Siam Buzz

EVENTS & FESTIVALS AROUND THAILAND — JANUARY

2012-01-10T00:32:00.001-08:00

Hat Yai Lantern Festival

1 Jan – 30 April, Hat Yai Municipality Park, Songkhla

The festival is divided into 7 categories: Amazing Small World, Amazing Floating Lantern, Amazing Animal Planet, Amazing Lantern of the East, Amazing Chinese Lantern, Amazing Bird Paradise and Amazing Sculpture Lantern.

Bor Sang Umbrella Festival

15-17 January, Bor Sang village, Chiang Mai

Observe the refined tradition of umbrella making in a sleepy village that’s been producing beautiful parasols for over 100 years.

Wangnamkeow Floral Fantasia

20–22 January, Nakhon Ratchasima

This magnificent tapestry of floral art is created from more than 200,000 potted plants and flower beds covering an area of 10 hectares and set against a picturesque valley backdrop.

Nakhon Pathom Food Fair

23–29 January, Nakhon Pathom

In one convenient stop visitors will be able to conveniently 'sample' a vast selection of delicious dishes prepared by 50 of the province's famous restaurants and food stalls.

Phimai Festival

28 January, Phimai Historical Park, Nakhon Ratchasima

A dance drama and light-and-sound presentation called "Wimaya Nattakan" will take place. The cultural presentation depicts the past glory of ancient Phimai and the Khmer empire.

Khon Kaen International Marathon

29 January, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen

Take part in scenically stunning 42km marathon, 21km half-marathon, 11.5km mini-marathon or 4.5km fun run past the city’s key attractions.

The River of Kings Festival

Jan 31 – Feb 9, Ratchaworadit Pier, Bangkok

This is a spectacular light-and-sound extravaganza in a grand theatrical production with a cast of more than 700 actors and actresses and two live elephants, depicting the history of Thailand

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek Fair

Until 14 March, Chaing Mai

Activities are divided into three parts, which are exhibitions about agriculture and the royal agricultural projects, national and international agricultural conferences and plant contests.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS AROUND THAILAND — DECEMBER

2011-11-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

King Rama IX Botanical Festival

1–12 December, Rama IX Park, Bangkok

Exhibition about Suan Luang Botanical Garden, show of winning arts and crafts like flower garlands, sale of plants and gardening tools, region’s cultural performances and fireworks.

Thailand International Motor Expo

1–12 December, Impact Exhibition & Convention Centre, Bangkok

This is where car fanatics get their fill of the latest designs, accessories and gadgets. Expect the big names like Audi, BMW, Volkswagen and Fiat, along with clever 'earth-loving' vehicles.

Trooping of the Colours

2 December, Royal Plaza, Bangkok

Members of the three armed forces – the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Thai Air Force – together with the royal guards, don colourful uniforms and march in unison before HM the King and Queen and members of the Royal Family.

Thailand International Balloon Festival

2–6 December, Nakhon Nayok

The festival showcases the wonderful thrill of balloon flying and the country’s unique and beautiful hinterland.

Chiang Mai Bike Week

2–10 December, Chiang Mai

Bikers come out to play in the mountains this weekend. Charitable activities in Chiang Mai province and surrounding areas combine to make for great fun.

Isan Grand Kite Tradition

3–4 December, Buriram

See kite competitions of various selected categories, a kite procession and sales of local products.

Bangkok Pride Tournament

3–5 December, Tennis Academy of Asia, Bangkok

Asia's first Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance tournament hosts fiercely competitive men's singles and doubles matches played in the Thai capital's Pakkred neighbourhood. Spectators welcome too.

King’s Cup Regatta

4–10 December, Phuket

An exhilarating international boating regatta will sees international teams battle it out to win the royal trophy of H.M. The King.

H.M. the King’s Birthday Celebrations

5 December, nationwide

His Majesty the King will celebrate his 83^rd birthday today. An alms-giving ceremony in the morning is followed by a huge festival of music and culture.

Koh Samet Festival

6–11 December, Samet Island

Become amazed with the night colours of neighbouring Rayong as you enjoy various entertaining events and tasty food on this tropical oasis.

World Heritage Fair

9–18 December, Ayutthaya

Celebrate this glorious former capital city with a sound and light show, exhibitions, cultural performances, presentations and shopping.

Constitution Day

10 December, nationwide

Today’s celebrations are held annually to commemorate the advent of the regime of Constitutional Monarchy in Thailand.

Rama VIII Traditional Long Boat Races

11 December, Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

Watch scores of traditional long boats, hewn from tree trunks, slice through the water. Taking place in Bangkok, boats of all sizes compete here, with up to 55 paddlers in one boat.

Vintage Vehicle Procession

16–18 December, Hua Hin

View a beautiful procession of vintage cars as they make their way to Hua
Hin via the Railway Station, Klai Kangwon Royal Palace and Clock Tower.

Concert in the Park

Dec 18 & 25, Lumphini Park, Bangkok

Music lovers picnic on tropical winter afternoons with the Bangkok Symphony. The orchestral ensemble plays both Thai and Western classical music, as well as tunes from Broadway.

Sing Buri Fish Festival

Date TBC, Singburi

Fish sculpture contest, fresh fish exhibition, food from fish contest, special dish from great chefs and a variety of industry products on offer.

Pha Mor E-daeng Marathon

Date TBC, Si Sa Ket

A marathon along the way up to “Khao Phra Wiharn” between Phumicharon
Village and Pha Mor E-daeng. Come to run, walk, stroll or watch.

Elephant Sa-Toke Fair

Date TBC, Lampang

Procession of the elephant satok, local cultural performances, exhibitions, sales of local handicrafts and more will be on hand at this delightful annual fair.

Events & Festivals - November

2011-10-31T22:03:00.000-07:00

Golden Mount Fair

Date TBC, Wat Saket, Bangkok, central Thailand

Worshippers come from all over the world and merrymaking abounds at this Buddhist monastery where a candlelit procession ascends to the peak on the night of the full moon.

Bangkok International Wine Fair

Date TBC, Siam Paragon, Bangkok, central Thailand

Spicy, fruity, tangy wine flavours from around the world dance on your tongue at this fab fair. Small and boutique wine producers connect with distributors in Thailand and South-East Asia.

Nan Traditional Long Boat Races

Date TBC, Nan Province, north Thailand

The competition has boats of small, medium and large categories with a cheer squad competition, Thai food contest, arts ’n’ crafts fair and OTOP products sale.

Bloomin Bua Tong Festival

1 Nov – 5 Dec, Mae Hong Son, north Thailand

Feel the cool breeze of wintertime while appreciating the natural beauty of the enchanting bua tong, or Mexican sunflower. Camp in a field alongside the beautiful bloom.

Loy Krathong Festival

10 Nov, nationwide

Loy Krathong is a festival occurring on the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Loy means "to float" and a krathong is a small, hand-made boat or raft set adrift on water with a wish.

Phimai Festival

10 – 13 Nov, Nakhon Ratchasima, north-east Thailand

The event will include a light and sound presentation, river dances, traditional long boat races, art presentations, cultural performances and local food competitions.

Trio for Justice

13 Nov, Sankampeang, Chiang Mai, north Thailand

Choose from a half-marathon, 10K run and 5K walk through stunning rural Thai scenery. Proceeds go to Burmese and northern ethnic minority school children.

Yara Bangkok Challenge

13 Nov, Bangkok Fishing Park, central Thailand

Teams of two cycle, run, kayak and swim past paddy fields, lakes, canals, temples and farmland. There are different levels of competition, with categories for men, women, seniors and mixed.

Surin Elephant Roundup

19-20 Nov, Surin Province, north-east Thailand

To commemorate both the importance of the Thai elephant and the local peoples’ close relationship with them, the Surin Roundup has been held annually since 1960.

Phuket International Soccer 7s

26 – 27 Nov, Phuket, central Thailand

The largest tournament of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, the 7s will see four tournaments, comprising 80 teams from 17 countries taking part.

Bangkok Marathon

27 Nov, Bangkok, central Thailand

The historic run is divided into four sections: marathon (42.195 km), wheelchair marathon (42.195 km); mini-marathon (10.5 km); walk and run for good health marathon (5 km).

Laguna Phuket Triathlon

27 Nov, Phuket, south Thailand

Competitors tackle a gruelling 1.8km swim, 55km bike race and 12km run through the tropical landscape. There is also a 6km fun run for a more relaxed challenge.

Mansion 7: Boutique Thriller Mall

2011-08-22T00:19:00.000-07:00

Looking more like a movie set than a shopping mall, Mansion 7, which appropriately opened on Halloween, hopes to attract Bangkok's trendy thrill-seekers by offering them something completely unique. For starters it’s nowhere near Sukhumvit, it is on Ratchadapisek Road. It also happens to have a stupendously and shamelessly “out-there” theme, as it is designed to be a haunted mansion. Best of all, every food, retail, game and drink outlet has its own unique concept and design that can't be found anywhere else in the city – a rarity in franchise-heavy Bangkok.

The entrance to the 7-rai boutique mall is a great, frightening claw in the middle of a sophisticated purple façade. Once inside, the large, lofty and air-con free space is roughly separated into three main zones: Neglected Garden (home to retail boutiques), Playground (housing cafes and restaurants) and Dark Mansion. The front is the Garden’s domain, the side is for the Playground and all the back, the Dark Mansion [insert maniacal laugh…]. And interspersed amongst it all are an array of intriguing and entertaining games (pay with coupons), like grabbing a prize from a barrel before a guillotine cuts your army off – fun! There is no denying that the site is impressive, no creativity or money has been spared on its construction. In fact, this 170 million baht project is the second masterpiece of Pattara Sahawatra, the brains behind super successful "vintage village" Plearnwan in Hua Hin.

Besides all the other distractions, the real star is the "Dark Mansion" itself. It has been created around the fictional tale of the mad noble Lord Ratchada, who committed disgusting experiments on human bodies in a bid to resurrect his daughter (explained in a video at the beginning). The 15-minute walk through (groups of four clutching a rope) is definitely a work of art that plays with human psychology and fears. Each small group self-guides through spooky experimentation rooms, past embalmed bodies and into a ghostly bedroom. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a tacky romp, it was super creepy. Every detail has been carefully thought out and the odd creaking door, hysterical scream and surprise zombie will keep you on your toes. Not the mention cramped corridors, pitch-dark rooms, strange smells and things that go bump in the night….

Once you’ve made it out alive, you’ll be shown various photos (Bht 250) of yourself in completely embarrassing states of fear that can be taken home as a loving memento. After this experience you might need a stiff drink and Mansion 7 offers two choices: Beer Mansion and Cocktails! The entrance fee is Bht 180 for Episode I and Bht 320 for Episode I and II (the latter has newly been opened). There is a "Combo Set" available, including Episode I, two game coupons and a soft drink. Word to the wise, if you can possibly avoid it, do NOT go through with any teenage Thai girls in tow – their ear-piercing screams at every turn will have you running for the exit faster than any petrified corpse.

ESSENTIALS

244/7 Ratchadapisek Soi 14, Ratchadapisek Rd

02-692-631

MRT Huay Kwang.

Open Mon-Fri noon-midnight, Sat-Sun noon-2am

www.themansion7.com

The Royal Barge Museum

2011-08-08T02:24:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I’ve done any sight-seeing, a good week perhaps, so I figured I may as well hit some spots on the river as it was another hot and cloudy days and a day on the water, or near to it, seemed like the perfect diversion. Looking at my lonely planet map I’d planned a route that looked both convenient in terms of getting back to work in the afternoon, and pleasant, in terms of being on the river for as long as possible. I now know that it can sometimes be pointless to try and plan things such as routes in Bangkok, unless your taxi driver knows where he’s taking you.

I had planned to head from home to the ferry that would take us to the Royal Barge Museum; the cab driver took us all the way to the museum. Well, not quite. In order to get to the museum by foot you must first walk down a rather narrow alley off of Arun Amarin Road that twists and turns around a series of canals and homes for a good 200m before reaching the museum, which is on the water, hence my initial plan to go by boat.

When we got to the museum we were ushered towards the ticket booth by a sleepy looking guard where we paid our entrance. A note to those who wish to take photos, there is the admission fee and then there is the photography fee, each is 100B, so I would recommend taking as many photos as you can of every inch of the eight magnificent barges housed inside.

When I say magnificent, I truly mean it! The barges were unlike anything I had seen before. I’d seen pictures on the Internet but of course, a picture can only say so much, in order to really appreciate something like these you really need to be standing there, looking up at the giant Nagas that make up the bow of one of the larger barges, you have to be standing next to the huge Garuda statue to fully appreciate the sheer size of these things. If I had to give a ballpark figure, I would say that the largest was probably around 50m long.

The largest and most important of the barges is called Suphannahongsa and was carved from a single tree in 1911 and was built to resemble the mythical golden swan, is the King’s personal barge and takes some 30-plus oarsmen to move and a team of coxswains, or helmsmen, to synchronize their movements. I used to row once upon a time and I can’t even begin to imagine the precision that must go into steering and coordinating the movements of these enormous boats, especially with the whole nation watching and the single most important person in your country aboard.

Walking around the museum doesn’t take very long, it’s basically a small aircraft hangar adapted for the barges. In one corner you can get the usual postcards and souvenirs and there are some old relics from previous barges, which were either damaged as a result of either deterioration or destroyed in bombings during WWII. That isn’t to say that touring the museum a quick fix, you can’t admire the craftsmanship of these beautiful barges on the run, you need to really stop and appreciate the detail and care that has gone into keeping them the way they are today.

Madame Tussauds Bangkok

2011-07-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

This newly-opened museum gives visitors a chance to get up-close and personal with wax version of Hollywood superstars, sports legends, world leaders and other celebrities.

The 500-million baht attraction is located in downtown Bangkok’s famous shopping strip. It features 10 rooms of about 80 wax figures. Locals will be pleased to hear that about 30% of them are Thai personalities.

Whilst not all the wax figures resemble their real-life counterparts, e.g. the wax Beyonce is way off, it’s still a lot of fun to see Oprah, Serena Williams, Jim Carey, Madoona, Angelina Jolie, Yao Ming, Jackie Chan, Michael Jackson, Julia Roberts, Nicholas Cage, David Beckham, Britney Spears, Queen Elizabeth, Will Smith, Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Barak and Michelle Obama, Captain Jack Sparrow (aka Johnny Depp), etc in semi realdom.

Bring a camera and a friend of two so you can take turns snapping pictures with your favourite celebrity crush. Have fun and try to use the costumes and accessories provided.

A surreal experience with the wax incarnations of celebrities past and present; this museum certainly provides a fun day out for all.

Price: Bht 800 adults, Bht 600 children (under 12)

Times: 10:00 to 21:00 daily

Contact: 026-580-060, www.madametussauds.com/bangkok/en/

Location: Siam Discovery shopping complex, 6^th floor

Wat Suthat: A Diamond in the Rough

2011-07-01T00:57:00.000-07:00

Wat Suthat, located across the street from the Giant Swing, is, to say the very least, beautiful! When I found out how close it is to the Giant Swing I thought that I really should have visited Wat Suthat at the same time but my daylight had already started to fade. When I did go though, I was glad to have waited, visiting a wat isn’t something you want to be rushed in. As I walked through the gates I was, as at the Golden Mount, struck by the calmness and serenity of the place. Right on the main road you would expect the noise from Bangkok’s traffic to overflow into the temple but somehow the walls managed to keep out the sound, either that or I was so mesmerized by the beautifully structured roofs and Buddha-lined walkways that I just failed to notice it.

The temple seemed to be a mix of Chinese and Thai architecture, I don’t know what made me think Chinese but it entered my mind like a lightning bolt when I saw the temple. There were what looked to be sandstone statues in front of the entrance and they seemed to be of Chinese design and multi tiered spirit houses, or pagodas, lining the sides of the temple and bronze horses dotted around the corners. The pagodas, statues and horses are all of Chinese origin.

The compound is a large square, with the temple in the center and covered cloisters lining the outer perimeter. Before going into the temple I wandered around the perimeter and saw as people laid down thin rattan mattresses and lay down to rest in front of one of the 150-odd Buddha statues that line the walls. How wonderful! I thought, to sleep under the protective gaze of Buddha, had I more time I would have like to doze there myself. Later on when I did my research I discovered that these statues are ‘adopted’ by patrons in memory of loved ones who have passed away and who may be entombed in the base of the wall near the statues.

The marble floors of the cloisters and main square were pristine and clearly reflected the Buddhas and the temple, like looking into a marbled mirror. I walked around the cloisters, admiring the delicately painted doors and the statues that were placed around the temple. I entered the temple from the back door and as I made my way to the front of the main hall my eyes were drawn upwards to the towering gold Buddha, which dominated the room, it must have been 10 meters high! I was hesitant to take photos though because the room was full of people in prayer and I was worried that the chirp and click of the camera as it turns on and takes photos would disturb their silent reverie, so as discretely as possible I pulled out the camera, trying to muffle it as it switched on and, standing in a far corner, took a few cautious photos.

It was then that I noticed something that I was surprised I’d missed, although with a giant golden Buddha taking up most of the room perhaps its not so surprising. The walls of the temple were covered in paintings depicting Jataka Tales, that is to say the 24 previous lives of the Buddha (although this fact I didn’t find out until I later went and did my research). These paintings are perhaps the most extensive and most important of their kind and went through extensive and costly restorations in the 1980’s, money well spent if I may say so.

Before leaving I stopped for a while to sit and sketch one of the roofs, which are of traditional Thai styling with the horned corners and green and orange tiles as well as the Chinese pagodas, I don’t know how long I was sitting there, it’s easy to lose track of time in a place as ageless as Wat Suthat.

Wat Ratchanadda and the Giant Swing

2011-06-20T02:24:00.000-07:00

Following my visit to the Golden Mount, I still had plenty of daylight left, surprisingly it doesn’t get dark until quite late, it’s almost as if it’s a European summer. So, from the Golden Mount I made my way down the road with no real direction in mind, I knew there were a few nice places in the area because I’d seen the needle-tipped points of wats from the street as I was walking. As you walk down the street you’ll find yourself on the main road at a large junction, behind you, you have the Golden Mount and in front there’s a monument of King Rama III, which stands in a nice little square in front of Wat Ratchanaddara, which stands out from others because of its black roof and multi-tiered structure.

The temple was either being renovated or repaired and therewas scaffolding along one side but as a result, was completely empty, asideform a few sleepy looking laborers who lazily looked up as I walked past. I gotthe impression I wasn’t really meant to be there but also that no one reallycared to tell me so I wandered around at my own leisure. I couldn’t go inunfortunately but the outside was beautiful enough.

Have you ever walked to get lost? I did. I knew roughlywhere I was and that was too much, so what did I do? I found the narrowestalley, running parallel to the narrowest aqueduct, and walked down it, only tocome out bang in front of the Giant Swing, or Sao Ching Cha, which is in the centerof a busy street. I’d seen the Swing from taxis to and from the office and I’dactually not heard of it before, or not to my recollection at least. It looksas though it should be somewhere in Japan or China and seemed oddly out of place,impressive though it was.

The Swing wasn’t always where it is today, it was moved toits current location in 1920 to make room for a gas plant, which I wont writeabout because lets face it, who wants to hear about a gas plant. The Swingisn’t just a pretty construct though, it was initially used in one of the 12royal ceremonies, which are held in each of the 12 months of the Thai lunarcalendar to bring in the Brahmin new year, the ceremony lasted for 10 days andwas a re-enactment of an ancient Hindu tale of how Brahma and Shiva first createdand cared for the Earth. The ceremony was also to thank Shiva for a bountifulrice harvest and pray for the god’s blessing in the next.

The thought of people swinging from it is outlandish and theceremony was actually discontinued in 1932 due to injuries and deaths, which Icant say surprises me, although I’m sure that it must have been awesome toswing from, provided you weren’t one of the unlucky ones. -- By Tarka Rose (PR intern at Siam Hotels & Resorts)

The Golden Mount

2011-06-20T01:04:00.000-07:00

It was one of those days where the clouds were out in force but the sun was still strong enough to break through. The car drivers and tuk-tuk riders were in their usual rush but I was taking full advantage of my chance to see the sites. I’d made a list of the places to see near the office, the Giant Swing, just a block away, the Golden Mount, about a klick down the road and several other wats and monuments, I didn’t want to put too much on my plate as I knew I’d come across a few gems along the way that wouldn’t be on Google.

As I headed out of the office, I began to wonder if I’d chosen the right day for sight seeing, the clouds were heavy and I was prepared for a soaking as the clouds rolled in. As I made my way up the road I walked past a small temple with a canopy of flags streaming from the central spire to the buildings around the walls, I figured it for a perfect place to start being a tourist so I whipped out the camera and started taking photos.

When I finally made it to the Golden Mount, or Phu Khao Thong, the feel of the place was so serene. In spite of the reconstruction of one of the smaller temple houses and the bustle of the road outside, the place felt calm. The bottom of the mountain is covered in vegetation and through it you can see several small shrines dotted around the base.

Construction of the Golden Mount started under the rule of Rama III in 1831 but wasn’t completed until 1877, under the rule of Rama V. Climbing the spiral steps that run along the edge there are several levels, the first level I got to was lined with prayer bells for people to ring as they walk along, saying a silent prayer with each toll. There are 2 more levels, each with prayer bells, before reaching what I can only describe as the penthouse, other travel sites say that there is a 10 Baht entry fee but I entered without being asked.

In the center of the building is a golden shrine, located directly under the golden chedi, or spire on the roof. People come to pray and rub gold leaf on the shrine, I saw a couple walking around the shrine with their palms together in prayer. Climbing the narrow stairs to the top I came to the roof where perhaps the first things I saw was the huge towering golden chedi, at each corner of the platform there were more, smaller prayer bells, hanging in a pine tree-like formation. Visitors were kneeling down in prayer before the chedi and before making my way back down I knelt down to think a few thoughts in the serenity of the place.

The walk down was really relaxing, there was no rush and I found myself almost wishing there were more than the 300-odd steps. Before reaching the bottom there was another shrine but this one was in memory of those who had passed. Inlaid into the stonewall of the mount were marble slabs commemorating loved ones, each with its own offering of juice, sweets or a few Baht. What a beautiful place for them to rest.

-- By Tarka Rose (PR intern at Siam Hotels & Resorts)

Top 10 Bangkok Cafes with Free Wi-Fi

2011-05-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

1. DE SKY CAFÉ & CUISINE

5/F, Digital Gateway

BTS Siam

Open daily 11:00-20:00

Quite decent nosh and wallet-friendly drinks. Added bonus: watching the hypnotic Skytrain go past to destinations yonder…

2. CHAHO

4/F Atrium zone, CentralWorld

BTS Chid Lom

Open daily 10:30-21:00

Anything and everything green is the order of the day here: matcha green tea latte frappuchino, delicious green tea cake and yummy green tea-ice-cream.

3. KIOSK

6/F, The Emporium

BTS Phrom Phong

Open Tue-Sun 10:30-21:00

Spend over Bht 120 on such goodies as French toast, home-made soup and imported water and you get unlimited free internet surfing in this design-orientated, artsy hangout.

4. COFFEE SOCIETY

12/3 Silom Rd

BTS Sala Daeng

Open 24 hours

This three-story shop house has plenty of little corners for you to hide away in. Note: the food is not all the fabulous, so stick to the refreshments.

5. LIBRARY

Sukhumvit Soi 24

BTS Phrom Phong

Open daily 7:00-21:00

A great place to relax with books galore and fellow epicureans. This cosy place is both welcoming and indulgent, pick a favourite pew and stay as long as you like…

6. CUP B

2/F, Lido Theatre, Siam Square

BTS Siam

Open daily 11:00-21:00

The cakes and coffee are not stellar but this cutesy establishment is a favourite spot for watching local hipsters wander around down-town.

7. CAFÉ DE NORASINGHA

Phaya Thai Palace, Rajvithee Rd

BTS Victory Monument

Open Mon-Fri 8:00-19:00, Sat-Sun 10:30-19:00

Set in a distinguished former waiting room, this delightful café is full of old world charm, plump armchairs, pot pies, fruit crumbles, sandwiches and iced coffees.

8. THE THIRD PLACE

137/1 Thong Lor

BTS Thong Lor

Open daily 9:00-20:00

Bht 120 gets you unlimited Wi-Fi and your choice of beverage at his friendly working space equipped with office appliances and meetings rooms.

9. OHANA CAFÉ

50/4 Sukhumvit Soi 24

BTS Phrom Phong

Open daily 8:00-19:00

This delightful café is airy and breezy and has a good range of affordable set menus and the best espresso latte in town! Great spot for lazy afternoons with a good book.

10. CITY LOUNGE

Siam City Hotel, 477 Si Ayuthaya Rd

BTS Phaya Thai

Open daily 8:00-24:00

This open-air lounge has oodles of light, comfy seats, cheerful staff and to-die-for delicacies. Don’t miss their delicious daily ‘high tea’ set (Bht 260++) from 2-6pm.

Khao Yao Thrice

2011-05-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Set against a backdrop of robust and lush mountains, Chokchai Farm is a cattle ranch, an affordable tent resort and agro-tourism destination all rolled into one. Large (setting about 50) tractor-driven wagons bring visitors on tours across the sprawling 3,000-hectare-plus property, allowing everybody the opportunity to milk cows, pet farm animals, ride ponies, visit an orchid and watch a live rodeo show. When the heat and excitement get to much, stop by the dairy for a fresh ice cream or the restaurant for some prime rib.

Address: 159-160 Moo 2, Friendship Road, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima

Tel: +66 (0) 4432-8485

Email: www.farmchokchai.com

Tours: Tue-Fri 10:00am-2:00pm, Sat-Sun/public holidays 9:00am-3:40pm (book 7 days in advance)

Price: Bht 125 for kids, Bht 250 for adults and Bht 2,490 for two-day, one-night room package

The Greenery Resort Kao Yai has 256 spacious guest rooms, views of forest-clad hills and a play pool for kids, but the real draw is the Life Park next door. A fun-seekers’ stomping ground, the recently renovated adventure park brims with attractions ranging from gentle rides on bumper boats and kiddie karts to adrenaline thrills in the Zorb, a giant inflatable ball that rolls down a 120-meter slope, and GX-Swing, a reverse-bungee ride that catapults you 60 meters into the sky!

Address: 188/1 Thanarat Road, Moo See, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima

Tel: +66 (0) 4429-7668

Open: Mon-Sun 9:00am-6:00pm

Email: www.greeneryresort.com

Price: Bht 2,500 for double room and Bht 160 life park ride

Nature-loving families should skip the basic lodgings offered by Khao Yai Garden Lodge & Wildlife Tours opt for the adventure of an overnight jungle-camping tour. With well-trained eyes, veteran guides will lead the way through forests and grasslands to the best trails for spotting indigenous species including gibbons, hornbills, elephants and barking deer. You also see caves, giant trees, raging rivers and more – a real wilderness buffs’ dream.

Address: 135/1 Thanarat Road, Km 7, Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima

Tel: +66 (0) 4436-5178

Open: Year round

Email: www.khaoyai-gardenlodge.com

Price: Bht 7,400 for two-day, one -night camping tour per person

Cafe de Norasingha

2011-05-18T00:45:00.001-07:00

Thailand has several restaurants whose settings imbue their food with grandeur. Nowhere is this spectacle more evident than at Cafe de Norasingha, on the grounds of Bangkok's Phya Thai Palace, once a residence of King Vajiravudh.

History's vivid scents mingle with the tantalising aromas of coffee and basic home cooking at the café, within the Phra Mongkutklao Hospital compound.

Under the gaze of a statue of Rama VI, the cafe sits directly in front of the main palace building, the Phiman Chakri Hall, on the spot where the king parked his car. There used to be a hall there reserved for people waiting for an audience with the king.

Enclosed behind Victorian-style carved wooden doors, the cafe occupies a neo-classical structure of fine pedigree. The room is awash with French windows, high frescoed ceilings, leather chesterfields, elegant chandeliers and Art Deco dining chairs.

Built in 1909, the Phya Thai Palace was originally a laboratory for King Chulalongkorn's agricultural experiments. His son, Rama VI, surrounded it with five throne halls of Western architecture and lived in it for six years, departing on October 1925, a month before he died.

As upkeep was costly, the site was eventually turned into a hotel by Prince Kamphaeng Phet in 1926, during the reign of Rama VII. The Phya Thai Palace Hotel was considered the most luxurious hotel in Southeast Asia during its heyday. The suites had bathrooms complete with Jacuzzis, and cost about Bht 120 a night – very expensive at that time!

After serving as a hotel it was then turned into the Royal Thai Army's medical division. That evolved into Phra Mongkutklao Hospital in 1952. The hospital moved to an adjacent site in 1969, and 10 years later the palace was designated a National Heritage site.

The Cafe de Norasingha is a revival of the Norasingha Cafe that operated in Rama VI's day in Sanam Suea Pa near the Royal Plaza. Dubbed the first "European cafe" in Bangkok, it was popular among local aristocrats and foreigners. The cafe opened in 2003 but closed just two years later for restoration. It was finally reopened in 2010, under the administration of the Palace Fan Club.

The house speciality is an iced coffee (Bht 45) in a tall glass with alternating layers of syrup, milk and coffee. Otherwise try a café latte (Bht 40), fruit juice (35) iced lemon tea (Bht 40) or cocoa (Bht 40).

Its predecessor served dishes based on royal recipes, and the club's members maintain that aristocratic tradition with homemade marvels like steamed rice with roasted pork in gravy. There is also spaghetti (Bht 150), pot pie (Bht 70), sandwich (Bht 35), salad (Bht 45), blueberry waffle (Bht 95) and apple crumble (Bht 85), just to name a few, on the menu.

· The Cafe is located on Rajvithee Road inside the compound of Phra Mongkutklao Hospital

· Open weekdays from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm and on weekends from 10:30 am - 7:00 pm.

· Book a table at 023-548-376.

· The Palace Fan Club conducts two-hour tours of the Phya Thai Palace every Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9:30 am and at 1:30 pm. It's free but donations are welcome.

· To get there from the Siam City Hotel, simply walk out the hotel and turn right. At the first major interestion (Phayathai Rd and Si Ayuthaya Rd) turn right again and continue straight. Walk all the way up till you hit Victory Monument. Cross over the street and take the first large street on your left-hand side that juts out from the round-about. Follow this street straight down and after about five minutes the palace will appear on your left-hand side.

Offbeat Bangkok: Top Five Tips

2011-05-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Beyond the glitz and glamour of down-town Siam; the grunge of Khao San Road; the dubiousness of Silom; the hustle and bustle of Chinatown; the serenity of Lumpini Park and the majesty of the Chao Phraya River, lay a few less-travelled Bangkok paths. Here listed for you are five offbeat things to amuse, delight and enthral in the Big Mango.

1) LIVING DEAD

Fans of the macabre will enjoy visiting the friendly confines of the Siriraj Medical Museum (aka Forensics Museum), on the west bank of Bangkok's Chao Phraya River. Here, you will find six museums within a one-block area dedicated to death and illness, with all manner of preserved bodies, body parts and ephemera. Most of these exhibits are not for the weak of heart or stomach but the whole project is a fascinating, unblinking look at the subjects. Much of the signage remains in Thai, but it’s not hard to connect the dots. The most compelling exhibits are in the Pathological, Forensic, and Parasitology museums. This is undoubtedly a macabre yet educational experience well worth a visit for those in search of something a little different in the City of Angles.

Details:

· Take the Chao Phraya ferry to Tha Wang Lang (No.10) pier on the western side of the river. Exit and walk due west, then walk left into the hospital grounds and follow the signs (arrows) to the Adulyadaejvikrom Building.

· Open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

· Baht 40 entry, photos not allowed.

2) RETRO SCAVAGING

Beyond the flea markets, mega-malls, street stalls and ma and pa joints, Bangkok is a trove of vintage gems. The king of the heap is none other than the Rachada Night Market, famed for its secondhand offerings. This is where local hipster Thais (and in-the-know farang) come to see and be seen; whilst scavenging over drool-worthy retro items. Here you can find any and everything, from old cassette tapes and classic aviators to vintage flares, Rolleiflex cameras, chrome lamps, classic-car spoilers, obscure vinyl records and rotary dialphones. The charm of this place is the browsing down cramped aisles overloaded with goodies and haggling for the best deal with store owners more interested in a good yarn than a ruthless sale. But not everything here is old, or for sale, so be on your guard.

Details:

· Corner of Ratchada and Lad Phrao roads.

· Take the BTS to Mo Chit and then 5 min taxi or get out on the doorstep via MRT Lad Phrao.

· Open Saturdays only, 7:00 p.m. till late.

3) ANCIENT MEANDERINGS

According to their website, the Ancient City (Muang Boran) is “…a door opening to the heritage of Thai wisdom”. In reality this translates into 320 acres of land, roughly in the shape of Thailand, housing reproductions and originals (about 100) of important and significant (e.g. temples, houses, shrines) buildings from around the Land of Smiles; aimed at preserving Thai cultural heritage. Located beside the capital’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the park is easily accessible and well worth a pleasant trip, especially for tourists with kids and lovers of history and architecture. As it does take the better part of a day to see the park, you'll be needing lunch. There are ample snack bars spread throughout the park, but the place for lunch is the recreation of a quaint Thai floating village.

Details:

· For those with a car, take the expressway as far as the Samrong-Samut Prakan exit. Turn left along old Sukhumvit Road (towards Bangpoo) and travel onwards some 33km. The park is on the left-hand side.

· For public transport, take air-conditioned bus No. 511 (Pinklao-Paknam) to the end of the line. From here, take mini-bus No. 36. It passes the entrance.

· Baht 400 (adult) and 300 (child) entry.

· Tel 027-091-644.

· Open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4) AIRBORNE GRUB

Located in the BITEC neighbourhood of Bangkok, the Flying Chicken Restaurant (Suan Aharn Kraton) is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed. The clue’s in the name: order said airborne fowl and you witness the pre-roasted bird being set aflame, propelled across a stage and retrieved by an acrobatic spike-wearing waiter on a unicycle (often with a child on his shoulders). The bird eventually lands on your table bolt upright, with a flag where its head should be. Set outdoors in a garden complete with a slightly decrepit play-area, this far-flung eatery makes a great backdrop for rowdy drinking sessions, but don’t expect gourmet dining. If all that wasn’t enough, the joint also has a commanding stage where mediocre karaoke singers belt out off-key tunes to their heart's content.

Details:

· 99/1 Bangna Trad, Bangna (opposite Royal Dragon and BITEC)

· Tel 023-995-252

· Open daily for dinner only

5) SNAKES ALIVE

Last, but not least, on our list is the amazing Snake Farm (the largest producer of anti-venom serum in Asia). Here inquisitive guests are given a lecture about different varieties of poisonous snakes and how anti-venom is processed. The lecture is a little dry, but the presenters do try to make it humorous and interesting. Following this is the ‘show’, where various snakes, such as the cobra, mamba and banded krait, are displayed and in some cases you are even allowed to touch them (not the cobras though, obviously). Be warned, the kamikaze young showmen like to scare the audience, and amuse themselves, by pretending to throw the snakes into the crowd. Altogether a fantastically educational experience, if you have a fear of snakes, this isn't the place for you!

Details:

· 1871 Rama IV Road (opposite Suriawongse Road, near Pan Pacific Hotel).

· Take the BTS to Sala Daeng and walk from there.

· Tel 022-520-161.

· Daily show at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays and 11:00 a.m. on holidays.

· Bht 70 entry.

Spice & Rice: Thai Restaurant Debuts New Menu

2011-05-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Siam City Hotel, Bangkok is pleased to announce that its Thai restaurant, Spice & Rice, has launched an exciting new menu of authentic and innovative southern dishes. Housed in the hotel’s luxurious Rama V colonial wing beside the lush Garden Pavilion, the refined establishment is a beacon for gourmets far and wide.

The restaurant features such specialties as som tum (shredded green papaya with chillies, roasted peanuts and garlic), tom yam goong (Thailand’s famous spicy herb broth with fresh river prawns), kaeng massaman (a southern Thai delicacy; served with chicken, beef or lamb), nam prik goong siab (sun-dried smoked prawns in chilli paste with poached vegetables), kaeng leang (spicy southern Thai curry with sea bass) and phad thai kai hor (fried noodles with prawns, tofu and bean sprouts; wrapped in paper-thin omelette).

Besides southern Thai food, the restaurant is also serving a capsule menu of mouthwatering Middle Eastern dishes. Highlights being aash-e gojeh farangi (herb tomato soup with lamb), dome felfl (bell pepper with minced lamb), koofte nokhod-chi (barbecue beef ball skewer), khorake gosht (lamb curry), maahi kabab (barbecue fish skewer), kabab barg (barbeque lamb skewer) and joojeh kabab (barbecue chicken skewer).

For a truly genuine and gourmet dining experience connoisseurs of fine food should not pass up an opportunity to dine at one of Bangkok’s most prestigious Thai restaurants. Spice & Rice is open daily for lunch (11:30-14:30) and dinner (18:00-22:30). Bookings for small or large groups can be made by contacting 02-247-0123, ext. 1116.