IN DO TABLE OF CONTENTS DO STORY Our King
DO TONIGHT Countdown Without Chaos
20-28
46-48
MY DO: My Hero 6
TO DO December Fun Plan
DO GAME Sudoku
8-9 51
DO STYLE Desk of Success 10-12
DO GADGETS Personalized Tech Toys
14
DO SURVIVE How to Take a Bangkok Taxi DO EAT Time for a Big Dinner
30-33
DO JOURNEY Pretty Pattaya
34-40
DO SLEEP Pretty Face Pattaya 42-45
DO SPOIL Treat Your Dad Right
DO DRINK Top of the Pops
16-18
50
52
DO PEOPLE Do the Dance
53
DO IDEA Get Crafty for Daddy
54
Oranuj Ittipakorn Editor In Chief Mr. Kitti & Mrs. Naree Ittipakorn Exclusive Advisor Kkelvin Studio Graphic Advisor Panida Teeravarodom Sales Manager Warunee Ruangyam Assistant Sales Manager Nampetch Vorakanonta Director of Photography Juthamas Lavanapipat Editorial Assistant Alisara Chirapongse Writer Narathip Keawtapan Junior Writer Denjai Komalakanchana Graphic Designer John Webb Proofreader Siew lamination Co., Ltd. Financial Management DF Digital printing Co., Ltd. Digital Proof Denfa Printing [Thailand] Co., Ltd. Printing & Distribution Support DO HUB 77/52 15th floor Sinsathorn Tower, Klongtonsai, Klongsarn, Bangkok, Thailand 10600 tel: +66 2440 0838 fax: +66 2440 0839 or contact DO at: do.pocazine@gmail.com facebook.com/do.pocazine twitter.com/do_bkk
6-7
MY DO PERFECT PICTURE
I have two heroes in my life but both of them teach me the same thing be a good person, make life simple, and don’t exploit others. First is whom I would give my life to, my King. The other is whom I love and cafe about more than my life, my father. Nov 4, 2009. 2:35 pm. Under daddy’s desk.
8-9
TO DO EVENTS IN DECEMBER < International Street Show in Bangkok Join in on the festival of happiness with worldwide street performances. Dec 1013. Lumpini Park. Free. www. bangkokstreetshow.com
< Green Space by Greyhound A food, drink, and design event with live sessions and photography exhibition. Until Dec 31. 18-20th floor, Zen World Tower, Central World. www. i-greenspace.com
Dusk Art exhibition by Olan Plubpon. Until Dec 26. Art Republic, 3rd floor, Pennisula Plaza. Free. +66 2652 1801. www.artrepublicbkk.com
> Suan Luang Rama 9 Flower Festival Be dazzled by various kinds of flowers and cultural activities. Nov 29-Dec 10. Suan Luang Rama 9. B10. +66 2328 1385-6. www. suanluangrama9.or.th
> FRESH Festival A festival of video art and short films. Hosted by School of Architecture and Design, King Mongkutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University of Technology Thonburi. Dec 18-20. SF World Cinema, 7th CentralWorld. www.arch.kmutt. ac.th/freshfestival
< The Smiley Fest Let the grooves ride at the Ska and Reggae international music festival. Dec 19. Baan Amphur Beach, Pattaya, Chonburi. B800. +66 2262 3456. www. thaiticketmajor.com
> Thailand International Balloon Festival 2009 Hot air balloons featuring cultural performances from the Fine Arts Department. Dec 3-6. Wat Mahaeyong and Wat Chang, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. B50 for adult, B20 for children less than 12 years. +66 5329 2224. www. thailandballoonfestival.com
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair Be amazed by glorious light-andsound cultural performances. Dec 12-21. Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. B200, B500. +66 3524 6076-7, +66 3532 2730-1. www. tourismthailand.org
10-11 10-11
DO STYLE DO STYLE FATHERLY EQUIPMENT WORLDLY POSSESSIONS
Don’t have a clue of what to get your dad for Father’s Day? Don’t worry. we Ourcelebrate team of gift-giving experts already This month the goddess ofhave water with the
prepared of the best selections just in case you need festival of some Loy Krathong. With the concept of nature and
environmental in mind, the perfect style for some last minutepreservation advice. this eco-friendly month should be about celebrating the earth through its natural colors.
The Leather business bag from Viera is not too formal, yet it is sophisticated enough for your hip dad to take it to work. And it goes well with the eco-friendly Think Cafee pen with wooden casing. To complete the leather ensemble, the leather pen pocket from Labrador and Organize Folio notebook and folder go well with any executive table.
SPECIAL THANKS TO Zen Department Store CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road, Tel: +66 2100 9999 www.zen.co.th Open daily 10am-10pm
What could be a better gift than a picture frame where he can look at his childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces all time? The Sony Digital Photoframe simply downloads photos from a thumb drive or a memory card for convenience. Any stylish and sophisticated father will appreciate good cars
12-13
and good wines. Even if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give him the real thing, these books, Luxury Toys and Pocket Wine Book, will do. To help him keep track of his meetings, both at work and dinner with his family, this trusty desk clock from Faidotcom will do the trick. It also doubles as a mini photo frame. Or just give him a teddy bear nothing symbolizes love better than a huggable teddy.
COLOR UP 199/21 Soi Landgo, Vipawadee Rangsit Road, Sam Sen Nai, Tel: +66 2616 0144-5 www.colorup.in.th
DO GADGETS PERSONALIZED TECH TOYS Just like any other fashionable gift you want to give this holiday
season, electronic presents should be extra special and unique. So, if you’re planning to give a loved one a camera or a mobile 14-15
phone, there’s a way to make it even more personal with these clever customization services.
Of course, you can find an array of colorful and stylish stickers and cases to put on your gadgets to make them look different but why stop there? At Color Up, they can transform your gadgets into different shades of the rainbow permanently. All you need to do is to log on to their website and start messing around with their online coloring program and select the colors 73 SAINT GERMAIN 5th Floor, Digital Gateway, Siam Square, Rama 1 Road, Tel: +66 8 1926 4224. www.73saintgermain.com
for your gadgets. The process takes about 5-7 working days and the pricing depends on how complicated your color choices and styles are. If you don’t want to be so drastic with your precious toys, try 73 Saint Germain for an equally beautiful customization option. Instead of coloring, you can get your tech toys etched and engraved in beautiful graphical patterns. You can choose from the available catalog or you can consult the in-house graphic designer to help you come up with the patterns of your choice. The laser etches also work on any flat non-metal surface, so items like wallets and organizers can also be engraved. The prices start at B350 for a smart phone and B1,500 for 13-inch laptop, depending on the size and details of the design.
PLACES WE RECOMMEND: Morf Homme With the concept of “No Drug, No Diet, No Surgery”, it has been attracting local metro-sexuals since April 2007. But macho men, too, can benefit from their
Special thanks to: Thitiwoot Sathapanickaboot, Morf Homme Consultant Orathai Charoensook (Orn), Trainer at Anya Center
16-17
DO SPOIL MEN TREATS
Skin treatment may sound unfamiliar to men who don’t pay attention to their skin health. However, we’re here to prove that men and grooming can find peace with each other, and now is the time to start. To celebrate daddy’s day, give the best gift you can give to your dad, the ones that are good for him. Here are some tips and suggestions about how you can pamper your father on his special day. FACIAL TIPS: • The ideal products for men are oil-free. Its non-sticky texture will absorb into the skin quickly and won’t irritate larger follicles. • It is wise to exfoliate, as you need to open up the skin follicles so they can absorb the product better.
Morf Homme 44/5-6 Soi Thonglor 13, Sukhumvit 55 Road, Klonton Nua, Wattana Tel: +66 2712 5128 BTS Thong Lor Open Mon-Sat: 10am-10pm www. morfhomme.com Morf Homme Sukhumvit 49
Ton Krueng Restaurant
Soi Thonglor 13
BODY TIPS: • Body scrubs are great if you use them correctly. All your skin needs is a gentle rub to get rid of dead skin cells, which are the cause of body odor. • Put on a body lotion after a scrub to keep your skin hydrated. You only need to scrub once or twice a week. • A Body massage is great for your body system, from bones and muscles to lymphatic nodes. • Hide your age on your hands by using a sunscreen that you would use for your face. • Take control of that body hair. Not only that it will make you look and feel good, it will also keep odor away.
Morf isn’t just pampering men only, its sister brand for women, Rosie de Beaute is now gaining a lot of attention on the fifth floor. Try the Jacuzzi and sauna a half an hour before being rubbed.
Sukhumvit Rd.
• Pollution and weather are the skin’s worst enemies. Always protect it with sunscreen if it’s sunny, and a light moisturizer when it’s dry out. • During winter, avoid hot water baths and replace a body lotion with body oil instead. • Yes men can put on a lip balm! Balms with SPF 15 or higher are ideal to protect lips from sun and wind damage.
Japanese Restaurant
Lee House
Home Place
Soi Thonglor (Sukhumvit 55)
18-19
British Embassy
Central Chidlom
S Medical Spa
Wireless Rd.
CentralWorld
S Medical Spa introduces itself with the core value: “Everyone can shine in every stage of life”. Offering various beauty programs, around 200 courses from head to toe, its men-only treatments are what make this spa a popular place to visit. The Cool Guy Massage (B2,000 for 60min.) sooths your senses with the finest scents of essential oils. Therapist trained in the S Medical’s unique rubbing style will help both your body and mind relax. The best time to book for the treatment is early on Thursday to Sunday.
Inter Continental Bangkok
Soi Chidlom
variety of body and face programs. With hi-tech machines from Italy and the United States, your dad will be in for a ride a short ride, as the programs are designed for businessmen with time constraints. For the beginner, try a body detoxify program (B3,000 for 30 min.) A machine will shine infrared rays all over your body and make you sweat out all the toxins. Ask an expert which treatment you should do next, if this burning process was delightful.
Ratchadamri Rd.
S Medical Spa 2/2 Bhakdi Building, Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok Tel: +66 2253 1010 ext. 3009 BTS Ploenchit Open Tue-Sun: 9am-10pm www. smedspa.com
Embassy of Switzerland
Ploenchit Rd. Chidlom Station
Ploenchit Station
20-21
DO STORY THE LOVE FOR/FROM OUR KING
Royal Chitralada rice paddies
While the city is putting up their Santa ornaments, there’s another celebration that we should not forget. Even though it may not be as glamorous, people still hold this special day dear to their hearts. It’s the birthday celebration of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which falls on the 5th of December. It is also Thailand’s Father’s Day as he is considered the father of the nation. The two December celebrations may not be similar but they both somehow send forth a similar message—to give. For our December issue, we want to highlight some of the notable royal principles and projects to honor his love and determination in helping his people.
Honorable milk cows at Chitralada
Rice husks are turned into fire wood. Colorful folk fabrics at Phufa
“His hard work, devotion, and his teachings are only for the Thai people. I can say that no one in this world has done so much for the people and the country like him.” Aruna Boonchanasukit, 60
OUR KING, THE GREAT DEVELOPER
oxygen to infuse into with the otherwise polluted and stagnant water,
Most of HM the King’s projects revolve around one idea—
making it more inhabitable for fish. The aerator also won many awards,
development of his country. He is considered as the Father of
including the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations Cup
Technology of Thailand and he has received numerous achievement
in 2007.
“He always dedicates himself for our country, working hard on several royal projects that benefit a large number of people.” Teeratorn Likhitphongsathorn, 22
awards for his work. During his 60th anniversary of his succession in 2006,
22-23
he was awarded with the honorable Human Development Lifetime
Another one of His Majesty’s famous and awarded inventions, that is
Achievement Award from the United Nations.
still in use today, is Fon Luang, or artificial rain, which focuses on helping the drought infected areas of the Northeast Thailand. The idea of
Though he has built countless of projects over the years as the
using the rain-inducing chemicals was also granted a patent by The
reigning monarch, some of his best works have received international
European Patent Office in 2006, making His Majesty the first King to
recognition and are mostly concerned with improving the quality of
own a patent.
lives of his people. One of his projects that we all can be grateful for today is the creation The ideas for his work usually come from observation of local wisdom
of Gasohol and Bio-diesel fuels. The idea came as a way to counter
and even his surroundings. Like the Kam Ling, literally “monkey cheek
the rising of oil prices while decreasing the crop prices, especially
pouches”, which is a flood management project inspired by the
sugarcanes, at that time. Gasohol is a mixture fuel between Benzene
behavior of a monkey which monkey that keeps food in its mouth. It
and Ethanolproduced from agricultural crops while Bio-diesel is an
was then adapted to help relieve the Bangkok floods in 1995. Or the
environmental friendly diesel fuel made from palm oil, a local product.
famous Chaipattana Aerator, which was adapted from a folk wisdom
Both energies have been tested with great results and today, Gasohol
of a bamboo turbine which that when rotates, it can lift and allow
and Bio-diesel are available at over 2,000 gas stations around the country. “I have lived in Thailand for 37 years and have learnt a lot from the teachings of HM the King. The words of wisdom that HM delivers in his birthday speech every year have always helped me in life. HM the King Bhumibol Adulyadej is a blessing to this world.” Direk Butani, 55
Fon Luang is one of the most famous inventions of His Majesty
The Royal Chitralada Projects Guide Sri Ayudhaya Road, Dusit Palace Tel: +66 2282 8200 The Royal Chitralada Projects visits are available during Mon-Fri 9am12pm
THE PALACE OF KNOWLEDGE
A request must be made three months prior to a visit by calling the department and reserving a date.
palace’s grounds. This one-of-a-kind royal residence almost acts
When visiting, you are required to wear appropriate attire. Flip-flops, shorts, skirts shorter than knee-length and t-shirts are not suitable.
paddy fields and numerous agricultural related factories.
• There are over 30 tasks under the Royal Chitralada Projects. Chitralada dairy farm is the first in Thailand. The idea came about when His Majesty visited Denmark and was inspired by their milk culture.
• There’s also a “pla nil” or tilapia fish pond. The first pla nil were given to His Majesty by the current Emperor of Japan, Akihito. His Majesty then bred them and later released them in upcountry rivers to provide the people with a good source of protein.
Dusit Palace, also known as Chitralada Palace, is the royal residence of HM the King and the Royal Family in Bangkok. Unlike other royal palaces, here you’ll find staff traveling on bicycles and animals such as peacocks and egrets roaming free on the
• At the end of the project visit you will get a chance to take home some of the Royal Chitralada Projects’ famous products.
like an agricultural museum where you can fine a dairy farm, rice
Known as the Royal Chitralada Projects, it could be regarded as the most important and notable projects initiated by His Majesty, as it is the first royal project to be implemented during his reign. It is here that his imaginative ideas were realized. The team of researchers and scientists would test out the ideas here first and adjust them to make sure they are efficient before implementing them in various parts of Thailand. So around the compound you can see Chaipattana Aerators, a Gasohol and Bio-diesel
24-25
production, wind and solar energy powered machines and even experimental rice paddies where many strains of rice are grown before disseminating them to the farmers.
Royal patrols roaming the palace
To most Thais, the Royal Chitralada Projects are known for their
Sa paper factory
dairy products. The milk factory was first built to help relieve the pressure the Thai dairy farmers were facing when there was a problem of milk overproduction. His Majesty then decided to buy all the excess milk from the farmers and find a way to make the milk more profitable. So the factory was born and it now produces not only pasteurized milk, but also powdered milk as well as milk powder tablets, ice creams, yogurts and cheese. Nothing goes to waste from these experiments either. Rice husks from the rice mill are then turned into fuel wood for smoke-free cooking and byproducts from making of Bio-diesel can then be purified and used in making soap. Out of his wish for the Royal Chitralada Projects to serve study purposes, His Majesty the King has graciously given permission for all interested people to visit the projects. It is a great chance to witness first hand his dedication for improving the lives of his people.
Lingzhi mushroom farming
• At the Siam Discovery store you will also find limited edition AllStar Converse shoes made of Mae Fah Luang fabrics.
Another project known for its fabrics is The Support Foundation
MAE FAH LUANG 4th floor, Siam Discovery Center, Rama 1 Road Tel: +66 2658 0427 www.doitung.org
supplementary source of income while also creating awareness
of Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit. The project aims to provide people in impoverished parts of Thailand with an among Thais and foreigners about the crafts. The flagship store at the Grand Palace aims to bring these handiworks to a more upscale market with a more modern collection created by Thailand’s designers. At this particular store there are also exhibitions and showcases of the story behind their products to
26-27
help educate both foreigners and locals about the crafts.
A wide range of products at Mae Fah Luang store Special edition Converse sneakers, made with Mae Fah Luang fabrics.
THE FAMILY OF GIVERS “She told me the name Bhumibol means the strength of the land, and that she wanted me to be a part of the land—to always stay grounded and stay with the people.” Those are the words of His Majesty about HRH Princess Mother Somdet Phra Srinagarindra and her teaching about humility and compassion. The kindness and thoughtfulness towards the rural people of Thailand aren’t the trait of only His Majesty, but also throughout the royal family, who over the years have worked alongside HM the King, as well as through their own various royal projects. Most of the royal projects are concerned about creating sustainable economic outlets for the rural people of Thailand. HRH the Princess Mother Somdet Phra Srinagarindra herself also initiated a project under her patronage named the Mae Fah Luang Foundation. The main focus of the foundation is to improve the quality of lives of the hill tribe people in the Northern of Thailand, steering them away from opium cultivation and introducing them to a sustainable and profitable alternatives such as handicrafts and horticulture under the Doi Tung Development Project.
The Grand Palace SUPPORT STORE Chic Doi Tung pottery
A Dress by Disaya • Currently, the Support Foundation store at the Grand Palace is hosting an exhibition on Thai fabrics, presented in the form of haute couture pieces by Thailand’s top fashion designers such as Greyhound, Disaya, Asava and more. The exhibition runs until the end of December 2009. RATSADAKORNPIPAT BUILDING, THE GRAND PALACE, Tel: +66 2225 9421-3 www.grandpalaceshop.com Open daily 8:30am-4:30pm
Carved toy at Phufa
Phufa Treasure Trove, a “knowledgebased” store of Phufa
• Phufa Treasure Trove is the only Phufa store where you can get products with designs by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Folk handicrafts such as pottery, herbal products and even
PHUFA STORE 2nd Floor, Siam Discovery Center, Rama 1 Road, Tel: +66 2658 0208 www.phufa.org Open daily 10am-9pm
Sirindhorn as a way for the craftsmen in the rural areas of
PHUFA TREASURE TROVE 4th Floor, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Road Tel: +66 2129 4556 Open daily
music and art are also a concern. And that’s how the project of Phufa was realized. Started by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Thailand, Phufa is now distributing folk products such as home decor, wicker bags, herbal beauty products, tea and coffee from different regions of Thailand in its various flagship stores. The concept store Phufa Treasure Trove at Siam Paragon is aiming to be an additional source of knowledge about the crafts and the people behind them by providing a mini exhibition space for those who are interested about in the project and the products.
28-29
All the profits made from these royal project stores will go into their corresponding foundations and to the villagers under the programs in order to help them improve their quality of living and create an additional sustainable source of income. Not only do these products make great holiday gifts, you’ll then also be passing on the knowledge and the awareness about these projects, encouraging people to become more compassionate towards those in need.
TAPAS CAFE 1/25 Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tel: +66 2651 2947. BTS Nana www.tapasiarestaurants.com Open daily 11am-late
DO EAT SHARING IS CARING
December is full of special occasions. Father’s Day, Christmas
The Ambassador Hotel Nana Station
Asoke
Tapas Cafe
Sukhumvit 11
Soi Nana
and New Years we really hope you have been saving up for
Asoke Station
Sukhumvit Rd.
Tapas menus are eaten with bread rather than rice.
these celebrations! One thing’s for sure though, when it comes to the festivities, they are better celebrated with friends and family. So gather your buddies to a fun-filled dinner at one of these teamwork-powered dining concepts from Spain to Japan. The Spanish are a fun bunch, otherwise they wouldn’t have been able to come up with the interesting concept of Tapas. According to Chef Xavier Palomar at Tapas Cafe in Sukhumvit Soi 11, Tapas is basically Spanish food prepared in small portions. “The Spanish usually enjoy a visit to a Tapas bar or two with friends before an actual meal,” he explained. There are usually two types of Tapas, cold (cold cuts, sausages, salads) and hot (stew, steaks, deep fried seafood) dishes, and they are best savored with a glass of Sangria, a fruity dessert wine.
Crave something more filling than little plates of Spanish bites? Go all the way and order yourself a pot full of hot melting Swiss cheese. Chesa Swiss in Sukhumvit 20 offers you a wide variety of fondues, the Swiss’ version of hotpot culture. With over nine years in the business, this homey Swiss restaurant
CHESA SWISS 5 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Tel: +66 2261 6650. BTS Asoke www.chesa-swiss.com Open daily 11am-11pm
welcomes both expat and local patrons who come here for their quality steaks and fondues. The classics are available, such
Sukhumvit 27
as Bourguignonne beef fondue in oil or the Fondue Kase with Gruyere and Emmental cheese.
Sukhumvit 25
Sukhumvit 23
Chesa Sukhumvit Rd.
30-31
Jewelry Shop Sukhumvit 20
Sukhumvit 18
At Chesa, there’s another cheesy treat many seem to have The tapas specials here include some of the classics such as Gambas (sautéed prawns in garlic sauce), grilled baby squid, and Ensaladilla Rusa, or Russian mixed vegetable salad in mayonnaise. If you’re not into these bite-sized meals, the Tapas Cafe also offers hefty menus like pork tenderloin and lamb stew. At night, the small alley it sits on is also closed from traffic, allowing the cafe to expand its outdoor dining spot, offering patrons a more spacious hangout area.
missed—Raclette. A set will get you a stove, a small pan and a plastic spatula. You then melt the cheese slices on the pan and scrape the creamy cheese onto condiments like vegetables, mushrooms, pickles or sausages. “It’s a perfect winter dish as it’s hot, filling, and you can have fun eating this with your friends,” explained Rene Kuhn, one of the owners of Chesa. Health conscious? Fondue Chinoise, or “Swiss Suki”, is meat cooked in boiling broth instead of oil or cheese, which still gives you the same fondue experience of sharing and having a great time.
At Chesa Swiss, when you order the beef fondue, you will be given a selection of sauces to go with your cooked meat. There are of course traditional sauces like mayonnaise and mustard but what’s special at Chesa is that they also serve “jaew”—the Thai chilli fish sauce.
The Japanese hotpot concept is very popular in Thailand and other Asian countries as it is a friendly meal where every member of the group can participate. But exactly what is the difference between Shabu and Suki? Shabu meats are thinly sliced and cooked in a pot of boiling soup while Suki meats are a bit thicker and cooked in a skillet or a pan in thicker sauce. Whichever is your style of hot pot, Akiyoshi offers you an all-youcan-eat option for each at B390 per person, or both at B430 per person, with no time limit.
Teppanyaki is also another Japanese group-friendly meal, with the cooking done on a flat iron griddle. Most of the teppanyaki restaurants in town either serve you dishes already cooked from the kitchen, or have some kind of grill station where patrons can watch a “teppanyaki show” where the cooks slap and
BNH Hospital
flip their metallic spatulas while cooking you up the menus. However at Nanjya Monjya in Sathorn, you can cook your own
Akiyoshi Phra Khanong Station
on the grill that’s lodged in the middle of your dining table.
Convent Rd. Citibank
Sukhumvit 46
To avoid the noise from all the teens who frequent the place, book a room on the first floor instead as it is more quiet and you’ll get an authentic Japanese diner feel.
Though the place does offer a variety of Japanese dishes, “Our ingredients are quality Thai-French beef which are
the best sellers of Nanjya Monjya have to be their signature
perfectly marbled, making them very tender when cooked,”
okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza) and a native Tokyo dish,
said proud owner Khun Teepakorn Auttrasing of his selection.
monjyayaki. “Okonomiyaki is thicker as there’s more flour and
Diners are served with choices of meat such as pork, chicken
egg in it, while monjyayaki is more soupy,” explained Mr. Hideki
and traditional beef, and a variety of raw vegetables, noodles
Kanekoh, the managing director of Nanjya Monjya. Diners are
and tofu. It is best to book a private room as the restaurant sees
given their own tiny metal spatulas which are the tools used to
a heavy load of diners throughout the day. And a room will
eat the grilled monjyayaki. This is not a place to dine alone as
also come complete with a karaoke-enabled TV for added fun,
not only you won’t be able to finish its grand portion, but you
who would want to pass that up?
also won’t experience the fun while eating it. And that’s what it’s all about when it comes to a fun-filled holiday meal.
Q House Lumpini
Soi Suan Plu
Sathorn Thani Narathiwat Rd. Empire Tower Chong Nonsi Station
Sukhumvit Rd.
32-33
NANJYA MONJYA Fl. G, The Ascott, 197 South Sathorn Road, Tel: +66 2676 7190 BTS Chong Nonsi Open noon-3pm and 5pm-11pm
Silom Rd.
Sukhumvit 67
Sukhumvit 65
AKIYOSHI Fl. 1-2, Taisin Square, between Sukhumvist Soi 67 and 69, Tel: +66 2714 0791 BTS Pra Khanong Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 6pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 11am-10pm
Ascott
Surasak Station
Nanjya Monjya teppanyaki delights we mention here are only available for dinner. If you go there during lunch hours, you’ll get lunch sets instead as diners here are mostly working people in Sathorn and they don’t want to go back to the office with a smokesmelling hair and shirts!
BY BUS Head to Eastern Bus Terminal in Ekamai for buses to Pattaya. Most people usually take the BangkokSattahip air-conditioned bus. It usually takes about 1:30-hrs. depending on the traffic. BY TRAIN You can also take a train from Hua Lum Phong station in Bangkok to Chonburi. The fare is currently free until December 2009.
DO JOURNEY THE CHANGING FACE OF PATTAYA
Pattaya seems like the perfect holiday destination for busy city people. Only one and a half hours away from Bangkok, it has serveral beaches encasing the town, numerous fresh seafood restaurants, and a sophisticated selection of the city’s favorite conveniences at your fingertips. And then there’s the “Sin City”
BY TAXI Since it is only about 1:30 hours away from Bangkok, some people go to Pattaya by taxi. The metered fare should be around B1,000 depending on the traffic.
replace its fishing boats and villages with bars and resorts.
gko
an
Rd. Beach
To B
Pattaya Bay
Soi Siam Country Club
Carrefour
Central Patta ya Rd.
Soi Nernplupwan
South Pattaya Rd.
Koh Laan
nuk tam Pra
Jomtien Bay
Soi Wat Boonsamphan
. Rd
Tesco Lotus
Soi Khao Talo
as the rest of the world knows it. The once peaceful beaches are now lined with girly bars and nighttime establishments, thanks to the surge of tourists in the 1960s that prompted the town to
But Pattaya, and its sisters further down the road, Jomtien and Baan Amphoe, still have a lot to offer for those not interested in life under the neon lights. SERENE STOP Jomtien and the neighboring Baan Amphoe are sub-districts just outside of the central Pattaya. They still retain the long-lost charms of Pattaya with much cleaner waters and less cluttered and more privtae beaches. It is also home to many sports events such as the International Regatta, which is held at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club (www.oceanmarinaychtclub.com). Even if you’re not a member, you can also enjoy the lifestyle with
Sukhumvit Rd.
Be
ac
hR d.
. asit Rd Theppr
mt ien Jo
k
BY CAR To get to Pattaya by car, the easiest way is to take the Motorway Highway or Route 7, which is connected to Rama 9 Road in Bangkok.
.S Rd oi Ph oth a isa klu i Na Nort h Pa ttay a Rd .
• The marina is not open for public so make sure you always make a reservation before visiting so you won’t waste your time.
their private yachting service that can be rented out for a day. apruk 2 Soi Chaiy
Further down, the quiet Baan Amphoe is filled with interesting non-beach destinations.
34-35
In Baan Amphoe, you can still see glimpses of the old fisherman lifestyle Sunset over Ocean Marina
Sweets boat at the floating market • Just like any other vineyard, the best time to visit Silverlake is during the harvest season. If you want to feel an even more authentic European countryside vibe, get on one of its horse carriages for a tour around the vineyard.
Nong Nooch Park (www.nongnoochtropicalgarden.com) is a well-
• Though the visit is free, there’s a donation box at the entrance to the floating market. It is a courtesy to give around B20-50.
At Silverlake Vineyard (www.silverlakethai.com) Pattaya’s only
Pattaya’s peaceful sister, Jomtien
landscaped attraction, with elephant tours, a mini zoo, and animal shows for when you’re tired from exploring the park’s bizarre touches from cactus farms to an army of metallic ant sculptures.
winery, you’ll find yourself in a real sanctuary: Luscious fields, blooming colorful flowers, and peaceful lakes with the monumental Khao Chee Chun mountains as a backdrop. There’s nothing Pattaya-like about this place. Not only can you taste the freshly
36-37
made grape juice and have a few sips of Silverlake wine, you can also dine in its fine Italian restaurant, offering stunning views as well as authentic Italian fare and pizzas fresh from the oven. The new and hyped Four Regions Floating Market (www. pattayafloatingmarket) is bustling with visitors, bringing together the best in souvenirs and snacks from all corners of Thailand. A fun themed market rather than a traditional floating market—a great place to hunt for cool Thai crafts and sweets, or take a seat at one of the waterside coffee houses and pretend you have just been teleported back in time.
Picturesque view at Silverlake
Rimpha Lapin’s shoreline
FOODIE HAVEN The traditional seafood shacks by the beach are still a favorite for Thai visitors but there are now also plenty of sophisticated venues that offer quality seafood and an alluring atmosphere. One such place that is garnering a lot of attention is Rimpha Lapin (www.rimpha-lapin.com). This Balinese wooden house on a cliff offers fresh seafood catches and a stunning view of Jomtien Beach on each of its four patios. There’s also a small stone stairwell on the side of the restaurant that leads you
nong nooch’s creative decoration
straight to the beach for an after-meal stroll. Of course you can still find the traditional seafood shacks along Baan Amphoe beach, but at Pra Pa Karn (Na Jomtien Soi 32, +66 3823 8009-10) it comes with a cute nautical theme. The blue-and-white hued open diner gives hungry visitors a panoramic scene of a fishing port, where traditional wooden boats dock before heading out in the evening.
• Pra Pa Karn is by far the best looking restaurant on the strip but don’t disregard the smaller, more shabby ones on the Baan Amphoe beach road. They serve just as fresh food for even cheaper though the atmosphere may not be as sophisticated. • At Sea has one of the best live music in the area. Instead of karaoke or international covers blasting from speakers like in other restaurants, the acoutic duo at At Sea plays some mean tunes with their own version of some of the Thai hits.
• The Avenue has all the essentials of a mall but is completely void of the commotion. A great place to spend a quiet afternoon in the busy section of town. • For your information, if you’re planning to avoid the wild side of Pattaya, stay away from Central and South. However, these areas are where you can find some of the best western cuisines, from pizzerias to authentic English pubs for when you’re sick of Thai seafood.
For an innocent night out, Jomtien is where you should head for drinks. Completely void of girly bars and noisy pubs, the places
Joe Louis’ firey performance
in the area like At Sea (Jomtien Beach Road, +668 7772 2210) have a perfect Thai-style pub ambience, with floor seating, live music, and affordable food. Some even extend their
• There are two zones at the Joe Louis restaurant. But we advise you to stay away from its makeshift cave. It is hard to get the waiter’s attention and the noisy fountains will also cloud your possibility of enjoying the performance. • If you want to try Raw Food cafe, prepare for some surprises. Since the food cannot be cooked over 42 degree celsius, their dishes are served cold and sometimes only lightly seasoned.
seating space over to the edges of the beach road for a more exclusive spot and personal whooshing wave serenade. THE CITY BEYOND THE STEREOTYPE Of course, it is not possible to visit Pattaya without taking at least a glimpse into the vibrant city. But Pattaya still has something else to offer besides its nightlife.
38-39
The new mega-mall, Central Festival Pattaya (www. centralfestival.co.th) is nothing new if you’re familiar with Bangkok’s shopping culture. It’s The Porch, the mall’s “outdoor cinema” that is creating buzz with its oceanview movie theater. If you really need to shop in Pattaya, stay away from the malls and head to The Avenue on Second Pattaya Road, which at
night turns into a mini bazaar, selling handmade gifts and unique hippie fashions. The best store there has to be a hobo-chic wears made by a friendly, djembe-drum playing, rasta dude. For some cultural stop in the city, Joe Louis Theater (www. thaipuppet.com) is where you can have a drink and a show at its Thai themed restaurant. AFTER PARTY TREATS Among the bars, tt is still possible to find a few places where you can relax and enjoy a good meal. Like at Coco Chili (Sukhumvit-Pattaya Road, opposite Big C, +668 9204 2328). Despite its location in the busy South Pattaya, it makes a great delicious escape with a selection of simple but favorite Thai dishes in the cozy setting of a gallery. The artistic owner is friendly and can also whip you up some mean cups of coffee when he’s not working on his next masterpiece. For a great way to end your trip, the Raw Cafe at Rasayana Detox Retreat (www.rasayanaretreat.com) serves detoxifying uncooked vegetarian dishes with a twist. The orders of tacos and sushi are completely void of carbs and fat. Though they may not be as flavorful as the seafood fare you’ve had, it sure helps you counterbalance your diet of high-caloric shellfish with simple veggie treats.
Scallops in garlic butter at Pra Pa Karn
Morrocan hallways at Rasayana Retreat
Artistic diner, Coco Chilli
Breakfast bagel at La Baguette
• Pratumnak Mountain is not only home to a monument built in memorial of Phra Krom Luang Chumphorn, the father of Thai Royal Navy, but also a place where visitors can check out a 360-degree view of the city. People come up here to pay respect to the statue by lighting fire crackers, which are believed to be Pra Krom Luang’s favorite toy. • The Big Buddha temple sitting atop the mountain is revered by the locals and visitors who come here to pay respect and try their luck in “siem see” or the Chinese fortunetelling sticks.
The current staple stop for baked delights is the newly revamped La Baguette (www.woodland-resort.com). This French café offers a wide variety of fresh bakery and quick Parisian meals, such as sandwiches and crepes. The white, dollhouse bistro looks nothing like a Pattaya venue, but rather a chic café like one would see in an upscale part of Bangkok. THE CHOICE IS YOURS With such a big stigma, it is hard to avoid stereotypes of Pattaya. But this doesn’t mean you should completely disregard it as an unworthy destination. Many resorts, restaurants and attractionsin the area are all trying to change the image of this sin city into a more family friendly holiday location. So, the next time you need a quick getaway, consider Pattaya and
40-41
its little sisters, as there are still many hidden treasures to be rediscovered.
SEA SAND SUN 78/4 Moo 8, KM163 SukhumvitPattaya Road, Na Jomtien +66 3843 5163 www.seasandsunpty.com
A very private beach at Sea Sand Sun
North Pattaya Rd.
South Pattaya Rd.
Jomtien
Sukhumvit Rd.
< To Bangkok
< To Sattahip
Central Pattaya Rd.
Pattaya Beach Sea Sand Sun
Nong Nooch Park
B6,500-B42,000 Complimentary breakfast, Parking, Swimming pool, spa, restaurant, private beach, watersports rentals, internet
Big C
Tesco Lotus Outlet Mall
Pattaya Park
Pra Tamnuk Soi 5 Mom Chai Lai Beach Retreat
B1,800-5,300 Complimentary breakfast, no parking, public beach, watersports rental
42-43
Pra Tamnuk Beach
South Pattaya Rd. Sugar Hat
Tepprasit Rd.
MOM CHAILAI RETREAT 259 Moo 12, Pratumnak Soi 5, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, +66 3825-0894 www.momchailai.com
DO SLEEP PRETTY FACE PATTAYA
Pattaya is not an ordinary resort town, as most people don’t visit for its beaches and tranquil atmosphere. It’s a party city where every corner of every street is home to countless bars. But this doesn’t mean you can’t find peace and quiet in this bustling beach town. Though Sea Sand Sun is not located in Pattaya city, this resort in further away Jomtien, is perfect for those looking to escape from the wild side of town. This is a holiday resort at its best; all of its 25 rooms are private villas, scattered about spacious and nature-filled areas, creating a mock village of its own. There are also bigger one-bedroom suites, with a living area and a generous bathroom, which comes equipped with a bathtub and an outdoor shower. Each villa is nestled among the resort’s lush gardens to give them extra privacy. For a more intimate setting, guests at Jacuzzi villas can enjoy a soak in their own personal pool on the villa’s wooden patio. The pool is almost an extension of the private beach that spans across the front of the resort, so whether you choose the blue lagoon or the natural waters, the tropical sun and the lapping waves of the sea will still surround you. However, with such luxury, also comes a big price tag, but you’re paying for the exclusivity—the tranquility and the privacy that Pattaya is slowly losing.
Cozy reading area at Sea Sand Sun
Mom Chailai’s unique greenery
Almost like an Italian country home
Pattaya 3 Rd.
Pattaya 2 Rd.
South Pattaya Rd.
Sukhumvit Rd.
Oasis Spa Tony’s Gym
Manita Boutique Hotel
Royal Garden Beach Rd.
Tappraya Rd. To Royal Cliff >
Walking Street Pattaya Beach
BB1,600-12,000 Complimentary breakfast, parking, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, no beach, internet
44-45
Manita Boutique Hotel’s warm welcome
For those looking for true seclusion away from people and the world, we found a perfect getaway and it’s not even off the city map. Mom Chailai is a beach retreat situation right on the Pratumnak Beach, a quieter and more serene beach, not too far from Pattaya’s main shoreline. Mom Chailai Yukol, the designer behind this 9-room hotel, converted a regular beach house into a very unique forest home, thanks to the property’s untamed wilderness. With the resort’s policy of “no cutting” of any tree, you will find yourself lodged in the middle of a mini forest in this little Spanish country home, sharing your space with creatures from geckos to butterflies, perfect for hardcore nature lovers. Take a stroll in its lush gardens or walk on the brown-bricked pathway that leads to the beach where you can recline on one of the beach benches sitting under a big shaded tree. It is wise to book ahead, as there are only nine rooms, and many guests stay here for longer than a few days. Though there are no spa or fine dining venues here, those who value peace and silence will find themselves at home. Upon first glance, the Manita Boutique Hotel looks simple. Despite its size and lack of access to a beach, this purple themed hotel boasts one of the best personalized service in the city, catering to their guests unique needs. Having a welldesigned internal communication that lets every staff know who the guests are, and how to treat them right. If you’re cold,
One of Manita’s suites
Hide from the chaos at D2’s library the staff will serve you hot drinks instead of cold. The lobby doubles as a chill out room, where you can order a cup of coffee while reading your favorite daily on a Manita rocking chair. There’s also a modern diner serving international cuisine, as well as a pool and sun deck where you can sunbathe against the backdrop of Pattaya’s grand Pratumnak Mountain. The best feature of the hotel is the highly requested Penthouse suite that comes with three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a private patio giving you a 360-degree view of the hills and life below. If you’re really looking for the kind of hotel that caters to the real party people, then the Dusit D2 Baraquda should be on top of your list. D2 stands for “Dusit, 2nd Generation” bringing a more youthful take on hospitality. Want to hang out at a club, but don’t want to battle the wild crowd of Pattaya? Take the lift to the Deep Bar, the hotel’s swanky world-class club complete with DJ station and visuals, not unlike other funky venues in Bangkok. Just want a drink? The Sunset lounge on the rooftop gives you a private view of the city with cocktails that you can afford. Need a peaceful space to work? Shake off that image of a boring business center and replace it with a design library, not to mention the free hi-speed wifi throughout the hotel. There are also Dusit’s signature D’spa, a fitness center, and a dining room offering international cuisines by the pool. It’s truly a fun-filled facility that almost doesn’t make you want to leave the hotel.
D2 is a fun hotel, with a bar and a club at your service DUSIT D2 BARAQUDA 485/1 Moo 10, Second Pattaya Road, Central Pattaya +66 3876 9999 www.dusit.com Pattaya Bay
Rd. Beach
MANITA BOUTIQUE HOTEL 561/1 Moo 10, Pratumnak Hill, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, +66 38489490-1, +668 1311 4150 email: contact@manitahotel.com www.manitahotel.com
Carrefour
Central Patta ya Rd.
Dusit D2 Baraquda South Pattaya Rd.
. Rd nuk tam Pra
Jomtien Bay
Soi Siam Country Club Soi Nernplupwan
Soi Wat Boonsamphan
Soi Khao Talo
B7,000-12,000 Breakfast optional, parking, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, pubs, function room, no beach, complimentary internet
Quirky touches of Lollipop
The food at Lollipop rocks as much as their house band
Lollipop
NIU’S ON SILOM Fl. 1-2, 661 Silom Road, Bangrak Tel: +66 226 5333-4 BTS Chong Nonsi www.niusonsilom.com Open daily 5pm-1am
Mahaesak Rd. Surasak Rd.
Niu’s
Silom Rd.
SILOM, THE PARTY ANIMAL’S STREET Niu’s is a posh diner, a wine bar, and a very fine jazz hall, offering patrons a little bit of Silom’s distinctive ambience. Though the upstairs restaurant, Concerto, serves up fine Italian fare, your New Years night is best spent in the downstairs jazz bar, listening to talented locals giving an all out jazz and blues jam. Hungry from all that jazz? You can also order cocktails and delicacies to nibble on while watching Silom’s vibrant street from its open-air patio. If you’d rather watch the commotion from above, then Bamboo Chic at the Le Meridien hotel on nearby Surawongse road, is your best bet. Though it is a worthy fine Asian diner, people flock to this swanky venue for its spectacular atmosphere and killer Asianinspired cocktails made from sake. Since its main attraction is the restaurant, you can start your New Years with a great selection of modern Japanese and Chinese cuisine from their kitchen. LIVELY AND CROWD HAPPY RATCHAPRASONG When it comes to the countdown shenanigans, Bangkok’s own Times Square, CentralWorld Plaza, is the place to be. Every December, the front plaza turns into a big beer garden complex,
BAMBOO CHIC Fl. 4, 40/5 Surawong Road, Bangrak Tel: +66 2232 8888 BTS Saladaeng www.lemeridienhotelbangkok.com Open daily 6pm-1am Rama I Rd. Chulalongkorn University Chamchuri Square
Samyan Station Le Meridien Bangkok
Ploenchit Rd.
Lumpini Park
Wireless Rd.
shake when the band really gets down to it. Go easy on the ears and head outside to its “garden” area for a quieter place to sip the crowd-pleasing Lollipop Violet cocktail.
Rama 4 Rd. Silom Station
Sathorn Rd.
Niu’s live jazz is one of the best in town
The Giant Swing
Sathorn Rd.
If you’re more of a rocker, not too far from Khaosarn is where Bangkok’s best indie bands are born. Lollipop looks more like a candy store than a rock pub due to its rather comic touches of lime green walls and beady curtains that divide this tiny place. Converted from a 100-year-old house, Lollipop literally starts to Bangkok Bar’s vibrant nightlife
Soi Mahannop 1
Bamboo Chic is living up to its name
Soi Silom 19
46-47
KHAOSARN, THE CENTER OF BOHEMIAN CULTURE Take a pick from one of the area’s cozy chilled out bars. If we had to choose one, the newly renovated Bangkok Bar would be on top of our list. The name has been around since 1999, but it has recently moved and it is now sporting rather chic decor with a swimming pool to give it a tropical touch. The music truly reflects the scene here, with ska and reggae making up most of the house band’s play list. Order a jug of the signature Big Shot and you’re ready to take on the wild night.
Soi Silom 17
To Phra Athit Rd. >
Ratchadamri Rd.
< To Phan Fah Rd.
City Hall
Mahannop Rd.
Silom Rd.
Vieng Tai Hotel
Ratchadamnoen Rd.
Pramual Rd.
Soi Ram Budtree
New Years Celebrations are coming up and to most this means another opportunity to party. Surely nothing beats counting down to 2010 with hundreds of people who are all looking to have a good time. In Bangkok, Khaosarn, Silom and Ratchaprasong are considered the hotspots as January 1st approaches. If you’re planning to celebrate at these places, here are our December suggestions of pre-party spots to get you warmed up for the night.
Henri Dunant Rd.
Wad Chanasongkram
LOLLIPOP 1 Mahannop Soi 1, Mahannop Road, Pra Nakorn Tel: +66 8 6339 1390, +66 8 1899 7778. Open daily 5.30pm-1am
Surawong Rd.
Bangkok Bar
DO TONIGHT NEW YEARS STARTERS
Pan Rd.
BANGKOK BAR 100 Soi Rambutree, Chakrapong road, Chanasongkram, Pra Nakorn Tel: +66 2281 2899 Open daily 7pm-2am www.bkkbar.com
• Cafe Trio’s owner is a straightforward lady. If you’re dressed like a hobo, or if you annoy other patrons with loud banter, she will politely show you the door. CAFE TRIO 36/11-12 Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan\ Tel: +66 2252-6572 BTS Chid Lom Open: Mon-Sat 6pm-midnigh
with well-known drafts from Singha and Heineken. However, don’t expect a well-planned evening here. It’s going to be crowded and it’s going to be loud well before the clock strikes twelve. For a slow start, in nearby Langsuan, the small but chic drink cafes like Cafe Trio are great if you’re just looking for an easygoing atmosphere. The artistic owner, Miss Patti, also reflects her freespirited self in this tucked away venue as the place also doubles as an art gallery and plays mellow blues, jazz and bossa nova instead of loud banging rock music you get at CentralWorld.
Wireless Rd.
Feel at home at Cafe Trio Soi Tonson
Cafe Trio
Langsuan Rd.
Ratchadamri Rd.
Ploenchit Rd.
Lumpini Park Rama 4 Rd. Silom Station
• Since 100 Ratchadamri is a part of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, you’re expected to dress properly, meaning no flip-flops and beach shorts. Reservations are required for all non-members. FALLABELLA 100 Ratchadamri Road, Tel: +66 2252-5131 BTS Ratchadamri Open daily 6pm-midnight
Vast space at 100 Ratchadamri fills up fast
Langsuan Rd.
Fallabella
Ratchadamri Rd.
Henri Dunant Rd.
The Royal Bangkok Sport Club
Sarasin Rd.
48-49
Ratchadamri might be friendlier, and more private, if you want to have a personal countdown experience with friends. The street’s staple chill-out complex, Monkey Bar, 100 Ratchadamri and Fallabella, caters to the needs of their varied, but well-heeled, clientele. The vibrantly red decor of Monkey Bar shows its fierce side with an array of cocktails, while 100 Ratchadamri is best spent with big groups of friends, as it is a spacey hall with live music that makes a great private countdown hangout. Or you could just come here to fill up your stomach with fine Italian fare at Fallabella before heading to the big countdown at CentralWorld.
DO DRINK STRAWBERRY FIELD
New Years is an international celebration where everyone around the world will drink and dance from dusk ‘til dawn. This special occasion is about enjoying new things in life, and of course, with that comes a new drink. Lollipop pub and restaurant lends us a hand to present the perfect libation to welcome in the New Year. • Lollipop Strawberry Field takes you on a fantastic journey towards the new and exciting year. • Don’t judge the drink on its sweet facade; this beautiful drink could kill SPECIAL THANKS TO Lollipop 1 Soi Mahannop 1, Mahannop Road, Phra Nakhon Tel: +66 8 1899 7778, +66 8 6339 1390 Open daily: 5.00pm-1.00am
50-51
Recipe: 3 strawberries ½ OZ. Vodka ½ OZ. Gin ½ OZ. Tequila ½ OZ. Triple Sec 1 OZ. Strawberry Syrup ½ OZ. Lemonade 5 Crushed Ice Cubes This combination of liquors and lemonade blends the flavor really well as it is neither too sweet nor too strong. The strawberry syrup is added to create a luminous red essence in the glass. After all the ingredients are mixed together, it is then topped with a slice of fresh strawberry.
DO GAME SUDOKU
50-51
This simple yet addictive game of logic is perfect for our witty DO readers. The gameplay may seem easy but it will definitely keep you busy for a while. The objective here is to fill the numbers into the big 9x9 grid in a way that each row, column, and individual 3x3 blocks contain the numbers from 1 to nine only once.
1
9
6 9
4
1
4
3
2
5 6
7 2
1
5
9 8
6
6
3
8
2
5
4
1
3
9
6 2
3 2
1
9
8 3
3
8
2 1
7
IMPORTANT NUMBERS: • For reliable, metered, GPSenabled on-demand taxis, call Taxi Radio at 1681. It takes about half an hour for the taxi to arrive. • Been scammed? Report your incident to the Land Transport Department at 1584. TAXI LINGO Pai.... – please go to... Trong pai – go straight Lee-ow sai – turn left Lee-ow kwa – turn right Jot trong nee – stop here krob lod – U - turn Mai tong torn – keep the change raw bap nung – wait a moment
52-53
Pai
Jot trong nee
DO SURVIVE HOW TO SAFELY TAKE A BANGKOK TAXI
Taxi drivers in Bangkok are a sub-culture of their own. They have their uniform, their own Bangkok map with routes nobody knows about and last but not least, their own set of rules. Taking a taxi in Bangkok is a real hassle. So here are some of the things you should look out for when hailing a cab in Bangkok. • There’s no such thing as a taxi stand in Bangkok, except in front of major department stores and hotels. If you’re not comfortable with hailing a cab on the sidewalk, ask hotel security or a concierge to call one for you. • When hailing a cab, simply wave, no shouting required. Taxis with a red light on means they’re free to serve you. • Most cabbies know English so be careful not to comment on his driving skills. • Be aware of taxi scams. All legitimate taxis are metered, so if they tell you the price before getting you to your destination, avoid it at all cost. • The meter starts at B35 and goes up about B10-20 for approximately every 10-15 minutes, depending on the traffic. • If your taxi driver offers to take you for free to a recommended destination, refuse. This is a common practice of tourist scams. • Always take note of the taxi’s license plate number, color and location you take the it from. This information could come in handy when you forget your belongings or when you need to report a dishonest taxi.
Trong pai
Lee-ow sai
krub lod
Mai tong torn
Lee-ow kwa
raw bap nung
DO PEOPLE DO THE DANCE
The music programmer at Channel V Thailand and host of a local club night, POP !CON party, Ae Bandit Kaewanna, confessed to us what it is like being the city’s true dance-floor crawler. How often do you go out to parties each week? About five nights a week, but it’s mostly for work when I have to interview DJs. I always get party invitations, which allows me to keep up with the clubs and people and stay in touch with the nightlife. What’s your signature dress code? A simple t-shirt and jeans is my style. However when I go to themed parties, I love to dress in costumes. I once went to a party as Beyonce! What’s the best party in your opinion? There are too many! Like the recent Dudesweet Drag Night, and SOMA (indie rock) and Trasher (bubblegum pop) parties. They are all my friends and there are always funny antics to be seen, like one time when they were dancing on the speakers and tables. That was funny. Your favorite nightclub? I usually go to parties and they take me to a different club each time. But one of the most visited places on my list has to be Bed Supperclub, as that’s where my club life started! What are your New Years party plans? I don’t have any yet. It depends on my friends, and wherever they decide to go, I will go too. What’s your motto as a party animal? Remember, it’s about freshening up your life with new tunes and new friends, not about drinking until you get nonsense drunk.
52-53
Basic scrapbooking materials include: - photographs, which will be the star of your scrapbook - a colored cardboard paper for the background, has to be at least 200 gram in thickness - a number of plain colored and patterned sheets of paper rubber glue - double-sided tape, both film and foam types - a pencil, a ruler, an eraser and a penknife. - other decorative touches such as ribbons, fabric pieces, buttons, pins, gel pens, glitter, stickers, etc. Special thanks to: Nancy Studio, 3 Fl. Beacon Zone, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road, PathumwanTel: +66 2646 1261
54-55
DO IDEA SCRAPBOOKING
Scrapbooking is a fun collage art that makes a great personalized gift like no other. The number one rule in scrapbooking is that there are no rules. It purely depends on your style, so we’ll only give you useful tips on how to make yours stand out. TIPS & TRICKS • Always consider the theme of your photos and choose the decorations to reflect the mood. • Before anything, do a brief layout of the elements and ake note of their position with a pencil. • When layering different sheets of colored paper, always alternate between plain and patterned to avoid clutter and confusion. • Rubber glue is recommended as it does not leave the paper wrinkled. • Prior to adhering fabrics or ribbons, stick a strip of double-sided film tape onto the material before applying glue so the liquid won’t seep through. • Apply small amount of clear nail polis to stop the edges of ribbons from coming loose. • Any leftover bits of paper can be used to make small decorations so don’t waste! • You can create dimensions with the thick double-sided foam tape, especially when you want to draw attention to an element, like a button or a photograph. • Got glue smudges? Carefully rub it off with an eraser or gently scrape it with the tip of the penknife.
DO SHOUT SPA / RESTAURANT / HOTEL BANGKOK BAR Buy one Red Label and get a 50% discount on a second bottle. Until Dec 31. Bangkok Bar. +66 2281 2899. www.bkkbar.com.
MOMO CAFÉ Special wine buffet promotion, B490 per person. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until Dec 31. Momo Café, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok. +66 2690 1888.
SIX SENSES HIDEAWAY HUA HIN One night stay gets 57% discount (B8,470 a night). Until Dec 20. Six Senses Hideaway Hua Hin. Paknampran Beach, Pranburi, Prachuap Khirikhan. +66 3261 8200. www.sixsense.com
THE TIDE RESORT Cozy Deluxe package, B2,500 per night for a deluxe room and celebrate the night of 31st December at Fusion Cuisine with an international buffet, B500 for adult and B300 for children. Until Dec 27. The Tide Resort. +66 3839 9200. www.thetide-resort.com.
ASIA BOOKS Purchases of every B2,000 get a lucky dip to win many rewards including 15%-40% coupon discounts, cash coupons worth B50-B400 and CD for book lovers. Until Jan 13. Asia Books +66 2715 9000. www.asiabooks.com
BANGKOK AIRWAYS Best Buy package for BangkokSukhothai and Bangkok-Chiang Mai, starts from B910. Until Dec 15. Bangkok Airways. +66 2270 6699, 1771 www.bangkokair.com
LE SPA The Best Time to Be promotion, 50% discount on spa treatment and massages when making a reservation during 10am and 1pm. Until Dec 31. Le Spa, Pullman Bangkok Kingpower. +66 2680 9999 ext 3601
50%
WHAT: FURNISHED STUDIOS, 25-52SQ.M. WHERE: BAAN RANGNAM, SOI RANG NAM. 5 MIN. WALK TO BTS VICTORY MONUMENT DEAL: B25,000-B45,000/M. CONTACT: +66 2640-1706-9. WWW. BAANRANGNAM.COM
S MEDICAL SPA 2010 New Year, New You package, B4,000 for Wellness Massage for 90 minutes with Oxygenation Facial Treatment for 60 minutes (regular price, B6,355). Until Dec 31. S Medical Spa. +66 2253 1010 ext. 3009. www.smedspa.com
WHAT: 2-BED 2-BATH FURNISHED RIVER VIEW 180SQ.M. WHERE: STATE TOWER, CHAROEN KRUNG, 300M. FROM BTS SAPHAN TAKSIN DEAL: B95,000/M. CONTACT: CURTIS FORDS. +66 2254 7170. WWW.CURTISFORDS.COM
WHAT: FURNISHED 81 SQ.M. w/ FITNESS, POOL WHERE: BELLE PARK RESEDINCE, NARATHIWAS 24 DEAL: FOR SALE, B4,600,000 CONTACT: SERENITY PROPERTY. +66 2258 5158-9. WWW. BANGKOKSERENITY.COM
WHAT: AUDITIONS FOR PINOCCHIO
WHO: 6 ENG-SPEAKING ADULTS/ACTORS, AGED16+ TO ACT/ INTERACT WITH CHILDREN IN THE AUDIENCE WHEN: JAN 10. WHERE: BANGKOK COMMUNITY THEATRE. CONTACT: BONNIE +66 8 1869 1104. BONNIEZ@SALA.NET
DO NOTES WHAT ARE YOU DOING?