Archive for May, 2006
Described by top guidebooks and travel writers as “the best tourist map of Bangkok“, “an indispensable guide” and “the very best resource“, Nancy Chandler’s colorful, handlettered Map of Bangkok includes detailed area maps of not just Central Bangkok but also Greater Bangkok, the Central Shopping Area, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Chinatown, the backpacker’s haven of Khao San and the more upmarket expatriate haven of Sukhumvit area, with clear indications of where each BTS skytrain and MRT subway station is. The map is accompanied by an pocketbook size index including secrets rarely shared with visitors (for example, shops and sales supporting good causes, and dining tips “For the Sweet Tooth”). Bars are categorized by their crowds for those who want to befriend fun Thais, hang out with other travelers, meet expatriates, listen to live music, test the local brew pubs, support their rugby team at a sports bar, go pub crawling, or just enjoy a sunset drink atop a quiet riverside guesthouse. Restaurant listings include Nancy’s favorites and contact details. Other listings include cooking classes, cinemas, hobbies, spas, sports, supermarkets, etc.
Nancy Chandler is a gifted American artist and graphic designer who has been living in Thailand for more than 25 years. Its Map of Bangkok and Map of Chiang Mai have become indispensable guides to the best of the best in travel and shopping in Thailand. She also produces a wonderful line of colorful and creative cards (everyday, holiday, name, special events), books (coloring books for kids), and gift items (bags, tags, wrap, mousepad, party supplies) which all have the distinctive design.
Her products are available in many book stores, shops and hotel kiosks in Thailand and Myanmar or can be ordered on line through http://www.nancychandler.net/, Meanwhile, if Suan Lum Night Bazaar is one your evening shopping agenda, you will be happy to know that there is a small showroom and retail outlet for Nancy Chandler, one of Thailand’s most unique and colorful map, card, gifts and books at Suan Lum Night Bazaar Soi 6, Shop C36-37, Bangkok.
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May 31st, 2006
Looking for a romantic hotel in Siem Reap?? Check out this Hotel De La Paix as, despite its being so new (opened in 2005), it has already been chosen as one of the the 50 romantic escapes by Travel & Leisure magazine (February 2006) too!
This is what they say “Traditional Khmer and Art Deco designs come together at this oasis four miles from Angkor, with 107 guest rooms set around a firelit inner courtyard. Rooms come with terrazzo soaking tubs, handcrafted furniture, wall mounting by local artisans and iPods loaded with Cambodian music and tales.�
May 30th, 2006
Here is one of the hotels in Hue, Vietnam that has been chosen by Travel & Leisure magazine to be one of its 50 romantic escapes (February 2006)! This is what they say “In this former imperial capital, traffic still means three bicycles side by side, or a huddle of motorboats plying the languid Perfume River. Hire one of the latter to take you to the secluded tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, then drift back to the 122-room, La Residence Hotel & Spa. Each lamp, tile mosaic, and settee was meticulously crafted to flatter the original Art Deco design of the hotel’s main building. T&L tip: Through the arc of louvered windows in La Suite du Resident, you can gaze across the infinity pool and river to the 19-th century Citadel�.
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May 30th, 2006
Any of you who are looking for a great shop to buy Vietnamese home decorative items or souvenirs to take home? Nguyen Freres is a delightful shop offering home decorative items, furniture and antiques including attractive table runners, placemats and small souvenirs - at fairly reasonable prices. This shop is very popular with expatriates and Japanese visitors! I would not hesitate to recommend this shop as I think its one of the nicest shops we have seen in Vietnam.
They do have a few shops on the following locations:
Ho Chi Minh City
2 Dong Khoi Street, District 1
Tel: 848 8239459
Hanoi
3 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Hoan Kiem District (5 Hai Ba Trung)
Tel: 844 9331699
9 Dinh Tien Hoang Street, (73 Cau Go)
Tel: 844 9260128
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May 29th, 2006
Have you been to this restaurant yet? Well - if you will be traveling to Ho Chi Minh City in the near future and looking for the “MUST-SEE” restaurants, this “Temple Club” is one of the places you should not miss!As the name suggest – this is a turn-of-the-20th –century Chinese temple with original wood and masonry. Though it has gone upscale with the recent renovation, that special air about the place remains. This old colonial house has been one of the hottest and must-see restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Our favorite spot is the classic old wooden bar sipping the famous 333 beer for a chill-out evening after a long day of sightseeing! Food served here is both Vietnamese and Western cuisine and is generally good (though its Vietnamese food has been fine-tuned for foreigners’ tonges).Last but not least – as this is quite an upscale place so food prices are rather upscale too! I would budget a minimum of US$ 20.00 per person for a decent dinner with drinks here!Here is its address:29-31 Ton That Thiep Street, District 1
Tel: 848-8299The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner during 10.00 a.m.-2.00 p.m. and 5.00-11.00 p.m. daily.
May 29th, 2006
We have found the new website featuring current weather conditions and 7-day forecast throughout Thailand. Not a bad one!
Check it out!
http://www.weather.go.th
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May 29th, 2006
APEC Summit 2006
Vietnam will host the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit this year.
The main event will be the APEC CEO Summit in Hanoi from 17 to 19 November. Other meetings and functions will take place in February and April in Hanoi or Danang. Some of the five star hotels in Hanoi have been appointed by the Government of the Social Republic of Vietnam to accommodate the Summit’s participants. All rooms in these properties will be blocked for this purpose and local tour operators will not be able to place any bookings. We will be forced to reroute our tours to Halong or Haiphong and provide day tours to Hanoi.  Please refer to the following websites for more information:
http://www.apecceosummit2006.org/
http://www.apec.org/webapps/events_calendar/events_calendar.php
May 27th, 2006
The Baphuon Temple has recently been partly opened to the public after 10 years of renovations by Ecole Francaise D’ Extreme Orient.
The sunctuary, a symbolical representation of Mount Meru, is situated inside the Royal City of Angkor Thom. It dates from the 11th century and was built before the city was established. An interesting feature of Baphuon Temple is the bas-releifs which are scenes carved in small squares. This temple is expected to be fully opened in the next 3 years.
If you have more time in Siem Reap - this is one of the sites you should certainly visit!
May 27th, 2006
For those of you who plan to visit the National Museum while in Bangkok on your own - please note that:
* The museum is opened from 9.00 a.m. until 4.00 p.m. from Wednesdays through Sundays
* The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
* Entrance fee is THB 50.00 per person
* The National Museum Volunteer Group is organizing the museum tours (for appromimately 2.5 hours) in foreign languages (FREE OF CHARGE) as follows:
- In English and French on every Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9.30 a.m.
- In Japanese on every Wednesdays at 9.30 a.m.
- In German on every Thursdays at 9.30 a.m.
Dont worry if the timings do not fit in with your schedule - English-language literature is available throughout all rooms so you will still enjoy learning about Thai art and culture in your own pace!Â
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May 27th, 2006
When preparing for your trip to Vietnam - be sure to bring along the followings:
* Lomotil (or its equivalent)
* Wash ‘n Dries
* Anti-bacteria soap
* Sunglasses
* Sun hat
* Sun block cream
* Mosquito repellent
* Fans (either hand-held type or battery-operated one)
* Liquor
* Plenty of books and magazines (for airport delays!)
It’s also a good idea to prepare for a small first-aid kit that should inlcude aspirin, a laxative, band-aids, antiseptic ointment and antihistamine cream.
If you will be in Bangkok prior to entry into Vietnam - it might be useful to have all these things prepared in Bangkok as here you will find all the above at cheaper prices than in your own countries.
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May 27th, 2006
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