Over the past few months, a number of new, home-grown sites, including Chope and Reserveit.sg, have sprung up to meet a growing demand for such reservation services. Chope co-founder Arrif Ziaudeen says his website “currently processes a reservation roughly every eight minutes.”

The idea is simple. You log on to the site, choose a restaurant from a range of options—they’re listed alphabetically or you can also enter your preferences such as cuisine, price, location and in the case of Reserveit.sg “even mood or occasion,” says founder Jesper Gustafsson, select the date and time, and you’re done. You’ll get an email confirmation in your inbox before you can say, “I’m hungry.”

The best bit: All these sites are free and available 24/7, so you don’t have to wait for a restaurant to open to make a booking. This can be especially useful during public holidays. As Terence Tan of Reservations.sg explains: “During CNY, many non-Chinese restaurants were closed, but users were still able to place their reservations (for after CNY) online.” Another plus is that you can make multiple bookings, ideal if you’re super busy or double-booked for the night. So if you’ve yet to try one of these sites, maybe it’s time you did. Here’s who’s offering what...

The Players

I-S PICK: Chope.com.sg
Launched: 2011
Relative newcomer Chope boasts a sizeable and carefully curated selection of 83 restaurants at last count—including some of our own top picks such as The White Rabbit and FiftyThree. Its sleek design and layout makes it easy to navigate (we especially like the A-Z list of all their restaurant partners), and the abundance of good-looking visuals don’t hurt either. Our favorite part is the “The Buzz” tab, which incorporates critics’ opinions from publications like Wine & Dine and, yes, I-S to provide users with a better sense of what to expect. One gripe: their cuisine options could do with some expansion.

Eat2Eat.com
Launched: 2000
A regionally-focused portal established in 2000, Eat2Eat.com suits frequent travelers in the Asia-Pacific region who want the convenience of online reservations beyond our shores with listed establishments from Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan. Frankly, it’s not a real contender in the local market as far as we’re concerned, with only about 20 restaurants to choose from at present. Even if you can look past the severely limited options, it takes a while to find your way around this poorly-designed site. Also, the webpage is plagued by being periodically down (not terribly reliable), and frustratingly slow at other times.

NineLogic.com
Launched: 2008
Those who love different Chinese cuisines will devour this site. It offers the usual filters, but takes it up a notch with everything from Hainanese to Hakka to Sichuan to Shanghai cuisine. While considerably more cluttered than the competition, NineLogic wins hands down when it comes to sheer quantity; we’re talking over 3,000 eateries, dominated mostly by Chinese restaurants (not great if you’re in the mood for Western food). The portal also has a loyalty program that incentivizes consistent usage through a tiered, points-based membership scheme.

OpenTable.com
Launched: 1998
A US-based reservation portal that’s worth noting for its growing presence in Europe and cities like London, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur; sorry to say, it’s not a real contender in our local market with only four Singapore restaurants listed at the moment. The good news is, they’re excellent establishments such as Cherry Garden and Morton’s (it’s no coincidence that all four are located in Mandarin Oriental Singapore). Here’s hoping they’ll add more eateries to the list, although the fact that the last addition was back in 2007 doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

RUNNER UP: Reserveit.sg
Launched: 2011
Although only eight months old, Reserveit has recently undergone a facelift and emerged with a sexy black/white/red color scheme and a search bar with multiple preference filters. We dig the “mood” filter which lets you choose from “First Date,” “Out with the Boys” and “Business Lunch.” Like Chope, it hosts a similar wealth of alluring visuals and offers a fine selection of restaurants (130 and counting) from long-time favorite Senso Ristorante to oh-so-chic Open Door Policy. A mobile app is currently in development, too.

Reservations.sg
Launched: 2010
Admittedly, Reservations’ layout could do with some work, but it’s still got a decent selection of close to 70 venues including Magma German Wine Bistro and relative newbie Skyve Bistro & Bar. You can search for the most booked restaurants, the newest additions, as well as by lowest and highest average main course. What sets it apart is a rewards program called ResPoints that gives you points every time you book through its site, which can later be accumulated to redeem Res-Vouchers. While the site is slightly more cluttered than others, it integrates a real-time Facebook news feed which gives users additional information about ongoing promotions.

The Screening Room

Treat yourself to timeless classics like Casablanca and The Godfather and a unique dining experience, where the menu is inspired by the classic on screen, at this intimate and cozy venue on Ann Siang Hill.

Broadway Café

A great place for coffee, light bites and alcoholic cake (the lychee martini is our favorite, shaken or stirred), Broadway is equipped with a large projection screen for private film screenings. Screenings cost $10 with one free drink.

The Pigeonhole

A multi-faceted establishment for people to hang out, sip drinks, browse books and daydream. They host regular free screenings, some featuring Q&A sessions with the filmmakers; just keep tabs on the next one via their Facebook page.

Samsung Galaxy Mini

B4,990 | Specs: 3.14” touchscreen, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 3MP camera, 138MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card, 3G
It’s B200 more expensive than the Galaxy Y, but you get a better camera, a slightly larger screen and assisted-GPS that promises better satellite navigation. 200MHz less processing capability doesn’t really make any difference because you have limited space to download and run applications anyway. The phone has been out for a year and still exists—a very positive sign.

LG Lollipop

B4,490 | Specs: 2.8” screen, 160MB built-in storage + up to 8MB SD card, 3MP camera + VGA front camera
We can say this is the best flip phone on the market these days. Though we really don’t like its ultra-childish user-interface, specs that include two cameras, social-media, connectivity and the lovely design, mean there are some redeeming elements. Perfect for those in love with Japanese-style phones.

Nokia C2-06

B3,150 | Specs: 2.6” touchscreen, Symbian S40, 3.2MP camera, FM radio, 10MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card
If you just want a good-looking handset to show off you that have a touch-and-slide phone, go for this C2-06. Its sleek, gold touch looksvery bling in your hand. But wait, it only has 10MB storage space. We suggest you pay a bit more for the Asha series.

Sony Ericsson Txt

B3,490 | Specs: 2.55” touchscreen, QWERTY keyboard, 3.2MP camera, 100MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card, FM radio
You’re addicted to chat and don’t want to pay B300 (or more) for a BlackBerry service? Get this and you’ll have everything you need: full QWERTY keyboard, FM radio and some social-media applications. But sadly, the keyboard doesn’t make typing easy, especially when compared to Nokia phones. Still, we love its expensive-looking body.

Nokia X2-05

B3,150 | Specs: 2.6” touchscreen, Symbian S40, RAM 1GHz, 3.2MP camera, FM radio, 10MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card
Apart from a good 5MP camera, you don’t really get much from this two-year-old phone; neither a touchscreen nor the latest Symbian operating system. But as a member of the X series, it does promise greater sound quality from its built-in portable speakers. ­

Samsung Galaxy Y

B4,790 | Specs: 3” touchscreen, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, 2MP camera, 160MB internal storage + up to 32MB SD card, 3G
Capacitive touchscreen, camera, Android, FM radio and 3G compatibility—you get everything for less than B5,000. As an Android phone, you also get abundant applications, including games and social media apps.

Nokia Asha 300

B3,350 | Specs: 2.4” touchscreen, Symbian S40, 3.2MP camera, 140MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD card, FM radio, 3G
A sister of the Asha 303, the Asha 300 is a better fit for users tolerant of old-school texting. You also have a (very small) resistive touch screen, where you can personalize your home screen. Still, Angry Birds comes pre-installed.

Nokia Asha 303

B4,500 | Specs: 2.6” touchscreen, Symbian S40, 3.2MP camera, FM radio, 170MB built-in storage + up to 32MB SD Card, 3G
We adore its red color, as well as the touch-and-type function that reminds us of the new BlackBerry Bold. It works the same way: the screen is touchable and you have a full keyboard. Bonus: You get Angry Birds.

99 Rest Backyard Café

99 Rest Backyard Café is surrounded by a landscaped garden that becomes magical at night, with the chorus of frogs, crickets and the rustle of the foliage in the evening breeze. Chef Cyrille Keyser creates international cuisine with highlights including the oven roasted lamb rack served with potato gratin and ratatouille.  And it’s so far from downtown, you’re at least guaranteed a long taxi ride back to smooch in the backseat.
99 Rama 9 Soi 41, 02-300-4339. Open Tue-Sun 11am-11pm.

The Deck

Few restaurants can boast a spectacle quite as inspiring as the brightly-lit Wat Arun that sits directly across the river from The Deck. Book in advance for one of the best spots, out on the outdoor terrace, and get here early to watch the sun set behind the temple while embracing the river breeze. The atmosphere is what makes this place, but the well-executed menu of Thai and European dishes will simply add to your levels of ardour.
Arun Residence, 36-38 Soi Pratu Nokyung, Maharat Rd., 02-221-9158. Restaurant opens Mon-Thu 7am-10pm, Fri-Sun 7am-11pm. Bar opens Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight, Fri-Sun 5:30pm-1am.

NEW> Issaya Siamese Club

Star Chef Ian Kittichai has taken an old Thai villa, given it a fresh lick of paint and some touches of color. Come to think of it, that describes his menu, too: Thai comfort food with a modern presentation and just enough creative twists to keep us excited. Even if it’s a romantic night, you’ll have to pass on the ultra-tight dress because the desserts are the best part and you can’t pass on those. We’re pretty sure you can think of way to work off those calories.
4 Soi Sri Aksorn, Chue Pleong Rd., 02-672-9040-1. Open daily 11:30am-3pm and 6pm-midnight. www.issaya.com

Gaggan

Went on a gastronomic honeymoon to Europe last summer? This is where to rekindle the passion. Chef Gaggan is a disciple of El Bulli’s molecular gastronomy and has applied cutting-edge cooking techniques in his inventive, progressive Indian menu. Indulge in the tasting menu and let the chef, and his flirtatious and well-informed staff, take you on a culinary journey that, at times, can make the heart soar.
68/1 Soi Lang Suan, 02-652-1700. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm and 6pm-midnight.

NEW> Parata Diamond

There’s plenty to titillate the senses at this old house. The garden has daybeds, shishas and screens short films, while the lounge is a sensual, all-black haven. The food, too, should excite your taste buds with its intriguing focus on New American-style cuisine, including dishes like harrisa lamb strudels and five-spice glazed beef short rib. Sexy? You bet.
396 Ekkamai Soi 22, 085-167-6489. Open daily 6:30pm-1am.

NEW> Surface

Perfect for first dates, you don’t have to worry about running out of conversation here. Backed by the team behind a string of Bangkok hotspots, Surface is already buzzing thanks, in part, to the candlelit garden. The daybeds let you engage in a spot of stargazing with your loved one while sipping one of their potent cocktails. As for the menu, they claim it’s French comfort food, but we have a particular soft spot for their desserts, like the decadent chocolate fondant or the slightly more unusual white chocolate cheesecake with passion fruit and strawberry.
107 Sukhumvit Soi 53, 02-258-7597. Open Daily 11:30am-11pm.

Indus

Indus’s alfresco area can certainly help enliven any romance with its fountain, manicured lawns and four-poster daybeds that conjure up images of Mughal courts. The food, like the décor, is a pleasantly light take on northern Indian favorites like biryani and tandoori chicken, as well as some rarer regional highlights. The prominent bar at Indus also serves up a mean cocktail.
71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-5279. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30-10:30pm.

Phuket Town

For something intimate and cozy, like a hidden cafe in Macau or Lisbon, try the Sino-Portuguese charms of Phuket Town. With antique pieces and a vibrant wall painting of the island’s instantly recognizable streets, you’ll be transported from Thong Lor to the old quarter of the famous southern town. But this charming space is not just about the décor; the food is the real star. Authentic southern Thai dishes, like pad sataw goong (stir-fried sataw with shrimps), don’t hold back on the spice or flavor. Hey, if Southern food doesn’t light your fire, nothing will.
160/8 Thonglor Soi 6, 02-714-9402. Open daily 10:30am-10:30pm.

Garden of Dream

Travel four floors up a barebones staircase and you’ll reach this covered shophouse rooftop with a few too many kitschy decor pieces meant to evoke a garden. But with the kitchen in the dining room and a friendly crowd of regulars, there’s a jovial hipster-meets-farmhouse atmosphere going on. The food is fairly simple, and the execution can be hit or miss, but grilled portobello mushroom with garlic butter and the barbecue ribs usually do the trick. Throw in a bottle of wine and let the bohemian magic do the rest.
4/F, Opposite, 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-5057. Open Mon-Tue 5-10pm; Thu 5-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight; Sun 11am-2pm, 5-8pm

Isao

Sushi always impresses on Valentine’s day, and this place not only does it extremely well, but in a relaxed homey feel. Booths run along the bamboo-clad wall while the rest of the space is dominated by the sushi bar and counter. The best part? Trying new combinations both artfully presented and incredibly tasty like the Rosy Salmon, melt-in-your mouth salmon and shavings of lemon formed into a delicate rose. We’ll take that over a floral bouquet any day.
5 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-258-0645. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-10pm.

Long Table

Your big Valentine’s date (if the relationship is still young) could be a lot less intimatidating sitting at this elangated communal table. Apart from the extremely long, central table, the second most striking element is the view of Bangkok’s skyline. Both sides of the dining room are lined by trademark Bed Supperclub seating, while screens tuned to video art and the contemporary Thai menu bring the requisite touch of edginess. The adjoining bar/balcony is equally hip, letting you sit by their pool and sip a post-meal cocktail with your loved one while admiring the striking view.
Column Building, 48 Sukhumvit Soi 16, 02-302-2557-9. Open daily 5pm-2am.

The Garret

For a touch of taboo sophistication, head to this den of casual but sexy prohibition-era chic There’s a rooftop terrace and a great drinks list, especially the cocktails and wines available, which makes it a lively spot on weekends. The crowds also come for the elevated North American-leaning pub grub, but we say make sure you save space for their decadent desserts.
Rooftop/F Mini Showroom, Ekkamai Soi 7, 02-711-6999. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm and 6pm-midnight.

Bophut Boutiques

Hansar Samui
A beachfront boutique gem at the end of Bophut’s Fisherman’s Village centered around a 30m saltwater infinity pool. Rooms follow open floor plans, with nothing blocking your view from the door to the terrace (even from the toilet). It’s probably your best bet on the island if you don’t want to be marooned at a resort.
Rooms: 74 rooms and all of them impressively spacious. Six of them are  beachfront, but we found the SeaView (toward the back) to be better value.
F&B: Chef Stephen Jean Dion serves both Thai and French Mediterranean tasting menus at the beachside H Bistro.
Rates: Starting at 9,000 baht ($360) per night for a SeaView Room, including breakfast for 2, through end April. Beachfront goes for 14,500 baht ($585).

Suralai
If Entourage’s Vinnie Chase came to Samui, this is where he’d stay. It’s an exclusive private villa set high in the hills above Bophut Bay, sleeping up to 12 and with on-site manager, housekeepers and private chef. It boasts a 20m infinity pool and incredible views across to Koh Pha Ngan. It’s pretty remote and only worth it with three or more couples, but it’s slick. Real slick.
Rooms: Two master suites, three king bed rooms, one twin bed room. The open-plan living area, complete with 50-inch plasma and wrap-around glass veranda, is where the magic really happens.
F&B: Breakfast is either continental or full international style—the only downer being that you have to commit to timing the night before. For other meals, the house chef can tailor Thai and Western cuisine to your preference.
Rates: From US$1,400-2,500 ($1,795-3,205) per night, depending on the season.

W Retreat Koh Samui
“Cute!” and “Fun!”, W is the hip kid of the Starwood family. Free ice cream and soft drinks, cool as phunk music everywhere piped out of rock speakers, purple tennis court. Not the best beach for swimming, but you have your own pool.
Rooms: 75 pool villas; basic is 233sqm, steps away from the beach, with 11m pool in a walled garden plus all mod cons (46” TV, wireless dock for your iPhone, Bliss hair/skin products).
F&B: The Kitchen Table (where you get breakfast), does all-day dining with a view, but the venue that gets all the hype is Namu, the cozy dinner-only eatery. For our money, we like the awesome beach bar Sip, for its cool design and expertly mixed cocktails.
Rates: Starting at 17,000 baht ($688) per night for their Retreat and Surrender package, which includes airport transfers; through March 31.

Lamai Resorts

Banyan Tree Samui
Just coming up the driveway of this gorgeous resort, tucked away at the south-eastern coast of the island, is an impressive sight, but it’s the property’s stunning views of Lamai Bay, a “private” beach cove (where you can laze or do water sports) and cheerful staff that’ll win you over. All in all, ideal for those who want to spoil themselves thoroughly.
Rooms: 88 luxe and spacious hilltop villas (including a very exclusive 316sqm Presidential Pool Villa which is really two villas joined by a sala), each with a living room, a large patio complete with sunbeds and its own private infinity pool (which your plush king-size bed looks out on).
F&B: All-day dining and international buffet breakfasts at The Edge, fresh char-grilled seafood at Sands by the beach and the real star: their signature restaurant, Saffron, perched on the very top of the property, featuring contemporary Thai cuisine (complete with spectacular views).
Rates: From 34,780 baht ($1,397) per night for a Deluxe Pool Villa, including daily breakfast for two through March 31.

Koh Samui Resort & Spa
This Sino-Thai gem is truly unique in its design, art and architecture, with the owner’s slightly eccentric concept (tycoon builds museum-like replica of his childhood fishing village) matching perfectly with Le Meridien’s every-pebble-has-astory- for-you-to-discover spin. It’s arguably four-star (food and service were nothing to write home about when we visited), but we love it. Another plus is the location, on a quiet beach (Lamai) but within walking distance of the real world.
Rooms: 14 villas, 63 suites, from the 50sqm Plunge Pool (basically a huge tub in your bathroom) Suite to 145sqm Ocean Front Pool Suite.
Check out: The grounds, the “Hub” (courtyard lobby) and the cavern-like spa. You won’t find a more photogenic resort of this size anywhere.
Rates: Unbeatable Thailand offer starts at 5,625 baht ($226) per night for Verandah Suite; through March 31. Villa Special offer starts at 9,999 baht ($403) for Pavilion Pool Villa; through December 20.

Remote Retreats

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand
After checking in at the “holy (cow)!” reception area that overlooks the entire 17,000sqm resort located on the island’s extreme Northwest tip, you take a rollercoaster buggy ride to your villa that’ll make you feel like you might be trapped here. Not that you’d want to leave. An all-inclusive escape for people who “deserve” and appreciate five really big stars, with exemplary service and facilities. Staff to guest ratio feels like 20 to 1; even the gardeners greet you.
Rooms: 60 luxurious hillside villas (plus 13 private residence rentals), each with a huge patio, infinity pool, the biggest “minibar” setup we’ve ever seen (with digital temp fridge, wine cooler, Lavazza pod machine) and sea views (some less obstructed by trees than others).
F&B: Amazing breakfasts (see Where to Dine, previous page). Head to the casual beachside restaurant Pla Pla for simple grilled seafood, then Lan Tania at night for romantic views.
Rates: Starting at 26,550 baht ($1,071) per night for a One-Bedroom Villa with daily breakfast for two.

Six Senses Hideaway Samui - A Sala Getaway
Sprawled across the island’s northernmost peninsula, discretion is the name of the game at this celebrity favorite. The beach is nothing to shout about and the private pool decks can be a little buggy, but you’re treated like royalty (makes sense: the couple at the next table probably are royalty) and the location is truly stunning. Wait till you see the view from the Spa treatment rooms.
Rooms: 66 villas, 55 of them with private pools; and all adhering to the rustic chic look—think thatched roofs and outdoor showers—so beloved of the jetset. There’s also The Retreat—600sqm of exclusive bragging rights.
F&B: There are fewer more dramatic dinner spots (anywhere, not simply Samui) than Dining on the Rocks. And their breakfast buffet is up there with the Four Seasons.
Rates: Starting at 15,000 baht ($605) per night for a Hideaway Villa. The “Rediscover the Romance” package includes two nights’ accommodation and lots of private couple-y stuff; 67,804 baht ($2,735) for a Pool Villa over a weekend in March.

New Arrivals

Conrad Koh Samui
Opened late last year (and, based on our stay, still several months away from being truly ready), this extraordinary creation sees 80 freestanding villas perched on a sheer cliff; every one of them with its own infinity plunge pool. On-site restaurant Jahn promises much once it gets a bit busier. Nightly rates run from US$700 ($890) for an Oceanview Villa to US$2,000 ($2,545) for the two-bedroom Royal Ocean, including breakfast.

Intercontinental Samui Baan Taling Ngam Resort
The hottest new property on the island finally opened on February 1 having taken over and renovated the old Meredien spot. Hidden away on a West Coast clifftop (like Conrad; both boast great sunsets), there are 79 rooms, suites and beachfront villas, and no less than seven swimming pools. Introductory rates start at 17,195 baht ($795) per night until end March, including breakfast and welcome cocktails.

Why Koh Samui is the hot new holiday option

Just around an hour’s drive from Hua Hin and even closer to Pak Nam Pran is one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks. Sam Roi Yod has it all—spectacular limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, magnificent caves and it is home to a staggering array of wildlife, from crab-eating monkeys to more than 250 species of birds. The sprawling park is great to explore at your leisure, but here are our three must-see highlights:

Unlike the other major sites in the park, Tung Sam Roi Yod is accessed through a different gate. Coming from Hua Hin, look for the sign “Rong Je Sam Roi Yod” or “Rong Je (vegetarian shrine) Lui Im Yee” at the 275 km mark and then follow the signs to the temple. About seven kilometers from the main road (past the shrine) you’ll meet the national park check point. A short and very pleasant walk from the car park will take you to a vast stretch of wetland (beung bua), said to be the largest remaining in Thailand. This 70-square-kilometer area is dotted with lotus flowers, and wooden walkways enable you to head out over the water and get up close to the bird life.

It might be the best-known highlight of the park, but Phraya Nakhon cave is still well worth the visit. The easiest way (and no way is that easy) to reach it is to catch a longtail boat (around B300) from Laem Sala Beach next to Bang Pu village, though you can also take the nature trail from the village and hike all the way. Then it’s a case of scaling the rocky and steep path before you enter a succession of two caves. The second one is immense, with a temple pavilion built inside and another section topped by a circular hole through which the sun shines to suitably dramatic (and photogenic) effect.

As a marine park, Sam Roi Yod is also blessed with a couple of lovely sandy beaches. The easiest to reach (and the quietest) is Hat Sam Phraya, which is close to the southern check point and visitor center. A bumpy track off the main road takes you to the car park and campsite. There’s also a small restaurant, washrooms and a few concrete gazebos amid the pine trees overlooking the curving beach. One end is home to a small fishing fleet, but turn the other way and start walking and you’ll soon come to some truly empty coastline and another totally deserted bay. There’s not much else to do except listen to the waves breaking and let your mind unwind.
If you do want to experience waking up in paradise, then you can camp at Hat Sam Phraya. It costs B30 per person with your own tent or you can hire a four-person affair for B250. There are also cottages available, that start from B2,500. Call the visitor center at 032-603-571 for bookings and more information.

Essentials

Price: Entry to the park is B40 for Thais and B200 for foreigners. Count an extra B30 for your car.
Top tip: If you like birds, then the best time to come is between November and April and March and May, as that is when migratory birds stop by for a rest on their way to and from Siberia, Northern Europe and China.

The air force base situated at the end of Prachuab Khirikhan town center makes for a great day trip from Pak Nam Pran. That might sound odd, but Ao Manao, the home of Wing Command 5, happens to offer one of the most beautiful beaches along this stretch of coastline, as well as a slice of oft-forgotten history. Depending on how dutiful the guard is feeling at the main gate, you might need to sign in, otherwise just drive in past the old aircraft, the barracks and across the runway and you’ll reach a long coastal road that has souvenir stalls and a couple of food courts on one side and a stunning crescent-shaped bay flanked by towering pine trees on the other. Head to either end of this long, semi-cirrcular bay, especially down by the runway and golf course, and you’ll find pristine, soft off-white sand, shallow waters and great views over the dramatic silhouettes of the offshore islands. The best bit: Not a jet ski or banana boat in sight.

If you do want to get away from the beach, then you could always drive down to the war museum, which has a few old planes and some impressive memorials. These sculptures, which look out over a separate (and equally dramatic) bay, mark the site of the first landing by invading Japanese forces during WWII (on the same day as Pearl Harbor) and honor the heroic efforts of a small band of Thai troops to fight them off.

Sporty-types can release some energy at the nine-hole golf course and driving range that is open to the public. It’s not necessarily in the best condition, and you’ll need your own clubs, but on the plus-side you can play a round for as little as B100.

For food, you could always opt for the food court along the coast road, while the quality of the mostly-seafood dishes on offer is OK, the choices are rather limited and a little expensive. We recommend leaving the base by the Southern Gate and heading to the nearby fishing port of Klongwan, which is about a five-minute drive. As you reach the village proper, the road bends sharply to the right. Go straight on, down a very narrow lane and you’ll reach a car park that looks over a small port and bay. A well-manicured patch of lawn separates the cars from a row of seafood joints that all share a lovely sleepy vibe. Come at lunch time and rub shoulders with the guys from the air force base who all flock to long-term favorite Fatalayjone (T. Klongwan, A. Muang Prachuab Kirikhan, 032-661-162, 089-105-0955. Open daily 10am-9pm) for the old school décor and dishes like dried green curry with seafood (B100) and the yam pla kapong sam rod (sea bass with three sauces, B250 per kilo). If, like us, you’d rather avoid men in uniforms, we have to say we prefer the laid-back charms, friendly owners, delicious sundried beef and moist grouper with garlic sauce of Chai Lay (129, T. Klongwan, A. Muang Prachuab Kirikhan. 032-661-173, 087-368-1399. Open daily 10am-10pm), which is located two restaurants up.

If you really fall in love with the place and don’t want to leave, then the Royal Thai Air Force Residence (Wing 5 Royal Thai Air Force, T. Ko Lak, A. Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan. 032-661-088-90, 032-611-017) does allow non-military visitors to stay and has rooms from B900 a night. However, be warned, we have it on good authority that there is no guarantee your booking will be honored, especially if some high-ranking military type decides to drops by.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. The park can get busy, particularly on long weekends, so it’s recommended that you book your tent or bungalow early. That’s done by calling the park at 042-871-333 or 042-871-458. You then need to make a wire transfer. Tents are B225 (sleeping bags, a pillow and foam mattress come out to an extra B60 per person, payable on site).

Is it a long hike?
It’s 9km and, yes, it’s pretty strenuous. Competitive athletes might pull it off in 3 hours, fit and healthy folk usually takes 4-5 hours and sloths can take 6 hours or more. There’s plenty of food on the way though, nearly every kilometer. This also means you can’t even attempt the hike if you show up after 3pm. You wouldn’t make it to the summit before sunset.

Really, there’s no shortcut?
There are porters who will carry your stuff for B15/kilo. And we’ve seen them carry a person! But there’s no road to the top, only a hiking trail.

Can I sleep at the park on the night before the hike?
There are a couple of tents by the parking lot, which suck. But you do want to get an early start. The other solution is to sleep in town, at one of the grungy “resorts” there, which cost B350-550 a night. Make sure you inspect the room carefully before handing over your cash.

Freitag

In 1993, two brothers, both graphic designers, decided to create messenger bags made out of old tarpaulin, used bicycle tires and car seat belts—unintentionally setting off a new global trend that’s still going strong. All Freitag bags are designed, cut and packaged in Zurich, and around 300,000 bags a year are distributed worldwide. Their products include messenger bags, backpacks, handbags, sport bags, totes, wallets and more for both men and women—all made from used truck tarpaulins. Forty basic models are made continually, but they also launch new lines about every six months. Official prices start at B2,800 for a shopping bag, B3,900 for an iPad 2 sleeve and B6,000 for a messenger bag.
Sneaka Villa accepts pre-orders with a slight markup, Siam Square Soi 11, 02-658-1970. www.sneakavilla.net

InBAQ

Seven designers came up with an idea to support communities and charities by buying unwanted polypropylene bags, vinyl banners, old truck tarpaulins and used bicycle tires. They use them to make trendy but durable recycled bags. Their products include messenger bags, shopping bags, baskets, totes and more, for both men and women. Price starts from B380.
5/F, Zen@CentralWorld, 02-640-7000. www.smart-trash.com

The Remaker

The owner kicked-off this venture eight years ago without even the most basic fashion knowledge. From T-shirts, pants, skirts, shoes and bags to belts, he says he remakes things because he appreciates the rareness of each material and the distinctiveness of each product. The Remaker’s bags are made from vinyl banners or used clothes, and other accessories, like hats and wallets, are also available. Prices can range from B100-5,000 for bags, B40-500 for accessories and B800-20,000 for furniture.
TCDC, 6/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd., 02-664-8448. www.theremaker.com

Urface

Founded by two hip street artists, Mamafaka and Rukkit, Urface, makes bags with new high-quality denim and featuring original art prints designed by the artists themselves. All designs are sold only once, so you can be sure you won’t have that awkward moment when you walk past someone sporting the same bag. Totes are priced at B3,500 and count B2,680 for messenger bags.
Siam Square Soi 10, 081-910-5673. www.urfacestore.com

Cos Lettuce

Think of a bowl of Caesar salad and that’s Cos (or should be). Crispy, thick and narrow green leaves that have a milky fluid and a slightly bitter taste.

Royal Oak Leaf

The name comes from its similarity to oak leaves. It has a mild taste but they’re pretty heat tolerant, which means you won’t lose the Vitamin A or the sweetness if used in cooking.

Iceberg or Crisphead

It is the most common, but also the least nutritious, as it is bred to have some bitterness removed. Moist and mild-flavored, it is usually very light-green, almost white in color.

Arugula or Rocket

Another popular leaf, this has a strong, peppery flavor. This small flat leaf is packed with Vitamins A, K and C.

Red Leaf

Categorized in the same group of oak leaves, this sweet, tender and cute purple-color leaf is good for salads and sandwiches.

Butterhead/Romaine

Popular among the hydroponics farms in Thailand, it is common in salads, thanks to its slightly sweet, almost buttery, taste.