สำหรับสัปดาห์นี้ ปฏิทินไทยรัฐออนไลน์ จะชวนไปช็อปของดีราคาสุดคุ้มกับมหกรรมสินค้า Sale ลอตใหญ่ และเตรียมพบกับตลาดนัดไลฟ์สไตล์ในตู้คอนเทนเนอร์แนวใหม่ ที่อัดแน่นด้วยสีสันของไฟนีออนสดใสฟรุ้งฟริ้ง แถมยังมีโปรมื้ออาหารสุดคุ้ม โปรโมชั่นตั๋วเครื่องบินถูกๆ มาให้เลือกชมกันด้วย
พร้อมแล้ว ตามมาดูรายละเอียดกันเลย
1. งาน Sale น่าช็อป!
End of Season SALE
วันนี้ – 7 ก.พ. 2559 ชวนไปช็อปล้างสต๊อกในงาน “Central End of Season SALE” ณ เซ็นทรัลสาขาฟิวเจอร์พาร์ค ภายในงานพบกับสินค้าคุณภาพจากแบรนด์ดังมากมาย ขนมาลดราคาสูงสุด 70% และยังสามารถลดเพิ่มได้อีก 25% จากการใช้จ่ายผ่านเดอะวันการ์ดและบัตรเครดิต
Shoot From The Shore
โรงแรม ดับเบิ้ลยู กรุงเทพ เอาใจคนรักอาหารทะเล มอบโปรโมชั่นใหม่จากห้องอาหาร เดอะ คิทเช่น เทเบิ้ล ‘Shoot From The Shore’ ให้คุณอิ่มอร่อยสุดคุ้มไปกับเมนูซีฟู้ดสดๆ นานาชนิด เมนูจานเด็ด ได้แก่
A modified trailer with Chinese licence plate was seen at a fuel station in Prachuab Khiri Khan.
Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul plans to hold talks with the Transport Ministry’s Transport Department to slap higher entry fee for travel trailers.
She said that the ministerial regulations are being revised to cover this type of transport.
She said today that the emphasis would be placed on the northern part of Thailand, the main gateway for Chinese trailers. During the Chinese New Year, over 3,000 trailers entered Thailand. Next week, there will be a discussion with private business operations, she added.
According to Kobkarn, Thailand levies Bt1,300 visa fee on inbound vehicles, Bt400 insurance fee, plus Bt200 as border pass fee. However, to enter China, insurance deposit worth Bt300,000 is slapped on Thailand-registered vehicles. Including all types of fees, each Thai tourist need to pay Bt15,000.
She also added that the duration of Thailand’s traffic rule VDO shown to inbound tourists was only 15 minutes, against 1 hour in China.
Kobkarn also unveiled the plan to work with the Public Health Ministry, as state hospitals usually need to cater treatment to tourists. She noted that some tourists entered the country without having travel insurance and could not foot medical bills.
Possibly in April, the travel insurance policy is expected to cover all tourists, she said. It is being finalised if this insurance fee should be included in the visa fee or airfares.
PHOOWADON DUANGMEE
THE NATION
QINGDAO, CHINA
March 9, 2016 1:00 am
N.2 Bathing Beach, Qingdao, is empty during winter. The long beach, with its small promenade, is great for a stroll when the sun is shining. Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
Chinese tourists pose along the promenade in Qingdao. The seaside city is a popular destination for local tourists, and is becoming known to Koreans and Japanese. Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
A German historic building with copper roof capping in Qingdao’s Old Town. Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
Tourists explore the marina in Qingdao. Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
St Michael’s Cathedral stands in the old square of Qingdao’s Old Town. Nation/Phoowadon
A Taoist shrine in Mouth Lao, Qingdao, offers a glimpse of the Chinese religious spirit. Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
A friendly feline invites passers-by to drop in for a cup of coffee at the local cat cafe. Nation/Phoowadon Duangmee
Qingdao on China’s East Coast is best known for its German architecture and its brews. Traders, of course, know Qingdao for its seaport and naval base.
Located on the south coast of Shandong Peninsula on China’s East Coast, Qingdao shares the same latitude as South Korea and Japan. If you set sail from the tip of the peninsula and crossed the Yellow Sea, you would eventually reach Incheon or Jeju Island in South Korea and perhaps Nagasaki in Southern Japan. Traders, of course, know Qingdao for its seaport and naval base. To me, Qingdao is synonymous with Tsingtao.
Indeed everything I know about this seaside city comes from my acquaintance with Tsingtao, a lager that’s a favourite tipple all over China. So it’s not surprising that I regard my trip to Qingdao as the perfect opportunity to unearth the origins of the famed Tsingtao brewery.
The search though is held at bay by the weather. It’s dark, cold and very foggy when we arrive in Qingdao and it’s impossible to see where the sky ends and the Yellow Sea begins. The sun breaks through on the second day and quickly the strong German influence on the city becomes clear.
The old town, for example, is an interesting blend of Baroque, Art Nouveau and the kind of architecture Thais associate with European cities. And Tsingtao Beer – one of China’s largest breweries – was founded by the German settlers in 1903, thus explaining the taste of this well-hopped pilsner.
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The Germans were latecomers to the “colony hunting” game, arriving on China’s east coast in the late 19th century just as the Qing Dynasty was about to collapse. The Germans won a 99-year Kiautschou Bay concession by gunpoint following the brutal murder of two German Roman Catholic priests in Shandong Province in 1897.
Whatever Kaiser Wilhelm II visualised while listening to a report from his men about Germany’s concession in the Far East had little to do with land ideal for growing hops. His interest lay both in Qingdao’s strategic location and in the rich coal fields surrounding what, at that time, was little more than a coastal village. With their usual efficiency, the Germans set about urbanising the village, constructing roads, housing areas, government buildings, a sewer system and a safe drinking water supply, a rarity in those days.
We visit the former German Governor’s Residence on the east of Signal Hill Park. The mansion was constructed in the style of a German Palace and cost a small fortune to build. Kaiser Wilhelm II apparently sacked the governor the moment he saw the bill.
“Can you see the dragon on the roof?” asks Bui, my guide “The dragon was originally in chains. The German wanted to leave a message for the Chinese.”
For architecture and history buffs, a stroll through Qingdao’s Old Town is a must.
Perched on a hill overlooking the newer part of the city, Old Qingdao is where the German settlers first set foot. Boasting small and winding roads flanked by maple trees, the Old Town is a great place to admire some of the oldest buildings in Qingdao including St Michael’s Cathedral off Zhongshan Road. The crosses capping its twin spires were torn off during the Cultural Revolution but buried by locals for safekeeping. They were found in 2005 and restored to their rightful place.
Other than the old square and the historic buildings, there are many back roads to explore. One morning, after climbing the hill to admire the Bavarian architecture, I decide to follow a series of paintings of cats. After climbing flights of stairs and taking several turns, I finally discover a lovely coffee shop run by three young Chinese and a whole lot of well-fed moggies.
“Qingdao is a summer destination for the Chinese,” says Bui, as our bus runs parallel with the deserted beach. “In April, when Bangkok and many parts of Thailand are breaking records for heat, Qingdao is blessed with a cold sea breeze.”
Other than the German legacy and historic buildings, Qingdao also has some Buddhist temples and shrines to share. We visit Zhanshan temple, an active Buddhist sanctuary, and a Taoist shrine in Mount Lao, a shady haven of peace surrounded by big trees and a lovely Chinese garden.
I finally get the chance to explore the origins of my favourite Chinese beer on the last day when we visit Tsingtao Beer Museum. We admire the original and still functional machinery before ending our visit with a pint of draft pilsner. For a small surcharge, visitors can pose for a photo that’s then scanned on their bottle.
Four days in Qingdao are enough to convince me that this is one of the best cities in Asia to live or travel. It’s a great place for walking and on a sunny day, the locals stroll along the promenade to get some fresh air. Buskers provide the entertainment while street hawkers demonstrate their kites.
But perhaps the biggest draw is the potential explore the Germany legacy, chill in the hills at the Taoist shrine and Buddhist monasteries and still have time to hit the beach.
IF YOU GO
< NokScoot, a Thailand-based low-cost medium to long-haul airline, operates direct flights between Don Mueang International Airport and Qingdao Liuting International Airport. Visit http://www.NokScoot.com.
(The writer travelled in Qingdao as a guest of NokScoot.)
The award-winning 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai has partnered with VIP Jets based in Bangkok to offer a luxury Private Jet Package.
CHIANG MAI
For the rich and famous
The award-winning 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai has partnered with VIP Jets based in Bangkok to offer a luxury Private Jet Package. The offer includes round trip flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai for two in a private Cessna Citation Mustang Jet, two nights’ accommodation in the luxurious Louis Leonowens Pool Suite, round-trip limousine transfers from Chiang Mai International Airport, a bottle of Champagne or fresh juices with Thai Tapas or Finger foods on arrival, daily buffet breakfast for two or a la carte breakfast in your suite, a SilverNeedle Collection Classic Afternoon Tea Experience on The Lawn, complimentary late check-out until 6pm (subject to availability), commemorative gift on departure, priority booking at The Spa and complimentary Wi-Fi. The package is priced at Bt651,600 based on double occupancy and is valid from now to April 30. Call (053) 247 788 or e-mail: stay@137pillarshouse.com. Visit http://www.137PillarsHouse.com.
BANGKOK
Downtown deluxe
Enjoy daily breakfast and a rejuvenating Thai massage during your stay at Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok – Marriott Executive Apartments. The relaxing Spa for Two package includes accommodation in selected room category, daily buffet breakfast for two persons, welcome drink, late check-out at 2pm, and 60-minute traditional Thai massage for two persons at Thada Heritage Spa (subject to availability). The offer is valid until March 31. Call (02) 302 5555 or e-mail: measukhumvitpark@marriott.com. Visit http://www.Marriott.com/bkksp.
Bridal beauties
Visit the “Marry Me @ So” Wedding Week at Sofitel So Bangkok from April 18 to 24 to see how the hotel can stage a wedding for you. Make a down payment on the nuptials during the event and you’ll receive a wealth of special offers. They include a bachelor/bachelorette party starting at Bt50,000, a Chinese engagement package at Bt65,000, Thai engagement package at Bt85,000, wedding package from Bt300,000 with complimentary set up time and no corkage charge. All appointments for the event are RSVP only: weekdays from 10 am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm and the weekend from 10am to 8pm at The Box. Call (02) 624 0000 or e-mail: H6835-SL11@sofitel.com.
SAMUI AND CHIANG MAI
By sea and mountain
Akyra Manor Chiang Mai and Akyra Chura Samui are offering a four-night stay for two persons at Bt40,000 through March 31. The offer includes daily breakfast and return airport transfers. The new five-star, 30-suite Akyra Manor Hotel in Chiang Maiis located in the heart of the vibrant Nimmanhaemin art district while The Akyra Chura Samui is an “adults only” beach resort located on the quieter northern end of the trendy Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui, just a short walk from the main cultural hub. Visit http://www.Akaryn.com.
KRABI
Par for the course
Get more from your time in paradise with Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort’s outstanding value “Advance Purchase Rate” offer. Book at least 30 days in advance and enjoy 20 per-cent off from best unrestricted rate, plus free accommodation and breakfast for one child under 12 years of age sharing the parents’ room. Rates start from Bt6,705 per room per night and include breakfast for 2 persons. The deal is available until March 31. Visit http://www.Sofitel.com/6184.
PHUKET
Bliss by the beach
Cassia Phuket, a block of chic serviced apartments where you enjoy have kitchen cookouts, free Wi-Fi and tiffin breakfast, is offering an Ultimate Spring Break Promotion. Get 30 per-cent of the best available rate and continental Tiffin Breakfast for a minimum of two-night stay from now to October 31. Rates vary according to arrival date but March rates begin at Bt3,500. Book online at http://www.Cassia.com.
14th King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament takes place from tomorrow to Sunday on the banks of Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort
The 14th King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament takes place from tomorrow to Sunday on the banks of Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort.
Pachyderms on the pitch
The 14th King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament takes place from tomorrow to Sunday on the banks of Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort. This year’s event will have 10 teams encompassing more than 40 players, including Thai celebrities, professional horse polo players, New Zealand All Blacks rugby players and Thailand’s famous transgender cabaret team Miss Tiffany. Tickets cost Bt200 and are available at the pitch on tournament days. The special one-day VIP Pass is Bt5,000 per person and includes free-flow drinks, polo shirt and snacks. A two-day VIP Pass gives access to the Charity Auction Dinner and is priced at Bt15,000. The gross proceeds go to Golden Triangle Elephant Foundation in Chiang Rai province. Call (097) 012 0417 or email kmin@anantara.com.
Making new connections
AirAsia responds to the growing demand for domestic routes with daily direct flights between Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen and Hat Yai adding to the success of its regional connections. AirAsia flight FD5500 leaves Chiang Maidaily at 7am and arrives at Khon Kaen at 8.10am. The return flight FD5501 takes off at 2.20pm before landing at Chiang Mai at 3.40pm. A daily flight from Khon Kaen to Hat Yai leaves at 9.20am and lands in Hat Yai at 11.20am. Coming back, passengers leave Hat Yai at 11.50am and arrive at their destination at 1.50pm. Visit http://www.AirAsia.com.
Cooking up a storm
Calling all chefs, sous chefs and chef de parties! The S Pellegrino Young Chef 2016 contest is now inviting applications from chefs less than 30 years old to demonstrate a number of skills including mastery of ingredient selection and the ability to transform ingredients into wonderful dishes. The deadline to apply is March 31. Register now at http://www.FineDiningLovers.com.
Novices on parade
The Hat Siao Elephant Procession returns to the riverside communities of Sukhothai province on April 7. The annual ordination always draws many thousands of visitors for the unique and colourful elephant parade across the river. The elephants carry young men into their monkhood with the ordination s taking place at the local Buddhist chapel. Folk dances, music and other festive activities add colour to the rite. Hat Siao is part of Si Satchanalai District, home to Wat Chang Lom in Si Satchanalai National Historical Park.
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