BK Magazine 744,Aug10,2018

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Parks and Recreation Bangkok goes green with new parks citywide Latest Resorts The region’s best hotel openings Cheaper Than You Think Money saving tips for Bangkok’s fanciest bars Smart Thinking Cheap ways to create a techie pad locally Save Khaosan NO. 744 AUG 10, 2018. www.bkmagazine.com

Why there’s never been a hotter time to visit the Gulf island.

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8/3/18 7:59 PM

16 days

DISCOVER BANGKOK’S CULINARY STARS FOR LESS!

Over 50 of Bangkok’s best restaurants

B1,000++ for every 3-course dinner

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Book with Citi credit cards starting Aug 11 and receive special benefits. Booking for all card types opens Aug 20.

100 Mahaseth ● About Eatery ● Aesop’s ● Akira Back ● Appia ● Beer Bridge ● Billy’s Smokehouse ● Blue Elephant ● Brasserie Cordonnier ● Bunker ● Cantina ● Ciao Terrazza ● Di Farina ● Err ● Fillets ● Foojohn ● Funky Lam ● Freebird ● Gianni Ristorante ● Haoma ● Harvest ● il Fumo ● Jamie’s Italian ● Khua Kling + Pak Sod ● L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon ● La Bottega Di Luca ● La Casa Nostra ● La Monita Taqueria ● Manohra Cruises ● Madam T Vietmanese ● Maison de la Truffe ● Man Ho ● Meatchop ● Medici ● Mrs Wu ● Mugendai Hoten ● Niche ● Nuvola Caffe Milanese ● Opus ● Osito ● Oskar ● Pagoda Chinese Restaurant ● Peppina ● Pizza Massilia ● Praya Kitchen ● Prelude ● Quince ● Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant ● Sensi Restaurant ● Siam Tea Room ● SORN ● Sri Trat ● Toro ● Touche Hombre ● Up & Above ● Via Maris ● Yao ● You & Mee

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Visit bkrestaurantweek.com and discover the amazing restaurants taking part.

8/3/18 7:22 PM

page 3 Who's in charge?

Managing Director & Publisher Andrew Hiransomboon Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Digital Director / Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Digital Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Digital Content Assistant Pakchira Bunphol Writers Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj, Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley Junior Writer Kankanok Wichiantanon

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

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Diary of an Instagram Foodie

upfront

The 17-year-old face of Khlong Toey rap

What’s up my lovely followers. It’s your girl @ployspantry here, BK’s new restaurant columnist-slash-Instagram foodie (don’t forget to follow me na!). I know you’re dying to hear about all my eating adventures in Bangkok so let’s go!!!!!

Art Director Vatanya Bongkotkarn Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Graphic Designers Anunya Chobnitas, Wirankan Saiyasombut Photographer Poonsawat Suttama Video Content Manager Wanlop Rungkuvijad Video Designer Saranya Laowtrakul Videographer Nattapol Srisukh Junior Video Editor Pattanagorn Adirekkiat Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Managers Tipkritta Chiraporncharas, Orajira Sukkasem Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri

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Check out Samui’s hottest openings

SOIMILK Editor Nathapong Suppavatee Senior Writer Rujiyatorn Choksiriwan, Atiwat Uton Brand Manager Onwara Sittirug Sales Associates Prawpraew Pairohg, Kornkanok Sriwaranant

10am

Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang Accountant Manita Bangmoung Admin Executive Yaovaluck Srisermsri Contributors Angela Symons, Kathy MacLeod Interns Apiphusit Jirattitikul, Maturin Leethavekulsomboon, Nuttha Kitsopha, Thanita Cholpitakpong, Natnicha Tabsanee, Petpailin Kirdasaeng, Wannaporn Bangsuanluang, Valaiporn Chalermlapvoraboon, Pathitta Kongkakate

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Cover Illustration by Maturin Leethavekulsomboon

Don’t miss the Photo Bangkok highlights

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Asia City Media Group Chief Executive Officer Greg Duncan (gduncan@asiacity.net) Director Gretchen Worth (gworth@asia-city.co.th)

28 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower 100 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th

Meeting my girls at Wakey Wakey today and you know what that means: CACAOCHIA BOWL TIME!!! OMG this girl would walk under hot sun for this. It’s oats and chia seeds and cacao nibs blend with cold-pressed almond milk and top with cacao nibs, nuts and chia seeds! Super healthy and yum. 10/10 recommended menu.

Noon

Yum! Lunch means Cauliflower Riot’s ACAI CACAO BOWL!!!

There’s just nothing better than food in bowls, I feel. Does anyone know if bowls are environmentally friendly? If not, someone should make one out of, like, coconuts or something—jeng maak! I just love the environment. After a yummy meal with my friends we sometimes just sit around and talk about how truly great trees are.

3pm

drinks

The Asia City Media Group

8:30am

I just looooove waking up early and making breakfast.

Jing! Today I’m having oats, cacao nibs and chia seeds in almond milk, which I will enjoy with a book I bought about how to reach inner peace through a gluten-free diet. (Don’t you just love books? I do. They have so much paper and so many words in them. All my friends love books too.)

ASIA CITY STUDIO Managing Editor Dietrich Neu Associate Editor Sureepak Janyapat Senior Project Manager Chayanap Tongdadas Business Development Manager Rangsan khamloi Assistant Art Director Ratchprapha Sunthornprasat Project Coordinator Sirinart Panyasricharoen Senior Developers Passzarkorn Youthasoontorn, Wasan Wangrach Writer-Translator Tripop Leelasestaporn Branded Content Writer Chakariya Cheewatara

Where to find us!

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Is there gluten in chia seeds? I hope not na. Did you know there’s gluten in soy sauce? Major suck!!!

Save a fortune at Bangkok’s poshest bars

5pm

Post-workout snack time and what better excuse to check out a new restaurant in Sathorn, Mom&Friends Very Berry bOWL?!! It’s got this to-die-for mixture of acai and banana as well as cacao nibs and chia seeds. So yum. But don’t get the avocado toast. It’s only so-so na.

BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 24 times a year, twice a month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2018 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Media Group (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250

7pm

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Splurge alert!!! For dinner we checked out Maison de la Oursin for their new TRUFFLE AND UNI CARBONARA!!! For me this menu isn’t recommend na. The uni is only bafun and there’s a funny smell. A waiter came and said the smell is ok!!! Hello!!!! It’s not ok. These waiters are just uneducated, na. Has he even been to Tsukiji? 2/10.

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travel

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The latest hotels in Thailand

There’s never been so many new Bangkok parks

8/3/18 8:01 PM

upfront

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

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HOT OR NOT

PARKS

This 17-year-old rapper is uniting Khlong Toey community through hip-hop

Bangkok’s going green space crazy. Don’t believe us? Just flip to page 30 where we’ve rounded up not just all the parks that have opened, but the half dozen that are scheduled to open soon as well. Now we just have to wait till December when the temperature drops low enough for us to enjoy them.

INTERVIEW

Thanayut “Book” Na Ayutthaya, AKA Elevenfinger, is the 17-year-old Khlong Toey rapper behind the recent “This is Khlong Toey Compton” rap battle, which gathered 48 local rappers and hip-hop artists. We spoke to him about how he got into hip-hop and his very personal reasons for pursuing it.

How did you come up with this project?

I used to be a gaming-addict, hanging out in an internet cafe like most kids in Khlong Toey, but then my younger brother showed me hip-hop music. I was like 12-13 when I started rapping at the local park with my portable speaker. Earlier this year, I organized an event at a very small restaurant but around 200 people showed up, so I wanted to do it again. I used all my savings, and found more money and sponsors for the prizes to help make it happen. This sevenyear-old kid from my area randomly came up to me and said, “I want to become a rapper, how should I start?” and I just knew I had to do it.

Why did you put Compton in the name?

I feel like Khlong Toey is the equivalent to Compton; the area may look rough, people see it as the drug hub of Bangkok, but there are gems hidden inside and I want the world to see that.

What is the signature style for Khlong Toey rap?

We talk about the things that are considered “dangerous” to talk about. Things that people don’t want to mention.

“I’m using hip-hop as a platform for my brother to find me” THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

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What are you trying to achieve?

There are a lot of talented kids in Khlong Toey who want to tell their life stories, and I want to show them rapping as a platform for this.

How do you feel about the Thai hip-hop scene?

It’s definitely growing—the internet makes it easier to share music now. The audience is still very niche though, I hope that that will change in the future.

Why did you choose hip-hop?

My little brother and I are from the same mother

but she refused to recognize me as her kid. My brother and I were still very close—he was the one that introduced me to hip-hop. One day, our mother passed away and her relatives took him away from me. I have no way of contacting him nor do I know where he is, all I know is he lives in Korat. I even went there before to try to find him but it’s such a big city, so I’m trying to use hip-hop music as a platform for him to find me, because I know he is still listening to hip-hop.

What is hip-hop music, in your own words?

Talking about your life, everything that you have to face—happiness, sadness or disappointment—and telling people your message.

You said you also have a hip-hop program at your school. Please tell us more.

I presented this idea to my school and founded the club, which now has around 30 members— half are girls. They are all so brave and talented, they write their own rhymes and some competed in the rap battle, too.

What is your plan for the future?

I want to organize the second “This is Khlong Toey Compton” around Oct or Nov. Which hip-hop artists are you into?

Eminem because he faced a lot of life struggles like I have. I also listen to this Thai hip-hop artist Young Ohm—he used to be my senior at school and taught me a lot about hip-hop. A lot of people still think what I do is useless, but you just have to believe in yourself and stick to it.

What do you want to be with you grow up?

I want to be an artist, or event organizer, so I can do more events like this in the future.

Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj

MAHAKAN FORT Now the downside to all those lovely new parks.

The community that once lived at Mahakan Fort has lost its almost 60-year dispute with the BMA and been evicted in order to make way for a new public lawn that, well, no one really ever wanted. But who cares what the people want when bureaucracy’s in motion? Read the full fiasco at goo.gl/wVSPCF.

JIGGLY PANCAKES And just like that, Bangkok had a new King of Cute Desserts.

When the Osaka-hailing Gram pancakes opened its doors on Aug 2, it wasn’t long before Paragon witnessed its latest instance of queue-mania. And they’re not the only Osaka-born jiggly pancakes in town. Also see Belle-Ville.

CROQUANT CHOU Nice knowing you, long cream puff covered in crunchy almonds, but we’ve got a new love now—one that wobbles and is stuffed full of so much air that it’s hardly got any calories. Probably.

Call us when you’ve launched a choux-pastry omakase spin-off and then maybe we can talk.

by Kathy MacLeod (IG: @kathy_macleod)

8/2/18 9:55 PM

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reasons why this new-look CentralPlaza CentralPlaza might be your next favorite shopping spot After getting a huge face-lift, CentralPlaza Rama 3 is back with an all-new stable of can’tmiss facilities and food vendors

ADVERTORIAL

It’s Really, Really Green

Bookworm Heaven

After its extensive renovation, CentralPlaza Rama 3 has transformed its sea of dull grey boxes into a lush green wilderness. Visually, the space sports a more soothing green color palette, with hanging ferns and ceiling covered in plants (that feels like an upside down garden) to create an enclosed garden vibe designed with family and community events in mind. On the top of that, this renovated mall also takes shopping experiences to another level. The space is replete with desks, wood chairs and electric chargers abound, allowing you to shop to your heart’s delight without worrying about battery life. On top of that, the food patio offers a huge range of wallet-friendly dishes and a breezy outdoor setting.

Forget those Japanese bookstores, Think Space by B2S is a bookworm’s dream—a creative space that takes your love of books and stationery items to another level. First, it’s way more massive than your typical B2S branch, and features a wider product selection and a vast co-working space to boot. There is lots of space here, so feel free to read and browse at your own pace through the chic selection of stationery items and cool gadgets. Drop by to work at their coworking space during the weekdays or weekends without a tiny bit of worry of your battery life (they have free electric chargers!). There’s also going to be various workshops from time to time, so check their FB page for updates.

Food Patio

Food Destinations The renovation includes some familiar food faces, including Kobe Steak, Ippudo Ramen and Bon Chon. On top of that, CentralPlaza Rama 3 also dedicates one-third of its 6th floor to the Food Patio—a food court boasting over 70 restaurants, namely a fresh-baked pizza from Top and Ten Pizza Restaurant and sweet Thai crepes from the old-school Mae Som Chit. For the very best dining experiences, head to Jade Garden, whose peking duck (B699 for a whole duck or, B399 during weekdays) is meticulously prepared and comes out steaming hot with a delicious crispy skin. Japanophiles can satisfy their obsession with Japanese food at the latest branch of Japanese Joint Hoshi where you can taste the Kani Miso (B240)—crab brain boiled in its own shell. Trust us, it’s actually really delicious.

Jade Garden

Hoshi

cover | new in samui

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

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THE KOH SAMUI check New resorts, beachside bars and health cafes that put Bangkok to shame mean there’s never been a better time to visit Koh Samui.

By Kankanok Wichiantanon

work and play

list

Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort

Work | Lounge

The island’s first co-working space sits in the serene surrounds of the Mantra Samui resort, overlooking the ocean.

The airy, blond-wood-dominated venue looks to combine working space with lounge, so the vibe is still very much “holiday.” That means in addition to aircon comfort, fully stocked pantry, highspeed Wi-Fi, a printer, an IP telephone for free international calls, hot desks and a blackboard, you get access to a PlayStation, big TV screens and a billiard table. A half-day pass will cost you B300; a monthly one B12,000. They’ve got special packages for working stays of over two weeks (from about B2,700/ night) but outsiders can also add pool, gym and restaurant access to their co-working package.

9/124 Moo 1, Mae Nam, 077-951-600.

Open daily 9am-9pm. mantrasamui.com

eat

Vikasa Life Cafe

Two European raw food chefs—one from Berlin, the other Paris—move to Samui and shack up in business with Kosta Miachin, the lean yogi master behind Vikasa yoga hotel.

Boris Lauser and Cyril Schiv’s health food cafe goes way beyond just raw and vegan dishes, even giving the nod to salmon and tuna at times, though the backbone of the menu remains local island produce with plenty of tropical fruits (they even plan to cultivate their own organic garden). Whether you’re staying at the yoga retreat or looking for a wholesome meal, drop by for raw zucchini spaghetti (B320), quinoa cakes (B320) and superfood bowls (all B320)—as well as to-die-for views over the island.

211 Bontji Moo 4, 077-422-232. vikasayoga. com/the-place/life-cafe

Art of Life

An open-plan, rustic wooden house in Fisherman’s Village hides Samui’s hottest seafood ticket right now. Marseille-hailing chef Christophe Scali channels his roots with French-Mediterranean seafood dishes like a traditional fish soup (B350), mussels with aioli and a big plate of fries (B320) and seafood platters of fresh oysters, lobster and crab (B500-4,900).

The setting isn’t fussy—exposed wood accents, raw concrete all around—yet the food has real finesse, whether it’s seafood or not. The five-hour-cooked lamb shank (B630) is incredibly juicy and tender, while desserts like the chocolate caramel tart (B220) and lemon pie (B220) are also excellent.

25 Moo 1, Bophut, 080-319 1924. www.artoflifesamui.com

King of Bread

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Cafe Darling

Don’t be fooled by the whitewashed Greek styling. This beachfront restaurant may look like something from Mamma Mia with its pots of dangling plants and cool interiors, but the menu is mainly French with the occasional Thai offering. The best seats are on the patio, where white wicker chairs face out to sea. The menu includes healthy smoothies that are well paired with a goat cheese, dried ham and rocket tartine (B390). Or go for their “Le Must Try” lamb burger that comes with fries and salad for B390.

Fisherman’s Village, Bophut, 086-0709707. goo.gl/a7CfgG

Sun Lounge

The latest addition to Samui’s extravagant and long-standing Silavadee Resort rustles up scrumptious cakes, house-churned ice cream and freshly baked pastries. As well as celebrating all things “deli,” Sun Lounge also has stunning views of the cliff-side pool and the vast ocean out front. The afternoon tea (B690) makes the perfect accompaniment for a lazy afternoon with its bite-sized pastries, cakes and deli sandwiches.

208/66 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, 077-960-555. www.silavadeeresort.com

King of Bread

Before taking the turn into Fisherman’s Village, make a pitstop at this rustic log house selling artisanal breads and pastries baked daily. Stock up on decadent treats like pan au chocolat (B20) and cinnamon twists (B40), or come for the focaccia stuffed with olives and tomatoes (B65).

The offerings might not be vast, but that only means they concentrate on getting a few things just perfect. Soon they’ll serve Western breakfasts on the porch, too.

Taweeradpakdee Rd., opposite from Bophut market.

HOT TIP

This music festival might be your cheapest ticket to Samui If you can’t wait until December’s Wonderfruit to get your festival fix, then you’re in luck. The three-day Mui Fest (www.muifest.com) is set to hit Samui this Oct 26-28, bringing international artists, exclusive parties, art installations, wellness workshops, and sports to the island’s white sand beaches. Oh, and, of course, plenty of Thailand’s finest southern cuisine.

A joint venture between Amazing Thailand and Bangkok Airways (who are soon set to regain their monopoly on flights to the island), the festival will offer special flight discounts to partygoers.

Early-bird packages will be available any day now on www.eventpop.me, starting at B9,600, inclusive of return flights from Bangkok, a two-night stay at a participating hotel (including the likes of Celes Beachfront Resort Samui and Chaweng Garden Beach Resort), and a two-day festival pass— best grab it while you can, since last time we checked a round-trip alone would set you back nearly B10,000!

For festival tickets only, it's B1,000 for a one-day pass and B1,600 for two-days.

The lineup is yet to announced, but keep an eye on www.muifest.com for updates.

8/2/18 8:46 PM

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cover | new in samui

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BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

WHERE LOCALS GO

Don’t miss the island’s authentic southern restaurants 1.KRUA CHAO BAAN Three wooden houses on Lamai Beach offer the likes of yellow gaeng som (spicy sour soup, B135), stir-fried shrimp with sataw beans and hormok talay (crab eggs in steamed curry, B150).

438/18 Moo 1, Maret, 077-418-589, 087-893-7766, 089-009-5560. Open daily 10am-10pm.

2.SABEINGLAE Expect a bill that comes to less than B1,000 for two as you feast on wai kua (squid simmered in coconut milk), and gang som pla grabog yod mapraw (sour curry with fish and young coconut).

438/82 Moo 1, Maret, 077-233-082, 081538-7045. www.sabeinglae.9nha.com

3.KO SENG The menu changes depending on the day’s catch, which can then be steamed, stir-fried or dished up in a distinctive southern-style tom yam.

Cafe Darling

Cosi Hotel Samui

The Star

drink

The Star

The recent renovation has brought a fresh touch of style to Silavadee Resort’s cliffside rooftop bar. While enjoying 180-degree views over the Gulf of Thailand, kick back and make your way through the revamped cocktail menu, from the spicy-savory Tom Yum Siam (B350) to the vodka-based Mixed Berry Sour (B350). If you’re hungry, they’ll also bring up food from the restaurant and bakery below— don’t miss: the house-churned ice cream.

208/66 Moo4, Lamai Beach, 077-960555. www.silavadeeresort.com

One Rai

The opening of ultra-luxe escape Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui (see Stay) brought with it a bevy of five-star restaurants and bars. Our tip is this open-space, sundowner spot under a gabled roof. The big, circular sofas each come with a tiny, movable table for placing drinks—a rum negroni (B450), an Aperol spritz (B400)—and things to nibble on. In front of you is the view of the Andaman Sea with palm trees dotted along the shoreline. It’s really a place you can feel at ease. If hungry, head to Baan Talat, a market-themed restaurant doing street food-style dishes.

9/123 Moo 5, Bophut, 077-915-777. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kohsamui

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stay

Centara taps into the youth market with this clean, fuss-free and rather stylish new 150-room property in ever-bustling Chaweng Beach. You don’t get wardrobes (clothes racks here suffice) or a work desk (who needs one? You’re on holiday).

But you do get smart-phone integrated check-in (no room keys) and TV control, as well as plenty of USB charging ports.

The swimming pool is up on the rooftop, while indoors you’ll find what Cosi describes as a “digital playspace” where you can watch movies, play games and hang out. It’s cheap, too. Rates start from just B1,275/night.

209/4 Moo 2, Bophut, Chaweng Beach, 077-430-123. www.centarahotelsresorts. com/cosihotels/samui

Combo Beach Hotel Samui

It’s safe to say that this is a hotel for partygoers. With DJs dropping by to turn up the beats around the curvaceous pool deck most nights, make reservations here to enjoy Koh Samui’s night scene on your doorstep. Rooms with blond wood floors and white-washed walls go for around B4,200.

157 Moo 2, 077-963-730. www.combobeachhotelsamui.com

Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa

With the addition of 19 new pool villas to their existing 77 luxurious contemporary villas and suites, Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa is starting to look more like a village than a resort. Replete with all your home comforts, these new 250-sq-meter villas each come with a private garden and pool, which connect seamlessly to the bedroom. The interior is decked out in neutral tones and wood furniture, making for a bright and minimalist space. With rates starting from B17,000, what distinguishes these villas from your typical home is their impressive en-suite bathrooms, which feature a rain shower, a bathtub and a spacious walk-in closet to boot.

12/12 Moo 1, Maenam Beach, 077-425035. www.santiburisamui.com

Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort

While Chaweng might not normally say quiet luxury, the new Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort is changing that. The price of entry to this world of warm woods and heavenly whites starts from about B14,493 but it’s worth it: every room comes with its own pool, in addition to tasteful touches like circular bathtubs (very onsen-looking) and lunar-referencing light installations.

It’s just the beginning phase for now, with the 52 completed villas and suites set to be joined by 82 more by next year, but the completed ones face the ocean. In addition, there’ll be a spa, gym, hidden oasis swimming pool and beachfront restaurant primed for sunset.

99/10 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, 077-905888 www.salahospitality.com/chaweng

Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui

Turning a former coconut plantation into 175 luxurious suites and pool villas, the Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui is easily the island’s hottest new opening. Ritz-Carlton’s second resort in Thailand (you’ll recognize the other from those wedding scenes in Hangover 2) comes decked out in a tasteful blend of neutral tones and natural stone. Standard rooms cost from B10,959 and offer stunning views of Samui’s coastline, as well as access to two private beaches, the resort’s beachfront pool, spa pavilions, six dining outlets and a vast reef that’s perfect for swimming. Or for B25,200/night, you could book an Ocean View Pool Villa, which comes with an outdoor pool perched overlooking the sea.

9/123 Moo 5, Bophut, 077-915-777. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kohsamui

95 Moo 1, Taweeratpakdee Road, Mae Nam, 077-425-365, 077-247-245. Open daily 10am-10pm.

4.HAAD BANG PO Khun Moo, who has over 20 years experience working as a chef in high-end hotels, offers classic local seafood dishes like like khai jiew hor mok (omelet with spicy curry seafood, B120),and waii kua (octopus in dried curry, B100).

Had Bang Por Beach, Moo 4, Mae Nam, 081788-8936. Open daily 11am-10pm.

5.KHAO HOM Escape the beach to try their moo kua kapi (stir-fried pork with shrimp paste, B150), gaeng som with shrimp (B150) and pak liang (stir-fried local leaves with eggs, B100).

34/35 Moo 4, Beach Road Bophut, 087413-4084, 089-728-0376. Open daily 9am-10pm.

6.JANHOM Test your tongue with Janhom’s fiery nam prik goong sod (vegetables with shrimp relish, B120).

7/3 Bang Por Beach, 077-236-458. Open daily 10am-10pm.

7.KANOMJEEN PA LEK Local favorites like kanomjeen (rice noodle) with nam ya tai (southern-style curry, B30), nam prik (sweet soup), and gaeng tai pla (southern spicy soup with fish, B25).

Opposite the entrance of Wat Samret, Maret.

081-477-7346, 087-385-7685. Open MonSat 6am-noon.

8.KANOMJEEN PA MAITREE Various soups from nam ya (coconut soups) to green curry, or gaeng tai pla (a spicy Southern soup) to eat with rice noodles. Prices start from just B30.

217/2 Maenam Beach Soi 4, 077-247-075.

Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm.

9.KUAY TIEW MOO PRATUWAT New but popular thanks to the jumbo noodles (B60) topped with boiled and steamed pork with fresh seafood.

In front of Wat Lamai, Lamai Beach, 086277-0268. Open daily 9am-10pm.

8/2/18 8:47 PM

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7/31/18 4:15 PM

hit list | 8 new reasons to love bangkok

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

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This high-end glasses store introduces cult labels to Siam

EYEWEAR

Cobalt

Adding to Siam Discovery’s ever-growing number of cult, stylish labels, the brand new store from Cobalt is all about hip eyewear. Founded in 2014 by Trinupab Jiratritarn and Tanapat Leelaplin, the local eyewear distributor brings in alternative choices for Bangkok fashionistas, specializing in designs that are almost like wearable sculptures. Selected brands on display include Blake Kuwahara (from B25,000 for optical glasses and B28,000 for sunglasses), a Los Angeles-based luxury eyewear label known for its understated “frame within a frame” design. Everything gets handcrafted in Japan using color-saturated Italian and Japanese acetate. Next up is Tavat (from B14,000 for optical glasses and B17,000 for sunglasses), a California-born eyewear brand that blends classic American designs with the delicacy of Italian craftsmanship, while Japanese eyewear label Boston Club (from B9,000) specializes in redesigning popular frames from 1984 with a contemporary twist—think casual and classic metal frames with engraving, acetate insert frames and flip-up frames. The store also offers France’s Izipizi eyewear (from B1,500 for optical glasses and B1,900 for sunnies), which makes youthful frames for adults and kids. M/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 089-200-7753. Open daily 10am-10pm

NUMEROLOGY

How much do wardrobe basics cost at these leading fast fashion brands White T-shirt Uniqlo H&M Muji Zara Topman

B190 B199 B390 B350 B450

H&M

Jeans

Uniqlo H&M Muji Zara Topman

B1,490 B999 B1,390 B1,590 B1,950

Oxford Shirt Uniqlo H&M Muji Zara Topman

B790 B999 B990 B1,290 B1,390

Sweatshirt Uniqlo H&M Muji Zara Topman

B990 B999 B1,790 B1,390 B1,590

Socks Uniqlo B130 B149 H&M B390 Muji B290 Zara Topman B220

Hitlist Shopping BK744 Aug 10_18_3.indd 10

FASHION

CO-WORKING

HEADPHONES

02 This collection takes its

03 Make this your next

04 Headphones for true

cues from British royalty

co-work destination

sport aficionados

For its fall/winter 2018 collection, Disaya presents romantic and whimsical ready-to-wear pieces dominated by floral prints and feminine colors of blush pink and lavender purple. Inspired by the lifestyles of British upper-class countryside families, the colection turns to hunting and outdoor activities for its sportswear silhouettes and wild floral prints—flowing trench coats, silk blouses, bomber jackets, maxi dresses and lace shorts. Our favorite look has to be the velvet rose coat dress (B18,900) paired with the lace polo shirt (B8,950) and wide-leg wool pants (B8,500). 2/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd., 02160-5649. Open daily 10am-10pm

After welcoming Singapore-born co-working space The Great Room, Gaysorn Tower has unveiled another reason to ditch the conventional office—Gaysorn Urban Resort. Occupying 2,300 sq meters on the 19th and 20th floors, the co-working space offers a relaxed ambience like you’d expect to find at a fancy spa. You can choose from independent hot desks, lounge areas and meeting rooms, but the real highlight is “The Crystal Box” (B150,000/4 hours, B250,000 for full day), an all-glass conference room that feels like it floats in the air. 19-20/F, Gaysorn Tower, 127 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-253-3999. Open Mon-Fri 9am-10pm

What: Jabra Elite Active 65t Price: B6,990 Who’s it for: Active music listeners and fitness goers Why? You don’t have to fork out B10,000 to get these premium wireless headphones. Boasting topnotch tech and a smart, refined design, the Jabra Elite Active 65t comes with Bluetooth 5.0 that offers you seamless connectivity while listening to your favorite tunes or making calls during your run.

They’re completely wireless and also have IP56 rated water and dust protection. Available at iStudio, 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9315. Open daily 10am-10pm

Shop Talk How to spend your hardearned baht.

BUY IT WIZ KHALIFA X CPS CHAPS CHUNKY SNEAKERS Although chunky sneakers are not everyone’s cup of tea, we can totally see ourselves having fun matching our outfits with these.

(Available from Aug 17)

BUY IT OFF-WHITE INDUSTRIAL BELT Yes, Off-White is all the rage right now, but why would you want to strap a tape measure around your waist? We cannot fathom.

BARGAIN NYX ULTIMATE SHADOW PALETTE IN #03 WARM NEUTRALS If splurging B2,500 on Urban Decay’s Naked Heat Palette is not an option, this eyeshadow palette from Nyx (B895) is a dead ringer to the cult-favorite.

8/2/18 5:40 PM

ADVERTORIAL

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR MOMS USING HONESTBEE One of Bangkok’s best food delivery applications is helping you show moms some love throughout August Browse through honestbee’s extensive list of partner restaurants to order some of the best food products in Bangkok and receive one selected dish from participated restaurants for your mom!

This special promotion, inspired by Mother’s Day, is valid until August 31.

BK Magazine readers who use the honestbee app will receive an additional B50 discount for orders that exceed B250 when using the code “BEEBKP” during the promotional period.

HOW TO ORDER 1

2

3

Select Your Delivery Location

Select “Food” as your option

Choose your desired food and click “check out”

Download the app today and get eating!

Special offer valid through August.

hit list | calendar

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2018

Nightlife

BLAST POOL SERIES The daytime pool party features techno and house beats

by DJs Atma and Wintix. After-party at Glow nightclub.

Aug 11, 2-8pm. Doubletree

by Hilton Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 097-289-6983 B400 includes 1 drink.

05

Bangkok’s biggest and best book sale is back

HEXER X MAE HAPPYAIR Two stars of Bangkok’s underground club scene play ‘90s techno and electronic beats. Aug 16, 9pm-2am.

Safe Room, Silom Soi 8. Free before midnight (B100 after).

ABOVE THE BILLION MILLS Synthesizer beats and temps from Cut the Crab, Cloud Behind and Game of Sounds, as well as a DJ set from White Knight Ghosts. Aug 18, 7pm11.30pm. De Commune, Liberty Plaza, Thonglor. 061717-4365­ WM RECORDS PRESENTS: PANIC Based in Hong Kong but of French descent, the WM Records collective drop by Bangkok after parties in Seoul, Shanghai and Ho Chi Minh.

Aug 18, 10pm-3am. Safe Room, Silom Soi 8. B200.

SALE

The Big Bad Wolf Bangkok book fair is an amazing and unexplained phenomenon. Rolling into Impact Forum (Hall 9) every year for the past three years, this 11-day bookish bonanza not only proves that Bangkok loves to read, but does so on an epic scale. Count some three-million English-language titles amid this year’s offerings, all available with up to 80-percent discount —and it’s open 24 hours. If past years are anything to go by, the best finds go to the ones who make it there early. Good luck! Aug 10-20.

Concerts BK Pick BEAT AND BEYOND #4: COSMO’S MIDNIGHT The twin electro duo from Sydney have lit up nights in their home city with remixes of AlunaGeorge, Panama and Flume.

Aug 10, 8:30pm. Glowfish Sathorn, 2/F, Sathorn Thani 2 Bldg., North Sathorn Rd., 02109-9600. B700.

WHY DON’T WE— INVITATION TOUR America’s rising boyband promotes their Invitation EP, including R’n’B pop hybrid hits “Trust Fund Baby” a n d “ H o o ke d . ” Aug 11, 6pm. GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, 999/1 Rama 1 Rd. B1,800/2,500/3,500 on Ticketmelon.

CONCERT

06 Nine Inch Nails

happens this week Trent Reznor’s award-winning, long-running industrial rock project may have skipped Bangkok throughout their ‘90s heyday, but they’re making up for it on Aug 14 at Moonstar Studio (701 Lad Phrao Soi 80, 02-026-3068). As well as classic anthems like “The Day the World Went Away” and “Into the Void,” Reznor and co will be here to promote their 2018 EP Bad Witch, which has spent the past couple of months racking up superlative-heavy reviews from di-cut music snobs on Youtube. Tickets are B3,000.

DID YOU KNOW?

IT’S BEEN A BUMPER COUPLE OF WEEKS FOR BANGKOK GIG ANNOUNCEMENTS. HERE’S THE LATEST.

Calendar BK 744_Aug 10_18_New.indd 12

CONCERT

07 This is the gig Bangkok anime fans have been waiting for If you haven’t seen director Mikoto Shinkai’s 2016 anime sensation Your Name then you’re missing out. Not just because Shinkai renders scenes of teenage romance with a tenderness not seen since Yoshifumi Kondo’s work at Studio Ghibli, but because the soundtrack by Radwimps totally rocked! Catch them at BCC Hall (5/F, Central Plaza Lad Phrao) this Aug 18. Tickets are B2,500-3,500 on Thaiticketmajor.

KYGO He’s Norwegian, he plays tropical house, and his music videos feature lots of young, shiny-haired people making out in sepia-tinted fields. Hits like “Firestone” have also been the soundtrack to summer 2018 over in Europe.

Oct 22, Live Park Rama 9.

Tickets TBA.

CLEAN BANDIT Known for classical-infused pop hits like “Rather Be” and “Rockabye,” the British electro trio perform here for the first time. Aug 22, 8:30pm.

Impact Arena, Muang

WOLF ALICE The smooth-rocking Jeremy Corbinites take a break from making viral Youtube clips for Britain’s Leader of the Opposition to come here and rock the stage somewhere that, at the time of writing, still remains unconfirmed. Check back soon if we haven’t broken the news online by the time you read this.

12

Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4445. B1,900-2,600 on Thaiticketmajor.

Classical 14TH THAILAND INTERNATIONAL COMPOSITION FESTIVAL The Asian-Western contemporary music festival features orchestral works composed

by Robert Beaser and Dequin Wen. Korean American conductor Shinik Hahm leads the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra alongside bass clarinet soloist Rocco Parisi. Aug 11, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Rd., 02-262-3456. B400-1,500.

QUEEN SIRIKIT CONCERTO Siam Sinfoneitta in celebration of H.M. the Queen’s birthday, led by conductor Trisdee na Patalung. The playlist includes Somtow’s “Queen Sirikit Concerto,” Ravel’s “Bolero” and Brahms’ “Symphony No.3.”

Aug 14, 8pm. Thailand Cultural Center, 14 Thiam Ruam Mit Rd. B200-1,000.

LATIN AMERICAN NIGHT The Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra together with Colombian soprano Betty Garces take the audience to Latin America with the works by composers from Brazil, Panama, Argentina and more. Aug 17-18, 7pm (Aug 17) and 4pm (Aug 18). Prince Mahidol Hall, 999 Phuttamonthon 4 Rd., 02-2623456. B400-1,500.

AN EVENING OF GREAT PIANO QUARTET The 3 Musician Music Studio presents an Evening of Great Piano Quartet performing piano quartets from L.V Beethoven, Gustav Mahler and Antonin Dvorak . Aug 22, 7:30pm. Yamaha Music Hall, 4/F, Siam Motors Building, Rama 1 Rd., 089-794-6333.

B800 for adults/B300 for students on goo.gl/aWNtu8ps

Theater and Dance

GREG FLEET IN BANGKOK The Australian actor and comedian who’s starred on Netflix beside Jim Jeffries as well as on popular soap opera Neighbors performs in Bangkok. Aug 11, 8pm.

Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-207-8000.

B600-1,200.

KONRAK MIME FESTIVAL 2018 The international mime festival’s third edition features artists from all over the world

KHALID And perhaps the biggest news for Bangkok gig-goers lately: Khalid.

The flat-topped champion of high school life, tricked out muscle cars and real-time proximity tags will be here this October along with hits like “Location” and “Young Dumb & Broke.” Oct 10, GMM Live House, 4/1-4/2 Ratchadamri Rd. B1,800-3,000 (tickets go on sale Aug 18).

8/3/18 8:22 PM

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

and four different rounds.

Aug 18-19, 2pm-4pm. Thailand Cultural Center, Thiam Ruam Mit Rd. 092-907-1726.

B150-500

08

BK Pick HOLLOW—AN ORIGINAL WORK BY PEEL THE LIME LIGHT Telling the story of “comfort women” and the thousands forced into sexual slavery by the Japan Imperial Army during World War II. Through Aug 25, 8pm-10pm. Peel the Limelight Studio, Jasmine City Building, 097-293-4274.

B500-700

Photo Bangkok is still happening!

Here’s what not to miss

THE RETREAT, A DANCE PERFORMANCE BY THANAPOL VIRULHAKUL T h e d a n ce r, c h o re o g ra pher and central figure in Democrazy Theatre performs as part of BACC’s Performance Art Festival 2018. Through Aug 12, 7.30pm. BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 081-441-5718.

B450-750.

Art

HER BY CHALITA TANTIWITKOSOL The young artist reflects on

13

femininity, beautification and desire through lithography. Aug 23, 6.30-9pm.

ARDEL Gallery of Modern Art, Boromratchonnanee Rd. 02-422-2092. Free.

Sports

BANGKOK MIDNIGHT MARATHON 2018 The second edition of the nocturnal marathon offers full, half and mini distances, setting off from Sanam Chai Road and ending at the Giant Swing. Aug 28, Sanam Chai Rd., midnight-6am. B5002,400 on www.runlah.com and www.spacebib.com REMIND YOU “LETTER TO EACH OTHER” RUN Invite your mom to participate in this mini-marathon this Mother’s Day and parts of the proceeds will be donated to the Santisuk Foundation. There will be a costume competition, too. Aug 12, 6am onwards. Lumphini Park, 192 Wireless Rd., Khwaeng Lumphini, 085494-1212. B505 on www. run-rhythm.com

Film (Opening Aug 9)

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre together with 20 other galleries have inundated the city with photo exhibitions that stay up right through till Sep 9. If you haven’t seen them already, here’s what’s still out there: Neon Diary

NEON DIARY BY TACHPASIT KUNAPORN The International Center of Photography graduate’s latest series of photos looks at neon light and the deceptive tricks it plays on our eyes—with an underlying context of life and death. Through Sep 2. The Jam Factory, Charoen Nakhon Rd., 02-861-0950. Free.

Life with the FT-2

Neon Diary

PHOTOGRAPHY ART EXHIBITION BY DEREK BROWN The American photographer presents images on self-esteem development, lesbians, Thai tomboy culture and the conflicts between LGBTQ-friendly environments and conservative ideology. Aug 16-Sep 23, Wishbeer Garden, Charoen Nakorn Soi 13, 02-392- 1403. Free.

40 YEARS OF PANORAMA PHOTOGRAPHY: LIFE WITH THE FT-2 Russian photographer Jaroslav Poncar takes the viewer on his 40-year journey with a single camera, the Soviet-era FT-2. Through Aug 26. Serindia Gallery, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-238-6410. Free.

A LIFE IN SHADOW BY CONSTANTINE KORSOVITIS The Australian artist documents in 30 images how the ancient art of puppet theater endures in Southeast Asia. Aug 4-26. RCAC, Ratchadamnoen Klang Ave., 02-422-8827. Free.

BILIAD/ 12 DEGREES OF ARCHITECTURE & NATURE The American architectural photographer presents images of buildings and landscapes throughout Asia, the Middle East and America.

Through Sep 9. River City Bangkok, Yotha Rd., 02-237-0077. Free.

OTHERWISE INSIDE BY SAMAK KOSEM The photographer examines LGBT issues in Thailand’s Deep South where the queerness contradicts Muslim society. Through Aug 26, WTF Cafe & Gallery, Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02662-6246. Free.

BORDERLINE BY TI FOSTER The striking furniture showroom slash gallery’s latest exhibition features the work of British photographer Ti Foster and images taken from 1991-1998. Through Sep 8. PT-Gallery, Charoenkrung Soi 30, 02-266-4344. Free

UPCOMING

SAVE THESE DATES KOLOUR BEACHSIDE PARTY DJs Dan Buri, Boris Rubin, Atma, Coran and more take the regular Kolour party on the road to the Pattaya beachside. Aug 26, 3-11pm.

A-ONE the Royal Cruise Hotel, North Pattaya Beach Rd., Pattaya. B550-1,100.

Calendar BK 744_Aug 10_18_New.indd 13

BANGKOK UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL 2018 Returning as part of Bangkok Biennial, the festival promises the best in experimental and independent film from first timers through to industry vets. Sep 29-30, 7-11pm.

Gallery Ver, 10 Narathiwat Soi 22, 02-103-4067. Free.

DUA LIPA The all-singing, all-dancing British pop sensation behind chart-toppers “New Rules,” “IDGAF” and “One Kiss,” a club banger with Calvin Harris, enjoys one night in Bangkok.

Sep 17. GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-101-6881 B2,0003,000 on Thaiticketmajor.

CHARLIE PUTH Back to Bangkok after barely a year, the Youtube star turned pop crooner this time comes armed with hits from this new album Voicenotes to go with previous earworm singles “Marvin Gaye” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.”

Oct 29,Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455. B1,800-5,000 on Thaiticke tmajor.

MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (USA) Musical. Five years after the events of Mamma Mia! (2008), pregnant Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) learns about her mother Donna’s (Meryl Streep/Lily James) young life as a pregnant woman.

THE MEG (USA) Action/Horror/Sci-Fi . After escaping an unknown danger that forced him to abandon his team, expert sea diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) has to confront a giant creature believed to be extinct.

SEARCHING (USA) Drama/Thriller. After his 16-year-old daughter Margot (Michelle La) goes missing, David Kim (John Cho) uses the secrets kept on her laptop to trace her whereabouts.

Special Screenings

CONTEMPORARY WORLD FILM SERIES 11: IN THE SHADOW The Embassy of the Czech Republic presents director David Ondricek’s award-winning crime thriller about the infamous Communist “show-trials.” Aug 18, 4pm. TK Park, 8/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-257-4300. B20.

(Opening Aug 23)

A.X.L. (USA) Sci-Fi. A robotic dog developed by the military in order to protect the soldier of tomorrow develops a special friendship with Miles (Alex Neustaedter).

CRAZY RICH ASIANS (USA) Comedy. Based on the international bestseller, New Yorker economics professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) battles Singaporean social conventions when she visits her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) and his ultra-wealthy family in Singapore.

GREASE (1978) The 1970s’ much-loved musical starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John is once more taken to the big screen. Aug 19, noon. Scala Cinema, Siam Square, Rama 1 Rd. B100.

HIVE SCREENING: PROSPERITY The co-working space presents director Mark van Wijk’s remarkable documentary about the environment and sustainability. Dr. Pedram Shojai travels across the US to discover a more sustainable way of living and doing business. Register on Eventbrite for free popcorn.

Aug 21, 6:30pm. The Hive Prakanong, 5/F, Chavanich Bldg., 38 Sukhumvit Soi 69, 02-381-5414. Free.

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travel | news

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

14

PHUKET

02 Sino-Portuguese glamour in Phuket’s Old Town

01

This might be the River Kwai’s ultimate luxury getaway

02

In the heart of the Old Town, Xinlor House (www.fb.com/XinlorHouse) has taken up residence in an unassuming townhouse—easily identified by its bright facade, tall windows and zebra crossing entranceway. The reception area comes with an Insta-worthy combination of whitewashed brick walls covered in framed old photographs and a tarnished wooden counter. Head on upstairs past rows of vibrant green potted plants and you’ll find three guest rooms costing B1,500-B3,000.

The larger Suite Room (B3,000) comes with a bathtub, guest room and balcony.

04

KANCHANABURI

The eternal question: stay in your luxury suite or go out and enjoy the new surroundings?

The new XFloat Luxe Cabins at Kanchanaburi’s X2 River Kwai Resort (x2resorts.com/resorts/ river-kwai) let you do both. Perched on the river’s surface, each comes with its own kayak so you can head out on an adventure down the Kwai Noi River whenever you please (usually B300 per hour). There are eight new rooms in total, all of which also provide a waterside lounging area and a rooftop bean-bag space for sunbathing and stargazing. With a door that opens straight onto the water, kids aged under 15 are not allowed. Stay tuned for their spa room, too—due to be finished by the end of 2018. And the price? B7,200 including breakfast with free-flow bubbly starting from 7am.

Hitlist Travel BK744 Aug 10_18_New.indd 14

HONG KONG

CAMBODIA

03 Put this stunning rooftop perch on your Hong Kong check-list

04 This might be Phnom

Popinjays is one of the most anticipated new restaurants to open this year in Hong Kong.

This fancy-schmancy new rooftop bar-slashrestaurant sits perched on the 25th story of ritzy new hotel The Murray (www.niccolohotels.com). And If you’ve been to Hong Kong, you know how glamorous it looks at night—the colorful lights reflect off the water in Victoria Harbour. French native chef Didier Quennouelle’s modern-European menu changes weekly, but what always remains is a stunning list of vintage Champagnes and wines. The restaurant sits within a glass pavilion dominated by soothing grays, pale granite stone floors and marble table tops.

Rosewood is expanding its luxurious territory to Phnom Penh, taking over the top 14 floors of the dragon-like Vattanac Capital Tower—Cambodia’s tallest building at 188 meters high. Rosewood Phnom Penh’s (www. rosewoodhotels.com/en/phnom-penh) 175 rooms each come with spectacular views of the city, from the Mekong River to the Tonle Sap, and urban-contemporary interiors that reflect French and Khmer architecture. Neutral colors, dimmed lighting and brown flooring all contribute to the warm ambiance, with rates starting at B6,945/night for a 50-sq-meter Executive King room. Be sure to check out their romantic 37th-floor rooftop bar.

Penh’s most luxurious hotel yet

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the list | avenue

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST MARCH 10, 16, 2018

15

Suwincha Singsuwan from Rabbit Hole

Special Thai cocktails and local ingredients the focus of ‘‘Mekhong Elite Table‛‛ event at 3 top Thai restaurants this month

Kitiphum Karnmitrejit

Who says Thai spirits can’t make superb cocktails? Returning for another year, the Mekhong Elite Table 2018 gathered three of Bangkok's top restaurants and two bartenders to pool their creative skills and design innovative rum-based cocktails and special food to match. The event is all about unearthing the potential of Thai spirits, taking the flavors of Thai cuisine and focusing them on the world of cocktails. The campaign, which lasts until the end of September, aims to promote this idea to both local and to international drinkers. It recently kicked off with a press event where guests tried three pairings of Thai cocktails and dishes from top Thai restaurants.

Here’s the details:

Mekhong Elite Table 2018 Chim by Siam Wisdom 66 Soi Sukhumvit 31 Yaek 4, 02-260-7811. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-9:30pm

Blue Elephant

Chim by Siam Wisdom

Blue Elephant

Sri Trat

The dish: A refreshing prawn ceviche accented by subtle sourness courtesy of Thai citron-fermented prawns and a nice spicy kick from Thai herbs.

The dish: Benjarong Duck. A roasted duck breast served with a side of fried sticky rice and a special sauce made from atap fruit vinegar.

The drink: Kitiphum Karnmitrejit (the first dedicated mixologist for Mekhong) rolls out his creation, “Mekhong Thai Sabai”. The simple drink complements its spiced rum by adding a squeeze of rumpai lime from Nakhon Pathom and Thai basil oil.

The drink: Created by Rabbit Hole’s head bartender, Suwincha Singsuwan, “Mekhong Mahah" is a delicious combination of sweet sous-vide bananas infused with Mekhong rum, sour rambeh fruit-infused tea and aromatic white champaka.

The dish: Fluffy Jasmine rice mixed with curry paste (made using coconut milk, shrimp oil, lemongrass and ginger), served with grilled tiger shrimp and crispy lotus stems.

Brought to you by Mekhong

The drink: To take the heat down a notch, Suwincha created another cocktail—“My Father is a Great Farmer”—using farmto-table ingredients like clarified tomato juice, bananas and strawberry-infused tea.

233 Sathorn Rd., 02-6739353. Open daily 11:30am2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm

Sri Trat 90 Sukhumvit Soi 33, 02-088-0968. Open WedSun noon-11pm; Mon noon11pm; Fri-Sat noon-1am

For more information: www.mekhong.com mekhongthailand

Le Cabanon: This upscale French restaurant, set in a charming old house, specializes in great tasting Basque-style French cuisine that is scrupulously created by head chef Martine Pailloux, who boasts over 40 years' cooking experience.

The Menu: Starts off with a delicious fresh seafood platter followed by by Raviolis 2 Foie Gras & Truffles in Cep Mushrooms Broth. Then, it’s one to the mains, succulent lobster fettuccini or Kobe wagyu tenderloin. For dessert, try the Raspberries & Floating Island, one of France’s most popular sweet treats.

Le Cabanon’s Ogeu set menu is priced at B2,500.

Loulou Forks & Glasses: This laid-back French restaurant serves up flavors with an exciting Mediterranean touch.Drop by for an easygoing after-work vibe in the glasshouse-like, artwork-dotted interior, or lounge back on a white sofa under patio umbrellas on the terrace.

Loulou maintains simple yet promising menus lovingly designed by head chef Xavier Fauvel.

The 6 best French restaurants in town create special posh set-menus

The Menu: Casual and refined, with highlights such as Polynesian seabass tartar, Hokkaido scallops on toast and New Zealand beef tenderloin with a sauce made from red fruits and red onions. Loulou Forks & Glasses’ Ogeu set menu costs B1,600.

Available from

August 15th to 31st

Savelberg: Mr. Henk Savelberg is the head chef and owner of this one-Michelin-starred restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere luxurious high ceilings. Here, he champions the sort of bright, delicate flavors that have fallen out of favor with today’s umami-obsessed diners.

The Menu: Opens with “Langoustines”, featuring organic heirloom tomatoes, Lomo Iberico and Blanc Gazpacho. The mains include baconwrapped quail stuffed with foie gras. For dessert, the ginger mousse and Thai-style herbal ice cream are irresistible. Savelberg’s Ogeu set menu is priced at B2,600.

ADVERTORIAL

Artur Restaurant: This steakhouse offers the same kind of tableside carving, highend beef and hearty sides as high-end hotels, but with a personal touch many lack. The meat, too, is incredible, thanks to owner Artur Kluczewski's unerring eye in selecting only the best produce.

The Menu: Artur starts with a nice amuse-bouche—a marinated atlantic coast sardine served—followed by grilled Atlantic seabass basque vegetable piperade or lamb chops coated with a chorizo crust. The set menu wraps up with either Cheese of the Moment from the Pyrenees Region or Poached Prunes in Tea & Armagnac Vanilla Ice Cream. Artur Restaurant’s Ogeu set menu is priced at B1,650.

While Bangkok boasts many esteemed French restaurants, from Michelin star superpowers to casual, rustic bistros, we wonder: what is the best French restaurant in town?

We approached some of the city’s best chefs to find out where they love to eat. Regarding their answer, we asked these places to produce special set menus over the coming weeks. They all have different styles but share one thing in common: great food.

“Ogeu,

recommended by Gerard Basset, the most awarded sommelier in the world” Since its inception in 1820, Ogeu has grown in popularity as one of the world’s best premium bottled natural mineral water brands. It sources from a clean, pure, well-preserved area in Pyrenees. Ogeu is truly the gourmet accompaniment to every gourmet table and is also a perfect combination with any dish.

Oskar Bistro: The restaurant certainly packs a lot of things under one roof: a hearty menu, a long list of drinks and a DJ. The decor is fuss-free, and so is the French comfort food, even though the chef, Julien Lavigne, is classically trained and worked with the Michelin-starred Pourcel brothers.

The Menu: Rich and approachable, featuring dishes like sustainable red tuna confit, Hokkaido scallops & tuna tartare, and homemade tagliatelle with free-range chicken breast, forest mushrooms & truffle sauce. The meal’s sweet treat comes in the form of a dry plum egg custard tart with vanilla ice Cream. Oskar Bistro’s Ogeu set menu costs B1,450.

The Reflexions: The Reflexions presents a new way of tasting modern French cuisine. Michelin-experienced Chef Roxanne Lange creates dishes focusing on awesome produce, flavors and textures. With its high-flying collage of monochrome ‘joie-de-vivre’ prints, blue back-lit cocktail bar, culinary theatre kitchen, the restaurant is at once edgy and elegant.

The Menu: A delicious journey through quality imported produce, like David Herve oysters, Hokkaido scallops, Dover sole and high-quality lamb. For dessert, there’s a special Oreo and yogurt dish followed with coffee and artisanal fine tea. The Reflexions’ Ogeu set menu costs B3,500.

travel | grand openings

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

18

Resort Collection

The best new openings around Thailand.

By Kankanok Wichiantanon Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa

Holiday Inn Vana Nava

Z9

Chonburi

Petchaburi

Costa Well Resort (www.costawellresortpattaya.com) brings Santorini style to the quiet fishing town of Bangsaray. A white and blue color scheme runs throughout, and the expansive views make for a peaceful, airy vibe. Tucked out of sight of town, the resort is in a perfect location for Cartoon Network Water Park and the Nong Nooch Botanical Garden. The Deluxe Jacuzzi Room starts at B4,048/night while the Two-Bedroom Suite Jacuzzi goes for B12,969.

Shrouded in the lush green countryside of Petchaburi are the eight cabins of Riverbed Cabin Resort (riverbedcabins.com), built with Russian teakwood with a Scandinavian minimalism to them. Wake up to yoga on the riverbank or join the outdoor body combat class. Rates from B3,600.

Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa (bit.ly/2n2HVFH) takes over prime beachfront land on Na Jomtien. Inspired by the local fishing village, the resort integrates wood and metal, emphasizing earthy tones with hints of cobalt blue. Room rates start at B4,500 for the deluxe room with mountain views.

Kanchanaburi Z9 Resort (www.fb.com/Z9Resort, 063-2394459), near the Srinakarin dam, sets a new high-water mark in floating luxury. The design

by Dersyn Studio manages to be both classical and futuristic, each room stepping out onto a private terrace with unobstructed views of the reservoir. Lounge on beanbags on the communal floating deck or retreat to shore and the resort’s restaurant and bar. On weekdays, the 50-sq-meter spaces go for B6,600; weekends are B8,600 (breakfast and kayaking included).

If the new Away Kanchanaburi looks familiar, that's because it takes over from former hi-so Bangkokian-fave, the Dheva Mantra. In rebranding the sprawling, new-colonial resort, they've kept much of the old charm alive, but with heaps of modern tech added. Rooms here start from just B1,901/night.

Check out these stunning new resorts around the region

Hua Hin What’s better than a water park? A water park on your doorstep. Holiday Inn has entered the playcation game with their new branch inside Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Park (032-809-999, goo.gl/9camQz). Wake up with a ride on Abyss (Thailand’s largest water slide) or float down Lazy River with this hotel’s unlimited access to the water park.

Prices are B2,690/night.

At the new Yana Villas (theyanavillas.com), the massive infinity pool goes right up to the beach and overlooks Khao Takiab mountain, while even the most basic accommodation has a cool blend of beachy woods and sexy in-room bathtubs. The price on their site right now is B5,400/night in a 120-sq-meter suite.

About an hour’s drive south of Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan's Pulakorn (www.pulakornbeachresort.com) is a new private beach resort that’s nestled amid the limestone mountains of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.

Priced from B3,400/night, the minimalist, brownscale rooms offer either sea views or direct pool access.

We don’t blame you for wanting to stay at Hua Hin’s Seenspace mall all night. And with their new boutique hotel, Chocolate Box (www. enjoychocolatebox.com), you can. Inspired by

Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa What’s even more exclusive than a private-island resort? A private-island resort in Japan! This one has 344 ultra-luxe rooms and suites facing a vast view of the East China sea. naha.regency.hyatt.com/ en/hotel

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Hyatt Regency Bali Hidden amid dense tropical forest in Sanur, the hotel offers 363 rooms set facing the Indian Ocean.

Balinese style means heavy woodwork and rustic-yet-contemporary touches. Opens in the fourth quarter of 2018. www.hyatt.com/en-US/ hotel/indonesia/hyatt-regency-bali/dpsbl

that old Forrest Gump maxim, the hotel's 23 rooms come in three flavors: White Chocolate (for two, B5,700), Milk Chocolate (for four, B7,800) and Dark Chocolate (for six, B9,900) in a hierarchy that proves what we’ve always known: dark chocolate reigns supreme.

Samut Songkhram The Buffalo Amphawa’s (www.thebuffaloamphawa.com) rooms are rustic-chic perfection, a combination of polished cement, dark teak and light cedar wood touched up with bamboo and local crafts. At just 36 rooms/ villas (starting from B3,300/night), it’s on the more exclusive side of things, too. Explaining that name, the hotel comes with its own mini buffalo farm on-site.

Phuket Breathing new life into the former Dewa Phuket Resort, Cachet Resort Dewa Phuket (www. cachetphuketdewa.com) is the first Thailand opening from this youthful, affordable group. On Nai Yang Beach, backed by Sirinat National Park, Cachet is a sleek looking place dominated by black marble, polished concrete floors and deep mahogany. Rates start at B3,200/night.

German full-board hospitality brand Robinson Club has just opened its first Thailand location on a serene 13km stretch of beach near Khao Lak. Robinson Club Khao Lak (goo.gl/ MuYtW6) takes over the former space of Pullman Khao Lak with a 320-room, nine-swimming-pool resort covering 280,000 sq meters— the group’s biggest to date. Packages start from B8,000/night.

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur is huge.The 65-story building has 209 rooms/suits, 242 private residences and 27 apartments.The six restaurants range from Cantonese to Middle Eastern. www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur

Six Senses Bhutan This year, there’ll be five new Six Senses resorts opening around the country (in Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro).They’ll compose a “Six Senses Journey” that stretches across the kingdom. www.sixsenses.com

Krabi Within stumbling distance of Ao Nang Beach's tourist strip, Glow’s (www.glowhotels.com/ao-nang) 130 room starts at about B2,163/night for a jungle-facing room decked out in neutral shades. On-site you have access to not one, but two gyms, a cafe and a bar-slash-restaurant.

Panan Krabi (www.panankrabiresort.com) adds cabana-inspired design touches like leafy wallpaper, airy open spaces and local handicraft motifs to crisp and clean industrial furnishings.

At 199 rooms and suites, and with a big pool running down the center, this is no beach shack, though. Expect to shell out about B3,324/night for a room. Although the resort’s not beachfront, Ao Nang’s turquoise waters, pot-bellied tourists and colorful drinking holes are mere minutes’ walk away.

Korat The vibe at Vino Neste (www.vinoneste.com) is man meets nature, bare concrete and big stretches of glass juxtaposed with bamboo roofs, wicker furniture and walls adorned with logs. Every villa comes with its own pool hidden behind a low wall of greens and bamboo. The regular, nest-like villas are B5,625 per night.

Petchabun Because of De Capoc Resort‘s (www.fb.com/ decapocresort) small size, the rooms all face outward onto an unobstructed landscape. In the main, two-story building are the deluxe oneand two-bedroom suites (from B2,500/night).

Nestled in the hillside below are five hillside villas (B4,500/night), each of which has the added comfort of a mesh balcony mere steps from the bed.

Alila Villas Koh Russey, Bamboo Island Alila Villas Koh Russey is an extra luxe all-villas/ pavilions establishment on a pristine island off the coast of Cambodia.

The geometrical design features Khmer influences for added local charm.

Due to open in September. www.alilahotels.com

Shinta Mani Wild Nature Sanctuary King of Southeast Asian resort chic Bill Bensley has secured a patch of land hidden deep in the Cambodian jungle to build 15 ultra-luxury tents meandering along a twomile stretch of river. Set to open in November. www. shintamani.com/wild

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food & drink | news

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HOT OFF THE PASS

Notes from the Bangkok food scene

01

BK Restaurant Week is your chance to eat at Bangkok’s best restaurants for cheap

SLICE OF LIFE The Turkish kebab heaven at House on Sathorn has been extended: all the fat-dripping lamb kebab you can eat for B1,199, with plenty of pillow-soft lava bread to mop it up with. Saturdays only.

MEAL DEALS

BIGGER, BETTER

If you’ve experienced Restaurant Weeks in other cities, then you know the drill: amazing threecourse menus at the biggest names in town for rock-bottom prices. This Sep 14-29, BK Magazine (as in, us) is bringing the concept to Bangkok.

We’ve got on board over 50 of the city’s absolute best culinary names—L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Bunker, Sensi and La Bottega di Luca, to name just a snapshot—who will offer menus of at least three courses for B1,000 plus tax and service throughout the 16-day period. That’s a pretty awesome deal! You can read the full list of restaurants online at www.bkrestaurantweek.com, and start making your reservations starting Aug 20 (special pre-booking for Citi credit cards opens Aug 11 and even gets you more dining perks).

Bad news: 80/20’s closing. Good news: it’s only for a few months. Expect Charoenkrung’s hip hub of local produce to reopen

by November with a bigger kitchen and more big ideas.

Bunker

HEART AND SOUL Another Charoenkrung institution set for bigger things is live music bar Soulbar, which is moving to new digs three times the size, beside sister venue FooJohn. Pencil in a mid-September opening.

CULT COFFEE

CHANGING TIMES

NORHTERN SOUL

02 A tiny, cult Tokyo coffee shop has come to Bangkok

03 This old Italian favorite has reinvented its menu

04 Put this Laotian bar on your Thonglor agenda

Omotesando Koffee, the tiny Tokyo cafe tucked in a traditional Japanese house that found an international cult following, has opened in Siam Paragon.

After starting life in 2011 in a residential backstreet of Tokyo’s upscale Omotesando shopping district, the cafe’s business model set it apart from the dime-adozen coffee chains: from a 3x3-meter cubic coffee bar a single barista would serve a single customer in a painstaking style indebted to the Japanese tea ceremony. Four years later the cafe was forced to close. Here in Bangkok, Omotesando founder Eiichi Kunitomo maintains a stake in things. Try their handdrip coffee for B205. Siam Paragon, 089-966-9995

Head chef Andrea Ortu’s new a la carte menu at La Bottega di Luca brims with serious D.O.P. produce scoured from the lengths of Italy—a rich Sicilian pistachio paste to cut through a plate of Brittany lobster and clam gnocchi (B690), a Pecorino cheese foam atop unctuous lamb fragola (B490). It’s all part of a major food overhaul at the Thonglor Italian faithful in celebration of 10 years in business. Don’t worry if you’re an old fan though—some things are too sacred to change, among them Luca’s black truffle cheese risotto (B590), his buffalo mozzarella caprese salad (B590) and those juicy, prime grilled meats.

2/F, Terrace 49, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-204-1731

Laotian spices waft around the noir-industrial dining room of Sanya Souvanna Phouma (Bed Supperclub, Sing Sing and Cactus) and business partner Saya Na Champassak’s latest venture. Sitting above breezy brunch cafe Luka Moto, Funky Lam provides a party vibe to go with food that’s not afraid of real-deal, bold flavors—pla ra [fermented fish] included. The refreshing feu kra dook seen (B450) soup offers roasted bone marrow and broth with sliced raw wagyu beef, pho herbs and loads of onions. Larb ped (B350) is a zingy, herbal minced duck salad.

It all begs for a sharp, punchy cocktail like the Lazy Sour (Thonglor Soi 11, 02-050-0469).

YOU SAID WHAT?

The news in online foodie Facebook posts

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“Wow had all of them... not one is acceptable :( ” RICHARD L. MEYER ON BANGKOK’S NEW WAVE OF LOCALLY MADE PEANUT BUTTERS.

SUMMER’S HERE We defy you to eat the lamb in parsley crust from L’Atelier’s new summer menu without omitting an involuntary “man that’s good!” Or the Hokkaido scallop with cauliflower “risotto.” Or the white asparagus and Iberico ham. The fourcourse tasting menu costs B2,950.

“More flip-flop journalism from BK Magazine. Last week they called Mrs Wu’s Hot when before they called Chinese bars Not Hot. What’s up with that??”

“Sorry, it was always just a pop up. But we’ll have our new website to order directly from us starting in a few days time, so please order there until the next location is ready.”

GAV PATEL ON NEWSCHOOL CHINESE HOT-POT SPECIALIST MRS WU’S

SAUSAGE-MASTER JOE SLOANE ON THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SLOANE’S THONGLOR

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dining reviews

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Plaagut

Plaagut HHH

Southern Thai. 55 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-077-6144.

Open daily 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm. BTS Chong Nonsi BB-BBB corkage B200. F

If what you want is southern Thai cuisine without the ferocious heat profile, then Sathorn Soi 10’s Plaagut might be for you.

Tucked amid a tasteful complex that also includes a coffee shop (The Running Dog Cafe), this converted residence—all blond wood, white walls and glass—serves triedand-tested southern classics in an inoffensive if a bit bland setting. Adding to the restaurant’s bourgeois credentials are a few off-street parking spaces, a lawn for your dog to run about, and a decent lemon meringue pie (from the neighboring coffee shop). But the real focus is on tried-andtested southern classics, most of which are executed without great fireworks. There’s a khua kling (B190) that foregoes the fiery combination of minced pork and super-dry curry paste in favor of sliced protein moistly flash fried in a gentle but fragrant paste— lacking in earthy substance but amply

Tibet Kitchen HHH

Tibetan/South Asian. 116/7 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 095-519-0532. Open Tue-Sun 10am-11pm B-BB corkage B200

With the arrival of Tibet Kitchen in Aug 2016, Bangkokians with adventurous palates were spared the need to trek 4,000 meters above sea level for a taste of delicacies like momo (steamed or fried dumplings) and thukpa (noodle soup). Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, this restaurant’s red and gold dining room is on display for all to see. The menu here is a mix of Tibetan staples and those from neighbors Nepal, China and India. The one thing that’ll keep you coming back are the momo, not only because they’re delicious but also due to the sheer variety. Have yours steamed, panfried or deep-fried, filled with chicken, pork, mutton, mixed veg or spinach and cheese, doused in chili sauce and swimming in jhol (a thick and spicy curry-like sauce of pureed tomatoes, onion and cilantro leaves).

These round palm-sized dough wrappers could well be your new favorite dumpling.

As they’re traditionally a finger food, the shell is firmer and chewier than most other kinds. Fans of xiao long bao might expect their momo to burst open with juices, but instead you get mouthfuls of rich, seasoned

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portioned and tasty. The goong pad sator (prawns and Thai stink beans, B350) has a tangy undercurrent of shrimp paste, but why not some more stink beans in there?

Instead, what should be the focal ingredient competes against chunks of onion and flavorless chili peppers. More successful is Plaagut’s yellow crabmeat curry with kanomjeen (fermented rice noodles, B350).

Thick, creamy, well-portioned and not lacking in meat, it comfortably justifies the price and betters most of the ones we’ve been served in recent years. The fluffy crabmeat omelet (B250) doesn’t skimp on the protein, though we could do without the burned edges of our last visit. There’s no pretending that the food here matches up to Bangkok’s biggest southern cuisine stars (we’re talking Khua Kling Pak Sod, Baan Ice, Prai Raya, Klang Suan) but they’re all awfully far from this part of town. To that end, we—confirmed Sathorn-dwellers that we are—can well imagine ourselves back in the Plaagut dining room, bottle of prosecco (B1,590 Black 90%) cooling beside the table.

meat. The other thing that makes the momo so addictive is the variety of dipping sauces. Our deep-fried mutton momo (B200/6 pieces) came with a thick chili chutney so pungent and powerful we had to battle ourselves to use it only sparingly; the steamed chicken momo (B150/6 pieces) with a yellow tomato and onion sauce that tingled with Szechuan pepper. As a side you’ll want to order the honey chili potatoes (B150)— sweet and spicy fries with onion topped with sesame which are intensely moreish.

Cutting a similar flavor profile, the honey-chili chicken (B180) features crispy yet tender morsels of meat in a sticky-sweet sauce for an end result that’ll stand in for any General Tso’s cravings you might have.

After this flavor onslaught, you’ll welcome the relatively bland stir-fry of bok choy with black mushroom (B160), with its comforting garlicky notes. If your head’s still spinning, be sure to order a salted or sweet lassi (B80) or hot Tibetan tea (B60). With a menu worth exploring (including a ton of vegetarian offerings), we’re happy to excuse Tibet Kitchen’s eccentricities (standoffish service, America’s Got Talent blaring from a corner TV). Despite a dining room only sparsely populated on our last visit, the constant Foodpanda wheelings and dealings suggested the momo here already have a deserved cult following.

Ratings P Forget it PP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed PPPPP Flawless

B BB BBB BBBB

Price guide Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up

BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.

Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.

Symbols

Reservations recommended

Parking

Dress requirements Live music

H F E G

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food & drink | open doors

Lhong Tou Cafe is making dim sum hip again The buzz: The team behind Sukhumvit steakhouse Meat Bar 31 has headed to Chinatown for a new tea and coffee shop serving Chinese treats at genuinely local prices.

cooked congee and various side dishes like boiled peanuts, Gun Chiang (Chinese sausage), dried shredded pork and sweet radish.

Also try their mala fried chicken (B79)—rich and numbing.

The decor: Nestled right in the thick of Yaowarat, the cafe amplifies the street’s neon signage with its own Chinese lettering that screams in electric red and green at passersby. Traditional ornaments such as peacocks, bird’s nests and swallows are kitsch but in-keeping. Despite the shop-house’s limited space, it packs plenty of tables into a climbing frame-like arrangement whereby diners sit above one another in what’s quickly becoming an Instagram favorite.

The drinks: Here they forego specialty coffee for strong, everyday stuff. Go for the Dirty (B85) with its contrasting layers of fresh milk and warm espresso. If you are not a coffee person, their signature Thai milk tea (B75) topped with kanom toob tub (traditional peanut sesame snack) or a pot of rose tea (B180) make great choices. They also have imported craft beers and cocktails like the fruity Chinese Lychee Wine (B240).

The food: Adapted from signature Yaowarat staples, the fare here focuses on Chineseinfluenced snacks that are perfectly matched with coffee or tea: crispy yet creamy egg lava buns (B29) and savory Lhong Tou shumai (B69), small boiled dumplings stuffed with pork and Chinese chive. For something heavier, the Chinese breakfast set (B129) comprises home-

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Why we’d come back: Located right at the bottom of a street filled with unmissable eats, this chic-yet-affordable coffee shop is the perfect pit-stop to end a Yaowarat taste trek.

Pathitta Kongkakate

538 Yaowarat Rd, 085-824-6934.

Open Tue-Sun 9am-9pm

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Russeluno Cafe

NEW AND NOTED

01 This Japanese streetwear brand knows how to party

02 Chatuchak cafe changes its decor every month

03 The world’s first kombucha school opens in Bangkok

Japanese golf brand turned streetwear label Russeluno has arrived in Bangkok. Russeluno Cafe (101/1 Sukhumvit Soi 63 [Ekkamai], 02170-7987) devotes its second floor to a racks of brightly colored, printheavy T-shirts and outerwear (with prices hovering around B2,0003,000). Even livelier is the groundfloor which screams “street culture” through neon signage, wall murals, vinyl-only DJs and the occasional concert (Rasmee played in July).

Drop by from 5pm for daily happy-hour deals on beer and fruity cocktails. Be sure to try the on-point jerk chicken or pork (B200), fresh from a barrel barbecue out front.

Patcharameth “X” Napasinchaibun of Ekkamai’s vintage emporium Hall of Fame (temporarily closed) has opened Pompano Roasted Cafe (The Camp Vintage Flea Market, 482 Kamphaeng Phet Soi 1, 086-5071755), where he plans to switch up the interior every month with pieces he’s collected from around the world. Find a picturesque corner and order the Dark Orangy (B120), which mixes the HOF coffee blend with orange juice, or the Black Cocoa Mint (B120)—layers of rich, dark cocoa and refreshing mint. To go with, try a sweet potato brownie (B50) or red bean cheese tart (B50).

Pure Luck, the New York-Bangkok purveyor of kombucha, now devotes a cozy Rama 9 house to spreading the good word about the healthy fermented tea. Kombucha School by Pure Luck (11 Rama 9 Soi 43 Soi 3, 085-394-5544) claims to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world.

The classes here span Kombucha 101 (two hours, B3,800) for all the basics; Kombucha 202 (two hours, B2,000), which is all about adding herbs, fruits and other ingredients to the mix; and Wild Ferments 101 (two hours, B4,000), a step-by-step guide to making jun tea, kombucha’s sparkling, gut-healing sister tonic.

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TABLE TALK

TacoChela by Mikkeller 68/1 AreeSamphan soi 1, 02-101-4962. Open daily 5-11pm. BTS Ari TacoChela offers authentic Mexican food and renowned Mikkeller craft beers with 20 taps and over a hundred selections of bottles and spirits. This colorful eatery has a playful feel with its flashy-colored chairs, wood tables, and brick walls with Mexican-style graphic art. The menu also screams Mexican, with comfort dishes like chunky guacamole served with tortilla chips, Queso Fundido with mushrooms, and the signature chorizo tacos with minced pork and chorizo wrapped in soft shells. Drink options include a selection of craft beers and traditional drinks like Horchata (rice milk, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar).

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 15% discount Today – 31 Mar 19

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food & drink | taste test

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Glowfish

Nabah Grill & Sky Lounge

NEW AND NOTED TABLE TALK

Crab and Claw 7/F Emquartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 096-197-5769.

Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong This one’s all about fresh New England-style seafood.

CRAB AND CLAW is offering one of the best seafood deals in town right now. Enjoy all-you-can-eat lobsters, oysters, crabs, octopus, manila clams and more than 100 other items (B2,500/person [excluding oysters], B3,000/ person [all items], B500/person for free flow drinks).

Prices above don’t include tax and service charge.

Exclusively for Citi credit card members Get 50% discount for Trio Mini Rolls menu when spending THB 2,000 or more /sales slip (limit 1 dish /card /table /sales slip) Today – 31 Dec 18

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04 You won’t go hungry at this co-working space

05 Sukhumvit welcomes a sky-high Indian restaurant

06 New Zealand-style

Sathorn’s super-slick Glowfish (2/F, Sathorn Thani 2 Bldg., 57 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-109-9600) has unveiled a canteen that’ll be the envy of many digital nomads. This industrial-chic space open to both paid-up co-workers and outsiders offers classic Vietnamese food made from organic produce at Viet Concept and comforting rice bowls from Easy Buddy like the “Richman’s Fried Rice” with juicy chunks of rib eye (B350). Also expect Chinese-style stews at Hip Bowl and creamy khao soy and other northern Thai delicacies at North Sathorn. For more western tastes, Kuppadeli is on hand with coffee and sandwiches.

Ditch the street eats and head up to the 16th-floor for Nabah Grill & Sky Lounge (Solitaire Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-081-3815). New from the owner of the Bawarchi Indian chain, this elegant Mughal-style dining hall also carries a touch of North Africa in the form of billowing fabric ceilings and lamps and rugs strewn throughout. The menu, too, spans Indian and Mediterranean influences, but the former provides most of the highlights, whether a comforting rogan josh (tender lamb stew, B475) or saag paneer (cubed cheese in smooth spinach sauce, B320) that’s asking to be dipped into with some garlic naan bread (B140). Fruity cocktails come in at B280.

Former Suk 11 institution Snapper has followed up its fresh digs on Sukhumvit Soi 8 with a second branch in Sathorn (142/22-23 Sathorn Soi 12), where it joins its sister restaurant, the similarly New Zealand-obsessed Kai. The fish in your fish and chips starts at B280 for the southern hake, but lay out B410 and you’ll be chowing down on delicate and moist lemon sole prepared in a light batter. Salads, burgers and other seafood (deep-fried calamari, B260) offer variety. Be sure to round off your meal with the pavlova (B210), a traditional New Zealand dessert of crispy meringue, whipped cream and passion fruit.

fish and chips hit Sathorn

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food & drink | taste test

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

Who makes Bangkok’s best... soft-bake cookies?

Was the Ben’s Cookies hype really worth it? Did we already have better softbake cookies—buttery, crumbly, fudgy and preferably filled with chocolate chunks—lurking out there in Bangkok we just weren’t showing the love? We found out in a blind taste test. By BK Staff.

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Ben’s Cookies

BK Pick!

Textural perfection: achieved. Moist and chewy, soft and buttery—you couldn’t have ask for a better texture. If only we could swap the sugary chunks of chocolate with those in Eric Kaiser’s cookies, we reckon soft-bake cookie nirvana would be achieved.

Verdict: Worth the hype.

G/F, Siam Paragon, 991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-8000. www.fb.com/ BensCookiesSiamParagon

Eric Kayser

Runner Up!

Yuck!

Chu

Super soft and moist to the touch, but when you bite into it, the cookie is actually quite dry and not as buttery as you’d imagine. The biscuit part is already quite sweet and, when paired with sugary chocolate chips, becomes way too much.

Verdict: Beauty without substance.

2/F, Exchange Tower, 388 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-663-4554. www. fb.com/CHU.BKK

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This cookie puffs out a strong aroma of chocolate and butter.

The bitter punch of dark chocolate comes through first, followed with the subtle sweetness of the cookie. But despite the beautifully golden crust—all caramelized butter and sugar—the cookie is not at all chewy but rather crunchy and crumbly—thou gh we’re not complaining when the whole thing tastes this good.

Verdict: Nothing soft about it.

103 Thonglor Between Soi 3-5, 02-712-9070. www.fb.com/MaisonEricKayserThailand

Chips Ahoy Tatawa

Remember the saying “you get what you pay for”? These small, round cookies filled with a chocolate pocket are a medley of fake-tasting flavors. Imagine a Fun-O that’s been left out for too long and you’ll be there.

Verdict: No place for fakers. tatawa.com

Subway

Enough sweetness to hurt your teeth as well as a nasty, salty aftertaste on the tongue. A couple of bites and we’re done here.

Verdict: Sugary coma. Not up for negotiation. subway.co.th

Despite the buttery and chewy texture, the overall experience can be summed up in one word: cheap.

Cheap chocolate. Cheap butter.

Cheap intentions to turn a cherished fresh-baked treat into an industrially made snack.

Verdict: Mass—without the appeal. www.nabiscoworld.com/Chipsahoy

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drink | open doors

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Cheap Seats Get plastered in Bangkok’s poshest bars on abudget with this handy guide to the most hi-so happy hours in town. By Vick Charlermlapvoraboon negroni cocktails are all available at a discounted rate, starting from B100—perfect for afterwork drinks (you might even be able to afford a round!).

973 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-656-0444.

Open daily 11:30am-11:30pm

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Where: Bamboo Bar (G/F) What: Every day from 6-8pm, Bamboo Bar holds their “Aperitif Time,” when drinks like their mojito, negroni, margarita, Thai Daiquiri (coconut and pandan vodka with fresh lime and sugar) and more are discounted from B490 to B290. Their tasty, Thai-inspired signature drinks are also available for under B450.

Okura Prestige

48 Oriental Avenue, 02-659-9000.

Open Mon-Thur 5pm-1am; Fri-Sun 5pm-2am

Grand Hyatt Where: BAR@494 (L/F) What: Grand Hyatt provides various offers throughout the week. On Tue, ladies can pay B599 for unlimited sparkling wine between 7-9pm.

From Wed-Mon, 7-9pm, you can pay B799 for their free-flow “Wine Buffet,” as selected by their sommelier.

Finally, their happy hour offers two for one on selected wines and beers between 5-7pm Mon-Sat and from 3-11pm on Sun. 494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-1234.

Open daily 3pm-midnight Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse

Park Hyatt

Okura Prestige

Where: The Bar (10/F) What: It pays to start the night early, as everyday from 6-8pm The Bar holds happy hour deals, with free flow wine at B990, two for one draught beers (B250-350), or beer by the bottle including Asahi (B190), Beer lao (B190), Corona (B350) and more. Line your stomach with chicken wings (B250), kor moo yang (B270) or, for the veggies, French fries (B180) and crudites with cream cheese (B180).

Where: Up and Above Bar (24/F) What: Channel your inner-007 with Up and Above’s special buy-one-getone-free offer on Martinis (B390), every Fri from 5-7pm.

Where: Penthouse Bar + Grill (35/F) What: Once you’ve had your fill of discount drinks on the 10th floor, head on up to the 35th, where Penthouse Bar offers a range of price drops between 6-9pm: prosecco falls from B420 to B250, Asahi from B170 to B140, plus snacks including chicken wings from B340 to B240 and Wagyu beef sliders from B490 to B340.

Where: Yao Rooftop Bar What: Yao’s cocktails range from the affordable Shanghai Mule (B222) to the pricier French 78 (B688)—so pick wisely.

Central Embassy, 88 Wireless Rd; 02-012-1234. Open daily midday-2:30pm; 5:30pm-midnight

Drinking in 5-star hotels BK 744_Aug 10_18_NEW.indd 28

Hotel Indigo

Park Hyatt

Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000. Open daily 6am-1am

Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse

32/F, 262 Surawong Rd., 02-0885666. Open daily 11am-2:30pm; 6-10:30pm

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Where: Lobby Lounge (G/F) What: Between 6-8pm daily, Lobby Lounge offers buy-one-get-one-

free on a wide array of cocktails, including their Summer Berry Melt (B325), Spiced Mango Passion Smash (B275), Tropical Sour (B335) and more. All the classics are available as well, including mojitos (B235), cosmopolitans (B255) and margaritas (B255).

Where: Goji Terrace (L/F) What: If you arrive too early for Lobby Lounge, just shimmy on over to Goji Terrace, where you can get 50-percent off your first beer from 5-8pm daily, including classics like Chang and Heineken and a variety of draft beers. They also stock Maisel’s Weisse, La Chouffe and BrewDog here, and serve a range of seafood and grilled meats. Visit Friday-Sunday 6-9pm for live music.

199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-0595555. Open daily 6am-midnight

Centara at CentralWorld Where: Red Sky Bar (55/F) What: Red Sky Bar not only offers one of the best views in Bangkok but also buy-one-get-one-free on drinks

999/99 Rama 1 Rd., 02-100-1234.

Open daily 4pm-1am

Where: Char Rooftop Bar (25-26/F) What: This newly launched happy hour runs from 5-7pm every day.

Handcrafted cocktails including The Flamingo, Crimson Set, Pimms Me Up and The 26th, along with Singha draft, gin and bourbon are all available at B150, while red and white wines are B200/glass.

Anantara Siam

81 Wireless Rd., 02-207-4999. Open daily 6pm-midnight

Where: Aqua (1/F) What: If you’re game for some late afternoon tipples, this outdoor spot offers 50-percent off drinks between 4-6pm daily, including wines, whiskey, gin, beers and vodka (from B240). For those who really want to live it up, sip your single malt while puffing on a cigar, or enjoy tunes from their live DJ on Wed, Fri and Sat nights.

The Athenee Hotel

and snacks between 4-6pm daily. There’s a wide range of food on offer, from cold appetizers to warm desserts, alongside drinks including sparkling wine and Champagne.

155 Rajadamri Rd., 02-1268866. Open daily 6-10:30am; 11:30am-midnight

Where: The Glaz Bar (L/F) What: Chill out with cocktails and music during the “Social Hour” from 6-8pm when you can get your choice of 16 signature and classic cocktails for B350 each, plus red and white wine starting from B290/glass, local beers starting at B250 and gin, vodka and whiskey from B300.

61 Wireless Rd., 02-650-8700.

Open daily 7am-1am

InterContinental Where: Theo Mio Italian Kitchen (G/F) What: From 5-7pm, Mon to Friday, Italian wines, local beers, and the likes of their Hugo, bellini and

8/3/18 8:39 PM

tech | connected home

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

29

The Easy Life These smart home devices will make your life simpler in an instant. By Dhipkawee Sriyananda Selley

A

re you thinking of upgrading your living space into a smart home?

Whether you want a personal digital assistant, improved home security or a better lighting system, these smart home devices will make your life so much easier without having to lift a finger.

For creating the perfect ambient light to match any occasion

For playing sound, receiving calls and controlling lights all in one

Philips Hue White and Color Starter Kit A60

Easily control your home’s white and colored light by downloading the Philips Hue app and connecting the Hue bridge (included in the pack) to your Wi-Fi. Then you can set the lights in your home wherever you are, whether you’re in movie mode, having a house party or a romantic dinner at home. There’s also an automated timer function on the app that lets you control when to switch lights on and off automatically, plus you can even sync the lights to the beat of your favorite tune. Each pack comes with three bulbs, compatible with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.

Price: B6,990 Available at: Life, 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9884-5.

Open daily 10am-9:30pm

Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon Echo Dot

A smart home just won’t do without a smart speaker. The second generation of Echo Dot from Amazon comes with a small built-in speaker that connects to the Alexa Voice Service to play your favorite music, make calls, send and receive messages, provide information, news, weather and loads more. Place one in your bedroom and use it as your alarm clock or in the kitchen to set timers while cooking. The Echo Dot also works with other smart home devices—use it to switch on the lamp, dim the lights or turn on the fan. Easy to set up from the Alexa app available for both iOS and Android.

Price: B2,050 Available at: Lazada, www.lazada. co.th

To control all your appliances from your mobile phone Broadlink RM Pro Plus

Consider this if you’re sick of finding your pile of remotes. With this smart remote device, you can control a ton of your home appliances including TV, air conditioning, motorized curtains, smart plugs and alarm sensors via the iOS and Android app Intelligent Home Center wherever you are. Fancy coming home to a nice, chilled room after a sweaty commute? Simply turn on your air conditioning from the app.

As the Broadlink RM has a temperature sensor, you can also set automatic functions to turn on your air conditioning when the temperature in the room gets too hot. The smart remote can be connected to Wi-Fi networks and IR/RF signals and is compatible with Amazon Alexa.

Price: B1,390 Available at: Iotss Smart Home, 2 Ramintra Soi 5, 088-699-5557.

Open Mon-Sat 10am-10pm. www. fb.com/iotss.smarthome

For cleaning the floor without lifting a finger Neato Botvac Connected Robot Vacuum

Unlike round vacuum robots, this one's angular design means it can reach into corners and close to walls.

Oh, and get this: the robot uses laser smart mapping and navigation to scan the room it’s cleaning to know where it is and where it's going. You can control its actions through your smartphone using the Neato app for iOS and Android—start, stop and pause it, even when you’re not at home. Other cool features include getting instant notifications about the status of the robot’s cleaning session, creating cleaning schedules and viewing a summary of your robot’s performance that day.

Price: B33,900 Available at: Neato Robotics Thailand, www.neatoroboticsth.com

For securing your home through your phone August Smart Lock

Connect your phone to this US device and you can set up “Auto Lock” and “Auto-Unlock” functions for your home. With Bluetooth enabled, the smart lock auto-unlocks when it detects you approaching the door and automatically locks again after you enter, when the app enters Home mode. Other cool features include a Guest List where you can give friends and family members access to the keyless smart lock and Tracking Activity, a 24/7 activity feed that lets you keep track of who exits and leaves your home. The August Smart Lock is compatible with Apple HomeKit and Siri, while Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can be integrated via Wi-Fi. Price: B7,990 Available at: Tsmactive, www.tsmorder.com

ONE APP FOR ALL

Check out these smart apps that help manage all your smart home devices

Lobone Smart Home Whether it’s your lighting, heating, security or radio, you can control it all using the app on any device of your choice. Free for iOS and Android.

IFTTT Short for “If This Then That,” the app creates “recipes” to optimize your daily activities like add songs from Youtube videos to a Spotify playlist. Free for iOS and Android.

Feature The easy life 744_Aug 10_18_01_New.indd 29

Samsung Smart Home Monitor and control Samsung home appliances on the go, including your air conditioner, refrigerator, washer and vacuum cleaner.

Free download for iOS and Android.

Gideon Smart Home Compatible with more than 300 smart devices such as Amazon Alexa, Philips Hue, Lifx and Sonos Play. Group and control all devices of a specific type or in a certain room. Free for iOS and Android.

8/3/18 8:40 PM

trending | park life

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

30

Bangkok Goes Green There've never been more new parks opening across the city. Here's where.

By Pathitta Kongkakate Recently Opened

Benjakitti Forest Park

Mahakan Fort Park

Few people know about this extension of the original Benjakitti Park. The 61-rai (97,600-sq-meter) space is home to clusters of trees organized in blocks to create small forests together with a concrete path for runners and bikers. The trees themselves have been selected to represent species from every province in Thailand, with informative signage about their origin and importance. The introduction of Benjakitti Forest Park is the beginning of a three-phase plan to further transform the remaining land. Phase 2 of the project will see a 170rai transformation, to be joined by a further 89 rai by 2020.

Ratchadapisek Rd. MRT Queen Sirikit Convention Center

CU Centenary Park

Officially opened in March 2017 under the auspices of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, the 30-rai split-story green space celebrates Chulalongkorn University’s 100-year anniversary. It is the centerpiece for a huge redevelopment of the 290-rai Samyan neighbourhood that aims to create a smart city home to innovation and startup businesses.

The park has a specially designed wetland with a rain garden, big pond and underground water drainage system along with a green bike lane flanked by tropical trees.

Rama 1 Rd. and Rama 4 Rd. MRT Sam Yan

Metro Forest Project

CU Centenary Park Roy Kabanlit

What was 12 rai of wasteland off Sukhaphiban 2 Road has been reinvented by state-owned oil and gas behemoth PTT. The company worked with Japanese botanist and plant ecologist Akira Miyawaki to bring in 270 varieties of plants native to the ecosystem such as teak, Siamese rosewood and ormosia. The result is a self-sustaining, flourishing and dense jungle with a floating wooden walkway that offers a canopy view of the forest.

Sukhaphiban 2 Rd.

Mahakan Fort Park See box.

Upcoming

Pathumwananurak Park

Thanks to the Royal Crown Property Bureau, this park located on a prime piece of land right beside CentralWorld shopping mall will celebrate the life of former King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Its crowning features will be a lawn cut into the Thai symbol for nine, in honor of King Rama 9, a lake and sidewalks. Expect it to open by the end of 2018.

Ratchadamri Rd.

Royal Turf Club of Thailand

The Royal Turf Club, also known to Thais as Sanamma Nang Loeng, is most famous for legal gambling owing to horse racing’s unique exemption from gambling laws. Recently, the Bangkok Post reported that it will be converted into a public park devoted to the memory of King Rama 9. A monument of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej will be honorably displayed.

183 Phitsanulok Rd.

Phetkasem 69 Park

Located next to Jampee market in Bang Khae district, the massive 112,000-sq-meter park is said to be Bangkok’s second dog-friendly green space since generally no dogs are allowed in public parks. It’s slated to open to the public within this month.

Phetkasem 69 Rd.

Bang Bon Ecological Park

Also known as Suan Chalermprakiat, this is another commemorative park in King Rama 9’s honor. Designed by local landscape architecture firm Shma, the park adopts King Bhumibol’s nine agriculture initiatives including integrated farming and his “Monkey Cheek” water retention system to prevent floods.

Rama 2 Rd.

Utthayan Suan Chatuchakk

Three of northern Bangkok’s most-loved parks—Chatuchak, Queen Sirikit and Wachirabenchathat—are set to merge into one “mega park,” or Utthayan Suan Chatuchak, as the latest green space honoring the late King Rama 9.

The first phase is due to open in August, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration slating the entire project for completion by 2020. It is said to be the largest park in town, covering a total 700 rai (Lumphini Park is some 560 rai, by comparison).

Kamphaeng Phet Rd.

Chatuchak Park

BREAKING THE FORT

Bangkok’s latest park is causing social media uproar

Feature_Park_ 744_Aug 10_18_New.indd 30

Open since Jul 24, Mahakan Fort Park is the end result of a 59-yearlong dispute between the local Mahakan community and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

After years of protests and refusals, the last of the residents—who claim their family lineage in the neighborhood dates right back to the early Rattanakosin Era, during the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851)—were evicted from the area in April 2018.

This paved way for the BMA to

Metro Forest Project

spend B69 million on launching a new public park.

Early impressions have not been totally kind, with online commentators taking issue with the park’s lack of historical relevance.

The new Mahakan Park features a lawn at its center with small pathways leading between mature trees.

Around it stand description boards detailing the history of the fort and Rattanakosin Island.

In a Facebook status posted on Jul 23, Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said the park would serve to educate people on the long history of Mahakan Fort, which is one of only two surviving forts from the reign of King Rama I. You can read the public’s reaction to his post at goo.gl/Esu4Cd. Perhaps foreseeing controversy, Aswin also provided his own personal Line ID and encouraged followers to send their feedback about the new park, too.

The dispute dates back to 1959, when the government bought back land from around Mahakan Fort in an effort to preserve the fort and its surrounding area from all but 11 owners who refused to sell.

The model scheme to create parks in the Rattanakosin area came later, in 1978, followed in 1992 by the BMA’s royal decree to improve Rattanakosin’s urban planning—including the expropriation of land on which the Mahakan Fort community lived.

8/3/18 8:41 PM

neighborhood | sukhumvit 26

BK MAGAZINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2018

31

Yunomori Onsen & Spa

Baker Gonna Bake

The Other Ari Don’t let people on the other side of town tell you their Ari is the best. Sukhumvit Soi 26 manages that rare balance of residential and fun to hang out in.

By Pathitta Kongkakate

Indus

Coffee & Breakfast Much-loved coffee joint Casa Lapin x26 (51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-0005546) sits in the loft-like industrial co-working space Oneday | Pause and Forward. The former online bakery Baker Gonna Bake (61 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 092-651-6463) has turned full-time cafe on this street, serving the likes of Ocean Latte (B130)—a cup of coffee made with butterfly pea, jasmine rice milk and coconut syrup.

Alternatively, try the double-shot, cocoa-based Monkey Brain Latte (B90) and homemade carrot cake (B90) at Hello Strangers Cafe (61/45 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 090-994-8760). Sip your Bitter Chocolate (B95) surrounded by vintage-style bicycles (all for sale) at the Japanese-vibe Sora City (61/52 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-001-6600).

Food Try real-deal Hong Kong cuisine like roast goose (B450) prepared by native chefs at Golden Bowl (2/F,

BK ASKS

Why do you love life on Sukhumvit Soi 26?

Neighborhood_BK 744_Aug 10_18_2_New.indd 31

Jidori Cuisine Ken

K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-6613888) along with An An Lao (112 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-261-8188)— inside tip: they also do a great version of the southern Thai dish gai betong (B200). For more refined southern fare, Sorn Fine Southern Cuisine (56 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 099081-1119) does five-course tasting menus (B2,700) that are lighting up the local foodie blogger circuit.

A host of Japanese taverns hide down one side street, chief among them Jidori Cuisine Ken (10/12 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-3457).

The best yakitori in town? Some say so. The entertaining izakaya franchise Mekiki No Ginji (1/F, K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-6613840) also offers outstanding grilled dishes like charcoal-grilled spare ribs with chili sauce and wasabi (B229). For Indian eats, Indus (71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900) is at the peak of its game thanks to a new 10-course tasting menu (B1,800/person).

PANTHARADTEE MEYTEESUTIVONG, CO-FOUNDER OF SORA CITY “Compared to any other street in the center of Bangkok, I think Sukhumvit Soi 26 really does have a lot of greenery, together with at least three premium massage and spa places that offer friendly prices: Yunomori Onsen, Baan Sabai and Bamboo Spa.”

Drinks Located amid the greenery of Sukhumvit Soi 26, Taproom (51 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 087-460-2626) has 26 rotating taps pouring premium brews from around the world like BrewDog and Coronado (B140/320).

Transport Conveniently located in the heart of Sukhumvit, BTS Phrom Phong is right at the top of the street, while it also connects with Rama 4 at the bottom.

Accommodation Only 180 meter from BTS Phrom Phong lies the 25-floor Noble Refine (27 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02108-6699) with its 243 units starting from B23,000/month. Regent on the Park 1 (31 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-260-9211) has 34 floors, 81 units and a starting rental price of B18,000/month. For a cheaper choice, Condo One X (61/44 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-259-2023) offers

RATCHAPOL EUNGSAKUL, PARTNER AT TAPROOM “Amid the tunnel of trees that is Soi 26 lie the delicious pork tom yum noodles at Rung Rueng, as well as one of the finest beef yakiniku spots in Bangkok, Ginzado.”

prices at B15,000/month. In case you’re looking to buy, the luxurious Kraam (30 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02661-2900) will be ready to move in by the end of 2019. Prices start at B17 million for a 61-sq-meter room.

Community Thanks to plenty of green space and community malls—Nihonmachi, A Square, K Village and Warehouse 26—the neighborhood really has it all (if you only ignore the traffic). There’s also a Big C and Villa Market.

Visit The city’s first lash extension center that uses mink instead of polyester, Lash Boutique (2/F, Beautiplex Building, A Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-116-7889), is here, together with Yunomori Onsen & Spa (A Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-2595778). (2/F, K Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-665-6020-1) is one of our favorite hair salons for coloring.

NAPASORN SUJITHAMMAWONG PASTRY CHEF AT BAKER GONNA BAKE CAFE AND BAAN BAAN “Alongside many gems in our soi there are some new openings including Interlude, a restaurant serving both Thai and European dishes, and Cotton Clouds, a photogenic, tiny cafe.”

8/3/18 8:44 PM

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