“sala bang pa-in” Will Open Its Door This May
By Lifestyle+Travel
Starting from 1 May 2021, SALA Hospitality Group will pep up historic Bang Pa-In district in Ayutthaya with the opening of sala bang pa-in.
Within a short driving distance of Bangkok, sala bang pa-in is a boutique retreat with minimalist design and cutting-edge facilities amidst refreshing nature. Housing only 24 beautiful guest rooms and pool villas ranging from river view deluxe to three-bedroom river view presidential pool villa, seclusion here is peerless.
From the riverside sanctuary, you can explore intriguing Bang Pa-In area with the hotel’s own meticulous wooden motorboat to take you to the Summer Palace as a complimentary excursion. More sightseeing tours and sunset cocktail cruises are available as well. For those who want to embark on a cycling journey, plenty of scenic routes to and from the hotel are available, including a 50km loop that encompasses Ayutthaya and the Summer Palace. You can also jog along a riverside path, then unwind with in-room spa and massage services, or plunge into the inviting outdoor swimming pool.
Delectable dining experiences can be enjoyed at riverfront sala bang pa-in eatery and bar, offering a mouth-watering array of Thai and international cuisine made from ingredients grown in the hotel’s onsite garden, accompanied by global wines, craft beers and creative cocktails. Indoor and outdoor seating is available with panoramic vistas.
Reservations can be made now for stays from 1 May 2021 onwards. Rates start from THB 5,180 net per room per night, including breakfast and river transfer to the Summer Palace. Book now at www.salahospitality.com/bang-pa-in
By Lifestyle+Travel
Khao Chae Round-Up 2026: Where to beat the heat this summer
When the hot season in Thailand ceases to be a mere conversation starter and becomes a daily survival challenge, the people’s collective palate shifts toward its most sophisticated, traditional cooling mechanism: Khao Chae. Originally a humble New Year’s tradition brought to Thailand by the Mon people, the dish was famously adopted and “upscaled” by the royal palace during the reign of King Rama V, transforming it into an elaborate display of culinary masterpieces. This summertime treat manages to be both incredibly light and remarkably complex. Every grain of rice is parboiled, polished by hand, and soaked in the floral-infused water, and every classic condiment is a balance of salt, sugar, and smoke, meticulously prepared with time-honoured techniques. How to Eat Khao Chae To truly appreciate Khao Chae, there is a specific, almost meditative etiquette to the meal that ensures the delicate floral water stays pristine. Start by taking a small bite-sized piece of a side dish, follow it with a spoonful of the chilled rice and a sip of the scented water, and then finish with a piece of fresh vegetable, such as a slice of fingerroot, cucumber, or green mango. This ritual ensures that each flavour remains distinct and the fragrant rice water is untainted by grease. With the ritual mastered, explore our curated selection of this year’s finest offerings, where Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s top chefs prove that while the weather may be relentless, the tradition of keeping cool is an art form in itself. Khum Hom, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok Experience Chef Ian Kittichai’s interpretation of the quintessential Thai summer delicacy that has graced family tables for generations. The Khao Chae experience Khum Hom is a masterclass in culinary precision and diligence—premium jasmine rice is parboiled, polished, and bathed in chilled, candle-scented water, served with 10 savoury-sweet, meticulously hand-crafted side dishes, including Look Kapi(Deep-fried caramelised shrimp paste), Prik Yuak Yud Sai (green peppers filled with minced pork and shrimp), Pla Yee-Son Wan (sweetened shredder sun-dried ray fish), and Khai Deng Kem Tod (fried salted egg yolk). The meal concludes on a bright final note: seasonal fruits and kaffir lime suspended in a light, scented syrup—a refreshing palate cleanser that acts as an immediate sensory pick-me-up against the midday heat. Pricing and Packages: Dine-in: 990++ baht per person (All Accor+ Explorer enjoying 10% off) Takeaway Set: 1,790++ baht per 2 persons and served in a woven basket with a 10% discount for online orders and self-pickup Period: 15 March – 30 April (Lunchtime only) T: +66 (0) 2 666 3311 | W:www.khumhomrestaurant.com Bodhi Terrace, Anantara Chiangmai Resort As the northern heat settles over the Mae Ping River, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort unveils its seasonal remedy: a curated collection of summer treats that celebrate the intersection of royal tradition and seasonal contemporary flair—the cooling ritual of Khao Chae and the fleeting, sweet-and-tart vibrancy of the Mayongchid (Marian Plum). What sets the Anantara rendition apart is the precision of its accompaniments. Each bite offers a calibrated balance of textures and flavours, while the Mayongchid is undoubtedly the golden star. The
By Lifestyle+Travel
Chatrium Grand X Trip.Best Oyster Month
In a significant move for luxury hospitality and culinary tourism, Trip.com, a leading global travel service provider, has announced an exclusive collaboration with Chatrium Grand Bangkok. Leveraging its curated ranking platform, Trip.Best, the partnership presents "Chatrium Grand X Trip.Best Oyster Month," a prestigious culinary festival running from 1-30 November, 2025. This month-long event promises an extraordinary display of gastronomic excellence, gathering Michelin-starred chefs, international champions, and master mixologists to celebrate oysters, caviar, and Champagne, marking a new chapter in elevated travel experiences. This collaboration is a sophisticated fusion of expertise, uniting Trip.com's global reach, powered by the trusted recommendations of Trip.Best, with Chatrium Grand Bangkok's celebrated culinary artistry. As Chatrium Grand Bangkok holds the distinguished No. 2 position on Trip.Best’s ranking of the Best Gourmet Hotels in Bangkok—a testament to its exceptional standards—this alliance aims to reinforce Bangkok’s standing as a world-class culinary tourism destination, appealing directly to discerning travelers seeking truly memorable dining adventures. Highlighting the spirit of global discovery, the partnership introduces the "Trip.Best: The Voyager's Pearl," an exclusive signature oyster creation crafted by the hotel's culinary team. This bespoke dish, available throughout November, symbolizes Trip.Best’s mission to guide travelers to the world's finest experiences. It features a European oyster harmoniously topped with diverse ingredients—Thai shrimp, North American salmon roe, and Japanese ebiko—each element representing a culture united on a single plate. For reservations and more information, please visit: W: https://www.chatrium.com/grandbangkok/oysterevent T: +66 (0) 2126 7999 E: savio.cgb@chatrium.com
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Wellness by the Waves: Relax to the Soothing Rhythm of the Andaman in Phuket and Phang Nga
Beyond its breathtaking beauty, the Andaman Sea holds a hidden power of healing within the rolling waves, soft sands, gentle breeze, and even the warmth of sunlight. Wellness by the Waves, a three-day, two-night journey in Phuket and Phang Nga, is more than a holiday. It is an immersion that soothes both body and mind with profound relaxation. The journey begins with a visit to Phuket Old Town, where the rich Peranakan architecture and cultural heritage have been carefully preserved through generations. A stop at The Charm Dining Gallery Phuket offers an authentic taste of local cuisine handed down over time, reinterpreted with a contemporary presentation—signature dishes Gaeng Poo Khai Ped (Crab Curry with Duck Egg), Moo Hong (Braised Pork Belly Phuket Style), and Pla Tao Ew (Soy-Braised Fish). Next comes relaxation with panoramic views of Cape Panwa at Amatara Welleisure Resort, where wellness experiences restore balance from within. “Sound Healing with Tibetan singing bowls guides you into deep tranquility, while Pranayama Breathing Therapy enhances oxygen flow, cultivating mindfulness and inner calm.” The day concludes with a fine dining experience at Senses Restaurant, where fresh ingredients are crafted into dishes that balance flavor and nutrition. On the second day, the journey continues in Phang Nga with lunch at Catch and Co., where the freshest daily catch from Phang Nga’s Sea is presented with refined preparation and creative flair. Guests can select from an array of premium seafood, including delicate Thai sashimi. Then continue your journey of relaxation at JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, where QUAN Spa offers a full range of treatments. The highlight is the Signature Jade Stone Massage, which uses both hot and cold jade stones to relieve muscle tension, stimulate circulation, and reduce stress. The experience continues with “Mindful Mandela Art, a meditative practice of creating mandala patterns that foster focus, serenity, and inner balance amidst lush garden surroundings.” An exceptional evening follows at Nai Muang Restaurant, renowned for its distinctive Southern Thai cuisine. Signature dishes such as Gaeng Som Nai Mueang (Southern Sour Curry), Moo Pad Kapi Sataw (Stir-fried Pork with Shrimp Paste and Stink Beans), and Bai Liang Pad Khai (Stir-fried Melinjo Leaves with Egg). highlight the bold flavors of the South and the quality of local ingredients. The final morning leads to Memories Beach, home to “Ocean Therapy, a practice that harnesses the restorative power of the ocean through water activities.” As one of Thailand’s premier surfing spots, it helps release stress and strengthen both body and mind under the guidance of experienced instructors. The journey concludes with a memorable meal at Toh Daeng at Baan Ar Jor, a century-old Sino-Portuguese home transformed into a restaurant and museum. Local Hokkien-inspired dishes such as Gaeng Kua Motan Moo Yang Sai Ngo (Spicy Curry with Grilled Pork and Rambutan), and Pla Jian (Pan-fried Fish) are served, while the museum offers a glimpse into the heritage of the historic family estate. Contacts & Practical Information ━━━━━━━━━━━━👇━━━━━━━━━━━━ The Charm Dining Gallery Phuket Opening Hours: 11:00–22:00 (Closed on Wednesday) Facebook Page: The Charm Dining Gallery Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76