Audi A1

We won’t pretend we aren’t still partial to the roar of a big ol’ gas-guzzling monster, but to really impress people these days you need to keep things more compact and enviro-friendly. So it’s hard to argue with a hatchback that packs in all that’s good about Audi’s larger models. Launched here in March, the A1 makes up for what it lacks in oomph with a supremely agile ride. From $126,888 (inc. COE) at Premium Automobiles, 9 Leng Kee Rd., 6566-1111.

Renault Latitude

An April baby, with the Toyota Camry in its sights, this one’s for anyone who prizes substance over style. OK, so it lacks the looks of the other two, but can either of them boast a three-zone, in-seat massage function? No sir, they cannot. And besides, what fun is a road trip if you can’t take friends or family with you? From $134,888 (inc. COE) at Wearnes Automotive, 28 Leng Kee Rd., 6471-3313.

Peugeot RCZ

The problem with the Audi TT? We’ve all seen plenty of ’em. The same can’t be said—yet, at least—for its latest competitor, the RCZ, a sleek and almost comically curvy sports coupé that looks like it’s escaped from the prototype lab. Available since February, this one handles like a dream, and sounds like a boy racer nightmare come true. From $173,900 (inc. COE) at AutoFrance, 305 Alexandra Rd., 6376-2288.

The traditionally straight-laced (and dare we say it, boring) Autumn/Winter collections are a thing of the past. Even the major fashion labels are stepping things up with outstanding collections featuring unexpected cuts and silhouettes (most notably, designer Rei Kawakubo’s shocking gold prints and trademark asymmetrical cuts for Comme des Garçons and John Galliano’s last flamboyant collection for the house of Dior).

Comme des Garçons

After the apocalyptic-inspired designs and prints for Spring/Summer, featuring images of skulls plastered all over its ready-to-wear collection, one of Japan’s most revered designers pares it down a little for Autumn/Winter. Not really. The typically long black-and-navy trench-style coat for example, may look predictable on surface, but its back features sheer net tops that will certainly stop traffic. Equally attention-grabbing are the one-sided jackets with bunched-up sleeves, as well as vintage-inspired colors and prints on body-hugging dresses intersected with asymmetric bands of black ruffles and gold-colored headgear.
$299 upwards.

Dior

A fitting farewell of a collection from the flamboyant John Galliano (who, if you’ve been living under a rock, was fired from the label after he made anti-Semitic comments a few months ago), the Dior women’s range is what you’ll get if you cross the classic style of The Great Gatsby with modern Cate Blanchett/Paris Hilton-esque Hollywood glamour. Floppy felt hats, flippy pleated school skirts, suede clam diggers, vintage-inspired sunglasses, hooded cloaks and silk bloomers with bows on each hip come in a rich palette of burgundy, green, brown and black, interspersed with dressier coats of undulating silk ruffles interrupted by stripes of fur. And that’s just the daywear. Classier formal wear like the red velvet mousseline princess dress, lemon tulle embroidered dress and pink pleated silk knit dress are true standouts—elegant, swish and outrageous.
$999 upwards.

Kris Van Assche

Somewhat reminiscent of his homme collection for Dior, Kris Van Assche goes even deeper with his penchant for impeccable tailoring, subtle details and overall sartorial elegance this Autumn/Winter, with a (very) subtle twist of punk aesthetics. Asymmetric zippers are added to tailored jackets while the jacket’s necklines are imbued with nappa leather lining. The overall silhouette is still pretty loose, with clever use of pieces such as a jacket collar as a scarf and accessories like thin leather belts and mountain-climbing-inspired boots for that further edginess. Van Assche said in a recent interview, “The new generation doesn’t want to wear suits, or is uncomfortable with suits. But the boys who followed me since I started my brand now have office jobs, so most have to wear a suit.” This is as cool as it gets for the modern dandy.
$699 upwards from Club 21.

Louis Vuitton

Never one to relent, the ubiquitous Marc Jacobs outdoes himself again with his Autumn/Winter collection for Louis Vuitton. Clearly never satisfied with just one style, the women’s ready-to-wear collection has been described as one that walks the fine line between modesty and provocation, between reason and irrationality. From ultra-feminine pieces such as the Belle de Jour-inspired blouses replete with shiny black buttons on its back and knits to the suggestive use of corsets interspersed with mannish-military-style jackets and coats nipped at the waist in shocking red, the collection is totally off the charts (in a good way). Throw in a mix of more wearable pieces like sheer pencil skirts, A-line skirts with palettes mimicking python scales and rounded-toe pumps accentuated with delicate bow straps and sexy laces, and you have a winner.
$700 upwards.

Valentino

Romance is in the air in the house of Valentino, where its current designers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccoli, have been working hard to create a timeless collection that stays true to the brand’s authority on lace, coats and day dresses. As contemporary as ever and never dainty. Tailored beige cashmere suits and day dresses are imbued with inserts of ribbed knit, giving them a casual yet lustrous feel, while gorgeous appliqué works feature in A-line dresses in nude, burgundy and navy. For something more formal, try the neat trench coats in emerald green leather. You’ll stand out in all the right ways.
$569 upwards.

Dior
Comme des Garçons
Club 21
Louis Vuitton
Valentino

Ploenchit

Shopping 4/5

ID1, at Amarin Plaza, offers some quirky budget fashion options. Central Chidlom is within walking distance and is still probably our favorite mall. It’s not so big as to get lost but still houses some more out there brands to keep things edgy. We also love its Central Food Hall, especially since the upgrade which includes the addition of a walk-in cheese room. There’s also a daytime market which attracts the office crowds during their lunch break, just opposite Central, next to Krungsri Bank.

Nightlife 3/5

Snotty and debaucherous Hyde and Seek Gastro Bar (Athenee Residence, Soi Ruamrudee, 02-168-5152) is the clear stand-out, although the old-school clubbing option in the area is Spasso (Grand Hyatt Erawan, 02-250-1826). Sita Bar at Tenface Bangkok (Soi Ruamrudee 2, 02-695-4242) is also a new hit among fresh hi-so graduates for cocktails and live DJs.

Green Space 4/5

It’s close enough to Lumpini to smell the clean air and an easy walk to its peaceful delights.

Food 4/5

For breakfast and lunch, there’s BKK Bagel Bakery (Maneeya Center, 02-254-8157), the only place in the city to specialize exclusively in New York style bagels and homemade cream cheeses. Cafe Tartine (Athenee Residence, 02-168-5464), an adorable little French cafe on Soi Ruamrudee serves light salads and proper French baguette sandwiches. For dinner, there’s everything from the raucous, Mexican cantina-esque La Monita (Mahatun Plaza, 02-650-9581) with arguably the best tacos in town, to the B1,600 degustation menu at Gaggan, where Chef Gaggan Anand re-presents Indian classics in modern ways.

Walkability 3/5

Actually not bad. Major roads like Lang Suan and Wireless have lovely, wide sidewalks with not too much street vending action.

Culture 4/5

The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand has its headquarters at Maneeya Building. They frequently do panel discussions, film screenings and exhibitions regarding political and cultural matters pertinent to the region. 100Tonson is an art gallery on Soi Tonson that’s currently doing the solo oil painting exhibition by Takanobu Kobayashi and puts on some of the most political shows in town.

Connectivity 4/5

Pretty good­­—Langsuan and Wireless provide easy access to the Rama 4 and Silom areas, and there are good links to the expressways, even if these roads get choked. And there’s the Lumpini MRT and BTS at either end to get you where you need to go.

Property

• Oriental Residence: Solid wood and marble floors with teak wood fitted kitchens, walk-in closets and branded in-room appliances. Facilities include a lounge, a café, a business center with board room, an entertainment room, spa, fitness center, swimming pool with terrace, sky pool, roof deck, park and a sky terrace. Residents can also make use of their in-house concierge, housekeeping, in-room dining, catering, and shuttle services. B230,000-250,000 per sqm. 02-651-5999, www.oriental-residence.com

• Noble Ploenchit: Claims to be the most expensive land transaction in Bangkok’s history at B4.3 billion for a 4-rai area. The project will feature three buildings: 50-story, 45-story and 14-story, totaling 1,443 units and an additional 3-story building as the developer’s office. Selections start from a 40-sq-meter one-bedroom to a three-bedroom and will cost B148,000 per sq meter. 8-unit penthouses start B190,000 per sqm (around B39 million each). The construction is projected to start mid-2012 and end by the beginning of 2017. On-site facilities include private and common hi-speed elevators, swimming pools, fitness centers, steam rooms and a multi-purpose room. 02-251-9955, www.noblehome.com

Ratchada

Shopping 4/5

Ratchada has it all: Fortune Town, IT Mall, Tesco Lotus, Jusco Night Market,  Esplanade, Big C Extra, Robinson, Mansion 7, and the upcoming Central Plaza Rama 9. The real highlights, though, are the Ratchada Night Market, open every Saturday evening, and the upcoming Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchada. We also like scary malll, Mansion 7 (244/7 Ratchada Soi 14, 02-692-6311) with its cute boutiques, haunted house and kinky store, Hidden Closet.

Nightlife 4/5

Apart from gentlemen’s club Hollywood and all the dirty massage parlors, Ratchada is a crazy clubbing zone. Ratchada Soi 4, if not too dodgy for you, is good for club-hopping. Inch (behind Esplanade) offers a similar vibe to to RCA or Ekamai. There are also a number of good outdoor bars hidden in the sois. Seasons Change (775 Ratchada Soi 18, 02-277-9189), for example serves Thai dishes in a green, outdoor setting with live bands nightly.

Green Space 3/5

A whole lot of concrete, though the green fences with trees all the way down the road break it up a bit. There’s a public park near Huay Kwang Market but it’s not very nice.

Food 3/5

Lots of malls mean lots of restaurants (though most are chains). However, there’s exciting street food in front of those malls, and plenty of food stalls inside almost every soi (especially in Huay Kwang). There isn’t a lot of fine dining, though. Grill restaurants like Ko-Khun by Khun Tong (Ratchada Soi 4, 085-365-0066) or Gyu Gyu Tei (Ratchada Soi 18, 083-929-4646) are comforting while the Guay Tiew Tomyam Nai Plaew (opposite Chanhoonbumpen Schoolpen, Mon-Sat 6-10pm) has a big queue outside every day. There’s cheap street food at Huay Kwang Market, too.

Walkability 4/5

Pretty impressive, thanks to the wide pavements. However, it can be a long hike to find a crossing spot since the pedestrian bridges are few and far between.

Culture 3/5

Thailand Cultural Center’s shows lean towards the traditional and high-brow. If you want something more light-hearted then Rachadalai Theater on the fifth floor of Esplanade puts on plays like Tawipop the Musical.

Connectivity 4/5

There are plenty of MRT lines around here, an airport link station, and three access ramps to the nearest expressway. But traffic can be extremely painful and the city center is not near.

Property

• Rhythm Ratchada-Huaikwang: A newly built project by AP Property. The building has 34 stories, a garden located on the seventh floor, six floors of parking, an infinity-edged swimming pool, gym and other recreational facilities. There are 539 units in total, and the MRT station is right in front of the project. B100,000 per sq meter. www.ap-thai.com
• The Mark Ratchada-Airport Link: A 25-story high rise located in between the airport link and MRT Praram 9. There are 420 units in total with choices of 31.75-42.55-sq-meter, one-bedrooms and 56.90-59.75-sq-meter, two-bedrooms. A library, garden, fitness room and city view swimming pool are also on hand. Expected to complete Jul, 2013. B55,000 per sq meter. www.themark-condo.com

Ari

Shopping 2/5

Pretty scarce, the best we could come up with is La Villa, a little community mall that has a few restaurants (nothing spectacular) and dessert shops and a Villa supermarket. For more comprehensive shopping, head to Chatuchak.

Nightlife 4/5

Ari now has almost everything that Thong Lor does, except in significantly less overwhelming degrees of saturation. Plus the crowd, if you’re not counting the NGO expats, is less wealthy (though no less hip) and more Thai. The nightlife is all about sinking into a comfortable sofa for cheap cocktails in lovely retro-decked house-bars like Sofa So Good (Ari Soi 5, 02-617-6451) and Alcoholiday (Arisamphan Soi 4). There’s live music in the evenings at Aree Alley (Arisamphan Soi 4, 02-278-5325) and DJs spin often at Pla Dib (Arisamphan Soi 7, 02-279-8185). Ari’s pocket-sized community mall, Aree Garden (Arisamphan Soi 11, 02-278-32580), has a branch of HOBS, too.

Green Space 4/5

Not too much to say in this department, though the many trees and relatively abundant low rise buildings makes the area feel a lot less claustrophobic. There’s also a sweet little park at the end of Soi Ari, where the road curves left.

Food 4/5

In addition to the street food and little mom and pop shops in the area, Soi Ari and Soi Arisamphan are seeing a rise in international sit-down dinner places. Pladib is the classic favorite, combining an industrial look with raw fish, art and music. Also noteworthy is the new and hot Salt (Ari Soi 4, 02-619-6886) which does Japanese inspired dishes and wood-fire pizzas in an iron and glass dining room. More laid back places include the local branch of Basilico, Polka Dot Cafe (02-617-3204) at Aree Garden and the famed Somtum Bangkok (Ari Soi 3, 02-619-8659).

Walkability 2/5

Mixed. The main drag of Arisamphan is pretty easy to walk on, but once you turn into the maze-like sois that go on and on forever, pavements disappear and you’re competing with the traffic.

Culture 2/5

Baan Ari on Ari Soi 1 is a community center of sorts with a special emphasis on Buddhism. The organization offers ranges of activities like dharmma talk, praying sessions and dharmma for kids on a regular basis (02-619-7474, www. baanaree.com)

Connectivity 3/5

You’re not too far from Victory Monument and the expressway ramp there. Plenty of little sois connect Ari to Arisamphan if you have the patience to figure them out, but it’s a long trek on the BTS to elsewhere.

Property

• The Vertical Aree: An already-sold-out project by Sansiri with choices of 40-sq-meter one-bedroom to 114-sq-meter three-bedroom. This 25-story development is located in Ari Soi 1, making it an easy walk to the BTS and the main road. Facilities include swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness room and Sansiri privilege services. B93,000 per sqm. 1685, www.sansiri.com
• The Seed Atom: Another boutique double condo project by Preuksa located on Ari Soi 4, the concept is perfection of urban living. Facilities including swimming pool, fitness center, steam room, sky lounge and hotel style lobby for each building. You can choose from their 22.41-sq-meter studios to 78.1-sq-meter two-bedroom. A one-bedroom starts at B3.3 million. Your gain is a short walking distance to La Villa, BTS and all other community retails in the area. B80,000 per sq meter. www.theseedatom.com

Sathorn

Shopping 2/5

City Viva (Corner of Narathiwas Soi 6, 02-237-9150) offers worktime lunches, shopping sessions and some after-work drinking choices. The vibe is part Palio in Khao Yai and a bit of Siam Square but overall, the shopping scene is pretty scant unless you make the trek to the stalls, La Lai Sub Market.

Nightlife 3/5

Although not the hot spot it once was, Sortrel (Narathiwas Soi 17, 02-676-4359) has an easy-going vibe. You can even doodle on their paper table tops with the provided crayons. If you prefer more privacy with a comfy outdoor deck, cross the street to Olive Keeper (138, Narathiwas Soi 10, 02-286-6754). Met Bar (Metropolitan Bangkok, 27 Sathorn Rd., 02-625-3333) and Vertigo & Moon Bar (Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200) serve selections of cocktails with exotic Bangkok views at sky-high prices. Wong’s Place (Soi Sribamphen, 081-901-0235) opens until very, very late at night.

Green Space 5/5

Lumpini Park!

Food 5/5

The jewel in the crown of this neighborhood is arguably David Thompson’s Bangkok branch of the Michelin-starred Nahm (Metropolitan Hotel), which does an old-school, slow-cooking intensive set dinner at B1,800 per person. Other fine dining options are also abundant, thanks to the line of five-star hotels on Sathorn Road. There’s also Eat Me (Soi Phiphat 2) which also is an art gallery. More laid back options include Pandanus (Sathorn Soi 1, 02-287-4021) which has that seaside villa feel and Secret Garden (in front of Sathorn Soi 5, 02-286-2454), a group of white glasshouses surrounded by a huge garden. And of course, you’re a pedestrian crossing away from Soi Convent and its street food.

Walkability 2/5

Sathorn Road is very wide, and crossing on foot to Lumpini Park can be a death-defying, but overall, the sidewalk and footbridge situation is pretty decent, even though the lack of sufficient trees makes it a sweaty experience.

Culture 4/5

There are some good culture options, and some are free. The Goethe Institute (18/1 Soi Goethe, Sathorn Soi 1, 02-287-0942) has regular German classes, art exhibitions and more, while Alliance Francaise (29 Sathorn Rd, 02-670-4200) also has film screenings and art exhibitions. They even have a mini arts school, offering classes in French, photography, design and dance. Their selected French films screening is highly recommended.

Connectivity 4/5

MRT Lumpini, BTS Chong Nonsi and the BRT line. Traffic is hellish though and twisting sois get even busier. Very central.

Property

• The Address Sathorn: Only 100 meters from Sathorn Soi 12, the project focuses mainly on comfort and security. Facilities include infinity-edged pool, kid’s pool, fitness center, steam and sauna. B120,000 per sqm. 02-610-3333, www.ap-thai.com
• The Ritz-Carlton Residences: 194 units located on the soon-to-be newest and highest city’s landmark, the 314- meter-tall, Mahanakhon. The 77-story high-rise will house 5 components: residences, retail, an outdoor plaza, a luxury hotel and the popular Dean & Deluca cafe and market. The building has a direct link to BTS Chongnonsi. You can choose from two-to-five bedrooms. Other facilities include a 3-floor terrace bar, restaurants, private dining facilities, and a rooftop outdoor bar with a 360- degree view. B250,000 per sq meter. 02-234-1414, www.maha-nakhon.com

On nut

Shopping 2/5

Shopping in On Nut is limited: Tesco Lotus and a Carrefour/Big C. Down the stairs from the BTS station, however, is the pleasant On Nut Square which offers Pratunam-style clothes and accessories. It’s the best market in the neighborhood and the crowds after work prove it. There’s also the famed On Nut wet market between On Nut and Phrakanong BTS stations.

Nightlife 2/5

Not much to explore. On Nut Square spares a zone for live music and draught beers. Not unlike Indy Trees Bar at Cheurpleng Road, Melon Mint (Soi 37-39, 02-721-3400) offers basic Thai dishes at reasonable prices. Other than that, the main drag is littered with dodgy karaoke bars.

Green Space 1/5

Very few trees along the street, and a journey to the gorgeous Suang Luang Rama 9 Park is at least B100 in a cab from the BTS.

Food 4/5

Being residential and a bit of a manufacturing area, On Nut offers scrumptious street food along the road. Stop by around Soi 13-17 during 4-11pm and try local favorites like pork satay, guay tiew tom yam and fried prawns. Khao tom shops around Soi 18 are also very popular. Head to Little Big (opposite Tesco, 02-742-6159) if you’re not a big fan of street food and choose from their long list of comfort Thai dishes. For café lovers, don’t miss Coffaholic (02-730-3266) for its lovely atmosphere, or go to Kaiteki Yakiniku (02-730-2440) for an unlimited Korean-style BBQ beef (both at The Curve, Soi 17).

Walkability 2/5

The street is too hot and polluted. Most of the sidewalks are broken or filled with street stalls.

Culture 1/5

Loads of temples along the street with the most famous being Wat Mahabhut (Soi 7), where you can wai the legendary Mae Nak Prakanong. Not a lot else.

Connectivity 2/5

The traffic is bad especially at peak hours. But the BTS line and the expressway (Sukhumvit Soi 62) are very handy. For intra-soi travel, there’s pok-pok, songtaew and motorcycle taxis. It’s far from the center, though.

Property

• Diamond Sukhumvit: 485 units under a contemporary concept with three room types, from studio to 2-bedroom. A one-bedroom starts at B3.1 million. Residents get wide windows and spacious room designs and it’s only a 250-meter walk from BTS Onnut. The project is expected to completed end of 2011. 02-331-9888, www.diamondsukhumvit.com
• IDEO Verve Sukhumvit: A 30-story building with a joint-less glass window design, it stands right in front of the BTS. There are four elevators, a swimming pool, a kid’s pool, a spa pool, a fitness center, a garden and a few retail shops down on the ground floor. Room selection starts from 30.51-sq-meter one-bedroom to 63.74-sq-meter two-bedroom. 02-316-2222, www.ideocondo.com

Lat phrao

Shopping 4/5

MRT Lat Phrao is home to two major shopping malls: Union Mall and Central Plaza Ladprao, facing each other at the Lat Phrao intersection. Union Mall is home to heaps of cheap teenage fashion as well as chain restaurants. Its highlight is the newly-organized fourth floor, with one third of the space dedicated to young Thai designers. Central Plaza Ladprao is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a total facelift. In September, the six-month renovation will be complete and locals will welcome back an old friend along with new brands like Uniqlo and Topshop/Topman. Further to the west is Chatuchak Weekend Market and Talad Rotfai, which is the new indie sweetheart.

Nightlife 2/5

Hidden in Lat Phrao Soi 8 is the long-running Budda Bar (02-513-4919), a chill-out joint for the local indie crowd with nightly live bands. Going further, across from Soi 33, Kin Deum Latphrao (084-611-7474) is a neighborhood favorite for its open-air space—perfect for big groups watching football matches on their large screen. In Soi 71, Hua Hin (02-514-2422) makes you feel like you’re by the sea with its white wooden stools and tables, raw cement and green trees.

Green Space 3/5

Although not exactly in Lat Phrao, Chatuchak Park next to BTS Mochit and the even-larger Vachirabenchatat Park (Suan Rod Fai) next to MRT Kampaengpetch are a great lung for the neighborhood. The parks get packed every evening and weekend when you see hundreds of people chilling or riding bicycles. The newest addition there is the Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives (www.bia.or.th) meditation center, free for those seeking true inner peace.

Food 3/5

Opposite Union Mall there are no fancy restaurants but great street food. Jiang Hai (02-938-7682) is famed for its tasty kanom jeen nam ngiew (rice noodle with Northern style soup). In front of the Petronas Petrol Station at Soi 15 is a street noodle stall where you must try the yam bamee haeng moo daeng (yellow noodles with roasted pork). At the corner of Ladprao Soi 33, stop by Khao Tom Ped Auan (086-377-5350) and try the Thai and Chinese dishes. On the main road in front of Soi 35/1 you’ll see two air-con shophouses of Haan Tha Din Daeng selling crispy and juicy fire-grilled goose.

Walkability 3/5

Thanks to the recent renovation, Lat Phrao foot paths are now large and smooth and covered with trees, so that you can even walk from Union Mall to MRT Lat Phrao, or further, if it’s not too hot or cluttered with street vendors.

Connectivity 4/5

Traffic is bad but the sub-sois all interconnect making getting around possible. MRT Lat Phrao and Phaholyothin are a plus.

Property

• Haus 23: The 27-story futuristic-looking condominium is perched on the main road in front of Soi Lat Phrao 23, a short walk to MRT Lat Phrao. With 236 units, selections range from studio and 1 bedroom to 2 bedroom and duplex suites (24-61.5 sq meters). Prices are from B1.9 million and it’s scheduled to be completed in the next two years. 085-777-2323, www.haus23condo.com
• M Ladprao: Located right opposite Central Plaza Lat Phrao and next to Union Mall, M Ladprao is one for shoppers. The 44-floor building houses 313 rooms, ranging from one bedrooms to penthouses (32-168 sq meters). It’s Sky Chillaxation space on the rooftop has one of the best 360-degree panoramas of the area. Prices are from B120,000 per sq meter. 02-267-2000, www.signatureofme.com

Thonglor

Shopping 2/5

As one of the nightlife and social hubs of Bangkok, the main Thonglor drag, as well as its numerous subsois, are awash in community malls like J Avenue, Marketplace, Eight Thonglor, Penny’s Balcony, Grass Complex, Baan Ekamai and, most recently, Seenspace. The upside is that, if you need groceries, supermarkets like the giant Tops at Marketplace and the new Foodland at Eight Thonglor are readily available. The downside is that, there isn’t much in the way of shopping here, unless you’re into browsing the one or two standalone girly shops per community mall or buying a wedding dress. Still, there are a couple of offbeat gems: Pantry Magic (02-713-8650) at Eight Thong Lor stocks mouth-watering kitchen gadgets and equipment, while Goose (Thonglor Soi 13) is a high end paper and scrapbooking store.

Nightlife 5/5

There’s something for every one from restaurant-bars where you can eat and drink the night away, like Soul Food Mahanakorn (02-714-7708), Fat Gutz (Grass Complex, 02-714-9832) and the newly-rebranded Wine Republic (02-714-7599), to high-energy night clubs like Muse, Demo and Funky Villa (all on Thong Lor Soi 10). There’s tons of bars, too, like Iron Fairies, good ol’ HOBS at Penny’s Balcony and their new venue Brew at Seenspace as well as the all-time classic retro bar Shades of Retro on Soi Tararom 2.

Green Space

Does the astroturf at Grass Complex count?

Food 5/5

It’s a foodie paradise, with fancy eateries like 4 Garcons on Thonglor Soi 13, Beccofino (Soi 4, 02-392-1881) and Bussaracum (opposite Thonglor 25, 02-714-7801), and more modern places like Roast Coffee & Eatery (Seenspace, 02-185-2619) and White Cafe. There are also classics like the Vietnamese Xuan Mai (opposite Mercedez Benz showroom, 02-185-2619) and the Thai Reua Thong and Thon Kreung. Street food is abundant, too, with the famous Hoy Thod Choa Le (085-128-3996) close to Sukhumvit Road and the Thai-Chinese shophouse Boon Tong Kiat (02-390-2508) selling khao man kai

Walkability 3/5

So-so. The sidewalks are consistent, but narrow and cluttered with street stalls. At least it’s a pleasant enough walk at night, when it’s less crowded. Most of the sub-sois are without pavement, so entering them on foot can be a bit death-defying as can crossing the four-lane main drag.

Culture 4/5

Located early on the soi, the Pridi Banomyong Institute (between Soi 3 and Soi 5, 02-381-3860) focuses on academic and cultural activities which include an annual political seminar, an exhibition space for independent artists, selected film screenings and a second floor auditorium called The Crescent Moon Space which always come up with quality plays. Within walking distance from the BTS is the famed bar and gallery WTF and sister event space Opposite (Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246), which has become a gathering place for artists and hipster farang, with programming that includes sculpture, live music dance parties and the high-quality open mic night called Bangkok Poetry.

Connectivity 2/5

Poor. The main drag is usually pretty busy making it tough to get to the expressways or the BTS, unless you go by bike. Most sub-sois are even worse.

Property

• D’25 Thonglor: Located on Thonglor Soi 25, this low-rise condominium has eight stories and underground parking. There are 98 units in total and it is expected to be done by late 2012. The whole concept is inspired by the art of origami and is combined with the subtle use of exposed concrete. Facilities include a water garden courtyard, outdoor lounge, salt-water swimming pool, jacuzzi, sun deck, fitness, golf putting course and video phone security. B98,000 per sq meter. 082-416-2525, www.d25thonglor.com
• Quattro by Sansiri: With a great location in Thonglor Soi 4, the project features 28 and 36-story buildings with 446 units in total, ranging from a 49.50-sq-meter 1-bedroom up to a 295.5-sq-meter penthouse. Facilities include double pools, kid’s pool, fitness, garden, terrace and a 24-hour concierge service. B160,000-210,000 per sq meter. 1685, www.sansiri.com

Phrom phong

Shopping 3/5

It’s hard to look past the monolith that is Emporium, a fave with local hi-sos and expats thanks to its impressive range of imported goodies like designer bags and Italian meats. Of course that means nothing is cheap either. Not too far, the al fresco joys of K. Village (top of Sukhumvit Soi 26) offer some more boutique local and Japanese-focused stores but at similar high prices. Our personal favorite though has to be the serene space of secondhand bookstore Dasa (714/4 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-661-2993) which consistently offers up hard to find literary gems at great prices.

Nightlife 2/5

If you like Japanese izakayas or English style boozers then you’re in luck. If you don’t, then this neighborhood is surprisingly lacking in the party department. There are a few hidden gems like Sugar Lust (59/27 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 084-011-4115) and Ambrosia (99/391 Sukhumvit Soi 24, opposite Davis Hotel, 02-086-817-5215) but most just head up the road to Thonglor for their drinking.

Green Space 4/5

Perhaps the biggest highlight has to be Benjasiri Park, right next door to Emporium; it’s a refreshing escape from the smog of Sukhumvit. Having recently received an upgrade there are some great playgrounds, swimming pool, an exercise circuit, not to mention the jogging track, basketball/takraw courts and the skateboard mini ramps as well as the calming influence of the central lake surrounded by intriguing pieces of art. It gets wonderfully busy too with people making full use of the facilities.

Food 4/5

We already mentioned the heavy Japanese influence on the hood but there’s so much else to enjoy. If we had to choose then Imoya (Sukhumvit 24, 02-663-5185) would probably win, thanks to its down home authenticity and old school izakaya vibe. It’s also a good brunch hood with Ohana Cafe (Sukhumvit 24, 02-661-1930) and Gastro 1/6 (RMA Institute, Soi Namthip 2, Sukhumvit Soi 22) both scoring highly with us. For simpler breakfast fare, the pastries at Le Blanc (Soi 39, 02-259-4353) are lovely. For Thai, Bo.Lan (Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-260-2962) is still head and shoulders one of the best places in town. 

Walkability 2/5

The bicycle lane running down one side of the sidewalk just underlines the laughable state of the sidewalks which are uneven, and usually blocked by countless street stalls. That’s just on the main drag, step into the sois and the sidewalks often disappear altogether.

Culture 3/5

TCDC sits atop the Emporium and consistently has some of the best exhibitions in town, not to mention its cool library and awesome views, but it’s really a bit of a lone light in an area devoted to the god of retail.

Connectivity 4/5

Traffic on Sukhumvit is shocking pretty much 24-7 and it’s a trek to the expressway. At least the skytrain is a big saving grace and we can’t help but love the use of little pok-poks on many of the sois 39 and 49 instead of bikes.

Property

• Via Botani: The newest condominium on Sukhumvit 47 is right between Thong Lor and Phrom Phong BTS stations. The eight-story building is limited to 137 units and has 24-hours security, a gym and a swimming Pool. Hurry up, though, because Sansiri apartments are a hot commodity. There are currently only 1 bedroom apartments available and the project is expected to complete by March 2013. B135,000 per sq meter. 1685, www.sansiri.com
• The Emporio Place: This 364-unit luxury condominium is only a short walk away from BTS Phrom Phong and is easily accessible via Sukhumvit Road and Rama 4 Highway. Each unit has three exterior walls which maximizes the view, daylight and ventilation. Emporio is equipped with 24-hour security, swimming pools and saunas, sun deck areas, a library, and a gym. B120,000-130,000 per sq meter. 02-344-6666, www.tcccapitalland.co.th/emporioplace

Our exhibition is about… how a shan shui (nature landscape) master painter might feel if he time-travelled into a modern day Chinese city rife with corporate symbolism, plagued with construction and traffic noises, and still filled with traditional ways of life and view of the world.

Our favorite juxtaposition is… art forms from over a thousand years ago like Chinese paper cuttings with the dance steps you might see on MTV beaming out from perfectly calibrated diodes.

Our preparation involves… brainstorming as a collective; writing a screenplay; choreographing a scene; designing a set; filming; morphing the image using software; transferring the information onto computer chips; building a frame and making a rice paper collage to house LED panels or an LCD screen; combined with imagery burned out of wood or metal using a laser engraving machine. And quite a bit more.

LEDs are… like cells in a human body, but instead of sharing identical DNA, they share an identical electrical signal, passed through a chain to come to life.

Contemporary culture is… never fixed, always moving, always changing before your eyes. It is filled with animated characters—some monochrome and monotonous, others chic and flexible. We try to represent all the people you find in contemporary culture in the exhibition.

Spring Floods & Peach Petals runs through Aug 9.

Led by local theater company Wild Rice, this festival showcases six original productions directed by and featuring some of the local scene’s luminaries, including Olivier Award nominee Glen Goei and playwright Alfian Sa’at.

This year’s edition has been given a fillip by Man Investments’ (of Booker Prize fame) sponsorship along with the premieres of three original plays: The Weight of Silk on Skin, Cooling Off Day and Family Outing.

“Although some of the plays appear to deal with taboo topics in Singapore, beneath the veneer it’s all about culture, identity, society and nationhood,” says Wild Rice’s artistic director Ivan Heng. “Also, we want to dramatize original literary works that capture the essence of what it means to be in Singapore now.”

The program also includes encores for two critically acclaimed plays, Charged and Nadirah, which cleverly confront thorny issues on race and religion with a healthy dose of irreverent humor.

“Though these plays are different in tone and context, they are both pertinent pieces because they reveal the issues faced by ordinary Singaporeans, “says Zizi Azah, the award winning director of both plays. As Singapore reaches her 46th year, questions about identity become increasingly prevalent and fraught—on one hand we have a Monocle-endorsed hyped-up city while on the other a more somber analysis reveals a sense of loss as we chomp through the global economic race.

“Singaporeans are usually known for their penchant for conspicuous consumerism, but to get to the soul of the nation, we need to watch these plays, including folks who have never been part of the usual theater crowd,” says Heng.

The Man Singapore Theatre Festival runs from Aug 3-21. Catch the plays at these time.

Charged Aug 3 to Aug 7.
The Weight of Silk on Skin Aug 3 to Aug 7.
Cooling Off Day Aug 10 to Aug 14.
Family Outing Aug 17 to Aug 21.
Nadirah Aug 17 to Aug 21.

Weber Joe Silver Grill

A perfect choice for amateur grillers and small-balcony living, this porcelain-finished piece sits nicely on a table or stand, and while the actual grill space may be small, it uses charcoal, or wood chips if you wanna be fancy, and has some cool features (considering the low price), such as the aluminum vent on the lid and the ash catcher on the bottom.
Price: B3,350 at True Value Hardware.

E Grill

Don’t be turned off by this tabletop grill just because it’s electric. The convenient small size is well-suited if you live in an apartment with a small balcony. Though it may not be the same as charcoal grill or even a gas-powered fire, it packs just as much heat (without the char-grilled flavor)
Price: B13,900 at The Barbecue Store.

Urban grill backyard grill

This gas-powered grill has three primary burners and one side burner. Perfect for families or hosting a party, it’s equipped with a swing out table for an extra surface and is big enough to fit in a turkey or a roast.
Price: B24,780 at Verasu.

Weber Performer Charcoal Grill

Get that delicious charcoal taste without the fuss and messiness of old-fashioned fire starters which, experts will tell you, take forever. This grill features a gas-powered charcoal lighter that does the hard work for you, so you’ll be grilling in under 10 minutes.
Price: B29,500 at True Value.

Kay Home folding Barbecue Grill

Great for beginners who don’t want to compromise on the authenticity of charcoal. This baby is portable and the stand folds for easy storage. Just throw in some charcoal, set it alight, wait wait wait and you’re ready to go. Great for camping trips too. And, oh, it’s attractively cheap.
Price: B1,150 at True Value Hardware.

Element Barbecue

This contemporary-style grill has won many design awards and is perfect for those who don’t have too much space for barbecuing. Its gas-powered, dual heating rings deliver fair amounts of heat, so you can still do everything from grilling steaks to baking pizzas.
Price: B26,900 at The Barbecue Store.

Essentials

The Barbecue Store. 21 Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-6665. Open Mon-Fri10:30am-6pm, Sat 10:30am-5pm, Sun 10:30am-4pm
True Value Hardware. 1/F, K. Village, Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-661-2433. Open daily 9am-9pm
Verasu. 87/3 Wireless Rd., 02-254-8109. Open 9am-7pm

HOW TO Grill with Charcoal

1.) Know the difference between direct heating and indirect heating. Direct heating is when your food is directly above the burning charcoals; it’s best for grilling burgers and sausages. Indirect heating is when your food is cooking thanks to the ambient heat, like in an oven. Indirect grilling is best for thick cuts of meat.

2.) For indirect grilling, place your coals on the left and right side of your grill, leaving the middle strip empty. When you’re ready to cook, place a foil tray in the empty space to catch juices from the meat. Close the lid.

3.) Everyone has their own methods of lighting a fire, but remember the basics: don’t put too much coal at first (you can always add more), don’t smother the fire (no air means no fire), and if you use lighter fluid (even though that’s cheating), make sure it’s fully evaporated before lighting the coals.

4.) Judge the heat by placing your hand just over top of the grill and count the number of seconds you can hold it there. Five seconds means it’s low heat, Four seconds means it’s medium, and three means it’s high. Any less than three, let it cool off; any more than five, add more coal and let it heat up.

5.) Trim off the excess fat from your meat, because the drips will cause the fire to flare up and burn your steak. When you’re cooking chicken or turkey, don’t pierce the skin or else your cut will lose flavor and moisture.
 

Singapore might be small, but that doesn’t mean the good stuff is all within walking distance. Some of the most interesting spots are scattered around the island, and by far the best way to access them is by car. We’ve put together five exciting themed road trips, to make it easy for you to plan a day of exploration.

FAR-OFF FOOD | FILMING LOCATIONS | SPIRITED AWAY | RURAL SINGAPORE | WAR REMEMBRANCE

Far-off Food—67KM

Singapore’s status as a food haven is well established. There are some places, however, which are a pain to get to without a car. Troublesome? Maybe. But absolutely worth it. Some stops will involve drinks, so have a designated driver at the ready.

STOP 1—Bistro @ Changi
Changi Beach Park Carpark 1, 260 Nicoll Dr., 6546-5229. Open Mon-Thu 11am-11pm; Friday 11am-1am; Sat-Sun 9am-1am.
Start your trail with a cocktail and some light bites at this bistro by the waters of Changi Beach and watch planes fly overhead towards the airport. Set lunches are available, but remember, you’ve got a long day ahead of you.

STOP 2—Ponggol Seafood
Marina Country Club, 600 Ponggol 17th Ave., 6448-8511. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm and 5:30-10:30pm; Sat-Sun 11:30am-10:30pm.
A contender for the title of Singapore’s national dish, the chili crab at this long-time favorite in the Punggol wilderness is a must-try.

PIT STOP—Punggol Promenade
You’ll probably need to walk off a little bit of excess during this foodie adventure. This recently-opened 4.9km strip of parkland is a great place to do that.

STOP 3—Sunset Grill & Pub
140B Piccadilly, 6482-0244. Open Mon and Wed-Sun 4-11pm.
Deep in the enigmatic colonial-era Seletar Camp, Sunset is famous for one thing only—its chicken wings. With 30 levels of spiciness to choose from, this could mean a pleasant taste of the US of A or a date with your gastroenterologist.

STOP 4—Colbar
9A Whitchurch Rd., 6779-4859. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8:30pm.
Located in Wessex Estate off Portsdown Road, everything about Colbar is old-fashioned and charming, from its classic chicken cutlets and all-day egg, sausage and beans breakfasts, to its rustic structure. Great English beer selection, too.

STOP 5—The Cliff
2 Bukit Manis, Sentosa, 6371-1425. Open daily 6:30pm-midnight.
This restaurant overlooking the South China Sea has seven different types of oysters and a tasting selection with four different methods of preparation. A simple, delectable way to conclude your feast.
Map and Directions

Back to the top

Filming Locations—23KM

Say what you want about Singapore, but you can’t deny that it’s picturesque. With a distinct blend of composite elements, our city is a cinematographer’s dream. With the bourgeoning Singaporean film scene, it’s nice to visit some of the places that have played a role in older films.

STOP 1—Read Bridge, Clarke Quay
In the closing scene of Peter Bogdanovich’s Saint Jack, Jack Flowers (Ben Gazzara) departs what is now the Fullerton Hotel before crossing Read Bridge (where People’s Park Complex and the Pearl Bank apartment building are visible) and disappearing into the charming mess that was once Clarke Quay.

STOP 2—The Majestic
80 Eu Tong Sen St.
Dating back to 1928, The Majestic is featured prominently in Glen Goei’s Forever Fever, and it’s where the character Hock (Adrian Pang) watches the Saturday Night Fever knock-off that inspires his dance moves.

PIT STOP—Goldleaf New Taiwan Porridge Restaurant
110 Amoy St., 6324-3268.
Also featured in Saint Jack, 110 Amoy Street is now a place to get your porridge fix.

STOP 3—Mount Faber
Mount Faber and the cable car system connecting it to Sentosa took center stage during the climactic mid-air chase sequence in the action-packed (and frankly hilarious) 1978 B-movie They Call Her Cleopatra Wong.

STOP 4—Blocks 172-174 Stirling Road
The stories of people living in three different HDB units were told here in one of the best films ever to emerge from Singapore: Eric Khoo’s 12 Storeys.

STOP 5—Faber Heights
Beneath a bridge lie the remains of the KTM Jurong Line. Follow it, and you’ll follow the path of adventure taken by the three Junior College students in Liao Jiekai’s Red Dragonflies.
Map and Directions

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Spirited Away—58KM

Modern and developed Singapore may be, but let’s face it—many of you still believe in ghosts, don’t you? Well, whether your answer’s yes or no, here’s a road trip that will make you think twice about looking in your rear-view mirror.

STOP 1—Sembawang Park
Off Sembawang Rd.
Where better to start than Singapore’s north coast where people have seen and heard it all—from pontianaks to pocongs, spirits of soldiers, disembodied voices and possessions.

PIT STOP—Buckaroo BBQ & Grill
12B Andrews Ave., 6481-4986. Open Mon and Wed-Sun 4-10pm.
Return to the world of the living and brace yourself for the night ahead (we’re assuming you’re bold enough to attempt this after dark) at this classic American restaurant.

STOP 2—Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Off Hindhede Rd.
It may be an idyllic suburb today, but Bukit Timah has a dark past. There are stories of the slaughter during World War II (when the caves in the reserve were rumored incorrectly to have been used as torture chambers), and ancient tales of a mysterious holy man who disappeared while meditating on a rock here 500 years ago.

STOP 3—Bukit Brown Cemetery
Off Lorong Halwa.
Beyond the obvious terror associated with going to a cemetery at night, Bukit Brown also holds interest as a place that will soon be lost to development, and as a place where many of Singapore’s early Chinese pioneers lie buried.

STOP 4—The Red House
191 Jalan Loyang Besar.
Inspiring fear from the start with ominous twin stone lions guarding its gate (believed to be capable of turning their heads), the Red House has a number of creepy stories associated with it, not limited to a rocking chair, floating heads and unexplained odors.

STOP 5—Old Changi Hospital
Off Netheravon Rd.
Of course there is only one place this road will lead to: The mother of all haunted places in Singapore, the inspiration behind the film Haunted Changi, and the site of many a chalet horror story. Thousands came through the doors of the old Changi Hospital in its 80-year existence; some haven’t left.
Map and Directions

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Rural Singapore—48KM

Read about the origins of any part of the country and you’ll inevitably find that it was once a nutmeg, coconut, gambier or pepper plantation. For a country that started out that way, we’ve done wonders to eliminate our countryside. But, as tends to be the case with Singapore, you just have to dig a little deeper to find that remaining slice.

STOP 1—Ericsson Pet Farm
16 Pasir Ris Farmway 2, 6581‑3333. Open daily 10:30am‑7pm.
Located on the “ulu” side of Pasir Ris, Ericsson Pet Farm is a one‑stop pet‑lover’s dream. It sells puppies, kittens, various small animals and all sorts of accessories. The farm is also home to Mdm Wong’s Shelter, a place of refuge for abandoned, abused and stray animals. Donations of food, bathing products and newspapers are welcome.

PIT STOP—SoulOut @ Farmway 1
Aquafauna Centre, 11 Pasir Ris Farmway 1, 6747‑7911. Open Mon‑Thu 3pm‑1am; Fri 3pm‑3am; Sat‑Sun 11am‑3am.
Sri Lankan crabs, Western and Asian food and cold beers in a setting that couldn’t seem further away from suburban Pasir Ris.

STOP 2—Kampong Buangkok
Gerald Dr./Lor. Buangkok, off Yio Chu Kang Rd.
Like a shanty town straight out of a history textbook, the zinc roofs and wooden walls of Kampong Buangkok belong to another time. Singapore’s last village dates back to the mid 1950s and around 20 families still live here. The peace of this postage‑stamp of a settlement makes you wonder about what we’ve lost with progress.

STOP 3—Orchidville
10 Lor. Lada Hitam, 6552‑7003. Open Mon‑Fri 8am‑6pm; Sat‑Sun 8am‑9:30pm.
There are few things more Singaporean than orchids and there are over 2,000,000 individual specimens in the 43 hectares of Singapore’s largest orchid farm. Orchidville conducts farm tours and orchid cultivation workshops, has a rainforest‑themed restaurant, and sells a range of books, gardening supplies, potted plants and cut flowers. Sadly, it’ll make way for an MRT depot next year, so visit while you can.

STOP 4—Jurong Frog Farm
51 Plot 56 Lim Chu Kang Lane 6, 6791‑7229. Open Tue‑Sun, 9am‑5pm.
The wide open spaces of Lim Chu Kang and Kranji form Singapore’s largest remaining area of farmland and Jurong Frog Farm is one of its more interesting attractions. The constant drone of around 20,000 bullfrogs fills the fresh air as you take a 30‑minute self‑guided tour and shop for exotic meats (including frog, of course).

STOP 5—Hay Dairies
3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, 6792‑0931. Open daily 9am‑4pm.
You’ll smell Hay Dairies before you see it. About 800 goats reside in its long sheds, providing goat’s milk as an alternative for lactose‑intolerant people. You can view the milking process every day from 9‑11am and purchase takeaway bottles of milk. If you’re wondering how profitable the goat farming business is, just have a look at the Lamborghini parked upfront.

STOP 6—Bollywood Veggies
100 Neo Tiew Rd., 6898‑5001. Open Wed‑Sun 9am‑6pm.
Helmed by the irrepressible Ivy Singh‑Lim and her husband Lim Ho Seng, over 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables grow on this 10‑acre farm without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Around 20 types of banana are available here (used to make great curry and banana bread at the on‑site Poison Ivy Bistro) and various tours of the farm and its spice garden can be arranged.
Map and Directions

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War Remembrance

We often forget about Singapore’s importance during World War II. The stories of the British surrender and the suffering during the Japanese Occupation were drummed into our brains every Feb 15th during our school days, but we now walk by historical markers and battle sites with nary a thought about all that. The significance of Singapore as the site of the Allies’ last stand, and of Changi Prison’s use as a Prisoner of War camp, is something we must all remember.

STOP 1—Kranji Beach Battle Site
Off Kranji Way.
On Feb 10, 1942, the 27th Australian Brigade and the volunteers of DALFORCE scored one of the final Allied victories against the Japanese before the occupation. The men repelled an attempt by Japanese troops to land here during low-tide, only to fall back to avoid becoming isolated by other Japanese forces landing in the west. This scenic spot in Singapore’s far north offers views of the Causeway, and Johor Bahru.

STOP 2—Kranji War Memorial
Off Woodlands Rd. Open daily 7am-6pm.
While the previous stop was all about the beginning of the Battle of Singapore, the Kranji War Memorial signifies the end of the road for thousands of servicemen. The names of over 24,000 who fought and died are inscribed on the walls of the main building, and more than 5,000 soldiers lie beneath its lawns.

STOP 3—Memories at Old Ford Factory
351 Upper Bukit Timah Rd., 6462-6724. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm; Sun noon-5:30pm.
Known by all as a site of surrender, it was here that Singapore became Syonan-to as Lt Gen. Percival gave in to the demands of Lt Gen. Yamashita. The Old Ford Factory is home to a collection of images, artifacts and stories from the war years, and the gardens around it are filled with plants and trees that provided Singaporeans with sustenance during the occupation.

Pitstop—Al-Ameen Eating House
2-4 Cheong Chin Nam Rd., 6462-1996. Open 24 hours.
Bukit Timah is well-known for its restaurants, but it’s hard to beat the briyani and prata here.

STOP 4—Reflections at Bukit Chandu
31K Pepys Rd., 6375-2510. Open Tue-Sun 9am-5:30pm.
At the foot of what was once known as Opium Hill, this black and white bungalow on Pepys Road stands as a memorial to the men of Askar Melayu, or the Malay Regiment. On Feb 13 and 14, 1942, men of the Regiment’s 1st and 2nd Battalions held out against the Japanese, resorting to hand-to-hand combat when ammunition ran out. The museum here preserves their stories.

STOP 5—Civilian War Memorial
Beach Rd.
The true price of war is the suffering endured by ordinary people. The Civilian War Memorial is a quiet gap of green in the city, but what many don’t realize is that the ashes of civilian war casualties are interred within.

STOP 6—The Changi Museum
1000 Upper Changi Rd. North, 6214-1179. Open daily 9:30am-5pm.
This museum pays tribute to the thousands of people who became prisoners of war under the Japanese with a collection of storyboards and personal items.

PITSTOP—Airfield Restaurant
Blk. 5 Changi Village Rd.
It may not look anything like its original incarnation, but Airfield Restaurant was once a popular haunt for Royal Air Force personnel stationed in Changi; the excellent Western food gives that away.
Map and Directions

If you don't own a car, here are some trusty car rentals in Singapore.

Want to buy a car instead? Check out the three latest ones to hit our shores this year.

Some might say that the mark of a true gentleman is polished shoes or the perfect watch. Well, we say that the oft-overlooked detail is the perfectly-fitted shirt. There isn’t a ready-to-wear store in the world that can match the elegance of a custom-tailored shirt. But bespoke shirts, where you select everything from the fabric, the prints and the buttons to the cut and design, come with steep price tags. And with thousands of tailors in Bangkok offering this service, it’s hard to know which are good and which ones are cutting corners.

So here is your third option: three made to measure boutiques whose choice of cuts and materials are guaranteed to spare you the uncle look.

Duly

Sukhumvit Soi 49, 02-332-3347/8. Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9298/9. www.laladuly.co.th
Duly is regarded as one of the best shirt boutiques in town. They offer nine styles of collars, three styles of bottom cuts and three styles of front plackets (the vertical panel where the buttons go). What’s more, they import their fabrics directly from textile manufacturers in Italy, unlike most tailor shops in the streets. Made to measure shirts are from B4,450 and can cost up to B12,000, depending on fabrics. But if you want something really special, order Egyptian cotton from Thomas Mason—the Giza Egyptian cotton is very smooth, thin and fine. Duly is launching a new tailoring service soon for more casual looks.

Button Up

113/6 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Soi Thong Lor, opposite Market Place), 02-712-6111/-2. www.thebuttonup.com
Two years into the business and Button Up now has seven branches in shopping malls and the flagship store on Thong Lor. Its recently launched made-to-measure service offers the widest range of personalization we know of in Bangkok: there are 18 choices for collars, three for collar stitches, three for pockets, 13 for cuffs, five for front placket, three front styles, two body styles, six back styles and four bottom styles. There are 33 choices of fabric to choose from if you visit their stores at the malls, but if you go to the flagship outlet, choices go up to more than a hundred. They’ve also just sealed a deal with Italian textile manufacturer Loro Piana, also used by top-notch Savile Row tailors in London. Prices start from B3,500.

July Tailor

30/6 Sala Daeng Rd., 02-235-9210, 02-233-0171. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. www.julytailor.com
July Tailor is known for the tailor-made suits and shirts it makes for HM the King as well as politicians and government officials. Around for three generations, the place may be old school but it offers a wide range of collars, cuffs and body styles—dependent on customer preferences. “You don’t want to look like your dad, do you?” the owner asked us. Prices for made to measure shirts are from B2,500, but if you’re looking for a finer fabric, B6,500 or more gets you a Zegna-like textile.

GET THIS: Shirt Essentials

Fine fabric
Any half-decent shirt out there is 100% cotton. What really matters is the weaving, especially the number of lines per square inch. Try to get at least 120 lines/sq inch. Super high quality shirts can go up to 300 lines/sq inch—more lines means smoother fabric.

Perfect collar
The collar is actually the first thing people notice on your shirt. A good collar should be stiff, so that it effortlessly snaps down over your tie.

Fine details
Normal shirts have between 14 to 16 stitches per inch. You want 18 or higher. Smaller stitches help your shirt age more gracefully. Your buttons should be mother of pearl, of course.

Flawless assembly
All patterns should match, not just in the obvious places but everywhere. For more comfort, you may prefer a split back York cut on your shoulders. The extra stitching running down the middle of your back makes for a better fit.

The Right fit
You want to be able to put two fingers between collar and neck. Measure the sleeve length standing straight. The cuff should stop where your thumb meets your hand. The rest is mostly a question of taste and your body type.

Stream: This is similar to the Facebook feed. It’s where you share your status, pictures, videos, links and location (when using a smart phone) with your friends. Posts can be set as public or limited to specific circles.

Circles: It’s more or less like Groups in Facebook. The best bit is how you add friends: just click on their icon and drag them to the relevant circle.

Add friends: Not exactly easy. You have to go to Circles, click “Add a new person,” then type in your friend’s name or email address. You friend will be notified via email, and you need to wait until they add you into their circles too.

Link with social media channels: You can see your Facebook and Twitter feeds on Google+ by downloading the plugins from http://tiny.cc/wsprp and http://tiny.cc/6i8x7, respectively. You can also install another plugin (download from http://tiny.cc/x3f1a) to simultaneously publish your Google+ posts on Facebook and Twitter.

Hangout: This is something Facebook doesn’t have. Hangout is a video conference feature where you can start live conversations with friends in your preferred Circle. Just like group chatting in Skype.

Mobile app: Currently only Android phones can use an official Google+ mobile app. The iPhone app is still in beta version on the US iTunes. Other phones, like BlackBerry, must log in via its web app (m.google.com/plus).

Verdict: Of course it’s a beta and it’s only early days. The layout is pretty similar to Facebook but we think it’s just too complicated to understand at the moment. Especially the Circles aspect which really isn’t very intuitive. Even Hangout which is potentially cool, needs another plug-in installed first. The bottom line is, it’s not a lot of fun and we are a little bit concerned about the privacy aspect, since you have to give away a lot of info.

Accommodation choices for backpackers and budget travellers have long been limited to dorm-style hostels and low-quality rooms down dodgy alleys. No longer. It’s 2011, and we have to thank all the young entrepreneurs who have pioneered much nicer options for flashpackers (aka upscale backpackers). Here are our favorites around the region.

HONG KONG

Hop Inn

The tiny entrance is slightly hidden among the traditional Chinese medicine stores, but nine cute rooms await on the second floor, each designed by a different artist.
Rooms & rates: HK$380-490 (B1,480-1,910) for a single room, HK$480-640 (1,870-2,495) for a double room and HK$580-790 (B2,260-3,080) for a triple room.
Neighborhood: You’ll be in the middle of the shopping district, a five-minute walk from Harbour City shopping mall, the pier to Hong Kong, Victoria Harbour viewpoint and the Avenue of Stars.
Flat A, 2/F, Hanyee Building, 19-21 Hankow Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Hong Kong, +852-2881-7331. www.hopinn.hk

KUALA LUMPUR

BackHome

Rated KL’s best hostel by travel website HostelWorld, BackHome consists of four Sino-Portuguese shophouses that have been converted into a contemporary lodge with touches of raw cement, black metal, natural wood and red bricks. On the ground floor, its in-house eatery, Land Cafe, serves local dishes, snacks and basic drinks.
Rooms & rates: RM50 (B500) for a double room, RM44-46 (B440-460) per bed for a dorm room (4-6 beds per room).
Neighborhood: Its location in the old town means it’s only a few minutes walk to Central Market, and the Petronas Towers are two subway stops away.
30 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur, +603-2078-7188, www.backhome.com.my

KYOTO

Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse

Our Khao San Road is so big in Japan, they even named a series of guesthouses after it. The newest one in Kyoto feels like you’re going to sleep in the small house of a ramen shop owner—wooden sliding doors and tatami mats included.
Rooms & rates: ¥3,000-3,800 (B1,144-1,450) per person for a private room, ¥2,000-2,500 (B763-954) per bed for a dorm room (3-10 beds per room).
Neighborhood: You’ll be surrounded by shrines, shopping malls (Fuji-Daimaru and Takashimaya are within walking distance) and government offices.
568 Nakanocho, Bukkoji-agaru, Teramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan, +81-75-201-4063, http://tinyurl.com/yjhmp6c

MELACCA

Hangout@Jonger

After the success of its sister in Singapore, Hangout crossed the border and opened a cool hostel in Malacca last July. White walled rooms are filled with wooden details and colorful furniture. Staying here also means good karma as Hangout@Jonger donates RM1 from every room charge to charity organizations in the province.
Rooms & rates: Internet rates are RM140 (B1,140) for a double room and RM180 (B1,800) for a triple room.
Neighborhood: Not far from the hostel are
historic attractions like Saint Francis Xavier
Church, Porta de Santiago and the Museum of
Democracy.
19 & 21 Lorong Hang Jebat, Melacca, Malaysia, +606-292-2318, http://tinyurl.com/699apom

PENANG

Ryokan Chic Hostel Penag

Owner Darren Ng has transformed an old shophouse into Penang’s first stylish hostel. Inside the original charming Sino-Portuguese façade, the interior was entirely revamped with natural wood floors, raw cement, vivid-hued walls and metal. On its first floor, Titbits serves snacks, soft drinks and beers.
Rooms & rates: RM136 (B1,365) for a two-bed suite and RM35-40 (B350-400) per bed for a dorm room (4-6 beds per room).
Neighborhood: Its location on Muntri Road is within walking distance of historic landmarks like St. George’s Church, and the Cathedral of the Assumption.
62 Muntri Rd., Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia, +604-250-0287, www.myryokan.com

SEOUL

Bang Rang Hostel

Bang Rang (“wandering around the world” in Korean) feels like crashing at your friend’s mom’s house. All red brick and old wood outside and white walls, bleached wood and pastel colors inside.
Rooms & rates: KRW28,000 (B800) for a single room with shared bathroom, KRW55,000 for a double room with ensuite bathroom, KRW18,000-23,000 (B512-655) per bed for a dorm room (2-6 beds). Rates are for low-season; high-season rates (Jul 1-Aug 31, Dec 15-Jan 15) are 8-15% higher.
Neighborhood: Chungjeongno subway station is within walking distance, and teen hangout Myeongdong and wholesale heaven Dongdaemun are only a few stations away.
397-14 Jungnim-Dong, Jung-G, Seoul, South Korea, www.bangranghostel.com

Hangul House

Traditional rooms spread out across three houses in a compound. Despite focusing on white, bleached wood and pastel colors, Hangul House looks more like a modern-day Korean house than Bang Rang. It’s also a bit classier as there are only double rooms with ensuite bathrooms. There’s a cute outdoor terrace in the middle of the compound.
Rooms & rates: There are 18 double rooms
and one triple room. Rates are KRW55,000
-110,000 (B1,565-3,132).
Neighborhood: You can walk to historic landmarks such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, National Traditional Museum and Young-Chu Gate.
8 Tongui-dong, Jongno-ju, Seoul, South Korea, www.hangulhouse.com

Hi Seoul Youth Hostel

Hi Seoul Youth Hostel is a flashy building with
a lot of glass. Not only a home to 95 guest
rooms equipped with standard hotel facilities,
this seven-floor building also houses convention rooms and two cafes.
Rooms & rates: KRW55,000 (B1,566) for a single room, KRW66,000 (B1,880) for a double and triple room, KRW88,000 (B2,505) for a quad-bed room, KRW88,000-132,000 (B2,505-3,760) for a family room (4 people) and KRW15,000-20,900 (B427-595) per bed for a dorm room (6-10 beds).
Neighborhood: A 15-minute walk to Yeongdeungpo, a local market, and Time Square, the largest shopping mall in Seoul. The teen hangout and shopping spot near Hong Ik University is just few subway stations away.
57 Yeongdeungpo-dong, 7-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea, www.hiseoulyh.com

SINGAPORE

Beary Nice!

A sister hostel of A Beary Good Hostel, famed for its abundance of teddy bears, Beary Nice! maintains the legacy in this renovated shophouse in the center of Chinatown. Alas, you will only have each other (and no bears) in the actual dorms.
Rooms & rates: S$26 (B643) per bed for a 10-bed dorm room.
Neighborhood: It’s in Chinatown so expect food 24/7. It’s also just a three-min walk to Chinatown MRT station.
46B Smith Street, Singapore, http://tinyurl.com/5vp7oqj

Drop Inn

This Sino-Portuguese shophouse has been turned into a simple space with raw cement, walls you can draw on and colorful cushions. Close to lots of cheap food as well.
Rooms & rates: S$55 (B1,360) for a twin room, S$65 (B1,610) for a double room and S$22 (B545) per bed for a dorm.
Neighborhood: From Lavender Rd., it’s a short walk to the cheesy-yet-cheap Mustafa Mall as well as Chinatown. The Marina Bay Sands is only five minutes away by taxi.
253 Lavender Rd., Singapore, +65-6299-3817, www.dropinnhostel.com

TOKYO

Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel

Head back to pre-war Japan with Toco Tokyo. Hidden in a residential area in northeast Tokyo, this 1920s Japanese home contains contemporary lights, colorful stairs and of course, modern plumbing.
Rooms & rates: ¥6,000 (B2,285) for a double room, ¥6,500 (B2,475) for a twin room, ¥8,400 (B3,200) for a triple room, ¥2,600-3,000 (B990-1,145) per bed for a dorm room (6-8 beds).
Neighborhood: From the hostel, it’s a mere five minutes to Ueno Park and Zoo and Uneo Station. If you get the train, you can be at the shrine of Asakusa and geek-central Akihabara in five minutes, and teen town Shinjugu in 20.
2-13-22 Shitaya Taitouku Tokyo, +81-03-6458-1686,
www.backpackersjapan.co.jp