Koh Samet, the alternative for backpacker trail

The Quite Comfortables of Koh Samet

Just a few hours drive from central Bangkok lies the pictureque island of Koh Samet. Known for its blinding white beaches and turquoise waters, the island has undergone a great deal of development since it welcomed its first questhouses in just the last decade. The islans is officially a national park, but beause of its abundant natural beauty and proximity to Bangkok, it quickly became a prime destination for Bangkok residents seeking a convenient, idyllic weekend retreat. And even now, with its bungalow lined beaches and constant flow of motorbikes and pick-up trucks inching their way along the few dirt roads that interconnect the island, it has someow retained much of its charm. While many lament the effect that overdevelopment has had on islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, and more recently Koh Chang, Koh Samet, by virtue of being the smallest of these by quite a margin, has probably alredy hit its limit in terms of construction. What remains, despite the generally poor conditoin of its roads, is an island devided into beautiful little pockets, each with its own distinguishing characteristics.

The main pier to Koh Samet is on the northern end of the island and is closese to Hat Sai Kao, or White Sand Beach. True to its name, the san on this beach is dazzling, fine powdery white, and is reason this is also the most crowed beach on the island. Shops, bars and restaurants are crammed next to each other running southward down the beach as far as the eye can see. Accommodation on the northeast end of the island is primarily in the questhouse range in terms of comfort and amenities, but the sheer number of people staying here make it less attractive option for those seeking a vaction from the vacationers. This may be a great place to enjoy a few loud drinks in a few loud bars, but for a romantic gateway it is advisible to look elsewhere.

One attractive alternative is the scenic west coast beach of Ao Orao. Aside from the obvious benefit of suset views from your cottage or villa.

It is certainly true that Koh Samet is no longer the undiscovered paradise it may have been in years past, but it would be unfair to say that recent developments have ruined it. The island still boasts a lot of character, and most of the new properties are serving a more upscale clientele, providing alternatives for those no longer on the backpacker trail. And unlike Samui or Phuket, Koh Samet is a very small island - you could literally walk its entire circumference, taking breaks to dip in the ocean or enjoy a cool drink in well under a day. Like any small mainland city, the island has many options for socializing and dining.

Viva Le Crystal!

The atmosphere cannot be described as Romantic: Your first impression may be that you are entering a plush hotel lobby.

French food in a self-styled Lanna setting is the concept for this flash, fine-dinind restaurant. A bold experiment by a Bangkok owner, "Le Crystal" tempts the palates of the city's well-to-do into a dining experience of rich food, lingering wine and exquisite service. You might think this place is the restaurant in the five stars hotel ... with bright lights, marble flooring and a jazz/blues trio in the corner. The tables are grand, silverware ornate and the waiters effusive to the extreme. However, there's no doubting the quality of the food. Snatched from a well-known restaurant in Bangkok, the head chef has prepared an extensive menu of pure French delicacy.

Specialties include: pan-fried foie fras (B 890), sea scallops (B 550), and blackmushroom truffle soup(B 280) for starters; duck a l'orange (B 420), Japanese Kobe sirloin (B 4200), and seafood bouillabaisse (B 850) for entrees and either crepes suzettes (B 350) of chocolate souffle' (B 240) for dessert. True to fine dining, sorbet is served between courses to refresh the palate.

A modern vault serves as a wine cellar where guests are able to comb through a selection of French and New World wine (B 850-3800/bottle) to accompany their meal. There's a wide range of Bordeaux as well as Champagne (B 4000-24500/bottle).

Le Crystal's house wines - Berger Baron Bordeaux Blanc (2001) and Domain Du Cailou Cote Du Rhone (2002) - are affordable at B 1600-1800 a bottle. A delicious three-course meal for two with wine comes in around B 5000 - that said, Le Crystal obviously targets an up-market clientele and the more discerning traveler.

Situated along the sleepy west bank, the dinning area overlooks the Ping River, although the best views would be around lunchtime. Le Crystal is destinated to play a role as a leading restaurant in Chiang Mai, irresistable to those who appreciate the finest in French cuisine.

Special for Lover: Le Crystal provides a garden balcony where you will be able to dine amongst the fragrance from our garden and enjoy a closer view of the Ping River.

Writer: Colin Hinshelwood (C.P.A. Media)

Vegetarian food: Yes
Credit cards: Amex, Visa, MasterCard
Other services: Transportation to and from Chiang Mai City.

Le Crystal
Open 11.30am-2pm, 6.30pm-10pm daily

74/2 Th Paton, Chiang Mai

Tel: 053-872-890
www.lecrystalrestaurant.com

Bon Appitize!

"Auld Lang China" ... Chinese New Year 2007

Ring in the New Year once again, during Chinese New Year in Thailand this February 18-20

Thailand may be the only country in the world that having celebrated three(3) New Years Days each year. The most high profile, of course, is "Songkran", that April the hottest month of the year -- all Thai traditional is water-throwing mayhem which marks the beginning of the traditional Thai year. Secondly, the Thais also recognize the western New Year on January 1st. Finally, though it may not be as high-profile as the others, if you're fond of the colour red and enjoy the taste like the moon, such as freeze-dried chunks of lava), then Chinese New Year may be the greatest one of all.

Ohhh!... and you must have a great fondness for wacky giant lion heads, oranges, and incense smoke. Then say "Happy New Year" or "Wan Trun Chin" as the Chinese Thais say.

Stereotypically hard-working as they are, many Chinese Thais take off work for one day during the three day New Year's Day festival. That's probably because most of the rituals involved in Chinese New Year are oriented towards prosperity in the coming year, and one cannot usher in properity siiting on their can. Given that 2007 is the year of the pig (considered an especially "prosperous" animal, despite its unkempt living conditions), this year's celebrations should be especially upbeat.

It goes without saying that the best place to enjoy Chinese New Year is in a Chinatown and Bangkok's (on Yawarat Road) is the most immense, thriving one, with Nakhorn Sawan's coming in second. Provincial versions (in Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, etc.) are smaller, quainter, and often more relaxed, and run less of a risk of having to dodge frightening strings of popping firecrackers!

Highlights of the festival include: The god of wealth, Choi Sun, handing out red envelopes containing money (called "Ang Pao") to children, old people and the needy; the Lion Dance in which a giant and colourful papier mache lion puppet entertains the crowd and wards off demons (it is considered especially lucky if you put your head in its mouth); and lively performances of traditional Chinese opera and acrobatics. Activities at Chinese temples are particularly vibrant, featuring fortune telling, merit-making, and a veritable forest fire of smoldering incense sticks.

As with all festivals in Thailand, food plays a predominant part are available for the sampling. While some are partial to traditional moon cakes, others find them a bit reminiscent of building plaster. Nevertheless, they do look nice and make a thoughtful (if merely ornamental) gift.

Food can often be very symbolic as well: Noodles, for instance, must be cooked and served uncut, as this symbolizes long life, and chickens must be served whole (with head and feet) to symbolize completeness. Perhaps eeven more interesting, certain foods whose Chinese names are homonyms for auspicious words like wealth and health are also eaten, such as bamboo shoots and bean curd. You are, in this case, not only what you eat, but what you sound like you're eating.

"Love" (Rak) around the clock

Valentines Day in Thailand is hot stuff

Love is in the air this month in Bangkok and other provinces around Thailand. As anyone who's spent time in Thailand already (must) knows, love is "Rak" in Thai. Here's you ocan see that -- Love is always in the air:

Romantic Origins
February has been regarded as the month of love in the West since ancient Greek times, as this was supposed when the gods Zeus and Hera tied the knot. Who's know the truth ... please tell me, Here!!

Eastern Amor
Although Valentine's Day is foreign import and still relatively new in Thailand, it's celebrated with a creativity and enthusiasm that can make even the hardest coconut of a heart al mushy on the inside. In the Bang Rak (literally "Love District") area of Bangkok, paramours flock to partake in various promotions and parties. Those looking to celebrate their love (or perhaps find it) should spend it here this February 14th.

Why is this area called the "district of love"? ... Most likely it's got nothing to do with love at all, but originally the appellation "rak" meant either "cure" or was the name of type of tree that grew there. Like the origin of Valentine's Day itself, the truth of the matter hardly matters anymore.

To Celebrate the Rosy-Holidays, the Valentines Day ... Let's say "I Love You" to anyone you love and care.

~o.O--3"O.o~Happy Valentine's Day~o.O--3"O.o~