film industry flourishing across many

genres, this year’s SPOTLIGHT on Thai films should be fascinating

for festivalgoers. One of Asia’s most ambitious cinematic events,

LPFF might be the world’s only film festival held in a location

without a single movie theatre. The festival has become known as

an unmissable event for filmmakers from across the region, with

plenty of networking opportunities with professionals from the

ever-expanding Southeast Asian film industry. LPFF also stands

apart from other film festivals in that it gives audience members

intimate access to filmmakers, whether it be after their screenings,

at public discussions, or at festival events. lpfilmfest.org

124

HAPPENINGS

INDIA

MUMBAI

SPOTLIGHT

Eat Street

Mumbai’s dining scene has seen

resurgence lately and whether you’re

looking for global cuisine or Indian

food, the city will not disappoint. For

an innovative take on regional Indian

food, head to The Bombay Canteen.

Feast on the must-have Kejriwal

Toast, a crunchy housemade pao

(bread) topped with creamy egg, and

laced with spicy coriander and chilli

chutney. If you’re dining in a group,

pre-order their succulent Milkbraised

Kashmiri Raan (roast leg of

lamb) served with a fragrant Yakhni

Pulao (rice dish). For an updated

take on the city’s beloved Irani cafés,

check out SodaBottleOpenerWala’s

range of Parsi dishes, from Chicken

Baida Roti (a wrap) and Berry Pulao to

Dhansak (mix of lentils, vegetables,

and meat) and Lagan nu Custard

(baked caramel custard). If you’re

looking for a swinging time, there

are several new watering holes worth

visiting. Toast & Tonic serves up

some excellent gin cocktails. Try

The Herbalist, a generous splash

of gin with basil and orange tonic,

which pairs splendidly with any of

their small plates – we are partial

to the Bajra (millet) and Ricotta

Gnudi, and the Andouille Sausage

(...continued from the front flap)

on Sourdough Toast.

In this explosive

Across

book, bestselling author Shashi

town, at

Tharoor reveals with acuity, impeccable research, and

trademark wit, just how disastrous British rule was for

Kode, partake of some India. Besides examining innovative the many ways which the and

colonizers exploited India, ranging from the drain of

national resources to Britain, the destruction of the

Indian textile, steel-making and shipping industries, and

theatrical ‘three-course’ the negative transformation of cocktails

agriculture, he demolishes

the arguments of Western and Indian apologists

for Empire on supposed benefits of British rule,

– we recommend

including

their

democracy and

take

political freedom,

the rule of

law, and the railways. The few unarguable benefits—the

English language, tea, and cricket—were never actually

intended for the benefit of the colonized but introduced

the Bloody Mary, which to serve the interests of the is colonizers. served

Brilliantly

narrated and passionately argued, An Era of Darkness

will serve to correct many misconceptions about one of

the most contested periods of Indian history.

with frozen lime foam and vodka

SHASHI THAROOR is the bestselling author of fifteen

macaron. The Bombay previous books, Canteen, both fiction and non-fiction, Unit besides 1,

being a noted critic and columnist. His books include

the path-breaking satire The Great Indian Novel (1989),

the classic India: From Midnight to the Millennium

Process House, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel;

(1997), and most recently, India Shastra: Reflections

on the Nation in Our Time (2015). He was a former

Under Secretary-General of the United Nations and

SodaBottleOpenerWala, a former Minister 02, of State Ground for Human Resource Floor,

Development and Minister of State for External Affairs

in the Government of India. He is a two-time member

of the Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram chairs

The Capital Building, G Block, Bandra Kurla

Parliament’s External Affairs Committee. He has won

numerous literary awards, including a Commonwealth

Writers’ Prize, and was honoured as New Age Politician

Complex; Toast & Tonic, of the Year Unit (2010) by NDTV. 1, He was Ground awarded the Floor,

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India’s highest honour for

overseas Indians. [For more on Shashi Tharoor, please

see www.shashitharoor.in. Follow him on Twitter

Jet Airways-Godrej BKC @ShashiTharoor Building, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Bandra

ShashiTharoor].

Cover painting: OFFICER OF 16TH LANCERS, India, 1846

Cover design: Bena Sareen

No. 4, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel

`699

ALEPH BOOK COMPANY

An independent publishing firm

promoted by Rupa Publications India

non-fiction

www.alephbookcompany.com

AN ERA OF SHASHI

DARKNESS THAROOR

STAGE CALL

The city’s theatre season comes alive now, with both the premier

venues in the city putting up a scintillating calendar of plays and events.

Whether you choose to head to South Mumbai at the venerable NCPA

(ncpamumbai.com) at Nariman Point, or to the suburban gem of Prithvi

Theatre (prithvitheatre.org) in Bandra, you will be spoilt for choice. And

since last year, a new icon has been added to the city’s theatre scene

– the 100-year-old Royal Opera House recently reopened following

an extensive renovation programme. The plush, three-tier auditorium

has been restored to its Baroque glory, complete with gilded ceilings,

decorated domes, elaborate chandeliers, stately balconies, and deep red

upholstery. It’s quite an experience catching a performance in its regal

ambience. The opera house currently hosts plays and events, though it

did host the Italian opera Il Matrimonio Segreto in July. Check out the

schedule at the three venues for the days of your visit, and book your

tickets online at bookmyshow.com.

‘Rare indeed is it to come across...

history that is so readable and

so persuasive.’—AmitAv Ghosh

BOOK CLUB

n 1930, the American historian and philosopher

IWill Durant wrote that Britain’s ‘conscious and

deliberate This bleeding is of India… also [was the] the greatest crime time when the literati

in all history’. He was not the only one to denounce the

rapacity and cruelty of British rule, and his assessment

was descend not exaggerated. Almost thirty-five upon million Indians the city with not one

died because of acts of commission and omission by

the British—in famines, epidemics, communal riots and

wholesale but slaughter two like the reprisal literature killings after the festivals in the

1857 War of Independence and the Amritsar massacre

of 1919. Besides the deaths of Indians, British rule

impoverished offing. India a Tata manner that beggars Lit belief. Live! (litlive.in) kicks

When the East India Company took control of the

country, the chaos that ensued after the collapse of

the things Mughal empire, India’s off share in of world November GDP was with four days

23 per cent. When the British left it was just above

3 per cent.

of author discussions, book launches,

The British empire in India began with the East India

Company, incorporated in 1600, by royal charter of

Her workshops, Majesty Queen Elizabeth I, to trade writing in silk, spices contests and

and other profitable Indian commodities. Within

a century and a half, the Company had become a

power more. to reckon with The in India. In 1757, festival under the will be held from

command of Robert Clive, Company forces defeated

the ruling Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula of Bengal at Plassey,

through 16-19 a combination of November superior artillery and even this year at NCPA

more superior chicanery. A few years later, the young

and weakened Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II, was

browbeaten and into Prithvi issuing an edict that Theatre. replaced his own Come December,

revenue officials with the Company’s representatives.

Over the next several decades, the East India Company,

backed Times by the British government, Litfest extended (timeslitfest.com) its control

takes

over most of India, ruling with a combination of

extortion, double-dealing, and outright corruption

backed things by violence and superior force. a notch This state of with literature

affairs continued until 1857, when large numbers of the

Company’s Indian soldiers spearheaded the first major

rebellion events against colonial interspersed rule. After the rebels were with music and

defeated, the British Crown took over power and

ruled the country ostensibly more benignly until 1947,

when entertainment. India won independence. Catch the action

(continued on the back flap...)

from 15-17 December at Mehboob

Studios in Bandra.

126

HAPPENINGS

MALDIVES

If you’ve got time in Malé before

heading out to your atoll of choice,

consider a tour in the capital city.

A street grid plan makes directions

easy, stroll are easily accomplished in

a few hours, or join a guided tour with

information that can be provided at

your guesthouse or hotel.

Wander around the friendly town

and take in sights like Sultan Park,

which now sits on former palace

grounds in the 16th century and the

President’s palace, Mulee Aage, in

a colonial-style bungalow design.

There’s the National Museum and the

golden-domed Grand Friday Mosque,

SPOTLIGHT

A Malé Kind of Day

ULTIMATE BEST

Being praised as Asia’s

Best Airport Hotel by the

International Hotel Awards

three years in a row is of

high accolade. Ticking off

all the right boxes for views

and service and beyond

has propelled the Hulhule

Island Hotel to international

recognition.

Located on the other side

of the Maldivian capital Malé,

a stay at one of the hotel’s

136 luxurious guest rooms

promises unobstructed views

of the magnificent blue sea

and pristine private beach. It’s

among one the top choices

of superstars and VIPs as

the place to recharge before

embarking on their journey

to the islands. To unwind,

there’s the spa’s traditional

Balinese massage for starters,

or a variety of sports such as

golf, beach volleyball, tennis

and basketball as other leisure

time options. If there’s a desire

to visit the capital of Malé, a

shuttle boat service is at the

ready. hih.com.mv

and the historic, 17th century Hukuru

Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque), often

described as looking like a wedding

cake. Check beforehand to see which

buildings allow drop-in visitors. The

main market offers a local spectrum

of fresh seafood, enticing fruits and

vegetables, including fabrics and

items every household needs in

colourful displays. At the Malé main

waterfront esplanade and boat

harbour, village ferries and resort

launches run along the strikingly

blue waters to several points in

North Malé Atoll’s numerous islands.

visitmaldives.com

SAVING A NATURAL BEAUTY

Consisting of 26 atolls, all 1,190 islands of the Maldives are inhabited – but not with humans as the

majority. With a total area of about 90,000 square kilometres, the Maldives has a long history as rich as

other places on earth. Once seized by Portugal and later a part of Ceylon before Great Britain, Maldivian

independence came in 1953, followed by a series of reforms and development.

Now, some hotel properties are working hard to ensure that this tropical getaway maintains

its beauty. The blue atolls with their extensive coral islands, and corals are vulnerable to strong waves,

winds, currents and rising temperatures that can wreck or uproot them. They are addressing the issue

of coral bleaching, as the coral is described as being deprived of the algae that provides 80 per cent of its

nutrients. The Centara Ras Fushi, as part of their CSR activity with hotel guests, organises regular

re-planting events and nurseries for such corals. Guests are invited to join their coral recovery programme

in which Best Dives offers educational activities with trained divers who provide guidance through proper

replanting procedures. Two types of corals – hard and soft – are maintained and replanted at the ridges

around the resort, a popular snorkelling spot. centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/crf, +960 664 3880

128

BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 132 / ROUTE MAP 140 / AIRCRAFT INFO 142 / AIRPORT MAP 144

131

BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS

10 LUCKY WINNERS

FROM THE CUSTOMER

SATISFACTION

SURVEY

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited

led by Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth,

President (3rd from Left) together with

Mr. Prote Setsuwan, Vice President

– Marketing (4th from Left) and Mrs.

Darunee Debavalya, Senior Director –

Customer Satisfaction and Relationship

Management (2nd from Left) had the

pleasure of selecting 10 lucky winners.

This resulted from the Bangkok

Airways Customer Satisfaction Survey

1/2017. The ceremony was held at

Bangkok Airways Ticketing Office on

Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.

บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) หรือ

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส นำโดยนายพุฒิพงศ์

ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่

(กลาง) พร้อมด้วย คุณพรต เสตสุวรรณ

รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ ฝ่ายการตลาด

(ที่ 4 จากซ้าย) และคุณดรุณี เทพวัลย์

ผู้อำนวยการอาวุโสส่วนบริหารความพึงพอใจและ

ความสัมพันธ์ลูกค้า (ที่ 2 จากซ้าย) เป็นประธาน

จับรางวัลผู้โชคดี 10 ท่าน จากการสำรวจความ

พึงพอใจของผู้โดยสาร ครั้งที่ 1 ประจำปี พ.ศ.

2560 ณ สำนักงานออกบัตรโดยสาร สายการบิน

บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ถนนวิภาวดีรังสิต

1. Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth, President of Bangkok Airways (Middle) 2. Mr. Michael Chow, Group Publisher – Travel group of TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd.

(2nd from left) 3. Mr. Pierre Quek, Online Publisher, of TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd. (2nd from right)

BANGKOK AIRWAYS VOTED BEST REGIONAL AIRLINE 2017 BY TTG ASIA

Recently, Bangkok Airways

Public Company Limited, led

by President Mr. Puttipong

Prasarttong-Osoth, received

the “Best Regional Airline

2017 Award.” Mr. Michael

Chow, Group Publisher of

the travel group TTG Asia

Media, presented the award

at the 28th Annual TTG Travel

Awards 2017 Ceremony

and Gala Dinner, held at the

World Ballroom of Centara

Grand at Central World.

Mr. Puttipong said, “On

behalf of everyone at Bangkok

Airways, I am proud to receive

the TTG Travel Awards as Best

Regional Airline this year. With

our years of experience, we

recognise this esteemed award

and our airline is honoured to

be acknowledged. I would like

to extend our thanks to all the

readers of TTG Asia, TTG China,

TTG India, TTG Mice, TTG BT Mice

China, other TTG Associations

and TTG Asia Luxury for

casting their votes for us. This

achievement not only reflects

our internationally recognised

level of service and safety

standards, it also strengthens

our commitment to delivering

excellent services and products

for our passengers and making

Bangkok Airways “Asia’s Boutique

Airline”.

Organised annually by

TTG Asia, the TTG Asia Travel

Awards honours the best of

the best in the Asia-Pacific

travel trade. This prestigious

travel industry event marks

a time for the industry

to recognise exemplary

organisations that raise the

bar of excellence.

เมื่อเร็วนี้ๆ บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) หรือ สายการบิน

บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ได้รับรางวัลสายการบินระดับภูมิภาค

ยอดเยี่ยมประจำปี 2560 จากการประกาศรางวัล ทีทีจี ทราเวล

อวอร์ดส์ ครั้งที่ 28 โดยมีนายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ

กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ เข้ารับมอบรางวัล ณ ห้องเวิลด์

บอลรูม โรงแรมเซ็นทารา แกรนด์ แอท เซ็นทรัลเวิลด์

นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส กล่าวว่า “ผมในฐานะตัวแทนของ

ผู้บริหารและพนักงานบางกอกแอร์เวย์สทุกคนรู้สึกยินดีและเป็น

เกียรติอย่างยิ่งที่ได้รับรางวัลสายการบินระดับภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมใน

ปีนี ้ ผมขอแสดงความขอบคุณต่อผู้อ่านนิตยสาร ทีทีจี เอเชีย (TTG

Asia) ทีทีจี ไชน่า (TTG China) ทีทีจี อินเดีย (TTG India) ทีทีจี ไมซ์

(TTG Mice) ทีทีจี บีทีไมซ์ ไชน่า (TTG BT Mice China) สมาคมใน

กลุ่มทีทีจี (TTG Associations) และ ทีทีจี เอเชีย ลักชัวรี่ (TTG

Asia Luxury) ทุกท่านที่ลงคะแนนโหวตให้เรา ความสำเร็จในครั้งนี้

นอกจากจะสะท้อนให้เห็นถึงคุณภาพการบริการและมาตรฐาน

ความปลอดภัยของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สซึ่งเป็นที่ยอมรับ

ในระดับสากลแล้ว ยังแสดงให้เห็นถึงความตั้งใจของสายการบินฯ ที่

มุ่งมั่นสร้างสรรค์และส่งมอบผลิตภัณฑ์และการบริการที่เป็นเลิศ

เพื่อความประทับใจสูงสุดของผู้โดยสารภายใต้สโลแกน 'Asia's

Boutique Airline' อีกด้วย”

รางวัลทีทีจี ทราเวล อวอร์ดส์ จัดขึ้นเป็นประจำทุกปี เพื่อเป็น

เกียรติแก่บุคคลและองค์กรในอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยวที่มีความ

โดดเด่นในประเภทต่างๆ ของภูมิภาคเอเชียแปซิฟิก

SMOOTH TRAVELS FOR SAMUI

Congratulations were given for the

signing of the Memorandum of

Agreement (MOU) between Universal

Aviation Thailand, a global network of

private aviation services and Bangkok

Airways Ground Services, Ltd. (PGGS),

the dedicated ground handler for Samui

International Airport (VTSM).

In the joint cooperation called ‘The

Gem,’ the signed memorandum involves

the exclusive ground handling of private

jets, ensuring exceptional operational

expertise to maximise the VIP experience

for the passengers and crew. For both

business or leisure travellers, hassle-free

travel arrangements ensure more time

and enjoyment on Koh Samui.

A cocktail party took place on

September 12, 2017 at Celes Beachfront

Resort, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, following

the announcement.

ขอแสดงความยินดีกับการร่วมกันเป็นพันธมิตร

ทางธุรกิจระหว่าง Universal Aviation Thailand

บริษัทที่ดำเนินธุรกิจการบินเอกชน และบริษัท

การบินกรุงเทพบริการภาคพื้น จำกัด (PGGS)

ในฐานะผู้ให้บริการการจัดการภาคพื้นดิน

พิเศษสำหรับเที่ยวบินเอกชนและเที่ยวบินเช่าเหมา

ลำที่สนามบินนานาชาติเกาะสมุย (VTSM) ภายใต้

ชื ่อ “The Gem” โดยในการร่วมมือทางธุรกิจนี ้จะ

ให้บริการพิเศษแก่ลูกค้าวีไอพีและลูกเรือจาก

เที่ยวบินเอกชนต่างๆ ที่เดินทางมาเยือนเกาะสมุย

ได้รับความสะดวกสบายและประทับใจที่สุดไม่ว่า

จะเป็นการเดินทางมาเพื่อทำธุรกิจหรือเพื่อการ

พักผ่อน โดยงานสังสรรค์ พบปะเพื่อแลกเปลี่ยน

มุมมองทางธุรกิจนี้จัดขึ้นมื่อวันที่ 12 กันยายน

2560 ที่ผ่านมา ณ โรงแรมเซเลส บีชฟร้อนท์

อ.เกาะสมุย จ. สุราษฎร์ธานี

132

133

BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS

FLYERBONUS

BANGKOK AIRWAYS TO LAUNCH THE NEW

DIRECT ROUTE BETWEEN

BANGKOK AND PHU QUOC (VIETNAM)

Bangkok Airways led by President

Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth

organised a press briefing event to

announce its direct flight between

Bangkok–Phu Quoc (Vietnam) as well

as the photo exhibition “Phu Quoc…

Pearl of Southern Vietnam.” The event

was held at the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge

of Bangkok Airways, Suvarnabhumi Airport

and attended by many distinguished

guests including H.E. Mr. Nguyen Hai Ban,

Ambassador of Vietnam to the Kingdom

of Thailand.

Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth

said, “Located in the Gulf of Thailand,

the beautiful Phu Quoc – known as

Pearl Island, is Vietnam’s largest island.

Phu Quoc has recently been appointed

as a Special Economic Zone by the

Vietnamese government with the

expected annual economic growth up to

25-30%. According to the latest statistics,

in 2016 Phu Quoc has attracted over

1.45 million tourists from all over the world.

With the 30-day visa free policy for

foreigners, Phu Quoc now is one of the

Fah Thai Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

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