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12 beautiful ways to spend Valentine's Day

Anthea Gerrie — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:00:00 +0000

by Anthea Gerrie

February 14 is the one day of the year you can spend long minutes gazing into someone's eyes, a small fortune on some plants tied together with a bit of ribbon and a big fortune on a weekend away, without making other people feel ill -- because they're doing just the same.

Here are some options for the third leg of that lovely relay.

Don't miss our special Valentine's page

1. On a houseboat under the Eiffel Tower, Paris

In this city of Mediaeval bridges, urban islands, Gothic chapels and 17th-century townhouses, all linked by the River Seine, you can wander the narrow streets of the Left Bank, marvel at the gargoyles of Notre Dame then enjoy the free light show bouncing off the Eiffel Tower every hour from dusk till 1 a.m., paying homage to lovers in a scene straight out of "Moulin Rouge."

Best of all you can sleep on the river in a houseboat. Housetrip.com features one owned by a Michelin-starred chef who will cook you dinner by the base of the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, take your Valentine close to the top, where the Jules Verne, 120 meters up, is considered one of the finest restaurants in town.

Old Town Phuket: Finally, a reason to leave the beach

Simon OstheimerSimon Ostheimer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:58:45 +0000

by Simon Ostheimer

Many a visitor to Phuket will leave convinced that it's little more than a hedonist’s paradise, where the day’s beach-side thong parade gives way to a night of Bacchanalian excess along Patong's Soi Bangla.

And who could blame them? Many tourists come to the so-called "Pearl of the Andaman" precisely to throw away their moral compass, shed their clothing and indulge in the kind of questionable evening behavior that would never be possible -- or acceptable –- back home.

But anyone willing to peel their butt from their beach chair can still get to know the real Phuket and its unique culinary and historical story. You just have to head to the old quarter of Phuket Town, which dates from the end of the 19th century.

Chinese dragons and tin fortunes

Phuket Heritage Trails (PHT), which specializes in walking tours of the Old Town, is one of the best ways to get a full view of the area.

Run by Phuket native Kritchaya "Chaya" Na Takuathung, a former newspaper reporter and hotel PR woman now devoted to introducing visitors to the living history of her home, PHT tours start from the modern and rather garish dragon statue that stands next to the local tourism office.

Traveling through Asia's rock 'n' roll past

Duncan Forgan — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

by Duncan Forgan

The Asian rock 'n' roll heroes of yesteryear don't get much playtime nowadays. Shiny and new generally takes precedence over dusty relics in Asia and reverence for past musical glories is conspicuous by its absence.

However, for anyone prepared to do a bit of digging there’s an untapped mine of melodious gold to be discovered around the region.

Here's where to find the people that helped define Asia's rock 'n' roll past.

Cambodia: Sin Sisamouth

Combining Cambodia, the West and a little bit of James Brown. It is impossible to overplay the importance of Sin Sisamouth. The undisputed King of Khmer music, Sisamouth could rightly vie with James Brown for the title of the "hardest working man in showbusiness."

A frighteningly prolific polymath, Sisamouth reportedly wrote more than 1,000 songs and was as adept at recording Latin-style music as he was blues, folk and bossanova.

How to bicycle from Bangkok to Singapore -- even if you’re not fit

Nathaniel James Moody — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:00:26 +0000

by Nathaniel James Moody

I never thought I'd be able to say that I’ve cycled from Bangkok to Singapore.

It all started when the opportunity arose to buy a decent mountain bike from a friend who was leaving Bangkok, combined with a simple desire to lead a more healthy life.

Immediately, it felt like a collar had been lifted from around my neck and I could properly explore the city, sightseeing while exercising, when I wasn't teaching. I was enjoying it so much I decided to plan a cycling holiday that would involve peddling 750 kilometers from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

After spending hours cycling in soaking wet shoes, British expat Moody started wearing this sexy footwear.But two days before my departure, northern Thailand's flood situation forced me to alter course and cycle south instead, from Bangkok to Koh Lanta (850 kilometers).

Then, the government announced schools in Bangkok would be shut for two extra weeks due to the floods.

Boeing adds Bangkok, Singapore to Dreamliner world tour

CNNGo staff — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:52:19 +0000

by CNNGo staff

Boeing has added two new Asian stops to its ongoing 787 Dream Tour. The famed Dreamliner will now hit Bangkok and Singapore in February.

Here's the schedule:

Feb. 9-11: In Bangkok to visit Thai Airways International.

Feb. 11-18: In Singapore to visit Singapore Airlines. Will also be on display at the Singapore Airshow.

Dates and locations of additional tour stops will be announced approximately one month in advance, according to Boeing.

Thailand music festivals: Two weekends of international and local greats

Robert Reid — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:55:47 +0000

by Robert Reid

The devastating floods of 2011 put Thailand's music scene on hold, with many events being postponed or cancelled, including Jason Mraz and hip-hop artist Pitbull.

Even many of the annual beer gardens, which feature live music and spring up every cool season, were absent due to flood-related beer shortages. And as any visitor to this city knows, Bangkok and beer shortages are not normally words to be found in the same sentence.

Despite the turmoil, Thailand’s largest and most authentic outdoor festival Big Mountain went ahead at Bonanza Ranch, Khao Yai in December. Over 50,000 people attended with many camping out to see leading local artists.

The atmosphere of the event is similar to British festivals like Glastonbury and The Big Chill and the organizers are looking to involve more international acts each year.

Looking ahead, here are some of the top music events coming up in Bangkok and beyond.

World's 50 best surf spots

Jade Bremner — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:00:00 +0000

by Jade Bremner

Get wet and try not to wipe out, at these 50 best surf spots.

Whether you like rocky cliff faces, standing in awe at the pros charging some of the best waves in the world or getting lost searching for little-known breaks, we have you covered with everything from epic waves to beautiful, small glassy swells.

So whether you’re a beginner or an expert, here’s where to get on board.

This list was compiled by Jade Bremner, an avid surfer who has surfed many of these locations, and using contributions from other professional surfers. Thanks also to surfing-waves.com for their assistance.

1. You're probably not good enough, yet -- but you can dream.

CNNGo – Silverlake Music Festival Contest

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:34:17 +0000

Congratulations to the winners!

Kitsanachai Kraibavornwish

Prangie Songtieng

LANCHUKORN SRIWIMON

Vi Nguyen

Bangkok art: New year, new art spaces

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:58:01 +0000

Bangkok's art scene appears to be back on track despite last year's slowdown due to the floods.

After postponement due to the 2011 crisis, the massive V64 Art Studio has rescheduled its grand opening to January 20.

Meanwhile, having left its former location at the BACC, BKK Arthouse has been resurrected in a new home at the private art school of Studio Miu Art at Home Place on Soi Thonglor.

And lastly, to mark the recent opening of the new European owned design, fashion and art space We*Do at Thonglor 8, is the inaugural exhibition The Oracle, featuring photographs by 11 international artists.

This and more as Bangkok Art Map (BAM), published free every month in Thai and English, shares its top picks for the coming weeks.

Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:14:05 +0000

The inaugural Hua Hin International Film Festival 2012 will hit screens in the seaside town from January 26-29.

Organizers say more than 50 movies from Asia and Hollywood will be shown at four venues: the InterContinental Hua Hin Resort, Major Cineplex, Vic Hua Hin and Centennial Park.

Highlights include "The Lady, directed by Luc Besson, "KL Gangster" from Malaysia, "Fool for Love" from Vietnam, "Ways of The Sea” from the Philippines and famed Taiwan flick ‘Warriors of the Rainbow." Click here for a full rundown of highlights.

In addition to film screenings, several workshops and master classes are planned. For the full schedule of events and locations, visit Huahinfilmfest.com.

Best Bangkok VIP movie theaters

Maher Sattar — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:53 +0000

by Maher Sattar

Catching a film in a Bangkok movie theater doesn't usually feature high on many tourists' "to-do" lists.

But it should. Bangkok’s VIP cinemas, which show the latest Hollywood blockbusters in English, take moviegoing to an entirely new level.

The biggest draw is the seating. Many theaters have a VIP section in the back of a larger, normal theater, where there is more legroom and the chairs are bigger and comfier.

Others go all-out with special screening rooms, in some cases with only 30 seats, where the options range from aircraft-style first class recliners and love seats to actual beds with pillows and blankets and even beanbags.

Don’t get too comfy too soon though. You’ll still have to stand up during the Royal Anthem before the movie starts, so wait for it to finish before really sinking in and enjoying the spectacle at the Bangkok movie theaters listed below.

Mor Lam and Luk Thung: A guide to Bangkok's Thai folk music scene

Maher Sattar — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 21:55:51 +0000

by Maher Sattar

Khao San Road’s bars and clubs might paint a different picture, but the most popular form of music in Thailand is actually Luk Thung, or Thai country music.

You’re most likely to come across it in Bangkok during a taxi ride as many drivers -- who typically come from up-country –- keep their radio stations set to listen to a steady stream of Luk Thung and its folk music cousin, Mor Lam.

Here's a guide to the history of Thai country music and where to experience it in Bangkok, proving that a night of loud, rowdy entertainment does not have to preclude new cultural experiences.

The music might sound jarringly foreign at first but that’s the point, no?

What are Luk Thung and Mor Lam?

Luk Thung developed in the early 20th century in central Thailand in the provinces just north of Bangkok. Suphanburi province in particular became the Memphis of Luk Thung, producing multiple hitmakers in the 1960s including the "Thai Elvis" Suraphol Sombatcharoen, the most influential Thai country musician of that era.

Where to get artistic in Bangkok

Clay Hemmerich — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:55:21 +0000

by Clay Hemmerich

There's always an excuse for shelving your artistic ambitions. Too much work, too many family obligations, too many happy hours to hit.

But if one of your New Year's resolutions was to get more in touch with your creative side, here are five Bangkok venues where you can hone your skills. Tourists can take part as well, as they all offer drop-in classes or short-term courses.

Painting, sculpture: Attic Studios

Class in session at Attic Studios. Oil painting, still life drawing, water colors and clay sculptures: Bangkok's Attic Studios has it all.

The studio is owned by longtime Bangkok expat Elsie Evans, a passionate Scottish artist who offers classes almost every day of the week and keeps her studio open for anyone who wants to hang out and paint.

Classes run from 9 a.m.-noon every weekday (1,200 baht for one session, 6,000 baht for six), and there's always something on the menu every weekend.

Where to celebrate New Year's Eve in Bangkok

Than Rassadanukul — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 10:44:11 +0000

by Than Rassadanukul

It's been a rough few months for Thailand, with the recent flood crisis affecting millions of people.

Many are now looking ahead to better times in 2012, so expect Bangkok to be jumping with New Year's Eve revelers. Here are a few of the most popular ways to celebrate.

1. Hit the open spaces

At midnight, fireworks will be going off all over the city. To take it all in up close, there are a few free family-friendly outdoor events going on.

Now-synonymous with Bangkok New Year's Eve countdowns is CentralWorld's annual celebration, which has been named "Smile Up 2012" (BTS: Chidlom). Nearby, Siam Paragon is having its own "Make a Wish Countdown 2012" at Park Paragon (BTS: Siam).

Asiatique, a new riverfront community mall at 2194 Charoenkrung Road, is also having a festival and fireworks display, though the property doesn't officially open until April, 2012.

6 travel innovations we’d like to see in 2012

Jordan Rane — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:05:00 +0000

by Jordan Rane

The travel industry is forever coming up with new stuff to lure us out of our Barcaloungers and make our experiences abroad easier, smoother and richer. Or at least a bit less taxing.

Some ideas are ingenious: airplanes, luggage wheels, 800-megapixel cameras the size of your thumbnail. Others are ridiculous: an inflatable shirt that -- we kid you not, this was test marketed -- doubles as a wearable mattress pad.

The point is, an inexhaustible supply of golden travel innovations are waiting to hatch. As far as we know, the following overdue breakthroughs haven’t yet made it. But isn’t it about time they did?

1. Pocket E. coli scanner (with optional Hep. A attachment):

Never mind mosquitoes or typhoons. Food-borne illness is the number-one trip wrecker.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 50 percent of international travelers will develop travelers diarrhea, and approximately 80 percent of these cases will be caused by rampant bacterial enteropathogens like E. coli.

Bangkok art scene ends 2011 on a slow note

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:00:46 +0000

After the political unrest of last year, it was hoped that 2011 would be a more stable and productive year for Bangkok's art spaces.

But the continuing global economic slowdown and the recent floods that submerged large parts of the nation have continued to impact the scene.

But there are still several interesting shows to finish off the year. Bangkok Art Map (BAM), published free every month in Thai and English, shares its top picks.

Charles LaBelle, until January 21, 2012

Now in its 14th year, Buildings Entered is an ongoing, lifetime project in which U.S. artist Charles LaBelle documents every building he physically enters. Currently, there are over 13,000 buildings in the archive, with additional buildings being added almost daily.

20 great winter sports destinations

Winnie So — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:05:00 +0000

by Winnie So

Whether you’re a snow bunny looking for a bit of glamorous, off-piste fun or a powder hound itching for a fix, there’s plenty of frolicking to be had for all manner of snow lovers.

For snow bunnies 1. Aspen, United States

Aspen has a reputation for being the winter playground of models and moguls, celebrities and socialites. With four mountains to choose from -- Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass -- there’s plenty of terrain for snow bunnies to give chase.

It’s a good idea to conserve some energy for Aspen’s hopping après-ski and nightlife. Grab a few drinks at 39 degrees in Sky Hotel before a sumptuous meal at Nobu’s Matsuhisa or Il Mulino then check out what’s playing at Belly Up.

Nearest airport: Aspen, Colorado, United States.