hotspots 2015

THE BEST NEW OPENINGS IN BANGKOK • CHIANG MAI • HUA HIN • KRABI

• PHUKET • SAMUI

Hotspot2015_HK.indd 1 10/16/15 11:23 AM

WHERE Thailand Hot Spots 2015You’ve been to the Grand Pa lace . You ’ve photo -graphed yourself at Wat Pho. You’ve even bought one

of those hill-tribe hats on Khao San Road. Then this is the Thailand travel guide for you. WHERE Thailand Hot Spots 2015 rounds up the very best of what’s new from across the kingdom to clue in our well-traveled friends with the places and trends getting locals excited: the happen-ing bars in Bangkok’s Chinatown, the steaming cups of Thai-grown coffee com-ing out of Chiang Mai, the luxury hide-aways opening on Koh Samui, and the grown-up fine-dining scene on Phuket. So get comfortable and start planning a trip to Thailand that you won’t get from reg-ular guidebooks.

Where Thailand Hot Spots 2015/16 is published and distributed on October 2015. It is published by Where Publishing (Thailand) Ltd., 9/F, Room A, Sathorn Nakorn Tower, 100 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500. Copyright ©2015 Where Publish-ing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “Where Thailand,” “Where Thailand Hot Spots 2015/16,” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of Where Thailand Hot Spots are the property of Where Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. The Guide may not be distributed without the express written consent of Where Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Pub-lisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request.

Where Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. 9/F, Room A, Sathorn Nakorn Tower, 100 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66(0)2624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 E-mail: [email protected]

BANGKOK4

General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon

Editor-in-Chief/Product Director Grégoire Glachant

Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon

Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk

Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Guide Designer Chantich Kongchanmitkul

Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon

Contributors Vasachol Quadri, Lily Kittisrikangwan, Natcha Saguankiattichai

Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai

Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant

On the cover Nikki Beach Koh Samui

CONTENTSHOT SPOTS

CHIANG MAI12

HUA HIN16

KRABI18

PHUKET20

SAMUI26

facebook.com/wherethailand

www.wherethailand.com

@where_thailand


BANGKOKHOT SPOTS

4

BANGKOKErrChef-couple Duangporn Songvisava and Dylan Jones, the masterminds behind one of Bangkok’s top Thai restaurants, Bo.lan, have gone for a casual and raw look in this shop-house restaurant near the river. It focuses on small-portioned, creative Thai dishes that go well with drinks, like chicken satay with brioche, naem (Northern-style garlic and sticky rice cured pork) and the deep-fried whole-chicken skin with home-made Sriracha sauce. The bar boasts plenty of cocktails made with Thai spirits.394/35 Maharaj Rd., 02-622-2291 Open Tue-Sun 11am-midnight. www.errbkk.com.

EAT

BaanThis restaurant’s name means “home” in Thai, and it specializes in dishes pre-pared using the chef’s family recipes and locally sourced produce, like organ-ic rice, free-range pork and eggs. Baan’s signature dishes span classics like somtum (Thai-style spicy papaya salad) as well as slightly more creative recipes like kai palo tom-sap (spicy five-spiced egg soup). Despite the home-style cooking, the excellent cocktails and modern decor bring a touch of sophistication.

Wireless Rd., 02-655-8995. Open Wed-Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm; Mon 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm. MRT Lumphini www.baanbkk.com.

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Borrowing the same concepts from all L’Atelier branches, this elegant red and black space has diners seated around a large open kitchen, a format more rem-niscent of a sushi bar than classic dining a la Francaise. The food remains unmis-takebly French, though the free-range quail stuffed with foie gras and potato purée comes with all the finesse you’d expect from Joel Robuchon, the chef with the most Michelin stars in the world.

5/F, Mahanakorn Cube, 96 Narathiwat Ratchanakarin Rd., 02-001-0698. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm. BTS Chong Nonsi. www.robuchon-bangkok.com.

MarcelExpect to drink alongside a young, in-ternational art and fashion crowd at this casual restaurant-bar in the swinging Sathorn Soi 10 neighborhood. Down-stairs is all about French-influenced bar food like shoestring fries and beef tar-tare, served alongside cocktails named after French writers. Upstairs offers more formal dishes that draw on Asian influences, like chicken breast, lemon-grass and grilled eggplant served with tomato and onion jam, and salmon wasabi pea puree, cauliflower and baby carrots served with raw fennel salad.

Sathorn Soi 10, 02-635-3533. Open Tue-Fri 6pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 11:30am-midnight. BTS Chong Nonsi. ow.ly/Tq5cO.


BANGKOKHOT SPOTS

6

Paste (Gaysorn Plaza) Two of Bangkok’s most highly-regard-ed modern chefs, Bongkoch Satongun and Jason Bailey, joined forces with the aristocratic Sanitwong family, de-scendants of Rama II, to open this branch of Paste. Its specialty is recipes from the Sanitwongs’ ancient cook-books, with a particular emphasis on curries. Try the gang gai gorlae (South-ern Thai-Muslim curry with grilled chicken), made using sous-vide, coco-nut-husk-smoked grilled chicken.3/F, Gaysorn Plaza, 999 Ploenchit Rd., 02-656-1003. Open dai ly noon-2pm, 6:30pm-midnight. BTS Chit Lom. www.pastebangkok.com.

TaperThis brunch spot offers Western dishes with Thai twists, such as salted egg carbonara (fresh pasta, grilled squid, salty egg yolk) and E-Sarn Olio Aglio (fresh pasta, Isaan sausage, salted fish). Also expect breakfast staples like eggs Benedict and granola with yogurt and their house-made buttermilk biscuit. Book ahead: The little shop-house’s

ground floor is dedicated to an open kitchen and a small bar overlooking the street, while the mezzanine level has space for about 20 people.G/F, 44/11 Thonglor Soi 13, 099-929-5464. Open Tue-Sun 9am-4pm. www.taperbkk.com.

The Dining Room In what used to be the Soviet Embassy, this standalone outpost of the neigh-boring W Hotel has one of the most stunning dining rooms in town, artfully blending the building’s period details with considerate modern touches. Half of the restaurant’s 40 seats are at a long, wooden counter facing the kitchen, where the team turns out fusion dishes like Hunting (duck breast lying on splashes of red pomegranate sauce and burnt onion powder as gunpowder) and The Red Parfait (foie gras torchon wrapped with beetroot jelly, served with brioche and aged balsamic vinegar). 106 Sathorn Rd., 02-344-4000. Open daily noon-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm. BTS Chong Non-si. ow.ly/Tq5et.

Marcel

El Chiringuito This shop-house bar is one of a new breed of Chinatown bars attracting Bangkok’s young and hip. There’s a charming retro ambience courtesy of reclaimed wooden furniture, classic sewing tables, old posters and an adorable chalkboard menu displaying Spanish tapas drawn from the owner’s six years living in Spain. Try the patatas bravas (fried potatoes) and bocadillos (sandwiches), all washed down with a Spanish Xoriguer gin.221 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 086-340-4791. Open Thu-Sun 6pm-mid-night. MRT Hua Lamphong. http://ow.ly/Tq5jp.

Soy Sauce Factory This art space has held one success-ful event after another since it opened last year, from the shocking nudes of controversial Chinese art-ist Ren Hang to the reportage ar-chives of Roland Neveu during the fall of Phnom Penh. Located in an actual old soy sauce factory, the bare-bones buildng—open plan, concrete floors, industrial lighting—is split between the gallery upstairs and a Thai restaurant and bar downstairs.

11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 061-835-6824. Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm. www.soysaucefactory.com.

Cool Chinatown

Paste Taper


7


BANGKOKHOT SPOTS

8

PLAYRevolucion Cocktail This colorful Latin-American-themed bar, with other venues in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xiemen, is the most lively spot in this chic enclave of cock-tail bars and restaurants. The specialty is both classic cocktails like mojito and Moscow Mule, as well as reinvented signatures like the Aged Negroni (gin, Martini Rosso, Campari, fresh strawber-ry, blueberry, orange, passion fruit and soda). There’s also an interesting selec-tion of tapas dishes.50 Sathorn Soi 10, 02-235-4823. Open daily 6pm-2am. BTS Chong Nonsi. ow.ly/Tq5Cq.

Smalls This laidback, late-night bar is split over three rickety levels of an old corner townhouse where the owner’s prized collection of contemporary art matches with a hands-off approach to resto-ration. Book in advance if you want to nab a seat with a view on the rooftop terrace. Or head downstairs to knock back shots of absinthe (the house spe-cialty) and mingle with a hard-drinking after-work crowd of expats and locals.

186/3 Suanphlu Soi 1, 095-585-1398. Open Wed-Sun 7pm-2am; Mon 7pm-2am. www.facebook.com/smallsbkk.

Studio Lam This tiny bar on the super-hip Sukhum-vit Soi 51 pairs global beats with qual-ity drinks. The space may look fairly basic, bearing the remnants of an old Japanese restaurant that used to be there, but the star of the show is a spe-cially designed tube sound system which pumps out everything from mol-am (a kind of Thai funk) to acid jazz. The bar also boasts the most exciting list of ya dong (herbal spirits) in the city.

Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-261-6661. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-2am. BTS Thong Lo. www.face-book.com/studiolambangkok.

Cool Chinatown (continued)

Teens of Thailand Hiding behind an ominous, Indi-an-style door is a small, moody bar belonging to a who’s-who of Bang-kok’s art and nightlife scene, from fashion photographers and party organizers to mixologists and musi-cians. Do explore the vast collection of gin, from the must-try Hanami (the house pour) to the locally distilled Iron Balls. The decor is basic, mixing old shop-house charm with racy photography exhibitions.

76 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 081-443-3784. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-12:30am. MRT Hua Lamphong. ow.ly/Tq5xF.

Tep Bar This restored shop-house has plen-ty of raw appeal, and specializes in potent cocktails mixed with Thai fruits, herbs and spices. There’s also a good line of home-infused ya dong (Thai herbal whiskey) as well as a kitchen dishing out Thai tapas. Come nightfall, enjoy your meal while Thai musicians take the stage to play traditional music from Thai-land’s Central region.

Room 69-71, Soi Nana, 098-467-2944. Open Tue-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sun 5pm-1am. MRT Hua Lamphong. ow.ly/Tq5A3.

Revolucion Cocktail

Studio Lam

Smalls


9


BANGKOKHOT SPOTS

10

SHOPOnion Store: Aree A local indie star runs this multi-label men’s fashion store and hub of all things cool in the Ari neighborhood. The spacious white boutique is dedi-cated to clothing and accessories from cult imported brands like Saturdays Surf NYC, Beton x Cire and Stanley & Sons. There’s also a room selling vin-tage-wear, including lots of never-be-fore-worn deadstock from New York. You can get a great cup of coffee in-store too, thanks to a partnership with local coffee-bean specialist Brave.

2/F, 66 Rama 6 Soi 30, 02-002-3605. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.onionbkk.com.

Rod Fai Market 2 Antique toys, neon-lit beer signs, vin-tage fashion and retro furniture line the streets of this popular night market. The street eats are also endless, span-ning all kinds of spicy salads to old-school, manually-pumped sodas and

traditional Thai-style coffee and boozier offerings. Local indie artists regularly make apperances, too, drawing a week-end crowd that can be pretty intense.

Parking lot of Esplanade Complex, 99 Ratch-adaphisek Rd., 02-591-3777. Open Thu-Sun 5pm-1am. MRT Thai Cultural Centre.

The Emquartier This new shopping mall is part of a B20 billion restyling of the Phrom Phong area as Em District, a development of premium hotels, offices, residences and entertainment facilities. The result is packed with high-end boutiques includ-ing flagship stores from MCM, Jimmy Choo, Valentino, Sephora and A Bath-ing Ape, plus cult Asian brands Sty-lenanda (Korea) and Beams (Japan). As a bonus, the striking development also features a 40-meter-high man-made waterfall and plenty of green space.

The EmQuartier, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Phrom Phong. www.theemdistrict.com.

Happening Galleries

56th Studio Private Gallery Illustration, furniture, graph-ic and product design from local names in a space that is crisp, white and sexy. It often plays host to boozy art parties, too, with cocktails themed around the opening exhibition. Bonus: It’s locat-ed right by some of Bang-kok’s best Italian restaurants (Appia, Peppina) and Japa-nese whiskey bars (Walden, Hanakaruta). Green Connect, Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-1593. Open daily 1pm-7pm. www.56thstudio.com

Bangkok City City Gallery This massive, purpose-built white cube right by Lumpini Park facilitates all forms of art, whether it’s paintings, video installations or live perfor-mances. Its opening exhibi-tion, saw a maze of tunnels set up to display works by celebrated local cartoonist Wisut Ponnimit.

13/3 Sathorn Soi 1, 083-087-2725. Open Wed-Sun 2pm-8pm.

Schemata Gallery The best gallery on Thon-glor. It opened strongly in July 2015 with an exhibition of formerly private sketches from esteemed landscape architect Pok Kobkongsanti and followed it up with a series of canvases created over 10 years by Chiang Mai artist Angkrit Ajchariyaso-phon. The crowd is well-dressed, wealthy and mostly designers.

1/F, Liberty Tower, Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), 088-088-8066. ow.ly/Tq5ZO.

YenakArt Villa One of Bangkok’s most strik-ing private galleries: a mod-ernist-influenced, multi-pur-pose space withsoaring ceilings, expansive glass and crisp white facade. Since opening, it’s become a meet-ing point for artists, critics and collectors thanks to reg-ular private events, but the rest of us can visit, too—if we make an appointment.69 Soi Prasat Suk, Yen Akat Rd., 02-235-9800. (By appoint-ment only.) ow.ly/Tq61w.

The Emquartier

Rod Fai Market 2


11


CHIANG MAIHOT SPOTS

12

EATArttitude Gallery This tucked-away, feel-good space not only serves Chiang Mai’s beverage of choice—coffee (see page 14)—but also specializes in sugar-free, 100-percent pure cold-pressed juices. And because they are health-focused folks, there isn’t any alcohol. The loft-style venue features plenty of wood and plants for a homey, airy feel. Don’t forget to check upstairs, where the owner sometimes hosts art exhibitions.

Nimmanhaemin Soi 5, 052-002-202. ow.ly/Tq6ct.

Teak Table Coffee & Eatery This casual eatery serves local dishes alongside wine and local coffee. It’s set in a giant Thai house overlooking a lush, well-kept garden. Recomended dishes include the chicken massaman (chicken in red curry with potato served with rice), goong chae nampla (raw shrimp soaked in spicy fish sauce) and gaeng hang lae kap moo (Northern curry served with sticky rice and pork skin).

202/5 Moo 1, Chang Phuak, 088-251-8740. Open Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 9:30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. ow.ly/Tq6eJ

SHOPBaan Khang Wat Vendors at this community mall must be socially-conscious businesses who give back to society through their crafts and products. The 10 wooden-and-concrete houses offer the likes of Japanese-style craft shop Jibberish, cafe-cum-guest-house Enough for Life, ceramic shop Bookoo Studio and library-plus-cafe Ma-hasamut.

Opposite Wat Ram Poeng Rd., 095-691-0888. Open daily 10am-6pm.

CHIANG MAIGraph Table This restaurant offshoot of a popular old coffee shop (25/1 Ratvithi Lane 2, Sriphum) wel-comes you with a dark wooden facade, window boxes and hanging plants. The kitchen serves fresh, homemade Italian cuisine with organic local produce such as free-range eggs from Lamphun. For breakfast expect artfully named egg dishes such as Monet (mashed avocado on salsa salad), Post Modern (eggs Benedict with deboned emilano ham on toast) and Moonmuang (poached egg on toast with baked beans and grilled mushroom). Salads and pizzas round out the menu. You can get a proper cup of coffee, too.

Moonmuang Soi 6, 086-567-3330. Open daily 9am-6pm. ow.ly/Tq692.

Arttitude Gallery


13

Planning a Visit to Thailand?Free digital subscription to Where® Thailand for insider tips on where to go and what to do+handy city maps & transportation guide

www.wherethailand.com

follow us on facebook.com/wherethailand where_thailand


CHIANG MAIHOT SPOTS

14

Ploen Rudee Night Market Taking place every evening, this market is filled with vendors selling handmade goods, accessories and decor items. The highlight, however, is the large barn-style food truck zone selling sushi, pizza, burgers and more.

Chan Klang Rd., 052-001-575. Open Daily 4pm-midnight.

STAYAkyra Manor Chiang Mai In Chiang Mai’s vibrant Nimmanhaemin area, local hipsters and students come to drink coffee, shop and party. It’s also where you’ll find this urban-chic, all-suite hotel with its 30 rooms and roof-top infinity pool. Check in, take a nap on the 430 thread-count Egyptian cot-ton sheets, maybe catch up on some international cable, then head out to explore the thriving nearby hot spots like Arttitude Gallery, Mixology cocktail bar and Beer Republic.

22/2 Nimmanhaemin Soi 9, 053-216-219. www.theakyra.com/chiangmai.

Hotel Yayee An affordable gem spread across four stories of an old shop house. Handwoven Lanna shawls and Laotian carpets adorn the 14 casual but well-apointed rooms (all either 24 or 32 sq meters). The real highlight is its rooftop terrace, which looks out over the city and Doi Suthep mountain. Free minibar and breakfast make the already-low rates even better.

17/5 Sainamphueng Rd, 099-269-5885. www.hotelyayee.com.

X2 Nimman Villa Another new opening in the Nim-manhaemin area, this huge villa looks to attract big groups of friends or families with its designer decor and abundant facilities. The seven bedrooms spread over five floors can sleep up to 14 guests, who’ll get to shoot pool together in the games room, lounge in front of movies in the living room, and sunbathe on the rooftop deck.1/10 Maneenopparat Soi 2, 091-808-4257. ow.ly/Tq6C8.

Akha Ama The decor might be an en vogue blend of blond woods and quaint il-lustrations, but that doesn’t mean they’re not deadly serious about their coffee beans, which are produced by the Akha hilltribe community in Mae Suay, Chiang Rai—to whom all prof-its go back.

175/1 Ratchadamnoen Rd., 086-915-8600. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 8am-8pm. www.akhaama.com

Doppio Ristr8to Ristr8to’s initial claim to fame was the mini celeb status of its owner/head barista, Arnon “Tong” Thitiprasert, who ranked 6th at the 2011 World Latte Art Championship. Grab a seat at the counter and watch the master serve up steaming cups of art by pouring milk over your espresso shot, but be warned—the cafe draws a long line even before it opens.

15/3 Nimmanhaemin Rd., 053-215-278. Open daily 7am-6pm. www.ristr8to-cof-fee-chiangmai.com

Ponganes Espresso The open-air space and natural views come secondary at this local coffee snobs’ favorite. Ponganes is so seri-ous about what’s in the cup that it doesn’t even offer Wi-Fi—you’re meant to be focusing on the flavors not playing with your phone. The beans come from 20 locations around the world, and are chosen not only for flavor, but also the work ethics of their growers.

133/5 Ratchapakinai Rd., 087-727-2980. Open Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun 9am-4:30pm. ow.ly/Tq6LS.

COFFEE CULTURE

X2 Nimman Villa

Ploen Rudee Night Market Akyra Manor Chiang Mai


HUA HINHOT SPOTS

16

The Restro Hotel Bangkokians’ urbane tastes are reflect-ed in this modernist meets modern-in-dustrial beachside pad with its colorful-ly upholstered, curvaceous Nordic furniture, raw light fixtures and bare cement. And it’s all located just steps from the beach and right beside the happening Cicada Market.

1/462 Soi Takiab 2, 094-890-0430. ow.ly/Tq6RB.

PLAYThe Wave Beach Club Just steps away from the ocean, Hua Hin’s first serious beach club (belonging to the Hyatt Regency Hua Hin) lets you enjoy a cocktail whipped up from a fully-stocked bar while reclining on a sunbed during the day. When the sun sets on the weekends, the venue also functions as a restaurant, serving light dishes ranging from crab rolls to mini-sliders, before transforming into an outdoor club with the resident DJ spinning house beats.

91 Hua Hin-Khao Takiap Rd., 03-252-1232. Open Thu-Sun 10am-midnight. www.the-wavebeachclub.com.

HUA HINYuthika Well-Being Spa Escape Hua Hin, 25/2 Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, 032-653-456. Open daily 9am-8pm.

The Yuthika Well-Being Spa covers 300 sq meters of the fisherman’s vil-lage-themed Escape Hua Hin Resort. The spa itself boasts seven treatment rooms and over 20 treatments, including Thai massage, Swedish massage and facials. The spa’s “follow the sun” concept tailors each package to the body’s different requirements for every time of the day, from the rosy-scented morning massage oil to the uplifting, minty daylight treatment and relaxing sunset-themed treatment with lavender.

Escape Hua Hin, 25/2 Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, 032-653-456. Open daily 9am-8pm.

DO Siam Milsim This recently-opened shooting range is divided into two sections: one for regular shooting practice, where players are also trained about security measures; and an-other where shooters are tasked with beating the clock to shoot targets set up around various obstacles. The venue also specializes in simulation games. “Zombie Infection” sees players needing to stop the spread of a zombie virus. Heightening the excitement, the game is held in a secret location complete with ATVs, boats and real buildings.

10/469 Hua Hin Soi 94, 091-697-0821. Open daily 12pm-10pm. ow.ly/Tq6Qe

STAYThe Bike Loft Decked out in artwork made from real bicycle parts, this industrial-style hostel is a cyclist’s haven. Not only do they allow guests to bring their prized wheels into their rooms with them, they’re also located uphill above an ideal bike path. Every loft-like room is decorated differ-ently, either with bike-themed vibrant mural paintings, bicycle-part art or can-vas paintings.

444 Moo 15, Hin Lek Fai, 092-281-7722. www.thebikeloft.com

The Restro Hotel

The Bike Loft


KRABIHOT SPOTS

18

KRABIThe Hilltop Restaurant For some of the best views in Krabi, book a table at this spacious and sleekly designed restaurant above Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara beaches. The menu covers a decent if conventional selection of Thai favorites with a focus on seafood. Request a table on the grassy area away from the main building for the best views.

93 Moo 3, Ao Nang, 075-637-196. Open daily 11-1am. www.thehilltopaonang.com

PLAYOh My God For some late-night drinking and live music, this bar-slash-restaurant at Klong Ji Lard Junction is as popular with locals as it is with tourists. Lots of neon-blue lighting makes for a definite nightclub vibe with live music playing till 11pm, while more casual drinks can be had on the outdoor terrace.

198 Krabi Rd., Krabi Town, 088-716-0623. Open daily 4pm-2am. ow.ly/Tq79Y

STAYIbis Styles (Krabi) Though five minutes from the beach, this new 206-room hotel from the internation-al Ibis chain offers modest prices for such a comfortable, stylish resort. Standard 20-sq-meter rooms have a basic but ele-gant appearance. Hotel facilities include a free-form pool and free beach shuttle service.

725 Moo 2, Ao Nang Muang, 026-592-888. ow.ly/Tq7Iu

Viangviman This luxurious teakwood resort brings some Northern Thai charm down to the beach. Taking its styling cues from the classic Lanna architecture of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the all-villa resort is sur-rounded by lush green mountains and sits five minutes from Noppraratetara Beach and a seven-minute drive from Ao Nang Beach. Accomodation ranges from a 66-sq-meter garden villa with two bed-rooms to the 360-sq-meter, four-bed-room presidential private villa.

313 Moo 5, Ao Nang, 087-305-7171, 086-626-3588. www.viangvimanpoolvilla.com.

EATRuen Mai This local favorite sits in an open-air bam-boo structure with soaring conical ceil-ings, rustic decor, traditional tiles and private dining salas. It all makes for a lovely setting to enjoy excellent Thai food, mostly regional favorites like shrimp paste, hoy chak teen (boiled dog conch) served with spicy sauce, and goong makham (stir-friend shirmp with herbs and tamarind paste).

315/5 Maharaj Rd. Open daily 10:30am-3pm, 5-10pm. ow.ly/Tq71p.

Deep Cafe N’ Bar Set in a renovated shop house, the bar carries crumbling, artsy charm thanks to colorful hippie murals and live bands per-forming lounge jazz and indie-folk. The kitchen serves Asian and Western fusion

dishes prepared with Thai fruits, herbs and spices. Try the braised pork belly with herbs and honey lemon sauce, washed down with potent cocktails like the Mo-ra-kot (Sangsom, Midori, sweet basil, le-mograss and lime) or A-yo-tha-ya (Mek-hong shaken with kaffir lime leaves, Indian red onion, white turmeric, lemon-grass and lime).

Sribharami Soi 1, Paaknaam, 075-811-397. Open daily 11am-2pm; Mon-Thu 6-11pm; Fri-Sat 6pm-midnight. ow.ly/Tq76W.

Ruen Mai

The Hilltop Restaurant

Ibis Styles


PHUKETHOT SPOTS

20

EAT Baba Iki This Japanese restaurant sits on the top floor of the stunning Sri Panwa resort and takes its name from the Japanese phrase for skulling your drink, ikki nomi. But don’t take that to heart, since the produce here is definitely worth savoring—think su-per-premium Hida wagyu beef and fatty otoro tuna. No, this is not seafood caught locally, but it is some of the finest ingre-dients in the world.

Sri Panwa, 88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd., Vichit, 076-371-000. Open daily 11am-11pm. ow.ly/Tq7n7.

Palm Seafood This open-air seafood restaurant and bar boasts a sleek ocean-facing deck and pond dotted with sunken tables. Choose your dinner from the showcase of freshly caughtliving seafood ranging from lob-ster to white snapper. There’s also a beachside bar that’s perfect for a sun-downer beer against the beautiful back-drop of Bangtao Beach.

Twinpalms Phuket, Surin Beach, Surin, 094-480-0937. Open daily 11am-midnight. ow.ly/Tq7rF.

DOFlying Hanuman This zip-line adventure takes you through an 80,000-sq-meter plot in Phuket’s trop-ical jungle where platforms amid the trees’ canopy are connected by a network of zip-lines. Here, you’ll be able to spot an array of wildlife ranging from wild gib-bons to tropical flowers. All platforms are custom-built and eco-friendly, causing no damage to the environment.

89/16 Moo 6, Soi Namtok Kathu, Vichit-Songkram Rd., Kathu, 081-979-2332. Open daily 8am-6pm.

PHUKETTu Kab Khao The team behind local Thai-fusion restaurant Table Spoon transformed a 120-year-old building into a villa-like eatery serving Southern recipes. In addition to classics such as moo hong (braised pork belly) and mee gaeng pu (crab curry with noodle), they also have handsome cocktails like the Baba-Nyonya, which plays on Peranakan culture by mixing two glasses into one drink, symbolizing the inter-marriage between Chinese men and Malay ladies.

8 Phang-nga Rd., Phuket Town, 076-608-888. Open daily 11am-midnight. ow.ly/Tq7jy.

Baba Iki


PHUKETHOT SPOTS

22

Hype Experience Luxury Boat Club At B2,900, this six-hour yacht trip sees you set sail on the Andaman with a set of free canapes and free-flow soft drinks. In the mood to celebrate? Moet Champagne is served on board from B2,100. Private chartered trips start at B130,000 for 10 people, too.

(High Season) Patong Beach, Kathu. (Low Season) Ao Po Marina, 062-956-2416. www.hype-boat-club.com.

PLAYSaxophone When one of Bangkok’s oldest and best-loved jazz bars opened up on Phuket this year, it brought with it the same low-key, red-brick vibe and high calibre of music (the guys on sax, clar-inet and piano can seriously play). Stick to the reasonably priced beer and whiskey, order up some fried drinking snacks and enjoy.

41/3 Chana-Charoen Rd., Phuket Town, 076-355-091-2. Open daily 6pm-2am. www.saxophonephuket.com.

The Avenue This all-day restaurant and bar opens with morning staples like full English breakfast and French toast with sea-sonal fruit, before switching to salads and sandwiches at lunch and Thai clas-sics come dinnertime. The drinks menu spans some of the best craft beers on the island as well as serious cocktails.

46/11 Moo 5, Vichit, 061-251-6706. Open Wed-Sun 7am-midnight; Mon 7am-mid-night. www.theavenuephuket.com.

Zimplex Designed to mimick a science labora-tory and specializing in creative cock-tails, this bar sees bartenders donning white coats to mix colorful, molecular drinks using lab equipment. Many of the creations are served in shot form, such as the Hannibal (a mix of various schnapps and liqueurs) and the Nebu-la Jellyfish (a mix of vodka, rum and various liqueurs). But don’t go too cra-zy. Each customer is limited to “only” 20 shots a night.

156/48 Phang-Nga Rd., Phuket Town, 084-003-6664. Open daily 9pm-1am. ow.ly/Tq7Ob.

DINING CLASSICS

Baba Soul Food Sri Panwa might be one of the best five-star resorts on Phuket, but its sig-nature restaurant keeps things casual with home-style Thai dishes like khao tang poong pirod and lhon goong (crispy rice crackers served with green curry and shrimp coconut dip). The buzzword here is local, with many in-gredients sourced from the island.

Sri Panwa, 88 Moo 8, Sakdidej Rd., Vichit, 076-371-000. Open daily 6pm-11pm. ow.ly/Tq7n7

Blue ElephantThis world-famous Thai restaurant group has renovated the century-old Prapitak Chinpracha Sino-Portuguese mansion. What once belonged to an affluent family is now a luxurious din-ing space and cooking school serving some of the best Royal Thai cuisine on the island. The menu serves both Cen-tral and Southern dishes, and has some nice set menus for those who’d rather put their faith in the chef’s per-sonal choices.

96 Krabi Rd., Phuket Town, 076-354-355. Open daily 9am-midnight. ow.ly/Tq7Ug

DeDos Fusion flavors and fancy plating. A French classic like frog legs in garlic butter, for example, comes with the local touch of tamarind and chili, while duck breast is served alongside a pomelo salad. You'll also find Jap-anese options like sashimi and teriya-ki chicken, as well as Mediterranean dishes and simple pastas.

8 Lagoon Rd., Cherngtalay, 076-325-182. Open daily 6-11pm. www.dedos-restau-rant.com

Saxophone

The Avenue

Blue Elephant

Hype Experience


PHUKETHOT SPOTS

24

STAYBandara Resort Located in the peaceful Ao-Yon Bay, this resort is actually divided into two separate hotels: the more luxurious Bandara Villas and the cheap but pleas-ant Banadara Beach. Each is positioned right on the beach and decorated in bright shades and blond woods. The Panoramic Pool Villas at Bandara Villas are something special.

96 Moo 8, Vichit, 076-316-298. www.ban-daraphuket.com.

Keemala Taking its inspiration from the early Phuket settlers, the resort’s 16 clay pool cottages, seven tent pool villas, seven two-story tree pool houses and eight bird’s nest pool villas are joined together by a network of jungle walk-ways. The romantic picture is complet-ed by a lush canopy of trees and a continuous stream-like body of running

water that snakes its way through the hilly resort. Note that it’s not on the beach, but overlooks Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea.

10/88 Moo 6, Nakasud Rd., Kathu, 076-358-777. www.keemalaphuket.com.

The Rommanee Classic Located right in Phuket’s Old Town, this a recently-opened Sino-Portu-guese drugstore-turned-guesthouse combines heritage charm with all the mod cons. Guests can choose between four rooms styles decorated to repre-sent different elements of the island’s culture, from vibrant Portuguese blues and yellows to sultry Chinese reds and blacks.

4 Krabi Rd., Phuket Town, 076-214-400.

DINING CLASSICS (continued)

Keemala

The Rommanee Classic

Nahmyaa This bubbly, goldfish-themed restau-rant facing the water serves dishes inspired by the depths of the Anda-man Sea. Get things started with one of the signature cocktails such as The Fighting Duck (plum, jam, ginger and hoisin, shaken with ruby port and bar-rel-aged reposado tequila, served over ice with cherry wood smoke), before a main course of Southern cur-ried kingfish with spinach stir-fried in coconut milk.

255 Moo 8, Pakhlok, 076-360-100. Open daily 6:30pm-11pm. ow.ly/Tq8dn.

The Siam Supper Club Located right outside a complex of luxe resorts, this sleek venue goes for a moody, prohibition-chic look. Its long bar serves up must-try cocktails, a great wine list and a good selection of classic grilled meat like Australian lamb racks and char-grilled Angus beef burgers.

36–40 Lagoon Rd., Cherngtalay, 076-270-936. Open daily 6pm-1am. www.siamsup-perclub.com.

Trisara Seafood The high-end resort setting on the qui-et part of Nai Thon Beach ensures a low-key crowd, while the Mediterra-nean-influenced decor of bleached wood and blue fabrics belies a focus on seafood that’s caught locally. This means the food is best at its most sim-ple, like grilled tiger prawns dressed in nothing more than Himalayan salt.

Trisara, 60/1 Moo 6,, Srisoonthorn Rd., Cherngtalay, 076-310-100. Open daily noon-3pm, 7-11pm. http://goo.gl/CJeihD.

Bandara Resort

Trisara Seafood


SAMUIHOT SPOTS

26

SAMUIBarracuda Giant Chesterfield sofas, rustic antique doors and tables and chairs made from wood-en boards make for a cozy and romantic dining atmosphere at this Mediterranean restaurant run by a German chef. Must-try dishes include the jasmine tea-crusted tuna with Thai lime dressing, bloody Mary linguine river prawn and the savory-yet-sweet chilled mango soup with lychee granite.

The Wharf Samui, 62/9 Moo 1, Bophut, 077-425-499. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-midnight. www.barra-cuda-restaurant.com

EATCasa Lapin X Samui Casa Lapin dominates Bangkok’s hipster coffee scene, and this Samui branch offers up the same mix of industrial-tinged decor and quality single-origin brews. But here you’ll also find a few nautical touches as well as “beachier” drinks options like de-tox juices and fruity cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it also serves a menu of locally caught seafood.

Fisherman’s Village, Bophut Beach, 081-750-9244. Open daily 8am-10pm.

Zama Rooftop Kitchen and Bar Go for the rooftop views of Bophut Beach, stay for the delicious East-meets-West dishes like the Thai scotch egg (soft duck egg, Chiang Mai sausage and green man-go salad) and veal cheek massaman curry. The restaurant is also home to a lounge area and a well-stocked poolside bar that is open all day long.

14/3 Moo 4, Bophut, 077-246-362. Open daily 7am-11pm. www.zamasamui.com

Casa Lapin X Samui

Zuma Rooftop Kitchen and Bar


SAMUIHOT SPOTS

28

PLAYCoast Beach Bar & Grill The signature restaurant and bar at this new luxury resort turns out grilled sea-food, steak and small tapas from a lively venue that welcomes lounge DJs in the daytime and upbeat electronic mixes after dark. We recommend you sit out on the terrace, where you can relax on deep sofas under shaded sail canopies.

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui, 38/2 Moo 3, Bophut (Chaweng Beach), 077-230-500. Open daily noon-10:30pm. www.coast-samui.com.

Whisgars

Beach Republic (see sidebar) is known for being one of the island’s more so-phisticated beach clubs (fewer EDM-rav-ing tourists, more expat hotel GMs on their day off), and this premium sin-gle-malt whiskey and cigar lounge with three branches in Bangkok fits right in. Surrounded by stone walls, marble

countertops and brown-toned mid-cen-tury modern couches, visitors can wind down from Samui’s wild party scene.

Beach Republic, 176/34 Moo 4, Maret, 077-458-100. Open daily 8am-10pm. goo.gl/InVtlv

STAYBaywater Resort Samui Located on Choeng Mon Beach, one of the calmest and cleanest beaches on the island, this resort’s 100 rooms and villas go for a simple, modern look. The place is filled with neutral tones, with a pop of bright orange and blue for some added flair. Although rather basic, the resort’s facilities such as the on-site onsen spa, sky bar and well-equipped gym is what makes it stand out. 88/18 Moo 5, Bophut, 077-953-009. www.baywaterresort.com.

LUXURIOUS BEACH CLUBS

Beach Republic Top tip from the islanders: Nikki Beach might be swankier, but this beach club sits on the nicest stretch of sand, taking over a prime spot on the sweeping Lamai Beach. The weekly Ultimate Sunday Brunch also offers a delicious, all-you can-eat spread of Mediterranean and Thai food, and there’s also a swanky new cigar lounge, Whisgars (see left).

176/34 Moo 4, Maret, 077-458-100. Open daily 7am-11pm. goo.gl/sSSGgG.

Cha Cha Moon

The latest beach club on nightlife central Chaweng Beach offers day-beds, a rustic-meets-tropical vibe and a refreshing playlist. Expect the party to carry on till well after sunset.

124/1 Moo 1, Bophut, 0089-651-2777. Open daily 3pm-3am. /goo.gl/nrlE8h.

Nikki Beach Koh Samui Located on the secluded Lipa Noi Beach, Nikki Beach is the place to hit up for a relaxing but boozy Sun-day brunch. The Samui branch of the international party brand serves its Amazing Sunday Brunch right by the pool, facing the ocean. Laze around on the plush white sunbeds with a cocktail in hand, and choose bewteen the 40 dining options at the all-you-can-eat buffet.

96/3 Moo 2, Lipa Noi, 077-914-500. Open daily 11am-11pm. goo.gl/xeLAtL.

Baywater Resort Samui

Beach Republic

Coast Beach Bar & Grill

Whisgars


LUXURIOUS BEACH CLUBS


SAMUIHOT SPOTS

30

Manathai Samui This boutique newcomer boasts colo-nial-style spiral staircases and elegant chandeliers with Thai touches in the form of teak, rattan and Jim Thompson silk cushions. The hotel also offers some pretty grand communal facilities, such as a beach-facing swimming pool and a kids’ club. Rooms range from a deluxe balcony (antique four-poster bed, mar-ble bathroom, spacious balcony), to the 200-sq-meter Manathai Suite with two bedrooms, and separate living and din-ing areas.

173/41 Moo 4, Rob Koh Rd., Maret, 077-458-5604. www.manathai.com/samui

Sheraton Samui Visitors are greeted with a beautiful panoramic view of the ocean through the lobby’s glass-encased balcony, be-fore being escorted to one of the 141 luxury ocean-themed rooms. Each comes with either a view of the ocean or the resort’s garden. The resort also boasts two saltwater swimming pools, tennis courts, a 24-hour gym, plus four restaurants and bars.86 Moo 3 Chaweng Noi Beach, Bophut, 077-422-020. www.sheratonsamui.com

Six Senses Samui The renovation at this super-luxe resort has blessed it with some of Koh Samui’s most remarkable design statements. The

massive infinity pool that drops vertigi-nously as it overlooks the ocean is one of many highlights. Of all the understat-ed, island-chic accommodation options, the Ocean View Pool Villas are the ones to go for.

9/10 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem, Bophut, 077-245-678. www.sixsenses.com

U Koh Madsum Forty minutes away from the main Koh Samui island, you’ll find possibly the cheapest private island luxury resort in Thailand. Home to 37 villas, this resort is so tucked away from everything that you won’t even find any cars, fast food chains or even private residences. Al-though some villas come equipped with a private pool, there are also two beau-tiful communal pools, a gym and a li-brary.

118 Moo 2, Taling Ngam, Koh Madsum, 077-953-009. www.ukohmadsumsamui.com.

Capri Heading over to neighboring Koh Tao island? Don’t miss this new beachside Italian bistro, where an easygoing trop-ical-resort vibe meets with a classic menu of pizzas, pastas and antipasti. Or drop by for breakfast, when they put on a spread of freshly-baked pastries with views of the palm-lined sand.

19/9 Moo 3, Haadtien Beach, Koh Tao, Koh Samui. 077-745-6580. www.haadtien.com.

Manathai Samui

U Koh Madsum

Sheraton Samui

Six Senses Samui

Capri


hotspots 2015

Documents