For as long as we can remember, the only thing that had us stepping through the doors of Amarin Plaza was the brand name sales. Yet the launch of its new fashion zone, id1, has put this oft-overlooked mall back on the fashion map. Nearly 40 small shops, retailing fashion and accessories at affordable prices, are packed into the ground floor, making id1 a mini-Siam Square but with the added benefit of air-con. Here’s our pick of the boutique bunch.

Get the 50-60s Betty Draper (Mad Men) look with the dresses and blouses on offer at Oneoneseven (02-256-9817), which come with a hint of vintage, delicate fabrics and pastel colors. The Old Story (081-372-6724, theoldstory@live.com) takes this trend further with fashion items, from shirts to jeans in vivid hues. Rocco by Roccoco retails a range of leather shoes and accessories, from classy 80s wedges to day bags. But those looking for more budget options shouldn’t miss Wanvisa & Mom (086-335-2468, 089-133-5458) who stock a wide selection of leather high heels office workers would fight over, from just B1,490-1,790. Wanvisa also offers a tailor- made service, too. Complete your look with accessories handmade from resin, acrylic or wood from Golf R-Porn (B300-1,500, 081- 566-8815).

Got a fancy cocktail party coming up? Lend yourself a touch of bling at Jewelry Cafe (02-652-0300, www.beebijoux.com/jewelry- cafe), a sister brand of jewel retailer Bee Bijoux, which presents their colorful cupcake- like rings made from gold, white gold and pink gold studded with diamonds in a super cute faux-cafe space. And if you need a fine jewelry box (from B1,100) to keep them in then just head to the nearby Tyme boutqiue (02-311-2131).

Though we admit id1 is mostly for the girls, there are some options for guys too. For starters, drop by at Mantis (085-559-2901, ohm.mantis@gmail.com) for simple t-shirts in colorful shades and prints (from B220). Also here is the Siam Square-favorite Adverb (02- 684-1199) with their pastel-colored stripes and polka dot shirts and My Muse (085-918-7788, keng.14@hot- mail.com) for toys and small resin sculptures (B250- 1,200).
G/F, Amarin Plaza, 02-256-9111. BTS Chit Lom

Out now

iPad

Spec: 11” LED backlit screen | 680-730g | 16, 32, 64GB flash storage | Apple A4 1.0GHz | iOS
Price: Around B16,500-26,500 for iPad Wifi and B21,000-29,500 for iPad 3G from MBK.
www.apple.com/ipad
With seven million units already sold, iPad is still the clear number one in this market, despite the lack of camera and flash and the fact that it’s larger than its competitors. Just like other Apple products, it looks sleek and sexy but it really wins thanks to its user-friendly operating system and crystal clear TFT screen. The battery is also pretty good enough to watch two movies in a row.
Verdict: Impressive looks and ease of use but we’ll wait until they bring out a smaller model with a camera.

Galaxy Tab

Spec: 7” TFT screen | 385g | 16GB internal (up to 32GB microSD) storage | Cortex A8 1.0GHz processor | Android OS 2.2
Price: B22,900 from AIS (www.ais.co.th)
www.galaxytab.samsungmobile.com
The Galaxy Tab is simply a larger version of a Samsung Galaxy S smart phone. It offers similar performance to the iPad, except it also comes with the geek favorite Android 2.2 operating system, two built-in cameras for photo, video and video chat. Perhaps the biggest plus for the Galaxy is the fact you can also use it as a mobile phone.
Verdict: Definitely more portable, the Galaxy needs to drop its price to take on the iPad.

Wellcom A800

Spec: 7” TFT tramissiv LCD | 410g | 512MB internal storage | Qualcom MSM7227 600MHz | Android 2.2
Price: B12,900
www.wellcommobile.com/andriod
The authentic Thai tablet PC is currently the lowest-price tablet in the market. (The dodgy iPeds from China being sold in Klongthom don’t count.) First introduced with Android 2.1 and now upgraded to Android 2.2, the Wellcom A800’s two cameras lets you take photos, videos and video chat. It also does all the normal internet stuff (browsing, mail , etc.). It does suffer from a bit of a lag in touchscreen response and applications can run a little slower than other tablets.
Verdict: Not quite there yet but definitely a leap in the right direction.

Coming soon?

Playbook

Spec: 7” | 400g | storage N/A | Cortex A9 1.0GHz processor | BlackBerry OS6
Date: Launches in the USA early 2011.
www.blackberry.com/playbook
Being touted as the iPad killer thanks to its smaller size, newer and faster processor and more features, the Playbook is a million miles from the sometimes boring BlackBerry. The 7” tablet comes with two cameras (3MP, 5MP) for photo and video as well as video conferencing, a Flash player and a multi-tasking feature that allows you to work on several programs simultaneously. Play book does also support business functions like document editing and has inbuilt music and movie players.
Verdict: A genuine contender if it delivers everything it promises.

HP Slate

Spec: 8.9” LED-backlit | 680g | 64GB flash storage | Intel Atom Z540 1.86GHz | Windows 7
Date: Available in the USA now for US$799.
www.hp.com/slate
Slate is HP’s attempt to recover from the downturn in the PC market. It will be the first tablet to run the newly developed Windows 7 so it will support all Microsoft Office software. Two cameras are built in for photo, video and video conference. For those not familiar with finger touch navigation, there’s also a stylus pen.
Verdict: Sounds more like a keyboard-less netbook than a proper tablet.

Cambodia

Phokeethra Country Club Angkor Wat

• Dontro Village, Levea Commune, Pouk District, Siem Reap, +855-6396-4600. www.phokeethragolf.com
18 holes / Par 72, 7,327 yards.
The course: Not far from the temple ruins of Angkor Wat, this course certainly embraces the history of the area—the first tee is actually from an 11th century bridge. Designed in 2004 by Thailand’s V Golf Design, who also created Suwan Country Club outside Bangkok, the course sees generous fairways and greens. Still, it’s no pushover, with water playing a large part in many of the 18 holes. The course has hosted the annual Asian Tour Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open for the past four years. Extras: Le Spa by Sofitel, clubhouse.
The accommodation: The course is managed by hotel chain Sofitel, so you can expect luxe comforts during your stay. Choose between 238 superior and deluxe rooms and 23 suites.
For golf widows: The UNESCO Site of Angkor Wat and its spectacular temples is less than 30 minutes away.

Malaysia

The Mines Golf Club

• Jalan Kelikir, Mines Resort City, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, +603-8943-2233/6688. www.minesgolfclub.com
18 holes / Par 72, 6,191 yards.
The course: This lakeside course, designed by one of the world’s leading golf architects Robert Trent Jones Jr., recently hosted the first PGA tournament in South East Asia, the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic PGA tournament. As its name suggests, it was created on the site of the world’s largest open-cast mine in 1982, and the carefully manicured fairways established it as one of the leading golf courses in Malaysia. Extras: indoor pool and driving range.
The accommodation: It is actually part of a large resort compound, which means you have a choice of the Mines Wellness Hotel, the Mines Resort and the opulent bling of the Palace of the Golden Horses.
For golf widows: Situated 15km south of KL, the Mines complex includes the Mines Mall, an exhibition center and the 80-hectare funpark, the Mines Wonderland.

Indonesia

Nirwana Bali Golf Club

• Jalan Raya Tanah Lot Kediri, Tabanan, Bali, +62-361-815-960. www.nirwanabaligolf.com
18 holes / Par 72, 6,775 yards
The course: Designed by legendary Aussie golfer Greg Norman, the course certainly makes use of its natural surroundings and is visually stunning. With rice terraces and tropical jungle offering unique hazards, there are also three holes running along the cliffs of the Indian Ocean. The highlight has to be the par 3 7th hole which requires nerves of steel as you hit over the ocean towards the tight green.
The accommodation: The course is part of Le Méridien Nirwana Bali Golf & Spa Resort whose collection of one and two-bedroom villas are set in lush grounds which also feature four pools, a fitness center and its own spa.
For golf widows: The course is located next to the famous Tanah Lot sea temple for those seeking a more cultural trip.

Ria Bintan

• Jalan Perigi Raja, Lagoi North Bintan, Kepulauan Riau Bintan Resorts, +62-770-692-839/842. www.irabintan.com
27 holes / Par 72 6470 yards (Ocean Course).
The course: Choose between two courses: the 18-hole Ocean Course, designed by Gary Player, and the 9-hole Forest Course. Ria Bintan is blessed with an interesting mix of ocean views, tropical forest and large elevation changes, making it a challenging but fun round of golf and helping it win numerous awards, including being named Best Golf Course in Asia in 2009 by Asian Golf Monthly. Extras: spa and driving range.
The accommodation: Part of a 1,100-acre development project, you can choose between Club Med and the 330 hectares of Nirwana Gardens Resort, which offers a range of villas to choose from.
For golf widows: With 6 tennis courts, 2 squash courts, a private beach and activities ranging from archery to circus trapeze available at Club Med, you really shouldn’t get bored.

Brunei

The Empire Golf Club

• Jerudong BG3122, Negara Brunei Darussalam, +673-241-8222. golf@theempirehotel.com, www.theempirehotel.com
18 holes / Par 71, 7,029 yards
The course: There aren’t many reasons for going to Brunei, but this Jack Nicklaus-designed course might be one of them. The impeccable fairways and manicured greens of this flawless course are carved through the rainforest and along the coast of this tiny kingdom on the tip of Borneo. Extras: floodlights for night games, spa and driving range.
The accommodation: The Empire is simply the hotel in Brunei. Opulent and spectacular highlights have to include the towering lobby and the huge swimming pool complete with a real sand floor.
For golf widows: Really not a lot for you. Our best suggestion, have a Heart of Darkness moment with a river tour into the tropical jungle and possibly spot the rare and weird looking proboscis monkeys.

Vietnam

Dalat Palace Golf Club

• Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Dalat, Lam Dong, +84-633-821-201.
www.dalatpalacegolf.vn
18 holes / Par 72, 7,009 yards
The course: The Dalat Palace might have first opened in 1922, but it underwent a major redesign in 1994 and was voted Best Golf Course in Vietnam by Asian Golf Monthly magazine in 2009. At 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level it offers a beautiful setting, thanks to the backdrop of mountains and majestic pines while challenging even the best golfers with its rolling hills and a series of lakes on the back 9. Extras: driving range.
The accommodation: Choose between the Sofitel-run, 43-room Dalat Palace which was built in 1922 and boasts a classic art deco style, or the 4-star, 144-room Dalat Hotel Du Parc.
For golf widows: It’s located just outside Dalat City which was founded as a colonial French hill-station and is now known as Vietnam’s “Petit Paris.” The small town offers plenty of classic Indochine architecture to admire in a quaint mountain setting.

Laos

Dansavahn Golf Club

• www.dansavahn.com/golfclub
18 holes / Par 72, 6,503 yards
The course: Dansavahn easily takes the prize as the most beautiful golf course in Laos, (although there are only four) thanks to its picture perfect location by Nam Ngum Lake which is one of the largest in Asia. Not surprisingly, water plays a big part in the layout of the course and comes into play on no fewer than 10 holes. Pro shop and golf hire available.
The accommodation: The Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort includes the pretty basic but also pretty cheap Le Chalet with air con rooms at B800 a night.
For golf widows: If you can’t stand the real greens then hit the green baize and gamble your stay away at the small Club 19 casino which happens to be open 24 hours a day. Or jump in a speedboat for a tour of the lake.

Singapore

Sentosa Golf Club

• 27 Bukit Manis Rd., +65-6275-0090. www.sentosagolf.com.sg
36 holes / Serapong Par 72, 6565m 6218m; Tanjong Par 72, 6565m
The course: Only a 30-minute drive from Orchard Road, the Sentosa Golf Club is home to two of the best golf courses in Asia, both offering panoramic views of Singapore harbor and the South China Sea. The Serapong course was renovated in 2007 and is a tight, challenging course where the lagoon comes into play on several holes. The Tanjong course starts with an impressive opening par 4, and while slightly more forgiving, it features plenty of water and some major elevations. Extras: floodlit holes and two clubhouses.
The accommodation: Located right next door is the The Sentosa Resort, a member of the Beaufort Hotel chain.
For golf widows: Sitting on the party island of Sentosa you’re spoilt for choice to hit the casinos, head to Universal studios or just chill on the artificial beach.

Last week saw the grand opening of the city’s latest community mall. But Mansion 7 certainly tries to offer something different to the rash of other new neighborhood shopping centers. For starters it’s nowhere near Sukhumvit—it is on Ratchadapisek Road. It also happens to have a frankly out-there theme, as it is designed to look like a haunted mansion.

Created by the woman behind the retro Plearnwan, in Hua Hin, the 7-rai plot features a lofty architecture that’s clad in an eye-catching and sophisticated purple façade. The space is roughly separated into three main zones: Neglected Garden, Playground and Dark Mansion.

Stepping through the exuberant entrance, you’ll arrive at the Neglected Garden Zone, home to retail boutiques. On the right hand side is the well-known flat shoe store from Siam Square, Ballet (02-275-1317, www.balletsince1959.com), displaying their latest collection of handmade women’s shoes. If they don’t have your size, have some tailor-made for your feet. Located nearby is the Cris Horwang-owned bag and accessories store Secret Weapon (02-275-0155). Cris’ unique designs are made from genuine cow and sheep leather with prices ranging between B2,900-9,500. They also stock the trendy and affordable Element glasses from Japan (B2,700-3,300). Other stand-out highlights include nice vintage printed t-shirts in warm colors (B390-690) at Pech (080-995-1499, facebook.com/pechclothing); classy outfits for day and night occasions from Another Closet (02-275-1945, facebook.com/anotherclosetshop); colorful yet-minimal cut blouses and dresses from Pusamala (081-534-2902, facebook.com/pusamala); glam women’s wear from Black Love (081-775-6776, 083-112-1212) and cutting-edge dresses from Tepparit (086-666-7508, www.tepparit.net). High-end products like the Hermès Birkin bag (used B290,000, new B350,000) and Comme des GarÇon t-shirts (B2,000-4,000) can be picked up at Witchlists (02-275-0059).

Those looking for something other than fashion should check out Gimmick (089-811-1855, 085-811-1855, nutmagic@hotmail.com) which sells magic equipment, like marked cards, and fun guy toys like drinking dice and fake dog shit. The Hidden Closet (02-275-0057) offers more grown up products such as candy-colored ultra-thin condoms (B180 each) and bondage accessories (up to B3,500)—all imported from the USA. Dog lovers might want to drop by Doggsterz where your puppy might want to try tasting the Pet Grass (B159) while you enjoy a Ma Jai Dam vodka (700 ml., B650). Opening soon is Rose Apple nail salon owned by Cris Horwang, Opal Panisara and Jensuda Panto.

Food seekers should head for the Playground Zone that sits beneath a giant crimson moon. On both sides of the space set aside for special events are shophouses of café and restaurants. Most are still not officially complete but Plearnwan Coffee (snacks and beverage), Krueng-Zen (kanom chin), Nana Curry Bar (Japanese curry) and Casino Royale (international food) are open for business. Don’t forget to complete the meal with some orange cakes (B68 each) at Bakie Bookie (02-275-1922, 084-677-1922).

Finally at the back of the mall, you’ll come across the giant backdrop of the haunted Dark Mansion itself. This is a real deal haunted house that’s been created around the fictional tale of the mad noble Lord Ratchada, who committed disgusting experiments on human bodies in a bid to resurrect his daughter. For B180 you get to wander through Ratchada’s residence, through spooky experimentation rooms, past embalmed bodies, and into a ghostly bedroom. We tried, and it was super creepy. Forget the old Dan Neramit version, we encourage you to try this one. Once you’ve made it out, they’ll show you photos so you can see how much you really got freaked out.

After this experience you might need a stiff drink and Mansion 7 offers two choices: the saloon space of Beer Mansion (see http://bit.ly/C5nrul) and the industrial loft style of Cocktails (full profile in BK soon).

Essentials

The Mansion 7. 244/7 Ratchadapisek Soi 14, Ratchadapisek Rd., Huay Kwang, 02-692-631. MRT Huay Kwang. Open Mon-Fri noon-midnight, Sat-Sun noon-2am. www.themansion7.com.