Fah Thai Magazine Jul-Aug 2018

JUL-AUG 2018 

MAKE WISHES HAPPEN 

IN MAE HONG SON 

VISIT MYANMAR’S UNSPOILED 

MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO 

INSIDE TREK TO 

VIETNAM 

TRUE HONG KONG 

SOUVENIRS 

COMPLIMENTARY COPY

LONG LIVE THE KING 

In Celebration of the Auspicious Occasion of 

HIS MAJESTY 

KING MAHA VAJIRALONGKORN 

BODINDRADEBAYAVARANGKUN’S 

66 TH BIRTHDAY 

On 28th July 2018 

From the Executives and Staff of Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited 

and Fah Thai Magazine

OVERTURES 

FEATURES 

HAPPENINGS 

CORPORATE 

18 REGIONAL MEMO 

Check out the timely reminder to 

run a scenic marathon sponsored 

by Bangkok Airways or dash for 

the nearest ticket to Celine Dion’s 

concert and other creative 

performances in Asia. 

24 FACE OF GLASS 

Skin that’s smooth and shiny is all 

the rage for faces. Our primer tells 

you how to have the same effect 

in the glass skin trend. 

26 RAIN GEARED 

Conquer the rainy season with 

the right tools to keep you dry 

and still be fabulous — from the 

right makeup for her and the best 

sartorial combination for him. 

28 MAE HONG SON 

GRACE 

Misty mountains and lush vistas 

beckon visitors to Mae Hong Son, 

along with a visit to the longest 

bamboo bridge in Thailand. 

32 HAIL TO BAEL 

This woody fruit looks deceptively 

mild in appearance but is a major 

thirst quencher. Try its refreshing 

qualities with our easy recipe. 

36 THE REAL DEAL 

Experience the authentic side to 

Thai culture as we wok and walk 

you through surprising spots. 

This month’s cover: 

Mae Hong Son’s Bridge of Wishes 

44 RETAIL REDESIGN 

Hong Kong designers set the 

standards for traditional Hong 

Kong iconic souvenirs. 

52 LOCATION SHOOT 

A Thai director sees her travels 

unwittingly played out and 

reflected in her many films. 

58 GOING THE DISTANCE 

The delightful finds that make 

Chiang Mai and Hanoi an ideal 

getaway combination. 

68 LESS HECTIC IN THE 

MYEIK ISLANDS 

Our writer responds to the 

siren call to detox from a 

tech-ridden daily life at the 

unspoilt reaches of the 

Myanmar archipelago. 

78 VIETNAM 

FUND-RAISER 

Adventurous photographers 

capture wondrous and rarely 

visited areas on their ride for 

charity in Vietnam. 

Bookmark our roundup of on goings around 

Asia, come rain or shine. 

88 BANGKOK 

92 SAMUI 

96 PHUKET / 

KRABI 

100 CHIANG MAI / 

CHIANG RAI 

101 PATTAYA 

102 CHENGDU / 

CHONGQING / 

GUANGZHOU 

104 HONG KONG 

106 SINGAPORE 

107 KUALA 

LUMPUR 

108 PHNOM 

PENH / 

SIEM REAP 

110 DANANG / 

HANOI / 

PHU QUOC 

112 YANGON 

114 VIENTIANE 

115 MALDIVES / 

MUMBAI 

118 NEWS 

Bangkok Airways’ 

collaborations 

and winners. 

122 FLYERBONUS 

126 ROUTE MAP 

128 AIRCRAFT INFO 

CHECKING 

OUT 

130 Hong Kong’s 

Trail to Adventure 

78 

Around 

the Bend 

in Vietnam 

10 

11

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 

Greetings and welcome on board Bangkok Airways. 

Time flies and already, we enter the second 

half of this year. I’m proud to say our airline never 

stopped the pursuit to reach our many missions 

and all our staff and involved parties stay 

determined to serve passengers to the best of 

their ability, especially when it comes to safety. 

Bangkok Airways became the first airline 

in Thailand to receive the New Air Operation 

Certificate, in accordance to International Civil 

Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards in 

February last year, and our airline recently was 

licensed the Dangerous Goods Carrier Permission 

from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand 

(CAAT). Furthermore, on 9 April 2018, we 

earned the ISO 9001:2015 certification for 

Quality Management Systems within the first 

half of this fiscal year, which guarantees that 

our airline has met and has committed to quality 

in all aspects of its operations. For over 15 years, 

we have met all the requirements of the 

international auditor and also have implemented 

our system in order to gradually achieve every 

ISO transition. 

One of our core missions is to focus on 

Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR, which 

we have been implementing throughout the 

years. We intend to build stronger communities 

around our 3 airports through different concepts. 

Examples include career support, learning 

opportunities for the youth, healthcare, caring 

for the environment and rehabilitation education 

for everyone in various neighbourhoods. These, 

we believe, will benefit both the communities 

and our airline and together, we can continue 

sustainable growth. 

On behalf of Bangkok Airways, I’d like to thank 

you for always trusting and choosing us. I wish 

you enjoyment of our services on the aircraft. 

Thank you. 

สวัสดีครับผู้โดยสารทุกท่าน ผมขอต้อนรับทุกท่านสู่การ 

บริการของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส 

ไม่ทันไรเราก็ร่วมเดินทางผ่านกันมาครึ่งปีแล้วนะครับ 

สำหรับสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สเอง เราก็ยังคงมุ่งมั่น 

ตั้งใจพัฒนากันอย่างไม่หยุดยั้ง ตามพันธกิจของเรา โดย 

เรามุ่งมั่นที่จะให้บริการโดยคำนึงถึงความปลอดภัยสูงสุด 

ไม่ว่าจะเป็นส่วนของผู้โดยสาร พนักงานผู้ปฏิบัติหน้าที่ 

รวมถึงผู้ที่เกี่ยวข้องในกิจกรรมการปฏิบัติการบินในทุกๆ 

เที่ยวบิน และเมื่อไม่นานมานี้ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส 

ได้รับใบอนุญาตในการขนส่งสินค้าอันตราย (Dangerous 

Goods Carrier Permission) จากสำนักงานการบิน 

พลเรือนแห่งประเทศไทย ซึ่งนับเป็นสายการบินแรกที่ได้รับ 

การรับรอง หลังจากที่เราได้รับใบรับรองผู้ดำเนินการ 

เดินอากาศใหม่ตามมาตรฐานของ ICAO เมื่อ 27 กุมภาพันธ์ 

ปีที่ผ่านมา และอีกหนึ่งมาตรฐานเพื่อเพิ่มระดับความ 

เชื่อมั่นให้กับผู้ใช้บริการทุกท่านของสายการบินฯ คือ 

เมื่อวันที่ 9 เมษายนที่ผ่านมา ทางเราได้รับการรับรอง 

มาตรฐานระบบบริหารคุณภาพ ISO 9001:2015 ใน 

ระดับครอบคลุมทุกกิจกรรมการปฏิบัติงานในทุกสถานี 

การบิน ซึ่งตลอดระยะเวลากว่า 15 ปีที่ผ่านมา สายการบินฯ 

สามารถผ่านการตรวจประเมินจากผู้ตรวจประเมินระดับ 

สากลและยังคงไว้ซึ่งการได้รับการรับรองมาตรฐานดังกล่าว 

โดยเราได้ทำการปรับโอนมาตรฐานให้ทันสมัยในทุกๆ ครั้ง 

ที่มีการเปลี่ยนแปลงมาอย่างต่อเนื่อง และภายในครึ่งปีแรกนี้ 

เราสามารถผ่านมาตรฐานเพื่อปรับโอนเข้าสู่มาตรฐาน ISO 

9001:2015 เป็นที่เรียบร้อยแล้ว 

อีกหนึ่งพันธกิจ นอกจากความปลอดภัย คือ การรับ 

ผิดชอบต่อสังคม หรือ CSR ซึ่งบริษัทฯ มีการด ำเนินการมา 

อย่างต่อเนื่อง โดยมีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อการสร้างชุมชนให้ 

เข้มแข็ง เริ่มจากชุมชนรอบสนามบินทั้ง 3 แห่งของบริษัทฯ ผ่าน 

แนวคิดต่างๆ เช่น การส่งเสริมสร้างอาชีพให้คนในชุมชน 

การให้เยาวชนในชุมชนได้รับโอกาสทางการศึกษา การดูแล 

ด้านสุขภาพอนามัย หรือแม้แต่การให้ความรู้กับชุมชนในการ 

ดูแลและฟื้นฟูสิ่งแวดล้อม โดยมีความคาดหวังว่าสายการบินฯ 

กับชุมชนจะเกื้อกูลและเติบโตไปด้วยกันอย่างยั่งยืน 

ในนามของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ผมขอขอบคุณ 

ผู้โดยสารทุกท่านที่ไว้วางใจ และใช้บริการสายการบิน 

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สมาโดยตลอด ผมหวังว่าจะท่านจะได้รับ 

ความสะดวกสบายกับการบริการของเรา 

ขอบคุณครับ 

กัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ 

Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth 

กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ | President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited 

12

IS THE 

GOLD WINNER 

PEARL AWARD 

2017 

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS PUBLIC 

COMPANY LIMITED 

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Contributors 

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Chusri Ngamprasert 

Jeremie Schatz 

MC Lai 

Nawarat A Wright 

Nicola Hil 

Passakorn Hongthong 

Phoowadon Duangmee 

Prachi Joshi 

Richard Augustin 

Ron Emmons 

Sarita Urupongsa 

Sirin P Wongpanit 

Sophia Natasia Powell-Schaffer 

Srinit Suwannasak 

Thawat Tangtienchai 

Photo Editor Thewin Chanyawong 

Contributing Photographers 

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Chatta Phoyen 

Chris Lusher 

Dolnapa Ram-Indra 

Kay Choomongkol 

Morgan Ommer 

Santipong Choocharoen 

Trong Tung 

Wichit Kongsiangsung 

ART 

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

Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Co., 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. 

All information correct at press time. All rights reserved. No part of this 

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 Co., Ltd. 

Cover Photography: Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand 

14

ESSENTIAL NOTES TO GUIDE YOUR TRAVELS 

Blue Magnificence 

It’s just you and the big blue 

yonder at this ultimate resort. 

NEWS AND EVENTS 18 / BEAUTY AND HEALTH 24 / STYLE 26 / THAILAND TREASURES 28 / A TASTE OF THAILAND 32 / 

FRUITFUL FINDS 34 / ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 36 / CHECKED IN 40 

17

OVERTURES 

NEWS AND EVENTS 

NOW 

-30 2018 

SEP 

5AUG 

2018 

PHUKET 

OPEN NOW: BANGKOK AIRWAYS 

PHUKET HALF MARATHON 

The Bangkok Airways Phuket Half Marathon 

2018 will be held in Phuket on 5 August. With 

the scenic backdrop of the island that’s partly 

a mountainous rain forest in the Andaman Sea, 

the race will be held right in the Phuket Old 

Town. The routes you’ll be running encounter 

Sino-Portuguese architecture which reflected 

the European influence on the island since the 

16th century. 

Runners who travel with Bangkok Airways 

also get special deals. With just a boarding 

pass, special room rates are yours for the 

taking from Novotel Phuket Phokeethra and 

Ibis Styles Hotel Phuket. Both properties are 

a mere 5 minutes away from the event venue. 

Booking period, today-1 August 2018, 

Period of stay, 1-10 August 2018. 

Novotel Phuket Phokeethra +66 (0) 76 397 777, 

Ibis Styles Phuket City +66 (0) 76 397 777 

BANGKOK 

BIENNIAL GALORE 

With Thailand’s three major art festivals 

coming up later this year, you could be 

forgiven for confusing them with one another. 

The Bangkok Biennial, running from July 1 

through September 30, is a contemporary 

art event modelling itself on similar biennales 

around the world. Taking a more bottoms-up 

approach, the anonymous groups of organisers 

believe it is worth exploring an alternative 

way to the expected ‘top-down’ curator/ 

director model, which can achieve a broader, 

more inclusive and more diverse programme. 

The other two unrelated art shows are the 

Bangkok Art Biennale (Oct 19, 2018 - Feb 3, 

2019) and Thailand Biennale taking place in 

Krabi (Nov 2, 2018 - Feb 28, 2019). 

The Bangkok Biennial, which is the first 

biennial contemporary art event taking place 

in Thailand, has recruited a line-up of 150 

local and international artists, whose work 

will exhibit across 69 venues or “pavilions” 

both in and outside of Bangkok. It will include 

many of Bangkok’s underground art spaces as 

well as those in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and 

other provinces — all self-organised, managed 

and curated as the festival aims to foster 

divergent ideas. 

The opening will take place on the evening of 

1 July, and there will also be a 2-day symposium 

held at The Jim Thompson House on August 

11th and 12th entitled “Biennialization, 

Biennialization, Biennialization: The Bangkok 

Syndrome,” which delves into the nature and 

rationale of biennial events in a regional and 

international context. bangkokbiennial.com 


NOW-12AUG 

HONG KONG 

ORIENTAL ART FORM 

Chinese opera is considered one of the oldest 

forms of performance art in the world today. 

With its long history and influences from 

various Chinese cultures, the art form draws 

in audiences with its unique charm, richness 

and beauty. 

The Chinese Opera Festival aims to 

further promote the art form to audiences 

in Hong Kong with a series of performances 

delivered by top virtuosi and maestros in the 

field. Since its inception in 2010, the festival 

has told diverse and impressive stories with 

the help of some of the world’s best Chinese 

troupes and performers. 

This year’s edition will promise the same 

colourful programme, which will include 

regional genres including Peking, Kunqu, Yue, 

Diaoqiang, Pingdiao, Puxian and Xiqin opera 

as well as Cantonese opera. Various venues 

across Hong Kong, cof.gov.hk/2018 

Photo Denise Truscell 

3-4 & 

23 JUL 


SINGAPORE & BANGKOK 

HER HEART WILL GO ON 

Fans of Canadian singer Celine Dion will want 

to head down to the Lion City as she performs 

at the Marina Bay Sands on 3-4 July. The 

multi-Grammy and Academy Award winner will 

perform in Singapore for the first time ever as 

part of her World Tour. Those who plan to visit 

the capital of Thailand will also be delighted as 

she will perform at the Impact Arena on 23 July. 

The opportunity to catch The Celine Dion 

Live 2018 tour will be too good to miss. 

Considered as one of most iconic singers in 

pop music, Dion has sold almost 250 million 

albums during her 30-year career and is 

famous for her hits ‘That’s The Way It Is’ and 

‘My Heart Will Go On’. marinabaysands.com, 

thaiticketmajor.com 

5-22JUL 


SINGAPORE 

CELEBRATING LOCAL ARTS 

Since 2006, the Singapore Theatre Festival 

has championed its local arts industry by 

providing a platform for artists and playwrights 

to showcase their talent. Presented by W!LD 

RICE, the biennial festival this year will allow 

theatre fans to catch original productions and 

to also engage in conversations 

about theatre. 

With an emphasis on 

promoting home grown 

talent, the Singapore 

Theatre Festival has 

thus far produced 33 

productions, including 

19 world premieres. 

Now in its sixth edition, 

this year’s event will run 

throughout July with a 

total of eight original 

plays as well as several 

additional supplementary 

events, including art talks 

and forums. This year’s 

edition will be held at the 

LASALLE College of the 

Arts, on McNally Street. 

singaporetheatrefestival.com 

27-28 

JUL 


THAILAND 

ASARNHA BUCHA & 

BUDDHIST LENT DAY 

Asarnha Bucha Day marks the day when the 

Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon known 

as “Dhammachakkappawattanasutta” which he 

preached to five ascetics at Benares in India 

over 2,500 years ago. As a result, all of them 

attained enlightenment and were ordained by 

the Buddha as the first ever Buddhist monks. 

Asarnha Bucha falls on the full moon day 

of the eighth lunar month of the calendar year, 

generally in July. Buddhists perform a variety 

of religious activities at temples — mainly 

merit-making ceremonies such as offering 

food and alms to monks, listening to sermons 

and practising meditation in order to purify 

the mind. 

This day also marks the beginning of 

Buddhist Lent or Khao Phansa, a threemonth 

period when monks retreat into their 

monasteries to escape the monsoon rains 

and study Buddhist teachings. It is a time of 

making merit and candlelight processions, or 

wian thian in Thai, held at temples throughout 

the country. 

Asarnha Bucha Day is Thailand’s public 

holiday and everyone should note it is illegal 

to buy and sell alcohol on this day. 

tourismthailand.org 

18 19

OVERTURES 

NEWS AND EVENTS 

62018 JUL 

-12 2018 

AUG 

HONG KONG 

FAMILY FRIENDLY 

The International Arts Carnival 2018 will 

once again deliver a fun-filled arts programme 

designed to inspire children and entertain 

audiences from all walks of life. One of 

the largest family arts festivals in Hong 

Kong, this year’s carnival will include an 

array of shows and performances including 

ballet, electroluminescent and multi-media 

traditional Chinese puppetry, as well as 

interactive concerts. 

Considered one of the highlights of the 

summer season, this year’s International 

Arts Carnival will see a number of visiting 

international art groups and talented local 

artists perform during the one-month long 

festival. But it won’t just be performance 

art on show as this year’s programme 

will also include extension activities such 

as workshops, exhibition and outreach 

programmes. Various venues across Hong Kong, 

hkiac.gov.hk/2018 

AUG 2018 

BANGKOK 

TASTES OF THE WORLD 

The Central Group has declared that August 

will be a month ‘full of tastes.’ Beginning with 

“Tastes of the World at Central Bangkok”, the 

event marks one of the largest food festivals 

ever held in the country, showcasing the true 

flavours of local Thai and international dishes. 

Aiming for full deliciousness, the event shines 

the spotlight on charming Thai towns with a 

rich culinary past to be held at CentralWorld. 

The many appealing and original recipes from 

every region of Thailand will be served in the 

heart of Bangkok — at CentralWorld, Central 

Chidlom and Central Embassy. 

Central Tastes of the World @ Central 

Bangkok will be the event that brings out 

Thailand’s unmatched potential for food 

and dining. While maintaining a strong 

culinary identity in Thai food at international 

standards, also reinforced will be Thailand’s 

place as one of the world’s best food 

destinations. List it or miss it! facebook.com/ 

centralbangkok, instagram.com/centralbangkok 


12AUG 

DANANG 

RACE-CATION IN DANANG 

Love the thought of running while on vacation? 

Indulge in this possibility with the Manulife 

Danang International Marathon that takes place 

in mid August in this coastal city in Vietnam. 

The race offers 4 different distance 

runs; a Full Marathon (42km), Half Marathon 

(21km), 10km and the beginner-friendly 

distance of 5km. The marathon is known 

for its spectacular seaside route. The race 

starts at 4.30am when the city still sleeps, 

so all runners can experience Danang in an 

extremely unique way. Those attending the 

21km and 42km will run through the city 

and pass by 5 of the most iconic bridges of 

the city. As runners approach the finish line, 

expect to be bathed in a warming sunrise over 

the beach in this atmospheric event. 

Your quest for endurance will be fulfilled 

by one of the most magnificent marathon 

courses in Southeast Asia, plus there’s plenty 

of fun activities, delicious seafood and a 

unique culture to round out an awesome 

vacation. Register now until 27 July to be part of 

this race-cation at rundanang.com. 

20

11

OVERTURES 

BEAUTY AND HEALTH 

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO SANTIPONG CHOOCHAROEN 

THE GREEN TEA 

SEED SERUM 

80ML FROM 

INNISFREE 

(1,000 Baht) 

A moisturising 

serum with organic 

Jeju green tea and 

green tea seeds that 

hydrate your skin 

from deep within. 

FRESH CALMING 

TONER 250ML 

FROM LANEIGE 

(1,050 Baht) 

With hydrating 

properties to soothe 

skin and restore 

balance, leaving a 

refreshing feel. 

LE PARFUM IN WHITE 

EAU DE PARFUM 

SPRAY 30ML FROM 

ELIE SAAB (2,300 Baht) 

A sophisticated floral 

fragrance that creates a 

lasting impression. The 

fragrance imagines a 

woman’s emotional journey 

— from her bridal gown to all 

of the memorable moments 

created whilst wearing white. 

ACTIVE WATER SKIN TONER 

180ML FROM LANEIGE 

HOMME (950 Baht) 

The lightly-textured toner smoothens 

skin texture, soothes the skin, and 

provides refreshing moisture. 

SPOTLIGHT 

As Clear As ‘Glass’ 

The Korean beauty regimen 

known as the glass skin trend is 

all about cleansing and layering 

lightweight and hydrating skin 

care products. The result? 

Glowing, dewy skin. With skin 

that’s clear and with a transparent 

effect like glass means no make 

up is necessary. To try the glass 

skin trend yourself, here are the 

perfect products. 

TREATMENT LOTION 

97% NATURALLY 

DERIVED 

INGREDIENTS 125ML 

FROM THREE 

(2,600 Baht) 

Comfortably tightens and 

softens the skin while 

filling it with moisture and 

a fresh, clean scent. 

STOCKISTS 

Elie Saab 

MF Siam Paragon 

Tel: +66 (0) 2610 7741 

Innisfree 

Centerpoint of 

Siam Square 

Tel: +66 (0) 2623 4162 

Laneige 


Tel: +66 (0) 2610 7740 

Three 


Tel: +66 (0) 2610 7725 

MF Central Ladprao 

Tel: +66 (0) 62 541 1026 

Through 

The Rain 

NATURAL RADIANT LONGWEAR 

FOUNDATION 30ML FROM NARS 

(1,950 Baht) 

Makeup shouldn’t cover your skin, it 

should enhance your natural beauty, 

not mask it. A lightweight, natural, 

fade-resistant coverage, features fullpowered 

radiance to smooth the look. 

PERFECT RENEW CREAM 50ML 

FROM LANEIGE (2,300 Baht) 

A cream moisturiser that fortifies the 

skin barrier and leaves your skin filled 

with vitality. They provide nourishment 

that keeps skin healthy for a long time. 

With the rainy season upon us, you might want to 

take a look at fabulous makeup techniques that 

won’t wash away. Heavy downpours can ruin a 

perfect face, but with the products listed here, 

makeup stays on despite the showers. 

ALL ABOUT EYES 15ML 

FROM CLINIQUE 

(1,500 Baht) 

Refreshes and brightens 

your eye area — 

recommended for use 

morning and night, both 

under the eyes and on lids. 

HI-FI SHINE ULTRA 

CUSHION LIP GLOSS 

7ML FROM URBAN 

DECAY (950 Baht) 

An ultra-shiny lip gloss 

that glides on cushionysoft 

and provides longlasting 

wear that’s 

comfortable, not tacky 

and finally, a gloss that 

is sexy and comfy at the 

same time. 

ALL DAY ANTI 

POLLUTION 

DEFENSOR 

40ML FROM 

LANEIGE 

(1,300 Baht) 

Makes your skin 

clean and clear and 

strengthens the 

skin barrier every 

morning. Puts your 

skin in lock mode 

from fine dust 

pollutants. 

TRIPLE ACTION 

CLEANSING & 

HYDRATING 

WATER 50ML 

FROM SEPHORA 

COLLECTION (230 Baht) 

A quick-acting, no-rinse 

cleansing water that 

removes makeup and 

moisturises your skin. 

PATENT SHINE 10X 

NAIL LACQUER 

VERNIS 11ML FROM 

BUTTER LONDON 

(730 Baht) 

The innovative formula is 

loaded with ingredients 

proven to promote 

brighter, stronger and 

healthier nails for your 

best-dressed nail yet. 

MERMAID SKIN 

HYALURONIC 

H2O SERUM 

50ML FROM 

TARTE (1,500 Baht) 

This powerful 

serum gives 

your skin intense 

moisture without 

feeling greasy, 

heavy, or sticky for 

plump, dewy skin. 

PURE COLOR LOVE 

COOLED CHROME 

LIPSTICK 3.5G FROM 

ESTEE LAUDER (950 Baht) 

Pure Color Love is packed 

with a super-fruit cocktail of 

Pomegranate, Mango and Açai 

power oils. Make your lips feel 

smooth, soft and moisturised. 

MICROSMOOTH SCULPTING 

8G FROM SEPHORA 

COLLECTION (590 Baht) 

This three-in-one formula is made 

of ultra-light, micronised pigments 

that effortlessly blend to enhance 

your skin tone and give you a 

flawless, no-makeup look and feel. 

Tips 

HERE ARE MAKEUP 

PRODUCTS FOR THE RAINY 

SEASON THAT CAN TRULY 

BRIGHTEN CLOUDY DAYS. 

Tinted Moisturiser – 

Some of the best arsenal for 

damp days comes down to 

just a tinted moisturiser – 

apply a really thin coat and 

it will last a lot longer than 

foundation. 

Cream Brush – Powder 

blush is great in cooler, crisp 

air. But when it’s raining, you 

want something that shows 

and stays on. Luckily, cream 

blush should do that for you. 

High Quality Lipstick – 

What you should take into 

consideration is investing 

in high quality lipstick – its 

staying power really works 

wonders. 

Primer – Makeup primer 

can be a lifesaver and can 

really make sure that your 

makeup stays in place. 

STOCKIST 

Sephora 

1F Siam Center 

Tel: +66 (0) 2658 1616 

2F Central Embassy 

Tel: +66 (0) 2160 5817 

24 

25

OVERTURES 

STYLE 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLE SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTOS SANTIPONG CHOOCHAROEN 

 

 

 

It’s Raining, Man! 

When gloomy, dark clouds threaten a full 

day of rain, really consider your outfit for 

the day that lies ahead. Since weather 

dictates your ensemble, wearing your 

favourite suede shoes will end in a soaked 

disaster or leave you tiptoeing around, 

fearful of the slightest drop. We’ve got you 

covered with some items on how to prepare 

for those unexpected downpours. 

FOR HIM 

MULTICOLOUR 

FLAT SNEAKERS 

FROM 

CHRISTIAN 

LOUBOUTIN 

(35,500 Baht) 

STOCKISTS 

Christian Louboutin 

GF Central Embassy 

Tel: +66 (0) 2160 5814 

PRINTED 

NYLON AND 

LEATHER 

HANDLE 

UMBRELLA 

FROM PRADA 

(17,500 Baht) 

MCM 


Tel: +66 (0) 2610 9800 


TECHNICAL 

PRINTED FABRIC 

WITH LEATHER 

HANDLE TOTE 

FROM PRADA 

(45,500 Baht) 

ROBOTER 

SERIES LEATHER 

WITH STUDS 

WALLET FROM 

MCM (9,900 Baht) 

Tel: +66 (0) 2160 5744 

GF Emquartier 

Tel: +66 (0) 2003 6016 

GRAFITTI 

BOAT FLAT 

SNEAKERS FROM 

CHRISTIAN 

LOUBOUTIN 

(39,400 Baht) 

Prada 


Tel: +66 (0) 2610 9800 

MF Central Embassy 

Tel: +66 (0) 2160 5744 

FOR HER 

RED PATENT 

LEATHER PEEP- 

TOES FROM 

CHRISTIAN 

LOUBOUTIN 

(32,200 Baht) 

STOCKISTS 

Christian Louboutin 

GF Central Embassy 

Tel: +66 (0) 2160 5814 

ICONIC 

GRAFFITI PRINTED 

LEATHER WALLET 

FROM CHRISTIAN 

LOUBOUTIN 

(29,500 Baht) 

MCM 


Tel: +66 (0) 2610 9800 


ELEKTRA 

PRINTED LEATHER 

BAG WITH STUDS 

FROM PRADA 

(87,500 Baht) 

FLORAL RABBIT 

TRIFOLD LEATHER 

WALLET FROM 

MCM (10,900 Baht) 

Tel: +66 (0) 2160 5744 

GF Emquartier 

Tel: +66 (0) 2003 6016 

MULTICOLOUR 

CALFSKIN RABBIT 

KEY RING FROM 

MCM (7,900 Baht) 

Prada 


Tel: +66 (0) 2610 9800 

MF Central Embassy 

Tel: +66 (0) 2160 5744 

Comics Play 

Comic prints make a return to 

consumer fashion with a reinterpretation 

of animated classics 

ranging from the 1930s and 1960s 

that feature female mega stars. 

Familiar characters from comic 

pages get elevated into chic style 

for everyday use. 

26 

27

OVERTURES 

THAILAND TREASURES 

Relaxing Charm 

of Mae Hong Son 

Tucked away in the northern part of Thailand, 

Mae Hong Son offers numerous attractions for 

any time of the year. A sanctuary for the body 

and soul, Mae Hong Son is proud of its abundant 

forests, mesmerising highlands enveloped in 

mist and fascinating cultures. 

The temple of Wat Phra That 

Doi Kong Mu, also known as 

Wat Plai Doi, is the heart and 

soul of Mae Hong Son. With 

two beautiful white-washed 

pagodas with gilded parasols 

and panoramic views of the 

town of Mae Hong Son, the 

Buddhist temple has been 

sacred ground to locals for 

a century. 

Take a photographic shot 

with the longest bamboo 

bridge in Thailand. Su Tong Pe 

Bridge is two metres wide, 

and 500 metres long. The 

villagers built the bridge 

stretching over rice paddies 

and the Mae Sa Nga River to 

pave a path for the monks 

and novices to take morning 

alms. Travellers may take the 

opportunity to give alms on 

the bridge around 6.30 to 

7.30am in the morning. 

Su Tong Pe means “fulfilled 

wish” in the Tai Yai language, 

so it is believed that if you 

make a wish in the middle of 

the bridge, it will come true. 

Fall in love with the charm 

of the Yunnanese people at 

Ban Mae Aw, also known as 

Ban Rak Thai, the last village 

before reaching the Thai- 

Myanmar border. Famous for 

Ching Ching tea and Oolong 

tea cultivation, Ban Rak Thai is 

a place to enjoy locally brewed 

tea, and delectable Yunnanese 

cuisine. Another highlight is 

the Chinese Clay House, built 

This Page 

Lee Wine Lak Thai 

Resort, situated 

in the Oolong tea 

plantation near 

Ban Rak Thai 

village. 

Right 

Su Tong Pe Bridge, 

the longest bamboo 

bridge in Thailand. 

from clay and rice straw, and 

painted in mustard yellow 

with green and red Chinese 

patterns on the architraves. 

Visitors could experience 

the fantastic hot springs 

black mud from Phu Klon, 

one of the three black mud 

resources in the world. Phu 

Klon is well known for its 

health and beauty enhancing 

amenities using natural 

mud from the hot springs 

which is rich in minerals 

Photo Surapol Supawattanakul 

Translation Chusri Ngamprasert Photos Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand 

28 

29

OVERTURES 

THAILAND TREASURES 

Clockwise from 

Top Left 

Engaging in 

Buddhist rituals at 

Wat Pa Tham Wua. 

Travellers enjoy 

facial mud masks at 

Phu Klon. 

Practising Dharma at 

Wat Pa Tham Wua is 

open to all, including 

foreign visitors. 

Below 

An aerial view of 

Mae Hong Son city. 

aiding in skin care and blood circulation. 

Spa services like hot spring baths, a foot 

onsen soak, Thai massage, oil massage, 

a facial mud mask and a body mud 

wrap are available. Facial mud masks 

smoothens and rejuvenates facial skin 

while body mud wraps stimulate blood 

circulation and restore the physical 

balance. Varieties of beauty and 

healthcare products from natural black 

mud and hot springs mineral water are 

also available. 

Delve into deep relaxation and 

calmness at Wat Pa Tham Wua 

Sunyataram or Wat Tham Wua Forest 

Monastery, one of the top five 

monasteries in the world. Tham Wua 

Forest Monastery is a place where 

more than 2,000 practitioners from 

140 countries worldwide have come 

to learn Buddhist Dharma and practise 

meditation. Capturing green nature and a 

serene landscape, Wat Tham Wua is one 

of the most tranquil monastic havens. 

Though English and Thai are the primary 

languages used to teach Dharma, other 

languages like German, Chinese, Japanese 

and French are also available. Wat Tham 

Wua is a place not to be missed for those 

who need to practise meditation. 

With various tourist destinations 

and activities to explore all year 

round, Mae Hong Son is one place 

where lovely weather and fascinating 

culture intertwine. 

For more information, call the Tourist 

Information hotline at 1672. 

30

OVERTURES 

A TASTE OF THAILAND 

To Cure a Thirst 

In Hinduism, the bael or wood apple tree 

is considered sacred and belongs to the 

god Shiva. In Thailand, this symbolic tree 

represents Chai Nat Province and has 

always been planted in Thai households 

since the old days, due to its medicinal 

properties and nutritional benefits. Every 

part of the bael tree can be turned into 

something useful — its young leaves for 

instance, can be enjoyed as a salad. Its 

outer layer, roots, and trunk can be used 

for curing a cold as well. 

The bael fruit is actually the most 

significant part. Green when raw, the 

fruit turns yellow and produces a distinct 

aroma once ripe. Its soft flesh comes 

with a delicious sweet flavour, which is 

a refreshing option for imbibing. Apart 

from enjoying the fruit’s freshness, it can 

be turned into dessert, like that of a bael 

fruit cake. 

Its ripe fruits meanwhile can be 

further sweetened and enjoyed with an 

easy recipe. Just mix sugar and water 

together and heat them until the sugar 

dissolves. Then add sliced, ripe bael fruit 

and continue to stir until the pieces 

become cooked. Ripe bael fruits, once 

cut and dried or baked, star as the main 

ingredient of a beneficial bael drink. 

The drink can be enjoyed either 

hot or cold. Those who fall in love with 

the scent of a bael fruit will love it even 

more as hot tea, since the aroma 

intensifies with heat. Iced bael juice also 

is a top choice for summer, for thanks 

to the fruit’s nature, it can quench thirst 

and reduce sweating. 

Ingredients 

• 6 pieces of sliced dry bael fruit 

• 8 cups of water 

• ¾ cup of sugar 

• Small ice cubes 

• 1 piece of dry bael fruit to decorate 

Instructions 

Clean the dry bael fruit pieces 

with water. 

Separately add water into a pot on 

medium heat. When the water boils, add 

the bael fruit pieces, keeping them in a full 

boil for 4-5 minutes. 

Lower the heat, then continue to 

simmer until the water turns darker and 

the bael fruit pieces soften and take on 

a lighter colour. 

Once the juice mixture happens, add 

sugar and continue to boil for a little while 

until the sugar dissolves. 

Turn off the heat and filter only the 

liquid. The rest of the bael fruit can be kept 

in the refrigerator for next time. 

Leave it to cool down for a while. Add 

ice cubes and decorate the glass with the 

dry bael fruit slice. 

TIPS 

Before boiling the bael 

fruit, grill or stir-fry the 

fruit in low heat. This will 

give a more intensified 

aroma to add depth to 

its flavour. 

WORDS SARITA URUPONGSA 

32 33

OVERTURES 

FRUITFUL FINDS 

WORDS CHUSRI NGAMPRASERT PHOTO KAY CHOOMONGKOL 

A Tropical 

Apple 

Feel the tropical cool when you bite 

into a fresh slice of a guava fruit, whose 

crunch of pristine white flesh provides 

a healthful snack easily found all year 

round in Thailand. The guava recently 

was dubbed “the ultimate superfood,” 

that’s rich with an incredible source 

of vitamin C, lycopene, vitamin A, 

potassium, and fibre. Luckily, it’s also 

low in calories. 

Aside from being a great snack 

when eaten raw, guavas can also 

be used in cooking and baking. Its 

leaves, seeds, and even skin can 

also be eaten or used medicinally. 

Guava is commonly grown in 

tropical regions throughout the 

world. The fruit may be round, 

oblong, or pear-shaped. When 

ripe, a guava possesses a strong, 

sweet smell. The interior flesh may 

be white, pink, or red with a core 

of small, edible seeds. 

Originating from Central 

and South America, guavas are 

primarily self-germinating. While 

humans have played a significant 

role in its journey of cultivation, 

birds and animals have also 

scattered about guava seeds while 

moving around. 

In the old days, Thailand was 

abundant with pink guavas. As 

many guava trees grew from the 

seeds found in bird droppings, 

Thais referred to this pink-fleshed 

guava as farang khi nok, “bird 

dropping guava”. The fruit of this 

variety is smaller, with a softer pink 

flesh and a floral smell when ripe, 

making it ideal for juices and jam. 

The popular varieties with a 

white interior are Gim-ju (crisp 

and sweet with fewer seeds), 

Vietnamese (big and sweet with 

many seeds), Glom Salee (crunchy, 

sweet and sour) and Paen See 

Thong (crisp and sweet with fewer 

seeds). Fruits of these new varieties 

are generally the size of a softball 

with a green-coloured skin that can 

range from a bumpy to smooth 

exterior. The flesh is white with pale 

yellow seeds and tends to be less 

moist than the pink guavas. It tastes 

best when it is beginning to ripen, 

with its skin starting to turn yellow. 

When ripe, the fruit is soft and the 

pulp inside is sweet. 

To add a spicy kick to the 

fruit, Thais dip it into a Prik Gluea 

(a condiment with a salt, sugar and 

chilli blend), but for people with 

tame taste buds, the sweet and 

sour zing of a salted plum powder 

dip can serve as an eye-opener on 

a sleepy afternoon. 

34

OVERTURES 

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 

Lure of 

the Local 

Words Jeremie Schatz, Sarita Urupongsa Photos Jeremie Schatz, Dolnapa Ram-Indra 

PHUKET 

Siow Jung Sin 

A bowl of sandalwood is kept burning out 

front at all times. Stepping through the 

fragrant veil of smoke, you realise you’ve 

stumbled across something special. It’s 

one part dimly-lit antique shop, one part 

hustling restaurant, but it’s much more 

than the sum of its parts. With no sign 

and an unassuming façade, Siow Jung Sin 

need not rely on glitz and glam to lure 

in customers. This humble Phuket Town 

favourite has a loyal following whose 

stomachs and senses lead them back. 

Despite the random décor of antique 

mining lanterns, table tops displaying old 

cassette tapes and dangling birds’ nests 

creating a sense of timelessness, they first 

fired up their woks only six years ago. 

A labour of love for Bank and 

Ingo Siyangsanaw, they are a constant 

presence with Bank working his magic 

over the fire and Ing liaising between 

guests and staff. The steaming dishes 

slide onto the table astonishingly fast 

while the ever-moving staff literally run 

to fetch customers’ requests. 

Want a nearby and authentic experience 

that can also be part of your beach vacation? 

For a well-rounded trip, enjoying natural 

scenery to tasting the culinary feat of a local 

wok offers a lasting connection to a place. 

Don’t expect phad thai or green 

curry on this menu — Siow Jung Sin 

churns out the fused flavours of Chinese 

and Thai cooking traditions. Case-inpoint 

is the signature dish, super teen 

gai, with extra-tender stewed chicken’s 

feet in a thick, searing red sweet and 

spicy broth. The finest fried rice you’ve 

ever had comes out of their open-air 

kitchen along with rarely found flavours 

like fermented soy bean and chilli paste 

(phad tao hoo yee) and pan-fried young 

coconut shoots with fresh shrimp (goong 

phad yod maphrao). “Our food is not 

very good, but it comes from the heart. 

It’s heart food,” says Bank modestly. 

However, the full tables of content diners 

beg to differ. 

What comes from the wok is only 

part of the equation. With a third 

generation recipe, Bank produces 

homemade spiced rice whiskey (ya dong). 

The smooth, sweet brew is aged with 

fresh herbs for two and a half months. 

It’s meant to drink before eating, but 

typically continues throughout the meal 

and into the night. Bank has colloquially 

named it “the swan that never meets the 

target,” the meaning of which is open 

to interpretation. 

If you have an empty stomach and 

are on the prowl for a uniquely authentic 

Phuket experience, find your way to Siow 

Jung Sin. Siow Jung Sin, Wirat Hong Yok 

Rd, Tambon Talat Nuea, Amphur Muang, 

Phuket, Phuket 

KRABI 

Wat Tham Suea 

Travellers looking to nurture their inner adventurer 

will want lace up their walking shoes and explore 

Wat Tham Suea, also referred to as the Tiger 

Cave Temple. 

Nestled in the shadow of a towering 

limestone peak on the edge of a verdant valley 

10km outside Krabi Town, this temple complex 

attracts a diverse group of visitors. Established 

in 1975 by Buddhist monks, there are several 

versions of an origin story including tiger paw 

prints being discovered on the cave wall, an 

enormous tiger residing in the cave, and most 

plausible, a healthy population of tigers roaming 

the surrounding jungle. 

Although named for the limestone cave, the 

leading attraction is undoubtedly the mountaintop 

Buddha and Chedi (Stupa). To reach the summit 

one must climb a precipitous staircase of 1,260 

steps. Although mostly shaded, it is quite strenuous 

and an early start is recommended. A comfortable 

pair of shoes and a generous supply of drinking 

water are mandatory. You are unlikely to be alone 

as troops of monkeys loiter around the steps and 

bathe in the cistern at the top. Beware of your 

unattached belongings as daring, naughty monkeys 

just might want to rid you of them. However, it’s 

all worth it as those who brave the primates and 

muscle through the arduous ascent are rewarded 

with a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the 

surrounding landscape. 

After a much-deserved rest and descent 

from the mountain, be sure to locate the other 

staircase further back in the complex which leads 

over a small ridge and into an isolated, jungle-filled 

area where the resident monks live. A trail leads 

past a sprawling altar, along the foot of a cliff 

where the monks’ humble abodes perch in 

indentations in the rock. It continues in a loop 

through a prehistoric-feeling jungle. 

One can easily spend the better part of a day 

at Wat Tham Suea climbing the mountain, hanging 

out with monkeys, and exploring all of the temples. 

Who said you have to be lazy on vacation! 

36 

37

OVERTURES 

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS 

TRAT 

Ban Nam Chiao 

A few kilometres away from central Trat 

and you’ll be breathing in the salty breezes 

at the eastward fishing village of “Ban Nam 

Chiao” while marvelling at the spreading 

rays of the sunset from a bridge. 

Ban Nam Chiao is some lush 

seaside community rich in mangrove 

forests, whose natural placement of 

trees contribute strong water currents 

during the rainy season, thus earning 

the name Khlong Nam Chiao (strong 

current canal). Embraced by the canal 

and sea, the community enjoys a green 

area of around 2,000 rai (close to 8 

acres), with a scenic landscape that’s 

reason enough to visit. Thanks to this 

natural abundance, most residents of 

Ban Nam Chiao take up fishery, grow 

fruit orchards and engage in other 

trades for sustainable livelihoods. 

Here’s a place to see skilled weavers 

nimbly create farming hats, with a 

welcoming community that offers a 

demonstration and workshop for visitors 

to see how a “Nam Chiao Ngob,” or the 

farmer’s hat gets crafted from local nipa 

palm leaves found all over the area. To 

participate or simply watch the hats get 

made, booking ahead is recommended. 

The hat itself is a skill requiring expertise 

in practically every step — from picking 

the nipa palm leaves, to shaping the 

crown or head, right up to determining 

the colour. Nowadays, a great number of 

the elderly village folks still make them 

by hand. Homestay businesses receive 

a supply, whereas the rest are sent to 

stores in town so here’s a chance to buy 

from the original source. 

Visitors who stop by during the 

first weekend of every month from late 

morning to late afternoon can enjoy 

Tong Chom (Must See) Market from 

Ban Nam Chiao at the riverside path. 

Enjoy a stroll and taste local halal food, 

included snacks like ‘khao greab ya na’ 

(sweet and salty prawns with crispy rice), 

and consider local produce and unique 

souvenirs to bring back. The place also 

offers alternative activities such as 

witnessing a ‘Dikir Hulu’ performance, 

getting photographed in a Muslim attire, 

or just kayaking on its welcoming waters. 

Also make a stop at Ban Ta Ong 

(Moo 3, Nam Chiao Municipality), 

known as the district’s main shop for 

local produce from the people of Laem 

Ngop. The shop offers at least five 

styles of the local farmer’s hat and the 

best souvenirs come in several shapes, 

from a fun turtle to a military one. For a 

unique style, try the Somdet on for size. 

The hat has been graciously named by 

the Thai Princess Mother, HRH Princess 

Srinagarindra. Each hat features different 

brim details with creativity from the 

deft fingers of the local craftspeople 

using the nipa palm leaves. Ban Ta Ong 

still preserves this ancient tradition of 

coating hats with rubber oil, an essential 

material that strengthens the hat for 

longer wear. Nam Chiao Community, Nam 

Chiao Sub-District, Laem Ngop District, Trat 

38

OVERTURES 

CHECKED IN: SAMUI 

STAYED: ANANTARA BOPHUT 

When life gives you lemons, you make 

lemonade, but when life lands you at the 

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui, you consider 

yourself lucky. This absolute gem of a 

beachfront resort is relatively small at only 

106 rooms but what it may lack in room 

numbers, it easily makes up for in style and 

quality of experience. 

Embraced within verdant gardens and 

monumental trees, the Anantara Bophut 

boasts a modern-contemporary design 

mingled with classic Thai details — and this 

property certainly isn’t lacking details. The 

grounds are adorned with classic Oriental 

art, lotus-filled pools, “sala” pavilions for 

chilling, and even an organic garden 

complete with beehives. 

Right 

The resort’s 

fountains and 

gardens take on a 

magical quality at 

night. 

Below Left and 

Right 

Classic Thai 

elements blend 

with contemporary 

styling throughout 

the resort. 

Samui’s Extravagant Pleasures 

Here’s an offering of the best places to plan a Samui trip around, from the ultimate accommodation 

to exclusive culinary meals. Words and Photos Jeremie Schatz 

Left 

Southern Thai 

architecture 

greets guests in 

a design that’s 

elegant and family 

friendly. 

Bottom 

Happy hour cocktails 

or drinks at other 

hours come expertly 

done by the hotel’s 

mixologist. 

The rooms boast far too many 

amenities to mention, but picture fresh 

beetroot/carrot/apple juice waiting for 

you in the room along with a spread 

of fresh fruit and the heavenly scent 

of aromatherapy oils emanating from a 

burner. Ample storage for extended stays, 

flip flops and slippers, yoga mat, shoe 

shine service, steam iron, stocked wine 

cooler and liquor cabinet, natural soaps, 

coffee (not instant) and tea, wine glasses 

and whiskey tumblers gives you an idea of 

what is waiting in your room. And you are 

unlikely to overlook the bed sheet-sized 

towels and bed sheets literally 10 feet 

wide (I checked). A huge bathtub and rain 

shower will rinse off the salt and sand 

after a visit to the beach which you can’t 

be any closer to without getting wet. 

Cool ocean breezes can be enjoyed 

on the balcony found just outside of every 

room. No one will judge you for relaxing 

by the huge beachside infinity pool all day, 

but if you’re feeling frisky, or have kids that 

are, a stroll around the sprawling resort 

will reveal all sorts of activities to enjoy 

such as a tennis court, spa, gym, table 

tennis, foosball table, cooking classes, 

yoga, and plenty more. Fisherman’s 

Village is just a short jaunt down the 

beach walk where you can sample local 

culinary delicacies and handicrafts. 

What you’ll find at the Anantara is a 

well-kept, well-managed beachside resort 

in an unbeatable location with character 

and charm. 

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort 

99/9 Bophut Bay, Tambon Bophut, 

Koh Samui, Surat Thani 

+66 (0) 77 428 300 

40

OVERTURES 

CHECKED IN: SAMUI 

TASTED: JAHN RESTAURANT 

AT CONRAD 

Although Koh Samui has an ever 

increasing variety of culinary options, 

foodies and discerning dining aficionados 

will be hard-pressed to find one to match 

Jahn at Conrad Koh Samui. 

There’s a buzz around Jahn and 

for good reason. From the unimpeded 

eye-popping view atop the restaurant’s 

commanding perch on the mountainside, 

to the elegant candle-lit romance factor, 

and the avant-garde Thai-fusion creations, 

a unique and indulgent gastronomic 

experience is born. 

What you discover when you finally 

pry your gaze away from the view (book 

your table before sunset) is a menu full of 

reworked Thai classics and international 

fare swirling with Thai flavours. Although 

still recognisable as their traditional 

counterparts, these visionary recipes have 

attained a new polished level of opulence. 

The menu offers several intriguing 

options from seared duck curry to lobster/ 

scallop/prawn phad thai to red curry lamb, 

but perhaps what best quenches curiosity 

are the two set menus: Tasting of Jahn and 

Journey of Jahn. 

The Tasting of Jahn was recommended 

and what a tasting it is! You are led down 

a winding path filled with a vast variety of 

flavours and textures around every bend. 

Starting with betel leaf enveloping pomelo, 

prawn, roasted coconut and a sweet and 

sour tamarind sauce, the tart and tangy 

flavours leave you anticipating what 

surprises might come next. 

The ubiquitous tom yum goong 

has an entirely new interpretation being 

freshly brewed right on your table. A light 

fish stock is poured through a strainer 

containing the herbs and spices and a 

dazzling red broth emerges. Adorned with 

a grilled prawn, fresh shallots, and petite 

fragrant mushrooms, the presentation is 

as beautiful as the taste is gentle and rich. 

Clockwise from Top 

The chef’s creativity 

is evident in this 

example: sweet 

potato tart with 

apple compote, 

passion fruit coulis 

and guava sorbet. 

The ever-popular 

‘tom yum goong’ 

gets a new spin 

with broth at the 

table. 

Jahn’s elegant 

presentations will 

delight dining 

connoisseurs. 

Following a rosella sorbet palate 

cleanser, the main course of massaman 

Wagyu beef is rolled out. The slab of 

tenderloin is sprinkled with hefty crystals of 

salt and seared with a sizzling iron. Served 

over new potatoes, crispy fried red onions, 

and heavenly morel mushrooms, a drizzling 

of the massaman curry sauce served on the 

side unifies this masterpiece. 

A meal at Jahn isn’t complete without 

sampling the rarest coffee on earth from 

the Black Ivory Coffee Company. This 

incredibly smooth and unique blend 

inherits these characteristics when the 

raw beans are eaten by elephants. Their 

digestive enzymes break down proteins 

in the beans thereby reducing bitterness 

resulting in a velvety, polished brew. 

If the question is where to succumb 

to your craving for an elegant dining 

experience in a premier location, Jahn is 

the answer. 

Conrad Koh Samui 

49/8-9 Moo 4, Hillcrest Road, Taling-Ngam, 

Koh Samui, Surat Thani 

+66 (0) 77 915888 

42

CONTEMPORARY KEEPSAKES 

Words MC Lai 

ong 

ong 

eritage 

Raise your shopping game when it comes 

to souvenirs in Hong Kong. Here, 

Fah Thai rounds up an indispensable list 

of the island’s unique mementos 

depicting iconic places and objects 

that are truly Hong Kong. 

Inspiring pieces by talented and local designers capture 

a piece of the city’s history in cool designs and fun 

objects. Rather than a keychain or a t-shirt there as you 

explore Kowloon, Stanley market and the abundance of 

souvenir gift shops around Cat Street; how about some dim 

sum salt and pepper shakers for a friend? Those tote bags in 

the ubiquitous red, white, blue pattern seen in markets for 

years? They are reborn in a contemporary style. 

44 

45


It would be better to remember the 

good times you had in Hong Kong 

with new and trendy keepsakes 

from locally established designers 

already recognised internationally. 

When visiting the island, make 

it a point to check out popular 

destinations like 2squared or PMQ 

(pmq.org.hk), an ideal one-stop 

shopping complex for lifestyle and 

boutique items. 

In 2009, the site became a hub 

for design and creative industries. 

You’ll find around 100 design and 

creative retail shops in what used 

to be former residential quarters 

for the police, now converted into a 

retail destination. 

A veritable temple of Hong 

Kong-themed merchandise is 

Goods of Desire — G.O.D. for those 

in the know (god.com.hk). In the 

local dialect, the name means 

‘to live better’ as it phonetically 

resembles the characters, ‘G.O.D.’ 

Done with pride and humour, their 

designs reflect symbolic icons 

uniquely found on the island and 

turned into practical everyday 

items. Grab a pair of slippers, oven 

mitts and practical home items 

with motifs of favourite spots in 

Hong Kong. Fun items include 

flip-flops and umbrellas to key 

chains with familiar retro designs. 

Clockwise from Right 

Cuddly animals 

and popular mascots 

like the lion and 

panda serve as 

models for coin 

purses. 

Hong Kong cool tees 

with myriad local 

quotes. 

Sturdy tote bags 

depicting everyday 

Hong Kong scenes. 

Graffiti wall by 

Hong Kong-based 

graffiti artist, Alex 

Croft, was inspired 

by Goods of Desire 

signature print. 

Opposite 

Goods of Desire store 

at PMQ complex 

Douglas Young co-founded 

G.O.D. with Benjamin Lau in 1996, 

in a bid to promote a Hong Kong 

brand he said is “both forwardlooking 

and proud of its cultural 

origins.” Many shops already 

promoting local designers look to 

his work as being representative 

of Hong Kong iconic designs. Tea 

towels with the Good Morning 

motif make ideal choices as these 

quintessential hand towels have 

been around for decades and still 

MAN KWONG STREET 

INTERNATIONAL 

FINANCE CENTRE 

IN-TOWN CHECK-IN 

G.O.D. STORES 

EXCHANGE 

SQUARE 

MAN PO STREET 

Last minute souvenirs can now be 

grabbed at the Airport Express line city 

check-in near IFC in Central. 

found in supermarkets on the 

island. Tote bags cheekily declare 

allegiance to being a Hong Konger 

while easy, everyday bag essentials 

like coin persons in shape of a 

Hong Kong mailbox would delight 

any gift recipient. While this 

popular shop is on site at PMQ, 

other locations are scattered 

around Hong Kong. 

At Kapok (ka-pok.com), 

named after the tropical tree and 

founded by Frenchman Arnault 

Castel, the lifestyle shop acts 

as the perfect curator for the 

gathering of exceptional local 

46 

47


Top, Clockwise 

Modern graphic 

prints showcase a 

traditional favourite 

like dim sum. 

Kapok puts retail 

focus on local 

designers around 

Hong Kong. 

Gifts for hip 

recipients include 

Japanese washi tape 

and eye-catching 

umbrellas. 

brands. Arnault started a series 

of collaborations with various 

Hong Kong designers for the PMQ 

project, gathering the best of 

local designers. 

Among some of the local 

talents include Tania Mills. Based 

locally, Mills was already known 

as a relevant illustrator for media 

publications and together with 

Kapok’s launched a new series 

of products with the theme of 

‘I Love Hong Kong.” Kapok also 

has ditto ditto — (dittoditto.net) 

letterpress postcards of Hong 

Kong landmarks illustrated and 

handmade by p.s. chan. Her 

washi tape designs of Victoria 

Harbour can spark thoughts of 

many DIY projects. 

Meanwhile, Glue dedicates their 

retail items to glass mugs with 

bat motifs and chrysanthemum 

flowers, popular symbols artfully 

depicted on mobile phone cases 

and covers. Tote bags give a shoutout 

to popular Hong Kong streets. 

High quality souvenir t-shirts 

Offering Hong Kong 

designers a chance to 

establish themselves, 

Design Gallery provides 

a retail platform 

while promoting 

Hong Kong as a 

regional creative hub. 

make references to Chinese 

historical scenes in light-hearted 

and carefree designs. 

A full-range of Hong Kong 

souvenir items can be found at 

shops belonging to the Hong 

Kong Trade Development Council 

who brought on the retail venue 

the HKTDC Design Gallery, with 

practical designed goods. Their 

line-up includes designer Alan 

Chan, also known as the “father 

of red-white-blue” for using the 

familiar fabric to create everyday 

STAR STREET 

KAPOK 

MOON STREET 

SUN STREET 

ST FRANCIS YARD 

Kapok’s location in Wanchai 

has other hip shops and eateries 

to complete the Hong Kong 

experience. 

objects. The shops sell totes, small 

purses and wallets made from the 

pattern. While his many works 

are in permanent collections at 

local and international museums, 

Stanley created the brand “rwb330” 

in partnership with the New Life 

Psychiatric Rehabilitation 

Association to depict Hong Kong’s 

positive spirit of fortitude, 

adaptability and industriousness. 

So shop to your heart’s content 

and know that with every keepsake 

is a memory of Hong Kong. 

48


หากคุณกำลังมองหาของฝากติดไม้ติดมือ 

กลับบ้านขณะเดินเที ่ยวย่านเกาลูน สแตนลีย์ 

มาร์เก็ต หรือแคทสตรีท และของที่ว่าต้องมี 

ดีไซน์เก๋ไม่ซ้ำใคร อีกทั้งยังต้องมีกลิ่นอาย 

ประวัติศาสตร์ ฟ้าไทยขอนำเสนอร้านของที่ 

ระลึกที่จะเก็บเอาความทรงจำของฮ่องกงไว้ 

กับคุณและผู้ได้รับตราบนานเท่านาน 

เยี่ยมชมงานออกแบบโดยชาวฮ่องกงที่ 

มีชื่อเสียงระดับโลกได้ที่ 2squared หรือ 

PMQ (pmq.org.hk) ที่มีทุกอย่างครบจบในที่ 

เดียวได้เลย สถานที ่แห่งนี้เปลี่ยนโฉมจากย่าน 

ที่พักของตำรวจในปี 2552 มาเป็นแหล่งรวม 

ร้านจำหน่ายงานออกแบบสร้างสรรค์กว่า 

100 ร้านให้คุณได้เลือก 

สินค้าจาก Goods of Desire หรือ 

G.O.D. ก็มีเอกลักษณ์ไม่แพ้กัน (god.com.hk) 

ด้วยการผสมผสานงานออกแบบที่ได้รับ 

แรงบันดาลใจจากสัญลักษณ์สำคัญของ 

ฮ่องกงกับของใช้ในชีวิตประจำวันได้อย่าง 

เหมาะเจาะ สินค้าทุกชิ้นสร้างมาจากความ 

ภาคภูมิใจและอารมณ์ขันอย่างแท้จริง 

G.O.D. ก่อตั้งในปี 2539 นับเป็นแบรนด์ที่ 

ภูมิอกภูมิใจกับการพัฒนารากเหง้าวัฒนธรรม 

ฮ่องกง ร้านค้ามากมายชื่นชมและยกย่องงาน 

ออกแบบของ G.O.D. ให้เป็นตัวแทนของฮ่องกง 

ไม่ว่าจะเป็นผ้าเช็ดจานที่วางขายมานานนับ 

หลายทศวรรษ กระเป๋าสะพายข้างที่ชาวฮ่องกง 

นิยมใช้ กระเป๋าใส่เหรียญรูปทรงตู้ไปรษณีย์ 

คุณสามารถหาซื้อสินค้าเหล่านี้ได้ที่เว็บไซต์ 

PMQ และร้านค้าทั่วไปในฮ่องกง 

อย่าลืมแวะ Kapok (ka-pok.com) ร้านค้า 

ไลฟ์สไตล์ที่รวบรวมแบรนด์โดดเด่นในประเทศ 

มากมายเข้าไว้ด้วยกัน Kapok สร้างสรรค์ 

สินค้าร่วมกับนักออกแบบมือฉมังในโปรเจ็คต์ 

PMQ เช่น นักวาดภาพประกอบ Tania Mills ที่ 

ร่วมกับ Kapok เพื่อออกแบบสินค้าซีรีส์ “I Love 

Hong Kong” นอกจากนี้ Kapok ยังมี ditto 

ditto โปสการ์ดพิมพ์อักษรรูปสถานที่สำคัญใน 

ฮ่องกงที่วาดและทำมือโดย p.s. chan 

อีกหนึ่งร้านที่เต็มไปด้วยของเก๋มองเพลิน 

คือร้าน Glue สินค้าที่น่าสนใจได้แก่ ถ้วยกาแฟ 

ลายค้างคาวและดอกเก๊กฮวย เคสมือถือ 

ลวดลายต่างๆ กระเป๋าสะพายข้างเพิ่มจุดเด่น 

ด้วยภาพถนนสายสำคัญในฮ่องกง และเสื้อยืด 

พิมพ์ลายสถาปัตยกรรมจีนคุณภาพดี 

อีกตัวเลือกสุดสร้างสรรค์ HKTDC 

Design Gallery จัดแสดงสินค้าที่ออกแบบ 

โดยนักออกแบบชื่อดังมากมาย โดยเฉพาะ 

แบรนด์ “rwb330” ที่ Stanley ร่วมมือกับ 

New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation 

Association เพื่อสะท้อนความแข็งแกร่ง 

การปรับตัว และความเป็นอุตสาหกรรม 

ของฮ่องกงให้เด่นชัด 

ตามเข็มนาฬิกา 

จากขวาบน 

เสื้อยืดคอกลม หมวก 

กระเป๋า รองเท้า ดีไซน์เก๋ 

จาก Kapok สาขา Sun 

Street 

ชุดรองจาน 4 ชิ้นมีชื่อ 

สถานที่สำคัญๆ ของ 

ฮ่องกงเป็นภาษาอังกฤษ 

และจีนจาก G.O.D. 

มีความเก๋ไก๋สดใส 

สไตล์เรโทร 

ดิสเพลย์หน้าร้าน 

G.O.D. หรือ Goods 

of Desire ที่ผสม 

เอกลักษณ์ของฮ่องกง 

และดีไซน์สมัยใหม่ได้ 

อย่างน่าสนใจ 

ถุงผ้าพิมพ์ลายและ 

ของขวัญของฝากรูปทรง 

กาน้ำชาทำจากพลาสติก 

สีเขียว ก็เป็นตัวเลือกที่ 

น่าจับจอง 

50

ANOCHA SUWICHAKORNPONG 

Words Srinit Suwannasak 

Photos Wichit Kongsiangsung 

Constant 

Film 

With the success of her movies, filmmaker 

Anocha Suwichakornpong explains how 

personal travel largely defines and blends 

seamlessly into her film settings. 

Although Anocha 

Suwichakornpong 

does not consider 

herself an 

experienced traveller, 

traces of her journeys have 

influenced her personality 

and her works, often 

in unconscious ways. 

The up-and-coming, 

award-winning Thai film 

maker says her cinematic 

portrayal of Thailand 

incorporates the many 

voices and perspectives 

she gained while studying 

and travelling in Europe, 

America, and Asia. 

Anocha started her journey 

with her short film Graceland 

(2006), the first Thai film selected 

for Cinéfondation, Cannes Film 

Festival. Her first feature-length 

film The Mundane History (2009) 

premiered at Busan International 

Festival, subsequently winning the 

Tiger Award at the International 

Film Festival Rotterdam (2010). 

And her latest work, By the Time it 

Gets Dark, has gained international 

recognition after its premiere at the 

Locarno Festival. 

Anocha’s stories of journeys 

are not only about going from one 

film festival to another, but it’s 

about gaining different voices at 

several stages in her life — from 

her hometown, Chon Buri, to 

Eastbourne, Dorking, London, 

New York, and Bangkok. 

This Page 

With family in 

a ryokan hotel in 

Kinosaki 

Bottom 

Nan, a province 

known for its 

natural beauty, is 

the main location in 

the film By the Time 

It Gets Dark. 

“Travelling works on me in the 

way that forces me to see different 

perspectives because it makes me 

meet a lot of different people. It 

helps unlock us from being trapped 

in certain norms and values. For 

example, we might have believed 

that Thai rice is the best in the 

world but when I met a friend from 

Ecuador, she told me that Thai rice 

is ‘good.’ Actually in Ecuador, they 

eat a different kind of rice and Thai 

rice is not preferable. Chilli varieties 

that we think only exists in Thailand 

can be found in other countries too. 

These seemingly small things taught 

me about differences and not to be a 

nationalist,” Anocha explained. 

Such perspectives led to images 

of Thailand in Anocha’s films 

portrayed with different voices. “The 

subject of my films is Thailand,” 

Anocha explained on why she left 

New York after graduating from 

Columbia University. “As big cities, 

New York and Bangkok have 

something in common, but at the 

same time they’re very different. 

In New York, you can do anything 

and nobody cares, while in Bangkok 

people seem to be interested in other 

people. But I chose Bangkok because 

the stories I want to tell are here.” 

Back in the early 90s, Anocha 

travelled alone for the first time 

to Eastbourne, a small town in the 

UK. “I’m not sure if it can be called 

travelling alone because it’s with a 

group of Thai students who went 

for summer school. Anyway, it’s the 

first time that I didn’t travel with my 

family,” Anocha recalled. However, 

this trip seemed to be just a prelude 

of her journey. A big change came 

to the 8th grade girl was when her 

parents sent her to a boarding school 

in Dorking. “It’s a countryside that’s 

very quiet. There’s nothing there 

except a small shop that is also a 

post office. If we want something 

we have to go to this shop, but if we 

want more we had to go to London. 

Luckily, it’s not far.” 

Despite living in a small town 

like Dorking, it’s the starting point 

of her Europe exploration when 

she went backpacking with her two 

older sisters. “It’s before the EU, so 

it’s not as easy as these days. And 

because we were still very young, 

so we had to be very careful about 

budget and be very selective about 

the things we did. I think this is the 

big difference of travelling when 

you were young and when you are a 

grownup. Travelling when you were 

young is more like an adventure. 

We took the train and stayed in the 

youth hostels which we’ve never 

experienced before. One night we 

stayed in a youth hostel in Paris that 

had four beds. While the three of us 

were sleeping, a person came in the 

middle of the night for the bed.” I 

was quite surprised because I thought 

that the whole room was ours.” 

52 53


Right 

Sculptures 

in Mexico 

Bottom 

Sakura trees 

bloom at Yoyogi 

Park, Japan 

Although Anocha spent many 

years of her life in Europe and 

America, there are many places in Asia 

that Anocha describes as “her place”. 

“I’ve just gone to Krabi recently. 

I prefer Krabi to Phuket as it’s not 

so busy and better for chilling. And 

my favourite thing to do in Krabi is 

to kayak. There is a cave where we 

have to kayak to see. It’s kinda fun.” 

While Krabi is the destination for her 

favourite activity like kayaking, a quiet 

place like Pua district in Nan province 

is her sanctuary, and which became 

the main location of her latest film 

By the Time It Gets Dark. “The owner 

of the place came from Bangkok to 

create a mushroom farm with a house 

(in the film) as a homestay. There 

is a coffee shop downstairs. When 

I first wrote the script for this film, 

the setting is on an island, it’s just 

my imagined island. But when I went 

there, I decided to change it. I was 

impressed by its landscape, the light, 

the colour of the place. The scenery 

of each season is different: it’s very 

green during the rainy season and its 

colour changes again in the winter. 

And during the day, we can walk into 

the forest.” 

In addition to searching locations 

for her own films, Anocha tries to 

experience places in classic films. 

She went to Hiroshima to find the 

place where director Alain Resnais 

shot Hiroshima, Mon Amour. 

After shooting the film, the 

farm’s owner moved to live there 

permanently but Anocha still keeps 

that place in her mind and went back 

to Nan from time to time. “I want to 

screen my film in Nan one day. It’s 

a lovely and quiet small town where 

you can see people riding a bicycle. 

And there are many nice shops, 

restaurants and museums. A dessert 

shop called “Pa Nim” (Auntie Nim) 

is one of my favourites.” 

In addition to searching locations 

for her own films, Anocha tries to 

experience places in classic films. 

She went to Hiroshima to find the 

place where director Alain Resnais 

shot Hiroshima, Mon Amour. “I 

tried to find the hotel that was in the 

film. I asked so many people but still 

couldn’t find it. I heard that it was 

changed to a convention centre. And in 

the film H Story which is an homage 

to Hiroshima, Mon Amour, there is a 

scene where Béatrice Dalle walks in 

an arcade. I tried to find that too and 

I found a long arcade. I’m not sure 

if it’s the same one as in the film. 

While I was walking there, it was 

after a baseball match. So, there were 

baseball fans all over the place, which 

was an impressive scene.” 

Anocha found that Taiwan is 

the country that speaks to her and 

mirrors her own personality. “People 

there are not too flashy or attentiongrabbing. 

I like the people, the town, 

the mountains. The last time I went 

there, I drove to a mountain which 

is about 3,000 metres and passed 

through some 10 tunnels. It’s the 

first time that I drove there. Before 

that I took the train and I think that 

the public transport system in Taipei 

is good and it’s cheaper than in 

Bangkok. And most of the museums 

are free. I went to an art exhibition 

where the entry fee costs only 50 

Taiwanese dollars. It’s very cheap for 

a good show. And there is a bookstore 

that opens 24 hours. The food is also 

good.” For Anocha, Taiwan was not 

love at first sight, but in subsequent 

trips she fell further for the country. 

“The first time I went there was for 

the film festival. So, I just went to a 

night market and didn’t see much 

of the town. But the second time, I 

went there with my family. We went 

to filmmaker Tsai Ming-Liang’s café 

that my mum likes but she didn’t 

have any idea about Tsai Ming-Liang. 

She just liked the place. But now it’s 

already closed.” 

With many different scenes 

from the different locations of 

her life, Anocha found herself 

to be an observer at the edge of 

everywhere. “I think that I can 

blend in everywhere I live but at the 

same time, I don’t have any sense of 

belonging anywhere. I never thought 

about living anywhere for the long 

term. Travelling affects me in the 

sense that I won’t stay at the same 

place. So, in my work, I won’t repeat 

myself. It’s really important to keep 

challenging myself and do something 

I’ve never done before. It’s a kind of 

adventure. This is the reason why 

By the Time It Gets Dark is much 

different from Mundane History.” 

54



จากบน 

ด้วยความที่เป็นนักเรียน 

ศิลปะ ตารางการเดิน 

ทางของอโนชาจึงต้อง 

ผนวกงานศิลป์เข้าไป 

ด้วยเสมอ เธอมุ่งหน้าไป 

ยังเอดินเบอระเพียงเพื่อ 

ไปยลโฉมเก้าอี้ 

Mackintosh และไปชม 

งานศิลป์ที่มหาวิทยาลัย 

ศิลปะแห่งเมืองกลาสโกว์ 

ไต้หวันเป็นประเทศที่ 

สะท้อนตัวตนของ 

ผู้กำกับผู้นี้ได้อย่างดี 

เธอชื่นชอบทั้งผู้คนที ่นั่น 

ทั้งตัวเมืองและขุนเขาที่ 

รายล้อม 

กระบี่เป็นอีกจังหวัด 

ที่อโนชาชอบ 

เธอมักจะพายเรือ 

คายัคไปชมถ้ำต่างๆ 

ล่าง 

ผู้กำกับ 

มากความสามารถที่ 

หลงใหลการเดินทาง 

อโนชา สุวิชากรพงศ์ เข้าสู่เส้นทางสาย 

ภาพยนตร์จาก Graceland (2006) หนังสั้น 

สัญชาติไทยเรื่องแรกที่ได้รับคัดเลือกให้ 

ฉายใน Cinéfondation เทศกาลภาพยนตร์ 

เมืองคานส์ และภาพยนตร์เรื่องแรกของ 

เธอ The Mundane History (2009) ก็ได้ 

รับเลือกให้ฉายในเทศกาลภาพยนตร์ 

นานาชาติเมืองปูซาน แต่การเดินทางของเธอ 

ไม่ได้เกี่ยวเนื่องกับภาพยนตร์เท่านั้น 

เธอยังเดินทางไปทั่วโลก จากชลบุรี 

บ้านเกิดของเธอ ไปยังอีสต์บอร์น ดอร์กกิ้ง 

ลอนดอน นิวยอร์ก และกรุงเทพฯ 

ประสบการณ์จากการเดินทางของ 

อโนชาสะท้อนผ่านบุคลิกและงานของเธอ 

อย่างเห็นได้ชัด เธอเล่าว่าการท่องเที่ยว 

เปิดมุมมองใหม่ เพราะได้เจอผู้คนหลาก 

หลาย ปลดโซ่ตรวนที่ล่ามเราไว้กับขนบและ 

ค่านิยมบางอย่าง เช่น เราเชื่อว่าข้าวไทย 

คือที่สุดของที่สุด แต่คนเอกวาดอร์กลับ 

ชื่นชอบข้าวชนิดอื่นมากกว่าข้าวไทย 

สิ่งเล็กๆ อย่างนี้แหละที่ทำให้ความเป็น 

ชาตินิยมของเธอลดลงไป 

ภาพความเป็นไทยของอโนชาสะท้อน 

ผ่านหลากหลายเสียงในภาพยนตร์ของเธอ 

เธอตัดสินใจย้ายออกจากกรุงนิวยอร์ก 

หลังจบการศึกษาจากมหาวิทยาลัย 

โคลัมเบีย แล้วกลับมาอยู่ที่กรุงเทพ 

เพราะเรื่องราวที่อโนชาต้องการจะเล่าใน 

ภาพยนตร์ของเธออยู่ที่นี่ ในทรรศนะของ 

เธอนิวยอร์กกับกรุงเทพเป็นเมืองหลวง 

เหมือนกันก็จริง แต่ก็แตกต่างกันมาก 

ไม่มีคนสนใจว่าคุณทำอะไรที่นิวยอร์ก 

แต่ถ้าเป็นกรุงเทพ นั่นคนละเรื่อง 

ช่วงปี พ.ศ. 2542 อโนชาออกเดินทาง 

โดยที่ไม่ได้ไปกับครอบครัวเป็นครั้งแรก 

เธอไปที่เมืองอีสต์บอร์น สหราชอาณาจักร 

จากนั้นครอบครัวของเธอก็ส่งเธอไป 

เรียนโรงเรียนประจำในเมืองดอร์กกิ้ง 

เมืองแสนสงบที่แทบไม่มีอะไรเลย ดีหน่อย 

ที่อยู่ไม่ไกลจากลอนดอนนัก 

แม้ว่าจะอยู่ในเมืองเล็กๆ แต่นี่คือ 

จุดเริ่มต้นของการแบกเป้ท่องเที่ยวทั่ว 

ยุโรปของอโนชากับพี่สาวอีกสองคน 

การท่องเที่ยวสำหรับช่วงชีวิตที่เพิ่ง 

แย้มบานเปรียบเสมือนการผจญภัย 

เป็นประสบการณ์ใหม่ที่ไม่เคยพบเจอ 

ที่ไหนมาก่อน 

แต่ถึงอย่างไร เอเชียก็ยังเป็นบ้านของ 

เธอเสมอ เธอชอบกระบี่มากกว่าภูเก็ต 

เพราะสงบกว่า หรือจะเป็นอำเภอปัว 

จังหวัดน่านที่เป็นสถานที่ถ่ายทำหลักของ 

ภาพยนตร์เรื่อง By the Time It Gets 

Dark เธอเล่าอีกว่าเจ้าของบ้านมาจาก 

กรุงเทพเพื่อทำฟาร์มเห็ด ตอนแรกเธอ 

สร้างฉากหลักเป็นเกาะในจินตนาการของ 

เธอ แต่พอได้มาเห็นอำเภอปัว ได้พบเห็น 

ภูมิประเทศที่แตกต่างกันไปตามฤดูกาล 

ความคิดนั้นก็เปลี่ยนไปทันที หลังจากที่ 

ถ่ายภาพยนตร์เสร็จ เธอฝันว่าอยากจะ 

ฉายภาพยนตร์เรื่องนี้ที่จังหวัดน่าน 

สักครั้งให้ได้ 

อโนชาหลงใหลในสถานที่ถ่ายหนัง 

มาก เธอถึงขั้นตามหาโรงแรมที่เป็น 

สถานที่ถ่ายทำเรื่อง Hiroshima, Mon 

Amour แต่ก็ต้องผิดหวังเมื่อได้ยินมา 

ว่าโรงแรมนั้นเปลี่ยนเป็นสถานที่จัด 

ประชุมไปเสียแล้ว หรือจะเป็นอาร์เคดใน 

ภาพยนตร์เรื่อง H Story ที่สร้างขึ้นเพื่อ 

อุทิศแด่ Hiroshima, Mon Amour เธอ 

เจอสถานที่ที่คล้ายกัน แต่ไม่มั ่นใจว่า 

ใช่หรือเปล่า 

จากการเดินทางไปรอบโลก อโนชา 

พบว่าไต้หวันเป็นประเทศที่ตอบโจทย์และ 

สะท้อนความเป็นตัวเธอได้ดีที่สุด เธอคิด 

ว่าผู้คนที่นี่ไม่หวือหวาวุ่นวายมากนัก มี 

ภูเขาสวยงามจนเธอถึงกับเคยได้ขับรถไต่ 

เขาสูงกว่า 3,000 เมตร ลอดอุโมงค์กว่า 

10 แห่ง นอกจากนี้การขนส่งสาธารณะที่ 

ไทเปยังดีกว่าและถูกกว่าที่กรุงเทพมาก 

พิพิธภัณฑ์ส่วนใหญ่ไม่เก็บค่าเข้าชม มี 

ร้านหนังสือที ่เปิด 24 ชั่วโมง อาหารก็ 

อร่อย ไต้หวันทำให้อโนชาตกหลุมรักมาก 

ขึ้นทุกครั้งที่เธอไปเยือน 

ในหลายฉากหลายตอนที่แตกต่างกัน 

ไปตามแต่ละช่วงชีวิตของอโนชา เธอได้ค้น 

พบว่าตัวเองคือผู้สังเกตการณ์ในทุกที่ที่ 

เธอไป เธอเข้ากับสถานที่ที่เธอใช้ชีวิตได้ดี 

แต่เธอไม่ได้รู้สึกว่าตัวเองเป็นเจ้าของที่แห่ง 

นั้น ไม่เคยคิดว่าต้องอยู่ระยะยาว ไม่ยึด 

ติดอยู่ที่เดิมๆ ไม่ต่างจากงานของเธอที่จะ 

ไม่ทำอะไรซ้ำๆ เพื่อท้าทายตัวเองอยู่เสมอ 

นี่เองเป็นเหตุผลที่ By the Time It Gets 

Dark และ Mundane History แตกต่าง 

กันอย่างสิ้นเชิง 

56

NORTH TO NORTH 

Fah Thai recently hopped on a route that flies from 

Chiang Mai, Thailand to Hanoi, Vietnam. With 

the ease of a short flight, two countries in 5 days 

seemed easy to say hello to the familiar sights and 

to f ind some ‘wow’ to new experiences. 

Words Nawarat Acosta Photos Anutra Ungsuprasert 

58 59


The capital city of 

Hanoi in Vietnam 

is but a skip and 

a hop from Chiang 

Mai, the former Lanna 

kingdom. While no two 

northern capitals can be 

alike, the commonality lies 

in their rich history, culture 

and the food, oh the food. 

The objective was to see how much 

can be done with two good stops, 

with their wealth in historical 

nostalgia and local culinaria. Choosing 

accommodations near the iconic 

landmark of Wat Gate, which sits on 

the east bank of the Ping River and 

across from Chiang Mai’s city centre 

made getting around simpler, with 

the airport within reach. 

Given the sporadic to heavy 

downpours that visit during the 

rainy season, renting a car is a 

good strategy and simply requires 

a driver’s license for a set of wheels 

offered by the plethora of car 

rentals at the Chiang Mai airport. 

Beyond the usually frequented 

city spots, having a car meant 

stress-free exploration of areas 

like the Mae Rim district. With 

the relatively small size of the 

airport, a car gets delivered 

and just as quickly, you zoom 

towards the main airport exit. 

With Google Maps serving as a 

trusty companion, just be on the 

lookout for U-turns that show 

up unexpectedly. It is about 15 

minutes back to the airport for the 

car dropoff before your flight. 

The immediate destination 

was the Mae Rim area, 

close to the airport and a 

happening neighbourhood 

with a strong enterprising 

spirit, dotted by the crop 

of creative bakeries, 

restaurants and coffee 

shops that stray from 

any predictable recipes. 

The first stop was “Steak 

of the Day,” with Chef 

Rewat Srilachai at the 

helm. His bistro is a local 

favourite with faithful diners 

who know that anything the 

former Four Seasons executive chef 

produces is exquisitely fresh 

and inventive but stays true to 

authentic flavours. 

With a casual neighbourhood 

vibe and the amiable personality of 

the chef, dishes that come out, like 

a salad of Chiang Mai crisp greens 

accentuated with the sharp goodness 

of a real tomato is sublime in a light 

dressing and sheer freshness. It 

may be an unassuming spot but 

Top, Clockwise 

Also with “Steak 

of the Day” are 

delectable scallops 

seared with a 

balanced crust 

and morels; a juicy 

steak lives up to 

the chef’s reputation 

– medium rare and 

done right; wrapped 

in cheese upon cheese. 

Bottom Left and 

Right 

A perfect Baked 

Alaska with 

Pineapple Compote; 

Chef Rewat and his 

cheerful wife show 

what’s for dessert. 

the dishes are award-worthy in 

taste and presentation and even 

better, quite affordable. 

And his Steak of the Day, 

usually a tomahawk comes up 

cooked in the best possibly way. 

His pork chops with a softened 

cheese layer is decadent, and 

addictively tasty. The yellowtail 

or Hamachi is seared with the 

skin still crisp, while desserts 

like a Baked Alaska top off the 

experience. He also has Rimm 

Phi Romm Thai restaurant across 

the street that caters more to a 

local cuisine. facebook.com/steak. 

steakoftheday 

As if that wasn’t enough, 

another great meal came in the 

form of Bombay Hut Chef Chang 

who lived in Mumbai for 10 years. 

A beckoning goddess in wall 

art takes you through a cobblestoned 

path into a house decorated 

with Chef Chang’s detailed and 

decorative finds, all Indianthemed 

in cosy displays. Already, 

he’s busy prepping the meal 

and timing its mouth-watering 

delivery and diners can see him 

walking about the kitchen and 

colourful décor. His table settings 

possess charm with carefully 

chosen tableware and a creative 

food presentation. A three-course 

meal should cost no more than 550 

baht or 280 for lunch. With its full 

on Indian theme, the food retains 

its authentic base with a touch 

of local Chiang Mai ingredients 

bursting with personality, just like 

the chef himself. With Bombay 

Hut’s popularity, reservations are 

a must. Don Kaeo, Mae Rim District, 

Chiang Mai, +66 90 252 0563. 

In a one-man culinary show, Chef Chang 

uses masterful skills with Indian influences 

like kebab skewers with a Thai dipping 

sauce whose unified flavours get served in a 

Indo-boho chic atmosphere. 

MAE RIM CERAMIC 

As you drive along Mae Rim 

road, try not to blink in order to 

not miss the wonderland of Mae 

Rim Ceramic and a throwback 

to another era reminiscent of 

the mid-century trend. The 

compound is worth visiting for 

their display of handmade tiles 

and stoneware pottery of table 

items and decorative pieces. It’s a 

unique place where you can special 

order tiles for that dream home or 

stop by to add to your tableware 

collection. Among some of their 

notable projects include the grand 

sweep of tiled roof at the former 

Siam Inter-Continental Hotel in 

Bangkok and now the City Hall in 

Busan, Korea. 165 Moo 8, Don Kaeo, 

Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 

Above, Left and 

Right 

All dishes shine 

with their Indian 

influence at 

Bombay Hut. 

Middle 

Stoneware pottery 

and household 

objects are regular 

offerings at 

Mae Rim Ceramic 

60 61


ONWARDS TO HANOI, “ỐI GIỜI ƠI” 

It loosely translates as “oh my god” 

but that’s how you feel with every 

bite and sight encountered. Look 

past the curtain of chaotic streets 

where man and vehicle seem to 

share the same lane and you’ll find 

countless delights that go beyond 

Hanoi expectations. 

However, when in Hanoi, there 

has to be pho. Yes, the queue needs 

to be joined at places like Pho Thinh 

to taste for sautéed beef atop a 

steaming bowl of a non-traditional 

yet Hanoi classic. But nothing beats 

the experience of apartment pho at 

Miss Minh. Apparently, Miss Minh 

had been serving to loyal customers 

for decades but had to vacate her 

sidewalk spot. Not wanting to go 

elsewhere for their pho cravings, 

those in the know have been showing 

up at her doorstep for their regular 

bowl. Thus in her living room 

surrounded by a collection of blue 

and white ceramics and a corner 

daybed — you slurp the clearest 

broth, rightly balanced by onions 

and scallions in a bowl of true 

Hanoi pho. Pho Hang Trong, 8 Trong 

Hoan Kiem 

For a dash of caffeine, in one 

of the many mysterious alleyways, 

follow signs for Hoi An Café, with 

excellent drip coffees and Vietnamese 

coffees that offer a more superior, 

taste of fresh roasted beans. It’s 

the design of the place in a former 

duplex apartment and balcony views 

of the Old Quarter that showcase the 

charm of Hanoi. 

While countless lists and 

blogs offer tips on where to eat, 

Top, Left and Right 

Miss Minh serves a 

genuine Hanoi pho 

in her home to 

faithful customers. 

Pho Cuon or pho 

rolls - made of pho 

noodle sheets that 

wrap choice slices of 

beef and herbs. 

Bottom 

The mosaic wall, 

the longest in the 

world, depicts 

various scenes of 

Vietnamese culture. 

Left 

Nom bo and banh 

bot loc rolls. 

but sans list, the eating is still 

excellent at most spots. Why 

on any sidewalk, you can down 

a vast array of molluscs, like 

snails in herbal dipping sauces 

of a quality found in high-end 

restaurant, except you’re on 

plastic stools and makeshift 

tables. An auntie sets up shop 

where she steams rice crêpes 

and hands it over to you à la 

minute, hot and delicious. Most 

things are served with a sheer 

extravagance of herbs piled high 

and a vinegar and fish sauce 

dip. During peak time, tables 

get shared and you’re sure to 

be taught the right way to eat 

something. To enhance flavours, 

use the condiments and season 

until you strike the right balance. 

62


To further maximise the food 

experience, consider joining a food 

tour. We were lucky to have met 

Thanh, a determined guide from 

maiafoodandtravel.com who took 

us to the Truc Bach neighbourhood 

to have fresh pho rolls with duck, 

steamed rice pancakes with pork 

and mushrooms and strands of 

pickled papaya. They’re fusion, she 

states, although they’re made by 

veteran aunties who continuously 

play with available ingredients. 

Congee with clams makes you 

cry in wonder while Vietnamese 

beefsteak meal with a thick 

generous slab of paté and French 

fries set you back USD $5. Nearby 

dessert places with coconut ice 

cream and a caramel flan at a mere 

Above 

A boat ride through 

picturesque Tam 

Coc in Ninh Binh 

province 

Middle, 

Left to Right 

A Hanoi specialty 

of noodles in gravy; 

Hanoi’s egg coffee 

is a major trend 

among coffee drinks. 

Below Left 

Boats in a row 

await passengers in 

Ninh Binh where a 

majority of rowers 

are women. 

US 30 cents leaves us flabbergasted. 

And in final hospitality, we try the 

famous egg coffee. Thanh describes 

it as drinking ‘tiramisu,’ and when 

put that way, definitely is a pleasantly 

palatable experience. 

For added cultural sights, the 

Hanoi Train Street in Dien Ben 

Phu street offers the excitement 

of scheduled trains whizzing 

by on tracks smack dab in the 

middle of a narrow lane. It’s a busy 

neighbourhood, but nonchalant 

residents are used to its daily 

appearance that’s within inches 

away from their doorstep. Nearby 

is an area known for its nightly 

street food, and the tempting call 

of chicken congee served with fried 

crullers. Again, the dusting of white 

pepper and generous sprinkling 

of herbs like perilla and scallions 

give the dish a depth of flavour like 

nowhere else. Cafés nearby like Xofa 

and Vui showcase a more modern 

Hanoi for drinks and just chilling. 

For a daytrip, a car can be hired 

for US $120 for nearly a full day 

to Ninh Binh, In just under two 

hours on a modern highway, see 

karst formations that jut out of 

spectacular and still waterways. 

Female rowers who use their 

feet to ‘row your boat’ offer another 

experience not found in too many 

places. Hanoi is used by many as a 

gateway to other places like Halong 

Bay, but if you decide to just hang 

out, there are still many amazing 

that make you go “oi giời oi.” 

64


ฮานอยกับเชียงใหม่ช่างเหมือนกันเสียนี่ 

กระไร ทั้งประวัติศาสตร์อันยาวนาน 

วัฒนธรรมอันล้ำค่า และอาหารอันโอชะ 

แค่พูดถึง ต่อมน้ำลายก็ทำงานหนักเสียแล้ว 

เราเลือกที่พักย่านวัดเกต ทางฝั่งตะวัน 

ออกของของแม่น้ำปิง ใกล้ใจกลางเมืองและ 

ไม่ห่างจากสนามบินนัก สำหรับหน้าฝนเช่น 

นี้ เช่ารถยนต์ขับดูจะเหมาะสมที่สุด เราจึง 

ถือโอกาสขับไปเที่ยวและชิมของดีแถว 

อำเภอแม่ริมกัน 

บรรยากาศเย็นชื่นใจท่ามกลางไร่นา 

เขียวขจี มีร้านรวงสวยแปลกตา เราหยุด 

กันที่ร้าน Steak of the Day กับเมนู 

อาหารที่อดีตเอ็กเซ็คคิวทีฟเชฟจากโฟร์ 

ซีซั่นส์อย่างเชฟเรย์ หรือ เรวัตน์ ศรีลาชัย 

รับรองว่าสดใหม่และมีรสชาติเอกลักษณ์ 

เราขอแนะนำสลัดผักใบเขียวน่าทาน มะเขือเทศ 

หวานกรอบ ราดน้ำสลัดน้ำใส ทั้งสดใหม่ 

และสดชื่น แถมราคาไม่แพง พอร์คช็อป 

พร้อมกับชีสนุ่มๆ ก็อร่อยจนหยุดไม่ได้ ต่อ 

ด้วยปลาฮามาจิเผาไฟอ่อนให้หนังกรอบ 

คุณจะหาประสบการณ์แบบนี้จากที่อื่น 

ไม่ได้แน่นอน 

ร้านอาหารร้านเดียวไม่เคยพอ มื้อค่ำ 

แวะไปที่ Bombay Hut ตำรับเชฟช้างที่เคย 

ใช้ชีวิตในมุมไบกว่า 10 ปี ขณะที่เดินผ่าน 

สวนเข้าไปในตัวร้าน กลิ่นหอมของแกง 

กะหรี่และเครื่องเทศก็พุ่งเข้ามาเตะปลาย 

จมูก Bombay Hut เสิร์ฟอาหารนานาชาติ 

แต่โดดเด่นด้วยรสชาติสไตล์อินเดีย 

พร้อมดื่มด่ำไปกับความงามของส่าหรี 

และของตกแต่งกลิ่นอายอินเดียขนานแท้ 

(ดอนแก้ว อำเภอแม่ริม เชียงใหม่) 

ขอเตือนตรงนี้เลยว่าขณะขับรถต่อ 

ไป ห้ามกะพริบตาเด็ดขาด ไม่อย่างนั้น 

คุณจะพลาดแม่ริมเซรามิค 

แหล่งงานกระเบื้องทำมือ 

เครื่องปั้นดินเผา จานชาม และ 

ของตกแต่งบ้านมากมาย ที่คุณ 

สามารถสั่งทำของชิ้นพิเศษได้ 

พร้อมการันตีคุณภาพจากผล 

งานหลังคากระเบื้องของอดีต 

โรงแรมสยามอินเตอร์คอน 

ติเนนตัล และซิตี้ฮอลล์ในเมืองปูซาน 

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จากเชียงใหม่ เราบินต่อมาที่ฮานอยใน 

เวลาเพียงสองชั่วโมง เมื่อมองข้ามความ 

วุ่นวายบนท้องถนน คุณจะเห็นร้านเฝอที่มี 

คนต่อแถวรอยาวเหยียดอย่างร้าน Pho 

Thinh ที่ปรุงเฝอหน้าเนื้อแบบฮานอย 

ดั้งเดิมแต่เต็มไปด้วยความแหวกแนว หรือ 

จะเป็นร้าน Miss Minh ที่ถึงแม้จะเลิกขาย 

เฝอริมทางเท้าแล้ว ลูกค้าขาประจำก็ยังเข้า 

มาในบ้านของเธอเพื่อนั่งรับประทานเฝอ 

รสเยี่ยมได้เหมือนเดิม คงไม่ต้องบอกก็รู้ว่า 

นี่คือเฝอต้นตำรับอย่างแท้จริง 

นอกจากร้านอาหารเหล่านี้แล้ว 

อาหารริมทางก็ล้ำเลิศไม่แพ้กัน มีตั้งแต่ 

หอยแมลงภู่คุณภาพคับฝา ข้าวเกรียบ 

ปากหม้อทำสดๆ ร้อนๆ เสิร์ฟพร้อมกับ 

สมุนไพรนานาชนิด ร้านเหล่านี้ต่างจาก 

ร้านอาหารหรูเพียงแค่เป็นโต๊ะเตี้ยข้างถนน 

และลูกค้าต้องนั่งบนเก้าอี้พลาสติกเล็กๆ 

เท่านั้นเอง 

เราโชคดีที่ได้ร่วมฟู้ดทัวร์ โดยมีไกด์ 

Thanh จาก maiafoodandtravel.com 

เป็นผู้นำทาง เริ่มตั้งแต่เฝอม้วนไส้เป็ด ข้าว 

เกรียบปากหม้อไส้หมู เห็ด และมะละกอ 

โจ๊กหอยลาย และเฟรนช์ฟรายส์ แล้วล้าง 

ปากด้วยไอศกรีมกะทิ คาราเมลคัสตาร์ด 

และที่ขาดไม่ได้คือกาแฟไข่ หรือที่ไกด์ของ 

เราบอกว่าเหมือนทิรามิสุนั่นแหละ 


จากซ้ายบน 

นั่งเรือชมถ้ำเหนือน้ำสุด 

อลังการที่ Tam Coc 

จังหวัด Ninh Binh 

เพียงไม่ถึงสองชั่วโมง 

จากฮานอย 

ทางรถไฟเลื่องชื่อผ่า 

กลางเมืองฮานอยตรง 

ถนนเดียนเบียนฟู 

เต็มไปด้วยวิถีชีวิต 

ทั้งร้านกาแฟ แหล่งพบปะ 

พูดคุยของคนท้องถิ่น 

บ้านเรือน และร้าน 

ขายของทำมือสุดชิค 

แม่ค้ากับพาหนะคู่ใจขาย 

ผลไม้ไปทุกที่ในฮานอย 

ฟิวชั่นฟู้ดสไตล์ 

เวียดนาม สลัด 

เนื้อเค็ม หรือ 

“ก๋อยบ่อ” กับ 

ผักแนม 

นานาชนิด 

ต่อด้วยการเที่ยวรับประทานอาหาร 

ยามค่ำคืนในย่านที่อยู่ใกล้กับ Hanoi 

Train Street ห้ามพลาดโจ๊กไก่ที่กินกับ 

ปาท่องโก๋ ใส่พริกไทยนิด เติมผักลงไป 

หน่อย อร่อยจนโลกไม่ลืม ปิดท้ายกันที่ 

Xofa และ Vui Café ด้วยเครื่องดื่มสุดชิล 

คุณยังสามารถเลือกเที่ยวแบบวัน 

เดย์ทริปโดยเช่ารถขับไปยัง Ninh Binh 

เพื่อชมถ้ำหินปูนสุดตระการตา ขณะล่องเรือ 

ไปตามแม่น้ำโดยมีสาวสวยแจวเรือให้ 

หรือจะไปฮาลองเบย์ก็สวยไม่แพ้กัน แต่ถ้า 

เลือกที่จะอยู่แค่ในฮานอยก็ไม่ใช่เรื่องผิด 

เพราะแค่ในฮานอยก็ทำให้คุณร้องว่า 

“พระเจ้าจอร์จ มันยอดมาก” แบบนาทีต่อ 

นาทีได้เลยทีเดียว 

66

UNTOUCHED MYEIK 

Unplugged 

Paradise 

Need an e-tox? Then head for one of 

Asia’s last unspoiled destinations — 

the Myeik Archipelago in Myanmar. 

Words & Photos Ron Emmons 

68 

69


My phone and laptop were 

beginning to control my life, 

and I was badly in need of an 

e-tox. I couldn’t bear to throw 

these gadgets away, so I decided to go far, 

far away; somewhere without Wi-Fi or 3G; 

somewhere I could escape from the virtual 

world and reconnect with nature. 

Allowing myself one last 

online indulgence to search 

for my spot, I signed up with 

Moby Dick Tours for a cruise 

through the Myeik (aka Mergui) 

Archipelago, located in the 

Andaman Sea off the southern 

coast of Myanmar. 

The indicators were good: 

over 800 tropical islands, some 

no bigger than a house and others 

several kilometres long and wide; 

most of them uninhabited; no 

ferries connecting them, and 

definitely no Wi-Fi. 

The trip began in Kawthaung, 

Myanmar’s southernmost 

town, where I boarded the Sea 

Gypsy — a homely looking, yellow 

and green-painted vessel with 

simple accommodation for 10 

people, a communal sitting and 

eating area, a sundeck and a 

perpetually smiling crew. My 

companions for the voyage 

were a bunch of like-minded 

travellers from the USA, the UK, 

Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, 

Germany and Thailand. 

Right 

A Burmese-style 

pagoda beside the 

dock in Kawthaung, 

a town in the country’s 

southern tip. 

Bottom 

The Mergui 

Archipelago 

consists of hundreds 

of islands with 

corals reefs and 

unspoilt beaches. 

Opposite Page, 

Clockwise 

A Moken man 

repairing his 

dugout canoe 

while his wife 

looks on; kids pose 

for the camera. 

One of the many 

enticing, deserted 

islands of the Myeik 

Archipelago, seen 

from the sundeck of 

the Sea Gipsy. 

Our tour guide, JoJo, briefed 

us on our activities for the next 

five days. These included exploring 

the islands and beaches, swimming, 

sunbathing, snorkelling, kayaking 

and stand-up paddleboarding 

(SUP), visiting a Moken (sea 

nomad) village, meeting local 

fishermen, eating delicious food 

and getting to know each other. 

JoJo handed each of us a map 

of the area, and I smiled to see 

the names of some islands, 

such as Hastings Island, Lord 

Loughborough Island and Great 

Swinton Island, which I presumed 

were named by ship captains in the 

era of British rule over Burma. 

I had read that the region was 

once a hotbed of pirates, but I 

hoped we would complete our 

cruise without seeing a ship with 

a Jolly Roger flag of skull and 

bones bearing down on us. 

Within a couple of hours 

heading northwest into the 

archipelago, we had lost sight 

of the mainland and were 

surrounded by islands that 

were covered in dense forest 

and ringed by rocky shorelines, 

sandy beaches and coral reefs. 

Soon the Sea Gypsy dropped 

anchor and JoJo whisked us 

to a deserted beach in a small 

dinghy. We scrambled up a steep 

incline to enjoy a panoramic 

view of the archipelago, but we 

didn’t stay there long. Suddenly 

everything went dark and the 

heavens opened; rain came 

teeming down, thunder cracked 

and lightning split the sky. By 

the time we got back to the boat 

we were all soaked, despite not 

yet having had a swim in the sea. 

Our voyage took place at the 

turn of the dry to rainy season, 

and stormy weather became a 

regular feature of the next few 

days. While in some ways this 

was disappointing, the storms 

brought with them a silver lining 

in the form of dramatic skies 

that made for memorable photos. 

I would find myself composing 

an image with bright sunlight 

shining on the Sea Gypsy or on 

70 71


one of our group paddleboarding 

over limpid waters, with a 

contrasting backdrop of dark, 

brooding clouds. 

As we chugged around the 

archipelago, we often spotted 

dolphins breaking the surface 

near our boat, and eagles and 

kites gliding on air currents 

high above us. With its relative 

lack of human activity, the 

archipelago is a haven for 

many rare creatures, such as 

dugongs, dusky langurs and 

plain-pouched hornbills. We 

Above, Left and 

Right 

A fisherman with 

oil-covered hands 

repairing a boat 

engine in the shelter 

of a bay. 

Below 

The Sea Gipsy makes 

a comfortable, 

floating base from 

which to explore the 

Myeik Archipelago. 

As we chugged around the archipelago, 

we often spotted dolphins breaking the 

surface near our boat, and eagles and 

kites gliding on air currents high above us. 

didn’t see any of these, but one 

day I was taking shots of yet 

another idyllic, deserted beach 

when someone shouted “Oh, 

look at the monkeys!” I swung 

my camera round to see that the 

‘monkeys’ were in fact a family 

of oriental small-clawed otters 

scampering down the beach to 

the sea. Apparently, they are 

different to other otters in that 

they spend most of their time 

on land, and catch their prey 

with their paws rather than with 

their mouths. 

Though the islands are 

largely devoid of any human 

footprint, one saddening sight 

was the pollution on several 

beaches. Plastic bottles, torn 

fishing nets and lumps of 

Styrofoam marked the high-tide 

line, posing a grave danger to 

the many endangered species 

that inhabit the archipelago. 

Coral reefs are also under 

threat, not only from rising sea 

temperatures, but also from 

carelessly dropped boat anchors 

and tourists taking souvenirs 

of their trip, though I was glad 

that JoJo warned us against this 

last activity. Unfortunately, due 

to the stormy weather, visibility 

on the reefs was poor so we 

couldn’t fully appreciate their 

beauty at the time of our trip. 

At present, only a few resorts 

exist in the entire archipelago, 

each of which professes to be 

eco-friendly and to keep human 

impact to a minimum. However, 

several other luxury resorts are 

currently under construction on 

previously uninhabited islands, 

and hopefully they will take a 

similarly sensitive approach to 

this fragile wonderland. 

72


Clockwise from Top 

A local woman 

carries seafood 

that’s been 

left out to dry; 

Taung Bao Bo 

— where coral 

reefs still enjoy 

relative tranquility; 

Kayaking trips 

are part of the 

excursions 

organised by 

expeditionsin 

photography.com 

and David Van 

Driessche, 

who organises 

the tours. 

The only permanent inhabitants 

of the archipelago are the Moken, 

an Austronesian people who number 

just a couple of thousand. In the 

past they would spend nine months 

of the year moving around the 

islands, free diving for food 

from their dugout canoes, then 

sheltering on land during the 

monsoon season. These days they 

live most of the time on land, and 

we visited one of their villages on 

Nyaung Wee Island. 

We found them friendly and 

welcoming, and we were able to 

watch them repairing their canoes 

and thatching huts while their 

children played on the beach. One 

of the local Moken women told us 

that they are trying to hold on to 

their traditional lifestyle despite 

intermarriage and modernisation, 

but she was doubtful whether 

they would be successful. 

We also visited a group of 

Myanmar fisherfolk who spend 

most of their life at sea, fishing 

for squid at night. They offered 

us beers and bags of squid and 

kept up a constant jovial banter, 

while one of them was dismantling 

a boat engine, his hands black 

with grease, and a young boy showed 

off his mobile phone loaded 

with games. 

However, the highlight of the 

whole trip for me was on the last 

day, when we went ashore on 

Taung Lao Bo Island to find some 

maroon and beige rocks that 

made a striking contrast to the 

pale turquoise waters of the bay. 

While others in the group were 

kayaking and paddleboarding, 

I waded through the shallows 

with my camera, delighted by the 

swirling, natural patterns in the 

wave-worn rocks. 

We had such a good time 

in the Myeik Archipelago that 

most of us completely forgot 

about our phones. That is, until 

one of our group shouted “I’ve 

got a signal!” as the Sea Gypsy 

approached the mainland at the 

end of our tour. After five days 

of socialising, suddenly everyone 

went silent, their eyes glued to 

a screen, as they checked long 

lists of emails, sent messages to 

friends and made arrangements 

for onward travel. I have to 

confess that I was as bad as 

everyone else — totally addicted 

to the virtual world — until the 

sky flared into a jaw-dropping 

sunset, a fitting end to our 

unplugged sojourn in paradise. 

74


เมื่อมือถือและคอมพิวเตอร์เข้ามาครอบงำ 

ชีวิตเรามากเกินไป ทางออกเดียวคือ 

หนีไปให้ไกล ไปยังที่ที่ปราศจากโลก 

ออนไลน์เพื่อหล่อหลอมเป็นหนึ ่งเดียว 

กับธรรมชาติอีกครั้ง และคงไม่มีที่ไหน 

เหมาะไปกว่าหมู่เกาะมะริดในทะเลอันดามัน 

ทางตอนใต้ของประเทศเมียนมาร์ 

ทริปของเราเริ่มที่เกาะสอง ใต้สุดของ 

เมียนมาร์ เราขึ้นเรือที่มีที่พักส ำหรับ 10 คน 

พร้อมกับนักเดินทางจากฝั่งอเมริกา 

ยุโรป และรวมถึงคนไทยด้วย โจโจ้ ไกด์ 

นำเที่ยวของเราแนะนำกิจกรรมที่จะเกิด 

ขึ้นในอีก 5 วันหลังจากนี้ ทั้งเที่ยวเกาะ 

ว่ายน้ำ อาบแดด ดำน้ำ พายเรือคายัก 

ทำความรู้จักหมู่บ้านชาวมอแกน และพา 

ชิมอาหารเลิศรส 

หลังออกเดินทางเพียงไม่กี่ชั่วโมง 

แผ่นดินก็หายไปจากสายตา กลายเป็น 

เกาะแก่งที่ปกคลุมไปด้วยป่าเขียวขจี ภูเขา 

เลียบชายฝั่ง หาดทรายละเอียด และ 

ปะการังงดงาม เมื ่อเรือ Sea Gypsy 

ทอดสมอ โจโจ้พาเราลงเรือเล็กเพื่อมุ่งหน้า 

ไปยังชายหาดเวิ้งว้าง เราค่อยๆ ปีนเขา 

สูงชันเพื่อชมทิวทัศน์ที่ทอดยาวสุดลูกหู 

ลูกตาของหมู่เกาะมะริด ทันใดนั้น ท้องฟ้า 

ก็มืดทึม ฝนกระหน่ำลงมาอย่างหนัก 

เรากลับขึ้นเรือเนื้อตัวเปียกโชกขณะเดียว 

กับที่ฟ้าร้องกึกก้อง 

ช่วงเข้าหน้ามรสุม ฝนฟ้าคะนองเป็น 

เรื่องปกติ ซึ่งแม้จะน่าผิดหวังอยู่บ้าง 

แต่ไม่นานแสงอาทิตย์สีทองที่งดงามจน 

แทบลืมหายใจก็ส่องทาบทาก้อนเมฆ 

เหมาะแก่การถ่ายภาพท่ามกลางแสงแดดจ้า 


จากบน 

หนึ่งในเกาะแก่งที่สวยงาม 

ของหมู่เกาะมะริด 

ตัวนากพากันเริงร่าอยู่ 

บนชายหาด 

โขดหินรูปทรงสีสัน 

สวยงามแปลกตา 

ตามธรรมชาติ 

หรือพายเรือเล็กท่ามกลางน้ำนิ่งสงบ 

โดยมีฉากหลังเป็นเมฆสีเข้มก็งดงาม 

ไม่แพ้กัน ระหว่างแวะตามเกาะแก่งทั้งหลาย 

เราเห็นโลมากระโดดขึ้นพ้นน้ำ และนก 

อินทรีย์โผบิน หมู่เกาะมะริดเป็นถิ่นอาศัย 

ของสัตว์หายากอีกหลายชนิดอย่าง พะยูน 

ค่างแว่น และนกเงือกกรามช้างปากเรียบ 

เพื่อนนักท่องเที่ยวที่ไปด้วยกันตะโกนขึ้น 

มาด้วยความตื่นเต้นเมื่อเห็น “ลิง” บน 

ชายหาด ซึ่งแท้จริงแล้วคือตัวนากเล็บสั้น 

ที่พากันวิ่งโลดลงทะเล 

แม้ว่าจะไม่มีคนอยู่บนเกาะ แต่เราก็ยัง 

เห็นขวดพลาสติก ซากอวน และโฟมที่พัด 

มาตามเกลียวคลื่น ปะการังถูกทำลาย 

ทั้งจากอุณหภูมิที่สูงขึ้น การทิ้งสมอเรือ 

อย่างไม่ระมัดระวัง และนักท่องเที่ยวที่เก็บ 

ปะการังติดไม้ติดมือกลับบ้าน 

ปัจจุบันมีรีสอร์ตเพียงไม่กี่แห่งอยู่บน 

หมู่เกาะมะริด รีสอร์ตทุกแห่งเป็นมิตรต่อ 

ระบบนิเวศ พยายามลดผลกระทบจาก 

มนุษย์ให้น้อยที่สุด ขณะที่เรามาเยี่ยมเยือน 

หมู่เกาะแห่งนี้ กำลังมีการก่อสร้างรีสอร์ต 

หรูขึ้นหลายแห่ง เราได้แต่หวังว่ารีสอร์ต 

เหล่านี้จะใส่ใจสิ่งแวดล้อมอย่างที่ควรจะเป็น 

ผู้อยู่อาศัยเพียงกลุ่มเดียวบนเกาะ 

มะริดคือชนเผ่ามอแกน แต่ก่อนชาวมอแกน 

ใช้ชีวิตเก้าเดือนเดินทางจากเกาะหนึ่งไป 

อีกเกาะหนึ่ง ส่วนอีกสามเดือนที่เหลือจะ 

อยู่บนแผ่นดินเนื่องจากอากาศแปรปรวน 

ในช่วงมรสุม ชาวมอแกนบนเกาะฮาวิ 

ต้อนรับพวกเราอย่างอบอุ่น เราได้เห็น 

ชาวมอแกนซ่อมเรือแคนู มุงหลังคา 

กระท่อม และเด็กๆ วิ่งเล่นบนชายหาด 

ชาวมอแกนเล่าให้ฟังว่า พวกเขาพยายาม 

อย่างหนักเพื่อรักษาวัฒนธรรมของตัวเอง 

เอาไว้ท่ามกลางสภาพสังคมที่แปรเปลี่ยน 

จากนั้นเราก็ได้พบปะกับชาวประมงที่ใช้ 

ชีวิตส่วนใหญ่ในท้องทะเล ร่วมกันดื่ม 

เบียร์ ตกหมึก ซ่อมเรือ ดูโทรศัพท์มือถือ 

ของชาวประมงตัวน้อยที่ดาวน์โหลดเกม 

ไว้เต็มเครื่อง 

ไฮไลต์สุดแสนประทับใจอยู่ที่วันสุดท้าย 

เป็นความงดงามแปลกตาที่คงไม่มีวัน 

ลืมเลือน เมื่อได้มีโอกาสชมความงาม 

ของหินสีน้ำตาลแดงและหินสีน้ำตาล 

อ่อนตัดกับน้ำทะเลสีน้ำเงินอมเขียวบน 

เกาะ Taung Lao Bo 

ห้าวันที่ผ่านไปบนหมู่เกาะมะริดช่าง 

เป็นช่วงเวลาแสนสุข จนกระทั่งมีใครสักคน 

ตะโกนขึ้นมาว่า “มีสัญญาณแล้ว” ทุกคน 

กลับไปก้มหน้ามองหน้าจอ เช็คอีเมลและ 

ข้อความที่คนทางไกลส่งมา ไม่มีใครพูด 

คุยกันอีกแล้ว เราทุกคนยังคงเสพติดโลก 

ออนไลน์เหมือนเคย กระทั่งท้องฟ้าสว่าง 

ผลัดเปลี่ยนเป็นท้องฟ้ายามอาทิตย์อัสดง 

งดงามจนทุกคนอ้าปากค้าง นับเป็นการ 

จบทริปแบบไม่ต้องพึ่งอินเตอร์เน็ตได้ 

สมบูรณ์แบบอย่างแท้จริง 

ทริคเพื่อทริป 

ช่วงที่เหมาะสม: ตุลาคม-เมษายน 

ติดต่อ: Moby Dick Tours 

(islandsafarimergui.com) 

การเดินทาง: ทัวร์ออกเดินทางจากเกาะ 

สองในเมียนมาร์ สามารถนั่งเครื่องบินไป 

จากย่างกุ้ง หรือนั่งเรือหางยาวจาก 

ระนองได้ 

ค่าใช้จ่ายอื่นๆ: วีซ่าอิเล็กทรอนิกส์ 50$ 

ค่าเข้าหมู่เกาะมะริด 100$ 

76

GALLERY 

Goodwill Riding 

Through the 

Unforeseen 

For charity’s sake and for the exhilaration of traversing through stunning 

landscape, a group of photographers based around Asia jumped on their 

mopeds for a motorcycle ride of a lifetime around Vietnam. 

Words & Photos Morgan Ommer, Chris Lusher and Trong Tung 

A floating fish farm 

in the Central Highlands 

in Vietnam. 

78 

79

GALLERY 

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP 

“In the North, we drank a lot of rice wine with the Dao and Hmong 

people. The Dao people taught us how to do cheers when you drink. 

You say ‘Humbidou, you drink, you shake hands, then you wait 2 

seconds… and start again.” 

“In Central Vietnam, we where almost blown away by Typhoon Wutip. 

In Danang, we caught up with Hoang Anh, Miss Vietnam Earth runner 

up 2012 and did a fashion shoot with her in a nice resort with some 

Scottish firewater.” 

Harvesting Rice. 

OPPOSITE PAGE 

“The next day we met a bunch of kids playing amazing football, the 

way it should be played, as a team and for fun.” 

80 81

GALLERY 

OPPOSITE 

Vietnamese Khmer people train for a long boat 

tournament sponsored by the Ong Khmer Pagoda, 

Ca Mau province. 

TOP 

A Hmong woman. 

BOTTOM 

Giang Sau P and his family in an joint effort to 

preserve the traditional house in a Hmong village, 

Ha Giang province. 

82 

83

GALLERY 

OPPOSITE TOP 

In An Giang province — 

raising fish on rafts on the 

Mekong River. 

OPPOSITE BOTTOM 

School kids caught in 

a downpour, Thua Thien 

Hue province 

TOP 

Tour boat operators line up in 

wait for customers. 

RIGHT 

Hung Yen primary school 

students pose for a group 

picture in front of the the 

village communal house. 

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS 

Chris Lusher, a photographer from 

the UK, is based in Hong Kong. 

Chris has two young daughters 

and a really nice car back home. 

Trong Tung, is a photographer 

from Hanoi. He also has a daughter. 

Tung loves to play with lighting 

equipment, and has too much 

energy putting the rest of the 

photographers to shame. Morgan 

Ommer, photographer and German 

national, is now based in Ho Chi 

Minh City. He just likes riding 

small bikes and eating absolutely 

anything. They make up the Noi 

Pictures agency, www.noipictures.com. 

84 

85

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

Resort Style 

At the ultra-modern 

Como Point Yamu, 

the humble Thai 

crepe ‘khanom 

bueang’ enjoys a 

lavish upgrade. 

BANGKOK 88 / SAMUI 92 / PHUKET 96 / CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI 100 / PATTAYA 101 / 

CHENGDU, CHONGQING & GUANGZHOU 102 / HONG KONG 104 / SINGAPORE 106 / KL 107 / PHNOM PENH & SIEM REAP 108 / 

DANANG, HANOI & PHU QUOC 110 / YANGON 112 / VIENTIANE 114 / MALDIVES & MUMBAI 115 

87

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

BANGKOK 

SPOTLIGHT 

Sense and Scents of Wellbeing 

One of Thailand’s wellness sanctuary, 

Divana, takes the lead for its pampering 

spa products that are wonderfully 

scented and luxurious. To take sensory 

relaxation to another level, the 

boutique spa has combined the 

virtues of Scent, Organic, Lifestyle, 

and Culture by unveiling the Divana 

Signature Café. An inviting floral 

arch greets guests on the 2nd floor of 

Central World’s Atrium Zone, leading 

into the Divana Signature Café wafting 

with the brand’s signature aromatic 

scent. Once seated, you can already 

apply hand cream made available 

to everyone with the signature scent. 

Such pampered hands can look 

through and choose from the Café’s 

sumptuous menus of fusion Thai 

and Western desserts and light 

grub. A highlight is the Instagramworthy 

Afternoon Tea Set which 

perfectly marries aesthetics along 

with the full engagement of the 

senses. CentralWorld, 999/9 Rama I Rd., 

facebook.com/divanasignaturecafe, 

+66 (0) 2252 2614-5 

UP AND ABOVE 

Bangkok is the one destination where a person never tires of 

her rooftop bars. ABar and ABar Rooftop, both located on the 

37th floor of the newly-revamped Marriott Marquis Queen’s 

Park, offers an interesting addition to downtown Bangkok 

with a spectacular view of Benjasiri Park and the city skyline. 

The bar’s design plays with the concept 

of contrasting qualities, such as dark 

and light as seen from the décor inside 

the 1930s-inspired ABar while a lighter, 

shimmering ambience 

sets apart the ABar 

Rooftop. 

Guests are invited to savour the dark 

spirits at ABar where an extensive 

selection of whiskey, dark rum, cognac 

as well as Prohibition Era cocktails 

are promised, or dive into the neverending 

parade of gin at ABar Rooftop 

where one of the largest gin selections 

are kept. Bangkok Marriott Marquis 

Queen’s Park 199 Sukhumvit 22, 

bangkokmarriottmarquisqueenspark.com, 

+66 (0) 2059 5999 

88

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

BANGKOK 

SPOTLIGHT 

Pioneering Pacific Northwestern Cuisine 

UNLEASH THE DRAGON 

After a major facelift, the former Western-styled dining 

venue Iron Chef Table is excitedly reborn as Iron Chef 

Dragon where delicious modern Chinese food with an 

Asian twist emerges from the culinary magic of Chef 

Thanarak Chuto. The food, whose concept of modern 

cuisine gets created from the finest ingredients with 

authentic flavours, is illustrated through a unique 

presentation, all at a reasonable price. Diners can 

expect to whet their appetite with a variety of dishes 

once heard in stories of ancient Chinese culinary dishes 

such as Emperor Crispy Egg Noodles with Abalone, Sea 

Cucumber, Fish Maw, Shrimp and Shiitake served with 

a signature consommé, or a more contemporary touch 

like a premium dim sum platter which consists of 

excellent bite-size treats. Iron Chef Dragon also offers 

an interesting wine list and wonderfully-crafted 

mocktails and cocktails highlighted by the pumping Fire 

Breathing Dragon that mixes herbal tea, green table, 

apple cider, and lime juice topped with baked crispy pork.. 

Thonglor 11, Sukhumvit 55, facebook.com/ironchefdragon, 

+66 (0) 81 819 6262 

BAKED FROM THE LAND 

Landhaus Bakery, a popularly-known 

breadmaker and café successfully 

established its six branches in Austria 

and recently debuted its first Asian 

location in the Ari neighbourhood around 

late April. Within just a short period, 

Landhaus Bakery has become one of the 

go-to spots for those wanting artisanal 

bread at reasonable prices. This bakery 

with its rustic chic vibe offers specialty 

baked goods with Austrian authenticity 

in both recipes and techniques as seen 

from the gigantic wood-fire Gragger 

oven exclusively designed for its 

Bangkok outlet. Daily baking of bread 

varieties start at 1am with changes 

in their menu with enticing additions 

available on a weekly basis. At Landhaus 

Bakery, just a slice of bread with a simple 

spread of Austrian honey or jam is the best 

way to savour the flavours and ambience 

of the space. Better yet, enjoy a glass 

of fine Austrian wine. The place is also 

known for a wide selection of brioche and 

Breakfast Set as well. 18 Phahonyothin 5, 

facebook.com/Landhausbakery, 

+66 (0) 81 902 9183 

A first glance, the newly-opened 

Ocken restaurant on South Sathorn 

Road in Bangkok does not unveil the 

exact type of cuisine this place has 

to offer. But if you are familiar with 

the cuisine of the American Pacific 

Northwest, you will see a strong 

influence coming from that part of 

the world. Rich soils and oceans of 

seafood sustain their philosophy 

of simple cooking techniques and 

the freshest flavours. Signalling the 

latest brainchild from the creators 

of food establishments Roast, Roots 

and The Commons, Ocken serves 

eclectic dishes inspired by the 

founder’s memories and journeys. 

The dishes that have been tried 

so far have been flavourful, intense 

in taste with masterful manoeuvring. 

The launch menu has the scrumptious 

Mini Cuban (small finger sandwiches 

with jalapeño and cured ham) and 

the refreshing ‘Ocken Salad’ where 

creamy burrata contrasts with the 

sharpness of kiwi and rosemary. 

Octopus — another signature 

dish — is brined to tenderise, then 

grilled and ladled with bacon fat 

for service. 

The in-house drinking water, as 

mundane as the item is, serves as the 

restaurant’s attempt to reduce plastic 

waste. The twice-filtered still and 

sparkling waters, available and freeflow 

at Bt60 per person, are light, 

smooth and really does enhance the 

whole meal. 1st Floor, Bhiraj Tower 

Sathorn, South Sathorn Road (BTS: 

Surasak, parking on site), Daily (closed 

Mondays): 18.00 – midnight, 

+66 (0) 82 091 6174, ockenbkk.com 

WHERE STREET AND KICKS MEET 

What happens when a love of street 

style and passion for rare and unique 

sneakers meet? The result is atmos 

Bangkok. From its beginning in Tokyo 

in 2000, atmos Bangkok will be the 

sneaker boutique’s fourth country where 

they set up shop and and a first in 

Southeast Asia. Located on the 2nd floor 

of Central World’s Beacon Zone, the 

place is more than just a general sneaker 

store. Excitingly for sneaker heads, it 

features special items and exclusive 

collaborations with major brands of kicks 

from around the world such as Nike, 

Adidas, ASICS, Puma, etc. CentralWorld, 

999/9 Rama I Rd., atmos-bangkok.com 

90

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

SAMUI 

SPOTLIGHT 

Dining Unlike 

Any Other 

UPCYCLING THINKING 

Patrons of this place will have a ‘Think’ about 

the impact they have on the environment, as 

THINK & Retro Café employs recycled furnishings 

throughout their space. The recycled theme 

integrates itself into all aspects of the venue 

as the restaurant area and rooms are all made 

from recycled shipping containers. Located 

on beautiful Lipa Noi beach on Samui’s west 

coast, THINK & Retro Café has a quiet and 

tranquil feeling that allows guests some time for 

introspection while looking out at the calm seas 

and enjoying a delicious meal. With a large menu 

offering both Thai and Western dishes as well 

as delectable desserts and cocktails, THINK has 

something to suit everyone’s taste. facebook.com/ 

samuirestaurant, +66 (0) 77 423 951 

For the past three years, one 

restaurant has held a top spot as 

an island favourite among visitors 

– The Thai Experience. What 

sets this venue apart from the 

plethora of dining options on the 

island are the charismatic hosts 

who guide their guests through 

delicious twists on classic Thai 

dishes, cocktail making, and 

RESORTING TO NATURE AND MUSIC 

A scenic drive along Koh Samui’s west coast will bring 

you upon bamboo and mud structures appropriately 

named The Mud. Twenty-three mud clay and bamboo 

villas offer lodging with great sunset views and a beautiful 

outdoor pool located right on a dreamy beach front. 

The Mud aims to give those who visit a view into the 

past with its almost primal design inspiration and 

a look into Thai history and 

culture. The restaurant can 

accommodate up to 21 guests 

per night and advanced booking 

is required. With pick up and 

drop off services included in 

the evening’s festivities, diners 

can enjoy free-flow cocktails all 

evening. The Thai Experience 

is the perfect way to immerse 

yourself in culture, to meet fellow 

travellers, and enjoy a unique 

menu. 132 Moo 4, Tambon Maret, 

Amphur Ban Lamai, facebook.com/ 

thethaiexp, +66 (0) 84 667 8711 

its emphasis on true Thai culture. 

Though the Mud is known for its inviting 

accommodations, it has made a reputation 

for itself on the island paradise as a place 

for live music which takes place in their 

restaurant each night. Additionally, on 

every last Friday of the month, The Mud 

holds a jam session in their restaurant 

and amphitheatre area which draws in 

musicians from near and far. 

facebook.com/The-Mud-555751337909656, 

+66 (0) 77 960 172-3, +66 (0) 81 959 5155 

92

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

SAMUI 

SAMUI’S AMAZING 

FAMILY BEACH CLUB 

SPOTLIGHT 

Sporting Heaven on Chaweng 

Water lovers and adventure 

seekers in Thailand, look no 

further than Samui Boat Panmas 

located on lively Chaweng 

Beach. White sand and clear 

blue waters pair perfectly with 

Samui Boat Panmas’ many 

offerings including jet skiing, 

wakeboarding, flyboarding, 

parasailing, towable floats, 

banana boats and doughnuts, 

water-skiing and more. Solo 

travellers, groups, or families 

can enjoy a day of fun out on the 

water. You have the option of 

creating your own schedule and 

ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURES 

Rock & Ropes Koh Samui 

past year and half on the island, 

offers a safe and fun way for Rock & Ropes has become a 

visitors to experience the thrill favourite stop for thrill seekers. 

of climbing or conquering their The climbing venue is located 

fears in an idyllic and beautiful on the face of a beautiful rock 

setting. Rock & Ropes’ offerings with breath-taking ocean views. 

include rock climbing tours as Its convenient position between 

well as abseiling/rappelling and popular Chaweng and Lamai 

guided courses. With bookings Beach make it easily accessible 

needed in advance, visitors are from the main tourism areas. 

encouraged to get a group of Rock climbing and rappelling are 

two or more to join a day of fun open to children and adults alike. 

and adventure no matter the facebook.com/Rockclimbsamui, 

weather conditions. Over the +66 (0) 61 230 0767 

Photos by Chatta Phoyen 

programme of the day to best suit your tastes for 

thrills. Day trips visiting the surrounding islands are 

also available. Whatever the choice, a day with Samui 

Boat Panmas is guaranteed to be full of fun and 

sunshine. samuiboatpanmas.com, +66 (0) 89 750 2200 

Come Play! 

MAENAM 

AIRPORT 

BOPHUT 

A CAFÉ MOST VISITED 

The Road Less Travelled café may be one of the newest 

additions to Koh Samui’s repertoire of lovely cafés, but what 

sets it apart is its dedication to organic and ethically-sourced 

ingredients used for their homemade-style of food and 

beverages. Love and care go into everything the RLT does 

and that is evident upon first glance at the colourful and 

cosy décor. The café has a way of transporting its customer 

to what may feel like a trendy Thonglor locale in Bangkok, or 

possibly a quaint Scottish café. Given the juxtaposition of the 

elegant café and its Thai beachy surroundings, guests cannot 

help but be drawn to the venue in Nathon’s old village. The 

beauty of the venue may be what draws guests in, but the 

delicious health food, the handmade chocolate and desserts, 

and wide array of coffees and cocktails are what keeps people 

coming back for more. facebook.com/The-Road-Less-Travelled- 

Samui-2362963547261252, +66 (0) 61 196 9882 

BOPHUT HILLS BEAUTY 

What started off as a well-kept secret 

for locals has now become a must-see 

for long time islanders and tourists 

alike. Gecko Samui, hidden high in the 

Bophut Hills, is a great place to spend 

an afternoon lounging, swimming, 

drinking cocktails, and soaking in the 

breath-taking views from high up. 

With a chic, white and airy lounging 

area overlooking an infinity pool 

situated above lush palm trees, Gecko 

ticks all the boxes on your paradise 

check list. Offering a mixture of strong 

cocktails, Western favourites, and 

delicious Thai fare, Gecko boasts not 

only a beautiful scenic backdrop but 

also a wonderful menu. Those who 

venture up in the hills will not be left 

disappointed after a day spent at this 

trendy and in-demand spot. 

facebook.com/Gecko-Samui-39269995686, 

+66 (0) 81 737 3507 

ECO-ARTISAN MARKET 

One of the islands most celebrated ‘green’ initiatives is the Samui Green 

Market which takes place every six weeks. Started by the Samui Mala 

group, the market aims to celebrate local artisans and creators who 

supply a variety of products such as locally-made cheeses, chocolate, 

vegetarian and vegan foods, handicrafts and more. All vendors are 

required to ‘ditch the plastic’ and find alternative ways to package 

products. The environmentally-conscious market is run solely by caring 

volunteers and supports programmes such as Trash Hero, Samui Bin 

Projects, and various other community causes. With their welcoming 

feel, the Green Market makes for a lovely Sunday afternoon spent 

enjoying local products and immersing in Samui’s green community. 

Upcoming green market dates are July 15th at Elysia Boutique Resort 

and August 26th at Six Senses. samuimala.org 

Photos by Kevin Nowak 

All Are Welcome... 

Free sunbed & use of towel 

Beach Volleyball everyday 

Beach Bar / Swim-Up Pool Bar 

Happy Hour 4-7pm. everyday 

Children’s Activities 

Table Tennis & Pool Table 

Beach Front Restaurant & Bars 

www.shivasamui.com 

NEXT TO 

AQUARIUM & TIGER ZOO 

FREE WATER SPORTS 

Kayaks, Paddleboards, Snorkelling 

Shiva Samui, Koh Samui Hua Thanon, Samui, Thailand 

Phone: +66 077 332 980 

Email: beachclub@shivasamui.com 

4170 

LAMAI 

CHAWENG 

94

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

PHUKET 

SPOTLIGHT 

Dine in Indian Influence 

One of the most exciting resorts 

in Phuket, Keemala, launched 

its brand in the woodlands 

setting, a wonderland with 

accommodations that made 

the best use of Kamala Bay’s 

lush tropical garden. Amidst 

their 38 pool villas and cottages 

is their Mala Restaurant that 

serves guests all day deliciousness 

inspired by local Phuket 

Peranakan cuisine. What makes 

this place special is the fact that 

they have a full Indian menu for 

all meals — from breakfast to 

lunch and dinner. The explanation 

is that the Indian influence 

serves as the root of Malay 

food, hence a part of Phuket 

Peranakan culture. 

Mala serves breakfast from 

6am until 11.15am, making it 

perhaps the longest breakfast 

on the island. Their à la carte 

and buffet menus offer up 

Indian choices such as masala 

dosa (Indian crêpe with lentils 

and vegetable sambar and 

coconut chutney), Medu vada 

(south Indian doughnut) and 

Idli (rice and lentil cake) to 

be washed off with a masala tea. Lunch and dinner 

feature a full Indian menu with favourites such as 

butter chicken, vegetable samosa, tandoori and tikka. 

10/88 Moo 6, Nakasud Road, Kamala, Amphur Kathu, 

Phuket, +66 (0) 76 358 777, keemala.com 

NATIVE MODERNITY 

We all know that Phuket has more beaches than farms, but Pru 

Jampa organic farm in the northeast of Thailand’s largest island 

sources fresh produce for chefs for farm-to-table dining. 

Pru — the word that Phuket natives use to call the wild 

mangrove forest typical to the island — is the name of a modern 

cuisine restaurant at Trisara Phuket, featuring aspiring chef Jim 

Ophorst from the Netherlands whose background includes a stint 

in the innovative kitchen of Gaggan in Bangkok. Chef Ophorst 

uses organic eggs from Pru Jampa, along with local herbs and 

organic vegetables from the 600-rai wild farmstead. He also 

sources seafood, fruits and vegetables from all over Phuket. The 

result is a menu variety starting from four to nine courses with 

wine paring and highlighted dishes include Phang Nga black crab 

in its own reduction, iced fennel and vinaigrette and burnt leeks 

with mushrooms from the forest of Phang Nha. Monday - Saturday: 

18.00 - 22.30, 60/1 Moo 6, Sri Soonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, 

Phuket, +66 (0) 76 310 100, prurestaurant.com 

CAPE PANWA PHUKET RACE WEEK 2018 

For 15 years, Phuket Race Week has during the dry and cool seasons to-wards 

been the ‘it’ event for sailing boat the end of the year, July is the charming 

enthusiasts from all over the world who ‘green’ season or the rainy season. But 

join the annual race and get together in do not be alarmed — the comfortable 

Thailand’s southern resort island. This temperature, more active winds and 

year, the event will take place during a little bit of tropical rain add to the 

18-22 July 2018 at Cape & Kantary challenge and are important factors for 

Hotels’ Phuket properties, Cape Panwa sailing. This year expects 30 to 40 yachts 

Hotel and Kantary Bay Hotel which sit to participate in the event in at least 

at Phuket’s southernmost bay tip with seven categories, including IRC, Multihull, 

an open span of the Andaman Ocean. Cruising/Charter, Firefly 850, Crosair 

Like many other seaside destinations, and Platu. The four-day race will finish 

seasons in Phuket are mostly designated off with a closing party by the beach. 

by weather. While the island is most 113/167 Anupas Golf Ville, Kathu, Phuket, 

crowded throughout the year, especially +66 (0) 89 000 4664, phuketraceweek.com 

96

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

PHUKET 

THAILAND 

KRABI 

SPOTLIGHT 

Balance the Ayurvedic Way 

The sports-centric Thanyapura Health and Sports 

Resort is now introducing a new ‘Ayurvedic 

Treatment’ that includes a wholesome body and 

mind treatment with knowledge that aims to 

boost total energy and inner wellbeing. 

Reaping wisdom from ancient medicinal 

treatments that hark back over five centuries, 

the new ‘Ayurveda’ will focus on three elemental 

substances or the doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). 

Balance of the doshas results in optimal health, 

while an imbalance results 

in diseases. Thus balance can 

be achieved by maintaining 

a healthy daily routine that 

include natural cycles of 

waking, sleeping, working and 

meditation, for example. The 

treatment is individualised, 

beginning with a consultation 

to identify a person’s prakriti 

(innate energy) or state of 

balance, along with an 

inspection of any imbalance 

or concerns and finally, a 

personalised recommendation 

for body/mind/spirit activities 

or prescription. Abhyanga 

or Ayurveda Oil Massage, 

Shirodhara or Third Eye 

Oil Dripping Treatment, 

knee treatment and spine 

treatments, along with other 

body treatments are also 

available in the service of 

ancient recipes. 120/1 Moo 7, 

Thepkasattri Road, Thalang, 

Phuket, thanyapura.com 

SPOTLIGHT 

Seashells and Lobsters 

Chances are that if you are vacationing in Krabi, 

you will want to take time for sightseeing and 

absorbing the local charm. The ShellSea — a 

seaside resort located on the beach very close to 

the famed Fossil Shell Beach, is having a lobster 

promotion throughout the months of July and 

August 2018. 

The resort’s all-day dining restaurant and 

bar, Cerulean restaurant features local lobsters 

cooked deliciously in signature recipes. Among 

the highlights include lobster served with 

saffron risotto, cream cheese 

and porcini mushrooms, 

garnished with sun-dried 

tomatoes and parmesan 

cheese. Lobster tagliatelle 

features grilled lobster with 

pasta and cream made from 

a Krabi delicacy known as hoi 

chak teen, a wing shell that is 

harvested by local fishermen. 

Gaeng phed ShellSea is whole 

lobster braised in red Thai 

curry with local mango, and 

you can also have a whole 

lobster in sour chilli red sauce 

with garlic and ginger. Each 

lobster dish is priced at Bt1,800 

net. 999 Moo 6 Sai Thai, Amphur 

Muang, Krabi, +66 (0) 75 819 519, 

theshellseakrabi.com 

SUAY SUAY, AROI AROI 

The dishes at Suay (beautiful in Thai) 

restaurants in Phuket live up to their name 

and are designed to also be unique and 

authentic. Established by veteran Thai 

chef Tammasak Choothong or Chef Noi, 

Suay represents fine dining with creative 

dishes that retain the Thai taste. The 

menu results in an array of tasty and 

beautiful dishes such as spicy tuna salad 

Isaan style, bua tempura (using the Aralia 

leaf and a typical snack in Phuket) served 

with seafood curry tempura and avocado 

dip and the popular Thai dish of yum 

som-o or pomelo salad, served with grilled 

sea scallops, Thai basil and crispy fried 

dried shrimp. Another dish that ensures 

the seaside feeling is their sepia (squid) 

carpaccio with chilli and lime dressing served 

with a sea pearl salad. 

Chef Noi is one of Thailand’s leading 

chefs with over 20 years of experience in 

the kitchen, who pursued dreams of having 

his own restaurant. Now Suay has two 

branches, one in Phuket Town and another 

in Cherngtalay. À la carte and set menus 

featuring their signature dishes are available, 

starting at Bt1,799++ for two with six 

dishes to share. Open daily: 16.00 - 23.00, 

suayrestaurant.com 

STREET STYLE’S MODERN TAKE 

Como Point Yamu Resort at Cape Yamu in Phuket is known for its 

stark modernist designs and architecture. But when it comes to 

food, they go local and scrumptious. Nahmyaa, the dinner-only 

Thai restaurant with a menu inspired by local street food, serves 

traditional dishes that range from Phuket’s favourites to edgy 

and tasty concoctions with local fresh seafood, local spices and 

old-school recipes. Their 3-course menu features the signature 

starter of khanom bueang ped, with the Thai-styled thin and 

crispy wafer. This gets stuffed with braised duck, longan bits, 

sweet basil and peanut, or crabmeat curry that’s luscious in 

texture with turmeric, young ginger and pepper, and chargrilled 

pork neck with dried chilli tamarind and coriander dipping sauce. 

The desserts include sticky rice and mango and ‘lod chong’ which 

is naturally hued in deep blue with butterfly 

pea instead of the traditional green 

with the pandan leaf. Also 

available are fresh seafood 

from Phuket island and 

beyond. Open daily: 

18.30 - 22.30, 

225 Moo 7, Paklok, 

Thalang, Phuket, 

+66 (0) 76 360 100, 

comohotels.com/ 

pointyamu 

98

HAPPENINGS 

THAILAND 

CHIANG MAI / CHIANG RAI 

THAILAND 

PATTAYA 

Chiang Mai, the Lanna capital of 

Thailand, might not sound like a 

place for onsen indulgence. But at 

the spa-centric RarinJinda Wellness 

Resort, their line of hydrotherapeutic 

facilities offer the popular Japanese 

bath tradition. The onsen tubs come 

complete with mineral extracts 

imported from Gero city in Takayama 

prefecture, a place that ranks among 

SPOTLIGHT 

Having an 

Onsen Time 

Japan’s top three hot springs with 

special beauty promoting and 

healing properties. Their semioutdoor 

onsen pools include a hot 

spring pool (40-42°C), cold pool 

(18-20°C) and soda-carbonated pool 

(34-36°C) that help improve blood 

circulation, increase oxygen flow and 

detoxify the body. 

RarinJinda is known for its 

hydrotherapeutic treatments with 

a state-of-the-art indoor heated 

hydrotherapy pool (eight hydro 

massaging stations to address 

different body ailments), Vichy 

shower, a Hydrotherapy tub, and 

Infrared Sauna. Accommodations 

include private spa suites overlooking 

Doi Suthep for those wishing for 

total private pampering. 14 Charoen 

Rat Road, Wat Ket, Muang, Chiang Mai, 

rarinjinda.com 

TALES FROM THE GARDEN 

If you are looking for amazing food 

and a perfect hideaway from the 

hustle and bustle of Pattaya, Tree 

Tales won’t disappoint. Located 

on Na Klue road, the beautiful 

glasshouse café provides a casual 

garden atmosphere, allowing you 

to savour healthy and delicious 

dishes while enjoying its vintageinspired 

garden. The restaurant 

serves up a variety of unique 

homemade food, desserts and 

healthy beverages. With the owner’s 

real passion for cooking, every dish 

is crafted with fresh and organic 

ingredients from the garden. “Tree 

Tales Salad” and “Crispy Pork Belly 

with Watermelon Salad” are two of 

the starters. Do not miss the café’s 

signature dessert of Pan Baked 

Soufflé. +66 (0) 38 429 484, 

+66 (0) 80 044 5598, facebook.com/ 

treetalescafe 

INSIGHT INTO BUDDHIST ART 

When visiting a temple, do you notice that 

each Buddha image has features different 

from others? Find out why, together 

with other interesting facts by visiting 

the Museum of Buddhist Art Nongprue 

for better insight into Buddhist art. The 

museum collects more than 2,900 ancient 

Buddha images and religious artefacts to 

showcase the art and cultural heritage 

of Buddhism dating back at least 5,000 

years. The permanent exhibition has an 

incredible collection of Buddhist art from 

different ancient kingdoms including 

Davaravadi, Srivichai, Lanna, Lan Xang, 

Lopburi, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Rattanakosin, 

and even the prehistoric settlement of Ban 

Chiang. The museum also includes a special 

exhibition showcasing Folk and Village Lives 

and Antique Jars in Thailand. The museum 

opens every day of the week. 

+66 (0) 38 195 224, buddhistartmuseum.org 

RYOKAN AMONG 

THE RICE FIELDS 

Amidst the green rice fields of outer 

Chiang Rai and in the middle of 

nowhere is an open-air café and 

accommodations built in the concept 

a traditional ryokan. The architecture 

in the style of the Japanese inn 

features wooden frames, tatami mats, 

and shoji sliding doors. One would 

expect their hosts to actually wear the 

yukata kimono as they greet guests. 

The Ryokan Café opened first as a trial 

project, with a coffee menu, chocolate 

drinks and beverages along with 

simple Japanese dishes such as rice 

with curry, tempura, or tonkatsu pork 

cutlets. Customers can enjoy all this 

with the enticing view of rice fields. 

Each room design has tatami 

mats, and also equipped with a 

‘rotenburo’ outdoor pool and rock 

garden — a great spot to enjoy 

the cooler months of Thailand’s 

northernmost province. Open daily: 

9.30 - 18.30, 134 Moo 4, Tambon Bua 

Salee, Amphur Mae Lao, Chiang Rai, +66 

(0) 81 863 3010, chiangrairyokan.com 

NATURAL TEAS 

Tea drinkers will delight in savouring 

wild grown teas from northern Thailand. 

Monsoon Tea launched their line of 

goods based on a sustainability approach, 

by cultivating the wild growing forest 

tea plant known as Camellia Sinensis 

Assamica. The ‘undomesticated’ tea 

plant is native to the northern part of 

the country and when brewed, gives an 

aromatic and deep taste. 

Unlike typical teas that are usually 

produced from tea buds, Monsoon 

Tea’s selections come mostly from fullfledged 

tea leaves traditionally made 

into fermented tea called ‘miang’ — a 

native food of northern Thailand. The 

leaves make more robust tasting teas, 

packed with a distinct terroir of the 

abundant forests whose naturally wild 

plants co-exist with the tea plants. 

328/3 Charoen Rat Road, Wat Ket, Amphur 

Muang, Chiang Mai, +66 (0) 97 918 9892, 

monsoon-tea-company.com 

100

HAPPENINGS 

CHINA 

CHENGDU / CHONGQING / GUANGZHOU 

SPOTLIGHT 

High Up for High Tea 

Located in the upper levels 

of Guangzhou’s IFC Building, 

the Four Seasons Guangzhou 

is a perfect place to enjoy a 

birds-eye view of Huacheng 

Park, the city’s Central 

Business District, and the 

iconic Canton Tower. After 

a leisurely walk in the park, 

take the elevator an earpopping 

70 floors up to the 

Four Seasons Atrium Lounge. 

Enjoy a delectable afternoon 

tea complete with finger 

sandwiches and petit fours 

for 438RMB plus service 

charge for two people. For 

those looking for a night out, 

head up to the Tian (Sky) 

Bar on the 99th Floor for a 

craft cocktail overlooking 

the Pearl River. On the 

weekend, be sure to call 

ahead to reserve a window 

seat, as this chic bar is 

a popular place. Drinks 

from 150-200RMB, view 

is free! +86 20 8883 3888, 

fourseasons.com 

GUANGZHOU OPERA HOUSE 

Designed by Zaha Hadid, the Guangzhou 

Opera House is a gorgeous example of modern 

architecture in an urban setting and inspired by 

river valleys. 

The building’s shape resembles that of two 

pebbles on the bank of the Pearl River. Inside in 

1,800-seat theatre with a 400-seat multifunctional 

hall, rehearsal rooms and entrance hall. 

Major shows coming up include the Danish 

drama “Andersen’s Fairytale Life” July 7-8, followed 

by “Kinky Boots” August 9-19, and the criticallyacclaimed 

musical “Cats” August 30 - September 16. 

gzdjy.org 

FLAVOURS OF SICHUAN 

For over a thousand years, Sichuan food has been known for being 

flavourful and sweet. It was only around 300 years ago that international 

traders introduced the hot pepper to Sichuan, which, along with numbing 

peppercorns, became the heart of Sichuan cuisine and the province’s 

characteristic “Ma La” flavour. Traditional Sichuan dishes layer flavours, 

showcasing the region’s complex sweet and spicy history. 

For a taste of Sichuan beyond hot pot, try the delicious food at 

Shītúqíng Rénmín Shítáng ( 师徒情人民食堂 ) in Chengdu. This local 

restaurant serves up traditional dishes like spicy mashed eggplant, delicately 

spiced and liberally fried potatoes, sweet Gong Bao Ji Ding (Kung Pao 

Chicken), and fresh cucumbers layered with coriander and red peppers. 

Come with a group and order a variety of dishes to share. 

Glory North Road, No. 86, 28 87769215 

CI QI KOU — CHONGQING’S 

PORCELAIN PORT 

Located on the Jia Ling River, the ancient village 

of Ci Qi Kou, or Porcelain Port, has been a wellknown 

market and trading centre for centuries. 

Famous for its porcelain during the Ming and Qing 

Dynasties, today Ci Qi Kou has been restored into 

a tourist-friendly window into ancient Chongqing. 

Its walking streets offer teashops, Shu embroidery 

workshops, and artist studios. Local restaurants 

serve Sichuan specialties like Mao Xue Wang, 

a spicy duck blood stew. Climb up to Baolun 

Temple’s observation deck to take in the contrast 

of the ancient city and backdrop of distant 

skyscrapers. From Chong Qing, take metro Line 1 

to Ciqikou station. 

CRAFT COFFEE AT LAIHUI 

Entrepreneurial, daring, and delicious, Guangzhou’s coffee 

culture has firmly taken off. Tucked into a quiet, tree-lined 

neighbourhood just next to the bustling Grandview Mall, Laihui, 

or “Back and Forth,” is the ideal place to sip a perfectly poured 

latte, expertly crafted pour-over, or refreshing cold brew. With 

beans imported from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Peru but roasted in 

Zhaoqing, Guangdong, Laihui offers customers a mix of exquisite 

coffee and local charm. Sit a while or enjoy walking around the 

quiet neighbourhood, a treasure trove of boutique clothes shops, 

Japanese and Korean restaurants, and small salons. 

Tianhe Road No. 84, 20 29847242 

ART AND CULTURE IN 

CHENGDU 

In the heart of Chengdu’s historic 

district, Chengdu Culture Park 

contains a wealth of Sichuan history 

amid scenic walks and sculpted 

gardens. A highlight is the famous 

Taoist Qingyang Palace that dates 

back to the Tang Dynasty. As night 

falls, head over to the Shu Feng Ya Yun 

Theatre to see traditional performance 

arts. Guests sip tea while watching 

a dazzling display of Sichuan opera, 

puppetry, acrobatics, comedy, magic, 

fire breathing, and the ancient art of 

face changing. shufengyayun.com.cn, 

28 66008875 

102

HAPPENINGS 

HONG KONG 

SPOTLIGHT 

Raising the Beer 

The Artist House in Causeway Bay has 

literally raised the bar when it comes 

to handcrafted beer. In fact, in a short 

time, the microbrewery/bar has become 

a gathering place for individuals who 

yearn for top quality brews. 

Craft Beer is the outlet’s main 

selling point, which do rather well. 

The Artist House has an impressive 

line-up of handcrafted beers on its 

menu including several beer cocktails 

as well. For non-beer drinkers, rest 

assured there’s plenty of options to 

consider including an impressive wine 

list and the outlet’s other speciality, 

which is its farm to cup coffees. 

With its unique setting and décor, 

the Artist House also doubles up 

as a unique event space. Still, it is 

the beer that keeps bringing guests 

back, which is why the proprietors 

have allowed guests to make their 

own infused beer and customised 

beer bottles at the outlet’s infusion 

microbrewery. Monday 11am-6pm, 

Tuesday to Sunday 11am-11pm, Fashion 

Walk, 9 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay, 

mrtheartist.com 

NOT YOUR AVERAGE LOVE SONG 

The works of legendary American artist Robert Indiana will be on display at the 

Asia Society Hong Kong Center. LOVE Song: Robert Indiana and Asia will also 

see works by several artists and collectives from Asia on display. 

The exhibition will not only present an opportunity for art lovers to 

view some of the artist’s incredible works but also how his art form is able 

to transcend across different cultures. The artists — Kutluğ Ataman, Candy 

Factory, Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries, Chim↑Pom, He An, Hung 

Keung, Charwei Tsai, and Xu Bing — share poetic sensibilities with the late 

artist, Indiana, who just passed away in May 2018 through their works of art, 

which results in art pieces that examines nuances between words and images. 

Until 15 July, Asia Society Hong Kong Center, asiasociety.org 

104

HAPPENINGS 

SINGAPORE 

MALAYSIA 

KUALA LUMPUR 

CULTURAL FLAVOURS 

Multi-cultural Singapore is blessed with 

a natural infusion of cuisines, which 

are directly influenced by the country’s 

different races. Celebrating that heritage 

is Folklore, which presents a menu of 

nostalgic dishes reflective of the major 

racial cuisines of Singapore. 

When the hunger pangs hit for a 

taste that’s uniquely Singaporean, make 

a stop at this establishment housed 

at Destination on Beach Road. The 

brainchild of local chef Damian D’Silva, 

Folklore carries a menu that’s populated 

by signature Chinese, Malay and 

Indian favourites. The chef’s Eurasian- 

Peranakan heritage also shines through 

in his dishes, all of which are prepared 

passionately with traditional and 

artisanal cooking methods. 

The dishes here are practically 

made from scratch, with no short 

cuts or compromise. D’Silva even 

makes it a goal to help preserve 

Singapore’s culinary heritage, which 

is evident by bottles of house-made 

sauces and mixes along with 

complimentary recipe cards, which 

encourages home cooking. Open 

daily, 12pm-2.30pm; 6pm-9.30pm, 

Level 2, Destination, 700 Beach Road 

Singapore, parkhotelgroup.com/en/ 

destinationbeachroad/folklore 

SPOTLIGHT 

Pan-American Influence 

The rich diversity of cultures and cuisines found 

along the Pan-American Highway serves as the 

inspiration behind Panamericana, a bold new 

bar-grill destination housed at the Sentosa Golf 

Club. Opened by veteran bar consultant Julian 

Serna, the 6,000 square feet eating and drinking 

destination sits on a prime spot in the renowned 

golf club, set against the panoramic backdrop of 

the Singapore Straits. 

Executive Chef Mathew Woon has developed 

the grill’s signature “farm-to-fire” repertoire 

of succulent grilled whole meats, fresh seafood 

and regional street food. The focal point of the 

kitchen is a brick-encased asador, a traditional 

pit where whole meats are grilled in plain view. 

The menu is predominantly populated by 

a mixture of small and big plates, all of which 

celebrates the diverse cuisine on offer at 

Panamericana. But the outlet is also an ideal 

place for sundowners thanks to the large and 

breezy 100-seat terrace overlooking the lush 

golf course. Open 12pm-11pm, Wednesday to Friday; 

9am to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday, 27 Bukit Manis 

Road, Sentosa Golf Club, panamericana.sg 

SPOTLIGHT 

Fight Time 

After his controversial defeat to 

Jeff Horn in July 2017, Filipino 

boxing legend Manny Pacquiao will 

once again step into the ring in 

Kuala Lumpur. Not ready to hang 

up his gloves yet, the former WBO 

Welterweight champion will face 

Argentinian boxer Lucas Matthysse 

for the WBA Welterweight 

Championship in the capital city of 

Malaysia in mid-July. 

But the 39-year-old boxer 

will have his work cut out for him 

against the younger Matthysse. 

The defending champ has already 

notched up an impressive record 

of 36 knockouts in his 39 victories 

of his professional career. Pacquiao 

though has the talent to get it done 

and despite dividing his time with 

his senatorial duties in Philippines, 

is still considered one of the world’s 

best fighters. 15 July, Axiata Arena, 

Bukit Jalil, fightofchampions.com 

RAISING THE BAR 

The Tippling Club has carved a reputation 

for its progressive cuisine and unique 

cocktails in the region. Under the lead 

of chef/owner Ryan Clift, the outlet has 

already notched up an impressive list of 

accolades under its belt including being 

named 11th best bar in Asia by Asia’s 50th 

Best Bars 2017. 

With a mixture of fun and inventiveness, 

Chef Clift and his team have managed to 

deliver a dining experience that combines 

modern gastronomy with a fresh and 

playful perspective. Tippling Club features 

a bar, dining and an upstairs private dining 

room and regardless where patrons chose 

to dine at, they are guaranteed a sense of 

excitement and a touch of theatre with 

every dish and cocktail served here. 

Proof of that can be seen in some of 

the more unique offerings available at the 

Tippling Club like Dreams & Desires, the 

world’s first edible cocktail menu made 

with gummy bears. Open 12pm-12am 

Monday-Friday; 6pm-12am on Saturday, 

38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore, 

tipplingclub.com 

106 107

HAPPENINGS 

CAMBODIA 

PHNOM PENH / SIEM REAP 

SPOTLIGHT 

Creative Mix Hub 

Since 2007, the Meta House has been 

a creative space for artists and art 

lovers in Phnom Penh. The threestorey 

contemporary gallery located in 

the heart of the city boasts more than 

100 sq. metres of art exhibition space. 

An open-air media lounge on the 

rooftop overlooks the city. 

Photo Michael Klinkhamer 

Photo Michael Klinkhamer 

The goal of Meta House 

is to promote the arts in 

Cambodia, as well as local 

artists and their works. As 

such, the gallery regularly 

hosts local as well as 

international exhibitions 

and workshops. The top 

floor media lounge also 

screens documentaries and 

feature films. 

Although it’s mostly 

art, Meta House has also 

Photo Meta House 

become a popular meeting 

place for locals and visitors. 

There is an on-site café, 

which serves German 

delights such as schnitzel 

and sauerkraut and recently, 

the establishment has 

also hosted music events 

with visiting DJs and 

musicians. Open 8am-6pm, 

37 Samdach Sothearos 

Blvd (3), Phnom Penh, 

meta-house.com 

PRESERVING CAMBODIAN CUISINE 

Chef Luu Meng has made it a mission 

to carry on the traditional Cambodian 

way of cooking in all of his recipes. The 

country’s only Master Chef, Meng has been 

experimenting with flavours and textures and 

unearthing his country’s culinary secrets to 

be shared in his restaurant, Malis. 

Meng created Malis in 2004 out of a 

desire to promote and highlight Cambodian 

cuisine. He has been successful too as the 

restaurant itself has become a culinary 

attraction in its own right. With the help of 

his culinary team, Meng has recreated many 

traditional Cambodian recipes that were lost 

during the Khmer Rouge regime. 

Although most of the recipes used 

are traditional, Meng has injected a 

contemporary twist to all the dishes that 

come out from the Malis kitchen. Along 

with his restaurant in Phnom Penh, Meng 

also operates an outlet in Siem Reap as well. 

Open Sunday-Saturday, 6am-10.30pm, 

136 Norodom Boulevard, Phnom Penh, 

malis-restaurant.com 

UNIQUE & PERSONALISED DINING 

Looking for an opportunity to savour service by a private chef and waiter. 

Cambodian cuisine in an intimate Destination Dining is opened to 

setting? You don’t have to look outsiders with guests of Sojourn 

beyond Destination Dining in Siem Boutique Villas benefiting from 

Reap to get your wish. The restaurant preferential rates. 

housed at Sojourn Boutique Villas As there is only one table 

offers a unique concept of dining by available per night, diners are required 

guaranteeing the utmost intimacy as to book well in advance to ensure 

it only houses a single table. 

that their romantic Cambodian dining 

Although perfect for couples, experience will be available for them 

Destination Dining can accommodate during their visit to Siem Reap. 

a small part of six at most. Diners Open nightly, Sojourn Boutique Villas, 

not only get to enjoy a beautiful Treak Village Road, Treak Village 

private pavilion sitting over a lotus Siem Reap, sojournsiemreap.com/ 

pond but also personalised 

destination-dining 

HOUSE OF ART 

When Cambodian artist and 

designer Lim Muy Theam wanted 

to promote art in the country, he 

took it upon himself to open up 

his home to enthusiasts. Theam’s 

Home is truly a one-of-a-kind 

art gallery, being both a place of 

residence as well as a creative 

workshop and living gallery. 

Surrounded by a lush tropical 

garden, Theam’s House certainly 

puts one at ease. Step inside the 

confines of the building and you’ll 

immediately be opened up to a 

world of art, curated by Theam 

himself. The rooms in the home 

holds a number of art pieces and 

personal collections of the artist, 

which were sourced and also created 

on site. 

A unique space, Theam’s House 

provides visitors an insight into a 

distinctive world of art, as well as 

instruction into making their own 

creative pieces – be it painting, 

sculpting, or lacquer ware. 

Open daily, 8am-7pm, #25, Veal 

Village, Khum Kokchack, Siem Reap, 

theamshouse.com 

108

HAPPENINGS 

VIETNAM 

DANANG / HANOI / PHU QUOC 

SPOTLIGHT 

Native Touches, 

New Cuisine 

THROUGH THE FRENCH QUARTER 

Hanoi had been the capital of French Indochina until 1954. When the 

French left Vietnam, they also left their architectural mark in the city’s 

French Quarter. Many colonial buildings — including the Hanoi Opera 

House, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, the National Museum of Vietnamese 

History and heritage villas — are packed together in streets south of 

Hoan Kiem Lake. Visitors and culture enthusiasts alike could sign up with 

Hidden Hanoi (www.hiddenhanoi.com.vn) for a walking tour (USD25 per 

person) with a local guide. At a slow pace, this culture tour will lead into 

Hanoi’s iconic Ba Dinh Square and focus on the Central Committee of 

the Vietnamese Communist Party building — formerly the Lycee Albert 

Sarraut High School, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While many 

of the old French residences have crumbled badly, others have been 

renovated and given a new lease on life as higher end hotels full of 

Gallic trimmings or restaurants. 

GET SOMETHING CRAFTY 

Located on the corner of Van Mieu 

and Ngo Tat To streets and next door 

to Dai Thanh Mon — or the Temple 

of Literature in Hanoi, is Craft Link 

souvenir shop. This well-run shop 

is worth stopping by for unique yet 

beautiful Vietnamese crafts. Set in 

a heritage building, the two-storied 

shop house has impressive collections 

of tribal textiles, embroidered 

pillowcases, purses, silk scarves, 

woodworks, lacquer, chopsticks and 

handicrafts of the finest quality and 

decently priced. True to its name, 

Craft Link serves as a bridge for local 

craftsmanship to market their goods 

on the fair trade principle. It helps 

Vietnamese craftspeople — mostly 

ethnic groups scattered across the 

country gain more from their unique 

yet beautiful crafts and culture. 

Craft Link also collaborates with the 

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in 

Hanoi to preserve skills among tribal 

groups, the puppet-making craft, and 

traditional ceramics. craftlink.com.vn 

“Nen” is the Vietnamese word for a hybrid between a garlic 

and shallot, and this restaurant plays with elements of local 

language and heritage, resulting in dishes steeped in the 

country’s identity, but modern in flavour and presentation. 

In other words, Nen pushes Vietnamese cuisine to fine 

dining level with their tasting menus. The restaurant is 

located in a Danang quiet and beautiful neighbourhood 

next to the Han River. Inside a modern and minimalistic 

building with a serene garden, Nen uses local ingredients 

and makes them the star of the dishes instead of using 

produce from elsewhere. The menu ranges from refined 

Vietnamese classics liked roasted pork belly wrapped in lace 

rice sheets to New Vietnamese with an inventive quail dish 

inspired with wild mountain spices from an ethnic minority 

group and a corn puree. For a meatless dining experience, 

decisions may be tough, with more dishes using local 

ingredients and patron favourites. Their Green Vietnamese 

menu offers the Secret Garden, with smoked braised 

eggplant with lemongrass and garden herbs, a young 

jackfruit curry, or the noodle dish of mi quang with local 

pesto and braised tofu. restaurantnen.com 

A DUSIT HOTEL DEBUT IN PHU QUOC 

Dusit Princess Moonrise Beach Resort opens its 

doors in Phu Quoc for holiday-makers looking 

to chill out in this tropical spot. Located on the 

island’s west coast, the four-star resort overlooks 

the stunning Truong Beach, also known as Long 

Beach for its 20 kilometre stretch of sand. The 

resort is designed to blend Dusit’s unique Thai 

heritage with Vietnamese culture and local 

traditions. All 108 contemporary guestrooms 

range from 32 square metres of deluxe rooms to 

90 square metres of suites with inviting ocean 

views. The centrepiece of the resort is a large 

infinity pool with an ocean view set within a lush 

tropical garden. Other facilities include a kid’s club 

and Luna Thai Spa, which offers a range of holistic 

treatments carried out by trained therapists. The 

resort options include an all-day dining restaurant, 

a lobby lounge, a swim-up pool bar serving Thai, 

Vietnamese and Western cuisines; and Soi 14, a 

stylish beachfront bar and lounge where a Thai 

chef puts a hot and spicy spin to a Thai street 

food vibe. General manager Markus Lohenstein 

points out that the stunning resort has gorgeous 

sunsets almost every day. Fringed with white-sand 

beaches, Phu Quoc is rapidly transformed from a 

sleepy backwater island to a tropical paradise. 

dusit.com/dusitprincess/moonrisebeachresort 

110

HAPPENINGS 

MYANMAR 

YANGON 

SPOTLIGHT 

Contemporarily 

Unique 

To experience unique Asian fusion 

taste in Yangon, visit Sofaer & Co. 

They offer all-day dining combined 

with coffee and variety of cocktails 

to enjoy in an open kitchen setting. 

Local and international dishes get 

prepared with local ingredients from 

all over Myanmar, and many of 

their signature dishes use modern 

culinary techniques. 

But the attraction isn’t just the 

food as Sofaer & Co’s beautifully 

preserved building retains most of 

the original features, including the 

classic encaustic Victorian-era tiles 

from Manchester, steel beams from 

Lancashire and wood panels from 

possibly the era of the Vienna Café 

and Burma Book Club. It harmonises 

contemporary design with the 

original features, locally designed 

furniture with signature Burmese 

rattan weaving, locally commissioned 

artwork and reclaimed glassware 

from Nagar Glass Factory. 

Find its location in downtown 

Yangon surrounded by amazing 

historical buildings on the lower 

Pansodan Road. A nice walk around 

the block after a great meal is also 

recommended. sofaerandco.com, 

facebook.com/sofaerandco, 

+95 9448 333 499 

“HLA DAY” 

‘Hla Day’ means ‘beautiful’ in Burmese, and a remarkable 

handicrafts shop in the heart of Yangon carries the same name. 

To get to Hla Day, climb up a steep flight of stairs to find a 

colourful and vibrant souvenir shop, with lots of handmade 

artistic gifts with a contemporary twist. Full of unique Myanmar 

styles, decorative accessories, household design ideas and 

clothes, you can easily spend an hour in the shop. Many of 

the home decorations come with the touch of local art and 

culture that will inspire your inner interior designer, including 

quirky papier mâché animals and a variety of handmade silver 

jewellery with reasonable prices. 

But what makes the store even 

more interesting is that Hla Day is 

run by a non-profit social enterprise. 

These quality handmade products 

are designed and developed closely 

together with Myanmar artisans and 

many disadvantaged groups. Hla Day 

also provides skills development and 

training and creative design input in 

supporting the livelihoods of the people 

making the products, while locally sourcing 

all materials. 

It’s s place where you can surely 

find something to impress your friends 

and family and at the same time, do 

yourself proud for having shopped 

here. hladaymyanmar.org, facebook.com/ 

hladaymyanmar, +95 9452 241 465 

TAUNGBYONE SPIRIT FESTIVAL 

This popular celebration takes place 

during the rainy season to appease the 

nats, or local spirits. It is believed that 

the nats can make wishes come true 

and bring wealth and success to their 

worshippers, protecting them against 

illness and danger. The festival goes on 

for numerous days, and is the biggest 

celebration of its kind in Myanmar. 

Worshippers pay their respects two 

revered brother nats and they are the 

reason people come to the nat festival is 

to make wishes to the spirit brothers. 

When their wish is granted they 

come back here to offer more flowers 

again. In nat worship, suffering is caused 

by a variety of spirits that are prone to mischief 

— so instead of waiting for the next life, nat 

worshipers may attempt a cure for their suffering 

in this life — by making offerings to nat spirits. 

Most pilgrims to the Taungbyone Nat Festival 

make a wish for success in business. 

112

HAPPENINGS 

LAOS 

VIENTIANE 

MALDIVES / INDIA 

MALDIVES / MUMBAI 

Each Southeast Asian country’s 

cuisine has developed unique flavours 

of its own, but all are bound by a 

dedication to fresh ingredients and 

spices. From the spicy minced pork 

dish in Laotian cooking to a hot bowl 

of Thailand’s “Tom Yum Goong,” the 

3 Merchants restaurant at Crowne 

Plaza Vientiane now serves various 

Southeast Asian dishes in a stylish 

setting. The 3 Merchants is noted 

for dishes from Laos, Vietnam, 

Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia, 

and each dish offers a story to match 

the restaurant’s themed décor. 

Freshness and complexity 

strongly feature in the spices 

of all the dishes. Guests 

can choose their 

favourite 

Southeast 

Asian cuisines 

like Laksa 

(Malaysia), 

Massaman 

curry 

(Thailand), 

Pork Stew 

(Vietnam), 

SPOTLIGHT 

Wine and 

Dine in Style 

Laab, spicy minced pork with herbs 

from Laos available for lunch and 

dinner. The restaurant also keeps 

a large selection of fine wines and 

beverages, ensuring an elegant 

dining experience. 3 Merchants Crowne 

Plaza Vientiane G Floor, open for lunch 

(11.30am-2pm) and dinner (6.30pm- 

9.30pm) from Tuesday to Sunday, 

+856 21 908 888 

INDIGO TIME 

Indigo Café, an independent lodging establishment — has opened its second 

property, going from a bed and breakfast to a restaurant and small hotel 

in Vientiane. This follows the success of their property in Luang Prabang 

that’s located on Phnom Penh Road and within 500 metres of the Mekong 

River. The latest venture carries on Indigo’s signature white and blue palette, 

providing a warm ambiance following a major renovation. With just three 

private rooms, each features a living area with a large sofa to unwind after a 

long day exploring the capital city. Indigo is noted for their baked goods and 

coffee: try their Indigo Plate & Eggs Royale breakfast. Indigo Café also has 

plenty of vegan options like the vegetable burger. Handicrafts from Laos and 

other Asian countries are available for sale. Indigo also is within walking distance 

to the Laos National Museum, Laos culture hall and Chao Anouvong Stadium. 

Phnom Penh Road, 01000, Rue Phanompenh, Vientiane, +856 20 22 227 980 

SPOTLIGHT 

Luxury Stay Amidst Lush Nature 

The secret’s out that the 

AccorHotels group recently 

introduced the opening of 

their Fairmont luxury brand 

on the Shaviyani Atoll in North 

Maldives, called the Fairmont 

Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi. Couples 

or families can enjoy the 112 new 

villas complete with 200 metres 

of infinity pools, together with 

luxury safari-style tented 

villas located on the island’s 

lush jungle. Sirru Fen Fushi, 

means ‘secret water island’ in 

the local Dhivehi language and 

the luxurious property features 

accommodations with design 

interiors of copper bathroom 

fittings and carved wood detailing 

on their furniture, giving the 

villas a bohemian rustic chic vibe. 

At the moment, the Fairmont 

Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi is the 

SIP AND DINE 

July and August is peak monsoon season in Mumbai with grey skies, 

thunderstorms, and rain showers. It’s best to duck indoors and 

enjoy the rains from the safety of a cosy coffee shop. Here’s one 

of many ways to make the most of the city when it rains. 

Sea Lounge at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel has arguably the 

best view in the city. Here, you can sip a cup of coffee or even 

indulge in an elaborate afternoon tea while looking over the 

iconic Gateway of India. And this scene becomes even more 

poetic in the rains. Another fabulous place to have an afternoon 

tea is the Drawing Room at the St. Regis Mumbai. Not only can 

you get a quintessentially English high tea, there’s also a Mumbai 

version to choose from that includes vada pav sliders, Bombay 

sandwich fingers, masala chai and more. 

Sea Lounge, The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel,+91 22 66653366 

The Drawing Room, The St. Regis Mumbai, +91 22 61628000 

only hotel on the pristine atoll 

and the untouched aspect of the 

island has benefitted a thriving 

marine life. Setting the hotel 

property apart is the presence 

of the country’s first coral 

regeneration project in the form 

of an underwater art installation. 

Created by underwater naturalist 

SOAK IT UP 

However, if you want to truly get a sense 

of why Mumbai welcomes the monsoon 

with open arms, head to Marine Drive. 

This long, sea-facing promenade is the 

city’s prized treasure — lined on one side 

by beautiful Art Deco buildings and on 

the other side by the Arabian Sea crashing 

against its shore. Marine Drive comes 

alive during the monsoons, especially in 

the evenings when little children, young 

couples, and sprightly senior citizens all 

congregate here to enjoy the rains. Grab a 

cup of piping hot chai or a bhutta (roasted 

corn on the cob rubbed with lemon and 

chilli powder) and join the masses to enjoy 

the monsoon, Mumbai-style! 

and artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the work serves 

as an homage to the abundant sea life and pristine 

coral house reef surrounding the resort. A ‘manta 

ray cleaning station’ at the house reef lets guests 

get up close and personal with the sea creatures 

that visit the area on a regular basis. The property 

pays respect to the natural surroundings even at the 

resort’s contemporary dining outlets and extends it 

to the surroundings of their Willow Stream Spa. 

fairmont.com/maldives 

ART BEAT 

Mumbai has several museums and art 

galleries where you can spend hours 

admiring everything from classical to 

contemporary artworks. The National 

Gallery of Modern Art presents art from 

the 1850s onwards and has a permanent 

collection featuring Jehangir Sabavala, 

V S Gaitonde and others. Jehangir Art 

Gallery is a contemporary art space 

featuring exhibitions by painters, sculptors, 

ceramicists, photographers, and the like. 

Both the galleries hold special exhibits 

from time to time; check their websites 

for schedule of upcoming exhibitions. 

National Gallery of Modern Art, 

ngmaindia.gov.in/ngma_mumbai.asp 

Jehangir Art Gallery, jehangirartgallery.com 

114 

115

BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 118 / FLYERBONUS 122 / ROUTE MAP 126 / AIRCRAFT INFO 128 

117

BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS AWARDED SUPERBRANDS THAILAND 2017 

Bangkok Airways President, Mr. Puttipong 

Prasarttong-Osoth, (2nd from left), 

represented the airline recently when he 

received the Superbrands Thailand 2017 

Award from Mr. Preecha Kaenprom, 

Country Director, Superbrands Thailand 

(3rd from left). The award presentation was 

held at the Bangkok Airways headquarters. 

With the award, Mr. Puttipong 

commented that, “We are much honoured 

for the inclusion in the 2017 Superbrands 

Thailand. For over 50 years, Bangkok 

Airways has operated with the 

dedication and commitment to make 

every flight a perfect journey for our 

passengers. Our high quality in services 

and the constant attempts to enhance 

the quality of our brand value have 

made us one of the most recognised 

airlines in Asia. This award is an 

affirmation of our service to provide 

the highest standards as well as lift our 

brand positioning that underlines our 

slogan as Asia's Boutique Airline.” 

The Superbrands Thailand award 

is a distinguished accolade bestowed 

upon organisations with the strongest 

established brands in the country. 

Bangkok Airways was selected by the 

Superbrands independent council of 

judges from a list of over 500 leading 

organisations in Thailand. 

เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดย 

นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการ 

ผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ (ที่ 2 จากซ้าย) รับมอบรางวัลสุด 

ยอดแบรนด์แห่งปี 2560 (Superbrands Thailand 

2017) จากนายปรีชา แก่นพรม ผู้อำนวยการ 

ซุปเปอร์แบรนด์ประเทศไทย (ที่ 3 จากซ้าย) ณ 

สำนักงานใหญ่ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส 

นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กล่าวว่า “ผมมี 

ความยินดีและภาคภูมิใจที่ทางสายการบินฯ ได้รับ 

เลือกให้เป็นหนึ่งในสุดยอดแบรนด์แห่งปี 2560 

ซึ ่งตลอดระยะเวลา 50 ปีที่ผ่านมา สายการบิน 

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สมุ่งมั่นที่จะพัฒนาการให้บริการ 

และสร้างผลิตภัณฑ์ให้เป็นเลิศเพื่อตอบสนอง 

ความต้องการของผู้โดยสาร ควบคู่ไปกับการ 

สร้างแบรนด์ให้แข็งแรงและเป็นที่รู้จักของนักเดินทาง 

ทั้งชาวไทยและชาวต่างประเทศมาโดยตลอด 

ซึ่งรางวัลดังกล่าวถือเป็นเครื่องยืนยันและตอกย้ำ 

ภาพลักษณ์ความเป็นสายการบินพรีเมียม 

ที่ให้บริการเต็มรูปแบบภายใต้สโลแกน Asia's 

Boutique Airlines หรือ ความประทับใจแห่งเอเชีย 

ได้เป็นอย่างดี” 

รางวัลรางวัลสุดยอดแบรนด์แห่งปี ถือเป็น 

รางวัลอันทรงเกียรติที่มอบให้กับองค์กรที่มีความ 

เป็นเลิศในการสร้างแบรนด์ให้มีความแข็งแกร่งและ 

เป็นที่ยอมรับในระดับสากล โดยได้รับคะแนนโหวต 

สูงสุดจากตัดสินของคณะกรรมการอิสระที่คัดเลือก 

มาจากกว่า 500 องค์การชั้นนำทั่วประเทศไทย 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS AND TCEB LAUNCH 

‘FLY AND MEET DOUBLE BONUS’ 

Recently, Bangkok Airways has partnered 

with the Thailand Convention & 

Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to kick off 

its campaign to attract meeting and 

incentive groups from the Cambodia, Laos, 

Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV) markets. 

The ‘Fly and Meet Double Bonus’ 

promotion for Myanmar was launched 

by Bangkok Airway's Vice President – 

Sales, Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya, 

and TCEB's Director of President Office 

Department, Mr. Puripan Bunnag, at 

Chatrium Hotel in Yangon. 

The campaign delivers a series of 

benefits for meeting and incentive travel 

groups. For VIPs arriving at Bangkok’s 

Suvarnabhumi International Airport, 

TCEB will provide a special MICE lane 

with fast track service through immigration. 

It will also offer a financial subsidy up 

to 300,000 Thai Baht (USD 9,000) per 

group. Planners may also opt for cultural 

performances, meet-and-greet service or 

Thai craft demonstrations of equivalent 

value to their financial subsidies. 

Bangkok Airways will provide one 

complimentary ticket for every group 

of 50 passengers; FlyerBonus double 

points, additional 10kg of baggage 

allowance, pre-assigned group seating, 

a special check-in counter, pre-check-in 

service, priority tagging and souvenirs. 

To qualify, the inbound group must 

comprise at least 50 delegates, enter 

Thailand on a Bangkok Airways flight, 

and stay at least two nights at a registered 

hotel or hold an activity at a venue certified 

by the Thailand MICE Venue Standard. 

The campaign is applicable in all the 

four CLMV countries and is effective 

from now till September 2019. 

เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ร่วมมือกับ 

สำนักงานส่งเสริมการจัดประชุมและนิทรรศการ 

หรือ “ทีเส็บ” จัดแคมเปญ ‘Fly and Meet 

Double Bonus’ เพื่อขยายตลาดการจัดประชุม 

และการท่องเที่ยวเพื่อเป็นรางวัลในกลุ่มประเทศ 

CLMV (ประเทศกัมพูชา ลาว พม่า และเวียดนาม) 

มายังไทย โดยมีนายวรงค์ อิศรเสนา ณ อยุธยา 

รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ ฝ่ายขาย สาย 

การบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส และนายภูริพันธ์ 

บุนนาค ผู้อำนวยการฝ่ายสำนักงานผู้อำนวย 

การ (ผู้แทนผู้อำนวยการ) สำนักงานส่งเสริมการ 

จัดประชุมและนิทรรศการ ร่วมแถลงข่าว ณ 

โรงแรมชาเทรียม เมืองย่างกุ้ง ประเทศเมียนมาร์ 

แคมเปญดังกล่าวนี้ มอบสิทธิประโยชน์มากมาย 

ให้แก่กลุ่มผู้เข้าร่วมการประชุมและการท่องเที่ยว 

อาทิ การอำนวยความสะดวกสำหรับวีไอพีในการ 

ผ่านพิธีการตรวจคนเข้าเมืองพิเศษ หรือ “ไมซ์เลน” 

ที่ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ นอกจากนี้ ทีเส็บจะ 

มอบเงินสนับสนุนต่อคณะที่จะเข้ามาจัดประชุม 

สูงสุดไม่เกิน 300,000 บาท (9,000 ดอลลาร์ 

สหรัฐ) ต่อคณะ หรือทางคณะฯ สามารถเลือก 

รับการสนับสนุนในรูปแบบกิจกรรมแทน โดยมี 

มูลค่าเท่ากับเงินสนับสนุน อาทิ การแสดงศิลป 

วัฒนธรรมไทย การบริการ meet-and-greet การ 

สาธิตการทำอาหารไทย หรือการสาธิตงานฝีมือไทย 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส จะมอบบัตร 

โดยสารฟรี 1 ที่นั่ง สำหรับการจองบัตรโดยสาร 

ทุกๆ 50 ที่นั่ง และสามารถสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์ 

โบนัส 2 เท่า น้ำหนักสัมภาระเพิ่มอีก 10 กิโลกรัม 

การเลือกที่นั่งล่วงหน้า การบริการเช็คอินเคาน์เตอร์ 

พิเศษ การบริการเช็คอินล่วงหน้า ป้ายติดสัมภาระ 

priority และของที่ระลึกจากสายการบินฯ 

ทั้งนี้ ผู้ที่จะได้รับสิทธิประโยชน์ในแคมเปญ 

“Fly and Meet Double Bonus” ต้องเดินทาง 

ด้วยสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สไม่ต่ำกว่า 50 

คน และเข้าพักในประเทศไทยอย่างน้อย 2 คืน 

หรือจัดงาน ณ โรงแรมหรือสถานที่จัดประชุมที่ได้ 

รับการรับรองมาตรฐาน Thailand MICE 

Venue Standard (TMVS) ตั้งแต่วันนี้ ถึง 30 

กันยายน 2562 

สอบถามข้อมูลเกี่ยวกับแคมเปญ “Fly and 

Meet Double Bonus” ได้ที่ สำนักงานส่งเสริม 

การจัดประชุมและนิทรรศการ ฝ่ายการจัดประชุม 

และการท่องเที่ยวเพื่อเป็นรางวัล โทร 0 2694 6000 

หรือ อีเมล mi@tceb.or.th 

118 119

BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS 

AND OMAN AIR 

IN CODESHARE 

PARTNERSHIP 

Recently Bangkok Airways, led by 

Mr. Pakorn Rattanarod, Director – Route 

Profitability and Alliance and Oman Air 

(WY) led by Mr. Aboudy Nasser, Senior 

Vice President – Network Planning & 

Revenue Management signed a codeshare 

agreement, which will provide customers 

with an enhanced network to travel 

between Oman and cities in Thailand, 

commencing on 1 April 2018. 

Under the agreement, Oman Air puts 

its “WY” designator code on Bangkok 

Airways flights, serving 8 domestic routes. 

This includes roundtrip travels for Bangkok- 

Chiang Rai, Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok- 

Phuket, Bangkok-Krabi, Bangkok-Lampang, 

Bangkok-Trat, Bangkok-Sukhothai and 

Bangkok-Samui. 

For more information and reservations, 

Oman Air’s passengers may visit 

www.omanair.com. 

For more information about Bangkok 

Airways, please visit www.bangkokair.com or 

contact the Call Centre 1771 (24 hours) or 

+66 (0) 2270 6699. 

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยนายปกรณ์ 

รัตนรอด ผู้อำนวยการแผนกบริหารกำไรเส้นทาง 

การบินและสายการบินพันธมิตรและสายการบินร่วม 

และสายการบินโอมานแอร์ (WY) ประเทศโอมาน 

โดยนายอะบูดี้ แนสเซอร์ รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการ 

อาวุโสฝ่ายการวางแผนเครือข่ายและการจัดการ 

รายได้ ประกาศลงนามข้อตกลงการให้บริการ 

เที่ยวบินร่วม ระหว่างประเทศโอมานและจุดหมาย 

ปลายทางต่างๆ ในประเทศไทย ซึ่งมีผลตั้งแต่วันที่ 

1 เมษายน 2561 ที่ผ่านมา 

สำหรับข้อตกลงในการทำเที่ยวบินร่วมในครั้งนี้ 

เที่ยวบินที่ทำการบินโดยสายการบินบางกอก 

แอร์เวย์สจะให้บริการทั้งหมด 8 เส้นทางบินในประเทศ 

ได้แก่ กรุงเทพฯ-เชียงราย กรุงเทพฯ-เชียงใหม่ 

กรุงเทพฯ-ภูเก็ต กรุงเทพฯ-กระบี่ กรุงเทพฯ- 

ลำปาง กรุงเทพฯ-ตราด กรุงเทพฯ-สุโขทัย และ 

กรุงเทพฯ-เกาะสมุย 

ผู้โดยสารสามารถสอบถามข้อมูลหรือ 

ทำการสำรองที่นั่งได้ที่เว็บไซต์ www.omanair.com 

หรือสอบถามข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับสายการบิน 

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้ที่เว็บไซต์ www.bangkokair.com 

หรือ โทร Call Centre 1771 ตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง 

ค่าบริการครั้งละ 3 บาททั่วไทย (เฉพาะโทรศัพท์ 

พื ้นฐาน) 

JUNIOR RUNNING CLINIC 

Recently, Bangkok Airways’ CSR 

Department, together with Teelakow 

Co., Ltd., organised the “Junior 

Running Clinic” event at Thesaban 3 

Tha Daeng School’s auditorium in 

Krabi, which gained a lot of support 

from the Krabi Municipality. The 

event was part of the “Bangkok 

Airways Krabi Half Marathon” at 

Thara Park where 3,500 amateur 

and professional runners participated. 

In the Junior Running Clinic 

event, experienced runners invited 

to share knowledge and running 

guidance with 50 elementary 

school students from Thesaban 3 

Tha Daeng and Thesaban 1 Talad 

Kao schools. 

Participating kids who joined the 

3km run received a medal for their 

accomplishment. In addition, part of the 

donation through www.teelakow.com 

and an on-site donation box valued 

around THB 27,577 was used to buy 

73 pairs of sneakers for kids in need. 

เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ ส่วน CSR ได้จัดกิจกรรม 

“Junior Running Clinic” ขึ้น ณ ห้องประชุม 

โรงเรียนเทศบาล 3 ท่าแดง จ.กระบี่ โดย 

ได้รับการสนับสนุนจากเทศบาลเมืองกระบี่ 

ในโอกาสที่บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ร่วมกับบริษัท 

ทีละก้าว จำกัด จัดรายการวิ่ง “บางกอก 

แอร์เวย์ส กระบี่ ฮาล์ฟมาราธอน” วันที่ 6 

พ.ค. 2561 ณ สวนสาธารณะธารา ซึ่งมี 

นักวิ่งทั้งมืออาชีพและสมัครเล่นกว่า 3,500 

คน ร่วมสมัครในรายการ 

ในการนี้ ได้เชิญนักวิ่งที่มีประสบการณ์มาเป็นโค้ชแบ่งปันความรู้ 

และให้คำแนะนำเกี่ยวกับการวิ่งให้กับนักเรียนระดับประถมศึกษา 

จากโรงเรียนเทศบาล 3 ท่าแดง และโรงเรียนเทศบาล 1 ตลาดเก่า 

รวมประมาณ 50 คน 

เด็กๆ ที่เข้าร่วมกิจกรรม “Junior Running Clinic” ยังได้รับ 

โอกาสวิ่งจริงในวันที่ 6 พ.ค. ระยะทาง 3 กม. และได้รับเหรียญที่ระลึก 

โดยส่วนฯ นำเงินจากการรับบริจาคผ่าน www.teelakow.com 

ไปจัดซื้อรองเท้าผ้าใบให้กับเด็กๆ รวมถึงตั้งกล่องรับบริจาคเพิ่มเติม 

ในงาน โดยสรุปยอดรับบริจาคผ่าน 2 ช่องทางรวมทั้งสิ้น 27,577.75 

บาท (นำไปซื้อรองเท้าผ้าใบได้ 73 คู่) 

120

FLYERBONUS 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS AND CITIBANK ANNOUNCE NEW 

FLYERBONUS PROGRAMME AGREEMENT 

Bangkok Airways and Citi are joining hands to offer Citi 

Credit Card holders with an array of privileges and reward 

opportunities via the Boutique Airline’s Frequent Flyer 

Programme, FlyerBonus. 

With the roll-out of a new partnership on 22 July, 2018, 

Citi and Bangkok Airways would like to invite Citi Credit 

Card holders to experience the award-winning airline’s 

spectacular destinations, onboard service and vast array 

of reward opportunities. 

Citi Credit Card holders can now travel faster with the 

transfer of Citi ThankYou SM Reward points to FlyerBonus 

points. Redeem awards for flights on Bangkok Airways 

and Partner Airlines, Hotel stays, Car Rentals and 

Lifestyle Awards. Simply contact Citibank online at 

www.citibank.co.th/thankyouen and select ‘Bangkok 

Airways’ Menu to start the ball rolling! 

To learn more about this agreement and other collaborations, 

visit flyerbonus.bangkokair.com 

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สฟลายเออร์โบนัสและธนาคารซิตี้แบงก์ประกาศความร่วมมือให้สิทธิ 

พิเศษแก่ผู้ถือบัตรเครดิตซิตี้ เปิดประสบการณ์บนเส้นทางใหม่ๆ ได้รวดเร็วขึ้น พร้อม 

สัมผัสสิทธิพิเศษแลกของรางวัลมากมายจากรายการสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์โบนัส 

ซิตี้แบงก์และบางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้ตัดสินใจผนึกกำลังเป็นพันธมิตรรายการ 

สะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์โบนัส เพื่อเอาใจลูกค้านักเดินทางที่ชื่นชอบการบริการ 

ที่มีความเป็นเอกลักษณ์ที่แตกต่าง และการแสวงหาเส้นทางเพื่อคนพ้บสิ่งใหม่ๆ 

โดยความร่วมมือนี้จะเริ่มต้นตั้งแต่วันที่ 22 กรกฎาคมนี้ เป็นต้นไป 

ผู้ถือบัตรเครดิตซิตี้สามารถเติมเต็มแผนการเดินทางของตนได้รวดเร็วขึ้น 

เพียงโอนคะแนนสะสม Citi ThankYou SM Rewards สู่คะแนนสะสมฟลายเออร์โบนัส 

เพื่อแลกบัตรโดยสารของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส พร้อมเพลิดเพลินไปกับ 

ของรางวัลที่หลากหลาย อาทิ รางวัลบัตรโดยสารของสายการบินพันธมิตร 

ห้องพักโรงแรมสุดหรู บริการรถเช่า รางวัลไลฟ์สไตล์ เช่น บริการห้องรับรอง 

พิเศษสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ผู้ถือบัตรเครดิตซิตี้สามารถที่จะบินไปกับ 

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สเพื่อค้นหามุมมองที่แตกต่างและค้นพบประสบการณ์ประทับใจ 

ครั้งหนึ่งในชีวิตได้ง่ายๆ ที่ www.citibank.co.th/thankyou และเลือกเมนู 

‘Bangkok Airways’ 

อ่านรายละเอียดเพิ่มเกี่ยวกับประกาศความร่วมมือได้ที่ 

flyerbonus.bangkokair.com 

122

126 127

AIRCRAFT INFO 

BANGKOK AIRWAYS OPERATES FOUR TYPES OF AIRCRAFT 

AIRBUS A319 

NUMBER OF FLEET : 14 

LENGTH : 33.84 m 

WINGSPAN : 34.1 m 

HEIGHT : 12.17 m 

ENGINE : IAE V2500 

CRUISING SPEED : 

920 km/h 

MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE : 

39,800 ft 

PASSENGER CAPACITY : 

12 seats & 108 seats / 144 seats / 138 seats 

AIRBUS A320 





ENGINE : IAE V2500 


870 km/h 


39,800 ft 


162 seats 

••••• 

ATR 72-500 





ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp 

Pratt & Whitney 

Canada PW127F 


509 km/h 


25,000 ft 


70 seats 

ATR 72-600 


LENGTH : 27.166 m 



ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp 

Pratt & Whitney 

Canada PW127M 


509 km/h 


25,000 ft 


70 seats 

OUR SCHEDULE FLIGHTS AND FREQUENCY 

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS 

Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai : 

Numerous flights every day from a variety of destinations 

Chiang Mai : 1 flight per day from Phuket ; 

1 flight per day from Koh Samui 

Chiang Rai : 3 flights per day from Bangkok 

Hat Yai : 

1 flight per day from Phuket 

Koh Chang/Trat : 3 flights per day from Bangkok 

Krabi : 3 flights per day from Bangkok ; 


Lampang : 3 flights per day from Bangkok 

Mae Hong Son : 1 flight per day from Chiang Mai 

Pattaya : 1 flight per day from Phuket ; 


Sukhothai : 2 flights per day from Bangkok 

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS 

Chengdu : 4 flights per week from Koh Samui 

Chongqing : 3 flights per week from Koh Samui 

Danang : 1 flight per day from Bangkok 

Guangzhou : 4 flights per week from Koh Samui 

Hanoi : 

1 flight per day from Chiang Mai 

Hong Kong : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui 

Kuala Lumpur : 1 flight per day from Koh Samui 

Luang Prabang : 2 flights per day from Bangkok 

Malé : 

1 flight per day from Bangkok 

Mandalay : 11 flights per week from Bangkok ; 


Mumbai : 1 flight per day from Bangkok 

Nay Pyi Taw : 6 flights per week from Bangkok 

Phnom Penh : 6 flights per day from Bangkok 

Phu Quoc : 5 flights per week from Bangkok 

Siem Reap : 5 flights per day from Bangkok 

Singapore : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui 

Vientiane : 2 flights per day from Bangkok 

Yangon : 4 flights per day from Bangkok ; 


128

CHECKING OUT 

The Other 

Hong Kong 

Islands 

For local residents, 

Hong Kong is not all about 

densely-packed building 

blocks and skyscrapers. 

Plenty of islands open for 

exploration require just a 

short hike or easy trek to 

vast beauty. 

130

Fah Thai Magazine Jul-Aug 2018

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