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    Lifestyle Curators for Thailand + Southeast Asia

    The Kingdom’s Best: A Round Up

      /  LE Lifestyle   /  Shopping   /  The Kingdom’s Best: A Round Up

    A treasure trove of delights, Thailand rewards even its most regular visitors with thrills and surprises each visit. Here we update your mental lists, just to make sure you don’t miss out on anything during your next visit.

    by Richard Mcleish.

    Top Brunch Spots (Independent)

    Nikki Beach Phuket
    076 681 161, www.nikkibeachthailand.com/phuket
    The biggest weekly party on the island happens every Sunday at Nikki Beach. Since landing in March, the famous party brand hasn’t failed to disappoint with its signature spread of culinary treats and regular champagne bottle fights.

    RockPool-Koh-SamuiRockPool, Koh Samui
    077 234 500, www.samuirockpool.com
    Nestled right on the water and conveniently close to a fish market, one of Samui’s best daytime eating options comes to life on Sundays when oysters are the play of the day.

    Mantra Restaurant & Bar, Pattaya
    038 429 591, www.mantra-pattaya.com
    The self-dubbed “stylish” dinner destination of Pattaya, Mantra shakes off its hangover on Sundays to open for a brunch well worth getting out of bed and possibly back on the bubbly for.

    Rocket Coffeebar, Bangkok
    02 635 0404, www.rocketcoffeebar.com
    For considered, organic ingredients and some of the best coffee in town, the stylish set head to Rocket for their brunch, available every day of the week. Don’t miss the vitamin-filled smoothies or sous vide eggs Benedict.

    Quince – Eatery & Bar, Bangkok
    02 662 4478, www.quincebangkok.com
    Nestled cosily on Sukhumvit Soi 45 is local favorite Quince, which began throwing its doors open to weekend brunchers due to popular demand this year with a fresh menu that’s not to be missed.

    Top Thai Restaurants (Mid-Range)

    Raya, Phuket Old Town
    076 21 8155
    A famous foodie destination of the island, Raya is situated in a charming old Portuguese colonial house. Don’t miss the signature crabmeat curry and pork belly. Cooking classes are available, too.

    Namsaah-Bottling-TrustNamsaah Bottling Trust
    401 Silom Soi 7, Bangkok; 02 636 6622;
    www.fb.com/namsaahbottlingtrust

    Thai cuisine? Western? Fusion? Chef Ian Kittichai is ready to have a little fun on the menu rather than conform to a cuisine canon at his recently opened restaurant. The result is a fresh take on what’s already been done well, in a great new setting.

    Chao Lay, Hua Hin
    03 251 3436
    Situated on a rickety wooden platform in downtown Hua Hin, this regular restaurant is typically packed with locals and tourists alike. Dine on huge plates of seafood or fresh fish, cooked to your liking, amid a bustling spectacle.

    EAT-BangkokEAT, Bangkok
    02 251 1230, www.facebook.com/eatallthai
    Short for “eat all Thai” this spin-off from the ever-popular Supanniga in Thong Lor easily justifies its flashy position at new food destination Groove. Half of the menu is new, and continues the style of regional dishes such as the juicy Ayutthaya river shrimp.

    The 66 Cottage, Bangkok
    02 744 9622, www.facebook.com/The66Cottage
    Tucked on the even side of deep Sukhumvit, The 66 Cottage affords visitors who make the trek an extensive garden and tranquil surrounds. On the menu are simple homestyle Thai dishes and a tempting spread of sweets for after. They also host markets and yoga classes.

    Top Cocktail Bars

    Sineha Bar, Phuket
    Yaowarat Road
    Enter the tall wooden blue doors to find an enclave of Phuket Town’s upwardly mobile. With live music most nights of the week, the place has a reputation for providing lively nights out and decent snacks, too.

    Baba-Nest-Sri-Panwa-PhuketBaba Nest at Sri Panwa, Phuket
    076 371 000, www.sripanwa.com
    At one of the most spectacular bars in the region, settle into a beanbag and take in the surreal setting at sunset over a glass of something delicious. The word is out, so reserve in advance for your perch in the sky. Also available for functions.

    V20, Pattaya
    080-107-0704, www.v2o-icebar.com
    Escape the bustle of Walking Street and head into the ice-cold surrounds of V20 vodka bar. Fueled by Stolichnaya, you’ll have had more shots than you can remember before you realize you’ve already forgotten in this chilled-out chill out lounge.

    J. Boroski Mixology, Bangkok
    02 712 6025, www.josephboroski.com
    Tucked behind a secret door in a neglected Thonglor soi is mixologist Boroski’s cocktail headquarters. The drinks are bespoke, the service is sincere and the mood is full of understated style. Perfect for a date.

    Glam, Bangkok
    02 714 8946, www.facebook.com/glambkk
    With the name saying it all, this venue is located in the heart of the Thonglor/Ekamai party zone. While the shisha smoking laws of the city hang in the balance, there’s plenty else to keep your social self occupied here.

    Top Chill-Out Coffee Spots

    Ristr8o Coffee, Chiang Mai
    053 215 278, www.ristr8to-coffee-chiangmai.com
    An early player in the Kingdom’s coffee revolution, Ristr8o raises the practice to an art form. Serving signature ristretto doppio, the rotating menu of single origin beans depends on the season. Their latte art is already all over Instagram.

    Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Chiang Rai
    081 984 2925, www.chivitthammada.com
    Situated in a colonial house that takes in sweeping views of the river, this could be the perfect perch to enjoy Thai cuisine and while away a northern afternoon in style. A Spa is attached for further indulgence.

    La a natu Bread & Bakery, Prachuap Khiri Khan
    081 731 8688, www.laanatu.com
    Not your average seaside resort, La a natu is an eco-friendly haven just a few hours’ drive from Bangkok. The Thai–Lao architecture will soothe as you enjoy homestyle bakery items such as cakes, tarts, and the signature banoffee pie.

    Rocket @ Siwilai, Bangkok
    02 635 0404, www.rocketcoffeebar.com
    After initially opening in Sathon, the coffee bar’s popularity prompted the appearance of this second outlet inside slick new mall Central Embassy. With fresh menu items and a vista-soaked balcony, the popularity is sure to continue.

    Casa Lapin X26, Bangkok
    081 261 2040, www.facebook.com/CasaLapin
    Another early participant of the coffee race, Casa Lapin recently opened its fourth store in the city into a bigger space that has plenty of elbow room for a Sunday morning. It shares the building with a co-working space, a hostel, and a flower shop.

    Top Daytime Parties

    KC Beach Club, Samui
    077 915 155, www.kcbeachclub.com
    During the week the resort ticks over with a steady stream of guests ready to chill, but on weekends the pool winds up into an action-filled arena of fun. Keep an eye out for special parties, particularly during high season.

    Catch Beach Club, Phuket
    076 316 567, catchbeachclub.com
    One of the oldest day clubs in Thailand, Catch Beach Club has been running the Surin Beach party scene for years. While it’s priced accordingly, being this cool was never cheap or easy. Entry does include the same value in F&B.

    Beach Republic, Samui
    077 458 100, www.beachrepublic.com
    The stylish option of Samui brags two infinity pools and a steady roster of entertainment, including DJs and live acts. Mingle with the glam set of the island on Sundays when an international buffet is available.

    Pool-Parties-DoubleTree-Hilton-BangkokKolour Sundays, Bangkok
    www.wearekolour.com
    Starting as a simple sunset bash among friends, Kolour Sundays now has a great reputation for hosting regular sold-out party events in the capital. Keep an eye on their roster, which usually reaches top gear during the cooler months.

    Pool Parties at DoubleTree by Hilton, Bangkok
    02 649 6666, www.facebook.com/DoubletreeSukhumvit
    A newcomer to the Bangkok day party scene, Pool Parties’ regular events always pull a steady crowd that wants to up keep its weekend social momentum. The handy mid-Sukhumvit location helps, too.