THE LOCAL
Name: Pailin Tangsinpoonchai
Age: 29-years-old
Country: Thailand
Job / Professional: Co-Founder//Director of Public Relations, YSIS Co.,Ltd
My favorite place: Khao Yai
Bring there: Go there alone or as a couple
Must-do: Sightseeing around the national park, visiting the zoo, enjoying outdoor recreation, and of course dine & wine as Khao Yai is home to several wineries!
Must-see: Khao Yai National Park, with safari activities among wild animals
Must-buy: A bottle of wine from local wineries such as PB valley or Granmonte
Eat at: Chokchai Steakhouse — it is a must to check out. This is the place to go for homemade steaks, made from beef coming directly from the farm.
Drink at: Vino Café at Toscana Valley Khao Yai, where the ambience transports you to Tuscany, and makes you feel like you are sitting under the sun in Italy.
Sleep at: Valanta Resort, Hotel La Casetta at Toscana Valley, or any boutique resort inspired by European architecture. There are a number of great boutique hotels with very charming settings here.
THE EXPAT
Name: Lars Kerfin
Age: 40
Country: Germany
Job/Profession: General Manager, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong
My favorite place: Currently, the beautiful island of Koh Samui for its great way of life with beautiful nature, a great dining scene, easy and fast access to some of the greatest cities in the world like Bangkok, Singapore, and KL. Nevertheless, having relocated to Bangkok, I certainly can’t wait making this great city my newest favorite place.
Bring there: Sun oil, sunglasses, a lot of energy, and a great appetite so you can enjoy all those great restaurants.
Must-do: Two hours ATV Tour up the mountains after a rainy day. A great mix of action, wonderful nature and fun with friends and family. Alternatively a sailing trip to the neighboring island of Phangan where you can enjoy a wonderful local lunch on the cliffs next to the sea.
Must-see: The airport… hard-to-miss for most of the people arriving to the island. One of the most beautiful and charming airports I’ve seen. Additionally the Walking Street event at Bophut’s Fishermen village Friday nights is an event not-to be-missed.
Must-buy: A fresh coconut in one of the beachside restaurants or from a local vendor on the beach. Nothing more refreshing on this planet!
Eat at: Tree Tops Restaurant. This restaurant is most likely one of the most romantic settings you can experience, with a private tree house for each of their eight tables overlooking the sea. Be amazed by their in-house Salt Guru.
Drink at: Ark Bar on Chaweng Beach, watching some fire shows and the nightlife develop, if you like it more lively; or Coco Tan in Bophut Beach, if you like it more quiet with some of the best cocktails to zip on a bean bag.
Sleep at: One of the beachside villas of Renaissance Koh Samui at Lamai Beach. Beautiful gardens with a stunning view over the sea.
