Nichkhun: Let's Take A Break

The Sala, Hua Hin Hills Vineyard

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:49:48 +0000

Hua Hin Hills is the beach resorts first boutique winery, and The Sala is its signature restaurant. The Thai-inspired pavilion blends traditional Thai elements with contemporary designs for a very elegant bistro and wine bar as well as wine cellar, retail shop and meeting facilities. The wine bar provides the chance for visitors to sample different wines by the glass, while the bistro’s kitchen prepares and serves a gourmet inspired menu of Thai and international fare to match Siam Winery’s finest selections, all deliciously seasoned by the ocean air and views of nearly 100 acres of vineyards with distant mountains as a backdrop. (204 Moo 2, Baan Khork, Chang Patana, Nong Plup, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Tel: +66 (0) 8 1701 8874 www.huahinhilssvineyard.com)

Cicada Market, Hua Hin

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:08:49 +0000

Here is a whole new shopping experience for Hua Hin if not for Thailand. This flea market cum promenade that meanders over a plot of 10 rai (4 acres) is dived into four zones, Art a la mode, Art Indoor, Art if Act and Art of Eating. Shoppers get to stroll leisurely through exotic gardens and art exhibits while examining and then bargaining for all sorts goods, including arts and crafts, home decorations, hand-made clothing and accessories, both new and old along with tasty foods. Not to be missed either is the amphitheater offering a myriad of performances. As night descends, all are treating to the chirping songs of the cicadas. (Suan Sri, corner of Soi Moo Ban Nong Kae and Khao Takieb-Hua Hin Road. Open Saturdays, 3.00 – 9.00 p.m.)

Plearn Wan, Hua Hin

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:05:25 +0000

It’s something like a time machine, a step back into the Hua Hin of yore. Some describe it as a museum, but it is more like a traditional town of wooden buildings that reflect the treasured memories of this modern beach resort. The complex includes boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants that offer retro favorites from vintage fashion to homemade ice creams and toys. A highlight is the open-air cinema, Nang Klang Plaeng, showing old classics, which you can watch while sitting on a lush lawn carpet just like they did in the past. PlearnWan is such a complete experience, you sometimes forget what the year is until you walk back out the doors. (Tel: +66 (0) 3252 0312 http://www.plearnwan.com)

Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:02:53 +0000

If you are looking for hip, chic, in-trend shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, pubs, discos and whatever else you’d expect a cosmopolitan neighborhood would offer, this is Chiang Mai’s blend of Paris’ Left Bank, New York’s Greenwich Village and L.A.’s Santa Monica Boulevard. But instead of the sea, mountains serve as the backdrop. It’s a great place to promenade and shop for fabrics, fashion, home décor, antiques, art, nick knacks, a good cup of java, a burger, pizza, Thai and international cuisine, and good music, whatever you’re mood. There are also quaint hotels and spas, which have also made Nimmanhaemin Road an attractive place to stay.

Premium Outlet Cha-am

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:59:22 +0000

It’s more like Mediterranean seaside village than it is a bargain outlet, but here in this cluster of shops and alleyways, you can find the best bargains for low to mid-level name brand fashion and sports brands. While they might be out of season, the prices are unbeatable, at less than 30% original label prices. If you get hungry for food and drink, in addition to great bargains, there’s a whole assortment of restaurants and cafes offering, fresh coffees and teas, pastries and snacks, like waffles and hotdogs, to fresh seafood barbecues. (Phetkasem Rd., Cha-am, Petchaburi Tel: +66 (0) 3247 3000-5)

Agaligo, Bangkok

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:56:32 +0000

Agaligo is a small, comfortable café nestled into a quiet corner close to Thong Lor, a now bustling Bangkok neighborhood. The name, which comes from Pali, means infinity, or limitless time, and this does reflect the ambience. While the service is attentive, nothing is rushed. Soft classical music seems to set the cadence. If the weather is right, the attached garden can feel even more tranquil. In addition to the selection of fresh ground coffees and fragrant teas, Agaligo also serves a selection of delicious cakes and pastries that you need to give time to savor each bite. Agaligo is an ideal venue to spend a moment alone or with a close companion. (Boonjirathorn Building, Sukhumvit Soi 51, Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok)

Vieng Joom On Teahouse, Chiang Mai

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:53:29 +0000

If you crave petit fours and mint cake at four, the Vieng Joom On Teahouse is where you have to go. When you first arrive, you pass through the teashop, but before you shop, take a seat at one of the Ping riverfront tables or in the cool comfort of the elegant, second-floor sitting room and slowly sip your freshly brewed tea in between small bites of the sandwiches and pastries. Once your hunger and thirst have been satisfied, browse the fragrant shop that stocks a wide collection of pots and filters in addition to as many as 50 blends of tea all dispensed in the teahouse’s specially designed paper bags and tins.
(53 Charoenraj Rd., Wat Gate, Chiang Mai 50000 Tel: +66 (0) 5330 3113 Fax: +66 (0) 5330 3114 www.VJOTeahouse.com)

Thai Sweets, Khao Wang, Petchaburi

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:46:35 +0000

Khao Wang is an historic palace built on a hilltop by King Mongkut, or Rama IV. Known in Thai as Phra Nakhon Khiri, it has an observatory as the king was a devout astronomer. Petchburi’s Khao Wang is probably as famous for its market down by the road, selling Khanom Mo Keang, a Thai sweet made of crushed steamed mung bean, egg, coconut milk and sugar, and Khao Kriap, a dry pastry prepared with coconut, sugar and sesame and then grilled over a charcoal fire. There are also delicious custards and cookies as well as caramelized fruit to delight those with a sweet tooth.

Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:44:04 +0000

When night descends, the Chao Phraya lights up with a full range of dinner boats, from traditional teak barges to luxury yachts, cruising the river. Sumptuous buffets and elegant dinners are served on these craft as they pass the ancient temples and landmarks. Along the banks are also old wooden markets and houses interspersed with soaring skyscrapers and luxury hotels the show just how diverse and dynamic the Thai capital is. It all combines into a lesson in Thai history, culture and design, making a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya a feast for all the senses.

Dune & Pub Restaurant, Hua Hin

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:37:54 +0000

Not only is the food a delight, so is the seating. First, there’s the very hip and cozy indoor dining section. An outdoor terrace serves those who want to dine alfresco, and for a venue more intimate there’s rooftop lounge. Dune & Pub serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is a fusion of savory Asian and Continental flavors. Recommended dishes include Parsley Crusted Snow Fish with Dijonaise Sauce and the Golden Sari Crispy Prawns. The Rooftop Lounge is also known for its assortment of exotic cocktails to be enjoyed either before your meal at sunset or after a fine meal when you want to watch the moon high overhead reflected in the tranquil sea. (5/5 Naebkhehars Road, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Tel: +66 (0) 3251 5051 www.dunehuahin.com