Agoda
The website focuses on Asian hotels booking, with particularly good coverage of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. 

AsiaRooms
With 60,000 hotels in their network, this website offers accommodation booking within Asia and has no cancellation fees.

Asiatravel.com
Regional travel specialist Asiatravel.com offers the usual flight and hotel booking as well as comparisons of a wide range of travel packages. 

CheapTickets
Originally from Hawaii, this website offers hotel, flight and car deals, plus a wide range of insurance options.

Expedia
The world’s largest travel website offers booking at 200,000 hotels and 400 airlines, and is the only place to buy packages with budget carrier AirAsia. 

Hotels.com
Book stays at 150,000 hotels at this website, which doesn’t impose cancellation fees.

HotelClub
Offerings stays at many large hotel chains, this service allows you to filter your accommodation options by star rating and hotel chain name. 

Kayak
Well-established travel resource Kayak provides not only hotel and flight comparisons, but also help with car rentals.

MakeMyTrip
An Indian-based service, this website offers extensive flight and hotel options for travel to and within India’s more obscure regions.

Skyscanner
This award-winning flight aggregator offers not only ticketing information but also lifestyle articles on adapting to a new city and choosing the perfect seat on a plane.

Zuji
An established name, Zuji offers booking at 400 airlines and 100,000 hotels.

Blue Elephant

Opened: 1980
What they say: It all started in Brussels where Chef Nooror Somany Steppe and her team decided to take the concept of Royal Thai cuisine to the world. Since those beginnings, it can now count on 11 venues worldwide. With a major focus on delicate presentation, they’re now starting to offer a lot more old and rare recipes. Beyond the likes of the common gaeng kiew wan (green curry), you’ll now find gaeng kee lek and tom som, as Chef Nooror says more Thais are showing an interest in their culinary roots.
What we say: Blue Elephant’s sophisticated interpretations of classic Thai specialties and opulent décor have made it a hit internationally as well as here in Bangkok at the flagship property on Sathorn Road. The beautiful presentation really impresses, while the taste is equally satisfying. Dishes like gaeng om (curry with vegetables) really burst with balanced flavors and the khao luem pua (baked rice in lotus) is unforgettable—cooked to perfection.
233 South Sathorn Rd., 02-673-9353. BTS Surasak. www.blueelephant.com. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm.

Erawan Tea Room

Opened: 2004
What they say: Traditional Thai cuisine, as well as top quality ingredients. Signature dishes that have been around since the beginning include khao pad Erawan (stir-fried rice and chili paste) and pla yang bai toey (grilled sea bass with pandanus).
What we say: Good food (all the recognizable favorites), an Asian ambiance (a little Thai silk and a lot of air-con) and friendly service are some of the virtues of this cute eatery in the very swanky hotel. More than just a tea room, they also have delicious main courses worth trying. The comfy seats, tranquil atmosphere and free board games are just a few of the details that ensure this restaurant stands apart from others. The food, however, is not a huge break from hotel Thai food tradition.
2/F, Grand Hyatt Erawan, 494 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-254-1234. BTS Open daily 10am-10pm.

Bussaracum

Opened: 1982
What they say: Since its inception, the place has described itself as Royal Thai cuisine with authentic flavors and a whole-hearted devotion to presentation. It’s also now housed in a very nice century-old house.
What we say: Besides the royal Thai dishes like chor muang (steamed flower-shaped dumplings filled with minced chicken) and goong sorn glin (marinated shrimp seasoned with lime juice, ginger and wrapped with lettuce leaves), you also find classic fare like tom yum and masaman, too. Just don’t go expecting particularly bold and rich flavors on the savory side of things—dessert is where Bussaracum really shines. Reward yourself with the delicious magrood loy geaw (kaffir lime in syrup with crushed ice) or kanom ko (glutinous rice flour stuffed with sweetened coconut in coconut milk).
1 Soi Pramual, Si Wiang Rd., 02-630-2216-8. BTS Surasak. www.bussaracum.com. Open daily 11am-2pm; 5:30-10:30pm.

Sala Rim Naam

Opened: 1983
What they say: Chef Vichit Mukura, a renowned master of his craft, has been running the kitchen here since 1986. He tells us that the concept has never wavered from serving up authentic Thai flavors, with nods to Royal cuisine and an emphasis on quality produce. Just recently Sala Rim Naam seems to be drawing more locals, and Chef Vichit puts much of this down to the popular chef’s table which invites the next generation to gain a greater understanding of Thai food.
What we say: The chef’s table (B2,900 for 6 courses, B3,900 for 9 courses) has only increased our love of the place. It sees 4-12 people seated at a table in the Sala Rim Naam kitchen. To guarantee quality, Chef Vichit sources most of the ingredients from either his own rice field, farmers he knows personally or Or Tor Kor market. His Thai dishes bring out the natural flavors of these carefully curated ingredients, while you also get a personalized master class in what you’re eating.
Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Ave., Charoen Krung Rd., 02-659-9000. Open daily noon-3pm, 5pm-midnight.

Spice Market

Opened: 1983
What they say: The menu focuses on quality and authentic recipes that resonate with both expats and Thais.
What we say: The place serves up local specialties in a charming decor befitting its name: spices overflow from burlap bags or are piled into small wooden shelves. The place was built 30 years ago by the P49 design company, and we think it’s aged in a beautiful way. The dishes here are very pleasant and affordable by five-star hotel standards. The freshness of the coconut milk in the yam hoy shell kati sod (spicy scallops salad with coconut milk, lemongrass, chili and lime dressing) really stands out and shows that their emphasis on good ingredients is well-founded. The nam prik long ruea (spicy shrimp paste with minced pork, catfish and eggs), too, is really delicious and aromatic. The shrimp relish alone makes us want to go back for more.
Four Seasons Hotel, 155 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-250-1000. BTS Ratchadamri. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 6-10:30pm.
 

Fuji Instax Mini 8

Features: Instant film camera, brightness adjustment lamp, high key mode for more exposure and built-in flash
Film: Instax mini film (B300 for 10 shots)
Price: B2,590

Fisheye One Nautic

Features: 170-degree wide angle fisheye lens with built-in flash
Film: 35mm
Price: B2,000

Lomo LCA (classic re-stocked)

Features: Minitar 1 32/2.8mm lens, ISO100-1600 settings and flash mount
Film: 35mm
Price: B9,900

Sprocket Rocket SUPERPOP! Azure

Features: Wide angle panorama lens including sprockets, dual scrolling knobs and flash mount
Film: 35mm
Price: B3,500

Diana Mini White (limited edition)

Features: 24mm lens, exposure setting, 36 square photos (or 72 photos in half-frame mode), Diana +flash
Film: 35mm
Price: B3,100

Essentials

Diana. Order online at lomoken.weloveshopping.com
Fish Eye & Lomo & Sprocket Rocket. Lomography 4/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0499. BTS Siam.
Fuji. Order online at www.lazada.co.th

CHIANG MAI

Peace of Mind

Minimal boutique hotel Zensala Chiang Mai (168 Pa Tan Rd., Muang, Chiang Mai, 053-225-888, www.zensalaresort.com), sat on the bank of the Ping River, is welcoming Songkran revelers to Chiang Mai with a special package available only between Apr 12-16. During this time, a two-night stay will set you back B7,200-11,700 net, including breakfast, a Thai set dinner, flying lanterns, a shuttle service to town and free Wi-Fi internet. We particularly love the pool access room (B8,800 net under this package) as Chiang Mai is amazingly hot in April, meaning you can jump into the water and cool off at any time.

KOH SAMUI

Recovery Retreat

If you miss the gCircuit gay party in Bangkok, or need some time to recover, the event organizers have partnered with W Retreat Koh Samui Resort & Spa (Maenam Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 077-915-999, [email protected], www.wretreatkohsamui.com) to put together an “After Party Escape” package. From April 8-21, get a 163-sq-meter Jungle Oasis pool villa with breakfast for two at B11,699 net per night (normally B21,500/night). Guests staying three consecutive nights also receive roundtrip airport transfers, while all guests who book this deal get access to an exclusive Recovery Party (Apr 16) featuring DJ Gio Vanhoutte.

NATIONWIDE

New Year Deals

Planning a last minute Songkran holiday? Centara Hotels and Resorts, Thailand’s largest hotel group, is offering deals at its properties in Bangkok, Krabi and Phuket for stays during April 10-16. Participating hotels include Centara Anda Dhevi Krabi (from B3,080), Centara Grand West Sands Phuket (from B5,564), and, if you feel like a staycation, the new Centara Watergate Pavilion Bangkok (from B3,520). Two consecutive nights are required and the deal includes daily breakfast, a laundry service (limited pieces), waterproof bags for belongings and two water pistols. Check the entire list of properties and make reservations at www.centarahotelsresorts.com/songkran

SAMUI

Island Retreat

For this summer break, Conrad Koh Samui (www.conradkohsamui.com) is slashing its bed and breakfast rates by 30% for stays until the end of the year. This “Dream Resorts 2013” sees rates starting from B16,240 for a 96-sq-meter ocean view pool villa and B59,640 for a 318-sq-meter Conrad royal ocean view pool villa. Cheaper than usual doesn’t mean cheap, but the sea views are pretty stunning. Bookings must be made before May 14.

Royal Orchid Plus

THAI Airways

02-356-1111, www.thaiairways.com

To get a free room
12,000 miles/night, 22,000/two nights, and 32,000/three nights for domestic destinations and three-star hotels elsewhere; from 14,000 miles/night for five-star hotels in Thailand and three to five star hotels in other countries.

Hotel partners
Aloft, Dusit, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, Royal Princess, Centara Grand, Centara, Mercure, Novotel, Imperial, Fourpoints, Sheraton, Anantara, Le Meridien, Westin, Pullman, W, Langham, Eaton, Shangri-La, Traders, Sofitel.

Destinations
More than 30 cities across the globe. See website for details.

To earn miles
Actual miles. For example: Tokyo is 2,879 miles and Paris 5,853 miles, one-way. Business and first class passengers earn an additional 10-50% on miles along the same routes.

EXAMPLE
Nuch has 32,000 miles. She can choose to redeem them for either: (1) a three-night stay in the Ibis Shinjuku (or Centara hotels in Phuket) or (2) two roundtrip tickets to Thai destinations (15,000 miles each).

VERDICT
A room at Ibis Shinjuku is around B3,000 while a roundtrip ticket to Phuket costs around B5,000. So they are pretty comparable and it’s not a bad deal, but we’d rather redeem our miles for flights anyway. One good thing is THAI partners with many more hotels than other Thai airlines.

FlyerBonus

Bangkok Airways

1771, Flyerbonus.bangkokair.com

To get a free room
From 150 points for domestic destinations, from B450 for other countries.

Hotel partners
Centara, Centara Boutique Collection, Away, Imperial, Marriott, JW Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Renaissance, Langham.

Destinations
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hat Yai, Hua Hin, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sot, Petchabun, Phuket, Rayong, Koh Samui, Trang, Trat, Udon Thani, Hong Kong, Beijing, Boston, LA, London, Melbourne, Shanghai

To earn pointss
5-10 points for domestic flights and 10-25 for international flights on economy class. Business and first class earn 5-20 more points per route.

EXAMPLE
Nong has 300 FlyerBonus points. she can choose to redeem them for either: (1) a roundtrip ticket to Luang Prabang or (2) two nights at Central Duangtawan Chiang Mai.

VERDICT
A roundtrip ticket to Luang Prabang is usually around B8,000 while a rack rate for a night at Centara is B4,500. But as Centara usually have room promotions meaning you nearly never spend full prices, it’s better to redeem your points for flights. Unfortunately, Bangkok Airways doesn’t partner with hotels at their popular destinations like Luang Prabang and Maldives.

BIG Point

AirAsia

www.airasia.com

To get a free room
250 BIG points.

Hotel partners
Tune hotels, present in 13 global cities but offering barebones amenities.

Destinations
Bangkok, Pattaya, Hat Yai, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Jakarta, Bali, Cebu, Manila, London, Edinburgh

To earn points
One point for every B20 spent on AirAsia flights, AirAsia Megastore (www.airasiamegastore.com), Tune hotels, AirAsia Redtix (redtix.airasia.com) and AirAsia Go (www.airasiago.com).

EXAMPLE
Nana has 10,000 BIG points. She can choose to redeem them for either: (1) a two-night stay at Tune Kuala Lumpur (4,511 points x 2) or one-way ticket to Kuala Lumpur (8,716 points [promotion]).

VERDICT
An air ticket to Kuala Lumpur is normally B1,800-2,000 while a room at Tune starts from around B500. So we’d rather use our points for flights and sleep elsewhere with better facilities, unless there are BIG point promotions that let us redeem a room at 0-5 points.

Mancino Vermouth Secco *NEW

In response to the lack of good vermouths on the market, Hong Kong- and Europe-based bar and beverage consultant Giancarlo Mancino set about making his own fortified wines the way people back in the 1900s(!) did it—steeping herbs and spices in water in what he describes as a “giant teapot” for up to 30 days, then flavoring a wine base with the resulting botanical concentrate. This small batch vermouth is crisp, aromatic and mouth-watering, and works well as an aperitif or in martinis. It also comes in Bianco and Rosso versions.

Available at The Library, $12

Olive Oil Washed Vodka *NEW

For this creation, the Library's bar crew gently shake up a combo of extra virgin olive oil and Russian vodka, let the mixture sit overnight, freeze it, and then strain it through a coffee filter. The result is a clean, flavored spirit with no fat particles remaining. Adventurous drinkers can try it in the Kino-Pravda, where it's added to mango pickled in Mancino Vermouth. Tea, botanical spirit, lemon and an unexpected touch of pine round off this complex cocktail.

$24 in the Kino-Pravda! at The Library

Cinnamon-infused Gin *NEW

Spiffy Dapper head bartender George Abhishek Cherian is a bit of a DIY guy when it comes to cocktail ingredients, so this joint is chock full of infused spirits like the house spiced rum, coffee rum and French rosebud vodka. They even dehydrate their own orange slices for drinks like the old fashioned. We like the cinnamon-infused gin, which has a spicy kick perfectly accented by cherry heering, angostura bitters and lemon juice in the rather unusual Drugstore Cowboy.

$20 in the Drugstore Cowboy at The Spiffy Dapper

Cherry Bitters

Grain spirit, spices, herbs and morello cherries are prepared using the sous vide method to create the intense bitters which go into Tippling Club classic the Juniper Sling. Inspired by its namesake scent (by perfume house Penhaligon’s), this cocktail is served in a fragrance bottle. The aromatic drink recipe also includes Grand Marnier, gin, cassis, juniper and cinnamon syrup.

$23 in the Juniper Sling at The Tippling Club

Chrysanthemum-infused Whisky

To make a batch of this smooth concoction, barkeeps combine 30g of chrysanthemums, 15g of goji berries and two bottles of MAD’s house pour spirit, Grey Goose Famous Grouse blended Scotch whisky. They leave the whole shebang to infuse for just 20-25 minutes and the result is a sweet aromatic mixer with well-balanced flavor. A jigger of the blend is matched with lemon juice for the bar’s whisky sour.  

$17 in the Whisky Sour at MAD

Mango Black Tea-infused Vodka

For this fresh tangy brew, Alphonso mango black tea is left to steep for two to three hours in vodka till it develops a complex tropical fruit flavor. The dark amber spirit is then shaken with lemon juice and sugar syrup, and finished with a lemon-mint garnish for The Garden of Eden cocktail.

$26 in The Garden of Eden at CUT

Baker & Cook

Respected Kiwi baker Dean Brettschneider only opened Baker & Cook in mid-January yet it already has an avid following and not just among area residents.

Balmoral Bakery

For over 40 years, the bakery has served residents from all walks of life with some of the most enduring favorites in traditional bakes.

Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie

For fans of savory and sweet things, head down to their latest outlet to fulfill your gastronomic desires.

Cedele

Artisanal bakery is high on the agenda at Cedele. Take a pick from an extensive menu featuring some of the finest quality ingredients at this decorated establishment.

Chin Mee Chin Confectionery

Having served some of Singapore's most favorite bakes for decades, the establishment has remained virtually unchanged and evergreen with its old school interior.

Pacific Marketplace

Look no further in your gourmet hunt as you will be greeted by a fine selection of cakes, sandwiches, salads and coffee at this epicurean setting.

Werner’s Oven

This is a friendly neighborhood fixture you can come to anytime and be assured of great food, good beer and a warm welcome.

Dr. Martens
The coolest store in the house, with an industrial-inspired design reflected throughout its space, staying true to its original, industrial British roots. Its current seasonal collection by Agyness Deyn is fun, with T-shirts emblazoned with eye-catching eyeballs available for just $75 each.

Anysis
Trendy, affordable clothes for women by emerging Japanese designer Kumikyoku Sis. Most of the pieces stocked here are classic and streamlined (think Muji meets Laura Ashley). Suits are $160 upwards while bags and skirts are $100 upwards.

The Emporium
One of the best stores here, carrying a wide range of women’s apparel, accessories, shoes and even artworks and home decor pieces. The layout is spacious and inviting, chockfull of local labels like Trixilini (from $99) and Triologie (from $89), as well as whimsical shoes by Sole2Sole (from $20). The cabinets from Gaia Living ($3,000) are also a top draw(er).

Headline Seoul
An incredible amount of affordable high street clothes for women to be had here—but that’s not a bad thing. Literally hundreds of styles spanning dresses, tops and bottoms at this 1,800 sq. ft. store, brainchild of local fashion entrepreneur Ann Kositchotitana (Front Row). Go crazy with just $29 for a blouse and $129 for a cocktail dress.

Saturday
Local designer Nic Wong’s forward-thinking and contemporary ready-to-wear creations are some of the best in town. His latest Spring/Summer collection comprises dresses with eye-catching draping designs and various separates (from $65) made from a clever mix of merino wool, premium metallic jerseys and polyester.

Daniel Yam
Veteran local designer Daniel Yam’s eponymous store is where you can find both his seasonal collections for men and women. Yam’s limited edition signature dresses (from $199) for ladies are top draw here with their elaborate designs, but the men can also find trendy shirts (from $29) and pants (from $39) which are perfect for the office. A myriad of caps, chains, belts, socks and bags can also be had from just $9. 

Eclecticism + Lauren Jasmine
As its name suggests, find a wide array of notebooks, sunglasses, soap, candles, canvas totes, python clutches, umbrellas and even greeting cards tucked into every corner of this boutique. Highlights include ready-to-wear in-house label Lauren Jasmine’s collaboration with local brand WoonHung (from $24.90) and quirky accessories by Ashlyne’s Jewelry (from $48).

Marks & Spencer
The anchor tenant here features 30,000 sq. ft.’s worth of an almost unlimited range of clothes for both men and women, spanning exclusive labels like ready-to-wear brands Autograph, Limited Collection and Collezione. It is also a one-stop shop for home and beauty, with coveted bath and body products from Ragdale Hall and La Maison de Senteurs among the highlights.

Lafont
For something a little different, check out this indie multi-label boutique which carries little heard of Italian brands like Please and Paolo Casalini as well as France’s Sel Sel and Double Jeu. Please in particular is great for their simple designs with a twist, like the cowboy denim shirt with lace detailing ($120).

Lego Marvels

This is a must-see. Due to its overwhelming popularity, The Art of the Brick exhibition at the ArtScience Museum (S$14 [B333]. Marina Bay Sands, www.marinabaysands.com) has been extended until May 26 (it was scheduled to close on Apr 14). The story behind the exhibition is that Nathan Sawaya, a New York-based attorney, created a blog displaying art pieces made from his favorite childhood toy, Lego. After the blog became popular, he decided to quit his day job and become a full-time artist creating mind-blowing works from Lego bricks. This exhibition is his largest ever, featuring all of his previous works, including the famed human figures and a life-size dinosaur.

Surreal Forrest

Gardens by the Bay (S$28 [B665]. www.gardensbythebay.com.sg) has been firmly in the spotlight since its opening last June. This man-made tropical forest, housed in two conservatories, is Singapore’s priciest government-funded mega project this decade, costing more than B24 billion. Three main highlights are the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest (reminiscent of Avatar) and Super Trees (tree-like structures acting as solar power sources). While we still prefer our real forest in Khaoyai and real flowers in Angkhang, this place is worth a visit to see how the Singaporeans combine ecology and technology to make use of their limited resources. All electricity here is generated from burning fallen leaves and branches, together with solar cells and an advanced hydro-cooling system—there’s no reliance on fossil fuels.

Under the Sea

The newest addition to kids-favorite Resort World Sentosa is the S.E.A. Aquarium (S$29 [B689]. www.rwsentosa.com), the world’s largest aquarium to date, containing more than 800 forms of marine life. Highlights include the world’s largest fish tank, some 36 meters wide and 8 meters tall, a tunnel displaying 200 sharks, and a room showing more kinds of jellyfish than you would probably care to imagine.

Caffeine Coolness

Singapore’s coffee scene has really picked up in recent years in terms of both the quality and diversity of beans. Most of the island’s hot coffee shops are situated in Tiong Bahru, an old government housing area which is now an uber-hip district. Places like 40 Hands (#01-12, 78 Yong Siak St., +65-6225-8545), Tiong Bahru Bakery (#1-70, 56 Eng Hoon St., +65-6220-3430) The Orange Thimble (#01-68, Blk. 56, Eng Hoon St., +65-9750-3989) and Drips (#01-68, Blk. 56, Eng Hoon St., +65-9750-3989) are the top places to order an espresso and be seen on weekends.

Them Shop

Launched in 2012, Them Shop does clothing and accessories with an emphasis on light pastel tones with animal and sea creature motifs. The cut designs on shirts, rings and pins make for great gifts, and a portion of every sale is donated towards the protection of wild animals.
www.facebook.com/THEMshop.animals

Dotlineplain

Dotlineplain stays very true to its name: doing men’s and women’s clothing printed with dots, lines and stripes on plain-colored pieces. With over 18,000 likes after only a few months, their basic designs like striped tops and polka dot dresses at affordable price tags are proving very popular.
www.facebook.com/dotlineplain

Vinita

Awarded 8GG Magazine’s most inspiring brand, Vinita does women’s tops and dresses that balance minimalism and boldness. What got our attention is their classic elegance, which is spiced up with lined patterns and alluring cuts.  
www.facebook.com/vinitabrand

Bagspace

Bagspace does exactly what its name suggests: men’s bags with a focus on practical use of space. Think messengers, totes and backpacks made from genuine leather with minimal designs and hidden compartments.
www.facebook.com/pages/Bagspace-Shop/133635433344265

Angelnista

This online women’s jewelry shop stocks enigmatic designs bordering on sculpture: from moon-themed necklaces to ocean-inspired earrings and ballerina pendants. Most pieces are made from rhodium and clear crystal, with small details and natural tones like turquoise and emerald.
www.facebook.com/AngelnistaTh

Wardrobe Ministry

Started out as an online blog catering to men with preppy predispositions, Wardrobe Ministry is now also a store selling imported men’s apparel from names like Alden, Brooks Brothers, Black Fleece, Florsheim and Ralph Lauren. For those wanting to pull of that Joseph Gordon-Levitt look, this blog and online shop are definitely worth a look.
www.facebook.com/wardrobeministry