Bangkok Day Trip 1 - Floating Market, Batik Painting Lessons, Herbal and aroma sticks making, Thai cooking

Bangkok Day Trip 1 - to Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market, Batik Painting Lessons, herbal and aroma sticks making, Thai cooking

Bang  Nam Phueng Floating Market (28 kilometers from Bangkok; 40 minutes drive) Bang Kobua, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan, Tel. 02-819 6762

1. This is a weekend floating market with food and desserts from the local area and more than 200 shops and eateries.
2. It is located 40 minutes from Bangkok and is famous among local Thai residents.
3. You can rent bicycles (Baht 100  or US$3.50 per half day)  and hire boats to row along Klong Bang Nam Phueng

4.  Parking is available on a first-come first-serve basis
5.  Batik painting for children is available
6.  Community karaoke at the market ground

Batik Painting Lessons, Herbal and Aroma Sticks making and Thai Cooking offered in a nearby facility from the floating market (10 minutes walk from the floating market)

1.  Above activities are offered by Otop Products Company: Baam Toob-Hom whose facilities are located 10 minutes walk from the end of floating market.

2. Visitors have a choice of any or all of the following activities --- batik painting lessons, herbal sticks making or  Thai cooking. Lessons are personally conducted by the owners and their family.

3. For batik painting lessons, you will pay for the cloth you decide to use. Prices are as follows: batik making lesson - free; square size - Baht 60 per (US$2) ; triangle scarf - Baht 80 (US$2.6) ; t-shirt - Baht 180 (US$6). Once painted, you will wait for your materials to dry under the sun - square and triangle (20 minutes), t-shirs (4 hours).

4.  You can decide to take lunch at the dining facilities within the compound and cook your own food as part of the Thai cooking lesson.  Menu includes sweet and sour pineapple, pork with cashew nuts and Thai pork curry.  Cold drinks including local beers are available.  Meal is inexpensive. Full lunch for 3 persons, including drinks and free soup and dessert costs Baht 310 (approx US$11).

5. You need to reserve ahead so that painting and cooking materials can be prepared. Call owner Khun Toy at 02-8150729 or 081-8013702 who speaks English.

6. There is parking at the entrance of the facility but you still need to walk (3 minutes)  using the boardwalk/bicycle lane to reach the facility.  Author suggests that you park at the floating market and just walk to the facility.  Ask for directions from the stalls at the floating market or the tuk-tuk boys waiting at the far end of the floating market.  They know the facility well.

Dinner on your way home

1. About 7 kilometers from the floating market on your way home to Bangkok, try Rabeang Rimnum seafood restaurant located at 458 Srikuengkum Road, Phapradaeng, Samutprakan 10130; Tel. 0-2463-5642 or 0-2463-2540.
2. Restaurant is  fronting the Chao Phraya River with the good view of the Bhumibol Bridge
3. Street parking is available.
4. Do your reservations early.
5. From the restaurant, you will pass by the main street of the  Samut Prakan market on your way out to the expressway.

 

Airport Transfers in ASEAN countries

Dear Friends,

This posting will give you practical tips to assist you manage your travel, particularly on your travel from an airport upon arrival and upon your return,  in any of the ASEAN countries.  The post will be updated from time to time.  best - Manuel

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 

Bandar Seri Begawan

1. Airport is approximately 10 minutes from the center of the capital
2. There are regular taxi (metered) services to and from the airport.
3. There are also regular public bus services which goes to the capital.

CAMBODIA 

Phnom Penh's  Pochentong International Airport

1. Metered taxi are available outside the arrival area.  Taxi to town is approximately US$9.00.
2. Visa upon arrival available at US$25 just before the immigration counters
3. Left luggage facilities available is going to other places (UD$0.50 per hour if more than 6 hours)
4. International airport tax - US$25 upon departure (applies to everyone).
5. Amata Massage and Treatment at departure area (seated massage and foot massage available).
6. Good selection of shops at departure hall
7. Free WiFi at departure area but no electrical outlets
8. Food and drinks at airport (FCC Bar, Deli Paris, the Blue Pumpkin, Taste of Asia
9. Nearest hotel from the airport
1. CCC Hotel (1.8 km)
2. 9 Dragon Hotel and Restaurant (2.5km)
3. Hi Land Hotel (4.4 km) 
10. Shopping tips:  Russian Market; central market 

Siem Reap International Airport

1. Busiest airport in Cambodia in terms of passenger traffic
2. airport's new terminal was inaugurated in 2006
3. All taxi (no meter taxi available) to town at US$5.00; airport pick-up by hotel is US$10; tuk-tuk one way is $5
4. travel takes 20-30 minutes to town from airport
5. Nice little airport with reasonable prices at shops
6. Visa on arrival at US$25 (you need a passport-sized photo otherwise additional US$2.00)
7. Shopping tip: Pub Street at Night Market; old market

INDONESIA - Jakarta International Airport (Soekarno-Hatta) Indonesia

1. Visa upon arrival - available before the immigration area. Visa fee of approximately US20 is applicable.

2. Taxi Service from the airport - It is highly  recommended that you take the Blue BirdTaxi (metered) as they are accredited and controlled by the Government. The company has good reputation of good and honest service. Ask for the location of their taxi stand just outside the terminal building.  Don't be deceived:  another taxi company named Silver Bird is widely available to passengers.  This company, though offering more luxurious cars/limo and uniformed drivers, charges higher fees though metered. Alternate good taxi recommended  is "Express" in white color.

Note: There are many Taxi Stands for each taxi company immediately outside the arrival area. Be selective and wise in choosing your taxi.  Make sure you choose a metered taxi and pay only the amount reflected in the meter when arriving at the your destination.  However, if there is known  traffic (e.g. during rush hours), you might be better agreeing to a negotiated flat fee so the driver can take you to your destination using a different route and avoiding the traffic.  Avoid dealing with colorum operators for your own protection.

3. Toll fees from the airport to the downtown area are at driver's cost. Passengers should not pay these.

4. Taxi rate (metered) to downtown:
               Airprot to Sari Pan Pacific Hotel - approximately $12-$15 depending on the traffic. 

5. Departure fee paid at the airline counter at the airport during check-in: US$15

6. Shopping tips: Tamrin City; Sarinah Department Store; Plaza Indonesia

LAO PDR - Wattay International Airport (Vientiane)

1. Visa upon arrival - $20-$30 ($30 for Philippine passport holders)
2. Arrival: strict monitoring of exist stamp at passport from country of origin
3 Taxi from airport to town: approximately US$7; metered taxi available
4. Airport to town: approximately 15 minutes travel
5. As airport is small, there are long lines at departure airline counters and immigration
6. Shopping tips: go to Morning Market (9am to 5pm daily)



MALAYSIA - KLIA

1. Arrival Form for passengers  (local and foreign) - not required

2. Taxi upon Arrival - just after the customs area (as you move out to the public area), there are taxi counters/ stands where you can contract metered or not metered taxi to town.  Line up to take a ticket for a non-metered small (bantam) taxi which will cost you 75 Malaysian Ringgit (RM) or approximately US$ 25 excluding tip.  Non-metered taxi is advisable if you are anticipating traffic to town or if you are not familiar with directions to your hotel or destination.  Bigger taxi/limousine cars are available for added cost. Once given your ticket, proceed to Gate 3, give your ticket to the dispatcher and will be guided to your taxi.  Note that there may be some lines for taxi during peak hours.

3.  Return Taxi to Airport  - My experience of cost for a metered taxi from downtown to the KLIA was RM 85  or approximately US$28 (inclusive of luggage fee and toll but exclusive of tip).  Most hotels offer non-metered taxi service. Ask the hotel concierge for their rates and make sure you book ahead as services to the airport may be limited during peak season.

4.  Special taxi rate  -  If you are taking the taxi to the airport between 12 midnight to 6AM, metered taxi will charge you 50% additional fare.  Hotels offer flat rate of RM150 or approximately US$50 one way inclusive of tolls, luggage fees).

5.  Airport Rail System from the Airport and back - service is available from the airport terminal itself. Travel to city take only 25 minutes as there is not traffic and train stops are minimal.  Inquire on rates from the ticketing counter.

6.  Airport ride to town or back will take you at least approximately 45 minutes depending on the traffic situation.  Make sure you give yourself enough time on the day that you depart for the airport. At least three (3) hours before travel time is suggested.  

  
MYANMAR

Nay Pyi Taw City

1. Naypyidaw International Airport is located 16 kilometers from the capital; travel time is 30 minutes
2. No metered taxi available.  Taxi charge flat rate of US$30 one way.
3. Airport is very new having opened only in December 2011; arrival and departure facilities are nice
4. Bangkok Airways passengers enjoy use of lounge with free food and drinks at departure area

Mandalay  (MDL)
1. Mandalay International Airport is located 35 kilometers froom the city. Allow at least one hour of travel time through the expressway.
2. Airport is one of only three international airports in Myanmar. It is the largest and most modern airport in Myanmar
3. Airport taxi counters are located outside of the baggage claim area. One way taxi fares from the airport are fixed: $4 for shared taxi; $12 for private taxi; $15 for private taxi with AC

Yangon 
1. Yangon International Airport is located in Mingaladon, at 15 kilometers of downtown.  It is the third largest airport in Myanmar after Mandalay.
2. Allow at least one-hour travel time to and from the downtown area because of heavy traffic.
3. No airport or terminal fee
4. Shops selling lots of gems and souvenir at the departure area after immigration
5. Check-in counters of airlines tend to be very crowded. Internet check in lane is available.



PHILIPPINES - Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

1. There are three international terminals at NAIA (1) Terminal 1 for all international flights except Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacificl (2) Terminal 2 for all flights of Philippine Airlines; and (3) Terminal 3 for all flights of Cebu Pacific and other airlines.  Each terminal is distant from each other but there is a free shuttle bus service between them.

2. Metered Taxi service is available just outside each of the Terminals.  Cost of taxi from airport to Makati City is approximately Php 200 (US$5.00), to Greenhills, San Juan Php 400 (US$10). Make sure you take the accredited taxi line from the taxi stand.  Dispatcher is expected to ask you for your destination and will give you a paper indicating the plate number of the taxi you will be taking.

3. Terminal fee - Php 550 or US$ 13 paid just before the immigration counter. Payments are receipted.

4.  Grab and Uber transport - There is a Grab counter in each of the three terminals located just outside the Arrival Area.  Uber vehicles may be accessed through the internet. Make sure you indicate your exact location at the airport for pick-up.  Rates for Grab and Uber vary depending on destination and time of travel.

On your departure

4. . Know which terminal you are going. There are three terminals in Manila which are NOT connected and linked together. You need to take a taxi or airport shuttle to move from one terminal to the other.

• Terminal 1 is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which caters to all airlines except Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.  This Terminal is undergoing renovation. Expect delays at the airline check-in counters and at the immigration area. Be at the airport at least two hours before your flight. Ask your hotel concierge as to your needed travel time to the airport.
• Terminal 2 is used exclusively for flights run by the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific.
• Terminal 3 is the newest and the biggest of the three terminals but remains to service only a few international airlines which changes from time to time. 

5. Travel Tax -  Filipino travelers are expected to pay their travel tax (Php 1650)  at the designated counters before checking in at the airline counters.

6. Airport Terminal Fee - Except for Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) every traveler should pay Php 500 (or approx US$12) as airport terminal fee.  Collecting counters are located before the immigration area.

7. Shopping tips:  Mall of Asia (at Roxas Boulevard, Manila); Shoe Mart Department Store (Makati City); Greenhills Pearl Center (Ortigas Avenue in Mandaluyong City)


SINGAPORE - Chiangi International Airport

1. Shuttle service vans to the city are available from the transpo counter in the arrival area.  Cost of shuttle service (van) is only US$7 per passenger.  Make sure you tell the counter staff that you want the shuttle van otherwise they will offer you a limousine car which will cost more.

2.  Return travel to airport. Three ways: (1) you can ask your hotel to book you for a shuttle service van to the airport. Cost is approximately US$7 per passenger;  (2) by regular metered taxi which will cost approximately US$15; or (3) regular bus which will take you approximately 1.5 hours to the airport (regular travel time by taxi or shuttle is only 40 minutes).

3. By train - To get to the city by train, passengers need to transfer to the west bound train at Tanah Merah train station.  The last train service leaving the airport to the city is at 11:18 pm.   Trains to the airport from the city starts at 5:26am on Monday to Saturday and 5:45am on Sunday and public holidays.

THAILAND 

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi International Airport

1. Airport is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Bangkok.

2. Airport Limousine - can be arrange from a special counter beside the Baggage Claims and Arrival Halls exists (Channel A, B and C).  Airport limousine is available 24 hours with various kinds of cars from bantam to vans including luxury cars. For a regular sedan car (Toyota Camry or Nissan Teana), rate from the airport to Bangkok is about Baht 1,700 to 1,900 (US$ 53 - 60). Travels to Pattaya and other cities in Thailand can also be arranged.  Use of limousine service is safe and monitored with GPS for the security of passengers. Information at Tel. +66 2 134 2323 5. Advance booking via internet available.

3. Taxi Service - Proceed to 1st Floor  (outside Gates 4 or 7) of the Terminal Building to get a metered taxi to town or elsewhere.  This is a 24 hour service and is provided under the new automated system.   Line up to the taxi counter towards the digital ATM-like  machines. In any of the machines (usually an airport staff is assigned beside the machine to assist passengers) , press the screen and it will give you a taxi form which indicates the lane number of your taxi. The taxi form would also contain the plate number of the taxi and name of the driver. In getting your taxi, make sure you are in the right lane and getting into the right taxi. Telephone numbers are indicated in the taxi form  in case you need to file a complaint or provide the airport management of your comments.  Note - you can show but don't give your taxi form to the driver. Some drivers ask for this taxi form  to avoid being reported for their misbehavior or infraction of rules.
         Cost of taxi - Approximately Baht 200 - 250  (US$6.50 - 8.00) to downtown Bangkok depending on the  traffic conditions and your final destination.  Upon paying the driver, you should add the standard  surcharge of Baht 60 (US$2.00) over the actual meter reading.   In addition, passenger is expected to pay the actual cost of each toll with is approximately  Baht 50 (US$1.50).

4. Shopping tips:  MBK, Center World, Siam Paragon, Chatuchak Week-end flea market, Union Mall,  Bobbae Wholesale Shopping Complex, Platinum Mall (at Pratunam), Old Siam (good place for buying textile)

Chiang Mai
1. Chiang Mai International Airport is adjacent to the Domestic Airport. Airport is a major gateway to Northern Thailand hosting over 2 million tourists each year

2. Aiport is approximately 10-15 minutes by taxi to the city center. Taxi meters are available. Private taxi are available from the airport and at major hotels.  Cost for one way is Baht 90-100 ($2.50) per person. Hotel taxi airport for two is Baht 200 ($5.50) excluding tip for the driver.

3. At the domestic airport, departure area has lots of shops and restaurants, including Burger King, Mc Donalds, Dairy Queen, etc.  Airline service and information counters are also available.

4. Departure lounge or waiting area is small but clean. Toilets are clean.

VIETNAM

Da Nang Airport

Hanoi
1. Non-metered taxi/limousine  from the airport can be arranged through the Tourism Counters inside the arrival area of the terminal.  Cost of one-way travel from airport to city is Dong 19 (approximately US$16).  Note - Tourism Counters offer special rates for roundtrip bookings.

Ho Chi Minh Airport
 

Recommended Hotels in Europe

Recommended Hotels in Europe

SWITZERLAND

Geneva

1.  Hotel Savoy Geneva - 8, Place de Cornavin - CH 1201 Geneva; Tel. +4122 906 47 00; Fax +4122 906 47 90; www.hotels-suisse.ch/savoy

• 3-star hotel at the center of downtown Geneva and located just across the train station in Gare.
• Rooms are small but are air conditioned
• Rates from US$160 (with breakfast) depending on the season (internet booking may be cheaper)
• usual hotel for Philippine delegations attending ILO meetings

2. Best Western Hotel Astoria - Place Cornavin 6, CH 1211 Geneve 1; Tel. +41 22 544 52 52; Fax +41 22 544 52 54; www.astoria-geneve.ch

• 3-star hotel at Gare area
• proximate to shopping district and rows of restaurant

 3.  Hotel Auteuil Manotel (pronounced as "Hotel Atoy" ) - 33, Rue de Lausanne, CH-1201 Geneva; Tel. +41 22 544 22 22; Fax +41 22 544 22 99; www.manotel.com/auteuil

• Four-star hotel with good facilities
• 5 minutes walk from Gare Cornavin (train station)
• Room facilities include flat TV with English channels, mini ref, electronic safe, Free tea/coffee and bottled water; Free WIFI in rooms; bath robe, sleepers.
• Hotel faculties include restaurant/coffeeshop, bar
• Rates per night: approx US$180-290 depending on the season; breakfast is additional $30 per person

4. Hotel Warwick Geneva - 14 Rue de Lausanne, 1201, Geneva, Switzerland; Tel. +41 (0) 22 716 8000; www.warwickgeneva.com/

• four-star hotel
• centrally located; very close to Gare Cornavin station
• very nice hotel - highly recommended
• book ahead through the internet to get good prices

5. Hotel Le Nation -Rue du Grand Pre 62, Geneva 1202, Switzerland;
6. Ibis Hotel Geneva - Avenue Louis Casai 30 Geneva, 1216, Switzerland
7. Crown Plaza Geneva Hotel - Avenue Louis-Casai 75, Geneva; Tel +41 22 710 30 00

• Four-star hotel
• very close to Geneva Airport
• formerly Ramada Hotel
• try its Le Bar for a relaxing drink with light meals (everyday from 7am to midnight; Tel +41 22 710 30 52)
• underground paid parking available

8. Hotel CR Cartigny - 1236 Cartigny, Geneve, Switzerland; Tel +41 22 756 12 10; www.center-cartigny.ch

• Hostel type accommodation
• Hotel is located OUTSIDE of Geneva
• Rate approximately CHF 83 or US$ 90 per night with breakfast 

9.  City Hostel Geneva - 2 rue Ferrier - CH 1202 Geneve, Switzerland; Tel. +41 (0) 22 901 1500; Fax +41 (0) 22 901 1560; www.cityhostel.ch

• 8 minutes from Gare Cornavan
• double room CHF 86 (approx. US$90)
• 3 or 4 bed dormitory CHF 32
• single room CHF 59
• all rooms with sink
• common shower on each floor
• recommended for students and backpackers 

10.  Other recommended hotels at the Gare Area

• Hotel Astoria - 3 star hotel - 3 minutes walk from Gare Train station
• Hotel Lido - 3 star hotel - 5 minutes walk from Gare
• Hotel Cornovin -   4 star hotel - just beside Gare; 2 minutes walk
• Hotel Montbrillant - just behind Gare Station; very clean hotel;  highly recommended

BELGIUM

Brussels

1. Hotel Aris -  Rue Marche aux Herbes 78-80 Grasmarkt, Bruxelles 1000 Brussel; Tel +32 2 514 43 00

• Three-star hotel right at Bruxelles Grand Place
• to minutes walk from Brussels Central train station
• 55 room hotel - clean, good breakfast, with aircon and tv
• internet in the lobby; paid connection in rooms (Euro 5 for whole day)
• no parking but public parking is 100 meters
• highly recommended; rates lower than Euro 200 (check with internet for lower rates)
• within the area of Ibis Hotel.

2. Hotel Alma - Rue des Eperonniers 42-44 Sppormarketsstraat, Bruxelles 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Tel. +32 (0) 2 502 28 28; Fax +32 (0) 2 502 28 29; info@almahotel.be

• 3 star hotel located with Grand Place (sister hotel of Aris Hotel)
• Rate is approximately US$160 (cheaper to book through the internet)
• located inside the Grand Place near the rows of Greek restaurants

3.  Scandic Grand Place - Rue d'Arenberg 18, 1000 Brussels, Belgium; Tel +32 2 548 18 11

• four star hotel but reasonably priced (Scandinavian standard)- highly recommended
• located in Grand Place; 5 minute walk from Brussels central station
• very clean; 100 rooms with fitness center
• good breakfast
• just beside the eateries at Grand Place where you find Chez Leon

ITALY

Milan

1.  Hotel Dei Cavalieri - Piazza Missori, 1 (city center), 20123 Milano, Italia; Tel +39 02 88571

Rome

1.  Hotel Palladium Palace - via Gioberti, 36; ROMA 00185 Tel. 06 44 66 917; 06 44 66 918; Fax 06 44 66 037

• Three-star hotel
• five minutes walk from Termini Train Station
• Rate approximately US$120 per night with breakfast

2.  Hotel Savoy - 00187 Roma, Via Ludovisi 15; Tel 0642155; Hotel.savoy@flashnet.it

• Euro 156 per night

Turin
1.  Hotel Principi d'Acaja - via Principi D'Acaja, 8, 10143 Torino, Italia; Tel. +39 011 4338348; Fax +39 011 4304610; info@hotelprincipidacaja.com; www.hotelprincipidacaja.com

• Three star hotel
• Rate approximately US$120 per night with breakfast (cheaper rate from internet)

GERMANY

Munich

1.  Forum Hotel Munchen -Hochstafe 3, D-81669 Munchen; Tel. 0 89 4803-0

• 190Euro per night

Berlin

1.  Hotel Palace Berlin - Budapester Str.45, 10787 Berlin; Tel 030/25 02 0; www.palace.de, hotel@palace.de

SPAIN

Madrid

1.  Hotel Cuzco - P. de la Castellana 133; Tel. 91 556 06 00; email: hotelcuzco@mundivia.es

Recommended Restaurants in Geneva, Switzerland

Recommended Restaurants in Geneva, Switzerland

Gare (Cornavin) Area
1. Cafe de Paris - at Gare (near the Geneva  main Post Office); specializes on entrecote served with green salad and fries; CHF 49 or $51 per order; dessert and coffee available.

2. Le Mandarin Restaurant Chinois - 1-3 Rue de Chantepoulet, 12-1 Geneva; Tel +41 22 731 27 42; www.MANDARIN.CH

• recommended chinese restaurant
• open for lunch and dinner
• dimsum on Sundays
• for good service, look for Ms. Po Lee

3.  La Certitude - 7, rue Rossi 1201 Geneva; Tel +41 22 738 27 26

• restaurant is famous for its seafood buffet (with lots of lobsters and fresh oysters) every Friday at CHF 45 per person
• located in the Gare area near the Post Office
• reservation is a must
• no parking (park at Gare)

 4.  Jeck's Place - rue de Neuchatel 14, 1201 Geneva; Tel. +41 22 731 33 03

• good Thai and Singapore restaurant
• located in the Gare area near the Post Office
• must try: Singaporean laksa
• look for Nick Chee for good service

5. Restaurant Le Basilic -  5, Rue de Chponniere, 1201 Geneva; Tel. +41 22 731 06 13

• good chinese restaurant in the Gare area (Near Boky's)

6.  Kubata Cafe - 35, rue du Stand, 1205 Geneve; Tel. +41 22 321 65 55

• famous for its grilled (churascaria) Portuguese  food - meats, fish
• name of restaurant has been changed but still in the same location

7. Boky Restaurant Asiatique - ruse des Alpes 21, 1201 Geneva; Tel. +41 22 738 37 94

• Japanese and chinese cuisine
• located at Gare (and famous among Filipinos)
• open 7/7 from 11 am to 2am non stop

8. Restaurant Seoul - 17, rue zurich 1201 Geneve; Tel. +41 22 732 4605

• authentic Korean restaurant
• located just beside Novotel in Gare

9.  La Trattoria da Tonino - 1, Rue de la Servette, 1201 Geneva ; Tel 022 734 52 19; www.latrattoria.ch

• very good and authentic Italian restaurant beside Gare Cornavin 
• must reserve - place always full
• must try: frito misto

10.  Fuji Restaurant Japonais - 6, rue de chatepoulet, 1201 Geneva; Tel +41 22 732 77 27

• authentic traditional Japanese restaurant - teppan-yaki, sushi and sashimi
• located near  Hotel Nido and across La Mandarin Restaurant
• closed on lunchtime of Saturday and Sunday

Near the United Nations

1. Restaurant Thai Phuket - 33 Avenue de France, 1202 Geneva; Tel. (022) 734 41 00; Thai food;    call for reservation.

2. China Garden - 15 avenue de Bude CH-1202 Geneva; Tel. +41 22 733 2191

• Chinese buffet at CHF 20 (shrimps on Mondays and Thursday)
• Open 7/7

 3. Sagano Japanese Restaurant - rue de Montbrillant 86, CH-1202 Geneva; Tel +41 22 733 1150

• parking available at COOP Montbrillant
• restaurant is in the same building as Thai Phuket and the Nuance (the diplomatic duty free shop)
• Reservation is recommended

4. Chez Ma Cousine - 2, CH du Petit-Saconnex, 1209 Geneva; Tel.  +41 22 733 79 85

• chain of restaurants (3 in Geneva --- near Manor Department Store at Gare; the Old Town; and Petit Saconnex)
• famous for its organic chicken served with green salad and potato
• near Geneva Intercontinental Hotel
• open for lunch and dinner

 5. New Shanghai Restaurant - Rue de Montbrillant 90, CH-1202 Geneva; Tel +41 22 734 00 84

• located in the same building as Thai Phuket and Sagano Japanese Restaurant

6. Gaya Korean Restaurant - 19, Rue Ferrier, 1202 Geneva; Tel. +41 (0) 22 732 46 36; www.gayageneva.com

• authentic Korean cuisine 
• lunch plat du jour available; open for dinner
• parking is a problem; metered roadside parking but always full

7. Han-Lung Chinese Restaurant - 137, rue de Lausanne, 1202 Geneva; Tel. +41 22 731 90 10

• good Chinese restaurant near WTO and the Philippine Mission
• may be crowded sometimes due to tour groups

8. Chateau de Penthes - 18, Chemin de I'Imperatrice, CH-1292 Pregney-Geneva; Tel. +41 22 734 48 65; www.penthes.ch

• Restaurant is very near the Place de Nation (UN) and just infront of the US Embassy
• French and swiss cuisine
• has open air garden restaurant

9. Le P'tit Ocean Restaurant - 50, chemin de Coudriers - 1209 Petit-Saconnex; Tel. +41 22 788 37 15; ferreira-zecarlos360@hotmail.com

• located near the IPU (Inter-Parliament Union)
• famous for its Gambas a Gogo (shrimp buffet)
• look for owners Carlos and Beatriz  (+41 767 261745)
• Reservation recommended

10. Auberge des Croise Coqs - Chemin de Valerie, 26, 1292 Chambesy, Geneve; Tel. +41 22 758 12 15; www.3coqs.ch

• good french and swiss cuisine
• venue of reception for Sen. Gordon

Lake Side (or with good view of Geneva Lake)

1.  Lacustre Restaurant - 336, rte de Lausanne, 1293 Bellevue, Geneva; Tel. +41 22 774 10 02; www.restaurantlacustre.ch

• French and Swiss cuisine
• 15 minutes from the UN in Versoix
• has view of the lake; you can dine outside during summer
• parking on roadside

 2. Tse Yang Chinese Restaurant - 19, Quai du Mont-Blanc, 1202 Geneva; Tel. 022 732 50 81

• A-1 chinese restaurant at Kempinsky Hotel near the Lake (mont blanc at downtown area)

 3.  La Perle Du Lac - rue de lausanne 126; Tel. +41 22 909 1020; www.laperledulac.ch

• A-1 French restaurant by the lake
• Near the UN and the Philippine Mission
• Pricy
• Parking available

4. Restaurant du Creux-de-Genthod -  1294 Genthod; Tel. +41 22 774 10 06; www.creuxdegenthod.com

• highly recommended (located 15 minutes from the UN in Versoix)
• you can dine in the restaurant's open garden beside the Lake
• french cuisine
• restaurant has plat du jour menu during lunch
• ample parking 

5.  Restaurant Club Nautique de Versoix - Port Choiseul, Chemin des Graviers 35, 1290 Versoix; Tel. +41 22 755 35 10

• this is the restaurant of the yatch club 
• restaurant is open to public
• has nice view of the lake
• parking available

Best Cheese Fondue in town

1. Cafe du Soleil - Place du Petit-Saconnex, 1209 Geneva; Tel. +41 22 733 34 17

• Near the United Nations and beside the Catholic Church St. John
• Call to reserve as restaurant always full
• open for lunch and dinner
• must try in addition to Fondue: green salad with chicken liver and Malakoff (baked cheese appetizer)
• patronized by both local and foreign tourists; UN staff
• metered parking across

2.  Au Vieux Carouge - 27, Rue Jacques Dalphin, Carouge; Tel +41 22 342 64 98 

• authentic Swiss restaurant; small and always full of patrons

• specializes on cheese fondue

• closed on Sundays and Monday
• You need to reserve as place is small
• patronized by local Swiss

3.  La Matze Restaurant - 7, rue Chaponniere, H 1201 Geneva; Tel +41 22 732 79 61; www.la-matze.ch

• Restaurant is at Gare area near the Geneva Post Office

Near the Geneva Airport

1. La Gioconda - 81, avenue Louis-Casai, 1216 Geneva; Tel +41 22 798 96 05
• good Italian restaurant (highly recommended)
• 5 minutes drive from the airport
• must try: pizza, spaghetti fruit de mer; baked escargot
•  
2. Au Furet - Avenue d'Aire, 44 , CH 1203, Geneva; Tel +41 22 345 39 20
• restaurant is famous for its original "gambas A-go-go" (all you can eat shrimp) at CHF 45 per person (includes green salad and potato fries)
• open 7/7
• call to reserve
3. Movenpick Hotel and Casino Geneva - Route de Pre-Poise 20; CH-1215 Geneva 15; Tel. 41 22 717 11 11; www.movenpick-hotels.com

• hotel has a Japanese restaurant manned by Filipino chefs and waiters
• 5 minutes drive from the airport 

4.  A-Nam Chatelaine - Avenue de Chatelaine 78, 1219 Chatelaine; Tel. 022 797 0370

• Thai restaurant
• Nice ambience

5.  Restaurant Pizzeria Le Terrasse - 1, Av. Edmond-Vaucher, 1219 Chatelaine, Geneva; Tel. 022 796 20 40.

Other Recommended Restaurants in Geneva

1. Solle Mio Restaurant Pizzeria -  43, bd Carl Logt, 1205 Geneva; Tel +41 22 321 75 07
• good Italian restaurant located near PlainPalais
• must try: fritto misto (fried mixed seafood) 
•  
2. Casa Dos Frangos -  Ch. Champs-Prevost 12- 1214 Vernier, Geneva; Tel +41 22 341 32 75

• famous for its grilled portuguese meats (chicken, pork, etc)
• not a restaurant but for take out (close on Mondays)
• order by telephone and pick up later (look for Nelson, the owner)
• lechon (grilled pork) available but must order 2 days before  (5-6 kilos at CHF 240)
•  

 3.  Auberge du Chateau de Genthod - rue de Village 37/ Rte de Rennex 1, 1294 Genthod; Tel. +41 22 774 1972; www.chateau-genthod.ch

• Nice french restaurant located in Versoix towards Nyon
• venue of GFMD dinner

4. Restaurant Uchino - 656, Route de Suisse, 1290 Versoix; Tel. +41 22 755 1032

• authentic Japanese restaurant in Versoix

5. Gaucho Churrascaria Brazilian Restaurant - Ch. Malombre, 1 - 1206 Geneve; Tel +41 22 346 11 50; www.gaucho-churrascaria.ch

• good grilled Brazilian barbecue
• buffet comes with salad and fries (CHF 50 per person)

6. Buffet de La Gare Celigny - 1298 Celigny; Tel. +4122 776 27 70; www.buffet-gare-celignych

• French restaurant
• favorite of Actor Richard Burton 

7.  Chateau des Bois - 10, ch. de la Combe d'Ornex, CH 1242 Satigny; Tel. 022 341 38 85

• Swiss - french cuisine
• quiet and private
• dinned with the Lepatans

At the Vineyard 

1. Le Baron Tavernier Hotel Restaurant - BT Gestion S.A., Rte de la Corniche, case postal 90, CH-1070 Chexbres; Tel. +41 21 926 60 00; www.BARONTAVERNIER.COM

• highly recommended
• good cocktail and restaurant area with good view of the Lake Geneva and the vineyard

2. Auberge du Virgneron - Route de la Corniche, 1098 Epesses; Tel. +41 21 799 14 19; www.aubergeduvigneron.ch

• small garden area at the middle of the vineyard
• highly recommended

3. Relais de la Poste - Route de Cretaz 10 -1091 Grandvaux - CH ; Tel. +41 21 799 16 33; www.relais-de-poste.ch

• restaurant has good view of the vineyard
• has hotel rooms

4. La Crochettaz Restaurant - Route de la Corniche, 1098 Epesses; Tel. +41 21 799 34 34

• restaurant with good view
• has hotel rooms too
• wine train stop

5. Restaurant du Monde - Place du Village 7, 1091 Grandvaux; Tel. +41 21 799 11 74; www.restodumonde.info

• restaurant has terrace with a good view of the Lake and the vineyard

 For Wine Tasting

1. Caveau des Vignerons - Grand Rue 23, Lutry; Tel. +41 21 79 661 26 25
• small swiss restaurant where you can have wine tasting
• wine train stops here for wine tasting after the tour
• for wine tasting,  email: Pascal.Codery@vtnet 
•  
2.  Domaine de Choully - Rte du Cret-de-Choully 34-36, 1242 Satigny-Choully; Tel. +41 22 753 93 30; or +41 22 753 93 31; www.choully.ch

• private caveau for wine tasting

• call Fredric Condouret (fcondouret@choully.ch) to arrange for private wine tasting
• venue of ILO wine tasting 

 3.  Auberge de Choully - 19, Cret-de-Choully, 1242 Choully/Satigny; Tel. +41 22 753 12 03; www.auberge-de-choully.ch

• wine tasting arrangement: Mr. Pierre L. Descloux (cuisinier)

In nearby FRANCE

1.  Restaurant Chinois WOWO - 366 Rue de 18 August 1944, 74100 Etrembieres, France; Tel. 04 50 31 20 20

• Chinese and vietnamese buffet
• close on Mondays
• near the cable car to Salev 
• Buffest Euro 12.80; children Euro 10.50
• Note: dinner prices are higher

2.  Rajasthan Restaurant Indien-Pakistanais - 4, Rue de Versoix, 01210 Ferney-Voltaire; Tel. 04 50 28 01 72

• near the Geneva airport
• will pass the border - French visa needed

3.  La Croix Federal Hermance - 14 Rue du Nord, C.P. 28, 1248 Hermance; Tel 022 751 34 30; www. restaurants-geneve.ch/hermance.htm

• specializes on swiss and french cuisine
• owned by Raoul and Edna Jean-Richard (Edna is a filipino)
• closed on mondays and tuesdays

In Bern, Switzerland

1.   Schwellenmatteli Restaurants - Riviera Restaurants SA, Dalmaziquai 11, CH 3000, Bern 13; Restaurant Terrasse +41 (0) 31 350 5001; Ristorante Casa +41 (0) 31 350 5003

• dinner with Ambassador Tess Lazaro and Phil Consul General Vogel  

2.  Innere Enge - Engestrasse 54, 3012 Bern; Tel 41 31 309 61 11 ; www.zghotels.ch

• restaurant has very nice ambience
• dined with Ambassador Tess Lazaro

Safari World Bangkok

SAFARI WORLD IN BANGKOK, THAILAND

Safari World is Thailand's greatest open zoo and leisure park that offers a great variety of entertainment to everyone - young and old.  It has two parks - the Safari Park  and the Marine Park.

•  Safari Park has the world's largest herd of Giraffe with a giraffe feeding terrace

• Safari World was open in 1988 with a total area of 480 acres (190 ha) for its open zoo and 180 acres (73 ha) for its Marine Park.

THE SAFARI PARK (9am to 5pm, Daily)

• The Safari Par is about 8 kilometers (5 miles) long.  A drive through the park takes about 45 minutes or depending on how much time you want to spend with the animals.  You can drive in the comfort of your car through the African-designed landscapes to see hundred of animals from all over the world.  If you go without your car or your car is not air-conditioned, you can join the Safari Park Coaches provided by the Park.
• Your pets are not allowed inside the Safari Park but you can leave them with the Security at the entrance of the Park.  
• No feeding of animals

Tiger and lion feeding show comes on at 10:30 every morning

•  Your are not allowed to leave your vehicles while inside the Safari Park.  At certain areas (lions , bears), car doors must be locked and windows rolled up. In case your vehicle breaks down,  you should honk, turn on your hazard light and wait until assistance from the trained staff

THE MARINE PARK (9am to 6pm, Daily)

• At the Marine Park, you can take a jungle boat cruise, see the white tiger, visit adventure island or catch one of the many exiting shows.
• Show programs include Orang Utan Boxing show, dolphin show, elephant show, sea lion show, birds show, spy war show and cowboy stunt show.  Fees to all shows are part of your entrance ticket.
• Don't miss the giraffe feeding station inside the Marine Park (follow directional sign).  Buy bucket of banana to feed giraffe (Baht 100 or approx $3)
• Fast food lunch available beside the river.

How to go there

• Safari Park is just about 45 kilometers from Bangkok. It will take you one (1) to drive depending on the traffic.  If you drive, give allowance for the traffic as it tends to be heavy as you move nearer the Safari Park.
  
• If taking the public transpo: take the Sukhumvit Line and get off at Mo Chit Station (or N8 Station) and go out through Exit no. 1 or 3.   Take a metered taxi or bus no. 26 or 96, get off at Fashion Island Shopping Mall, and use the overpass to go to the other side of the road.  Take a taxi or minibus to the Safari World.
• GPS users can plot "Legacy Golf" in case Safari World does not show in your device. 

Where to eat

• Restaurants and toilets are all at the Marine Park (you are not allowed to leave your vehicle at the Safari Park).
• There are three huge big restaurants that offer buffet lunch to tour groups
• Best place to take lunch is the fast food place which offers freshly cooked noodles from the boat for $2.  They also offer good mango salad and roasted chicken.
• You can bring your own food, drinks and snack inside the Marine Park

Parking

•  Enough FREE  parking for everyone. Tour buses are parked in a separate location.

Tickets
     Safari Park : $24 for adults, $20 for children.
     Marine Park: $30 for adults, $24 for children.
     Package for two parks: $ 36 for adults, $27 for children
     Note: Residents are offered 50% discount upon presentation of visa or valid proof of residency
     Season tickets:: available for Baht 1200 (approx US$40) good for one-year with unlimited     entrance to Safari World and Marine Park. Purchase at the entrance of the Marine Park.

Address and contact information

SAFARI WORLD
99 Ramindra Road, Km. 9 Klongsamwa, Bangkok 10510 Thailand
Tel. +66 (2) 914 4100; 518-1000-19
www.safariworld.com
email: Info@safariworld.com

Recommended Health SPA in Bangkok

Recommended Health SPA in Bangkok

Touch Therapeutic Massage - 11/2 RuamRudee PleonChit Prathurmwan Bangkok 10330 ; Tel. +66 2 651 4360

• Walking distance from Holy Redeemer Church in Ruamrudee
• Open 7 days a week until 12 midnight.
• Services include thai traditional massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, thai herbal  compress massage and touch skin care and beauty (manicure, pedicure, facial) Aroma massage at Baht 650 ($20); promotion packages available
• Reservations is recommended (call Khun Ta +66 2 651 4360)
• has two branches within the area. The other branch is smaller and is located  at 38/1 Ruamrudee with tel +66 265 15722; +66 81425 5037 ; www.touch1.com

Ruamrudee Health Massage - 20/17-19 Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Road; Tel. 02-252-9651; 02-252-9639; www.ruamrudeehaealthmassage.com

• Located near Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Ruamrudee
• Professional service, very clean and quiet (frequented by expats living in the area)
• Service hours 10am to 11 pm everyday
• Traditional Thai massage, foot massage, salt pot massage, aroma therapy, body scrub, facial treatment, manicur and pedicure
• Rate for Thai Massage from Bhat 350 (US$ 12.00) for one hour; aroma massage for 1.5 hours is Baht 1000 ($33)
• Reservations preferred 
• Good eateries around the area (Try Dao Cafe just beside it)
• Accessible by tuktok from Ploenchit BTS Station (Exit 4) 

Health Land SPA and Massage - Suhkumvit 21 Soi 1, Asoke Sukhumvit; Tel. (662) 261-1110; www.healthlandspa.com

• Huge health complex located near Terminal 21 (10 minutes walk)
• Get off at Asoke BTS
• Very good Thai massage at Baht 550 ($18) for one hour
• check its websites for other locations

Body Tunes Phaholyothin - 256 La Villa, 3rd Floor, Room 301, Phaholyothin Road, Sansennai, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400 Thailand (off BTS Ari Station, Exit 4) ; Tel +66 0 2613 0577; www.bodytune.co.th

• Branches (28) all over Thailand
• Provides hot herbal skin and scalp treatments, oil, and massages (hand, foot, Thai, oil, reflexology)
• Opens daily from 10am to 11 pm
• Food massage at Baht 500 ($17) per hour
• has branches in Silom, Sukhumvit and Siem Reap (Cambodia)

Chang Foot Massage - www.changmassage.com

• famous for its good foot massage ($12 for one hour)
• has 5 branches in Bangkok, including at Suvarnabhumi Airport where has four outlets (Landsdie 3rd floor, Concourse G 4th floor, Concourse A 4th floor and Concourse A 3rd floor)
• Other branches are located in the following:
• Langsuan BTS Chidlom Station - Tel. +662 253 3977
• Silom 1 BTS Saladeaeng Starion - Tel. +622 632 7871
• Silom 2 Opposit Narai Hotel - Tel +662 635 4528
• Siam Square Soi 6 (near Novotel Hotel) - Tel. _662 654 6339
• Patpong Opposit Le Meridien Hotel - Tel +662 267 5733

Recommended Restaurants in and outside Bangkok

Recommended Restaurants in and outside Bangkok

BANGKOK

Ariyasomvilla - 65 Sukhumvit Soi 1, Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 (near Bumrungrad Hospital); Tel. +66 2 254 8880; +66 2 253 8800; www.ariyasom.com

• Highly recommended - good food and ambiance
• Restaurant is part of hotel
• Friendly owner - David S. Lees (mobile: 08 1837 1573)

Asiatique The Riverfront, Kodang 7 & 8 - 2194 RO2-05 Soi Charoenkrung 72-76, Charoenkrung Road, Watprayakrai, Bangkorlaem, Bangkok 10120; Tel +662 108 4498; +668 30159988

• Good and large choice of seafood at the riverside in Asiatique
• best visited in the late afternoon or in the evening combined with shopping
• Nearest BTS Krung Thon Buri
• operates daily from 4pm to midnight
• Parking available
• Recommended restaurants
• Baan Khanitha Thai Cuisine
• Ariyoshi Japanese Restaurant

Baiyoke Sky Hotel  (located behind Indra Hotel) - 222 Soi Ratchaprarop 3, Ratchaprarop Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand; Tel. +66 2656 3000; +66 2656 3456; reservations at +66 2656 39939; www.baiyokehotel.com

• Baiyoke Tower II is a 85-storey hotel known as the tallest building in Bangkok, the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia and the seventh-tallest hotel structure in the world. The hotel offers several restaurants (open for lunch and dinner):
• International buffet and seafood at 76th and 78th floors
• buffet has good assortment of seafood and other international dishes
• buffet price is Baht 650 (US$22) including drinks
• with complimentary access to the Observation Deck on the 77th floor and the Revolving View Point on the 84th Floor (open from 10:00 to 22:00)
• very crowded as frequented by tour groups
• Crystal Grill on the 82nd Floor
• offers international buffet with good selection of seafood, grills, steamboat,  japanese, chinese and thai dishes
• buffet price is Baht 1000 (US$30) drinks excluded
• with complimentary access to the view decks at the 77th and 84th floors
• less crowded and better privacy; with live music
• access and use of glass elevator to the restaurant
• Other restaurants and bars in the hotel
• Rooftop bar and music (83rd Floor)
• Fruit Court -  fruit buffet for Baht 360 at the 18th Floor
• Bangkok Balcony - at the 81st floor
• Sky Coffee Shop - at the 18th Floor (hotel lobby)
• Stella Palace - Chinese restaurant at the 79th Floor 
• Practical tips:
• Hotel parking is available and free for first 4 hours with validated ticket. Parking is at the 6th floor of the building 
• hotel elevators are always crowded by tour groups and visitors. Expect long lines and sometimes long wait
• Best to do advance reservations for a nice table.  Reservation can be done by phone and tickets may be paid when you arrive at Baiyoke (credit cards accepted), but make sure you allow enough time to get your ticket and get through the lines
• Access to restaurants through elevators: 
• Ground floor the 19 Floor (where you'll find the hotel main lobby)
• take elevator from 19th floor to 76th Floor (for the international buffet) 
• take elevator from 19th floor to 81st Floor then take the stairs to the 82nd floor (for the Crystal Grill)
  

Cafe Beans by Dao (at Ruamruedee) - 20/12-15 Soi Roumruedee, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Phathumwan, Bangkok 10330; Tel. 02 254 7117

•  open 10:30 to 22:00 daily
•  with guarded paid parking; near Holy Redeemer Church
•  short walk from Pleonchit BTS station; close to Cafe Tartine and Touch SPA in Ruamrudee
• good selection of dishes including salad (Baht 270-430)

Cafe Tartine (French Cafe in Bangkok) - 65 Wireless Road (entrance is at Soi Ruamrudee) Lumpini, Pathuman Bangkok; Open daily from 0800-20:00; Tel 02 168 5464; www.cafetartine.net

• nice brunch and good selection of dishes; good egg benedict; price is about 180-300 baht per dish (e.g. egg benedict at Baht 220; fruit salad and yoghurt at Baht 160;  sandwiches at Baht 170-220)
• short walk from Pleonchit BTS station; with covered parking; has outdoor terrace for smokers
• in the area of Holy Redeemer Church in Ruamrudee
• good soup, salad and sandwiches; you can build you own salad (starting from Baht 75 with topping costing 15-45) or sandwich; cheese and wine also available
• brunch menu available on weekends
• place to get freshly baked baguette at Baht 80 per piece (US$2.60)
• service is quick and efficient; servers speak English
• free wifi

Dinner Cruise  - Wan Fah (Boat cruise dinner) - an evening of nice dinner along Bangkok river. Call Weny Adonay Lestsongkram - 082-325330 or email wenyadonay@yahoo.com for reservations)
  
Dimsum buffet lunch - Prince Palace Hotel (Mahanak)  - Tel 0-2628-1111

Issaya Siamese Club - 4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chua Ploeng Road, Thung Muahmek, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Thailand; Tel. +66 (2) 672 9040-1; www.issaya.com

• Good Thai restaurant (included in 2014 Asia's 50 best restaurants)
• very quiet and good for relaxed dining in a 100-year-olf villa
• unique dessert presentation; must try signature dish: Mussuman Curry Lamb Shank (Mussuman Gae)
• venue of ILO lunch meeting with donor Ambassadors (development partners)
• note: no parking area

Jim Thompson Museum  CAFE -9 Surawong Road, Bangkok 10500; Tel 02-632-8100

• Open for lunch and dinner - 11am to 6pm; for cocktail and drinks - 6pm to 9pm

Near Equal - 22/2 Soi Sukhumvit 47, Sukhumvit Road, Klongton-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110; Tel. 02 258 1564; www.allier-group.com

• Fine Asian Goods shop opens daily from 10am to 9pm
• Cafe and restaurant opens daily from 1130am to 1030pm
• Good Thai food and ambiance

Nadimos Lebanese Restaurant - Sukumvit soi 24, 99/397 Klong, Klongtoey, Bangkok; Tel. 02-2619816-7; www.nadimos.com

• Good authentic lebanese restaurant
• has a branch at Baan Silom Silom so1 19, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand ; Tel 02-2669081
• Reasonable price

Mazzaro Boutique and Restaurant -  11/2 Soi Wat Suan Plu, Charoenkrung Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500; Tel +662 235 3626; www.mazzarobkk.com

• located beside Shangrila Hotel 
• blend of Thai and Italian Dishes
• author hosted a dinner here for Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia.

Roast Coffee and Eatery Bangkok - 2nd Floor, Seenspace, Thonglor Soi 13, Bangkok, Thailand; Tel. +66  (2) 185 2866; www.roastbkk.com

• offers brunch and tapas menu; good selection of salad, sandwiches, Thai and American cuisine; has good selection of spaghetti too (must try - cheese burger (Baht 410) ; soft shell crab salad (Baht 230); good selection of dessert and coffee
• other good restaurants in the same building (Twist, Bo Chan
• Operating hours: Mon to Fri - 10am to 11pm; Sat - 9am to11pm; Sun - 9am-10pm
• Nearest BTS Thong Lo
• Valet parking available
• Reservations recommended

Rosabieng Restaurant - 102/5 Setsiri Road, Samsennai, Payathai, Bangkok 10400; Tel 0-2271-3265; 0-2619-7247

• Good Thai restaurant beside the railroad

Somboon Seafood  -  895/6-21 Soi Chula 8, Bantadhong Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330; Tel. +66 (0) 2-216 4203-5 - www.somboonseafood.com

• Established in 1969, this seafood restaurant is famous for its "fried curry crab". It maintains five (5) branches in Bangkok but the branch in Bantadthong (address stated below)  is recommended.  
• Variety of fresh seafood,  Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine are available. 
• Prices are reasonable. 
• Open daily 4pm to 11:30 pm.

Uncle John - 279/2 South Sathon Road, Suanphu Soi 8 Bangkok 10120 Thailand; Tel 0812 373 3865 (Chef John); Uncle_JohnZ@hotmail.com

• Western (french) and asian food for dinner
• Cooking by Chef John daily at 18:30 to 23:00 in an open kitchen beside the street
• Ganjohn Chamnipa (Chef and owner)
• Good food (but not fine dining)
• Street parking
• Hot meal from $8.00

White Flower (Factory) bakery and restaurant - 678/1-7 Bamrungmueang Road, Wathepsirin, Pomprabsattrupai, Bangkok, Thailand; Tel 0-2252-2646-7

• Serves Thai, Chinese and international cuisine
• 10-minutes from UN by taxi
• Restaurant is spacious and serves good dessert
• try house specialties: baked baby clams in garlic, deep fried spring rolls, fried fish with fish sauce and mango salad, prawns with chili, coconut cake and strawberry mousse cake
• reasonable price and fast service

ARI AREA

Basilico Pizzeria - Phaholyothin 7 Branch; Tel 0-2619-8188; www.basilicopizza.com

• also has branches in Sukhumvit 33 (Tel 0-2662-2323) and Sukhumvit 20 (Tel. 0-2663-6633)
• authentic italian cuisine

Dalad Vietnamese Restaurant - 18 Soi Aree 4 (North), Phaholyothin Road, Phayathai, Bangkok; Tel. 02-271 2109; www.daladvietnamese.com

• Open daily 11am to 10pm

Flow Restaurant and Bar - 21 Phaholyothin 9, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok, Thailand 10400; Tel. 02-618-5159; 02-278-4254

• has ample parking lot across the restaurant
• nice ambiance
• must try "german fried pig knuckles" at Baht 380 (US$ 13.00)   

Nittaya Kai Yang - chicken place - www.nittayakaiyang.com; Tel 02-616 9018-9

• authentic thai restaruant (famous among local Thais)
• specialty is grilled chicken
• ample parking space
• near ARI BTS station

Puritan Antique Gallery and Cafe Bistro - Ari5; Tel. 0-2357 1099; 0-81870 4102; www.puritan-cake.com; Tuesday-Sunday 12:00-23:00

• near Ari Samphan
• place is nice and quiet
• guarded parking area across restaurant (Baht 50/hr)
• resto famous for its cakes

STEVE Cafe and Cuisine In Town - 16 Soi Rajakru, Phahonyothin Road, Samsen, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400; Tel. +66 (0) 2 619 98 22; www.stevecafeandcuisine.com (Note: no longer in operation by June 2016 - try their main restaurant at the Riverfront)

• main restaurant (Steve Cafe and Cuisine Riverside)  is located at 68 Sri Ayuthaya road, Soi Sri Ayuthaya 21 (Devet), Vachiraphayabann, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 (Tel. +66 (0) 2 281 0915) - proximate to the UN (ESCAP) in Bangkok.
• serves Thai and asian cuisine
• near ARI BTS station

Villa Market (beside Ari BTS station)  - recommended restaurants

• Grayhound restaurant at the ground floor - Thai and international food
• try: fried chicken wings as appetiser
•  I-Berry restaurant (ground floor) - Thai and international food
• good pad thai
•  Secret Recipe  at the second floor - must try: Singapore Laksa
• Fuji Japanese Restaurant - second floor; go early - place always crowded

Japanese Restaurants

Kisso - in Westin Hotel near Asok Station

• Recommended by Sho's wife "atmosphere and taste are both good but not expensive"; www.kissojapaneserestaurant.com/en/

Nippon Tei - in the basement of Intercontinental Hotel near Chid Lom Station; www.nippontei.com/index_EN.html

• Recommended highly by a Japanese colleague (Sho Sudo)  at the UN "food tastes good but not expensive". . . especially at lunch time ; atmosphere is nice; but sushi may be expensive
• other branches exists 

OUTSIDE OF BANGKOK

Ayutthaya

Tonnam Riverview -  26 Moo 6, Tambon Ban Len, Amphoe Bang Pa-in, Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya 13160; Tel. +66 92 523 4703

• restaurant is one hour from Bangkok and proximate to Ayuthaya Grand Palace
• famous for its grilled jumbo river prawns and other Thai dishes
• restaurant is afloat the river 
• average price (grilled prawn start at US$11 for 250 gram)

Chiang Mai

Charcoa House Chiang Mai - 4 Soi, 1 Sriphum Road, T.Sriphum A. Muang Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand; Tel +66 85 6954569; +66 53 21 12681; www.charcoa.com

• serves homemade bakery products, salad and international cuisine
• small restaurant of 4-5 table only
• part of a 12-room bed and breakfast hotel (3-star) located inside the Old City; rate is Baht 1416 ($40) for a double room with breakfast
• must try: tom yan in coconut shell; chicken green-curry

 Huen Phen - 112 Rachamankha Road, Phrasingh Muang, Chiangmai 50000 Thailand; Tel +66 53 277 103

• specializes in Thai-northern style dishes (must try: Guay-Yiaw-Kao Soi or known as "Khao Soi" - egg noodle with curry in coconut milk) ; prices are cheap and reasonable
• favorite of tourists due to its nice native decor
• lunch 08:00 to 15:00; dinner 17:00 to 22:00 

Imoya Japanese Restaurant - 164/106 Channgklan Road, T. Changklan, A. Muang Chiang Mai, 50100 Thailand; Tel. +66 53 271 451

• authentic Japanese restaurant patronized by Japanese clients
• located within walking distance from Empress Hotel toward the Night Market (before reaching Pornthip Plaza)

Pattaya

Hopf Brew House - 13/1 Beach Road, Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Chonburi, 20150;  Tel. 66 (0) 3871 0650 (located on Beach Road at the corner of Soi 13/1 - nicknamed Soi Yamato); opening hours 14:00 -02:00

• German beer bar and restaurant
• Serves German, Italian and Thai cuisine; good selection of dishes at reasonable price; try the pork knuckle, wiiener sausages and pizza; try the Hopf's own brew lager, wheat beer or dark beer
• place for beer-likers (happy hour runs from 14:00 to 18:30 offering 20% off)
• has live music from 8pm with owner singing

Samut Prakan

Rabeang Rimnum - 458 Srikuengkum Road, Phapradaeng, Samutprakan 10130; Tel 0-2463-5642, 0-2463-2540

• seafood restaurant beside the river
• just 45 minutes from Bangkok
• 5 km way back from Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market
• Street parking