31.10.2018 Views

Fah Thai Magazine Nov-Dec 2018

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

NOV-DEC <strong>2018</strong><br />

CAPTIVATING<br />

CHAM LEGACY<br />

GET AWAY<br />

TO PHUKET<br />

CLAIM YOUR<br />

ISLAND DREAM<br />

TOUCHING<br />

EMBROIDERED TALES<br />

COMPLIMENTARY COPY


MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT<br />

Greetings from Bangkok Airways,<br />

Time flies and we find ourselves at<br />

the end of the year again. Meanwhile,<br />

our airline keeps moving forward as<br />

we continue to engage and stay in full<br />

gear with our determination to make<br />

us ‘your chosen airline’.<br />

We take pride in the recent award<br />

received last September from TTG<br />

Travel Award, declaring Bangkok<br />

Airways as the “Best Boutique<br />

Airline” for <strong>2018</strong>. The award ceremony<br />

occurs annually to honour distinctive<br />

individuals and organisations in<br />

various sectors of the travel industry<br />

in the Asia Pacific region. As a result,<br />

this prestigious award validates our<br />

commitment and efforts into making<br />

our airline be the best as “Asia’s<br />

Boutique Airline”.<br />

Besides focusing on our excellent<br />

services, Bangkok Airways has been<br />

involved in the area of social responsibility,<br />

and we have encouraged several<br />

projects along the way. Knowing<br />

that our youth serve as crucial core<br />

resources for the nation, we initiated<br />

the “Youth Education Camp,” where<br />

we capitalise on our strength in aviation<br />

so that our youth gain knowledge and<br />

inspiration for future aviation careers<br />

– especially among the popular<br />

professions of pilot or flight attendant.<br />

Within <strong>2018</strong>, we plan to welcome<br />

2 brand-new ATR72-600 aircraft<br />

with a 70-seat capacity to join the<br />

fleet, for a total of 15 with our<br />

ATR72-500/600, together with 24<br />

for the Airbus A319 and A320.<br />

Lastly, on behalf of everyone<br />

at Bangkok Airways, we wish you a<br />

delightful journey with us.<br />

Thank you!<br />

สวัสดีครับท่านผู้โดยสาร ขอต้อนรับ<br />

ผู้โดยสารทุกท่านสู่บริการของสายการบิน<br />

บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />

อีกไม่นานก็จะถึงสิ้นปีแล้วนะครับ เวลา<br />

เดินไปข้างหน้าอย่างต่อเนื่อง สายการบินของ<br />

เราก็เช่นกัน เรายังคงมุ่งมั่น ตั้งใจพัฒนา<br />

การบริการอย่างต่อเนื่อง เพื่อให้เราเป็น<br />

สายการบินในใจของผู้โดยสารทุกท่าน<br />

เมื่อเดือนกันยายนที่ผ่านมา สายการบินฯ<br />

ได้รับรางวัล “Best Boutique Airline” ใน<br />

งานประกาศรางวัล TTG Travel Award<br />

<strong>2018</strong> ซึ่งงานนี้จัดขึ้นเป็นประจำทุกปี เพื่อเป็น<br />

เกียรติแก่บุคคลและองค์กรในอุตสาหกรรม<br />

ท่องเที่ยวที่มีความโดดเด่นในประเภทต่างๆ<br />

ของภูมิภาคเอเชียแปซิฟิก รางวัลนี้เป็นอีก<br />

รางวัลหนึ่งที่เราได้รับในปีนี้ ซึ่งแสดงให้เห็นถึง<br />

ความตั้งใจในการบริการของพนักงานทุกคน<br />

ให้สมกับสโลแกน “เอเชีย บูทีค แอร์ไลน์”<br />

นอกจากสายการบินฯ จะมุ่งเน้นเรื่อง<br />

การบริการแล้ว เรายังมีการทำโครงการ<br />

เพื่อสังคมอย่างต่อเนื่องอีกด้วย เพราะเรา<br />

เล็งเห็นว่าการที่ประเทศชาติจะมั่นคงได้ ต้อง<br />

มีรากฐานที่มั่นคง และเยาวชนก็คือรากฐาน<br />

สำคัญของประเทศชาติ ซึ่งโครงการ “ติดปีก<br />

เติมฝัน ปันความรู้ สู่อาชีพการบิน” นี้ เป็น<br />

โครงการที่มุ่งให้ความรู้และสร้างแรงบันดาลใจ<br />

แก่เยาวชน เพื่อให้เข้าถึงอาชีพในสายงาน<br />

ของธุรกิจการบิน ซึ่งอาชีพที ่เยาวชนให้<br />

ความสนใจเป็นอย่างมาก คือ นักบินและ<br />

พนักงานต้อนรับบนเครื่องบิน<br />

สำหรับฝูงบินของสายการบินบางกอก<br />

แอร์เวย์ส ภายในสิ้นปีนี้ สายการบินฯ มีแผน<br />

จะรับมอบเครื่องบินใหม่ป้ายแดงจากโรงงาน<br />

เข้าร่วมฝูงบินอีก 2 ลำ เป็นเครื่องบินแบบ<br />

ATR72-600 ความจุ 70 ที่นั่ง ซึ่งจะทำให้<br />

ฝูงบินของเราประกอบไปด้วย เครื่องบินแบบ<br />

ATR72-500 และ 600 จำนวน 15 ลำและ<br />

เครื่องบินแบบแอร์บัส A319 และ A320<br />

จำนวน 24 ลำ<br />

สุดท้ายนี้ ในนามของสายการบินบางกอก<br />

แอร์เวย์ส ผมและพนักงานทุกคนหวังว่าท่าน<br />

ผู้โดยสารจะได้รับความประทับใจตลอดการ<br />

เดินทางเมื่อเดินทางไปพร้อมกับเรา<br />

ขอบคุณครับ<br />

กัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />

Captain Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />

กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ | President, Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited<br />

8


OVERTURES<br />

FEATURES<br />

18 IN THIS LIFETIME<br />

Check our calendar and practise<br />

your lyrics for the Guns N' Roses<br />

concert in Hong Kong, celebrate<br />

Wonderfruit’s music and the arts<br />

and much more.<br />

22 SAGE HERBS<br />

Our elders knew best how to fix<br />

whatever ills or discomfort befall us.<br />

See a rundown of balms and creams<br />

from old world blends and rub away.<br />

24 FIGHTING STYLE<br />

Now you can 'muay <strong>Thai</strong>' and<br />

show your love for the sport<br />

outside the ring in clothing and<br />

accessories. Kick back in style<br />

with the boxing athleisure look.<br />

25 SENTIMENTAL LADY<br />

Stock up on all the retro trends for<br />

women, from tiffin containers to<br />

upcycled bags with their classic logos<br />

that still serve their practical purpose.<br />

34 PERFUMED FRUIT<br />

The lychee fruit possesses a taste<br />

and fragrance potent enough to woo<br />

a woman centuries ago. Today, it’s<br />

still eaten with the same fervour.<br />

36 NEW LINE<br />

Bangkok’s metro system unveils<br />

its new line soon, transporting<br />

commuters to their designation<br />

and letting imaginations take flight<br />

with their inspired interiors.<br />

50 EPIC HOLIDAY<br />

From beach clubs to<br />

hidden beaches, Phuket<br />

is the place to be to<br />

have a blast or take a<br />

well-deserved break.<br />

With our list, go beyond<br />

the basic itinerary. Get<br />

on a yacht, seek out a<br />

quiet beach, or get your<br />

high with a spiritual visit.<br />

58 LITERARY ART<br />

Embroidery brings<br />

together our wordsmith<br />

and a circle of needle<br />

workers to produce a<br />

striking book. Using<br />

needle and thread for<br />

a beckoning cover, a<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> publisher weaves<br />

a colourful story in<br />

children’s literature.<br />

66 MIGHT OF<br />

THE CHAMS<br />

In their heyday, the<br />

Cham people wielded<br />

major influence across<br />

Asia. Now only a<br />

small population of<br />

descendants and<br />

temples give testament<br />

to their legacy.<br />

76 BUYING THE<br />

FANTASY<br />

Live the dream life<br />

with a special feature<br />

on the hows and<br />

whys of real estate<br />

in <strong>Thai</strong>land. With<br />

the right real estate<br />

connection, have<br />

an island home in<br />

your future.<br />

90 FLOAT A<br />

FESTIVE BOAT<br />

We tell a picture story<br />

of a practice that began<br />

centuries ago on a full<br />

moon night to connect<br />

with the water goddess.<br />

A ‘krathong’ boat becomes<br />

a colourful link for<br />

wishes to be heard.<br />

20<br />

Under the<br />

Pattaya Sky<br />

10<br />

11


HAPPENINGS<br />

CORPORATE<br />

The latest must-dos and must-knows around the<br />

region as we enter into an eventful new season.<br />

100 BANGKOK<br />

106 SAMUI<br />

110 PHUKET<br />

114 CHIANG MAI<br />

115 KOH CHANG<br />

116 GUANGZHOU<br />

/ CHENGDU /<br />

CHONGQING<br />

118 HONG KONG<br />

120 SINGAPORE<br />

121 KUALA LUMPUR<br />

122 PHNOM PENH/<br />

SIEM REAP/<br />

SONG SAA<br />

124 HANOI<br />

126 YANGON<br />

128 LUANG<br />

PRABANG<br />

130 MUMBAI<br />

131 MALDIVES<br />

134 NEWS<br />

Bangkok Airways announces collaborations<br />

and winners.<br />

142 ROUTE MAP<br />

144 AIRCRAFT INFO<br />

CHECKING OUT<br />

146 PESCETARIANS<br />

Get up close with the whales<br />

in Phetchaburi during their gorge<br />

fest of local fishes.<br />

This month’s cover:<br />

Despite an everchanging<br />

world,<br />

the centuries-old<br />

tradition of<br />

Loy Krathong<br />

comes to life annually<br />

in Sukhothai.<br />

66<br />

Knowing<br />

the Chams of<br />

Vietnam<br />

12


IS THE<br />

GOLD WINNER<br />

PEARL AWARD<br />

2017<br />

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

BANGKOK AIRWAYS PUBLIC<br />

COMPANY LIMITED<br />

99 Mu 14, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road,<br />

Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok<br />

10900, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />

www.bangkokair.com<br />

ADVISORY BOARD<br />

Mr. Prote Setsuwan<br />

Vice President - Marketing<br />

Mr. Varong Israsena<br />

Vice President - Sales<br />

Mr. Kridhakorn Sirabhabhoj<br />

Senior Director - Marketing<br />

Communications<br />

Mr. Komkrit Ngamwongwirot<br />

Regional Sales Director - South & South<br />

East Asia and Middle East<br />

Mr. Benjamin Sirirat<br />

Manager - Branding and Creative<br />

EDITORIAL<br />

Email: editorial@fahthaimag.com<br />

PUBLISHER<br />

MPMI Group Co., Ltd.<br />

1 Soi Lasalle 23/2,<br />

Bangna, Bangkok 10260, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />

Tel. +66 (0) 2744 4975<br />

Fax. +66 (0) 2744 5271<br />

Managing Director<br />

Chaovanee Ajanant<br />

Email: chaovanee@mpmith.com<br />

Editorial Director Somtawin Chanyawong<br />

Editor-in-Chief Anutra Ungsuprasert<br />

Senior Editor Nawa Acosta Wright<br />

Deputy Editor Sarita Urupongsa<br />

Contributors<br />

Brian Parker<br />

Chalotorn Payomyol<br />

Chusri Ngamprasert<br />

Jeremie Schatz<br />

Marisa Marchitelli<br />

Matthew Carmilleri<br />

Nguyen Qui Duc<br />

Pallavi Mehra<br />

Passakorn Hongthong<br />

Phoowadon Duangmee<br />

Prachi Joshi<br />

Richard Augustin<br />

Ron Emmons<br />

Sugato Mukherjee<br />

Sophia Natasia Powell-Schaffer<br />

Photo Editor Thewin Chanyawong<br />

Contributing Photographers<br />

Chatta Phoyen<br />

Chakkaphong Sukkasame<br />

Dolnapa Ram-Indra<br />

Jeremie Schatz<br />

Kay Choomongkol<br />

Marisa Marchitelli<br />

Pangchanak Pangviphas<br />

Ron Emmons<br />

Santipong Choocharoen<br />

Sugato Mukherjgee<br />

Thewin Chanyawong<br />

Wichit Kongsiangsung<br />

ART<br />

Creative Director JyeShen Koo<br />

Graphic Designer Pongtorn Khaoplag<br />

Contributing Stylist Saranya Ariyakul<br />

PRODUCTION<br />

Colour Separation Soontorn Film<br />

Printer WPS (<strong>Thai</strong>land) Co., Ltd.<br />

ADVERTISING<br />

advertising@fahthaimag.com<br />

Media Manager Daruni Klaprapchon<br />

Marketing Manager Reza Bizmark<br />

Digital Marketing Manager Nichapat Noraphaiphipaksa<br />

ADVERTISING HOTLINES<br />

Guitar +66 (0) 92 270 9528<br />

Bob +66 (0) 82 446 9192<br />

OVERSEAS ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES<br />

AUSTRALIA<br />

THE MEDIA COMPANY<br />

Leanne Richardson<br />

Tel: +612 9909 5800<br />

leanne@themediaco.com.au<br />

CAMBODIA, LAOS,<br />

MYANMAR<br />

Kittikun Adunsirisaward<br />

Tel: +668 9468 2440<br />

kittikun@bangkokair.com<br />

CHINA, HONG KONG,<br />

MACAU, TAIWAN<br />

CHINA MEDIA OPTIONS<br />

CO., LTD.<br />

Rebecca Tsang-Pereira<br />

Tel: +852 2321 9788<br />

rebeccaCMOsupport@gmail.com<br />

FRANCE, GERMANY,<br />

SWITZERLAND<br />

INFOPAC MEDIA HOUSE<br />

Jean Charles Abeille.<br />

Tel: +331 4643 0066<br />

jcabeille@infopac.fr<br />

INDIA, MALDIVES<br />

RMA MEDIA<br />

Faredoon Kuka<br />

Tel: +9122 2925 3735<br />

kuka@rmamedia.com<br />

KOREA<br />

MEDIREP CO.<br />

Soohoon Oh<br />

Tel: +822 734 0786<br />

soohoonoh@medireponline.com<br />

JAPAN<br />

PUBLICITAS JAPAN K.K.<br />

Hiroko Minato<br />

Tel: +8150 8882 3456<br />

hiroko.minato@publicitas.com<br />

MALAYSIA<br />

MPMI SDN BHD<br />

Alvin Tan<br />

Tel: +603 7880 2185<br />

mpmimy@gmail.com<br />

SINGAPORE, INDONESIA<br />

MPMI PTE LTD<br />

S. S. Hoo<br />

Tel: +65 6464 6261<br />

mpmisg@gmail.com<br />

UNITED KINGDOM<br />

MAJOR MEDIA LTD.<br />

David Hammond<br />

Tel: +44(0) 20 8467 8884<br />

david@majormedia.co.uk<br />

USA<br />

THE MULTIMEDIA INC.<br />

Fernando Mariano<br />

Tel: +14 0790 3500<br />

fmar@multimediausa.com<br />

“FAH THAI” is the in-flight magazine of Bangkok Airways Public Company<br />

Limited and is edited and published by MPMI Group Co., Ltd. All articles and<br />

photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers<br />

at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the views of the<br />

airline. Bangkok Airways holds no responsibility or liability arising out of the<br />

publication of such articles and photographs.<br />

All information correct at press time. All rights reserved. No part of this<br />

magazine may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in<br />

any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Bangkok<br />

Airways Public Company Limited and MPMI Group Co., Ltd.<br />

Cover Photography: Copyright of the Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />

14


ESSENTIAL NOTES TO GUIDE YOUR TRAVELS<br />

Oh, Wondrous Night<br />

Wonderfruit’s days of music,<br />

artistic performances,<br />

art installations, celebration<br />

of ideas and partying ends in a<br />

touching moment with nature.<br />

This year, the event moves<br />

to a new venue at The Fields<br />

at Siam Country Club,<br />

outside Pattaya in Chon Buri<br />

Province, <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />

NEWS AND EVENTS 18 / BEAUTY AND HEALTH 22 / STYLE 24 / THAILAND TREASURES 26 / A TASTE OF THAILAND 32 /<br />

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

17


OVERTURES<br />

NEWS AND EVENTS<br />

NOW-<br />

26FEB<br />

2019<br />

27SEP<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

BANGKOK<br />

WORLD-CLASS MEGA-ARENAS<br />

FOR BKK<br />

It’s a thrill indeed, as two premium arenas in<br />

Bangkok – EM LIVE and The Bangkok Arena<br />

– are set to debut, serving as mega stadiums<br />

for entertainment, sports and events that<br />

can host anywhere from 6,000 to 16,000<br />

people. Both are expected to open in 2022<br />

and 2023 respectively.<br />

Behind the projects is The Mall Group,<br />

one of <strong>Thai</strong>land’s leading mall operators,<br />

already known for retail and lifestyle<br />

complexes like The Mall, Siam Paragon,<br />

The Emporium and The EmQuartier. They<br />

recently announced their partnership<br />

with the globally-known sports and live<br />

entertainment group, AEG. This is the first<br />

major investment in Southeast Asia, and<br />

hosting of large-scale business, retail and<br />

entertainment events, including the<br />

category of MICE (Meetings, Incentives,<br />

Conferences and Exhibitions) and new lifestyle<br />

experiences. The two new entertainment<br />

districts position the city as a premier retail<br />

and entertainment destination in Southeast<br />

Asia. EM LIVE will be located at EmSphere,<br />

a luxury & lifestyle retail and entertainment<br />

district in the heart of the trendy Sukhumvit<br />

area while The Bangkok Arena marks its presence<br />

at Bangkok Mall, Bangna. themallgroup.com<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

NOW- 18NOV<br />

SINGAPORE<br />

ROLL UP TO THE BIG TOP<br />

After a decade, the stars of the Great Moscow<br />

Circus make their long-awaited return to<br />

Singapore. Recognised as one of the best<br />

touring circuses in the world, this time around<br />

over 45 performers are due to entertain under<br />

the big top, including acrobats, clowns, jugglers<br />

as well as daredevils.<br />

Renowned for their theatrical flair and<br />

breath-taking performances, the Great Moscow<br />

Circus is set to showcase several<br />

death-defying acts including<br />

the Wheel of Death and<br />

the Motorbike Sphere of<br />

Fear. But there will be no<br />

shortage of laughs<br />

and guffaws as well,<br />

making it a fun-filled<br />

destination for the<br />

whole family. The action<br />

will take place under a<br />

specially constructed big<br />

top that, adjacent to the<br />

picturesque Singapore<br />

Bayfront, which will be<br />

home to these circus<br />

superstars throughout<br />

their Singapore stint.<br />

Bayfront Avenue, greatmoscow-circus.com<br />

NOW- 25DEC<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

BANGKOK<br />

JOURNEY OF LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS<br />

A Rattanakosin skilled master, National Artist<br />

Chakrabhand Posayakrit is showcasing his<br />

masterpieces for the first time in 15 years.<br />

The <strong>Thai</strong> legendary artist’s collections include<br />

drawings, sculptures as well as a highlight<br />

collection of traditional <strong>Thai</strong> puppets which<br />

he has spent time and effort collecting and<br />

preserving. His first generation of puppetry<br />

Phra Aphai Mani along with latter ones like<br />

Sam Kok (Three Kingdoms) and Taleng Phai<br />

will also be featured in the exhibition. Due<br />

to limited space and large scope of the<br />

exhibit, audiences are requested to submit<br />

a request to schedule a visit in advanced.<br />

The Chakrabhand Posayakrit Exhibition will<br />

rotate every 4 months until 25 <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />

<strong>2018</strong>. Opens daily from 1-4.30pm, Chakrabhand<br />

Posayakrit Foundation, Sukhumvit 63, Bangkok<br />

HONG KONG<br />

INK AND WOOD<br />

Two distinct Chinese art disciplines are on<br />

show at the Liang Yi Museum in a special<br />

exhibition titled, “Ink and Wood: Modern<br />

Chinese Paintings in the Scholar’s Studio.”<br />

The exhibit will bring together 24 exquisite<br />

modern Chinese paintings from a private<br />

collection, as well as a total of 240 objects<br />

from Liang Yi Museum’s classical Ming and<br />

Qing dynasties antique collection.<br />

The exhibited artefacts in Ink and Wood:<br />

Modern Chinese Paintings in the Scholar’s<br />

Studio are rendered as both mutually exclusive<br />

and as interconnected components spanning<br />

Chinese art history. This inter-disciplinary<br />

exhibition not only juxtaposes classical<br />

Chinese furniture alongside modern Chinese<br />

paintings with references to history, but it<br />

also provides visitors a chance to explore<br />

the artistic traditions of furniture making<br />

and ink painting. 181-199 Hollywood Road,<br />

Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, opening hours<br />

Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-6pm (by appointment<br />

only), liangyimuseum.com<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

14NOV<br />

KUALA LUMPUR<br />

ROCK TO GUNS N’ ROSES<br />

Legendary rockers Guns N’ Roses are making<br />

their return to the capital city of Malaysia for a<br />

one-night only gig as part of their ‘Not In This<br />

Lifetime Tour’. This time around though, the<br />

band will boast the classic line-up of Axl Rose,<br />

Slash and Duff McKagan, who last performed<br />

together during the band’s ‘Use Your Illusion<br />

Tour’ way back in 1993.<br />

The prospect of seeing these legendary<br />

rockers reuniting on stage in Kuala Lumpur will<br />

indeed be special as Guns N’ Roses will only<br />

make stopovers in selected Asian cities. The<br />

‘Not In This Lifetime Tour’ has already garnered<br />

rave reviews from The Washington Times and<br />

Rolling Stone, who proclaimed the concert tour<br />

as “a triumphant return of one of the most<br />

important bands of rock music history.”<br />

Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon, galaxy.com.my<br />

21-23NOV<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

CAMBODIA<br />

WATER FESTIVAL<br />

At the end of <strong>Nov</strong>ember, Cambodians across<br />

the country celebrate Bon Om Touk, which<br />

marks the end of the rainy season. Held on the<br />

full moon of the Buddhist month of Kadeuk,<br />

the celebration is one of the most important<br />

on the Cambodian calendar.As such, people<br />

across the country come together to partake<br />

in the festivities that take place for three<br />

straight days.<br />

Across the nation, Cambodians celebrate<br />

Bon Om Touk with musical and dance<br />

performances as well as boat races and<br />

parades. The festival also sees local festive<br />

treats being prepared, most notably, Ak Ambok,<br />

which consists of ground rice, banana and<br />

coconut. As evening falls, illuminated boats<br />

take to the rivers lending a colourful motif to<br />

the celebration with some major towns also<br />

lighting up their skies with fireworks displays.<br />

tourismcambodia.com<br />

18 19


OVERTURES<br />

NEWS AND EVENTS<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

23NOV<br />

VIENTIANE<br />

THAT LUANG FESTIVAL<br />

To the Lao people, That Luang Festival (or<br />

Boun That Luang) is a home-coming festival.<br />

Visitors to Vientiane, the Lao capital, can<br />

experience this festive event that could last<br />

for a week, offering the best time to mingle<br />

and experience local culture and hospitality.<br />

Standing 148 feet tall in the centre of<br />

Vientiane will be the enormous pagoda<br />

of That Luang, a most respected national<br />

monument. Legend has it that Ashokan<br />

missionaries from India built a pagoda there<br />

to house a piece of Lord Buddha’s breastbone<br />

in the third century BC. With the full moon<br />

in <strong>Nov</strong>ember every year, the Lao people<br />

gather to celebrate the religious ceremony<br />

for three days. This year, the full moon will<br />

be on <strong>Nov</strong>ember 23, with the festival starting<br />

with a colourful candlelight and ‘wax castle’<br />

procession at Wat Si Meuang and ending at<br />

the pagoda. Thousands of monks and tens<br />

of thousands of religious pilgrims come<br />

from all over the country and even from<br />

<strong>Thai</strong>land, Cambodia and Vietnam to attend<br />

the festival. Buddhist devotees carry large<br />

arrangements of marigold flowers to the<br />

pagoda and also food offerings to That Luang<br />

early in the morning before doing the same<br />

for Buddhist monks. One week before the<br />

religious festival, a huge fair features goods<br />

and exhibitions from all over the world.<br />

tourismlaos.org<br />

8-16DEC<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

CHIANG MAI<br />

CHIANG MAI DESIGN WEEK <strong>2018</strong><br />

The fourth incarnation of this vibrant design<br />

fair is all the buzz about town this <strong>Dec</strong>ember.<br />

Artists, designers and craftsmen from near<br />

and far will be sharing their work in pretty<br />

much every nook and cranny of Chiang Mai.<br />

Spearheaded by the <strong>Thai</strong>land Creative & Design<br />

Center (TCDC), this ambitious gathering unites<br />

over 200 collaborators and offers a slew of<br />

activities from workshops, talks, pop-up markets,<br />

and design showcases to performances.<br />

Chiang Mai sparks up when this inspiring<br />

design festival enlivens the town’s creative<br />

atmosphere. Inventive activities are dotted<br />

across the city with events highlighting<br />

innovative design and modern living, while<br />

paying homage to the area’s rich heritage in<br />

arts and culture. With the innovative lead of<br />

<strong>Thai</strong>land’s CDC, in partnership with a slew<br />

of local businesses and organisations, all are<br />

welcome to visit, participate and observe the<br />

city from a new perspective. Hopefully your<br />

imagination will be invigorated as well!<br />

chiangmaidesignweek.com<br />

13-16DEC<br />

<strong>2018</strong><br />

PATTAYA<br />

WONDERFRUIT FÊTE<br />

Get ready for the big event in music, the arts,<br />

thought-provoking talks and the theme of<br />

sustainable living. It’s time for Wonderfruit <strong>2018</strong>,<br />

which is returning again from 13-16 <strong>Dec</strong>ember<br />

<strong>2018</strong>. This year, the event will be held in a new<br />

home, just a kilometre away from the previous<br />

site, and within the grounds of Siam Country<br />

Club in Pattaya. Expect lush venues surrounded<br />

by shady coconut plantations in a tropical forest,<br />

with pristine lakes, nearby beaches, and stunning<br />

sunsets set against mountain vistas that’s the<br />

glory of Pattaya. It may be a new venue, but the<br />

fun and enlightenment will all be the same.<br />

Enjoy live music and international DJs with<br />

a line-up that includes Nicolas Lutz, Craig<br />

Richards, Mathew Jonson, Margaret Dygas,<br />

Job2do, Costlywood, Bobby Pleasure, Carmen<br />

Rizzo, Felix Dickinson, Fleetmac Wood, Gidge,<br />

Goldie and The Ensemble, Horse Meat Disco,<br />

Howie Lee, Kweku Collins, Libella, Lord Echo,<br />

Kuniyuki and much more! Experience sustainable<br />

and innovative art and architecture created by<br />

artists from all over the world such as Solar<br />

Stage by Gregg Fleishman, The Quarry by<br />

All(zone), Theatre Stage by Mpdstudio, Eco<br />

Pavilion by Ab Rogers Design, Theater of Feasts<br />

by Ab Rogers Design, Bath House by Ab Rogers<br />

Design, Molam Bus from the Jim Thompson Art<br />

Center, etc. Apart from the eclectic music and<br />

art, on tap are a variety of activities everyone<br />

can enjoy–such as perspective-shifting talks and<br />

workshops, world-class cuisine, and familyfriendly<br />

activities. Get your ticket and get set for<br />

the fun and global inspiration! wonderfruit.co/th<br />

20


OVERTURES<br />

BEAUTY AND HEALTH<br />

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLING SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTO SANTIPONG CHOOCHAROEN<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Having Faith in the Old Ways<br />

Oils, balms, ointments and powders have always been part<br />

of the <strong>Thai</strong> medicine cabinet and beauty arsenal. No <strong>Thai</strong><br />

ever leaves home without a small tin of Tiger Balm and<br />

now the secret’s out as the round containers can be found<br />

on retail shelves outside of the country. Essentially packed<br />

with <strong>Thai</strong> wisdom through the decades and local herbs<br />

with the power to soothe and improve, here’s a rundown<br />

on unusual products and packaging you were curious about<br />

but were afraid to ask!<br />

PRICKLY HEAT<br />

COOLING POWDER<br />

CLASSIC 140G<br />

FROM SNAKE<br />

BRAND (33 Baht)<br />

Essential in a humid<br />

summer, this original<br />

cooling, refreshing and<br />

soothing powder is<br />

effective in relieving<br />

itching due to a prickly<br />

heat rash or skin irritations<br />

from the hot weather.<br />

Apply after a bath as an<br />

antiseptic and absorbent<br />

dusting powder with the<br />

guarantee to make you<br />

feel fresh and relaxed.<br />

Suitable for daily use for<br />

the whole family.<br />

HERBAL TALCUM<br />

POWDER 60G<br />

FROM YOKI<br />

(30 Baht)<br />

The talcum powder<br />

continues to offer<br />

soothing properties using<br />

the traditional features of<br />

absorbing oil and sweat<br />

to prevent acne and<br />

blemishes. It’s relief for<br />

itchiness, rashes as well as<br />

minor skin irritations, good<br />

for your face and body.<br />

BOTANICAL GREEN<br />

SOAP & REFRESHING<br />

FLORAL FRAGRANCE<br />

60G FROM PARROT<br />

(20 Baht)<br />

Distinctive for its parrot<br />

image and green paper<br />

packaging, this <strong>Thai</strong><br />

naturally floral-scented<br />

soap offers thorough<br />

cleansing and a long-lasting<br />

fragrance on the skin. A<br />

bonus to its lingering scent<br />

is also a refreshing feeling<br />

during and after use. Easy<br />

to rinse off and suitable for<br />

all skin types.<br />

RED OINTMENT 30G<br />

FROM TIGER BALM<br />

(95 Baht)<br />

This warmer variation<br />

of the classic Tiger<br />

Balm muscle pain relief<br />

ointment is ideal for<br />

soothing muscular aches<br />

and pains. The ointment<br />

offers quicker relief by<br />

working fast to soothe<br />

itches from insect bites<br />

as well.<br />

THAI MEDICATED<br />

BALM 8G FROM<br />

WHITE MONKEY<br />

HOLDING PEACH<br />

(20 Baht)<br />

Contains several traditional<br />

Chinese herbs providing<br />

effective relief of physical<br />

pains and discomfort<br />

including minor backaches,<br />

sprains, strains, insect<br />

bites, headaches, motion<br />

sickness, hangover and<br />

nasal congestion.<br />

STOCKISTS<br />

EATHAI<br />

LGF Central Embassy<br />

Tel +66 (0) 2160 5995<br />

GLOBAL WORLD WIDE<br />

HERB SHOP<br />

24 Section 34/1<br />

Chatuchak Market<br />

Tel +66 (0) 817 92 8579<br />

<strong>Thai</strong>land Beauties<br />

<strong>Thai</strong>land’s home-grown beauty brands are gaining international<br />

recognition, and you shouldn’t miss out. If a nourishing herbal<br />

face mask on a lazy Sunday afternoon sounds appealing or simply<br />

getting that fresh feeling after a long day of work, these are local<br />

beauty and health brands to find in <strong>Thai</strong>land. Get these uniquelydesigned<br />

souvenirs for your friends and family.<br />

NATURE THAI HERBAL TOOTH<br />

POWDER 40G FROM THIPNIYOM<br />

(10 Baht)<br />

The original <strong>Thai</strong> herbal tooth powder for<br />

clean gums and teeth. Reduces plaque,<br />

tobacco and coffee stains. Keep your breath<br />

fresh and clean with the natural herb extracts.<br />

HERBAL TOOTHPASTE THAI HERBS<br />

ORIGINAL TASTE 30G FROM<br />

TEPTHAI (105 Baht)<br />

A concentrated herbal toothpaste for your<br />

healthy oral hygiene. Of high quality, use<br />

minimally, just the size of a small green bean<br />

seed is effective enough.<br />

POWDER LOTION<br />

COOLING, FRESH<br />

& AROMATIC 80ML<br />

FROM MONG LEYA<br />

(27 Baht)<br />

This liquid talc has<br />

a pleasant aroma<br />

and is usually used<br />

as cooling powder<br />

and skin tonic to<br />

help keep you cool,<br />

reducing itchy and<br />

rashes. Just pour<br />

on your palms and<br />

gently slap its<br />

refreshing coolness<br />

on your face and body.<br />

BALM 2G FROM GOLDEN CUP (6 Baht)<br />

Made from all organic materials from<br />

northern <strong>Thai</strong>land’s mountains, works to<br />

relieve discomfort, aches and pains. Used<br />

for help with muscle pain and strain,<br />

rheumatic pains, sprains while providing<br />

relief for burns and scalded skin, itches<br />

and insect bites. Effective as a nasal<br />

decongestant and works well for massages.<br />

BLACK COLOUR<br />

CREAM-TONE<br />

OIL SHAMPOO<br />

TINT 12ML FROM<br />

AUDACE (52 Baht)<br />

Long lasting, washes away<br />

grey and leaves black<br />

hair shiny, beautiful and<br />

naturally soft and supple.<br />

FACIAL SCRUB<br />

5G FROM<br />

SUPAPORN<br />

(24 Baht)<br />

Supaporn Facial<br />

Scrub removes dead<br />

skin cells whilst<br />

rejuvenating facial skin,<br />

without irritating skin<br />

surface. Experience<br />

smoothness, radiance,<br />

and healthy skin.<br />

PEARL CREAM GOLD<br />

EDITION 3G FROM<br />

KUAN IM (15 Baht)<br />

Tackle facial wrinkles from a cream<br />

with genuine crushed pearls and<br />

natural extracts to reduce acne<br />

scars, melasma, aging, spots and<br />

suitable for all skin types.<br />

COOLING POWDER NATURAL TALCUM<br />

MADAM AROMA 200G FROM BHAESAJ (35 Baht)<br />

Natural talcum powder, combined with perfume oils from<br />

France. Camilla Aroma provides a sweet and fragrance<br />

from aromatic barks, blended with sweet blossoms.<br />

It refreshes and cools your skin with menthol, with<br />

calamine mixed in to prevent or alleviate rashes,<br />

prickly heat and itches.<br />

JASMINE PERFUME BODY TALCUM<br />

POWDER 200G FROM SPRING SONG (19 Baht)<br />

A vintage, classic scent of jasmine in a body powder<br />

that’s been around for more than a 100 years. Provides a<br />

natural & relaxing jasmine scent throughout your day.<br />

ALL-IN-ONE WHITENING OIL<br />

CONTROL POWDER PERFECT FOR<br />

OILY SKIN 10G FROM SRICHAND<br />

(280 Baht)<br />

Srichand translucent powder is perfect for<br />

oily skin and helps clear the face. Banish<br />

acne, pimples with their whitening mask<br />

and oil control properties.<br />

Tips<br />

STOCKISTS<br />

BIG C SUPERCENTER<br />

Ratchadamri<br />

Tel +66 (0) 2250 4888<br />

Rama 4<br />

Tel +66 (0) 2661 5580<br />

GLOBAL WORLD WIDE<br />

HERB SHOP<br />

24 Section 34/1 Chatuchak<br />

Market<br />

Tel +66 (0) 81 792 8579<br />

TESCO LOTUS<br />

Rama 4<br />

Tel +66 (0) 2672 8585<br />

Try these effective <strong>Thai</strong> traditional remedies<br />

and secrets to feel contentment in time wellspent<br />

taking care of yourself.<br />

Turmeric – Turmeric is used as a great<br />

facial scrub. To make this face scrub, take some<br />

turmeric powder then add a little water and blend<br />

well. Spread all over your face with the paste and<br />

gently rub for four minutes before rinsing off.<br />

Coconut Oil – Both used in <strong>Thai</strong> food and for its<br />

beautifying properties since coconut oil is a great<br />

ingredient. This oil is used as a great multipurpose<br />

product for hair, face and body since it’s considered<br />

as one of the safest oils.<br />

Tamarind – Tamarind is a popular ingredient<br />

in <strong>Thai</strong>land that’s high in minerals and vitamins,<br />

bringing great benefits in the beauty care.<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> Massage – Massages are also one<br />

of the best beauty secrets of <strong>Thai</strong> women.<br />

Massages flush out toxins from the body and<br />

soothe aching muscles as well. The principles<br />

of <strong>Thai</strong> massage give an overall wellbeing body<br />

and soothing the soul.<br />

22<br />

23


OVERTURES<br />

STYLE<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

WORDS PASSAKORN HONGTHONG STYLING SARANYA ARIYAKUL PHOTOS SANTIPONG CHOOCHAROEN<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

Sporting Goods<br />

The Muay <strong>Thai</strong> shorts has inevitably become<br />

a fashionable item as the iconic sport is<br />

world renowned. The Muay <strong>Thai</strong> look is<br />

not apparent just in <strong>Thai</strong> men’s styles, but<br />

gadgets and accessories nowadays carry<br />

the look and logo in a distinctively <strong>Thai</strong> way<br />

for everyone to follow.<br />

FOR HIM<br />

SATIN SHORTS<br />

WITH MAUY THAI<br />

EMBROIDERY<br />

AND DRAWSTRING<br />

WAISTBAND<br />

FROM K.1<br />

(490 Baht)<br />

STOCKISTS<br />

K.1<br />

1F JJ Mall<br />

Tel +66 (0) 2160 5995<br />

LIGHTER<br />

WITH LOGO<br />

PRINT FROM<br />

THE ONLY<br />

MARKET<br />

@SIWILAI<br />

(149 Baht)<br />

SIWILAI<br />

5F Central Embassy<br />

Tel +66 (0) 2160 5809-12<br />

PHAYANAK<br />

MATCHSTICKS<br />

FROM SIWILAI<br />

(95 Baht)<br />

PLASTIC<br />

NYLON BAG<br />

WITH LOGO<br />

PRINT FROM THE<br />

ONLY MARKET<br />

@SIWILAI<br />

(550 Baht)<br />

YELLOW<br />

MUSCLE<br />

T-SHIRT WITH<br />

RED BULL<br />

LOGO PRINT<br />

FROM K.1<br />

(290 Baht)<br />

FOR HER<br />

NOTEBOOK<br />

WITH VISET-<br />

NIYOM THAI<br />

TRADITIONAL<br />

TOOTHPASTE<br />

PRINT FROM<br />

SIWILAI (890 Baht)<br />

STOCKISTS<br />

GLOBAL WORLD<br />

WIDE HERB SHOP<br />

24 Section 34/1<br />

Chatuchak Market<br />

Tel +66 (0) 81 792 8579<br />

PLASTIC<br />

NYLON BAG<br />

WITH ROSE<br />

PRINT FROM<br />

WEARNCARRY<br />

(450 Baht)<br />

JUNKTION<br />

2 Section 34/1<br />

Chatuchak Market<br />

Tel +66 (0) 81 692 3478<br />

FAN, WOVEN<br />

BAMBOO FROM<br />

K.1 (89 Baht)<br />

K.1<br />

1F JJ Mall<br />

Tel +66 (0) 2160 5995<br />

ENAMEL<br />

TIFFIN FOOD<br />

CARRIER<br />

FROM<br />

JUNKTION<br />

(250 Baht)<br />

SIWILAI<br />

5F Central Embassy<br />

Tel +66 (0) 2160 5809-12<br />

TANAKA<br />

GOLD POWDER<br />

MASK 20G<br />

FROM<br />

SRICHAND<br />

(90 Baht)<br />

WEARNCARRY<br />

Tel +66 (0) 95 424 5151<br />

IG @wearncarry<br />

Siamese<br />

Nostalgia<br />

Several blasts from the past define<br />

nostalgic design for <strong>Thai</strong> women.<br />

Luckily, they’ve been around awhile<br />

or upcycled into utilitarian items. With<br />

motifs and styles pointing to a strong<br />

reflection of beauty and lifestyle, here’s<br />

our tribute to the old days.<br />

24<br />

25


OVERTURES<br />

THAILAND TREASURES<br />

The 7 Wonders<br />

of Lampang<br />

Story & Images Courtesy of the Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />

Translation Chusri Ngamprasert<br />

With a diversity of natural and cultural<br />

attractions, Lampang, a cosy town<br />

in Northern <strong>Thai</strong>land, has the right<br />

appeal for all generations.<br />

The spiritual soul of the city lies in<br />

the wooden temple of Wat Phra That<br />

Lampang Luang and considered as one<br />

of the most beautiful wooden temples<br />

in <strong>Thai</strong>land. The impressive structure<br />

holds an open viharn or assembly hall,<br />

a protective Naga adorning a stairway,<br />

and excellent examples of Lanna and<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> Lue architecture. A noteworthy<br />

fact, the temple of Phra That Lampang<br />

Luang is a zodiac patron for people<br />

born on the Year of the Ox. Meanwhile,<br />

the pagoda enshrines the hair, forehead<br />

bone and neck bone relics of Lord Buddha.<br />

Another historical significance here<br />

includes bullet holes on the brass railing<br />

of the temple, fired by infamous folk<br />

hero Nan Thipchang, an ancestor of<br />

Chao Ched Ton dynasty, that ruled three<br />

northern states of Siam: Chiang Mai,<br />

Lampang and Lamphun.<br />

On top of Doi Phra Chan mountain,<br />

the temple of Wat Phra That Doi Phra<br />

Chan reveals an incredible panoramic<br />

view of Mae Tha district. The vista of<br />

a green valley against a backdrop of<br />

misty mountains depicts your classic<br />

Northern <strong>Thai</strong> image. During the rainy<br />

season and winter, the early morning<br />

mist enshrouds the whole area, creating<br />

a dreamlike image of a serene haven.<br />

Worth visiting too is Wat Phra<br />

Phutthabat Sutthawat, acclaimed as an<br />

“Unseen <strong>Thai</strong>land” attraction with striking<br />

scenic rocky cliffs around the temple itself.<br />

It’s worth taking a bus up the mountain<br />

and strolling along the 800-metre winding<br />

path to enjoy the dramatic and panoramic<br />

view of many small white-washed pagodas<br />

positioned on rock peaks. Here, the footprints<br />

of the Buddha are enshrined in the crown of<br />

the pagoda.<br />

Opposite<br />

‘Unseen’ Wat<br />

Phutthabat<br />

Sutthawat, sitting<br />

atop the mountain<br />

Top<br />

An aerial view of<br />

Wat Phra That<br />

Lampang Luang<br />

Bottom<br />

Chae Son<br />

National Park<br />

26<br />

27


OVERTURES<br />

THAILAND TREASURES<br />

Chae Son National Park in Mueang<br />

Pan District makes a perfect destination<br />

for the family and easily visited year<br />

round. A large rocky area with many<br />

small pools of hot springs water creates<br />

a picturesque view in the morning when<br />

the soft sunlight shines through the<br />

haze from the pools. There’s a choice<br />

for a short trek to beautiful Chae Son<br />

waterfall to dip in fresh water or wind<br />

down in the bathhouses with their<br />

large pools and private huts. It’s also<br />

good to try a famous snack in the area,<br />

Yum Khai Nam Rae (a salad with eggs<br />

cooked in the hot springs).<br />

For an inspiring experience, visit the<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> Elephant Conservation Centre in<br />

Lampang which provides space for an<br />

elephant hospital. The hospital emphasises<br />

care for ill elephants and elephant calves.<br />

The centre also manages an elephant<br />

dung paper factory, and visitors can<br />

Photo Thanadit Sriyanong<br />

Clockwise from<br />

Top Left<br />

Dhanabadee Ceramic<br />

Museum and its<br />

famed roosterdesigned<br />

bowls<br />

High above at Phra<br />

That Doi Phra Chan<br />

Taking a splash<br />

at the <strong>Thai</strong> Elephant<br />

Conservation Centre.<br />

Kad Kong Ta<br />

walking street<br />

further enjoy an elephant show and<br />

mahout experience to learn more about<br />

the pachyderms.<br />

To know Lampang better, one<br />

exciting activity to do on the weekends<br />

is to stroll along Kad Kong Ta walking<br />

street. Formerly a colonial trading<br />

community, the charm of the place<br />

lies in well-preserved buildings and<br />

houses constructed in a variety of<br />

Chinese, European and Burmese-Tai Yai<br />

architectural styles. This is a place to<br />

shop for local products, handicrafts,<br />

local foods and souvenirs. Cultural shows<br />

are on hand to entertain the crowd.<br />

Lampang also finds fame in its<br />

rooster-designed bowl. At Dhanabadee<br />

Ceramic Museum, learn more about the<br />

history of this most loved and ubiquitous<br />

dish that uses traditional ceramics<br />

production techniques. See the exhibition<br />

of the world’s smallest rooster bowl, right<br />

up to the oldest Dragon Kiln in Lampang.<br />

To round out the trip, consider the<br />

Lampang rooster bowl as one of the best<br />

souvenirs for friends and family.<br />

Touring Lampang<br />

in a horse-drawn<br />

carriage.<br />

For more information, call the Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land (Lampang Office) at<br />

+66 (0) 54 222 214-5 or phone TAT Contact Centre at 1672.<br />

Photo Teerapat Bupphapibul<br />

28


OVERTURES<br />

A TASTE OF THAILAND<br />

Sweetness in the Eye<br />

of a Dragon<br />

The longan fruit, also known as the<br />

Dragon’s Eye (due to its black seed which<br />

resembles an eye) is a summertime<br />

favourite. Many <strong>Thai</strong> people enjoy fresh<br />

longans with its refreshingly sweet taste.<br />

Its benefit does not just lie in the fruit<br />

itself but also in the other parts of the<br />

plant. People in the old days would boil<br />

longan leaves to cure them of colds.<br />

Burn its seed until it becomes ash, and<br />

this can be rubbed on scars to speed up<br />

healing and also soothe itches.<br />

Small in size, but abundant in<br />

benefits, the longan fruit is said to block<br />

carcinogenic substances and reduce<br />

oxidants in white blood cells. Another<br />

key feature of the fruit is that it can<br />

strengthen the body. It specifically<br />

has minerals, vitamins, and nutrients,<br />

notably Vitamin C and B12, to nourish<br />

the blood, nerves, eyes, and heart. Even<br />

Chinese medical books give the recipe<br />

of boiling dried longan fruits together<br />

with ginseng and other medicines<br />

Ingredients<br />

to help older adults experiencing<br />

forgetfulness. Longan fruits may be rich<br />

with nourishment, but a moderate intake<br />

is recommended as the fruit itself has a<br />

heating effect, meaning that its excessive<br />

intake can cause mouth ulcers.<br />

The longan fruit’s sweetness is<br />

high in carbohydrates or sugar which<br />

quickly replenishes the body from any<br />

deficiency. The fruit then provides<br />

energy to the body. It’s a reason why<br />

those who drink longan juice feel<br />

instantly refreshed. Hot or iced, regular<br />

drinking of longan juice can guarantee a<br />

peaceful night’s sleep as well.<br />

Another great thing about the<br />

longan fruit is that it is excellent for<br />

desserts – from longan fruit with<br />

sticky rice (a <strong>Thai</strong>-style sweetened<br />

dessert with young coconut meat) to<br />

iced longan in syrup. These desserts<br />

promise a refreshing taste, thanks to<br />

their sweetness of flavour and reviving,<br />

aromatic fragrance.<br />

• ½ cup of dried longan fruits<br />

• 1 litre of water<br />

Instructions<br />

• ¾ cup of refined sugar<br />

• A pinch of refined salt to further<br />

brighten taste<br />

Clean the dried longan fruits in water<br />

twice to wash away dirt and longan flakes.<br />

Pour ¼ cup of sugar in a pot and<br />

melt on medium heat. Continue to stir<br />

until the sugar liquefies and the colour<br />

changes to dark brown.<br />

Pour water in and stir until the sugar<br />

further melts. Add the dried longan<br />

fruits and continue to boil for around<br />

10 minutes.<br />

When the longan fruits are softened<br />

enough, add the rest of the sugar and<br />

salt. Continue to boil and stir until all the<br />

sugar is dissolved.<br />

Put the lid on the pot and remove from<br />

the stove. Leave it to cool down. Before<br />

drinking, add ice. The refreshing longan<br />

juice is now ready to be enjoyed.<br />

WORDS SARITA URUPONGSA<br />

32 33


OVERTURES<br />

FRUITFUL FINDS<br />

WORDS CHUSRI NGAMPRASERT PHOTO KAY CHOOMONGKOL<br />

A Lucky<br />

Red<br />

With an attractive red colour albeit<br />

scaly peel, the translucent white<br />

flesh of the lychee fruit offers a taste<br />

that’s sweet, tangy and refreshing.<br />

With its aromatic scent, the fruit can<br />

be enjoyed throughout the season as<br />

a timeless treat.<br />

Its light, floral notes of rose and<br />

pear pair perfectly with other<br />

tropical flavours like limes and<br />

coconut in a symbiotic fruit mix.<br />

Lychee martinis and mojitos give<br />

any party a blast. The fruit also<br />

goes well in bubble tea or made<br />

into desserts like ice cream.<br />

Originating in southern China<br />

in the Guangdong and Fujian<br />

provinces, the lychee was first<br />

introduced to the West in 1656<br />

by Michal Boym, a Polish Jesuit<br />

missionary. The fragrant fruit is<br />

extensively grown in China, India,<br />

<strong>Thai</strong>land, Vietnam and many tropical<br />

and subtropical regions of the world.<br />

The rosy-coloured fruit also<br />

became a symbol for love after<br />

Emperor Tang Ming Huang of the<br />

Tang Dynasty arranged a special<br />

courier service to deliver the fresh<br />

fruits hundreds of miles from South<br />

China. A quick delivery got carried<br />

out to the Imperial court in the<br />

North before the fruit got spoiled<br />

to please his favourite concubine<br />

Yang Guifei, considered one of<br />

the four most beautiful women in<br />

ancient China. A popular lychee<br />

variety is named Fei Zi Xiao, or the<br />

concubine smile, after this legend.<br />

With over 40 varieties of lychee<br />

worldwide, <strong>Thai</strong>land has: Hong Huay<br />

(from oblong, conical to heart-shaped<br />

with a thin skin, sweet and sour<br />

properties and aromatic); Ohia (heartshaped,<br />

thinner skin, a soft and thicker<br />

flesh, sweet); Emperor or Jakkraphat<br />

(huge, thick skin, pinkish red, sweet,<br />

juicy) and Khom (heart-shaped,<br />

reddish-pink, juicy, and sweet).<br />

Apart from its enticing taste, the<br />

fruit has vitamin C, vitamin B complex.<br />

The beneficial presence of copper,<br />

phosphorus, and polyphenol oligonol<br />

gives it antioxidant and anti-viral<br />

properties. It’s said that the lychee aids<br />

in weight loss, protects the skin, and<br />

boosts the immune system. Eating a<br />

lychee can be a preventative measure<br />

for cancer, improve digestion, lower<br />

blood pressure, improve circulation,<br />

and optimise metabolic activities.<br />

With its delicate and lingering<br />

taste, the lychee has put a smile for<br />

hundreds of years on many faces.<br />

34


OVERTURES<br />

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS<br />

Design Splendour<br />

for a Subway Line<br />

Bangkok’s next subway line elegantly blends <strong>Thai</strong> traditional design and<br />

neo-classical European architectural influences. Expect to see awe-inspiring<br />

interiors not just above ground, but underground as well.<br />

Words Sarita Urupongsa Photos Chakkaphong Sukkasame<br />

When they debut, the four subway<br />

stations of Bangkok’s MRT Blue Line<br />

extension – from Hua Lamphong to<br />

Bang Khae – will reflect a classic charm to<br />

their design while referencing significant<br />

flourishes in history. Captivating events<br />

inspired the MRT station’s interior,<br />

reflecting each area’s diversity and cultural<br />

stories. The Sanam Chai station will be a<br />

tasteful showcase of traditional <strong>Thai</strong> art<br />

conceptualised by Professor Dr. Pinyo<br />

Suwankiri, <strong>Thai</strong>land’s National Artist in the<br />

Visual Arts, esteemed for his expertise<br />

in <strong>Thai</strong> architecture, traditional pattern<br />

drawing and woodcarving. Having been<br />

selected by contractor CH. Karnchang,<br />

his vision is seen in the now completed<br />

interior of MRT Sanam Chai.<br />

Inspired by the desire to preserve the<br />

majestic heritage of <strong>Thai</strong> architecture,<br />

Dr. Pinyo tastefully highlights elaborate<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> art and culture while underlining the<br />

spectacular architectural lines that future<br />

generations can appreciate. As a result,<br />

the MRT’s Sanam Chai station is a oneof-a-kind<br />

masterpiece.<br />

The station’s main highlight is<br />

located on the ticketing floor, just before<br />

patrons descend to the platform level.<br />

Resembling an ancient royal court hall,<br />

this part of the station will feel familiar<br />

from history books, while commuters<br />

also experience a visit to the magnificent<br />

Grand Palace outside.<br />

MRT Sanam Chai’s imitated royal<br />

court interior is elaborately decorated<br />

with ancient-style columns adorned<br />

with exquisite bullet wood flower tile<br />

patterns. Lotus-shaped decorations in<br />

gold plate are above each column, all<br />

of which from floor to ceiling visualises<br />

an ancient city gate.<br />

Another spectacular sight is the<br />

ceiling’s decorative carved pattern<br />

known as Dao Lom Duean, meaning<br />

“Moon Encircled with Stars.” Lavishly<br />

ornamented, the pattern is a sight to<br />

behold with a mesmerising use of white,<br />

gold, and crimson as the setting and<br />

gold leaf plate covering the patterns.<br />

Already, the Sanam Chai line hears<br />

praise as <strong>Thai</strong>land’s most beautiful<br />

subway station.<br />

One interesting aspect of this MRT<br />

station in this historically-rich area of<br />

Bangkok are the archaeological discoveries<br />

during its construction. Site excavations<br />

uncovered an underground foundation<br />

of a former palace that could date back<br />

to the early Rattanakosin era. Further<br />

research revealed that the area was once<br />

the location of the residence of His Royal<br />

Highness Prince Adisorn Udomdej.<br />

Many artefacts like pearl shells, intact<br />

horses’ bones, and glazed clay items<br />

were unearthed.<br />

To acknowledge such valuable<br />

discoveries, space outside the station has<br />

been dedicated to the historical finds, as<br />

curated by Museum Siam. MRT Sanam Chai<br />

Station is located at the junction between<br />

Sanam Chai and Phra Phiphit Road, and<br />

Sanam Chai and Rachini Road, Phra Borom<br />

Maha Ratchawang Sub-District. It is set to<br />

open in <strong>Dec</strong>ember 2019.<br />

36<br />

37


OVERTURES<br />

ARTS & CULTURAL MATTERS<br />

A Chef’s Tour started from a<br />

passionate chef who also happens<br />

to be a licensed tour guide named<br />

Nutth. A Bangkok native, he knows<br />

the city like the back of his hand<br />

and as a chef, he appreciates<br />

the joy a delicious dish brings. A<br />

Chef’s Tour was created with the<br />

goal to introduce culinary gems<br />

hidden in the City of Angels, from<br />

her backstreets and back alleys<br />

catering to food enthusiasts and<br />

adventure seekers. Most of all,<br />

they’re meant to be tours that<br />

chefs themselves can enjoy. During<br />

the four and half hour tour, guests<br />

can expect 17 different dishes,<br />

snacks, and drinks as well as<br />

interacting with locals. They may<br />

make their acquaintance with a<br />

vendor who still makes noodles<br />

by hand for old-style dishes of<br />

steamed shrimp noodles. The bowl<br />

gets topped with juicy and tender<br />

pork slices, squid and black bean<br />

sauce and places like these have been<br />

in business for over 60 years. Get the<br />

local experience and grab colourful<br />

plastic stools that famed Jek Pui curry<br />

stall whose traditional doorways<br />

become Insta-worthy spots.<br />

Trailing Cuisine’s Culture<br />

A Chef’s Tour is not just another<br />

run-of-the-mill food tour that has<br />

been springing up in tourist spots<br />

all over the world. If anything, it<br />

hopes to differentiate itself by taking<br />

food lovers off the beaten track to<br />

savour authentic tastes and delve<br />

in the culture and history behind<br />

each food or vendor’s business. Its<br />

goal is not just to deliver a palatepleasing<br />

experience, but also to unveil<br />

interesting stories, as well as offer<br />

a glimpse into local people’s lives<br />

through the culinary tour. Already<br />

known for their street-wise style<br />

and true knowledge in the art of<br />

food and cooking, the team behind<br />

A Chef’s Tour has spent days and<br />

hours following the foodie path and<br />

selecting only the best, the most<br />

delicious, interesting, and hygienic<br />

for the tour.<br />

The unique eating trails featured<br />

on A Chef’s Tour are organised by<br />

local knowledge and expertise from<br />

the team’s circles of chefs, passionate<br />

home cooks, and foodies. Lasting<br />

about 4 hours, each tour delivers a<br />

true experience to food aficionados<br />

amidst street vibes, with 8 guests at<br />

maximum per one tour to ensure a<br />

rounded experience. What’s even<br />

more special about A Chef’s Tour is<br />

that it is customised, basing itself on<br />

local surroundings. That’s why it’s<br />

not surprising to see A Chef’s Tour in<br />

Chiang Mai which highlights authentic<br />

Northern cuisine. Since its launch,<br />

A Chef’s Tour has branched out to<br />

Phuket, Chiang Mai, then further<br />

abroad to India in popular towns<br />

like Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi.<br />

The tour plans to cultivate a bigger<br />

foodie experience in Asia in 2019,<br />

with their sights set on cities such as<br />

Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai,<br />

Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala<br />

Lumpur, Penang, Singapore and<br />

many more. achefstour.com<br />

38


OVERTURES<br />

CHECKED IN: LUANG PRABANG<br />

The pink-tinged<br />

soup of “Lon Som”<br />

(sour fish eggs<br />

in pork and<br />

eggplant curry)<br />

TASTED: THE GREAT HOUSE<br />

AT ROSEWOOD LUANG<br />

PRABANG<br />

Ever wonder about tasting a menu<br />

borne of a culinary marriage between a<br />

classically-trained French chef and longlost<br />

Lao recipes? Here at the Great House,<br />

Culinary Director Sébastien Rubis takes<br />

diners on that merger. It’s a genuine food<br />

journey in a restaurant concept that is<br />

based on an enduring love for Laos and its<br />

culinary specialties.<br />

When life brought Sébastien to this<br />

country two decades ago, the young chef<br />

enjoyed the simplicity and serenity of the<br />

beautiful Lao landscape. It was then that<br />

he also delved deeper to learn about past<br />

royal Lao cuisine by canvassing from a<br />

wide spectrum of forgotten recipes.<br />

An Inside List to Luang Prabang<br />

and Koh Samui<br />

Words Anutra Ungsuprasert (Luang Prabang), Jeremie Schatz (Samui)<br />

Photos Pangchanak Pangviphas (Luang Prabang), Jeremie Schatz (Samui)<br />

Forgotten recipes take on new life in Laos while in Koh Samui,<br />

a popular restaurant continues its long run. Our team<br />

experienced it all lately, to share information on where<br />

you can sleep well, a place where you can be well, and a<br />

place where you can…well, stay for the party.<br />

Clockwise<br />

from Top<br />

Rosewood Luang<br />

Prabang’s main<br />

lobby with the Great<br />

House dining area<br />

Laotian dishes in<br />

a farm-to-table<br />

concept, using<br />

organic and fresh<br />

ingredients<br />

Culinary Director<br />

Sébastien Rubis<br />

reintroduces recipes<br />

found in royal<br />

Lao cuisine.<br />

Now “Noor Tho,” (bamboo shoots<br />

cooked with fish paste on Acacia leaves)<br />

and the pink-tinged soup of “Lon Som”<br />

(sour fish eggs in pork and eggplant<br />

curry) which disappeared from menus a<br />

long time ago have been re-introduced.<br />

Once reserved for royalty, such recipes<br />

are being brought back to the table so<br />

everyone at every social class can taste it.<br />

The Culinary Director insists that both he<br />

and his restaurant team stick to old-school<br />

cooking methods to derive an authentic<br />

taste, even though the preparation takes<br />

longer to go from plate to palate.<br />

Awarded as the ASIA Geographical<br />

Indication (GI) Ambassador for Laos,<br />

from the United Nations’ (FAO) and<br />

French Development Agency (AFD)<br />

project with a focus on protecting<br />

food culture in the region and reviving<br />

ancestral and forgotten recipes,<br />

Sébastien brings a seasonal and<br />

sustainable farm-to-table concept to<br />

Rosewood Luang Prabang. He began<br />

working with local farmers before<br />

the hotel opened, presenting<br />

organic freshness with the<br />

local produce.<br />

Apart from hotel<br />

guests benefitting from the organic<br />

produce, the Great House, located at<br />

the main lobby, also welcomes nonhotel<br />

guests for breakfast, lunch and<br />

dinner with an affordable price, starting<br />

from US$20 per person. The 16-table<br />

restaurant, with its design luxury brings<br />

colonial nostalgia as your eyes catch<br />

the stunning view past the oval-shaped<br />

swimming pool facing Nahm Dong river.<br />

Look further to see the colourful statue<br />

of the sacred Phra Mae Thorani sitting in<br />

a wildly thrashing stream.<br />

Whether your choices are traditional<br />

Lao dishes like Nem Khao, Papaya Salad,<br />

Mieng Phadeck or other comfort foods<br />

with a strong French flair yet using local<br />

ingredients like Fish ‘n’ Chips or a Buffalo<br />

Burger, the Great House definitely has<br />

much to offer. And if you’re inspired<br />

enough, try Lao cooking classes which are<br />

available for a small group, with advance<br />

booking recommended.<br />

The Great House<br />

Rosewood Luang Prabang<br />

Opens daily: Breakfast 6-10am, Lunch<br />

11.30am-3pm, Dinner 5.30-10pm<br />

Ban Nadueay, Luang Prabang, Lao<br />

+856 7121 1155<br />

luangprabang@rosewoodhotels.com<br />

40


OVERTURES<br />

CHECKED IN: SAMUI<br />

STAYED: NIKKI BEACH<br />

Widely known as one of the most<br />

glamorous and extravagant beach clubs<br />

in the world, Nikki Beach Club has been<br />

building up and polishing that reputation<br />

for more than 20 years. With locations in<br />

renowned seaside party locales such as<br />

Miami, Mallorca, Ibiza, and Saint Tropez,<br />

and their Lipa Noi Beach location in Koh<br />

Samui, they pretty much have all the<br />

bases covered.<br />

Many consider Nikki Beach Koh<br />

Samui an elite destination for a day<br />

chilling in the pool, sipping on<br />

champagne, and dancing to top-notch<br />

international DJs. What some may not<br />

realise is that you can come for the<br />

day, and never leave. That’s because in<br />

addition to their beach club, which was<br />

voted the “sexiest beach bar” by the<br />

Travel Channel, Nikki Beach Koh Samui<br />

is also an exclusive 48-room beach resort.<br />

The accommodations are set into<br />

two separate wings flanking the beach<br />

club in the centre offering up five basic<br />

room types: garden villas, seaview villas,<br />

pool access suite, pool view suite, and<br />

the penthouse. Appealing to groups<br />

of friends or families, several suites<br />

can be converted to two, to up to five<br />

bedrooms. The suites are situated on<br />

each side of a pool so long it’s more like<br />

an inland sea. They all have immense<br />

balconies with cosy couches and strong<br />

ceiling fans to keep the breeze blowing<br />

– a small but appreciated detail.<br />

The 70 sqm. garden villas have equally<br />

spacious verandas just outside of the<br />

tastefully decorated and well-appointed<br />

rooms. Step off the veranda of a seaview<br />

villa right onto the sand and leave the<br />

door open and let the salty breeze blow<br />

through. Seaview pool villas have the best<br />

of both worlds with a pool right outside<br />

your door and only steps to the sea.<br />

All rooms are luxuriously appointed<br />

with silky linens on comfy king-size beds,<br />

high ceilings with modern lighting, and<br />

sprawling bathrooms with his-and-her<br />

sinks. The walk-in showers are equipped<br />

with awesome rain shower heads and<br />

posh aromatherapy products. While you<br />

take a break from partying at the beach<br />

club, you can flick on the 42″ TV with<br />

a ton of international channels where<br />

something is always on.<br />

And as one may expect of a resort<br />

of this calibre, they offer many other<br />

activities to keep you occupied including<br />

a full service spa, gym, boutique shop,<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> cooking classes, a beachfront<br />

massage pagoda, and shuttle service to<br />

take you to all sorts of cool spots around<br />

the island. Any mention of Nikki Beach<br />

Koh Samui would be remiss without<br />

bringing up their notoriously amazing<br />

Sunday brunch with an endless array of<br />

delectable fare and drink options.<br />

Most people are likely come to Nikki<br />

Beach with their sights set on having a wild<br />

time at the beach club, but now you can<br />

come for the part and stay for the resort.<br />

96/3 Moo 2, Lipa Noi, Koh Samui, Surat Thani<br />

+66 (0) 77 914 500<br />

nikkibeach.com<br />

42


OVERTURES<br />

CHECKED IN: SAMUI<br />

TRIED: HEALTH REPUBLIC<br />

With our whirlwind modern lifestyles,<br />

many of make sacrifices in our wellbeing<br />

to keep up. Not getting enough rest,<br />

suffering from stress, consuming a poor<br />

diet, and slacking on exercise almost<br />

go hand-in-hand with juggling work<br />

and home life. The human body can be<br />

extremely resilient and adaptable but<br />

it can only be pushed so far before<br />

problems arise.<br />

Naturally the best solution is to adapt<br />

a healthier lifestyle and treat your body as<br />

the temple that it is. Let’s be honest, there<br />

is a strong culture (and maybe a bit of human<br />

nature) tending towards the “binge and<br />

purge” lifestyle. It’s easy to binge and<br />

neglect your body, but what to do when<br />

it’s time to purge?<br />

Detoxes have exploded in popularity<br />

in recent years as a way to quickly purge<br />

your body of toxins and waste products,<br />

recover from some of the damage it’s<br />

been subjected to, and help regain its<br />

natural balance. Detoxes are based on the<br />

premise that waste products which aren’t<br />

naturally expelled from our bodies and<br />

can’t be broken down accumulate in our<br />

organs. Detox programmes utilise various<br />

methods designed to remove these toxins.<br />

Situated on beautiful Lamai Beach<br />

in Koh Samui, the Beach Republic has<br />

recently introduced Health Republic<br />

Wellness Center and Spa. Just next door<br />

to their long-running beach club, Health<br />

Republic is comprised of their own piece<br />

of serene beach, a beachfront massage<br />

Clockwise from Top<br />

Yoga and meditation<br />

classes are offered<br />

daily as part of Health<br />

Republic’s wellness<br />

and detox programmes.<br />

Therapeutic<br />

massages not only<br />

feel good, but offer<br />

physiological benefits<br />

during a detox.<br />

What better view<br />

could one ask for<br />

while embarking on<br />

a journey to improve<br />

your mental and<br />

physical wellbeing?<br />

sala, a huge open air yoga and meditation<br />

sala, indoor/outdoor café, juice shack,<br />

modern colema facilities, herbal steam<br />

rooms, and outdoor showers.<br />

Health Republic offers a full menu of<br />

wellbeing options from 2-3 day wellness<br />

programmes as well as comprehensive<br />

detox programmes from 1-9 days.<br />

Depending on duration, the wellness<br />

programmes aim to boost overall physical<br />

and mental wellbeing using meditation<br />

and yoga, cold pressed juices and fruit,<br />

massage and herbal steams, colemas, and<br />

healthy meal options.<br />

Detox programmes begin with expert<br />

instruction to prepare you for what to<br />

expect and how to proceed through the<br />

steps of the detox. During the detox<br />

your meals are replaced with specially<br />

formulated detox drinks, nutritious<br />

broths, and herbal supplements that help<br />

break up and mobilise toxins, especially<br />

in the intestines. Daily yoga classes and<br />

therapeutic massages help relax the body<br />

and mind while relieving stress.<br />

A vital part of Health Republic’s detox<br />

programmes are the twice-daily colemas.<br />

Colemas are similar to an enema but<br />

introduce more water into the colon in<br />

order to provide a more thorough cleanse.<br />

It’s very important to carefully and<br />

properly transition your body back to a<br />

normal diet at the end of your detox. Your<br />

detox guide will provide you with specially<br />

formulated drinks, probiotic capsules, and<br />

specific light foods to break your fast.<br />

Embarking on a detox can be a bit of a<br />

challenge to abstain from your norms and<br />

vices. With Health Republic’s beachfront<br />

location and spectacular facilities on a<br />

paradise island combined with supportive<br />

staff, it’s less of a challenge and more of<br />

a pleasure.<br />

176/34 Moo 4, Tambon Maret,<br />

Koh Samui, Surat Thani<br />

+66 (0) 77 458 100<br />

beachrepublic.com/Health<br />

44


OVERTURES<br />

CHECKED IN: SAMUI<br />

TASTED: PREGO<br />

If you’re in Koh Samui and you absolutely<br />

must have some real-deal, down home<br />

Italian cooking you have two options:<br />

you travel 9,000 kilometres to Italy or you<br />

go to Prego.<br />

Established in Koh Samui in 2003,<br />

Prego (Italian for ‘you’re welcome’) was<br />

met with instant success. Part of that<br />

success can be attributed to the fact that<br />

there was simply no competition, but if<br />

you ask someone who’s had the pleasure<br />

of enjoying one of Chef Marco Boscaini’s<br />

creations, they’ll tell you he still doesn’t<br />

have any competition.<br />

Chef Marco’s tale of <strong>Thai</strong>land is not<br />

unique; like so many others he came here<br />

for a short trip in 1994 and simply never<br />

left. However, his kitchen history dates<br />

back a bit farther to his culinary training<br />

at the Instituto Giovanni Pastore in 1983.<br />

Whatever food-based sorcery they taught<br />

him hasn’t gone unnoticed as one of his<br />

risotto recipes was featured in “100 Best<br />

Risottos”, a book whose author compiled<br />

a list of the best in the world.<br />

Beyond risottos, inside the recently<br />

and tastefully renovated restaurant you<br />

will find the kitchen churning out dishes<br />

like the well-received Crema di zucca<br />

(pumpkin soup), Filetto di manzo (Grilled<br />

Australian beef tenderloin, sautéed<br />

asparagus, with a truffle taleggio sauce),<br />

a variety of select seafood creations, and<br />

17 different pizzas. Chef Marco explained<br />

it’s common for their wood-fired oven to<br />

see 100-150 pizzas pass through it<br />

in a day. It’s clear he believes that for<br />

pizza to be considered authentic there<br />

is no other option than to cook it in a<br />

wood-fired oven.<br />

Several homemade pasta frescas can<br />

be found on the menu as well. The Pici<br />

comes highly recommended: Tuscan handrolled<br />

pici pasta, Chianti wine beef ragú,<br />

and pecorino. Who doesn’t love a good<br />

homemade pasta with that smooth fresh<br />

flavour and firm texture?<br />

A little inside tip: if you happen to be<br />

in the neighbourhood in <strong>Nov</strong>ember and<br />

you’re a truffle fan, Prego is the place to<br />

be. Chef Marco orders in a fresh batch of<br />

these luxurious delicacies, using them to<br />

create unique weekly specials.<br />

Clockwise from Top<br />

Chef Marco Boscaini<br />

has developed a<br />

menu of authentic<br />

Italian classics that<br />

has made Prego<br />

one of the go-to<br />

restaurants on<br />

Koh Samui.<br />

Tiramisu is often<br />

offered, but rarely<br />

done as well as<br />

Prego’s.<br />

To many Italianfood<br />

lovers,<br />

offering pasta<br />

fresca elevates a<br />

restaurant to a new<br />

benchmark.<br />

Prego’s wood-fired<br />

oven often bakes<br />

over 100 pizzas a<br />

day to perfection.<br />

Prego’s reputation for expertly crafted<br />

Italian food and attentive service from staff<br />

who’ve been there since the beginning<br />

have made it necessary for them to<br />

expand from about 110 seat to nearly<br />

200. Before, they would hope for see<br />

60 patrons walk through their door but<br />

would end up with 200-400. They make<br />

significant efforts to accommodate their<br />

guests offering dishes in two sizes for<br />

varying appetites as well as gluten-free<br />

and non-dairy cheese options.<br />

Italy is an incredible country and<br />

worth making the journey to visit,<br />

but Prego recreates the flavours of<br />

Italy without having to leave this<br />

island paradise.<br />

Opposite Amari Koh Samui on Chaweng<br />

Beach Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani<br />

+66 (0) 77 300 306<br />

prego-samui.com<br />

46


PHUKET FOCUS<br />

Phuket:<br />

Always An Ideal Escape<br />

Words Pallavi Mehta Photos Courtesy of the Tourism Authority of <strong>Thai</strong>land, Jeremie Schatz<br />

With its sheer size, Phuket offers potential itineraries as long<br />

and as plenty as its many coastlines. Find your pace, be it<br />

active or tranquil, for memorable island experiences.<br />

Only an hour’s flight from Bangkok, Phuket (‘h’ is<br />

silent in the pronunciation of Phuket) has long<br />

been a candidate for one of the finest holiday<br />

destinations in Asia. Studies indicate that your<br />

stress goes away quickly when you catch sight of the sea.<br />

But if it’s action you’re after – the entire island, including<br />

its magnificent beach frontier becomes an extravagant<br />

setting with beach parties.<br />

50 51


PHUKET FOCUS<br />

However, Phuket is much<br />

more than its beach offerings.<br />

It bedazzles travellers with its<br />

nature that’s meant to be seen<br />

and enjoyed, aquamarine waters<br />

that beckon you to explore (with<br />

a lot of help from tour operators<br />

hawking their business), limestone<br />

cliffs and lively towns, it’s difficult<br />

to come close to that of Phuket.<br />

Travellers who visit <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />

southwestern island are welcomed<br />

with a little slice of paradise, brimming<br />

with some of the finest hotels of edgy<br />

or organic architecture, restaurants<br />

offering the best in simple dishes<br />

to inventive fare and spas whose<br />

names are renowned in the world.<br />

There’s something for everyone,<br />

regardless of taste and budget.<br />

You can splurge on a wellappointed<br />

pavilion in one of the<br />

numerous luxurious hotels or<br />

resorts that overlook the scenic<br />

Andaman Sea or check into a villa<br />

with a private terrace and pool. Start<br />

your vacation by indulging in the<br />

extensive wellness offerings of your<br />

hotel. Take your pick from authentic<br />

herb-infused <strong>Thai</strong> treatments or hit<br />

the gym or Pilates facilities. Cap it up<br />

with traditional meals of scrumptious<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> curries (among some of the<br />

most intense in the country), and<br />

delicious seafood – Phuket has its<br />

own spiky version of lobster! Here<br />

is where you’ll also find the best<br />

of world cooking. Local favourites<br />

include Peranakan food in Phuket<br />

Town or Hokkien Chinese stir-fries,<br />

in addition to fine dining options<br />

scattered throughout the island.<br />

Being <strong>Thai</strong>land’s largest island,<br />

Phuket is enclosed by over 30<br />

glorious beaches. Patong Beach, Kata,<br />

Karon, Kamala, Nai Harn Beach, and<br />

Mai Khao are the most renowned<br />

places. From the exclusive resorts of<br />

Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach, to<br />

family-friendly Nai Harn Beach, or<br />

the party city of Patong, there is a<br />

beach for every mood.<br />

Clockwise from Left<br />

Wat Chalong,<br />

always on people’s<br />

list for Phuket,<br />

for its religious<br />

and architectural<br />

relevance.<br />

Phuket Town’s rich<br />

past is visible in<br />

old-world shops,<br />

charming cafés,<br />

and grand Sinocolonial<br />

mansions.<br />

Below Left & Right<br />

The glorious colours<br />

at Nai Harn beach<br />

An aerial view of<br />

Koh Phi Phi<br />

The nearby tropical islands,<br />

can be accessed by a speedboat<br />

or a luxury yacht or cruise, and<br />

gaining in popularity as a means of<br />

exploration. Well-furnished yachts<br />

take visitors on a voyage to discover<br />

the islands of the Phuket archipelago<br />

with more golden sand beaches that<br />

are equal parts mesmerising and<br />

enjoyable. Characteristic to Phang<br />

Nga Bay are the sheer limestone<br />

karsts that vertically stand out of the<br />

emerald-green water. James Bond<br />

Island and Panyi Island are two of<br />

the most well-known in this bay.<br />

By far the best way of enjoying the<br />

impressive Phang Nga Bay, with only<br />

passing encounters with tourists at<br />

James Bond and Panyi islands, is to<br />

take a laid-back luxurious cruise.<br />

Another stop on these cruises<br />

is world famous Maya Bay. In 1999,<br />

Maya Bay was magical – white-sand<br />

beaches, azure skies and a jeweltoned<br />

sea, which was abundant in<br />

natural resources and colourful<br />

marine life. Located in Koh Phi Phi,<br />

off the coast of Phuket, is the<br />

strikingly scenic bay that comprises<br />

a 200-metre idyllic beach, which is<br />

enclosed by 100-metre high cliffs<br />

on three sides. Maya Bay became a<br />

popular tourist attraction after the<br />

Hollywood movie – ‘The Beach,’<br />

starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed<br />

there in 1999. In recent times, it<br />

52


PHUKET FOCUS<br />

has been speculated its popularity<br />

received an average of 200 boats and<br />

4,000 tourists daily. Unfortunately,<br />

because of excessive tourism, there<br />

has been environmental damage to<br />

this once unspoiled area.<br />

Due to extensive destruction<br />

of the coral reef and marine life<br />

of Maya Bay, <strong>Thai</strong>land’s National<br />

Parks and Wildlife Department<br />

decided to close the bay. Locals<br />

and tourists alike are hopeful that<br />

Maya Bay will be restored to its<br />

former beauty when it reopens.<br />

Meanwhile, there are numerous<br />

hidden beachfront escapes for a<br />

more private experience. These<br />

‘secret’ beaches boast a laidback vibe<br />

tempered with an indulgent dash<br />

of luxury.<br />

Ao Sane Beach is ideal for<br />

snorkelling and lounging during the<br />

day. Its beachside restaurant serves<br />

54<br />

Top Left & Right<br />

Nui Beach and its<br />

quiet side.<br />

Big Buddha sits tall<br />

at 45 metres high.<br />

Bottom<br />

Banana Beach’s<br />

clear, blue waters<br />

and verdant<br />

surroundings.<br />

Not only are you guaranteed unobstructed views<br />

(at Big Buddha), the 6-km drive up also gives you a<br />

peek into the authentic, non-touristy side of Phuket.<br />

up tasty <strong>Thai</strong> fare and fresh fruit<br />

smoothies with a stunning view of<br />

Koh Man.<br />

Ao Yon Beach for a fun, relaxed<br />

ambiance and the best nature has<br />

to offer, all in one place. Choose to<br />

blissfully unwind at this pictureperfect<br />

beach oasis.<br />

Banana Beach (more details<br />

in Happenings Phuket, p. 110) for<br />

an exotic virgin beachfront. Vast<br />

stretches of azure waters and<br />

pearlescent sands on a crescentshaped<br />

beach are enough to captivate<br />

one’s attention. Banana Beach<br />

is jaw-droppingly beautiful on<br />

a calm day. Take in the scenic<br />

locale as you soak in the serenity and<br />

exquisiteness of this hidden beach.<br />

Nui Beach for beach activities<br />

such as snorkelling, beach volleyball<br />

and sea kayaking. Also known as<br />

Water Beach Club, this beach has<br />

its own luxurious spa along with a<br />

trendy restaurant and bar. Nui Beach<br />

is perfectly maintained by the Water<br />

Beach Club staff and is great for<br />

indulging in activities away from the<br />

crowds in an exclusive setting.<br />

Khao Kad Beach also known<br />

as Panwa Beach has been able to<br />

maintain its natural beauty and not<br />

be overridden by tourists. Only 8km<br />

east of Phuket Town, this beach<br />

exudes its own unique feel and is a<br />

world apart from the rest of Phuket.<br />

At the culturally rich and<br />

charming capital - Phuket Town, it<br />

has its own unique personality and<br />

history and time should be set aside<br />

to explore it. Its rich past is visible<br />

in Buddhist and Chinese temples,<br />

old-world shops, charming cafés,<br />

quaint museums and grand Sinocolonial<br />

mansions.<br />

Wat Chalong and the Big<br />

Buddha are two of the island’s most<br />

admired cultural destinations. A<br />

multitude of glittering pieces of<br />

glass adorn Wat Chalong, a revered<br />

Buddhist temple, thereby creating<br />

reflections on its many pagodas.<br />

Big Buddha, which at 45 metres<br />

tall, rests at the top of the Nakkerd<br />

Hills. The 6-km drive up reveal<br />

unobstructed views, giving you<br />

a peek into the authentic, nontouristy<br />

side of Phuket.<br />

The sight of Phuket’s sparkling<br />

waters and towns should put you<br />

in immediate holiday mode. With<br />

every trip, the island shows you just<br />

enough to be satisfied, yet creates<br />

the desire to be back for more.<br />

INVESTING IN SOPHISTICATED LIVING<br />

Tucked in a desirable spot in Phuket’s Bangtao/Laguna area and just minutes away from everything<br />

you need – Botanica Luxury Villas property boasts 21 custom-built elite residences of large open plans,<br />

bespoke design and sophistication in a tropical climate setting. Completed by January 2020, enjoy<br />

nearby beaches, restaurants, boutique shops and numerous activities for the family.<br />

In <strong>2018</strong>, the <strong>Thai</strong>land Property Awards selected Botanica Luxury Villas as the winner for Best Villa<br />

Development (Phuket), also coming in highly recommended in the category of Best Housing Architectural<br />

Design (Resort). Botanica Luxury Villas is now ready to create your dream home. Three standard designs<br />

offer spaces from 265 to 700 sq. metres with a signature feature of a covered terrace that seamlessly<br />

interconnects all spaces. Other amenities include smart home technology along with 24-hour security.<br />

The Botanica Luxury Villas are also an ideal investment for short term rental accommodations<br />

vacations. Enjoy the remaining duration for your family. For a visual tour and discussion of your<br />

aspirations and dreams in a home, please contact us at info@botanicavillasphuket.com.<br />

www.botanicavillasphuket.com | Tel: +66 (0) 98 394 7097, +66 (0) 81 893 2113<br />

botanicavillasphuket botanicavillas


PHUKET FOCUS<br />

จะมีที่ไหนเหมาะกับวันหยุดยาวของคุณ<br />

มากไปกว่าภูเก็ต เพียงบินจากกรุงเทพฯ<br />

ราวหนึ่งชั่วโมง คุณจะได้ชะล้างความเครียด<br />

ด้วยหาดทรายสวยสด เหมาะที่สุด<br />

สำหรับปาร์ตี้บนชายหาดในฝัน<br />

มาพักผ่อน ณ สวรรค์แดนใต้ของไทย<br />

ต้องไม่พลาดชมธรรมชาติสุดอลังการของ<br />

สิ่งมีชีวิตใต้น้ำหลากสีสันนานาพันธุ์ แนว<br />

ปะการังสวย และตัวเมืองที่ไม่เคยหลับใหล<br />

พร้อมที่พักที่มีให้เลือกหลากสไตล์ ไม่ว่าจะ<br />

หรูหรา หรือเก๋ไก๋ ร้านอาหารอร่อยใน<br />

ราคาที่เอื้อมถึง และสปาระดับโลก เรียกว่า<br />

มีทุกอย่างสำหรับทุกคน ทั้งในแบบหรูหรา<br />

และงบประมาณจำกัด<br />

ภูเก็ตเป็นเกาะที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในประเทศไทย<br />

ล้อมรอบด้วยหาดทรายกว่า 30 แห่งที่ให้<br />

อารมณ์ความรู้สึกที่แตกต่างกันออกไป<br />

อย่างหาดป่าตอง หาดกะตะ หาดกะรน<br />

หาดกมลา หาดในหาน และหาดไม้ขาว<br />

ล้วนเป็นหาดที่กำลังโด่งดัง พบรีสอร์ต<br />

สุดพิเศษที่หาดสุรินทร์และอ่าวบางเทา<br />

ที่พักสำหรับครอบครัวที่หาดในหาน<br />

หรือจะเป็นที่สุดแห่งความรื่นเริงยาม<br />

ค่ำคืนที่หาดป่าตอง<br />

นั่งเรือยอร์ชเพียงไม่นานจากภูเก็ต<br />

ยังมีความงามบนเกาะแก่งอื่นๆ อีก<br />

มากมายรออยู่ เกาะพีพีอันโด่งดัง<br />

อุทยานแห่งชาติอ่าวพังงา เขาตะปู<br />

ท่ามกลางน้ำทะเลสีมรกต หรือจะนอน<br />

อาบแดดอย่างสบายอารมณ์ที่เกาะปันหยี<br />

ชมความงดงามของธรรมชาติ คลอด้วย<br />

เสียงเกลียวคลื่นซัดสาด<br />

จุดจอดเรืออีกแห่งที่พลาดไม่ได้<br />

คืออ่าวมาหยาบนเกาะพีพี ชมทรัพยากร<br />

ธรรมชาติสมบูรณ์ อุดมด้วยสัตว์น้ำ<br />

น้อยใหญ่ แต่เนื่องจากมีนักท่องเที่ยวแวะเข้า<br />

มาเยี่ยมชมเกาะแห่งนี้วันละกว่า 4,000 คน<br />

ส่งผลเสียต่อสภาพแวดล้อม กรมอุทยาน<br />

แห่งชาติ จึงตัดสินใจปิดเกาะเพื่อเยียวยา<br />

ธรรมชาติ และยังไม่ประกาศเปิดจน<br />

ถึงบัดนี้<br />

ภูเก็ตยังมีหาดทรายที่ค่อนข้างมี<br />

ความเป็นส่วนตัวสำหรับผู้ที่ชอบความ<br />

สงบและความหรูหรา ลองมาที่หาดอ่าวเสน<br />

ดำน้ำดูปะการัง ทานอาหารสุดชิคริม<br />

ชายหาดที่เสมือนกั้นไว้เป็นหาดส่วนตัว<br />

เล็กๆ อย่าลืม อ่าวยน ที่มีกระแสลมอ่อน<br />

คอยประโลมใจ ต้นปาล์มพลิ้วไหวล้อกับ<br />

หาดทรายขาว นี่คือเกาะในฝันโดยแท้<br />

นี่ก็อีกที่ ลองหนีความวุ่นวายมายัง<br />

หาดกล้วย หาดทรายสีขาวรูปร่างเหมือน<br />

พระจันทร์เสี้ยวที่ดึงดูดทุกสายตา เป็นหาด<br />

ส่วนตัวที่สงบเงียบไร้สิ่งรบกวน<br />

หาดนุ้ย มีกิจกรรมหลากหลายให้<br />

คุณได้สนุก เช่น ดำน้ำ วอลเลย์บอล<br />

ชายหาด พายเรือคายัค หรือจะไปผ่อน<br />

คลายที่สปาสุดหรูพร้อมร้านอาหารและ<br />

บาร์อินเทรนด์ หรือแวะมาที่ หาดพันวา<br />

ที่ยังคงความงดงามและความสมบูรณ์ไว้<br />

ได้ท่ามกลางชายหาดที่ทอดยาวกว่าแปด<br />

บน<br />

หอนาฬิกาสีเหลือง<br />

ตระหง่านใจกลางย่าน<br />

เมืองเก่าภูเก็ต<br />

ล่าง<br />

อ่าวเสนเรียงรายด้วย<br />

แนวหินทอดยาวไปทั่ว<br />

ชายหาด<br />

กิโลเมตร ความร่มรื่นผสมผสานกับ<br />

ความหรูหราทำให้หาดแห่งนี้เป็นที่ที่ทุก<br />

คนแสวงหา<br />

หากคุณต้องการวันหยุดที่มีเอกลักษณ์<br />

และดื่มด่ำวัฒนธรรม ห้ามพลาดตัวเมือง<br />

ภูเก็ต รวมถึงที่วัดฉลอง ไหว้ขอพรพระ<br />

สักหน่อย รับรองว่าทริปภูเก็ตครั้งแรก<br />

ของคุณจะเป็นประสบการณ์ที่คุณไม่<br />

ลืมเลือน และเรียกร้องให้คุณมาเยี่ยมเยือน<br />

อีกนับครั้งไม่ถ้วน<br />

56


MAKUT ONRUDEE<br />

Words Phoowadon Duangmee<br />

Photos Wichit Kongsiangsung<br />

An independent publisher has created their version of a<br />

rare book, distinctive for its stitched art and potentially a<br />

collectible with its limited production. Meet one crafter<br />

of words and the community of needleworkers whose<br />

different sets of skilled hands ‘bound’ together a delightful<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> children’s classic.<br />

58 59


MAKUT ONRUDEE<br />

Today many people read – not a<br />

book – but a tablet, a smartphone<br />

and other electronic devices.<br />

A book, as we know, naturally<br />

loses its charm to digital media. Project<br />

Gutenberg, for example, has more than<br />

22,000 e-books for free downloads. To<br />

survive the abrupt rise of the digital<br />

revolution, a publisher in <strong>Thai</strong>land did<br />

some novel magic to win a reader back to<br />

a bookstore.<br />

Top<br />

The publisher<br />

shows a piece of<br />

embroidery that is<br />

on its way to<br />

becoming a<br />

book cover.<br />

Bottom,<br />

Left to Right<br />

Embroidered books<br />

are painstakingly<br />

done, requiring<br />

skilled needlework.<br />

Each embroiderer<br />

stitched their own<br />

cover interpretation<br />

as a means of<br />

personalising<br />

their work.<br />

Butterfly Book, a small and<br />

independent publishing house,<br />

recently released a threaded cover<br />

edition of “Kru Wai Jai Rai (Mean<br />

Teacher Wai)”, a well-known<br />

children’s book, whose cover is<br />

done in needlework. Behind the<br />

decision is one of the publisher’s<br />

co-founders, Makut Onrudee. Makut<br />

is a respected author himself. The<br />

68-year-old <strong>Thai</strong> writer is noted for<br />

his acclaimed novel “Pheesua Lae<br />

Dokmai (Butterfly and Flowers)”.<br />

The story reveals a beautiful side<br />

despite the hard lives of children<br />

along <strong>Thai</strong>land’s southern frontier.<br />

To introduce <strong>Thai</strong> readers to world<br />

literature, Makut and his two friends<br />

established the small publishing<br />

house Butterfly Book. For decades,<br />

they translated and distributed<br />

children’s literature and classical<br />

novels (P. L. Travers’s “Mary<br />

Poppins”, Roald Dahl’s “George’s<br />

Marvellous Medicine”, Tetsuko<br />

Kuroyanagi’s “Totto-Chan: The<br />

Little Girl at the Window” and Andre<br />

Malraux’s “La Voie Royale,” to name<br />

a few) for <strong>Thai</strong> readers of all ages.<br />

Butterfly Book has always<br />

fascinated bibliophiles with their<br />

drop-dead gorgeous books, the<br />

type that readers crave to add<br />

to their collection. Their team<br />

spends considerable time editing<br />

manuscripts, designing charming<br />

covers and illustrations, not to<br />

mention using quality paper in their<br />

printing with durable book binding<br />

that can last for many years.<br />

“The Butterfly threads series<br />

bind together two types of art<br />

– writing and embroidering,”<br />

indicated Makut – who’s a cofounder<br />

of Butterfly Book. For Kru<br />

Wai Jai Rai, Makut explains, “We<br />

sketch out a line drawing portrait<br />

for the embroiderers, then with only<br />

needle and thread, they sew it all by<br />

hand. A finished embroidered cover<br />

is then cleaned, dried and glued to<br />

the hardcover using a traditional<br />

hand bookbinding technique.”<br />

The illustrations in the book<br />

are also embroidered, then<br />

photographed and scanned for<br />

page layout since they can not be<br />

bound into the book. This unique,<br />

beautiful book will appeal to lovers<br />

of handmade work and book lovers<br />

alike. A copy of the threads covers<br />

edition will cost a reader and book<br />

collector Bt3,000 (around US$93).<br />

“This is a gift-worthy edition of Kru<br />

Wai Jai Rai, and marking its 50th<br />

Anniversary [in print].”<br />

Makut revealed that his passion<br />

for doing an embroidered book cover<br />

started more than 30 years ago when<br />

he saw the Japanese bestseller,<br />

Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the<br />

Window. “Back then, when I got a<br />

Butterfly Book has always fascinated<br />

bibliophiles with their drop-dead gorgeous<br />

books, the type that readers crave to add to<br />

their collection.<br />

®<br />

60


MAKUT ONRUDEE<br />

copy of Totto-Chan, I was fascinated<br />

by its beautiful and sweet cover. I<br />

wished it to have an embroidered<br />

cover to complement that beauty.<br />

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get it<br />

going because I couldn’t find a<br />

fine embroiderer.”<br />

This year, he came across<br />

Nopphakao Netbutr, an independent<br />

female embroidery artist who<br />

wanders around with stitching<br />

needles and threads in <strong>Thai</strong>land’s<br />

Deep South to teach local people the<br />

art of ornamental needlework. That<br />

meeting re-ignited Makut’s passion<br />

for making an embroidered cover.<br />

The editor convinced the<br />

embroidery artist that with needles<br />

and pens, they can co-create new<br />

and potent art. The exquisite<br />

embroidery art could take the<br />

beautiful story of Kru Wai Jai Rai to<br />

the next level, and vice versa.<br />

“Nopphakao was interested<br />

in a threaded cover project, but<br />

she wasn’t sure how long it would<br />

take as embroidering was such a<br />

time-consuming process. She needs<br />

several weeks to complete a piece<br />

of embroidered cover. A hundred<br />

covers would take around two<br />

years,” said Makut.<br />

Creating the expected 500 pieces<br />

would surely take an eternity. And<br />

no one can wait that long. So the<br />

editor himself and the embroidery<br />

artist spread the news about their<br />

planned project to an embroidery<br />

Top Left & Right<br />

Several embroiderers<br />

work on the same<br />

book concept and the<br />

same pattern, yet<br />

they each add their<br />

own details.<br />

For Kru Wai, an<br />

embroiderer may<br />

choose a different<br />

hair colour,<br />

different styles of<br />

floral prints, or add<br />

blush to her cheeks<br />

or even a hint of<br />

a smile.<br />

community and asked if anyone<br />

would like to participate. The<br />

response was phenomenal as more<br />

than 200 embroiderers turn up.<br />

Butterfly Book then decided to<br />

create its first embroidered cover<br />

with Kru Wai Jai Rai – one of its<br />

bestselling novels written by another<br />

co-founder Phakawadee Uttamote.<br />

The book tells a story of an older<br />

female schoolteacher – infamous for<br />

her strictness and cold looks, making<br />

students and villagers in the small<br />

village nickname Kru Wai (Teacher<br />

Wai), as jai rai (mean in <strong>Thai</strong>).<br />

The idea of embroidering a book<br />

cover is not new but an ancient art.<br />

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the<br />

Europeans embroidered a Bible cover<br />

in cotton, silk and even gold threads.<br />

Needlework on a book is luxurious<br />

and the painstaking process of<br />

thought and work that must go into<br />

both aspects of embroidering<br />

and bookbinding.<br />

In 2011, Penguin Books (USA)<br />

commissioned artist Jillian Tamaki,<br />

an illustrator and comic artist<br />

(who also has a strong passion for<br />

embroidery), to create embroidered<br />

covers for three classic novels –<br />

“Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell,<br />

“The Secret Garden” by Frances<br />

Hodson Burnett and “Emma” by<br />

Jane Austen. Tamaki completed the<br />

three covers by hand over a twomonth<br />

period before her original<br />

copies were reproduced through an<br />

innovative printing technique for<br />

final covers.<br />

The stitch-like book covers<br />

are spellbinding – but each book<br />

does not give a sense of originality<br />

as Butterfly Book does. Their<br />

threaded series, on the other<br />

hand, offer original embroidery<br />

and needlework on every cover.<br />

“We print 500 copies, and each<br />

has its unique cover. Not one of<br />

those 500 covers are the same<br />

since they’re stitched by different<br />

embroiderers,” said Makut,<br />

illustrating his point as he showed<br />

five different stitched covers.<br />

“Before the project started,<br />

the local embroiderers had no idea<br />

about the story of the book they’re<br />

working on, because they don’t read<br />

a novel or anything [else]. Once<br />

the project carried on, they went<br />

through the story to find out who<br />

Teacher Wai is. They then discussed<br />

the character and passed along the<br />

stories around their circle in their<br />

embroidery community,” related<br />

Makut, who has dedicated himself<br />

to promoting reading among <strong>Thai</strong>s<br />

for decades.<br />

Already, Kru Wai Jai Rai with its<br />

stitched cover got more than 300<br />

copies sold at the pre-order period.<br />

Butterfly Book plans to exhibit all<br />

500 of the embroidered covers at<br />

the National Library of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />

before the delivery of the luxurious<br />

edition to the bibliophiles.<br />

62


MAKUT ONRUDEE<br />

เมื่อคนหันมาอ่านหนังสือผ่านหน้าจอมาก<br />

ขึ้น สำนักพิมพ์ผีเสื้อจึงผุดไอเดีย ตีพิมพ์<br />

ครูไหวใจร้าย ฉลองวาระครบรอบ 50 ปี<br />

ของวรรณกรรมเรื่องนี้ด้วยหน้าปกผ้าปัก<br />

สุดประณีต<br />

มกุฏ อรฤดี ผู้ร่วมก่อตั้งสำนักพิมพ์<br />

ผีเสื้อกล่าวว่า ชุดหนังสือผ้าปักของผีเสื้อ<br />

ผสานศิลปะสองแขนงเข้าไว้ด้วยกัน ได้แก่<br />

งานเขียนและงานปัก ปักลายหน้าปกด้วยมือ<br />

ติดลงบนหน้าปกแข็งที่จะเย็บเข้ากับตัว<br />

หนังสือด้วยเทคนิคดั้งเดิม ภาพสแกนงาน<br />

ปักด้ายที่ใช้เป็นภาพประกอบจะดึงดูด<br />

ทั้งคนที่รักหนังสือและงานฝีมือให้เก็บสะสม<br />

หนังสือชุดนี้ไว้ในคอลเลกชันส่วนตัว<br />

มกุฏ อรฤดี นักเขียนและบรรณาธิการ<br />

วัย 68 เป็นที่ยอมรับในแวดวงวรรณกรรม<br />

อย่างกว้างขวาง เขากับเพื่อนอีกสองคน<br />

ร่วมกันก่อตั้งสำนักพิมพ์ผีเสื้อ เพื่อตี<br />

พิมพ์วรรณกรรมแปลและวรรณกรรม<br />

คลาสสิกให้แก่ผู้อ่านไทยทุกเพศทุกวัย<br />

หนังสือแต่ละเล่มล้วนผ่านกระบวนการ<br />

การปรับแก้ต้นฉบับที่ละเอียดและใช้เวลา<br />

ออกแบบหน้าปกและคัดสรรภาพประกอบ<br />

อย่างละเมียดละไม ยังไม่รวมกระดาษ<br />

คุณภาพดี และระบบเย็บกี่ที่ทำให้หนังสือ<br />

แต่ละเล่มมีอายุยาวนานหลายสิบปี<br />

นักเขียนวัย 68 ปีเล่าให้ฟังว่า หนังสือ<br />

โต๊ะโตะจังเด็กหญิงข้างหน้าต่าง มีหน้าปก<br />

ที่สวยงามมากอยู่แล้ว ทว่าหากเป็น<br />

หน้าปกผ้าปักคงจะดีกว่านี้ไม่น้อย<br />

เขาคิด แต่ก็หาช่างปักทำให้ไม่ได้สักที<br />

จนเขาได้มาพบกับ นพเก้า เนตรบุตร<br />

ศิลปินผ้าปักที่เดินทางไปทั่วแดนใต้เพื่อ<br />

สอนศาสตร์การปักผ้าแก่คนท้องถิ่น<br />

แม้จะตอบตกลง แต่นพเก้าต้องใช้เวลา<br />

หลายอาทิตย์เพื่อปักผ้าหนึ่งชิ้น และคง<br />

ใช้เวลาเกือบ 2 ปีกว่าจะปักได้ร้อยปก<br />

บน<br />

มกุฏ อรฤดี บรรณาธิการ<br />

และผู้ร่วมก่อตั้งส ำนักพิมพ์<br />

ผีเสื้อ ท่ามกลางผลงาน<br />

ที่เขารัก<br />

ล่าง<br />

“ครูไหวใจร้าย” ในหน้า<br />

ปกผ้าปัก แม้จะมีลวดลาย<br />

ต้นแบบเดียวกัน แต่สีสัน<br />

และรายละเอียดฝีเข็มจะ<br />

แตกต่างกันไปตามใจผู้ปัก<br />

เมื่อมกุฏตั้งเป้าไว้ที่ 500 เล่ม เขาจึง<br />

ประกาศรับสมัครนักปักผ้าทั่วประเทศ<br />

จนได้ช่างฝีมือปักผ้ากว่า 200 ชีวิตใน<br />

เวลาไม่กี่วัน สำนักพิมพ์ผีเสื้อจึงตัดสินใจ<br />

รังสรรค์หนังสือหน้าปกผ้าปัก ครูไหว<br />

ใจร้าย ซึ่งเล่าเรื่องราวของคุณครูวัย<br />

กลางคนที่สอนนักเรียนด้วยความเข้มงวด<br />

ด้วยหน้าตาท่าทางเคร่งขรึมของเธอ<br />

จนเป็นที่โจษจันไปทั้งหมู่บ้าน<br />

แน่นอนว่าหน้าปกผ้าปักไม่ใช่ความ<br />

คิดใหม่ ชาวยุโรปในศตวรรษที่ 17 และ 18<br />

ปักผ้าเพื่อเป็นปกของพระคัมภีร์ไบเบิล<br />

ปักบนผ้าฝ้าย ผ้าไหม หรือแม้แต่บน<br />

แผ่นทอง อีกทั้งยังต้องเย็บเข้าเล่มอย่าง<br />

ประณีต ซึ่งไม่ใช่เรื่องง่ายเลย<br />

ในปี พ.ศ. 2554 สำนักพิมพ์เพนกวิน<br />

ได้ตีพิมพ์นวนิยายคลาสสิกอย่าง Black<br />

Beauty ของ Anna Sewell The Secret<br />

Garden ของ Frances Hodson Burnett<br />

และ Emma ของ Jane Austen ปักหน้า<br />

ปกหนังสืออย่างประณีต ถ่ายภาพและ<br />

สแกน จากนั้นตีพิมพ์หน้าปกด้วยเทคนิก<br />

พิเศษ ถึงกระนั้น หนังสือแต่ละเล่มก็ไม่ได้มี<br />

เอกลักษณ์แต่อย่างใด<br />

แต่ชุดหนังสือผ้าปักของสำนักพิมพ์<br />

ผีเสื้อใช้ปกผ้าปักจริงบนหน้าปกของ<br />

หนังสือทั้ง 500 เล่ม แถมไม่มีเล่มไหนที่<br />

ซ้ำกันเลยเพราะปักด้วยฝีเข็มและฝีด้ายที่<br />

แตกต่างกัน ทั้งหมดเป็นรูปหญิงวัยกลาง<br />

คนใส่แว่นตา สวมเสื้อคอปกลายดอกไม้<br />

รายละเอียดของสีและลายปักก็จะแตกต่าง<br />

กันไปจากการตีความของช่างปักแต่ละคน<br />

ครูไหวใจร้าย ปกแข็งลายผ้าปักจะเปิด<br />

ให้จองล่วงหน้าและจะจัดแสดงหน้าปกทั้ง<br />

500 เล่ม ณ หอสมุดแห่งชาติ มกุฏกล่าว<br />

ว่า กำไรจากหนังสือชุดผ้าปักนี้คงไม่ได้<br />

มากมายอะไร แต่กำไรที่สำนักพิมพ์ได้รับ<br />

ที่แท้จริงคือแรงบันดาลใจต่างหาก<br />

อย่างไรก็ตาม สำนักพิมพ์ผีเสื้อคงไม่<br />

ปรับเปลี่ยนเป็นธุรกิจอีบุ๊ก แต่จะยังคง<br />

สร้างหนังสือเพื่อวางไว้บนชั้นหนังสือต่อไป<br />

งานฝีมือและการเย็บหนังสือด้วยมือแบบ<br />

ดั้งเดิมนี่แหละจะเป็นแรงขับเคลื่อนเศรษฐกิจ<br />

ความคิดสร้างสรรค์ของไทย<br />

เมื่อสำนักพิมพ์เปลี่ยนจากหนังสือ<br />

กระดาษเป็นหนังสือรูปแบบดิจิทัล หนังสือ<br />

เล่มงามก็จะกลายเป็นของล้ำค่า แต่สิ่งที่<br />

แน่นอนกว่านั้นคือ โต๊ะโตะจังเด็กหญิงข้าง<br />

หน้าต่าง และ ผีเสื้อและดอกไม้ จะมีหน้า<br />

ปกผ้าปักลายประณีตให้ทุกคนเก็บสะสม<br />

ได้ตราบนานเท่านาน<br />

64


CHAM CULTURE<br />

The<br />

CHARM<br />

Words & Photos Ron Emmons<br />

of the<br />

CHAMS<br />

Dramatic spiritual complexes built by the ancient Cham<br />

people with their intricate details dot parts of the Vietnam<br />

landscape. Their origins and the significance of their lasting<br />

contributions are explained by Ron Emmons.<br />

If you travel along Vietnam’s central coastline, you’re<br />

likely to spot some striking brick towers standing on<br />

hilltops; these are ancient Cham temples. Visitors<br />

heading for the beach resorts of Mui Ne or Nha Trang<br />

will almost certainly see examples of such towers, originally<br />

built over a thousand years ago.<br />

On the road leading into Mui Ne<br />

from Phan Thiet, the Po Sah Inu<br />

Towers gaze out from an isolated<br />

spot above the South China Sea,<br />

while on a hill above Nha Trang,<br />

huge brick columns line the entrance<br />

to the Po Nagar Temple. This is<br />

dedicated to a local goddess, Yan<br />

Po Nagar, who is venerated in the<br />

main tower. A carving of Durga,<br />

a female warrior goddess with<br />

whom Yan Po Nagar is identified,<br />

adorns the pediment above the<br />

entrance to the temple. So who are<br />

these Chams, the creators of such<br />

beautiful structures?<br />

As just one of Vietnam’s 54<br />

ethnic groups, these days the<br />

Chams are largely a forgotten<br />

people, with a population of<br />

around 160,000. Yet for centuries<br />

they have clung on to their<br />

traditional ways, which differ<br />

from mainstream Vietnamese<br />

culture in almost every aspect.<br />

They have their own language<br />

and script, which is derived<br />

from Sanskrit. Matriarchal in<br />

society, women initiate marriage<br />

proposals, pass their family name<br />

to their children, and leave family<br />

property to daughters, not sons.<br />

66<br />

67


CHAM CULTURE<br />

Top Left & Right<br />

For hundreds of<br />

years, the Chams<br />

were known<br />

throughout Asia<br />

– with the South<br />

China Sea referred<br />

to as the Champa<br />

Sea for the kingdom<br />

that controlled all of<br />

central Vietnam.<br />

Bottom Left & Right<br />

The Chams cultivate<br />

their own rice and<br />

take care of their<br />

own animals.<br />

The Cham women<br />

engage in a<br />

traditional dance<br />

during a festival;<br />

and tend to wear a<br />

scarf or turban.<br />

Young girls receive careful protection,<br />

and great importance is placed<br />

on virginity. A Cham saying goes<br />

“As well leave a man alone with<br />

a girl as an elephant in a field of<br />

sugar cane.”<br />

The women are highly skilled in<br />

pottery and weaving, particularly<br />

brocade, and the men play unique<br />

musical instruments, such as the<br />

xaranai, a type of clarinet, and the<br />

paranung, a cylindrical drum. These<br />

are put to good use in Cham festivals,<br />

particularly the Kate festival, which<br />

honours past kings and ancestors,<br />

and takes place in late September<br />

or early October each year. For<br />

three days, the Chams celebrate<br />

by making and eating ginger cakes,<br />

dancing and singing, and carrying<br />

offerings to their local temple,<br />

which is housed in an ancient<br />

brick tower.<br />

The women are highly skilled in<br />

pottery and weaving, particularly<br />

brocade, and the men play unique<br />

musical instruments, such as the<br />

xaranai, a type of clarinet, and the<br />

paranung, a cylindrical drum.<br />

A thousand years ago, the<br />

Chams were one of the most<br />

feared peoples in Asia, frequently<br />

fighting pitched battles with<br />

their sworn enemies, the Khmers<br />

and the Dai Viet. Their Champa<br />

Kingdom, established in the<br />

second century, occupied what<br />

is now Central Vietnam, as well<br />

as parts of modern-day Laos and<br />

Cambodia, and the Chams were<br />

also undisputed masters of the<br />

South China Sea (then known as<br />

the Champa Sea). Then in the 15th<br />

century they were heavily defeated<br />

by the Vietnamese, and many of<br />

them fled west to neighbouring<br />

Cambodia, though a large number<br />

stayed in Vietnam.<br />

They practised Hinduism,<br />

probably because of trade with<br />

Indian merchants, and they used<br />

the wealth accumulated from<br />

selling goods such as spices and<br />

sandalwood to finance the building<br />

of eye-catching towers in which to<br />

worship their Hindu gods. Later,<br />

many Chams converted to Islam,<br />

so they split into two groups —<br />

the Balamon Cham, following<br />

68<br />

69


CHAM CULTURE<br />

Hinduism, and the Bani Cham,<br />

following Islam.<br />

Most of the Balamon Chams<br />

live in villages around the towns<br />

of Phan Thiet and Phan Rang on<br />

Vietnam’s south-central coast,<br />

while the smaller group of Bani<br />

Cham are predominantly based<br />

in the Mekong Delta around Chau<br />

Doc. Both groups make their<br />

living from fishing, farming, and<br />

making handicrafts.<br />

Traditionally, both men and<br />

women wear a kind of sarong, as<br />

well as a scarf or turban. Travellers<br />

who venture into their territory<br />

find most Chams living in thatched<br />

huts made of mud, straw and bamboo,<br />

with no running water or electricity.<br />

Yet despite the appearance of<br />

poverty, they are a welcoming,<br />

fun-loving people. If strangers<br />

wander into their village, the<br />

locals will usually invite them<br />

to a cup of tea and maybe a snack<br />

of rice crackers.<br />

Several generations live<br />

together in their simple houses<br />

and the children help with tasks<br />

like gathering firewood and caring<br />

for their animals, such as goats<br />

and water buffalo. When they have<br />

free time, the kids are out playing<br />

on nearby sand dunes or inventing<br />

games, such as throwing their<br />

sandals to see who can get nearest<br />

to a chosen target. As for cuisine,<br />

they are particularly keen on sour<br />

Top Left & Right<br />

The brick-red<br />

structures serve as<br />

places of worship for<br />

the Cham people.<br />

Below Left & Right<br />

The Cham men<br />

play traditional<br />

instruments at a<br />

festival, music being<br />

an important part<br />

of lives.<br />

Cham descendants<br />

farm their land.<br />

soups made with local ingredients,<br />

such as young tamarind leaves and<br />

frogs in the rainy season.<br />

In recent years, Vietnamese<br />

authorities have come to appreciate<br />

the appeal of the country’s diverse<br />

ethnic groups to visitors, and funds<br />

have been provided to promote<br />

their culture. As a result, many of<br />

the Cham towers that are scattered<br />

around the landscape between<br />

Da Nang and Phan Thiet have now<br />

been carefully restored, revealing a<br />

sophisticated sense of design.<br />

The bricks are crafted so skillfully<br />

that no mortar is necessary to hold<br />

the buildings together, and the<br />

bricks are also often carved into<br />

images of elephants or mythical<br />

creatures that decorate the exterior<br />

of the towers.<br />

One of the best-preserved<br />

Cham temple complexes is the<br />

Po Klong Garai Temple, located<br />

on a hill near Phan Rang, built<br />

in the late 13th century. The temple<br />

features a gorgeous carving of<br />

Shiva over the mandapa and<br />

considered a masterpiece of Cham<br />

sculpture. Many Cham towers<br />

see dedication to Shiva, though<br />

some honour local kings or other<br />

Hindu deities.<br />

A Cham temple complex consists<br />

of four principal elements. The<br />

main sanctuary, or kalan, houses<br />

the particular deity (often Shiva)<br />

that is worshipped here.<br />

70


CHAM CULTURE<br />

Right<br />

Artefacts<br />

belonging to the<br />

Cham civilisation,<br />

the likes of brick<br />

flooring, their<br />

sandstone pillars,<br />

and pottery pieces,<br />

go as far back as<br />

the second<br />

century A.D.<br />

Below<br />

Red-brick temples<br />

give Cham towers<br />

their distinction.<br />

The entrance hallway that leads<br />

to the central sanctuary is called<br />

the mandapa, while a separate<br />

building with a saddle-shaped<br />

roof, the kosagrha, is used for<br />

storing objects relating to the<br />

deity. Finally, the gopura is an<br />

arched gateway that leads into<br />

the temple complex.<br />

For anyone intrigued by Cham<br />

culture, a visit to the UNESCO<br />

World Heritage Site of My Son<br />

(pronounced ‘mee sern’) is a<br />

must. American bombs destroyed<br />

much of this temple city during<br />

the 1960s, but restoration work<br />

has been going on steadily and<br />

the site, surrounded as it is by<br />

lush green hills, exudes an eerie<br />

spirituality. Though comparisons<br />

with Angkor are inappropriate as<br />

the scale here is much smaller,<br />

the silent evidence of a highly<br />

developed ancient culture is<br />

similarly awe-inspiring.<br />

An informative museum at<br />

the entrance to the complex<br />

helps visitors to identify different<br />

aspects of temple architecture, as<br />

well as strange mythical creatures<br />

such as the gajasimha, a combination<br />

of lion and elephant, and the<br />

hamsa, a mythical bird. Despite<br />

its remote feel, My Son is just a<br />

short ride from either Hoi An or<br />

Da Nang, so it’s easy to get to,<br />

but since a visit entails a lot of<br />

walking, it’s better to go there<br />

either early or late in the day to<br />

avoid the midday sun.<br />

Besides being innovative and<br />

accomplished temple builders, the<br />

Chams are also excellent sculptors<br />

in stone, and this is clear to see<br />

at the Da Nang Museum of Cham<br />

Culture, which makes an ideal first<br />

or last stop on a tour to learn about<br />

the Chams. Most of the exhibits are<br />

huge slabs of sandstone that were<br />

meticulously crafted centuries ago,<br />

and were later removed from the<br />

Cham temples they adorned for<br />

safekeeping. Delightful depictions of<br />

Hindu gods and mythical creatures<br />

reflect a vibrant culture that achieved<br />

great artistic heights in its heyday.<br />

Even today, though more subdued,<br />

Cham culture is alive and well, and<br />

thoroughly charming.<br />

72


CHAM CULTURE<br />

สถาปัตยกรรมอิฐตั้งสูงตระหง่านบนทิวเขา<br />

ต้อนรับผู้มาเยือนที่กำลังมุ่งหน้าไปยังรีสอร์ต<br />

ในมุยเน่ หรือนาตรัง ประกาศความศิวิไลซ์ของ<br />

อารยธรรมโบราณที่สร้างขึ้นกว่าพันปีมาแล้ว<br />

พระปรางโปซาอินุ ในวัดโปนาการ์ สร้างเพื่อ<br />

อุทิศแด่เจ้าแม่โปนาการ์ ประดับด้วยทับหลัง<br />

อันวิจิตรบนประตูทางเข้าวัด แสดงความ<br />

เจริญรุ่งเรืองของชาวจามไว้อย่างเด่นชัด<br />

จาม เป็นหนึ่งในกลุ่มชาติพันธุ์ 54 กลุ่มใน<br />

เวียดนาม มีประชากรประมาณ 160,000 คน<br />

งดงามด้วยวัฒนธรรมที่แตกต่างจากวัฒนธรรม<br />

กระแสหลักของเวียดนามอย่างสิ้นเชิง โดยเฉพาะ<br />

ค่านิยมทางสังคมที ่เพศหญิงเป็นใหญ่ มีภาษา<br />

พูดและภาษาเขียนเป็นของตัวเอง<br />

หญิงชาวจามมีทักษะขั้นสูงด้านเครื่องปั้น<br />

ดินเผาและการทอผ้า ในขณะที่ผู้ชายสามารถ<br />

เล่นดนตรีที่แปลกหูแปลกตาอย่าง xaranai<br />

(เครื่องเป่าคล้ายคลาริเน็ต) และ paranung<br />

(กลองทรงกระบอก) จนใครหลายคนอาจไม่เชื่อ<br />

ว่าเมื่อพันปีก่อน ชาวจามแห่งอาณาจักรจำปา<br />

เป็นที่เกรงกลัวจากการต่อสู้เพื่อยึดครองดินแดน<br />

ที่ปัจจุบันคือเวียดนามตอนกลาง ลาวและ<br />

กัมพูชา แต่ก็พ่ายแพ้ต่อชาวเวียดนามช่วง<br />

ศตวรรษที่ 15 ในที่สุด<br />

ชาวจามนับถือศาสนาฮินดู เผยแพร่จาก<br />

พ่อค้าชาวอินเดียที่เข้ามาค้าขาย ทำให้อาณาจักร<br />

ร่ำรวยจนสามารถสร้างศาสนาสถานอัน<br />

ยิ่งใหญ่อุทิศแด่เทพเจ้าฮินดูได้ ต่อมาชาวจาม<br />

บางส่วนได้หันมานับถือศาสนาอิสลาม (กลุ่ม<br />

จามบานี) แต่ยังมีกลุ่มที่ยังนับถือศาสนา<br />

อิสลามอยู่ (กลุ่มจามบาลามง)<br />

ชาวจามทั้งชายและหญิงสวมโสร่งตาม<br />

ธรรมเนียม พร้อมกับผ้าพันคอ หรือผ้าโพกหัว<br />

ที่อยู่อาศัยสร้างจากดิน โดยไม่มีน้ำประปาหรือ<br />

ไฟฟ้าเข้าถึง ถึงดูเหมือนว่าความยากจนจะ<br />

แทรกอยู่ทุกอณู แต่น้ำใจมีเปี่ยมล้น ต้อนรับขับสู้<br />

ผู้มาเยือนด้วยข้าวเกรียบรับประทานคู่กับน้ำชา<br />

อยู่เสมอ ชาวจามใช้ชีวิตเรียบง่าย อยู่ร่วมกัน<br />

หลายรุ่นในหนึ่งครัวเรือน เด็กมีหน้าที่หาฟืน<br />

และดูแลสัตว์เลี้ยง ใช้เวลาว่างวิ่งเล่นหยอกล้อ<br />

กันตามประสาเด็ก ชาวจามโปรดปรานแกงรส<br />

เปรี้ยวที่ปรุงจากวัตถุดิบท้องถิ่น เช่น ใบมะขาม<br />

และเนื้อกบในช่วงฤดูฝน<br />

เมื่อไม่กี่ปีมานี้ ภาครัฐของเวียดนามได้ให้<br />

ความสำคัญกับความหลากหลายของชาติพันธุ์<br />

จัดสรรงบประมาณเพื่อบูรณะพระปรางศิลปะ<br />

จามในดานังและฟานเทียต จนทำให้รู้ว่าอิฐ<br />

แต่ละก้อนได้รับการแกะสลักอย่างประณีต<br />

ประกอบกันอย่างแน่นหนาจนไม่จำเป็นต้องใช้<br />

เสาหลักค้ำยันไว้ อีกทั้งยังมีลวดลายเป็นรูป<br />

สัตว์ในตำนานอันงดงามน่าทึ่ง<br />

วัดจามประกอบด้วยสี่องค์ประกอบหลัก<br />

ได้แก่ อาคารหลัก ใช้เป็นอาคารบูชาเทพเจ้า<br />

(พระศิวะ) โถงทางเดินสู่อาคารหลัก พร้อมกับ<br />

บน<br />

โบราณสถานและโบราณ<br />

วัตถุจากอารยธรรมเก่า<br />

แก่ที่ย้อนไปกว่าพันปี<br />

ของชาวจาม<br />

ล่าง<br />

กิจวัตรของเด็กๆ ชาย<br />

หญิงชาวจาม เมื่อเว้น<br />

ว่างจากงานดูแลฝูงสัตว์<br />

เลี้ยง อย่าง แกะหรือ<br />

วัวควาย<br />

อาคารอีกหลังซึ่งใช้เป็นที ่เก็บวัตถุที่เกี่ยวข้อง<br />

กับเทพเจ้า และซุ้มประตูทางเข้าสู่วัด<br />

วัดโปกลองการาย เป็นได้รับการบูรณะ<br />

จนมีสภาพสมบูรณ์ที่สุดแห่งหนึ่ง ตั้งอยู่บน<br />

ภูเขาใกล้ฟานซาง สร้างขึ้นช่วงศตวรรษที่ 13<br />

ภายในมีรูปปั้นของพระศิวะ ศิลปะชิ้นเอกของ<br />

อารยธรรมจาม สำหรับผู้ที่หลงใหลใน<br />

วัฒนธรรมจาม สามารถมาเยี่ยมชมแหล่ง<br />

มรดกโลกหมีเซินได้ แม้ว่าจะได้รับความเสียหาย<br />

จากระเบิด แต่การบูรณะก็เป็นไปอย่างต่อเนื่อง<br />

สะท้อนความงดงามของอารยธรรมโบราณได้<br />

อย่างไร้ที่กังขา<br />

นอกจากนี้ ยังแนะนำให้ไปชมพิพิธภัณฑ์<br />

เพื่อดื่มด ่ำความซับซ้อนของสถาปัตยกรรม<br />

ทุกแง่มุม อีกทั้งยังตั้งอยู่ไม่ไกลจากเมืองฮอยอัน<br />

หรือดานังมากเท่าใดนัก เตรียมตัวให้พร้อม<br />

สำหรับการเดินเท้า และขอแนะนำให้มาเที่ยว<br />

ช่วงเช้า หรือช่วงบ่ายเพื่อหนีความร้อนระอุใน<br />

ช่วงกลางวัน<br />

ชาวจามยังมีความสามารถด้านประติมากรรม<br />

หินสลักด้วย อย่าลืมแวะเยี ่ยมชม พิพิธภัณฑ์<br />

วัฒนธรรมจามแห่งดานัง จัดแสดงหินแกะสลัก<br />

ฝีมือประณีตขนาดมหึมาอายุหลายศตวรรษ<br />

โดยเคลื่อนย้ายมาจากวัดจามเพื่อการเก็บรักษา<br />

สื่อภาพของเทพเจ้าศาสนาฮินดู สัตว์ในตำนาน<br />

และวัฒนธรรมอันรุ่มรวย นับเป็นวัฒนธรรม<br />

จามที่ยังมีชีวิตและเปี่ยมเสน่ห์ไม่รู้คลาย<br />

74


PROPERTY SPECIAL<br />

CALLING<br />

ANISLAND<br />

HOME<br />

Words Jeremie Schatz<br />

There’s no need to plan anymore for an island<br />

getaway when you already own your little slice<br />

of beach paradise. Imagine sipping a tropical<br />

drink at your leisure and admiring seaside<br />

sun views anytime, knowing you don’t have<br />

to leave. In <strong>Thai</strong>land, it’s not as impossible a<br />

dream as you may think.<br />

76<br />

77


PROPERTY SPECIAL<br />

Let’s be honest, at<br />

some point the<br />

majority of us have<br />

let our minds<br />

wander into a daydream<br />

where you’re the master<br />

of your own little tropical<br />

dominion. You while away<br />

days supine in your hammock,<br />

the warm salty breeze is<br />

always blowing, with gentle<br />

turquoise waves lapping at<br />

the shore, and the supply<br />

of perfectly ripe coconuts is<br />

endless. But we always have<br />

to snap out of it and find our<br />

way back to reality...or do we?<br />

Maybe that concept of a tropical<br />

living is a bit idealistic, but the<br />

possibility of owning an island<br />

property in <strong>Thai</strong>land is closer<br />

and within reach than you might<br />

realise. The reasons are simple, says<br />

John Dopere, General Manager of<br />

Koh Samui real estate developer<br />

Samujana. “It’s a beautiful island<br />

and we build amazing houses.” All<br />

joking aside (he’s right though), it’s<br />

unlikely that the reasons in favour<br />

of investing in island property have<br />

ever been so great.<br />

Botanica<br />

ACCESS<br />

For those considering purchasing<br />

a vacation home or secondary<br />

residence, having reliable and<br />

convenient access will be the first<br />

consideration. After all, what good<br />

is your piece of paradise if you can’t<br />

get to it.<br />

Fortunately, Bangkok Airways<br />

opened Koh Samui Airport way<br />

back in 1989 and currently offers<br />

dozens of daily flights including<br />

direct flights to Bangkok, Phuket,<br />

Singapore, Hong Kong, and many<br />

more to come.<br />

Once you’ve landed at Koh<br />

Samui’s award-winning airport,<br />

many property development<br />

companies employ a villa manager<br />

who will be waiting to whisk<br />

you away.<br />

There is a small contingent of<br />

foreign buyers in <strong>Thai</strong>land that opt<br />

Azur<br />

Clockwise from Top<br />

Sweeping vista of<br />

Koh Samui from<br />

the Samujana<br />

residential<br />

development.<br />

Developers such<br />

as IVL Property<br />

ensure that your<br />

island paradise is<br />

an easy escape from<br />

<strong>Thai</strong>land's major<br />

airport hubs.<br />

The design of Azur<br />

residences integrate<br />

views from the<br />

surrounding nature<br />

that can be appreciated<br />

in the home.<br />

Bottom<br />

Beautiful Botanica<br />

Villas, Cherngtalay,<br />

Thalang District<br />

Samujana Photo by Jeremie Schatz<br />

"Pool on the Hill"<br />

for the peace and tranquillity that<br />

can be found living in more rural,<br />

undeveloped areas. Those coming<br />

from more developed countries or<br />

cities may struggle with<br />

insufficient infrastructure,<br />

difficulty in communication,<br />

and lack of familiar creature<br />

comforts. That’s why so many fall<br />

in love with <strong>Thai</strong>land’s holiday<br />

islands, they discover a healthy<br />

economy, warm and welcoming<br />

communities, modern and<br />

international amenities, and a<br />

place that is thoroughly enjoyable<br />

to spend time in.<br />

INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

For those who visited Koh Samui<br />

back in the 1980’s, things have<br />

come a long way. Although a bit<br />

narrow in places, paved roads<br />

criss-cross the island enabling<br />

access to all of the popular<br />

beaches and little hideaways.<br />

Electricity is supplied via an<br />

underwater cable from a power<br />

station on the mainland. In case<br />

of a power cut, many villas or<br />

estates are equipped with backup<br />

generators. For even more peace<br />

of mind, Impact Samui’s latest<br />

developments, The Peak and<br />

Residence8, will be equipped with<br />

solar panels and battery storage as<br />

well as rain catchment systems for<br />

more independence and a smaller<br />

environmental footprint.<br />

WHO’S BUYING AND WHY<br />

Of course, if you look at who’s<br />

invested in island properties – a vast<br />

range of nationalities are represented.<br />

However, logic dictates that people<br />

living in places such as Hong Kong,<br />

Singapore, and Australia are better<br />

represented considering their<br />

geographical location and ease of<br />

access. Indeed, those residing in Asia,<br />

both nationals and expats, comprise<br />

the majority of foreign investment in<br />

island properties.<br />

Since the real estate market<br />

in Koh Samui and Phuket hasn’t<br />

experienced an overnight explosion,<br />

there hasn’t been the corresponding<br />

influx of investors looking to make<br />

a quick buck. Instead, properties have<br />

been purchased to serve as holiday<br />

escapes, rental properties, retirement<br />

homes, or as primary residences.<br />

If managed properly, many<br />

people can have their vacation<br />

getaway and rent it the rest of the<br />

time. “Buy now, get a bit of return<br />

on investment, and also importantly,<br />

get your property used frequently,”<br />

explains Susan Field, Director of<br />

Impact Samui Property Specialists.<br />

Susan’s last point is a valid one as<br />

those who wish to leave their houses<br />

Layan Residences by Anantara<br />

empty need a management company<br />

to keep an eye on maintenance of<br />

the property. “90% of people buy<br />

for rental investment purposes and<br />

for a family home. They want to<br />

rent it out however many weeks of<br />

the year and they want to use it for<br />

themselves or their friends<br />

and family.”<br />

Others buy with what Susan<br />

calls an “exit plan” in mind. They<br />

purchase a property and rent it out<br />

for several years before retiring, thus<br />

enabling them to make a smooth<br />

transition into post-career life when<br />

the time is right.<br />

There’s a general consensus<br />

amongst property specialists like<br />

Diah Intan Maulidya, Property Sales<br />

Manager at Samujana, explaining<br />

how “properties consistently<br />

generate positive income and rental<br />

returns as tourism continues to<br />

increase each year.”<br />

Then of course there are those<br />

who fully commit and start a new<br />

life in Koh Samui or Phuket with<br />

their families. This is continually<br />

becoming a more viable option<br />

for some due to fast and reliable<br />

internet connections, quality and<br />

Botanica<br />

Right, Top & Bottom<br />

Multi-level spaces<br />

on a Koh Samui<br />

landscape at the<br />

Grand Himalai<br />

development.<br />

Resort design relies<br />

on natural materials<br />

for an organic and<br />

inviting feel.<br />

Left, Top & Bottom<br />

For island homes, the<br />

design concept stays<br />

true to comfort,<br />

luxury and relaxation.<br />

Sunsets come<br />

automatically with<br />

a resort home.<br />

Grand Himalai<br />

Grand Himalai<br />

affordable healthcare and hospitals,<br />

international schools delivering a<br />

high standard of education, as well<br />

as security and low crime rates.<br />

“For those looking to own<br />

a property overseas but not<br />

necessarily use, the Koh Samui<br />

long-term rental market is buoyant<br />

due to the International schools,<br />

retirees [foreigners over 50 years<br />

old are eligible for retirement visas]<br />

and the foreigners who live here<br />

all year round,” explains Emma<br />

Johnson, managing director of<br />

Overseas Property Portfolio (OPP).<br />

If you’re worried about getting<br />

stuck without being able to rent<br />

your property, anything is possible<br />

but it’s unlikely considering the<br />

steady growth in tourism and<br />

development. A good indication of<br />

the health of the vacation rental<br />

market can be based in part on<br />

flight passenger numbers. In the<br />

last five years, foreign passenger<br />

arrivals via international flights<br />

to Koh Samui has doubled and<br />

Phuket has seen a 19% increase<br />

from last year. This steady increase<br />

is a promising sign for the ongoing<br />

economic health of the islands.<br />

78<br />

79


PROPERTY SPECIAL<br />

ใครบ้างล่ะจะไม่ต้องการนอนเอกเขนกอยู่<br />

ท่ามกลางสายลมและแสงแดดอ่อน พร้อม<br />

กับเสียงคลื่นซัดชายฝั่ง ขณะเดียวกับ<br />

ที่กำลังดื่มน้ำมะพร้าวเย็นฉ่ำ แต่สุดท้าย<br />

เราทุกคนก็ต้องกลับมาสู่โลกความเป็น<br />

จริงอยู่ดี เอ๊ะ...ต้องเป็นแบบนี้เสมอไป<br />

จริงเหรอ<br />

บางที การเป็นเจ้าของอสังหาริมทรัพย์<br />

บนเกาะในประเทศไทยก็ไม่ได้ไกลเกินฝัน<br />

การเข้าถึงสถานที่<br />

การเดินทางไปยังบ้านพักตากอากาศหรือ<br />

บ้านหลังที่สองก็เป็นปัจจัยสำคัญไม่น้อย<br />

ถึงที่พักของคุณจะสวยแค่ไหน แต่หากเดิน<br />

ทางยากลำบากก็จบข่าว<br />

โชคดีที่บางกอกแอร์เวย์สเปิดสนามบิน<br />

เกาะสมุยตั้งแต่ปี พ.ศ. 2532 ปัจจุบันมี<br />

เที่ยวบินตรงจำนวนมาก ทั้งไปและกลับ<br />

จากกรุงเทพฯ ภูเก็ต สิงคโปร์ ฮ่องกง<br />

และอาจมีเส้นทางบินเพิ่มสู่เมืองอื่นๆ อีก<br />

ในอนาคต<br />

ทุกคนที่มาที่เกาะสมุยไม่ต้องกังวลว่า<br />

จะสื่อสารกับคนท้องที่ไม่ได้ หรือไม่ได้รับ<br />

ความสะดวกสบายอย่างที่เคยชิน เกาะใน<br />

ประเทศไทยจึงเป็นสถานที่ในฝันสำหรับ<br />

การพักผ่อนในช่วงวันหยุดของคนจาก<br />

ทั่วทุกมุมโลก<br />

โครงสร้างพื้นฐาน<br />

นับจากปี พ.ศ. 2523 สมุยพัฒนาไป<br />

ไกลมาก แม้ถนนจะเล็กไปบ้าง แต่ก็ตัดผ่าน<br />

ทุกสถานที่ยอดนิยมและมุมลับเฉพาะบน<br />

เกาะ เดินทางสะดวกสบายหายห่วง<br />

ไฟฟ้าส่งผ่านทางสายเคเบิ้ลใต้น้ำ ถ้าไฟ<br />

ถูกตัดขาด ก็มีเครื่องปั่นไฟสำรองไว้ใช้ใน<br />

ยามฉุกเฉิน นอกจากนี้ โครงการ The<br />

Peak and Residence 8 ได้พัฒนาและ<br />

Lavaliere<br />

ติดตั้งแผงพลังงานแสงอาทิตย์และระบบ<br />

เก็บน้ำฝน รักษ์โลกได้แบบไม่จำเป็นต้อง<br />

พึ่งพาใคร<br />

กลุ่มเป้าหมายและเหตุผลในการซื้อ<br />

แน่นอนว่าคนจากทุกชาติสามารถเป็น<br />

เจ้าของบ้านบนเกาะสมุยได้ แต่กลุ่มผู้ซื้อที่<br />

น่าจะเป็นกลุ่มหลักคือชาวฮ่องกง สิงคโปร์<br />

หรือออสเตรเลีย รวมไปถึงผู้ซื้อจาก<br />

ประเทศอื่นๆ ในเอเชีย เพราะประเทศเหล่านี้<br />

ไม่ไกลจากเกาะสมุยมากนัก<br />

เนื่องจากเกาะสมุยไม่ได้โด่งดังแบบ<br />

ชั่วข้ามคืน อสังหาริมทรัพย์บนเกาะจึงซื้อ<br />

ไว้เพื่อเป็นบ้านพักวันหยุด บ้านสำหรับ<br />

ปล่อยเช่า บ้านพักหลังเกษียณ หรือเป็น<br />

ที่พักถาวรเสียส่วนใหญ่<br />

Susan Field ผู้อำนวยการของ<br />

Impact Samui บริษัทผู้เชี่ยวชาญด้าน<br />

อสังหาริมทรัพย์ อธิบายว่า ซื้อตอนนี้ ได้<br />

มาอยู่บ่อยแน่นอน แถมยังมีรายได้จาก<br />

บน<br />

Lavaliere บ้านพักตาก<br />

อากาศสุดหรูจาก<br />

Impact Samui ที่หลาย<br />

คนฝันถึง นอกจากจะได้<br />

ใช้วันหยุดกับคนรัก<br />

ครอบครัว และเพื่อนๆ<br />

อย่างแสนจะส่วนตัว<br />

มีระดับแล้ว ยังเป็นการ<br />

ลงทุนระยะยาวที่ดีอีกด้วย<br />

ล่าง<br />

Azur Samui โครงการ<br />

บ้านพักย่านแม่น้ำ<br />

ที่สวยงามทุกรายละเอียด<br />

Azur<br />

การลงทุนไปพร้อมกันด้วย ผู้ซื้อกว่า 90<br />

เปอร์เซ็นต์ซื้อเพื่อการลงทุน และต้องการ<br />

มาพักผ่อนบ้างปีละหลายๆ สัปดาห์<br />

Diah Intan Maulidya ผู้จัดการ<br />

ฝ่ายการขายอสังหาริมทรัพย์ของ<br />

Samujana เห็นด้วยว่ารายได้จากการ<br />

ลงทุนอสังหาริมทรัพย์บนเกาะสมุยเพิ่ม<br />

ขึ้นเพราะการท่องเที่ยวเติบโตขึ้นทุกปี<br />

หรือจะเริ่มต้นชีวิตใหม่หรือชีวิตวัย<br />

เกษียณที่นี่ก็เป็นทางเลือกที่ดีเลิศ เพราะมี<br />

โรงพยาบาลและการสาธารณสุขคุณภาพ<br />

สูง ราคาไม่แพง มีโรงเรียนนานาชาติชั้นนำ<br />

รวมไปถึงมีความปลอดภัย และอัตรา<br />

อาชญากรรมค่อนข้างต่ำ<br />

แนวโน้มอสังหาฯ<br />

เนื่องจากกระบวนการและระเบียบในการ<br />

ซื้ออสังหาริมทรัพย์เปลี่ยนแปลงค่อนข้างบ่อย<br />

การดำเนินการซื้อเองด้วยตนเองเป็นเรื่องที่<br />

จุกจิกและยุ่งยากอยู่บ้าง การได้รับค ำแนะนำ<br />

จากผู้เชี่ยวชาญอย่าง “Architecture<br />

Properties & Development”และ “Minor<br />

International” ในภูเก็ต หรือ “Samujana”<br />

“IVL” “Impact” หรือ “OPP” หรือ Overseas<br />

Property Portfolio บนเกาะสมุยก็เป็นทาง<br />

เลือกที่ไม่เลว<br />

Emma Johnson กรรมการผู้จัดการ<br />

ของ OPP บริษัทอสังหาริมทรัพย์ที่คร่ำ<br />

หวอดมาตั้งแต่ปี พ.ศ. 2551 ซึ่งแนะนำว่า<br />

ให้วางใจผู้เชี่ยวชาญเมื่อต้องการลงทุน<br />

เกาะในไทยไม่ได้เป็นแค่เพียงสถานที่<br />

ท่องเที่ยว แต่ยังเป็นทางเลือกในการลงทุน<br />

อันหอมหวาน การพัฒนาด้านโรงสร้าง<br />

พื้นฐานที่เอื้อต่อการท่องเที่ยวและการอยู่<br />

อาศัย การสาธารณสุขและการศึกษาที่มี<br />

มาตรฐานสูง ล้วนทำให้คุณภาพชีวิตและ<br />

ความเป็นอยู่บนเกาะสมุยและภูเก็ตพัฒนา<br />

ขึ้นแบบก้าวกระโดด<br />

80


PROPERTY SPECIAL<br />

DYNAMIC DESIGN FOR<br />

A SAMUI HAVEN<br />

Nestled in the hills above Maenam, yet only a five-minute<br />

drive from the main road is Azur Samui. Designed by<br />

award-winning architects, the development offers<br />

unrivalled panoramic views out over coconut plantations<br />

across to the neighbouring island of Koh Phangan and<br />

stunning vistas of the southern coastline.<br />

There’s a sense of peaceful calm at this easily accessible<br />

hillside property, yet a mere 10-minute drive from the ever<br />

popular and charming Fisherman’s Village, and only 20<br />

minutes from the island’s airport. The bustling downtown<br />

area of Chaweng, not to mention Maenam’s beautiful and<br />

unspoilt beach are also just 5 minutes away.<br />

The inspiration of local property developer and<br />

hotelier Tim Dean-Smith, who with the help of an<br />

international firm of architects, (who had worked on<br />

another of his Samui developments, the ever popular<br />

and eminently fashionable Beach Republic in Lamai)<br />

set about drawing up an equally impressive design<br />

for a hillside community in this magnificent location.<br />

With the exacting standards and attention given to Azur<br />

Samui, many materials have been brought in from as far<br />

afield as Australia and Europe.<br />

There are now seven completed villas, all sold<br />

and occupied, with a further three currently under<br />

construction. In addition, what will be the centrepiece<br />

of this “village in the hills”, is the Clubhouse with its<br />

26-metre swimming pool, a fully<br />

equipped gym, a yoga and Pilates<br />

centre, and a kiosk selling food and<br />

beverages. When the West Wing of<br />

the Clubhouse opens in 2019, there<br />

will be further facilities added such<br />

as a herbal steam room, massage<br />

rooms, and mini-mart.<br />

With many property owners<br />

visiting only a few times a year,<br />

security is paramount. At Azur<br />

Samui, the presence of a single road<br />

in and out of the development, a<br />

constantly manned gatehouse and<br />

security barrier, 24-hour patrols and<br />

a state-of-the-art CCTV system,<br />

provide owners with peace of mind.<br />

Ownership at Azur couldn’t<br />

be easier, with straightforward<br />

contracts, developer finance<br />

available at up to 50%, and<br />

repayment plans customised to<br />

suit each buyers’ specific needs.<br />

With the financing packages<br />

available, first-rate design and<br />

exemplary standards in build<br />

quality, plus the amenities and<br />

security, Azur Samui aims to be one<br />

of the most affordable and desirable<br />

developments in Koh Samui.<br />

KAMALA BEACH ADVANTAGE WITH<br />

GRAND HIMALAI<br />

Our residential project sits on<br />

Millionaire Mile Road in Kamala<br />

Beach, assuredly the most exclusive<br />

coast in Phuket where top island<br />

resorts and multi-million dollar<br />

villas are situated in a place where<br />

one can live like royalty.<br />

Ideally located, construction<br />

of the development sits beside a<br />

Hyatt hotel property in their deluxe<br />

category. The project’s vision aims<br />

to maximise ocean views, with a<br />

guarantee that it can be seen it<br />

from all of the residences. Fivestar<br />

facilities include glass-edged,<br />

ocean view swimming pools, a beach<br />

club, a spa and recreational area,<br />

high end restaurants, a kids’ club,<br />

a fitness club with sauna facilities<br />

and a fantastic view point at the top<br />

of the mountain–completing the<br />

framework of a wonderful 5-star<br />

vacation and investment retreat.<br />

This investment opportunity is<br />

supported by the international hotel<br />

management of Ramada Plaza. In this<br />

pre-launch phase, incredible prices<br />

start at 3.9 M Baht. Units sizes are<br />

33.92 sqm, with studios that can be<br />

combined into 2 bedrooms at 67.84 sqm.<br />

Connecting units with a simple double<br />

door will offer more flexibility, and a<br />

return on your investment, enabling<br />

you to rent separately or combine it into<br />

a 2-bedroom family suite.<br />

SIGN UP NOW FOR<br />

PRESALE PRICES!<br />

Beachfront Residences with prices<br />

starting from 3.90M Baht<br />

82 83


PROPERTY SPECIAL<br />

ENHANCING BEAUTY<br />

AND IDYLLIC SURROUNDINGS<br />

Botanica Luxury Villas defines itself as the ultimate in<br />

luxury with the best in concept for architecture and<br />

interiors, right down to the organic feel of the space.<br />

The Phuket tropical terrain is part of the inspiration,<br />

giving a flow of the space that can be appreciated<br />

indoors and outdoors and most importantly, a welcoming<br />

feel and comfort of being home.<br />

When planning Botanica Luxury Villas, the architect<br />

and developer kept in mind a personal dream project. As a<br />

result, the property accentuates details that would appeal<br />

also to him as a homeowner, and also keeping in mind<br />

the lush nature that is true to Phuket’s topography.<br />

The materials that define the villas are natural<br />

wood and natural stone tiles used in the outdoor<br />

spaces that visually merge the<br />

indoors and outdoors. Spacious<br />

indoors have high ceilings and<br />

a panoramic window that look<br />

out into the green outdoors with<br />

views of the infinity pool and<br />

a covered terrace. An overall<br />

soothing colour pallet creates a<br />

calming environment.<br />

Bedrooms are available in 3 to<br />

5 combinations, ranging from 265<br />

to 700 sqm.<br />

In <strong>2018</strong>, the <strong>Thai</strong>land Property<br />

Awards selected Botanica Luxury<br />

Villas as the winner for Best<br />

Villa Development (Phuket), also<br />

coming in highly commended<br />

in the category of Best Housing<br />

Architectural Design (Resort).<br />

For more information, contact<br />

Botanica Villas Phuket, +66 (0) 98<br />

394 7097, +66 (0) 81 893 2113,<br />

info@botanicavillasphuket.com,<br />

botanicavillasphuket.com<br />

COMMITTED TO ETHICAL<br />

BUILDING AND COMMUNITY<br />

PROJECTS<br />

Property developer Impact Samui established early<br />

on that there were many opportunities to enhance the<br />

beauty of the island, by adapting a responsible approach<br />

to its developments.<br />

Director David Birchall says: “Redeveloping older and<br />

unfinished houses is a real passion for me. Looking at what<br />

exists and then designing something new and relevant to<br />

the project location is personally very rewarding.”<br />

Impact’s first project was the<br />

transformation of four houses with a<br />

central swimming pool. Rebranding<br />

it as Lavaliere, the company created<br />

four newly-configured villas, each<br />

with a private pool. Existing trees<br />

and plants were moved to an offsite<br />

nursery to be nurtured throughout<br />

the building phase and then replanted<br />

on completion.<br />

Impact’s current redevelopment<br />

project, Residence8, involved<br />

transforming a partly-built<br />

house into six beautiful and<br />

individual apartments, all of<br />

which have magnificent views<br />

across the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land.<br />

“We are constantly looking at<br />

ways to raise the bar, and using the<br />

latest technology to minimise energy<br />

consumption and global warming,”<br />

says director Rodney Waller.<br />

Impact Samui’s latest new-build<br />

project, The Peak, will showcase<br />

the highest possible eco-sensitive<br />

building standards available to<br />

create spacious, family-friendly<br />

luxury villas in one of the island’s<br />

most sought-after locations.<br />

Social responsibility is a passion of<br />

company director, Susan Field. “Whilst<br />

our business provides commercial<br />

benefits to the country and its people,<br />

we feel it is important to give back to<br />

our local community. As such, we are<br />

involved in the current renovation<br />

of the Children’s Ward at the public<br />

hospital in Nathon, providing goods<br />

and services to help create a friendly,<br />

colourful environment for young<br />

patients. We have also assisted with<br />

Soi Dog’s island-wide neutering<br />

programme and supported the island’s<br />

Elephant Sanctuary.”<br />

OWNING THE BEAUTY OF NATURAL LUXURY<br />

www.botanicavillasphuket.com | Tel: +66 (0) 98 394 7097, +66 (0) 81 893 2113<br />

84 85<br />

botanicavillasphuket<br />

botanicavillas


PROPERTY SPECIAL<br />

GET TO KNOW THE EXPERTS ON<br />

KOH SAMUI REAL ESTATE<br />

IVL Property welcomes you to <strong>Thai</strong>land, with a special<br />

welcome to <strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> readers flying to Koh Samui. If<br />

you have fallen in love with the island and are ready<br />

to own a piece of paradise, we provide a full spectrum<br />

of services, from land surveying and construction to<br />

all administrative and financial services at the time of<br />

purchase and for the lifetime of your investment.<br />

Interested in a coconut farm in the hills or a plot<br />

of beach land? Purchasing off plan or a completed,<br />

furnished villa? We are a Koh Samui-based boutique<br />

real estate company with a proven track record and<br />

deep understanding of the property market and <strong>Thai</strong><br />

business practices, and we can help you.<br />

We are proud co-developers of the stunning<br />

villas at The Ridge, winner of the Best Residential<br />

Development - Koh Samui, now completed and<br />

fully booked this holiday season. Currently under<br />

construction is Oasis, an award-winning collection<br />

of stunning pool villas on a gentle, palm tree fringed<br />

hill with sea views. Off plan and completed villas are<br />

available for sale.<br />

Based on the success of these developments, the<br />

soon to be launched, award-winning luxury villas and<br />

apartments of Anamaya will surely impress holiday<br />

makers from around the world.<br />

HEAVENLY RETREAT<br />

In the search for the ultimate in luxury living in<br />

Phuket, Layan Residences by Anantara is a sure<br />

contender to connect tranquillity and luxurious<br />

comfort in a residence. Sitting high on a hill looking<br />

onto Layan Bay, the special location ensures dreamy,<br />

awe-inspiring views merging beautifully in a<br />

residential layout. All this caters to a discerning<br />

home owner who gets to define what it means to<br />

live at Layan Residences by Anantara.<br />

The design vision, inspired by the west coast of<br />

Phuket, belonged to the late Indonesian design guru Jaya<br />

Ibrahim. Known for his refinement and elegance, these<br />

qualities are also brought into the property in a space<br />

that borrows from the surrounding lush environment<br />

while maintaining efficiently luxurious indoors.<br />

With an open-plan design, the<br />

layout possesses clean lines that<br />

plays up the natural light, leading<br />

the eye to appreciate the outside<br />

view of land and sea. As a design<br />

visionary, Jaya’s signature touches<br />

include lattice-decked ceilings and<br />

entrance doors accentuated by<br />

antique Burmese teak.<br />

The interiors of the Residences<br />

speak to classic Asian design yet<br />

pay attention to modern wants<br />

and conveniences. This is seen in<br />

the high ceilings for the feeling<br />

of spaciousness and airiness, while<br />

floor-to-ceiling windows play up the<br />

vistas belonging to Layan Beach.<br />

With 15 exclusive pool residences,<br />

owners enjoy the privacy while looking<br />

into the secluded Anantara Layan<br />

Phuket Resort, which itself is a tropical<br />

sanctuary in a tranquil beach setting<br />

on the island’s west coast. Customised<br />

to reflect each owner’s personality,<br />

each residence is individually created<br />

in a two-story layout, available in<br />

three to eight-bedrooms, ranging<br />

from 1,700 to 3,600 sqm.<br />

YOUR GREAT ESCAPE<br />

WITH EXTRAORDINARY MOMENT<br />

86<br />

Project Name:<br />

Layan Residences by Anantara<br />

Developer:<br />

Hua Hin Resort Limited<br />

Registered Capital:<br />

200,000,000 Baht<br />

Project Location:<br />

Layan Soi 4, Cherngtalay,<br />

Layan Beach,<br />

Phuket 83110<br />

Registered Address:<br />

16th Floor, Berli Jucker Building,<br />

99 Soi Rubia, Sukhumvit 42<br />

Road, Prakanong Sub-District,<br />

Klongtoey District, Bangkok<br />

10110, <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />

Plot No.:<br />

23, 54, 55, 57<br />

Title Deed No.:<br />

9441 (internal access road),<br />

29786 (partial), 29787 and 29788<br />

Project Area:<br />

32 Rai 1 Ngan 52.8 Square Wah<br />

Number of Residences:<br />

15 residences<br />

Construction Permit No.:<br />

44/2556, 45/2556<br />

and 51-62/2556<br />

Schedule Completion Date:<br />

May 2016<br />

Layan Residences by Anantara<br />

168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4,<br />

Cherngtalay, Layan Beach,<br />

Phuket 83110<br />

Mobile: +66 (0) 85 484 8752<br />

Email: residences@minor.com<br />

residences-anantara.com


PROPERTY SPECIAL<br />

A HOME WITH SCENIC VIEWS AMONGST<br />

SAMUI’S NATURAL BEAUTY<br />

Samujana is an exclusive collection<br />

of spacious individual, free standing,<br />

and luxury residences on the island<br />

of Samui whose award-winning<br />

architecture, design and interiors<br />

embraces its natural tropical<br />

environment. Gary Fell of GFAB<br />

Architects designed Samujana with<br />

a grand vision to preserve and protect<br />

the incredible natural beauty<br />

surrounding the development.<br />

This allowed him to incorporate<br />

the majestic natural features,<br />

including mature trees and rock<br />

formations into living areas, gardens<br />

and even directly into some pools.<br />

Perfectly perched on a Samui<br />

hillside with expansive sea views and<br />

direct beach access, the residences<br />

boast some of Asia’s largest private<br />

pools. Each uniquely-designed<br />

villa offers impressive views of<br />

neighbouring islands and Samui’s<br />

rolling landscape. Ideally located just<br />

minutes away from the airport and a<br />

short distance to Chaweng and Choeng<br />

Mon beaches, the hillside location<br />

affords spectacular views and an<br />

enviable location that fronts a secluded<br />

coral bay. A plethora of attractions and<br />

activities available to be enjoyed in<br />

Koh Samui and its surrounding islands<br />

allow you to indulge in a fantastic mix of cultural<br />

immersion and adventures, either in an island<br />

jungle or at sea.<br />

A dedicated staff provides exemplary estate<br />

and villa management and hospitality services.<br />

All residences are fully furnished with high<br />

quality furniture and fittings. The villas feature<br />

exceptionally large living areas including living<br />

room, dining room, and kitchen, which wrap<br />

around a pool, – all adding to the feel of freedom<br />

and openness. The villa construction includes<br />

sturdy and hardwearing natural materials with<br />

an eye to superior specifications and materials.<br />

Consequently, the villas include superb quality<br />

kitchens (at both front and service kitchen) and<br />

spacious double bathrooms for each bedroom.<br />

Private offices, media rooms, gyms and home<br />

theatres complement the general feeling of space<br />

for occupants.<br />

Many of the homes utilise extensive internal<br />

landscaping to provide shade and privacy while<br />

also encouraging natural and cooling ventilation<br />

which ensures a comfortable environment even<br />

when away from natural breezes. Assisted by<br />

overhead fans, minimal air-conditioning is required.<br />

With proximity to all necessities on the island<br />

while providing a luxurious haven, Samujana<br />

is an excellent option for both your investment<br />

opportunities and lifestyle.<br />

MAKE YOUR ISLAND DREAM A REALITY<br />

As an independent estate agent with<br />

over 10 years experience solely in<br />

the Koh Samui property market,<br />

OPP should be your first choice to<br />

make your dreams of island living<br />

become a reality. At OPP we provide<br />

personal, professional, honest<br />

and straightforward advice. We<br />

understand that you, our client,<br />

require both astute and financially<br />

sound property advice in addition to<br />

a turn key service.<br />

With knowledge that can only<br />

be gained by local experience, we<br />

can engage with, and advise you on<br />

how best to navigate the property<br />

market and find the most suitable<br />

properties that the charming island<br />

of Koh Samui has to offer. We strive<br />

to understand your needs depending<br />

upon the type of property you are<br />

looking for and its purpose.<br />

Koh Samui is firmly on<br />

the map with its international<br />

airport, international schools and<br />

international hospitals making<br />

the island a paradise for investors,<br />

holiday makers, families and those<br />

looking to retire. With steadily<br />

increasing passenger numbers<br />

year-on-year due to airline route<br />

expansion, the future for Koh Samui<br />

is bright.<br />

Benefit from OPP’s knowledge<br />

and expertise and arrange an<br />

appointment with us.<br />

FOR SPECIALIST PROPERTY ADVICE<br />

ON KOH SAMUI, VISIT OUR OFFICE IN BOPHUT OR CALL US<br />

AND WE WILL COME TO YOU.<br />

Tel: +66 (0)80 535 1725<br />

Email: martin@overseaspropertyportfolio.com<br />

Website: www.overseaspropertyportfolio.com<br />

119/20 Samui Town Centre, Moo1, Bophut, Koh Samui<br />

Villas Townhouses CONDOS Apartments Land Holiday Rentals Long Term Rentals<br />

89


GALLERY<br />

Paving<br />

Every year, people gather for the Loy Krathong<br />

festival in the ancient and spiritual kingdom of<br />

Sukhothai, where it is believed to have started.<br />

A Festive Path<br />

Sukhothai<br />

Words & Photos Sugato Mukherjee<br />

alking through the<br />

neatly manicured<br />

gardens of Sukhothai<br />

Historical Park, I<br />

pass the ancient statues of Buddha<br />

that serenely face eastwards to the<br />

mellow glow of the morning sun.<br />

With a goal to celebrate, I arrive<br />

at the northern fringes of the park<br />

with its leafy backwoods.<br />

At the annual festival of Loy<br />

Krathong, rivers and canals come<br />

to life with revellers floating<br />

colourful vessels to give thanks to<br />

the water goddess for a bountiful<br />

harvest, as well as pray for<br />

the washing away of negative<br />

thoughts. Before this uplifting<br />

act of penance, a ceremony<br />

takes place. A small group of<br />

orange-robed monks arrive<br />

and wordlessly enter through a<br />

narrow slit in the wall. Following<br />

them inside, I stand transfixed.<br />

In front of me is one of the largest<br />

and finest Buddha statues I have<br />

ever seen.<br />

As the chants of the monks<br />

reverberate among the complex of<br />

pagodas, the rays of the sun filter<br />

through, lighting up the golden<br />

fingers of the 13th century statue.<br />

This is the Speaking Buddha of<br />

Wat Si Chum, as legend has it,<br />

that boosted the morale of the<br />

Siamese king’s troops in a battle<br />

with the invading Burmese army.<br />

Now part of folklore, monks<br />

commemorate the 15th century<br />

incident during the Loy Krathong<br />

celebrations in Sukhothai.<br />

In the evening, the main<br />

boulevard of the former capital<br />

of <strong>Thai</strong>land brims with colours.<br />

It is the fifth and climactic day<br />

of Loy Krathong. Festivities<br />

included beauty pageants,<br />

basket-making competitions,<br />

food stalls, and musical soirées.<br />

A grand parade slowly inches<br />

towards the Historical Park.<br />

Women in flowing traditional<br />

costumes on palanquins vogue in<br />

elegant poses to the delight of the<br />

shutterbugs, and small children<br />

dart in and out of the procession<br />

towards snack vendors.<br />

90<br />

91


GALLERY<br />

OPPOSITE<br />

According to a <strong>Thai</strong> legend, the<br />

stuccoed Buddha statue inside Wat<br />

Si Chum of Sukhothai Historical<br />

Park spoke to the Siamese army<br />

during a 13th-century battle against<br />

Burmese invaders.<br />

RIGHT<br />

The Loy Krathong festival has<br />

spiritual overtones in which the<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> people pay their respects to<br />

the water goddess, along with the<br />

promise to protect and respect<br />

her generosity.<br />

BOTTOM<br />

Colourful parades and traditional<br />

attire are an integral part of the<br />

festivities in Sukhothai.<br />

92 93


GALLERY<br />

TOP<br />

The strikingly beautiful son-et-lumiere show<br />

encompasses the history of Kingdom of Sukhothai<br />

that was founded in 1238 A.D.<br />

OPPOSITE LEFT<br />

Sporting a festive smile and headgear.<br />

RIGHT<br />

Traditional art, crafts and customs come together,<br />

a fire breathing demonstation (opposite page),<br />

at a parade.<br />

94<br />

95


GALLERY<br />

OPPOSITE, TOP<br />

Participants atop<br />

palanquins grace the<br />

vibrant procession,<br />

to the delight<br />

of shutterbugs.<br />

OPPOSITE, BOTTOM<br />

The krathongs are released<br />

into the water as an<br />

offering to Phra Mae<br />

Khongkha, the goddess<br />

of water.<br />

TOP LEFT<br />

Crafted from banana tree<br />

trunks and its folded<br />

leaves, the krathong gets<br />

colourfully decorated<br />

with flowers.<br />

TOP RIGHT<br />

The whisper of a prayer<br />

accompanies the release<br />

of paper lanterns into the<br />

night sky.<br />

BELOW<br />

An exquisite<br />

display of fireworks<br />

inside Sukhothai<br />

Historical Park.<br />

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS<br />

Sugato Mukherjee is a photographer<br />

and writer based in Calcutta, India.<br />

When he is not working on longterm<br />

personal projects, Sugato<br />

loves to weave visual narratives<br />

on exotic and offbeat destinations.<br />

He has contributed to The Globe<br />

and Mail, Al Jazeera, National<br />

Geographic Traveller, Jet Wings<br />

International, among others. His<br />

work on sulphur miners of East Java<br />

was awarded by UNESCO. Sugato’s<br />

coffee table book ‘An Antique Land:<br />

A Visual Memoir of Ladakh’ was<br />

published from New Delhi in 2013<br />

and received critical acclaim.<br />

96<br />

97


KNOW BEFORE YOU GO<br />

Unconventional<br />

Expression<br />

Staying true to its<br />

objectives for<br />

contemporary<br />

works, Toot Yung<br />

Gallery in Chiang Mai<br />

exhibits artist<br />

Montri Toemsombat’s<br />

striking and<br />

original work.<br />

BANGKOK 100 / SAMUI 106 / PHUKET 110 / CHIANG MAI 114 / KOH CHANG 115 /<br />

CHENGDU, CHONGQING & GUANGZHOU 116 / HONG KONG 118 / SINGAPORE 120 / KL 121 / PHNOM PENH, SIEM REAP & SONG SAA 122 /<br />

HANOI 124 / YANGON 126 / LUANG PRABANG 128 / MUMBAI 130 / MALDIVES 131<br />

99


HAPPENINGS<br />

THAILAND<br />

BANGKOK<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

A Grand Hotel<br />

Comes to Bangkok<br />

Bangkok continues to ascend<br />

the ranks of incredible luxury<br />

with new hotel offerings this<br />

year. The arrival of iconic<br />

luxury hotel Waldorf Astoria<br />

Bangkok, marks the latest<br />

property under the portfolio of<br />

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts,<br />

owned by the Hilton Group. The<br />

property strives to introduce its<br />

legacy of hospitality and style<br />

to the City of Angels as well<br />

as deliver once-in-a-lifetime<br />

experiences for guests. Located<br />

within the 60-storey Magnolias<br />

Ratchadamri Boulevard, the hotel<br />

is conveniently within walking<br />

distance to all the excitement<br />

that Bangkok has to offer. It<br />

boasts the most striking ballroom<br />

with its sweeping staircase and<br />

sophisticated ambience, making<br />

it a great venue for social events<br />

and weddings. Designed by<br />

architect André Fu and his AFSO<br />

studio which blends contemporary<br />

architecture together with <strong>Thai</strong><br />

artisanal elements, the Waldorf<br />

Astoria Bangkok’s 171 guest rooms<br />

and suites are the marvel of the<br />

chain’s legendary luxury adapted<br />

to a local yet contemporary setting.<br />

Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is also set to<br />

become a dining destination, with 3<br />

unique restaurants including Nordic–<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> Cuisine at Front Room, a lounge<br />

and 2 bars to fulfil everyone’s culinary<br />

desires. 151 Ratchadamri Road, Lumphini,<br />

waldorfbangkok.waldorfastoria.com,<br />

+66 (0) 2846 8888<br />

A REFINED SPOT ON THE BLOCK<br />

Ratchadamri’s legendary establishment, the<br />

Peninsula Plaza, recently welcomed a new<br />

addition to its dining outlet with MaiMai<br />

Eatery. Here’s a place where east meets west<br />

in a refined setting with flavourful fusion<br />

dishes, namely Crispy Wonton Pad <strong>Thai</strong><br />

with Shrimp, and international mash-ups like<br />

Crab Croquette with Tartar Sauce. MaiMai<br />

Eatery caters to any craving for local <strong>Thai</strong><br />

touches with the likes of popular Penin<br />

Boat Noodles and its “hi-so” (high society)<br />

options for either tender pork or beef, based<br />

on an authentic recipe hailing from Ayutthaya.<br />

Spacious and air-conditioned, MaiMai Eatery’s<br />

setting offers a Euro-chic atmosphere thanks<br />

to the natural light pouring through the<br />

transparent ceiling, not to mention live piano<br />

performances. The Peninsula Plaza Bangkok 153<br />

Ratchadamri Rd., facebook.com/maimaieatery,<br />

+66 (0) 2652 1399<br />

100


HAPPENINGS<br />

THAILAND<br />

BANGKOK<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

All’s Well in a Sanctuary<br />

Asia’s leading wellness brand Pañpuri recently<br />

unveiled Pañpuri Wellness, an urban oasis<br />

aimed to promote rejuvenation and introduce<br />

long-lasting vitality. Pañpuri Wellness greets<br />

guests upon their entry to this wellness<br />

sanctuary with an elegant and timeless space<br />

with organic materials such as natural woods,<br />

fine marble, with silk draperies as well as<br />

a panoramic view of the Bangkok skyline.<br />

Following Pañpuri’s unique offerings of “The<br />

Seven Wonders of Pañpuri Wellness”, the<br />

wellness oasis features 12<br />

treatment rooms diversified<br />

into couples and singles massage<br />

rooms as well as 2 exclusive<br />

suites with an en-suite onsen<br />

for privacy. The spa also uses<br />

Blueair, a premium air purifying<br />

system to prevent harmful<br />

effects of poor air quality and<br />

ensure guests’ ultimate relaxation.<br />

Apart from Pañpuri’s finest spa<br />

materials, another highlight of<br />

the place are onsen pools with<br />

different types to complement<br />

guest’s wellness journey.<br />

12th Floor, Gaysorn Urban<br />

Retreat, Gaysorn Village,<br />

Ploenchit Rd., Lumphini,<br />

panpuriwellness.com,<br />

+66 (0) 2253 8899<br />

HIGH UP IN GLAMOUR<br />

Sitting high on the 32nd floor of<br />

the Bangkok Marriott Hotel — The<br />

Surawongse, is Yào Restaurant and Rooftop<br />

Bar that modernises the concept of a<br />

Chinese eatery with its contemporary<br />

sophistication. The venue is designed<br />

in 2 levels: the restaurant has a breathtaking<br />

view of the Bangkok skyline and<br />

shimmering Chao Phraya River, and the<br />

rooftop bar with its modern Chinese feel.<br />

Offering diverse menus of Cantonese and<br />

Shanghai cuisines, Yào’s head chef Bruce<br />

Hui has crafted authentic recipes with<br />

a stylish twist to give Yào’s menus<br />

a unique representation from other<br />

Chinese eateries. The drink selection<br />

is not to be missed either. Apart from<br />

extensive signature cocktails, Yào offers<br />

a Chinese-style tea ceremony known as<br />

Des-Tea-Ny which introduces diners<br />

to distinctive tea aromas and exotic<br />

flavours. 262 Surawongse Road, Si Phraya,<br />

Bang Rak, +66 (0) 2088 5666,<br />

bangkokmarriottsurawongse.com<br />

102


HAPPENINGS<br />

THAILAND<br />

BANGKOK<br />

Photos by Dolnapa Ram-Indra<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

A Tempest of<br />

Tastes<br />

In the old days in <strong>Thai</strong>land,<br />

“Am-dang” meant Mrs. or Miss<br />

whereas “Typhoon” referred<br />

to the manner of stir-frying<br />

crabs found in typhoon shelters<br />

off Hong Kong Island. This<br />

unusual combination reflects<br />

the idea of preserving authentic<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> recipes which requires<br />

meticulous details in every step,<br />

many of which may soon be<br />

forgotten. The restaurant, Amdang<br />

Typhoon has a dedicated<br />

owner and chef Yai Buncharas<br />

who strives to maintain local<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> recipes with authenticity<br />

and fresh ingredients of the<br />

highest quality. The result is<br />

a mesmerising array of <strong>Thai</strong><br />

and Chinese dishes – from<br />

Stir-Fried Pork Crackling with<br />

Green Curry Paste to Hong Kong<br />

Typhoon Shelter Spicy Crab<br />

which includes the hot, peppery<br />

flavour and aromatic fragrance<br />

from stir-frying garlic with<br />

fresh crabs. Sukhumvit 32,<br />

facebook.com/amdangtyphoon,<br />

+66 (0) 95 716 4712<br />

LIGHTS OUT IN DINING<br />

The name, Wang Hinghoi, says it all, as this sensory experience<br />

of a restaurant is named after the firefly, ‘hing hoi’ in <strong>Thai</strong>. The<br />

dining concept at Wang Hinghoi bridges the city, the woods,<br />

and people as more than 1,000 sq. metres of land has been<br />

transformed into a lush area in the city. It’s a different kind<br />

of dining in the dark, encased in a large glasshouse whose<br />

steel framework lends an urban and contemporary<br />

touch as fireflies flit about. Inside, the model<br />

ecosystem houses the creatures who<br />

engage in their show of light to entertain<br />

as diners go about their meal in a<br />

separate space. During the 18 months<br />

that Wang Hinghoi remains open,<br />

experience seekers will dine on food<br />

that is relied on by all five senses. On<br />

offer are different culinary journeys<br />

crafted under the concept, “The Four<br />

Elements of Life.” Earth, water, wind, and<br />

fire are interpreted into diverse menus which<br />

promise a true awakening of the senses. As the<br />

dining experience at Wang Hinghoi is truly<br />

one-of-a-kind, advanced booking is the only<br />

option. wanghinghoi.com, +66 (0) 91 979 6226<br />

104


HAPPENINGS<br />

THAILAND<br />

SAMUI<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Five-Star Luxury<br />

On A Private Island<br />

Luxury in the Gulf of <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />

has reached a new standard<br />

with the addition of the<br />

beautiful 5-star resort Cape<br />

<strong>Fah</strong>n. Situated on the small<br />

private island of Koh <strong>Fah</strong>n,<br />

the resort offers guests a truly<br />

exclusive experience. Just<br />

300 metres off the north east<br />

coast of Koh Samui, guests<br />

can arrive by private boat<br />

or simply walk from Samui<br />

during low-tide. Once at the<br />

Cape, guests get immersed<br />

in luxury with private pool<br />

villas, world-class French<br />

and <strong>Thai</strong> cuisine, natural<br />

spa treatments and much<br />

more. Each one of the 22<br />

private pool villas comes<br />

well equipped and includes<br />

around-the-clock staff to<br />

meet the desires of guests.<br />

As the only resort on the<br />

small island of Koh <strong>Fah</strong>n, the<br />

property sets a new standard<br />

of luxury and offers guests<br />

the experience of a private<br />

island. capefahnhotel.com,<br />

+66 (0) 77 602 301<br />

AN ESTABLISHED FAVOURITE<br />

Since 2008, Karma Sutra Bar Et Kitchen<br />

has been a well-loved staple of vibrant<br />

Fisherman’s Village. With the blue sea<br />

and Koh Phangan as a backdrop, guests<br />

stop by Karma Sutra for the views just<br />

as much as the delicious food. With<br />

extensive opening hours from 7.30am<br />

to 2am every day, people are constantly<br />

flowing in and out of the beach restaurant.<br />

In the morning, the place is a favourite<br />

among tourists and locals alike looking for<br />

a hearty breakfast. In the evening Karma<br />

Sutra turns into one of the liveliest bars<br />

in the village. Rattan décor, pastel colours,<br />

and the breeze from the ocean make for<br />

perfect beach vibes. Karma Sutra’s menu<br />

features <strong>Thai</strong> and local favourites as well<br />

as French dishes, along with influences<br />

from the establishment’s owners. Guests<br />

are invited to enjoy some of Samui’s<br />

favourite food and drinks on one of Karma<br />

Sutra’s two floors; each offering beautiful<br />

views and friendly faces.<br />

karmasutrasamui.com, +66 (0) 81 891 8363<br />

FEEL THE BURN<br />

For those looking to burn off the indulgence of a holiday well<br />

spent in Samui, Air Wellfit is the perfect place to take part in<br />

dance and fitness classes. With classes ranging from aerial silk<br />

acrobatics to hip hop dance, and everything in between, the<br />

studio offers something to suit all tastes. With two studios<br />

based in Plailaem and Chaweng, Air Wellfit provides group<br />

classes for children and adults, as well as private specialised<br />

classes. facebook.com/airwellfit, +66 (0) 99 312 2194<br />

106


HAPPENINGS<br />

THAILAND<br />

SAMUI<br />

BEACH RESTAURANT BUZZES<br />

Lively Chaweng Beach has seen a new fabulous<br />

addition to its already impressive line-up with the Tent<br />

Restaurant at Sala Chaweng. The Tent has become one<br />

of Chaweng’s most coveted beachfront dining spot<br />

due to its chic restaurant and lounge set against the<br />

powdery white sand. In addition to the stunning beach<br />

setting, the Tent also boasts a perfectly manicured<br />

lawn for guests to lounge on while sipping artisan<br />

cocktails and wine. With an impressive selection of<br />

imported gin and wine, guests from around the island<br />

are drawn to the Tent to appeal to their finer tastes.<br />

A number of dining options are available from private<br />

beach salas to a cool terrace overlooking the sea. Each<br />

night of the week, the Tent features new offerings for<br />

its guests including surf and turf buffets, live music,<br />

traditional <strong>Thai</strong> dancing, movie nights on the lawn and<br />

much more. facebook.com/SALASamuiChaweng,<br />

+66 (0) 77 905 888<br />

TOUR OF THE ISLANDS<br />

A guided tour while vacationing on Koh<br />

Samui can provide a special experience.<br />

With so many tour operators to choose<br />

from, it can often be difficult to select<br />

the right one. For a unique tour option<br />

with a completely relaxed, unrushed and<br />

authentic feel – Island Gem Tours serves<br />

as a good choice. Island Gem Tours<br />

offers a guided variety on Samui and<br />

the surrounding islands. Partnering with<br />

local families and offering a look into the<br />

authentic Samui life, the operator prides<br />

itself on giving patrons a memorable<br />

experience. Available tours include one<br />

for drinks tasting, wellness, island view<br />

sunset tour, a private speed boat charter<br />

and the most popular one – a picnic tour.<br />

islandgemtours.com, +66 (0) 84 647 6185<br />

A MOVIE UNDER THE STARS<br />

A sky full of stars, plush and lush beach cushions, artisan food and drinks,<br />

and your favourite film on the big screen. To many people this may sound<br />

like a dream evening. W Hotel of Koh Samui makes dreams come true with<br />

their weekly Monday beach cinema nights starting at 8pm. Each week guests<br />

or non-guests can attend this relaxed and picturesque evening full of great<br />

food and great films. Guests are invited to watch the films at no cost but are<br />

required to purchase an item from the W’s beach menu. Laying back in the<br />

comfort of 5-star seating on a white sand beach, with a beautiful backdrop of<br />

palm trees, stars, and the sprawling sea, is a perfect way to spend a Monday<br />

evening. Seating is limited, so booking in advance is recommended and can<br />

be done by calling the W Hotel directly. wkohsamui.com, +66 (0) 77 915 999<br />

SUNDAY BRUNCH & YOGA<br />

When we fantasise about a<br />

Sunday brunch on a beautiful<br />

island:an unending buffet,<br />

bottles of champagne and a DJ<br />

spinning tunes come to mind.<br />

For those who prefer to start<br />

their day off with wellness as<br />

their top priority, Wide Tribe<br />

Superfood Café & Juice Bar<br />

offers a special twist on the<br />

typical Sunday. At Wild Tribe’s<br />

Sunday Yoga Brunch, you<br />

won’t find unending bottles<br />

of champagne or every kind of<br />

indulgence. What you will find is<br />

a peaceful and gentle yoga class<br />

followed by a healthy, organic<br />

and nourishing meal, all for only<br />

590 Baht. Located at the end<br />

of Lamai Beach road, Wild Tribe<br />

is perfectly positioned in busy<br />

Lamai but also has the beach<br />

right at its steps. Yoga Brunch<br />

is held every Sunday and starts<br />

at 10.30am, wildtribecafe.com,<br />

+66 (0) 80 112 5541<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

An Oyster Bar to Remember<br />

On the corner opposite of Karma<br />

Sutra Bar Et Kitchen sits Art of<br />

Life Restaurant. Known for fresh<br />

oysters and seafood served in an<br />

industrial décor setting, Art of<br />

Life is making a name for itself<br />

as one of the most coveted seats<br />

in Fisherman’s Village. As Samui’s<br />

first true oyster bar, Art of Life<br />

has set the standard extremely<br />

high. At the helm of the<br />

restaurant is Christophe Scali,<br />

a well-known French chef who<br />

sources 85% of his products<br />

from the esteemed Rungis<br />

market in France. All seafood<br />

is delivered fresh twice a week<br />

or purchased daily from local<br />

fishermen on Samui. A true<br />

French experience can be had<br />

at Art of Life, though the<br />

restaurant can still cater to<br />

the <strong>Thai</strong> palate and offer<br />

some local fare. Diners<br />

are are encouraged to<br />

book on a Friday night.<br />

artoflifesamui.com,<br />

+66 (0) 80 319 1924<br />

108


HAPPENINGS<br />

THAILAND<br />

PHUKET<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Hip and<br />

Chill Retail<br />

As a more recent addition to Phuket’s market scene, Chillva has<br />

sprouted up and flourished as a hip hangout spot.<br />

Located near Rajabhat University, this nightly market attracts<br />

local students and tourists alike as a more stylish option to the<br />

well-known Naka weekend market. Dozens of food stalls serve up<br />

snacks while specialised restaurants offer up fantastic seafood,<br />

noodle soups, and more. Treat yourself to a unique t-shirt, new pair<br />

of shoes, or wacky gift for a friend. Converted shipping containers<br />

stacked two tall serve as themed pubs with live music or the airing<br />

sporting events.<br />

Chillva has something happening every night of the week, but<br />

it’s more fun Thursday-Saturday when there’s live music on the<br />

main stage and everything is in full swing. Yaowarat Rd., Talat Yai,<br />

Amphoe Mueang Phuket, +66 (0) 94 419 5670<br />

YOUR OWN SLICE OF PARADISE<br />

Everyone comes to Phuket in pursuit of a little slice of paradise.<br />

While most are perfectly content at the popular spots, the more<br />

adventurous wander off in search of something a bit more off the<br />

beaten track.<br />

Nestled amongst the swaying palms and rugged headlands<br />

between Bang Tao and Nai Thon is where one can find just<br />

the slice they’re searching for at Banana Beach. You won’t find<br />

beachside parking, sun loungers, or someone fetching you mai<br />

tais, but you will find a secluded crescent of sand and glistening<br />

sea in a national forest setting.<br />

Find limited parking along the road and a short, steep trail<br />

down to the sand. From <strong>Nov</strong>ember to April, the calm, crystal-clear<br />

waters are an ideal setting for a chill afternoon. Cherngtalay,<br />

Thalang District<br />

SURF’S UP FOR THE SEASON<br />

The best thing about monsoon season<br />

in Phuket is that it’s also surf season!<br />

From May through October, the<br />

Andaman Sea awakens and delivers<br />

some fun-sized waves for all abilities.<br />

For the past 15 years, Phuket Surf at<br />

Kata Beach has been offering lessons<br />

and board rentals for adventure seekers.<br />

Nestled in the southern corner of Kata<br />

Beach, their shop offers the perfect vantage<br />

point to check out the entire beach, and more<br />

importantly, the waves.<br />

With several decades of combined<br />

experience, the team at Phuket Surf will have<br />

you catching your first wave in no time.<br />

From stretching to paddling, to proper stance<br />

and reading waves, reading waves, they know<br />

all the tricks to make it seem easy.<br />

phuketsurf.com<br />

110


HAPPENINGS<br />

THAILAND<br />

PHUKET<br />

WHERE JAZZ MATTERS<br />

In the heart of Phuket Town tucked down<br />

a dark alley is the area’s quintessential, and<br />

only, dedicated jazz club. Unmistakable with<br />

tables out in the street, dim red lighting, and<br />

jazz tunes echoing down the alley, Music<br />

Matter has been filling the ears of local and<br />

visiting jazz fans for more than 18 years.<br />

Known for his friendly personality and<br />

pure passion for jazz, owner and pianist<br />

Jeffrey Sevilla almost always joins in for<br />

the popular Wednesday night jam session.<br />

Jeffrey has an infectious dedication to<br />

supporting the jazz community in Phuket,<br />

hosting many special events such as<br />

the King Rama IV Memorial Concert on<br />

October 14 and the upcoming UNESCO<br />

International Jazz Day on April 30. 119<br />

Chanajaroen Rd., Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang<br />

Phuket, facebook.com/phuketmusicmatters<br />

WOVEN AND WEARABLE ART<br />

Let’s face it, who isn’t always on the prowl for something<br />

unique and colourful to enrich their fashion repertoire? With<br />

a colour palette ranging from subdued earth tones through<br />

vivid hues of all sorts, Paul Ropp’s eclectic selections will<br />

please almost everyone.<br />

The Bali-based designer proclaims that his creations are<br />

not merely fashion, but “wearable art”. Indeed, the colours,<br />

textures, and styles are not your run-of-the-mill department<br />

store standards. The high-end fabrics are woven and dyed<br />

by hand in India with the garments, shoes, and accessories<br />

crafted in Bali. The styles run the gamut from what could<br />

be described as wildly bohemian-hippie to elegantly simple.<br />

paulropp.com<br />

JOURNEY TO WAT SIN SUPHARAM<br />

This glittering and usually quiet temple sits picturesquely poised<br />

over a pond. Wat Sin Supharam pays homage to the late Luang Pu<br />

Supa and is one of two Buddhists temples he built after coming to<br />

Phuket in 1957.<br />

Born in 1896 in Sakon Nakhon, Luang Pu Supa was acknowledged<br />

as a Buddhist prodigy who became a monk at nine years old and<br />

studied in China, India, Afghanistan, and across Southeast Asia.<br />

He came to Phuket after being directed to do so in a dream and<br />

reached near god-like status for his strict personal ideals as a<br />

phra thudong (forest monk).<br />

Passing away in 2013, Buddhist amulets bearing his likeness<br />

are considered very sacred and valuable. Chalong, Amphoe<br />

Mueang Phuket, +66 (0) 76 521 342<br />

THE BRUNCH CLUB<br />

Phuket has always been the ideal<br />

getaway for beach clubs and now, add<br />

brunch to the list and where the party<br />

can keep going. After all, a leisurely<br />

spread of food favourites is the best<br />

thing to greet you. For a real escapist<br />

holiday, experience the ultimate at the<br />

Dream Beach Club and their Sunday<br />

brunch, called “All New Around the<br />

World Sunday Brunch” available from<br />

12 to 4 pm, followed by a pool party<br />

right on Layan Beach.<br />

Nothing wakes you up better<br />

than their brunch smorgasbord of<br />

seafood, other meats and high quality<br />

ingredients in the vibrant atmosphere<br />

whipped up by the Dream Beach Club.<br />

The ‘All New Around the World Sunday<br />

Brunch’ will have live cooking stations<br />

for dishes à la minute, a Japanese<br />

Kitchen, a Carvery selection and<br />

freshly made BBQ, desserts and global<br />

menus galore.<br />

Enjoy the meal with the weekly<br />

Dream Beach Club Pool Party every<br />

Sunday at 12pm, which goes on until late.<br />

Promising an exuberance of Carnival and Mardi<br />

Gras, the atmosphere intensifies poolside as the<br />

weekly themed parties get underway. ‘Pirates of<br />

the Caribbean meets Superheroes’ is how the<br />

organisers describe it, with some of the best<br />

international DJs and live musicians while aerialists,<br />

fire shows, and Dream Dancers round out the<br />

mix. For an even better time, book their sunbed<br />

packages for the ultimate Dream Beach Club<br />

VIP experience. Layan Beach, Soi 2, Cherng Talay,<br />

Amphoe Thalang, dreambeachclub.com,<br />

+ 66 (0) 98 048 3500<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Food<br />

that’s<br />

Worth<br />

the<br />

Detour<br />

Krua Sirin is a brand new<br />

addition to the Phuket culinary<br />

scene and this place truly<br />

has it all: a killer location in<br />

Old Phuket Town, an artsy<br />

vibe with funky tiles and a<br />

huge mural, and honest-togoodness<br />

homestyle <strong>Thai</strong><br />

cooking. After the first bite, it’s<br />

no surprise that Chef Jurairat<br />

has been spending the last 30<br />

years working in kitchens.<br />

The signature dish is the<br />

namprik goong siep; a potent<br />

dip made with dried shrimp,<br />

garlic, chilli, shallot, coconut<br />

and more, served with a raw<br />

veggie medley. Another<br />

recommended dish is the<br />

gaeng khua moo sapparot<br />

which is a thick, spicy curry<br />

with minced pork and Phuket<br />

pineapple overflowing with<br />

complex flavours. Other classic<br />

favourites include the epitome<br />

of Southern <strong>Thai</strong> food - gaeng<br />

som, as well as geeyin (pork,<br />

crab, and shrimp eggrolls), and<br />

fried fish with garlic and<br />

black pepper.<br />

If we were talking about an<br />

average restaurant we would<br />

say stop by if you’re in the<br />

neighbourhood – but Krua<br />

Sirin isn’t average and is worth<br />

going out of your way. 58/3<br />

Ratsada Rd., Tambon Talat Nuea,<br />

Amphoe Mueang Phuket, +66 (0)<br />

64 241 4665<br />

112


HAPPENINGS<br />

THAILAND<br />

CHIANG MAI<br />

THAILAND<br />

KOH CHANG<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

In-Depth Culinary Experience<br />

Three Trees embraces <strong>Thai</strong><br />

culinary traditions of past and<br />

present. Drawing on historical<br />

recipes and 15 years of extensive<br />

research, founder and prominent<br />

food scholar, Hanuman Aspler<br />

offers a bespoke and intimate<br />

approach to learning the art of<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> cooking. From Royal <strong>Thai</strong><br />

cuisine to regional cooking,<br />

minority dishes and even Laotian<br />

cuisine – given enough notice,<br />

a unique experience can be<br />

carefully crafted to suit your<br />

interest. All classes are private<br />

for 1-3 students at a time, and<br />

the setting is pure magic. Just<br />

30 minutes from the city centre,<br />

the school is nestled on a 15-rai,<br />

luscious farm at the foothills of<br />

Doi Saket. Hanuman dedicated<br />

years to revitalising the area’s<br />

swampland, managing water<br />

systems and creating a food<br />

forest that is reminiscent<br />

of ancient Siam. A definite<br />

foodie haven for those<br />

seeking out an in-depth<br />

appreciation of <strong>Thai</strong> cuisine.<br />

thaifoodmaster.com<br />

TASTE OF THE MEXICAN SPIRIT<br />

Take a break from <strong>Thai</strong> seafood and indulge<br />

in a fun Mexican dining experience on<br />

Barrio Bonito on Koh Chang. Located in<br />

the heart of Kai Bae village on the island,<br />

the restaurant is known for its authentic<br />

Mexican fare. Founded by a Mexican chef<br />

and a Frenchman who felt the only way<br />

to not miss home is to bring the mood of<br />

the barrio, or neighbourhood in Spanish,<br />

over to the island. Originally from Mexico<br />

City and Oaxaca, the owner brought with<br />

her the local culture and gastronomy with<br />

imported spices and ingredients. Chipotle<br />

chilli, ancho chillies, and achiote paste add<br />

an authentic touch to the scrumptious<br />

dishes. Spice up your day with a wide<br />

array of Mexican delights such as alambre,<br />

taquitos, cochinita pibil, along with their<br />

signature cocktails. 98/14-15 Moo 4<br />

Kai Bae, Koh Chang, Trat, barriobonito.com<br />

ART MEETS NATURE<br />

Toot Yung (that’s “mosquito butt” in <strong>Thai</strong>)<br />

abandoned the bustle of the Bangkok<br />

art scene earlier this year in favour of an<br />

unlikely and rather remote enclave in Mae Rim<br />

district. Some 30km north of Chiang Mai<br />

city, the compound was designed by owner<br />

and art enthusiast Udom Dansakchai with<br />

a vision of creating a peaceful space that<br />

blends art and nature. The haven features<br />

a world-class art gallery, a design gallery<br />

and a workshop for artists-in-residence,<br />

all nestled in lush tropical gardens.<br />

Curator and director Myrtille Tibayrenc<br />

has a penchant for the provocative and<br />

believes that destiny brought this centre<br />

into being. This <strong>Dec</strong>ember showcases<br />

respected <strong>Thai</strong> sculptor, Haritorn<br />

Akarapat. tootyunggallery.com,<br />

+66 (0) 84 914 5499<br />

HANDMADE, FROM START TO FINISH<br />

A passion project of founder and designer Boontavee “Boon”<br />

Charoenpoonsiri, Torboon, embraces every stage of the bag-making<br />

process – from weaving the base fabric, to selecting the finest leather<br />

details and above all, for a carefully crafted and enduring design. After<br />

deciding on a career change, Boon spent two years learning the art<br />

of bag-making in Florence and Milan. Returning home with new skills<br />

in tow, she found further inspiration in the local culture of textile<br />

weaving, thereby creating a marriage of <strong>Thai</strong> heritage and Italian<br />

craftsmanship. Her contemporary range has expanded to include<br />

women’s shoes, unisex hats and a men’s bag line. One Nimman,<br />

1 Nimmanhaemin Road, torboonchiangmai.com<br />

A NOT-SO-SECRET CAFÉ<br />

My Secret Café’s (not-so-secret, really)<br />

In Town branch echoes the vibrant mood<br />

and cosy feel of their flagship location on the<br />

outskirts of town (minus the lamyai or longan<br />

farm and friendly horses). Nestled in a nook<br />

just behind popular Akha Ama coffee, their<br />

discreet yet central location is steps away<br />

from Sunday walking street and the revered<br />

Phra Singh temple. On offer is a combination<br />

of <strong>Thai</strong> and Western comfort food with<br />

an array of mouth-watering, fresh-baked<br />

goodies. The otherwise tranquil café comes<br />

alive with Tuesday Music Nights, expect an<br />

impressive line-up of jazz, blues, samba and<br />

more – featuring up-and-coming musical<br />

talents – all carefully curated by respected<br />

local sax player “Ek.” 175/12 Rachadamnoen<br />

Road, facebook.com/mysecretcafeintown<br />

114


HAPPENINGS<br />

CHINA<br />

CHENGDU / CHONGQING / GUANGZHOU<br />

VIBRANT EXPRESS TO GUANGZHOU<br />

A new bullet train service between Hong Kong and Guangzhou on the<br />

mainland whisks travellers in a speedy 40 minutes. While more efficient than<br />

airport commutes with potential flight delays, travellers must still arrive early<br />

for security and immigration. The trains have two classes of seats, Standard<br />

Class and First Class. The stations involved are the Guangzhou South railway<br />

station, a quick stop in Shenzhen, and on the Hong Kong end of the High<br />

Speed Rail line, the futuristic West Kowloon station, conveniently located<br />

between the Kowloon (MTR and Airport Express) and Austin (MTR) stations.<br />

Timetables can be downloaded via a special High Speed Rail app, which also<br />

includes trip planning, advice on which station exit to use, and other practical<br />

information. Tickets can be purchased in person, over the phone, and online.<br />

The new high-speed railway will travel at 200kph (or 120mph) to 44<br />

destinations in the mainland. A first class ticket on the Vibrant Express<br />

train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou costs around HK$370 and a second<br />

class ticket HK$247.<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Almighty Gorges<br />

in Chongqing<br />

GET READY FOR YOUR PISTE IN XILING<br />

The 18th Xiling Snow Mountain Snow and Ice Festival will start on <strong>Dec</strong>ember 20 at Xiling Snow<br />

Mountain in west Chengdu’s Dayi County. Tourists can appreciate a beautiful snowscape, go skiing and<br />

take part in other colourful events during the Festival, including a music gala, family activities, a theme<br />

photography programme, and a flash mob, etc.<br />

For night skiing and visits, the ski field in the mountain will open at 19.00-20.00 daily with a<br />

professional illuminating system for the trails, decorative string lights celebrating the season, and<br />

spotlights that will light up the night sky over the resort.<br />

Considered the largest snow mountain skiing resort in China, Xiling Snow Mountain’s location<br />

in the Sichuan Province offers visitors its natural beauty and culinary delights. Getting there is just a<br />

two-hour bus ride from Chengdu. gochengdu.cn/events/festivals/18th-xiling-snow-mountain-snow-and-icefestival-a6614.html<br />

THE OASIS OF ZHUJIANG PARK<br />

Hidden in plain sight, at the centre of Zhujiang<br />

New Town, is a nearly 70-acre park filled with<br />

interlaced foot paths, jogging tracks, trails, streams,<br />

and waterfalls. If you happen to be in Zhujiang<br />

New Town, and have at least half an hour to spare,<br />

take time to absorb the charming atmosphere.<br />

The park is wonderfully diverse, having 8 gardens,<br />

namely: Ornamental Forest Zone, Shady Plant<br />

Zone, Osmanthus Garden, Magnolia Garden,<br />

Palm Garden, Flowers Garden, Lake Area, and<br />

the Sparse Lawn zone. Zhujiang Park, Metro Line 5<br />

(Jiaokou–Wenchong) to Liede station.<br />

CELEBRATING ANCIENT CULTURE<br />

The Tianfu Old Town International Art Festival <strong>2018</strong> will celebrate Chinese<br />

cultural and arts & craft creations at Anren Ancient Town, in west Chengdu’s<br />

Dayi County.<br />

Everything from China’s four famous ink stones, porcelain ware,<br />

embroidery crafts, woven bamboo ware, figurines, and lacquer ware will be<br />

showcased. Famous old towns in China will exhibit their unique heritage and<br />

cultural offerings.<br />

Chengdu, the city of hotpot and pandas, is one of the fastest-growing<br />

cities in China. Their new Tianfu International Airport expects completion by<br />

2019 as a world-class aviation hub. gochengdu.cn, enquiry@gochengdu.cn<br />

It’s been said that the Three Gorges served as the main<br />

reason why people journeyed to Chongqing. A crucial visit<br />

on any China itinerary, Chongqing is either the start or end<br />

for most people wanting to journey along the Yangtze River<br />

to experience the scenic and historic Three Gorges area.<br />

Itineraries include sailing down the Yangtze from<br />

Chongqing to Yichang so that you can take in the scenery<br />

while passing through the lush valley between mountains.<br />

Temples and river towns dot the vast landscape with their<br />

stories told to all spectators. The Qutang Gorge is famous<br />

for its magnificence and the gateway to the mighty Yangtze,<br />

Wu Gorge takes on a quieter beauty while Xiling Gorge<br />

held a past reputation as the most dangerous gorge for its<br />

treacherous shoals.<br />

Tickets (about Y100 for an hour) can be purchased at each<br />

dock. Travellers can stop over anywhere along the way.<br />

116


HAPPENINGS<br />

HONG KONG<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

A Modern Roast House<br />

When it comes to Hong Kong<br />

cuisine, roast meats often take<br />

top billing on most foodies’<br />

list. Hongkongers have taken<br />

the art of roasting meat to near<br />

perfection and this element<br />

certainly shines through at<br />

Madame Ching. This truly<br />

modern Chinese restaurant and<br />

roast house offers traditional<br />

Cantonese dishes with an<br />

internationally-inspired twist.<br />

Nested in the Star Street<br />

neighbourhood, the restaurant<br />

reinterprets classic Chinese<br />

flavours whilst paying tribute<br />

to local Cantonese roasts. The<br />

menu at Madame Ching tells<br />

a story of Chinese provenance<br />

and features authentic flavours<br />

with favourites such as General<br />

Son’s Chicken and Sichuan<br />

staples such as Mapo Tofu.<br />

Still, it is roast meats that<br />

take prominence here, with<br />

specialities such as Pork Belly<br />

(Siu Yuk), Char Siu (barbecued<br />

pork) and Roast Duck, all of<br />

which are prepared in the<br />

traditional drum oven. G/F,<br />

No.5 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong<br />

Kong, opens Monday to Thursday<br />

& Sunday, 12pm-10.30pm;<br />

Friday & Saturday, 12pm-11pm,<br />

madameching.hk<br />

FLORAL FANTASY<br />

Inspired by the hole-in-the-wall florists<br />

of Paris, Dear Lilly offers a whimsical<br />

and fantastical take on contemporary<br />

western cuisine with fine cocktails.<br />

The restaurant and bar – the brainchild<br />

of award-winning Australian designer,<br />

Ashley Sutton – features an<br />

exquisite floral themed interior<br />

with stunning views overlooking<br />

Victoria Harbour.<br />

However, don’t just let the<br />

interior of the restaurant be the<br />

hook that reels you in. Dear Lilly<br />

also carries an impressive menu, with their own<br />

respective takes on cocktails, which are inspired<br />

by 1920s French drinks and modern western fare<br />

such as the short rib burger, slow-cooked octopus<br />

and rocket and seaweed hummus. With its warm<br />

atmosphere, Dear Lilly offers the perfect setting<br />

for a leisurely meal or a casual catch up over<br />

drinks in busy Hong Kong. Shop 4010, Podium<br />

Level 4, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong<br />

Kong, opens Sunday-Wednesday, 11.30am-12am;<br />

Thursday-Saturday, 11.30am-1am, diningconcepts.com/<br />

restaurants/Dear-Lilly<br />

EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE<br />

Named as one of the best new restaurants in 2017 by CNN,<br />

12000 Francs has stamped an indomitable mark on Hong<br />

Kong’s dining scene. The restaurant prides itself on an<br />

ingredients-driven menu that showcases innovative, refined<br />

and thoroughly comforting modern European dishes. Under<br />

the helm of Chef Conor Beach, 12000 Francs takes great<br />

attention to detail with the food it serves.<br />

Each dish is created from scratch,<br />

utilising elements of both traditional and<br />

contemporary preservation methods to<br />

create an intriguing yet accessible menu<br />

for both lunch and dinner. Everything<br />

from the sourdough bread to terrines<br />

and even the pastrami is made in-house.<br />

Complementing the eclectic menu is a<br />

60-label-strong wine collection, which<br />

showcases many boutique and hardto-source<br />

wines available by the glass.<br />

43A Elgin Street, Elgin Building Ground<br />

Floor, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, opens<br />

Wednesday-Friday, 12pm to 2.30pm<br />

(lunch); Tuesday-Sunday from 6pm,<br />

12000francs.com.hk<br />

118


HAPPENINGS<br />

SINGAPORE<br />

MALAYSIA<br />

KUALA LUMPUR<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Vibe Dining<br />

At Its Best<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Simply<br />

Rustic<br />

Don’t let the old exterior<br />

of Chocha Foodstore fool<br />

you – beyond the walls of<br />

this unique restaurant lies a<br />

hidden gem. Situated in busy<br />

and crowded Petaling Street,<br />

the eatery prides itself on<br />

local and regional favourites<br />

served with a creative twist<br />

like its Duck Confit Rice and<br />

Cincalok (fermented shrimp)<br />

Fried Chicken.<br />

The appeal of this restaurant,<br />

however, stretches beyond<br />

its food. The sheer rustic<br />

appeal of Chocha Foodstore<br />

complete with old wooden<br />

tables, exposed light bulbs and<br />

an open staircase, also lends a<br />

homely vibe. With its laid-back<br />

Take quality Italian-American<br />

cuisine, pair it with electrifying<br />

music and amazing views of the<br />

city and you undoubtedly have<br />

the trappings of a bona fide<br />

F&B hit on your hands. That’s<br />

what the proprietors of LAVO<br />

Italian Restaurant & Rooftop<br />

Bar are fortunate to have as the<br />

restaurant has been attracting<br />

droves of diners ever since it<br />

opened its doors at the iconic<br />

Marina Bay Sands.<br />

Nestled on the 57th floor of the<br />

hotel and offering 180-degree<br />

views of Singapore’s spectacular<br />

skyline, LAVO favours classic<br />

Italian-American dishes like<br />

Chicken Parmigiano and the<br />

staple meatball, done of course<br />

with a twist using fresh Imperial<br />

Wagyu Beef and Italian sausage.<br />

The restaurant<br />

also flaunts a<br />

luxurious lounge complete<br />

with a fully-equipped DJ booth<br />

as well as an outdoor bar and<br />

terrace. Level 57, Hotel Tower 1,<br />

Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront<br />

Avenue, opens daily 10.30am-<br />

2am, LAVOSingapore.com<br />

setting and delicious food, it<br />

offers a perfect reprieve for<br />

diners looking to escape the<br />

hectic city just outside its<br />

doors. Chocha Foodstore, 156<br />

Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur,<br />

opens Tuesday to Sunday 11am<br />

to 10pm, chocha.foodstore<br />

GLUTEN-FREE DELIGHTS<br />

Singapore’s hip heritage neighbourhood,<br />

Tiong Bahru, has welcomed its newest<br />

restaurant, The Butcher’s Wife, which<br />

boasts an entire menu of delicious<br />

gluten-free meals. Spearheaded by<br />

consultant Chef Diego Jacquet, the<br />

concept eatery features modern<br />

European-styled cuisine which is 100<br />

per cent gluten-free.<br />

The menu at The Butcher’s Wife is<br />

firmly anchored on comfort cooking and<br />

most importantly free from any trace of<br />

gluten, without sacrificing an ounce of<br />

taste. Diners can embark on an epicurean<br />

journey with hearty starters such as a Kale<br />

& Gorgonzola ‘Buñuelo’ with saffron<br />

aiòli and Green Peas ‘Hummus’ served<br />

alongside grilled lamb sausage, yogurt,<br />

mint and pistachio. The Butcher’s Wife<br />

also carries a wide variety of vegan<br />

dishes on its menu. 19 Yong Siak Street,<br />

Tues to Fri 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-11pm,<br />

Sat & Sun 11am-3pm, 6pm-11pm,<br />

thebutcherswifesg.com<br />

SHOTS OF FUN<br />

Whisky lovers and connoisseurs will want to check out Whisky<br />

Live <strong>2018</strong> as it makes its return to the Garden City. After a<br />

global tour, the international whisky tasting show makes a<br />

pit stop in Singapore for its ninth stint offering fans of the<br />

delectable spirit a chance to savour new releases, and also the<br />

opportunity to delve deeper into the world of whiskies.<br />

Held at the Andaz, visitors can experience an extensive<br />

selection of whiskies and spirits, learn more about brand<br />

histories and attend whisky master classes. 3-4 <strong>Nov</strong>ember,<br />

Andaz Singapore, 5 Fraser Street, whiskylive.sg<br />

120


HAPPENINGS<br />

CAMBODIA<br />

PHNOM PENH / SIEM REAP / SONG SAA<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Island Paradise<br />

If you’re searching for a truly<br />

private and luxurious escape,<br />

then Song Saa Island may well<br />

deliver the dream vacation you<br />

so desperately crave. Located<br />

in Cambodia’s southwest Koh<br />

Rong archipelago, the two<br />

islands that make up Song Saa<br />

– Koh Ouen and Koh Bong offer<br />

24 luxurious, environmentally<br />

friendly villas.<br />

A short flight away from<br />

Siem Reap and Phnom Penh,<br />

Song Saa is considered one of<br />

Cambodia’s most exclusive<br />

island getaways and hidden<br />

secrets. The resort is inspired<br />

by Cambodian fishing villages,<br />

each of which come with sunset<br />

views and their own private<br />

pool. Guests can engage in a<br />

wide variety of marine-based<br />

activities or even conservation<br />

and community initiatives<br />

during their break. Song Saa<br />

is accessible via a 30-minute<br />

speed boat transfer from<br />

Sihanoukville port. songsaa.com<br />

CHIC COCKTAIL BAR<br />

Ever since opening its doors a decade ago, Miss<br />

Wong has built itself a reputation for being one<br />

of Cambodia’s most sophisticated cocktail bars.<br />

Embracing a 1930s old Shanghai speakeasy<br />

theme, the intimate watering hole is located in a<br />

small lane in the central bar and restaurant district<br />

of Siem Reap.<br />

Premium cocktails and spirits are the order<br />

of the day at Miss Wong, and it is undoubtedly<br />

something the outlet does rather well. So well in<br />

fact that proprietor Dean Williams has opened a<br />

second outlet, which exudes a Chinoiserie-style<br />

motif, in the Sino-French heritage quarter of<br />

Battambang. The menu at Miss Wong is occupied<br />

by delectable and creative cocktails as well as<br />

staple Chinese bites such as dim sum, hot pots,<br />

duck pancakes and steamed pork buns, which<br />

are perfect accompaniments for an evening of<br />

drinking and socialising. The Lane, Siem Reap,<br />

Cambodia, opens daily 6pm-1am, misswong.net<br />

RECYCLING FOR A GOOD CAUSE<br />

Rehash Trash offers a unique and imaginative solution to Cambodia’s<br />

plastic problem and it’s helping improve Cambodian lives too.<br />

The social enterprise champions women’s empowerment and<br />

skills-training whilst promoting recycling efforts as part of its<br />

mission statement of ‘Recycling Rubbish & Renewing Lives’.<br />

The green initiative employs disadvantaged Khmer women<br />

to create products of value so they can support their families<br />

and transform their lives. Sale proceeds of the items are then<br />

channelled back providing a source of income for the women<br />

in the programme. Tourists to Cambodia can choose to support<br />

the efforts of Rehash Trash by not only purchasing products,<br />

but to also engage in recycling workshops where they will learn<br />

to turn trash into treasure. Sombai Road, Krong Siem Reap,<br />

opens daily 8am-5pm, facebook.com/RehashTrash<br />

122<br />

DELICIOUS START<br />

The claim to fame for Khéma Pasteur<br />

in Phnom Penh has always been its<br />

free-flow breakfast. The sophisticated<br />

international boutique restaurant<br />

features an on-site gourmet café,<br />

bakery and delicatessen with a wide<br />

range of specially imported and housemade<br />

delights to ensure you get the<br />

right start to your day.<br />

The restaurant welcomes diners as<br />

early as 6am with a value-for-money<br />

spread made up of western as well as<br />

local fare. From eggs done any way you<br />

like to traditional Cambodian breakfast<br />

soups and rice dishes and freshly baked<br />

pastries, Khéma undoubtedly rewards<br />

those who rise and shine in time for its<br />

luscious spread. The outlet also caters<br />

to the lunch and dinner crowd, which<br />

is perfect for those who prefer a later<br />

start to the day. Arunreas Hotel Ground<br />

Floor, Corner of Street 228 & Street 51,<br />

Phnom Penh, opens daily 6am-11pm,<br />

khema-restaurant.com<br />

Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa offers the ultimate relaxation<br />

and comfort on your <strong>Thai</strong> cultural journey.<br />

Experience the tranquility of endless rice fields while exploring<br />

the history of <strong>Thai</strong>land’s ancient civilisation.<br />

www.sriwilaisukhothai.com


HAPPENINGS<br />

VIETNAM<br />

HANOI<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Soul In<br />

Your Nighlife<br />

Just when you think Hanoi has gone<br />

too commercial — too many soulless<br />

venues for a night out — someone<br />

opens a new place that renews your<br />

faith in this city. Monsoon is one.<br />

Opening in September of this year, and<br />

somewhat concealed in a basement, it<br />

may be a part of the “Hidden Charm”<br />

promised in brochures and ads by the<br />

tourism authority of Vietnam. And<br />

perhaps it is the odd combination<br />

of the two partners with an artist’s<br />

sensibility that has resulted in such a<br />

disciplined yet delightful environment,<br />

and a focused menu of fine food.<br />

At street level, guests walk past<br />

a wall of bamboo and a high counter<br />

hiding the kitchen then are invited<br />

down a few stone steps reminiscent<br />

of Japanese gardens. Go through the<br />

unadorned double door and you are<br />

greeted in an anteroom with leather<br />

couches surrounding a contemporary<br />

metal fireplace. Enjoy a glass of wine<br />

and a quick chat with the owners,<br />

Khuat Tuan-Anh, a graduate of the<br />

Harvard Kennedy School of government,<br />

and Le Vinh, a Columbia University-trained<br />

urban designer turned food designer,<br />

both with a penchant for small venues that<br />

are exquisite, relaxing, and a shelter from<br />

the bustle of Vietnam’s capital city.<br />

For Monsoon, Tuan-Anh and Vinh<br />

bring select fish and meat from the US,<br />

which they cure and pickle themselves.<br />

Their salted duck breasts are simply<br />

delicious. But if you’re hankering for<br />

something more local, there is a beef<br />

noodle soup that’s flavourful and true<br />

to its Vietnamese roots. The owners<br />

claim to keep the wine list limited,<br />

avoiding anything pretentious or too<br />

expensive. Yet, what they serve fits<br />

well with the dishes, and an evening<br />

at Monsoon will be remembered<br />

with delight. Tuan-Anh has already<br />

mounted several branches of a café<br />

named Tranquil, as well as a small<br />

concept store with an attached café<br />

called Vui. It is astonishing that in<br />

a city consumed with social media<br />

and selfies, Tranquil spaces are often<br />

a refuge for people quietly reading<br />

a book, working on a hand-drawn<br />

design, or simply having a hushed<br />

conversation. Monsoon: 77 Nguyen <strong>Thai</strong><br />

Hoc Street, Hanoi, +84 (0) 96 325 6477,<br />

8am-10pm; Tranquil Cafés: 5<br />

Nguyen Quang Bich Street, Hanoi,<br />

+84 (0) 98 938 4541, 8am-10.30pm,<br />

18b Nguyen Bieu Street, Hanoi,<br />

+84 (0) 98 938 4541, 8am-10.30pm<br />

TANNIN WINE BAR<br />

Real wine lovers can opt for the more<br />

elaborate Tannin Wine Bar, in the centre<br />

of Hanoi’s old quarter. By elaborate,<br />

we mean the wine selection: over 400<br />

varieties, including an impressive array of<br />

champagnes. This comes with no surprise<br />

as two of the owners, Sylvan Bournigault<br />

and his wife Van Anh, have been importing<br />

wine into Vietnam for over 15 years and<br />

still run Celliers d’Asie. Van Anh is easily<br />

the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur<br />

in Hanoi: she is professional and dedicated<br />

in her formal wine studies, and travels<br />

throughout Europe in search of fine wines<br />

from dozens of vintners.<br />

The other two owners, Matt and Thu,<br />

have dreamed of a wine bar for a decade,<br />

and finally settled on a typical Hanoi tube<br />

house — the same house where Thu was born, and still owned by<br />

her family. It’s narrow but well laid out with high tables on one<br />

side and a long bar on another. Large chalkboards make it easy<br />

to select your wines — or the cold cuts and specialty dishes that<br />

can keep you from getting too drunk.<br />

The partners are in the establishments most nights to mingle<br />

with the guests. At any moment, you’ll hear Vietnamese and<br />

English — with Australian, American and British accents. And if<br />

you’re there late enough, you might catch Sylvain claiming in his<br />

native French, “Je suis saoule — I am drunk.” For your information,<br />

“saoule” is pronounced exactly as the word “soul!” 46 Hang Vai,<br />

Hanoi, opens 2pm til midnight, +84 (0) 90 478 9482<br />

124


HAPPENINGS<br />

MYANMAR<br />

YANGON<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Lighting Up the Night<br />

The Tazaungdaing festival,<br />

also known as the “Festival<br />

of Light,” is celebrated for<br />

several days in <strong>Nov</strong>ember all<br />

over Myanmar in the days<br />

leading up to the full moon<br />

day of Tazaungmone. It also<br />

marks the end of the rainy<br />

season, expected to be around<br />

the <strong>Nov</strong>ember 21 full moon<br />

this year.<br />

A nationwide holiday, it is<br />

also the time for monks and<br />

Buddha images to be offered<br />

new robes in a ceremony known<br />

as “Kahtein” or “Kathina”.<br />

The merit one achieves from<br />

the offering during this time<br />

is said to be greater than that<br />

at any other time. Teams of<br />

weavers compete to weave<br />

the robes to be offered to<br />

the Buddha images the next<br />

day. The robes are called<br />

mathoe thingan, meaning,<br />

‘before food spoils’ because the<br />

weaving should be completed<br />

before the evening’s food goes<br />

bad overnight. Ceremonies are<br />

held at most of the pagodas<br />

throughout Myanmar, especially<br />

at the major pagodas like the<br />

Shwedagon in Yangon.<br />

Around the country, in the<br />

evening after the full moon, temple<br />

goers are customarily treated to<br />

a salad of “mezali” flower buds.<br />

This treat, tasting a little on the<br />

bitter side, however is believed<br />

to protect one from 96 kinds<br />

of diseases!<br />

In the Taunggyi region of<br />

the Shan State, a traditional<br />

hot-air balloon festival is widely<br />

celebrated. Starting seven days<br />

before the full moon, two types<br />

of balloons are floated: daytime<br />

balloons and large night balloons<br />

made with handmade paper crafted<br />

into animal figures. Locals as<br />

well as folks from other parts of<br />

the country come to Taunggyi to<br />

partake in this delightful event.<br />

SEEKING CANTON PARADISE<br />

Since Myanmar is a no stranger to Chinese<br />

traditions and food, the city of Yangon finds<br />

itself filled with many Chinese restaurants<br />

existing from ages ago. A new addition to the<br />

Yangon dining scene – the multi-award winning<br />

Singapore restaurant Canton Paradise – recently<br />

made its first venture to Yangon.<br />

Bringing Hong Kong vibes to town, Canton<br />

Paradise features dim sum delights, traditional<br />

congees, soups, roasts, seafood and specialty<br />

Cantonese dishes.<br />

Set in a vibrant venue that’s ready to<br />

accommodate 300 diners, the restaurant has a<br />

lavish dining hall and sixteen private dining rooms<br />

to cater to parties or business meetings.<br />

An all-day dining menu offers 27 choices<br />

of dim sum along with their signature salted egg<br />

yolk and custard piggy buns, crispy BBQ pork<br />

buns with honey for 2,500 Kyats each. The chef’s<br />

special roast duck and Cantonese chicken are<br />

at 6,000 Kyats (for half a bird), and 17,000 Kyats<br />

for the whole plate.<br />

Eldwin Chua, the CEO of Paradise Group,<br />

which also runs Beauty In the Pot Myanmar<br />

guarantees authentic Cantonese dishes based<br />

on frequent trips to Guangzhou and Hong Kong<br />

for inspiration. 61 Saya San Road, Yangon,<br />

strongsourcegroup.com, facebook.com/<br />

cantonparadisemm<br />

GOOD STUFF IN MYANMAR<br />

Yangoods sounds like a good thing for<br />

people interested in buying authentic<br />

souvenirs. Found in their fashionable<br />

bags and homewares are design twists<br />

of archetypal symbols in Burmese<br />

kingdoms and landmarks.<br />

The 3-year-old Yangoods started in a tiny<br />

corner at Bogyoke market in 2015, and now<br />

has five outlets in Yangon, one in Mandalay,<br />

one in Bagan and more than 20 displays<br />

in many boutique hotels in Myanmar.<br />

“I grew up in Paris, the capital of<br />

fashion and luxury which had a major<br />

influence on me as an artist. Here in<br />

Yangon, I am a foreigner who discovers<br />

through curiosity and eager eyes the<br />

cultural and artistic contrasts that Myanmar<br />

offers,” said Delphine de Lorme, one of the<br />

four entrepreneurs who had put their heads<br />

together to come up with the creative<br />

fashion brand of Yangoods. “I often wander<br />

downtown with my camera or sketchbook.<br />

Inspiration is all around us. In the streets, I<br />

search through antique book shops, looking<br />

for old photos, and the memories that I find<br />

there to inspire me.”<br />

With their range of designs, one of<br />

their services include customisation goods<br />

for businesses, right up to furnishings and<br />

interior designs for hotels, restaurants or<br />

office spaces. They now have Yangoods at<br />

Bangkok’s very own Open House Central<br />

Embassy. 62 Shan Gone Street, Bogyoke<br />

market; Le Planteur Fine Dining, 2nd Fl.,<br />

Myanmar Plaza; City Mall St. John, Yangon,<br />

yangoods.com<br />

126


HAPPENINGS<br />

LAOS<br />

LUANG PRABANG<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

A Day In<br />

A Farmer’s Life<br />

More than 80 per cent of Lao<br />

people engage in farming<br />

activities, and “Living Land Lao”<br />

organic farm just outside Luang<br />

Prabang helps visitors experience<br />

the traditional Lao farm life. This<br />

arable farm prides itself on a<br />

“hands-on” approach: visitors<br />

are encouraged to experience<br />

how rice is grown and cultivated.<br />

A budding farmer can sign up<br />

for a home-stay programme<br />

for a night or two, and get a taste<br />

of agricultural life. Plowing a rice<br />

paddy involves negotiating with<br />

the meek yet occasionally stubborn<br />

water buffalo with a plough. Set<br />

in the idyllic village and classic<br />

countryside, Living Land Lao also<br />

offers a half-day programme for<br />

those who want to watch and try<br />

to understand fun and educational<br />

farm practices. Living Land Lao<br />

is a must-do in Luang Prabang<br />

since it offers a chance to integrate<br />

in the life of the locals, and<br />

providing fascinating insights into<br />

rice growing in Laos. Ban Phong Van,<br />

Luang Prabang, +85620 55199 208,<br />

livinglandlao.org<br />

RESURRECTING LOST RECIPES<br />

Michelin star Chef Bongoch Satongun,<br />

also known as “Chef Bee”, has reinvented<br />

historical Lao cuisine into a fine dining<br />

experience at “Paste Laos” – a newly-opened<br />

restaurant in Luang Prabang. Chef Bee is<br />

noted for her culinary art beyond “Paste”,<br />

a one Michelin Star restaurant in Bangkok,<br />

and “Paste Laos” is her culinary expansion<br />

of Lao cuisine. Located inside The Apasara,<br />

a small and beautiful hotel with a French<br />

colonial accent, Paste Laos promises to<br />

bring Luang Prabang’s long-lost recipes<br />

to the modern and fine dining scene.<br />

Some menus are inspired by the royal<br />

cookery book of Phia Sing – a Lao chef who<br />

served the royal family in Luang Prabang’s<br />

Royal Palace in the mid 20th century. A<br />

signature dish is Kalee Ped – Lao Duck<br />

Curry – where the royal chef made it more<br />

complex than the <strong>Thai</strong> version due to the<br />

combination of French and Lao cooking<br />

techniques. Chef Bee brings more than<br />

just skill, creativity and experience to the<br />

Paste Laos experience. Her family heritage<br />

traces back across northern <strong>Thai</strong>land<br />

and Laos, providing the very important<br />

genetic connection required to decode and<br />

represent these complex natural flavours.<br />

Kingkitsarath Road, Ban Wat Sene, Luang<br />

Prabang, pastelaos.com<br />

TIME FOR CINEPHILES<br />

The annual Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) returns to Laos’<br />

ancient capital on <strong>Dec</strong>ember 7-12, transforming the fabled<br />

riverside town into a fascinating open-air cinema. The festival,<br />

which celebrates Southeast Asian cinema every <strong>Dec</strong>ember at<br />

the UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a range of feature<br />

film screenings, short film programmes, public discussions,<br />

and events. This year’s Spotlight will focus on the Indonesian<br />

film industry. Curated by KOLEKTIF Project Manager Gayatri<br />

Nadya, the programme will offer audiences a full day of<br />

programming and lively discussions from leading Indonesian<br />

film experts and filmmakers. 7-12 <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2018</strong>, lpfilmfest.org<br />

128<br />

Scan Me


HAPPENINGS<br />

INDIA MUMBAI<br />

MALDIVES MALDIVES<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Theatre Talking<br />

While Mumbai rarely sees a winter<br />

season, there’s a palpable nip in the<br />

air as <strong>Nov</strong>ember rolls around. Diwali<br />

will be celebrated with great gusto in<br />

early <strong>Nov</strong>ember, complete with lanterns,<br />

fireworks, and special sweets and<br />

savouries. The city takes on a festive<br />

flavour, which continues well into<br />

<strong>Dec</strong>ember and right up to Christmas<br />

and New Year’s Eve.<br />

The theatre season begins and<br />

this year, the National Centre for the<br />

Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai’s<br />

premiere performance space adds an<br />

international flavour to its calendar of<br />

events. First up is the India première<br />

of Nick Payne’s award-winning play<br />

Constellations, directed by Bruce Guthrie.<br />

From 22-25 <strong>Nov</strong>ember, there will be 6<br />

performances of the play that The New<br />

York Times called “the most sophisticated<br />

date play Broadway has seen”. This will<br />

be followed by NCPA and The Shakespeare<br />

Edit’s co-production of Shakespeare’s<br />

poem Lucrere, directed by<br />

Paul Goodwin. The play stars<br />

Bollywood actress Kalki<br />

Koechlin and is a modern<br />

adaptation of the 16th-century<br />

poem that tackles current issues<br />

around sexual assault and<br />

patriarchy. The play runs from<br />

28-29 <strong>Nov</strong>ember. The final<br />

production, in collaboration<br />

with the Australia Fest, is<br />

Slingsby’s Emil and the<br />

Detectives by Erich Kästner,<br />

from 19-20 January, 2019.<br />

All productions will be staged<br />

at NCPA’s Experimental Theatre.<br />

ncpamumbai.com<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

Weather Check<br />

for the Maldives<br />

It’s high time to plan your winter<br />

getaway. For island destination<br />

like the Maldive Islands, the<br />

best weather is taking place<br />

right now. To max out diving at<br />

popular spots like Banana Reef,<br />

or snorkelling at one of the<br />

atolls, make sure there are enough<br />

sunny days to really make it<br />

a true beach holiday. Travel<br />

consultants say to visit between<br />

<strong>Nov</strong>ember and April as the<br />

weather is pleasantly warm<br />

with average temperatures of<br />

23 to 31 o C and the rains make<br />

infrequent appearances.<br />

The high season falls between<br />

<strong>Dec</strong>ember and March as people<br />

opt for tropical getaways, lured<br />

by thoughts of enchanting<br />

white sands and mesmerising<br />

blue waters. In the Maldives,<br />

accommodations on the islands offer<br />

innovative resort designs that borrow<br />

from nature or science fiction, from<br />

over the water bungalows to underwater<br />

restaurants. With many coral atolls in the<br />

Indian Ocean to choose from, a vacation<br />

here becomes the ultimate in low impact<br />

luxury with eco-awareness trips such as<br />

coral regeneration or seeing the bluegreen<br />

glow of bioluminescent plankton.<br />

Water-based activities are the big<br />

draw naturally. The best marine life<br />

viewing happens here without having<br />

to seek too hard above and below<br />

the water. If you’re fascinated by the<br />

thought of spotting the gentle whale<br />

shark, the South Ari Atoll is the place<br />

to go with their year-round sightings,<br />

making it one of the top spots to see<br />

them in the world.<br />

A CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />

There’s no chance of a white Christmas in<br />

Mumbai, but the city puts on a pretty show<br />

for the festival. Most major hotels and malls<br />

pull out all stops with massive Christmas<br />

trees, fairy lights, festive decorations, and<br />

of course, a visiting Santa Claus. We<br />

recommend visiting the Oberoi, ITC<br />

Maratha and ITC Grand Central, Vivanta<br />

by Taj, Westin Mumbai Garden City, Sofitel<br />

Mumbai BKC, and Marine Plaza Hotel to<br />

see some of the prettiest trees. Malls such<br />

as Palladium in Lower Parel, Phoenix Market<br />

City in Kurla, Inorbit Mall in Malad, and<br />

Viviana Mall in Thane also have elaborate<br />

decorations and special promotions.<br />

If you want to attend Christmas Mass,<br />

head to Mount Mary’s Basilica in Bandra,<br />

the city’s favourite church that has been<br />

around for more than 100 years. Carols<br />

start at around 11.30pm and the midnight<br />

mass is quite well attended. Other churches<br />

for midnight mass include the Gothic-style<br />

Gloria Church in Byculla, the 16th-century<br />

Saint Andrew’s Church with a particularly<br />

picturesque location in Bandra overlooking<br />

the Arabian Sea, and Saint Michael’s Church<br />

in Mahim.<br />

You’ll be spoilt for choice for a Christmas<br />

feast as most restaurants have special menus.<br />

Consider places like Grand Hyatt Mumbai,<br />

or Geoffrey’s at Hotel Marine Plaza, to name<br />

a few.<br />

130


BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS 134 / FLYERBONUS 138 / ROUTE MAP 142 / AIRCRAFT INFO 144<br />

133


BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />

Mr. Darren Ng, Managing Director, TTG Asia Media Pte Ltd (2nd from left), Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya, Vice President – Sales, Bangkok Airways PCL (3rd from left),<br />

Mr. Pierre Quek, Publisher – TTG Travel Trade Publishing (2nd from right)<br />

BANGKOK AIRWAYS VOTED BEST BOUTIQUE AIRLINE <strong>2018</strong><br />

BY TTG ASIA<br />

Bangkok Airways, led by Mr. Varong<br />

Israsena Na Ayudhya, Vice President<br />

– Sales, recently received recognition<br />

as “Best Boutique Airline” from<br />

TTG Travel Awards <strong>2018</strong>. Given<br />

by Group Publisher – Travel Group<br />

TTG Asia Media, represented by<br />

Mr. Darren Ng, Managing Director<br />

and Mr. Pierre Quek, Publisher, the<br />

award was received at the 29th<br />

Annual TTG Travel Awards <strong>2018</strong><br />

Ceremony and Gala Dinner held at<br />

the World Ballroom, Centara Grand<br />

at Central World in Bangkok.<br />

“On behalf of everyone at<br />

Bangkok Airways, I am honoured<br />

to receive the TTG Travel Awards<br />

<strong>2018</strong> for Best Boutique Airline” said<br />

Mr. Varong Israsena Na Ayudhya,<br />

Vice President – Sales of Bangkok<br />

Airways. “I would like to extend our<br />

thanks to all the readers of TTG<br />

publications for their consideration<br />

in making us a contender and further<br />

more, for the effort put into voting<br />

for us. Not only does this award<br />

validate our overall credibility within<br />

the aviation industry but also serves<br />

as a reminder of the exemplary<br />

dedication of our airline staff. They<br />

made this possible by providing the<br />

highest quality in services for our<br />

passengers. We promise consistency<br />

in our service standards in order to<br />

underline our commitment as Asia’s<br />

Boutique Airline.”<br />

Organised annually by TTG Asia,<br />

the TTG Travel Awards honours the<br />

best of the best in the Asia-Pacific<br />

travel trade. This prestigious travel<br />

industry event marks a time for the<br />

industry to recognise the exemplary<br />

organisations that raise the bar<br />

for excellence.<br />

เมื่อเร็วนี้ๆ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส ได้รับรางวัล<br />

สายการบินระดับภูมิภาคยอดเยี่ยมประจำปี 2561 จากการ<br />

ประกาศรางวัล ทีทีจี ทราเวล อวอร์ดส์ ครั้งที่ 29 โดยมี<br />

นายวรงค์ อิศรเสนา ณ อยุธยา รองกรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่<br />

ฝ่ายการขาย เข้ารับมอบรางวัล ณ ห้องเวิลด์บอลรูม โรงแรม<br />

เซ็นทารา แกรนด์ แอท เซ็นทรัลเวิลด์<br />

นายวรงค์ อิศรเสนา ณ อยุธยา รองกรรมการ<br />

ผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ ฝ่ายขาย สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />

กล่าวว่า “ผมในฐานะตัวแทนของผู้บริหารและพนักงานบางกอก<br />

แอร์เวย์สทุกคน รู้สึกเป็นเกียรติอย่างยิ่งที่ได้รับรางวัล<br />

สายการบินบูทีคยอดเยี่ยมในปีนี้ ผมขอแสดงความขอบคุณ<br />

ต่อผู้อ่านนิตยสาร ทีทีจี ทุกท่านที่ลงคะแนนโหวตให้เรา<br />

ความสำเร็จในครั้งนี้นอกจากจะสะท้อนให้เห็นถึงคุณภาพ<br />

การบริการและมาตรฐานความปลอดภัยของสายการบิน<br />

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สซึ่งเป็นที่ยอมรับในระดับสากลแล้ว ยังแสดง<br />

ให้เห็นถึงความตั้งใจของพนักงานทุกคน ที่มุ่งมั่นสร้างสรรค์<br />

และส่งมอบผลิตภัณฑ์และการบริการที่เป็นเลิศเพื่อความ<br />

ประทับใจสูงสุดของผู้โดยสารภายใต้สโลแกน Asia’s<br />

Boutique Airline’ อีกด้วย”<br />

รางวัลทีทีจี ทราเวล อวอร์ดส์ จัดขึ้นเป็นประจำทุกปี<br />

เพื่อเป็นเกียรติแก่บุคคลและองค์กรในอุตสาหกรรมท่องเที่ยว<br />

ที่มีความโดดเด่นในประเภทต่างๆ ของภูมิภาคเอเชียแปซิฟิก<br />

BANGKOK AIRWAYS PARTNERS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF<br />

NATIONAL PARKS, WILDLIFE AND PLANT CONSERVATION IN<br />

“BANGKOK AIRWAYS AGAINST WILDLIFE CRIME” INITIATIVE<br />

Recently, Bangkok Airways Public<br />

Company Limited led by Ms. Ariya<br />

Prasarttong-Osoth, of the Board of<br />

Directors and Chairman – CSR Working<br />

Committee, together with the Department<br />

of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant<br />

Conservation and Veterinary Medical<br />

Aquatic Animals Research Center<br />

(VMARC) organised the “Bangkok<br />

Airways Against Wildlife Crime”<br />

training for airline executives and staff<br />

members in order to raise awareness<br />

on illegal wildlife trade in connection<br />

with the aviation industry. The event<br />

was held at Bang Phra Wildlife Domestic<br />

Research Station, Chon Buri.<br />

The training provided all participants<br />

with practical knowledge on how to<br />

classify various species of turtles,<br />

as well as how to give basic care to<br />

injured ones. Participants also had the<br />

opportunity to engage in the activity<br />

to release turtles. These included<br />

sick and injured turtles that had been<br />

rescued and rehabilitated for their<br />

release back to the wild by the Veterinary<br />

Medical Aquatic Animals Research<br />

Center (VMARC), Faculty of Veterinary<br />

Science, of Chulalongkorn University.<br />

In addition, Bangkok Airways<br />

donated two air conditioners to the<br />

Wildlife Hospital at Bang Phra Wildlife<br />

Domestic Research Station, Chon Buri<br />

as part of the activity to support the<br />

veterinarian team.<br />

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยนางอาริญา<br />

ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการบริษัทฯ และ<br />

ประธานคณะทำงานส่วนรับผิดชอบต่อสังคม<br />

ร่วมกับกรมอุทยานแห่งชาติสัตว์ป่าและพันธุ์พืช<br />

และศูนย์วิจัยโรคสัตว์น ้ำ คณะสัตวแพทยศาสตร์<br />

จุฬาลงกรณ์มหาวิทยาลัย จัดกิจกรรมอบรม<br />

“Bangkok Airways Against Wildlife Crime”<br />

ให้กับผู้บริหารและพนักงานของสายการบินฯ<br />

เพื่อสร้างความตระหนักและการมีส่วนร่วมใน<br />

การแก้ไขปัญหาและหยุดยั้งการลักลอบค้าสัตว์<br />

ป่าผิดกฎหมายในอุตสาหกรรมการบิน ณ สถานี<br />

เพาะเลี้ยงนกน้ำบางพระ จังหวัดชลบุรี<br />

กิจกรรมดังกล่าวเปิดโอกาสให้ผู้เข้าร่วม<br />

กิจกรรมได้เรียนรู้การจำแนกประเภทของเต่า และ<br />

การสังเกตอาการและวิธีการดูแลเต่าที่บาดเจ็บใน<br />

เบื้องต้น เพื ่อนำความรู้ที่ได้รับกลับไปใช้ในการ<br />

ปฏิบัติงานหากพบกับเหตุดังกล่าว และยังได้ร่วม<br />

ปล่อยเต่าคืนสู่ธรรมชาติ ซึ่งเป็นเต่าป่วยหรือ<br />

พิการที่ได้รับความช่วยเหลือมาจากสถานที่<br />

ต่างๆ เช่น วัด ท้องถนน ฯลฯ และได้รับการรักษา<br />

พยาบาลและดูแลฟื้นฟูร่างกายโดยศูนย์วิจัยโรค<br />

สัตว์น้ำ คณะสัตวแพทยศาสตร์ จุฬาลงกรณ์<br />

มหาวิทยาลัย เพื่อคืนชีวิตให้อยู่ในธรรมชาติที่<br />

เหมาะสมและแพร่ขยายพันธุ์ได้ต่อไป<br />

นอกจากนี้ สายการบินฯ ยังได้ร่วมมอบ<br />

เครื่องปรับอากาศ จำนวน 2 เครื่องให้กับทาง<br />

โรงพยาบาลสัตว์ป่าของทางสถานีเพาะเลี้ยงนก<br />

น้ำบางพระ จังหวัดชลบุรี เพื่อสนับสนุนการ<br />

ทำงานของทีมสัตวแพทย์อีกด้วย<br />

134<br />

135


BANGKOK AIRWAYS NEWS<br />

BANGKOK AIRWAYS' YOUTH<br />

EDUCATION CAMP<br />

Recently, Bangkok Airways’ CSR<br />

Department, led by Ms. Ariya<br />

Prasarttong-Osoth, Board of<br />

Directors and Chairman – CSR<br />

Working Committee, together<br />

with the airline’s executives,<br />

organised the “Youth Education<br />

Camp” programme by taking 60<br />

secondary school students from<br />

Sukhothai, Trat and Surat Thani<br />

(Koh Samui) aboard a Bangkok<br />

Airways flight. Additionally in<br />

Samut Prakan, the airline's<br />

Operations Centre participated<br />

in the 3-day programme, where the<br />

professional staff and executives<br />

from different areas of the<br />

aviation industry shared their<br />

knowledge and experience with<br />

the students.<br />

The “Youth Education Camp”<br />

project is one of the activities<br />

initiated by Bangkok Airways’<br />

CSR Department with the objective<br />

of giving youths an opportunity<br />

to learn directly from veteran<br />

lecturers, for example, pilots, flight<br />

attendants, ground staff, ticketing<br />

staff and aircraft technicians.<br />

The children have a chance to<br />

observe the airline’s actual<br />

operation site for each department,<br />

which will benefit and inspire<br />

them to consider the aviation<br />

profession. A highlight of the<br />

programme was piloting an<br />

aircraft in a flight simulator and<br />

up close with Bangkok Airways<br />

President, Capt. Puttipong<br />

Prasarttong-Osoth.<br />

All 60 students in the “Youth<br />

Education Camp” programme are<br />

selected secondary schoolers,<br />

aged between 14-18 years old<br />

from six schools in three provinces<br />

(20 students from each province);<br />

Koh Samui School and Theeparat<br />

Pittaya (Koh Samui, Surat Thani),<br />

Sukhothai Witthayakhom School<br />

and Sawan Anan Witthaya School<br />

(Sukhothai), Khiriwes Rattana<br />

Phien Upatham School and Khlong<br />

Yai Witthayakhom School (Trat).<br />

All the activities they took part in<br />

the campaign at the Bangkok<br />

Airways’ Operations Centre in<br />

Samut Prakan is a complimentary<br />

gesture of the airline.<br />

เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยส่วนรับผิดชอบต่อ<br />

สังคม (CSR) นำโดยนางอาริญา ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการ<br />

บริษัทฯ และประธานคณะทำงานส่วนรับผิดชอบต่อสังคม และคณะ<br />

ผู้บริหารของสายการบินฯ จัดโครงการ “ติดปีกเติมฝัน ปันความรู้<br />

สู่อาชีพการบิน” โดยนำคณะเยาวชนระดับชั้นมัธยมศึกษาจาก 3<br />

จังหวัด ได้แก่ สุโขทัย ตราด และสุราษฎร์ธานี (เกาะสมุย) จำนวน<br />

60 คน เดินทางโดยเที่ยวบินของสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส<br />

มาร่วมโครงการฯ ณ ศูนย์ปฏิบัติการ บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ<br />

จำกัด (มหาชน) จังหวัดสมุทรปราการ เป็นระยะเวลา 3 วัน เพื่อรับ<br />

ฟังการบรรยายให้ความรู้และแบ่งปันประสบการณ์ทางด้านธุรกิจ<br />

การบินจากพนักงานและผู้บริหารของสายการบินฯ ซึ่งมีประสบการณ์<br />

ในสายงานต่างๆ<br />

โครงการ “ติดปีกเติมฝัน ปันความรู้ สู่อาชีพการบิน” เป็นหนึ่ง<br />

กิจกรรมที่อยู่ภายใต้โครงการรับผิดชอบต่อสังคม (CSR) ของ<br />

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดยมีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อให้เยาวชน<br />

ท้องถิ่นได้มีโอกาสเข้ามาศึกษาเรียนรู้ จากผู้บรรยายที่มีประสบการณ์<br />

ในสายงานของธุรกิจการบินโดยตรง เช่น นักบิน พนักงานต้อนรับบน<br />

เครื่องบิน พนักงานต้อนรับผู้โดยสารภาคพื้นดิน พนักงานส ำรองที่<br />

นั่งและออกบัตรโดยสาร และฝ่ายช่าง เป็นต้น รวมถึงได้มีโอกาสเข้าชม<br />

สถานที่ปฏิบัติงานจริงของแต่ละหน่วยงาน เพื่อสร้างแรงบันดาลใจใน<br />

การประกอบอาชีพด้านธุรกิจการบินในอนาคต ในโอกาสนี้เยาวชนที่<br />

เข้าร่วมกิจกรรมยังได้ทดลองขับเครื่องบินในห้องจำลองการบิน<br />

(Flight Simulator) โดยมีกัปตัน พุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ<br />

กรรมการผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน)<br />

มาเป็นผู้ให้คำแนะนำและบรรยายแก่เยาวชน<br />

สำหรับโครงการ “ติดปีกเติมฝัน ปันความรู้ สู่อาชีพการบิน”<br />

ทางสายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สได้คัดเลือกเยาวชนระดับชั้น<br />

มัธยมศึกษาที่มีอายุระหว่าง 14-18 ปี จาก 6 โรงเรียนใน 3<br />

จังหวัด ได้แก่ โรงเรียนเกาะสมุย และโรงเรียนทีปราฏร์พิทยา จาก<br />

จังหวัดสุราษฎร์ธานี (เกาะสมุย) โรงเรียนสุโขทัยวิทยาคม และ<br />

โรงเรียนสวรรค์อนันต์วิทยา จากจังหวัดสุโขทัย โรงเรียนคีรีเวส<br />

รัตนเพียรอุปถัมภ์ และโรงเรียนคลองใหญ่วิทยาคม จากจังหวัด<br />

ตราด โดยแบ่งเป็นจังหวัดละ 20 คน รวมจำนวนทั้งสิ้น 60 คน<br />

เดินทางมาเข้าร่วมกิจกรรม ณ ศูนย์ปฏิบัติการ บริษัท การบิน<br />

กรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) จังหวัดสมุทรปราการ โดยไม่เสียค่าใช้จ่าย<br />

ในการเข้าร่วมโครงการ<br />

BANGKOK AIRWAYS SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH AMADEUS<br />

Recently, Bangkok Airways President,<br />

Mr. Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth<br />

and airline reservations systems<br />

Amadeus, represented by Mr. Cyril<br />

Tetaz – Executive Vice President,<br />

Airlines, Asia Pacific, held a signing<br />

ceremony to announce a partnership<br />

at Bangkok Airways headquarters.<br />

“As Asia’s leading boutique<br />

airline, we need to continuously<br />

innovate and enhance the company<br />

through innovation and technologies<br />

that improve our operations and<br />

management in the very competitive<br />

and fast growing aviation industry.<br />

We believe that with Amadeus<br />

Altéa Suite, and by putting the<br />

traveller experience at the heart<br />

of everything we do, this will help<br />

drive our expansion plans and bring<br />

success for many years to come,”<br />

affirmed Mr. Puttipong.<br />

TIME TO SAVE THE<br />

COCONUT TREES<br />

Bangkok Airways, led by Ms. Ariya Prasarttong-Osoth,<br />

from the Board of Directors and other<br />

representatives in Samui from the Department<br />

of Agriculture, Koh Samui District Agricultural<br />

Extension Office, hospitality entrepreneurs and<br />

agriculturists, recently re-launched the 4th year<br />

project, “Love Earth, Save Earth: Love Samui,<br />

Save the Coconut Trees.” The goal is to share<br />

eco-awareness among the community to<br />

preserve the iconic coconut trees of Koh Samui.<br />

This year, Acting Sub. Lt. Kittiphop Roddon,<br />

Samui’s District-Chief, presided over the<br />

opening ceremony at Baan Talay (Baan Lay)<br />

Public Park, Samui, Surat Thani, with over 100<br />

interested participants.<br />

Participants were also taught about pest<br />

control, such as the biological control of<br />

tree pests such as black-headed caterpillars,<br />

and having vespidae wasps as a natural way<br />

to control coconut pests. Young coconut<br />

plants and vespidaes were also contributed<br />

to the public during the event.<br />

เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์ส โดย<br />

นายพุฒิพงศ์ ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการ<br />

ผู้อำนวยการใหญ่ และบริษัทอะมาดิอุส เอเชีย<br />

จำกัด โดย มร.ไซริล เททัซ รองประธานกรรมการ<br />

ส่วนสายการบินประจำภูมิภาคเอเชียแปซิฟิก<br />

จัดพิธีลงนามความร่วมมือการใช้ระบบบริการ<br />

ผู้โดยสาร “อะมาดิอุส อัลเทีย สวีท” ณ สำนักงานใหญ่<br />

บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน)<br />

สายการบินบางกอกแอร์เวย์สจัดกิจกรรม<br />

“ปลูกต้นมะพร้าวเพื่อเกาะสมุยปี 4” ภายใต้<br />

โครงการ “Love Earth, Save Earth: Love<br />

Samui, Save the Coconut Trees” เพื่อรณรงค์<br />

ให้ประชาชนหันมาสนใจและอนุรักษ์ต้นมะพร้าว<br />

ซึ่งเป็นสัญลักษณ์สำคัญของเกาะสมุย โดยมี<br />

คุณอาริญา ปราสาททองโอสถ กรรมการ<br />

บริษัท การบินกรุงเทพ จำกัด (มหาชน) และ<br />

ตัวแทนจากหน่วยงานต่างๆ อาทิ กรมวิชาการ<br />

เกษตร เกษตรอำเภอเกาะสมุย ผู้ประกอบการ<br />

จากโรงแรมในอำเภอเกาะสมุย และเกษตรกร<br />

เข้าร่วมกิจกรรม โดยได้รับเกียรติจากว่าที่ร้อยตรี<br />

นายพุฒิพงศ์ กล่าวว่า “ตลอดเวลาที่ผ่านมา<br />

บางกอกแอร์เวย์สมุ่งมั่นที่จะสร้างสรรค์นวัตกรรมและ<br />

เสริมสร้างศักยภาพในการดำเนินงานของสายการบินฯ<br />

เพื่อส่งมอบการบริการที่เป็นเลิศให้แก่ผู้โดยสาร รวมถึง<br />

เสริมประสิทธิภาพในการปฏิบัติงานและบริหารจัดการ<br />

ของธุรกิจ โดยระบบอัลเทียของอะมาดิอุส ถือว่าเป็น<br />

ระบบปฏิบัติการที่ทันสมัยและเป็นเทคโนโลยีชั้นนำที่ได้<br />

รับการยอมรับจากสายการบินชั้นนำทั่วโลก”<br />

กิตติภพ รอดดอน นายอำเภอเกาะสมุย เป็น<br />

ประธาน และมีเกษตรกรรวมถึงผู้ที่สนใจ เข้าร่วม<br />

กิจกรรมกว่า 100 คน ณ สวนสาธารณะบ้านทะเล<br />

(บ้านเล) อำเภอเกาะสมุย จังหวัดสุราษฎร์ธานี<br />

กิจกรรมดังกล่าว เปิดโอกาสให้ผู้ที่สนใจ<br />

ได้เรียนรู้วิธีการควบคุมและกำจัดแมลงศัตรู<br />

มะพร้าว การควบคุมแมลงศัตรูมะพร้าวโดยชีววิธี<br />

การเพาะเลี้ยงขยายแตนเบียน และการควบคุม<br />

หนอนหัวดำมะพร้าว นอกจากนี้ สายการบินฯ<br />

ยังได้มอบกล้ามะพร้าวเพื่อให้เกษตรกรและผู้ที่<br />

เข้าร่วมโครงการนำไปปลูก และแจกแตนเบียนเพื่อ<br />

ให้นำไปใช้ควบคุมแมลงศัตรูมะพร้าวอีกด้วย<br />

136<br />

137


FLYERBONUS<br />

PREMIER MEMBERS VISIT PHUKET AND CHIANG RAI<br />

FOR THE BANGKOK AIRWAYS BOUTIQUE SERIES MARATHON<br />

FlyerBonus, the Frequent Flyer<br />

Programme of Bangkok Airways,<br />

recently organised two exclusive<br />

trips for lucky Premier Members<br />

and their companions. Both trips<br />

were part of the 'Bangkok Airways<br />

Boutique Series <strong>2018</strong>', the Phuket<br />

Half Marathon held between 4-5<br />

August and the Chiang Rai Marathon<br />

held between 15-16 September.<br />

As well as testing themselves physically,<br />

the Premier Members had time to visit<br />

a selection of interesting attractions<br />

and enjoy sumptuous food offerings<br />

in both cities.<br />

In Phuket these included a trip to<br />

Chinpracha House, a beautiful example<br />

of Sino-Portuguese architecture, along<br />

with a secret dining experience at the<br />

China Inn Café & Restaurant located<br />

in the heart of the old town. In<br />

Chiang Rai, Premier Members spent<br />

time at 'Baan Dam’ (Black House),<br />

the museum home of renowned<br />

<strong>Thai</strong> artist Thawan Duchanee;<br />

savoured Northern <strong>Thai</strong> dishes as<br />

well as dropping by the picturesque<br />

Le Meridien Resort on the banks<br />

of the Mae Kok River to sample<br />

authentic Italian cuisine at 'Favola'.<br />

เมื่อเร็วๆ นี้ รายการสะสมคะแนนฟลายเออร์โบนัส สายการบิน<br />

บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส นำสมาชิกฟลายเออร์โบนัส ระดับพรีเมียร์<br />

ผู้โชคดีพร้อมผู้ติดตาม เข้าร่วมกิจกรรมวิ่ง รายการ บางกอก<br />

แอร์เวย์ส บูทีค ซีรีย์ <strong>2018</strong> “ภูเก็ต ฮาล์ฟ มาราธอน” ระหว่าง<br />

วันที่ 4-5 สิงหาคม และ “เชียงราย มาราธอน” ระหว่างวันที่<br />

15-16 กันยายนที่ผ่านมา พร้อมท่องเที่ยวสถานที่ต่างๆ<br />

ที่น่าสนใจ และยังได้อิ่มอร่อยกับอาหารรสเลิศจากร้านเด็ด<br />

ร้านดังของทั ้งสองจังหวัด<br />

ที่ภูเก็ต คณะฯ ได้เข้าชม “บ้านชินประชา” บ้านเก่าแก่ทรงโบราณ<br />

สถาปัตยกรรมแบบชิโน-โปรตุกีส เต็มไปด้วยเสน่ห์ของกลิ่นไอเมือง<br />

เก่าภูเก็ตดั้งเดิม และเพลิดเพลินกับอาหารไทยคลาสสิกและเมนู<br />

ตะวันตกหลากหลายในสวนสวยหลังร้าน China Inn Café &<br />

Restaurant ร้านอาหารที่ตั้งอยู่ในอาคารสไตล์ชิโน-โปรตุกีส<br />

ใจกลางย่านเมืองเก่าภูเก็ต ส่วนที่เชียงรายนั้น คณะฯ ได้เยี่ยมชม<br />

“พิพิธภัณฑ์บ้านดำ” ของ อ.ถวัลย์ ดัชนี ศิลปินแห่งชาติ และร่วม<br />

ดินเนอร์มื้อพิเศษที่ห้องอาหารอิตาเลียน “ฟาโวล่า” ภายในโรงแรม<br />

“เลอ เมอริเดียน เชียงราย รีสอร์ท” อบอวลด้วยบรรยากาศอันแสน<br />

โรแมนติกริมแม่น้ำกก<br />

138 139


142 143


AIRCRAFT INFO<br />

AIRBUS A319<br />

NUMBER OF FLEET : 15<br />

LENGTH : 33.84 m<br />

WINGSPAN : 34.1 m<br />

HEIGHT : 12.17 m<br />

ENGINE : IAE V2500<br />

CRUISING SPEED :<br />

920 km/h<br />

MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />

39,800 ft<br />

PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />

12 seats & 108 seats / 144 seats / 138 seats<br />

BANGKOK AIRWAYS OPERATES FOUR TYPES OF AIRCRAFT<br />

TAKE ME<br />

HOME<br />

READ<br />

<strong>Fah</strong> <strong>Thai</strong> is the inflight magazine<br />

of Bangkok Airways. It is YOUR<br />

MAGAZINE. It is distributed with our<br />

compliments on all Bangkok Airways<br />

flights. We hope you enjoy it .<br />

TOO MUCH BAGGAGE?<br />

ONLINE!<br />

AIRBUS A320<br />

NUMBER OF FLEET : 9<br />

LENGTH : 37.57 m<br />

WINGSPAN : 34.1 m<br />

HEIGHT : 12.17 m<br />

ENGINE : IAE V2500<br />

CRUISING SPEED :<br />

870 km/h<br />

MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />

39,800 ft<br />

PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />

162 seats<br />

•••••<br />

We also come in a digital format. You can read us at:<br />

FAHTHAIMAG.COM<br />

And feel free to send us your feedback.<br />

Your voice is our inspiration!<br />

ATR 72-500<br />

NUMBER OF FLEET : 4<br />

LENGTH : 27.17 m<br />

WINGSPAN : 27.06 m<br />

HEIGHT : 7.65 m<br />

ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp<br />

Pratt & Whitney<br />

Canada PW127F<br />

CRUISING SPEED :<br />

509 km/h<br />

MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />

25,000 ft<br />

PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />

70 seats<br />

Read more<br />

ATR 72-600<br />

NUMBER OF FLEET : 11<br />

LENGTH : 27.166 m<br />

WINGSPAN : 27.050 m<br />

HEIGHT : 7.72 m<br />

ENGINE : 2 x 2,750 hp<br />

Pratt & Whitney<br />

Canada PW127M<br />

CRUISING SPEED :<br />

509 km/h<br />

MAX OPERATIONAL ALTITUDE :<br />

25,000 ft<br />

PASSENGER CAPACITY :<br />

70 seats<br />

OUR SCHEDULE FLIGHTS AND FREQUENCY<br />

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS<br />

Bangkok, Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai :<br />

Numerous flights every day from a variety of destinations<br />

Chiang Mai : 1 flight per day from Phuket ;<br />

1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />

Chiang Rai : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />

Hat Yai :<br />

1 flight per day from Phuket<br />

Koh Chang/Trat : 4 flights per day from Bangkok<br />

Krabi : 3 flights per day from Bangkok ;<br />

1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />

Lampang : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />

Mae Hong Son : 2 flights per day from Chiang Mai<br />

Pattaya : 1 flight per day from Phuket ;<br />

1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />

Sukhothai : 3 flights per day from Bangkok<br />

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS<br />

Chengdu : 4 flights per week from Koh Samui<br />

Chongqing : 1 flight per week from Koh Samui<br />

Da Nang : 1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />

Guangzhou : 1 flight per week from Koh Samui<br />

Hanoi :<br />

1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<br />

Hong Kong : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui<br />

Kuala Lumpur : 1 flight per day from Koh Samui<br />

Luang Prabang : 2 flights per day from Bangkok<br />

Malé :<br />

1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />

Mandalay : 11 flights per week from Bangkok ;<br />

4 flights per week from Chiang Mai<br />

Mumbai : 1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />

Nay Pyi Taw : 6 flights per week from Bangkok<br />

Phnom Penh : 6 flights per day from Bangkok<br />

Phu Quoc : 1 flight per day from Bangkok<br />

Siem Reap : 5 flights per day from Bangkok<br />

Singapore : 2 flights per day from Koh Samui<br />

Vientiane : 2 flights per day from Bangkok<br />

Yangon : 4 flights per day from Bangkok ;<br />

1 flight per day from Chiang Mai<br />

IS THE<br />

GOLD WINNER<br />

PEARL AWARD 2017<br />

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY<br />

144


CHECKING OUT<br />

Just Say ‘Ahhh’<br />

Open wide, a mama whale shows her<br />

offspring, as both engage in the straight up<br />

art of eating fish in the waters of Phetchaburi.<br />

The seaside town outside of Bangkok is<br />

home to pods of Bryde’s Whales, pronounced<br />

“broo-dus,” with conservation groups<br />

organising whale-sighting tours. Without any<br />

teeth, the tropical whales gulp in enormous<br />

amounts of schools of fishes and krill through<br />

furry-looking baleen plates.<br />

Photo Thewin Chanyawong<br />

146

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!