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Restaurants & Bars15 Palms......................................7

Paddy’s Palms............................8

Jungle Queen/One...................9

Rock Sand Resort......................10

The Beach Club........................11

Monkey’s ..................................12

Amari Emerald Cove................13

Magic Garden..........................17

Koh Chang Wine Gallery...........18

Booksthailand Cafe.................18

El Greco Lounge Bar/Restaurant..19

BB World of Tapas.......................19

Koh Chang Map..................��-�5Spas Breeze Spa................................23

Recipes/Features/InformationThai Food: A Quick Guide..........20

Useful Contacts........................21

Bird’s Nest Farming....................24

Recipe:Minced Pork with Tofu..26

Welcome to this issue of Koh Chang’s original Dining and leisure guide.Here we will tell you about some of the best places to eat and drink on Koh Chang as well as where to go for luxurious spa & massage treatments.In addition we include a detailed Koh Chang Map, recipes and features and some useful Koh Chang Information. Enjoy!

Koh Chang Restaurants, Bars and Spas is published twice a year by White Sand Publications Company Limited, 222/12 Moo 4, White Sand Beach, Koh Chang, Trat 23170. All content copyright 2006-2013. All rights reserved. Issue 15, October 2013.Printed by: The Post Publishing Co. Ltd. We welcome your recommendations, comments and suggestions. If you wish to advertise or just to contact us see below. Telephone - 089 936 5621 - ThaiTelephone - 081 919 8219 - EnglishE-mail - info@koh-chang-guide.comCover photo courtesy and copyright David Vinot.

Koh Chang

www.koh-chang-guide.com

In This Issue....

Restaurants & Bars

White Sand Beach

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�5 Palms

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Open since 1999, 15 Palms is a beautiful beachside restaurant and bar located on White Sand Beach. You can relax in the comfortably furnished interior or watch the sea views from our beach terrace. 15 Palms offers you a large selection of breakfasts, sandwiches and Thai and Western food. Other dishes on offer include a mouth-watering choice of pasta, pizza and Mexican food. You can enjoy freshly ground Lavazza coffee and a selection of cakes and gelato ice creams in the new air-conditioned coffee shop. A free wireless internet service is provided and a children’s menu is also available. Beachside and hotel rooms are also available.

House Specialties■ Full English Breakfast. 210B■ Homemade burgers. 210 - 280B■ Fettuccini Carbonara. 265B ■ Freshly ground coffee and a selection of cakes and ice creams. ■ Mexican Fajitas: Spicy chicken served on a sizzling platter - 330B■ Selection of Pizzas - 245 – 335B

DetailsOpening Hours8am to 1amHouse Wine Glass120 BahtCorkage300BCredit Cards AcceptedVisa/MasterCardVegetarian DishesSelectionReservationsRecommended in High SeasonTelephone039 551 095 Websitewww.15palms.comTransportNo

K.C.Resort

PoliceBox

CookiesHotel

PalmGarden Hotel

Directions for Taxi:รˆาน 15 ปาล‹ม หาดทรายขาวตรงขˆาม ปาล‹มการ‹เดˆนท‹ โฮเทลอย‡ตดกบแสงตะวน รสอร‹ท

CookiesHotel

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Paddy’s Palms has an excellent menu for all the family and is located just up the hill from White Sand Beach.The menu offers a wealth of classic pub dishes such as Irish stew, breakfasts, fish and chips and pies. Don’t forget to try the special Sunday roast. If these don’t fill you up then try one of their homemade desserts. Children’s and Thai menus are also available. Paddy’s offers draught Guinness and Kilkenny as well as a wide range of beers, spirits, ciders and cocktails.Live sports are shown on 8 big screens and there is a pool table, free Wi-Fi and table fussball. There is a car park behind the pubIf you want to stay close to the action Paddy’s has a good value resort with swimming pool.

DetailsOpening Hours7.30am to 12.30 - 1amHouse Wine Glass120 BahtCorkage300BCredit Cards AcceptedVisa/MasterCardVegetarian DishesSelectionReservationsRecommended for large groupsTelephone039-619-085 Websitewww.paddyspalmspub.comTransportNo

House Specialities■ Paddy’s Palms Big Breakfast served all day - 255B■ Fish & chips with bread, salad and tartar sauce - 305B■ Irish Stew: Classic stew made with lamb and vegetables - 360B■ Home-made Beef & Guinness pie - 295B■ Sunday Roast: Roast lamb, beef or chicken - 275 – 325B (Sundays Only)■ Apple Crumble - 150B

Directions for Taxi:แพ‰ดดส‹ ปาล‹ม หาดทรายขาวอย‡ตรงขˆาม ท‰อป รสอร‹ท

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Top Resort

PlalomaResort

To Beach

7/11

ChangBuri

Paddy’s Palms Irish Pub & Resort

The Jungle Queen Live Music Bar & Restaurant is now in its 8th season and has gained quite a reputation - offering two live bands every night of the week. With international Live Music acts and quality cocktails and spirits this bar has an atmosphere unlike anything else you’ll find in White Sands Beach or Koh Chang. The bar starts to fill up around 9.00pm so get in early to get a table. To find them turn into the walking street next to Alina Resort. They show live football and there is free pool all day and night.One Nightclub is Koh Chang’s only real nightclub and is the island’s late night meeting place. They have a state-of-the-art international sound and light system, with resident DJ’s and frequent visits from artists from around the world. Look out around the island for information about their frequent concerts featuring top Thai artists. Even when Koh Chang is quiet One and Jungle Queen are rocking.Attractions■ Happy Hour : 12pm - 7.45pm: Leo 55B, Singha 65B, Spirit+Mixer 60B, Cocktails 90B■ Restaurant open afternoons until 3am ■ Wide selection of bar meals and snacksHouse Specialities■ Succulent Breast of Chicken Burger in fresh daily bap with fillings - 160 B■ FireCracker prawn rolls in a filo pastry - 150 B■ Baby pork Ribs - juicy and spicy - 120 B■ Sun dried Beef or Pork - 120/140 B

DetailsOpening Hours10AM - Very lateHouse Wine Glass150BSignature CocktailThe Jungle Queen - 250BFree Wi-FiYesLive Music2 Live Bands Every NightTelephone09-110-66684, 085-3755-670FacebookFacebook.com/JunglequeenbarFacebook.com/onekohchangTransportCall for group pick-up

Directions for Taxi:จงเกล ควน ( หาดทรายขาว )อย‡ท ดˆานใน แกรนด‹วว พลาซ‡า ตรงขˆาม แกรนด‹วว รสอร‹ท

Alina Resort

Tesco

BeautifulOptical

Grand View Resort

AlinaResort

White Sand Beach

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Jungle Queen Live Music Bar/One Nightclub

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7-Eleven

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If you haven’t been to The Terrace restaurant at Rock Sand you will have missed a unique Koh Chang experience. Take a romantic stroll on the beach along the surf. Enjoy a meal on The Terrace which hangs out over the sparkling ocean with beautiful sunsets in quiet and peaceful surroundings from 7am till 10 pm. The menu offers freshly cooked meals, from spicy Thai to steaks, homemade pizzas and french fries. A wide range of drinks, cocktails and different wines are served.Luxury and backpackers rooms at reasonable prices are available. New: Italian Gelato Ice Cream.Did you visit The Terrace at Rock Sand? Then you saw Koh Chang!

House Specialties■ A Taste of Thailand - 600B■ Finger-licking Thai Food - 400B■ Tenderloin Steak - 350B ■ Deep Fried Fish in 3 mixed sauces - 350B ■ Club Sandwich - 130B■ Pizza Quattro Stagioni - 320B■ Spaghetti Bolognese - 200B

DetailsOpening Hours7am to 10pmHouse Wine Glass100 BahtFree WiFiYesCredit Cards AcceptedNoVegetarian DishesYesReservationsOnly on special BBQ nightsTelephone0847 810 550 Websitewww.rocksand-resort.comwww.kohchangrestaurant.comTransportNo

K.C.Resort

PoliceBox

15 Palms7-Eleven

Directions for Taxi:รอคแซนด‹ รสอร‹ท หาดทรายขาวลงรถท เค ซ รสอร‹ท เดนเลยบชายหาดทางฝงขวา ของ เค ซ รสอร‹ท

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House Specialities■ Tuna Melt Sandwich - 180B ■ Fettuccine Pomodoro - 190B ■ Hungarian Goulash - 290B■ Swiss Cheese Fondue - 560B ■ Risotto Frutti Di Mare - 320B ■ Fondue Bourguignonne - 440B■ Beef Lasagne - 240B■ Tom Yam Goong - 150B■ Shrimps with Thai Asparagus - 120B

Directions for Taxi:รˆานอาหาร เดอะบชคลบ ตงอย‡ภายใน โครงการสยามรอยลวว เกาะชˆาง คลองสนเลยวซˆายก‡อนถงศาลเจˆาพ‡อเกาะชˆาง

To Klong Son

Chinese Temple

The Beach Club is a waterfront restaurant beside Klong Son Beach in the exclusive Siam Royal View development, which is also home to the island’s only Golf Course and a Yacht Marina.The restaurant is housed in an airy and tastefully decorated modern building beside a horizon swimming pool that diners are welcome to use. It is a great location for an afternoon meal accompanied by a swim and some beachside relaxation. Alternatively it is an atmospheric spot to watch the sun set or book in advance and come down for a delicious evening meal.Given the location prices are very reasonable and there are a large number of mouth-watering menu options. Classic Thai dishes are served as well as some interesting western selections such as Hungarian Goulash and a variety of pasta and risotto dishes. Fresh seafood is also a good choice and the Beach Club is one of very few places on the island that offer Swiss and even Thai Fondues.

DetailsOpening Hours8AM - 10PMHouse Wine Glass80 BahtCorkage300 BahtCredit Cards AcceptedYesVegetarian DishesYesReservationsRequired for peak season evenings onlyTelephone039-555-144, 089-474-4335Website/E-mailwww.siam-royal-view.comTransportNo

Siam Royal View

Motorbike Shop

Klong Son BeachThe Beach Club

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Monkeys Bar & Restaurant really is the place to dine and drink in White Sands Beach. They are centrally located at Grand View Plaza, next to the Alina Hotel. They offer indoor and outdoor seating in comfortable surrounds. Their menu offers some classic European and Thai dishes along with ice cold beers, draught beers, ice creams and over 50 cocktails. Their focus is on well prepared international and Thai dishes with something for everyone.With 3 large TV screens it is a great place to watch live sport including English Premiership Football. They also have free Wi-Fi & Snooker.

DetailsOpening HoursEveryday 9am-1amHouse Wine Glass140 bahtCorkage200 bahtCredit Cards AcceptedNoVegetarian DishesYesReservationsNot requiredTelephone03955 1402Websitewww.monkeyskohchang.comTransportNo

Monkey’s

Alina Resort

Tesco Lotus

AlinaResort

Ban ThaiResort

Directions for Taxi:มงค‹กส อย‡ท แกรนด‹วว พลาซ‡าตรงขˆาม บˆานไท รสอร‹ท หาดทรายขาว

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Grand View Resort

House Specialities■ Full English Breakfast with real Cumberland sausages -200B■ Beef Fillet Mignon. Prime cut tenderloin wrapped in Bacon with a creamy mushroom sauce- 399B■ Chicken Breast (pictured) with asparagus, creamy mash and sage & onion butter-225B■ Pizza Baguettes-150-190B■ Greek Salad-170B■ Monkeys Burger. Home made with prime mince beef served with salad and chips-205B

Klong Prao Beach

Amari Emerald Cove offers a variety of enticing dining and leisure options.Experience Thai food at Just Thai, a restaurant devoted to local methods and ingredients, including many fresh seafood dishes. For both indoor and outdoor settings, this sophisticated Thai restaurant on Koh Chang combines trendy Asian design with unforgettable Thai food and the peaceful ambience of the island.The authentic dishes and tastes of Italy come to life at Sassi, the finest Italian restaurant on Koh Chang. Whether you are sitting al fresco under the stars or tucked into an intimate booth inside, the atmosphere is always vibrant and relaxing. This is the best place to enjoy excellent wines from our cellar, with our home made pizza or one of the more than 20 pasta dishes available on the menu.Just Thai and Sassi open from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pmA tasty spectrum of international dishes can be enjoyed at The Cove Terrace, which opens for a rich and extravagant buffet breakfast as well as for all day dining. Some evenings offer special themed buffets as well.The Cove Terrace is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pmBy the pool at Pool Bar & Lounge, you can enjoy our vast selection of delicious cocktails, mocktails and smoothies accompanied by the soft sounds of lounge music or occasional live band. Stunning sunsets can be watched and immortalized from this comfortable setting.Pool Bar & Lounge is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pmMore dining options are offered by the beach with private family beach barbecue or a more intimate five set romantic dinner on the beach, for the special occasions, exclusively prepared for you and your loved ones. The afternoons, evenings and late nights can be spent at Breezes Bar which offers a wide selection of wines, cold beers, and delicious cocktails. Enjoy the resident band’s live music six nights a week, or relax with a few drinks in hand and engage in a game of billiards at our pool table offered free of charge.Breezes Bar opens from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am

DetailsOpening Hours18.00 -23.00 (Just Thai & Sassi)06:00 - 23:00 (The Cove Terrace)Credit Cards AcceptedAll major cards acceptedVegetarian DishesYesGluten FreeYesReservationsRecommendedTelephone0-3955-2000Websitewww.amari.com/emeraldcoveFree Pick-up?Yes, from all west coastFeatures: live band, free pool table, free Wi-Fi, free options available on request, happy hour, cigar& champagne**10 % discount on food and beverage if you show this page when you visit us.

Koh ChangDental

DolphinDivers

Directions for Taxiรานอาหาร จสทไทย, ซสซ, เดอะโคฟเทอเรซ และ บรซเซส บาร ตงอยใน อมาร เอมเมอรลด โคฟ เกาะชาง เขาซอยขางรานแวนตาทอปเจรญ

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Amari Emerald Cove Koh Chang

Grand Cabana

Magic Garden

Lonely BeachMagic Garden

The Magic Garden is one of those restaurants you have to have been toon your holiday in Koh Chang. The menu is an excellent mix between traditional Thai-style cuisine and a welcome treat for the Western palette. The cosy ambiance, quality of food and relaxing music invites the guests for many return visits. In short a visit to Magic Garden will leave you with an experience where you get the best ambience, service and quality for your money.

DetailsOpening Hours09:00 - lateHouse Wine Glass120BCredit Cards AcceptedNoVegetarian DishesYesReservationsalways welcomeTelephone083-756-8827Websitewww.magicgardenresort.comLive MusicoftenFree Pick-up?No.

Lonely BeachResort

BB Divers

Directions for Taxiรานอาหาร เมจค การเดนท

อยท โลนลบช ตรงขามรานดำนำ บบ

และเซเวนเดย มนมารท

7 Day

Lonely Beach

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Customer Favourites■ Chicken Corden bleu - 220B - Breadcrumbed chicken breast filled with cheese and ham, with garlic-mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables.■ Quesadillas - 120B - Flour tortilla filled with salsa, sauteed onions, cheese and Mexican flavoured chicken breast, with sour cream.■ Caesar salad - 140B - Lettuce, bacon & parmesan with croutons and Caesar dressing. We can add pan fried breaded chicken strips.■ All Curries - 85B - Our specialty curries. come in a large variety of choices. Ordered with chicken, pork, beef or shrimps■ Burger Deluxe - 120B - topped with sauteed onions, crispy bacon & cheese served with French Fries■ Duck Breast - 240Bwith a sweet and spicy pineapple reduction, mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus.■ Poached White Sanapper - 220Bwith spinach, oven roasted potatoes and a white wine, dill butter sauce■ Chocolate Brownie - 120Bserved warm with vanilla ice-cream and whipping cream

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Koh Chang Wine Galleryhas been serving its customers for the past 10 years with a great selection of quality wines and spirits from around the world. At the wine and coffee bar you can enjoy a wide selectionof wines by the glass, or choose your own wine from the big variety inside the shop.Even if you get hungry you can order a pizza or pasta to enjoy with your wine.

For coffee lovers we welcome you to taste our 100% Arabica from the north of Thailand .

Details Location: White Sand, Kai Bae, Lonely BeachTel: 081-668-7035, 039-557-210email:kohchangwinegallery@gmail.com

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20

Thai Food: A Quick GuideTh

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Thailand has one of the great world cuisines. To help you to explore Thai food while you are here in Koh Chang the following is a very brief introduction to some Thai dishes you may want to sample. Chicken is Gai, Pork is Moo, Beef is Neu-a, Prawn is Goong, Fish is Pla, Squid is Pla Meuk and Vegetable is Pak. Enjoy!

Simple Dishes Thai staple dishes Pat Thai - classic Thai fried noodles Khao Pat - Tasty and filling Egg Fried Rice Khao Tom - Peppery and wholesome rice soupKhao Man Gai - Garlic rice and chicken

Thai Curries - Gang spicy, healthy & deliciousGang Kieow Wan - creamy green curry with lime leaf, lemon grass and chilli flavoursGang Kati - creamy red curry soupGang Penang - aromatic, creamy, spicy curryGang Massaman - rich Indian style curryGang Som - sour spicy tamarind curryGang Karee - milder yellow creamy curry

Fried DishesPat Gapow - spicy! stir fry with hot basil leavesGai Pat Med Ma Muang - chicken and cashew nut in a delicious rich roasted saucePat Nam Man Hoy - Mild oyster sauce dishPat Poong Karee - delicious yellow curry dish. usually made with crab and eggs.

SoupsTom Yam - Nam Kon - spicy hot and sour soup with lemon grass, galangal, mushroom,condensed milk and, usually, prawnTom Yam - Nam Sai - without condensed milk and usually with more fresh chillies Tom Kaa - mild, creamy with salad cream taste Tom Jert - mild soup with pork, tofu & cabbage

Thai Salads - YamThese salads are sour and can be very spicy. Som Tam - Delicious green papaya and limesalad. sometimes comes with raw crab - only for strong stomachsYam Goong - prawn and glass noodles salad

Snack FoodsMoo Dat Dieo - savoury pork strips dipped in sesame seeds and friedTort Man Pla - Thailand’s famous fishcakesKanom Bang Nar Moo - special pork toast

Gang Kieow Wan

Tom Yam

Gang Penang

Useful Numbers

Gai Pat Med Ma Muang

Useful Num

bersUseful Numbers

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Useful NumbersDirectory Enquiries - Thai/English 1133

Health & Medical

Bangkok Clinic - Ko Chang 1719 / 039-5511-51/2

Bangkok Hospital - Trat 039-532-735

Klong Prao Clinic 039-557-070

Koh Chang Hospital 039-586-131/160

Koh Chang Dental Clinic 039-557-235

Trat Hospital 039-511-040/1

Koh Chang Animal Project 089-042-2347

Police

Immigration- Laem Ngop 039-597-261/5

Koh Chang Police - Dan Mai 039-586-131

Tourist Police - Koh Chang 039-557-382/3

Lost/Stolen Credit Cards

American Express 0-2273-0022

MasterCard (Toll Free) 001-800-11-887-0663

VISA (Toll Free) 001-800-11-535-0660

MasterCard/VISA 02-256-7326/7

Transport

Trat Airport 039-525-767-8 , 1771

Centrepoint Ferry 039-538-196

Trat Bus Station / 999 Express 039-511-986

Koh Chang Ferry (Ao Thammachat) 039-555-188

Bus: 999 Express 089-752-5732

Bus: Cherdchai Tour (BKK , Trat) 02-391-2237

Bus: Tanakawee (Trat) 039-252-222

Bus: SWB (Klong Son) 089-113-3490

Embassies & Consulates

Australia 02-287-2680

Belgium 02-679-5454

Cambodia 02-957-5851-2

Canada 02-636-0541

Denmark 02-343-1100

Finland 02-250-8801

France 02-266-8250-5

Germany 02-287-9000

Italy 02-285-4090/3

Indonesia 02-252-3135

Japan 02-696-3000

Laos 02-539-3642

Malaysia 02-629-6800

Netherlands 02-309-5200

Norway 02-204-6500

Singapore 02-286-2111

Spain 02-661-8284

Sweden 02-302-0360

Russia 02-234-9824

U.K 02-305-8333

U.S.A 02-205-4000

Vietnam 02-251-5835/8

Airlines

Suvarnabhumi Airport 02-356-1111

Air Asia 02-515-9999

Air France 02-635-1191

Alitalia 02-634-1800

Bangkok Airways - Koh Chang 039-551-654

British Airways 02-627-1701

Air Canada 02-670-0400

Emirates 02-134-2918

Etihad 02-253-0099

Eva Air 02-269-6288

Gulf Air 02-254-7935

KLM 02-635-2300

Lufthansa 02-654-6800

Malaysian Airlines 02-263-0565

Qantas Airways 02-627-1701

Qatar Airways 02-259-2701

Singapore Airlines 02-353-6000

Swissair 02-204-7777

Thai Airways 02-356-1111

Local Services

Tax Office Dan Mai 039-586-220

CAT 081-350-2012

TOT 039-551-515

Electricity Office - Dan Mai 039-586-067

Labour Office - Trat 039-530-843

National Park Koh Chang 039-555-080

Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) 1672

TAT Laem Ngop Office 039-597-259/60

Fire Station 039-511-044

Hook Computing 081-949-1524

UBC True 02-725-2525

Koh Chang Television 039-551-371

Website design 086-111-9967

For Activities and Hotel phone numbers please see the relevant section of this guide.

Useful Websites

www.koh-chang-guide.com - Our website has a wealth of information about Koh Chang.

www.kohchangnews.com - This Koh Chang news website is informative but is unfortunately only in Thai.

www.iamkohchang.com - This site has plenty of up-to-date information on Koh Chang.

www.tourismthailand.org - The Tourist Authority of Thailand's official website.

www.booksthailand.com - A Koh Chang based book shop. Order Online and they will deliver to your hotel.

www.bangkokpost.com - Thailand news at the website of the Bangkok Post newspaper.

www.nationmultimedia.com - More Thailand and world news from The website of this Thai newspaper.

www.thaivisa.com - This huge website/forum covers almost everything an expat could wish to know about visiting and living in Thailand.

Breeze Spa

23

You feel it from the moment you walk in, and you can’t help but smile.Linen drapes flutter like it’s the only job they’ve ever known, palm fronds rustle just to pass the time, and a warm smile meets your own. There is energy here, a vibrant yet gentle buzz that beckons you to step inside so cast aside your cares, and let Breeze sweep you away. That carefree feeling is what sets Breeze Spa apart as Koh Chang’s most refreshing spa experience. Here on the island, you’ll find it nestled within the iconic Amari Emerald Cove offering a mid-day recharge or a sundowner “cocktail” of invigorating treatments that will put the bounce back in your step, leaving you ready to take on Koh Chang with all the energy it deserves! One of the unique aspects of Breeze Spa’s philosophy is the importance placed on simplifying the spa experience, getting back to the basics of what feels right for you. So one of the first questions your therapist may ask is not ”what would you like?” but rather,”how would you like to feel?”. That’s where Breeze Spa’s innovative Mood Therapy Treatment concept really makes a difference. Name the mood you’re aiming for- such as Dreamy, Serene, Rejuvenated, Invigorated, Energised - and the therapist instantly put together a treatment that incorporates all five senses, with a carefully chosen body therapy or massage technique, aromatherapy oil, herbal tea, music and even color! The result? You walk out with a smile on your face, and energy boost, and a positive attitude. Discover the bright side of life at Breeze Spa.

Special Offer Purchase any treatment and receive 50%saving for the second treatment. Now you and your loved one can both enjoy Breeze- together.

DetailsOpening Hours11am-8pmCredit Cards AcceptedAll major cards acceptedBookingsRecommendedTelephone039-55-2000Emailemeraldcove@breeze-spa.comWebsitewww.breeze-spa.com/amari-emer-ald-cove-koh-chang/Free Pick-up?Yes, from all west coast addresses.AddressBreeze SpaAmari Emerald Cove Koh Chang, 88/8 Moo 4, Klong Prao Beach, Koh Chang

Directions for Taxiบรซ สปา ตงอยใน อมาร เอมเมอรลด โคฟ เกาะชาง เขาซอยขางแวนตาทอปเจรญ

Klong Prao Beach

Koh ChangDental

DolphinDivers

Grand Cabana

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Bird’s Nest FarmingBi

rd’s

Nes

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g If you find yourself on the Thai mainland close to Koh Chang keep a look out as you pass through towns and villages and you will probably spot some strange-looking buildings that look like normal houses but with narrow grilles instead of regular windows. They aren’t prisons – well, maybe some of them are – but most of them have a distinctly different use.

You may or may not be aware that one of the most expensive foodstuffs in the world is made out of solidified bird spit. Honestly! In China and also many other parts of Southern and Eastern Asia bird’s nest soup is a prized and treasured delicacy. And it is highly valued by Chinese communities in the USA and worldwide.

Of course not any old birds nest of twigs and leaves will do. The nests come from a couple of very specific species of bird called the White-nest Swiftlet and the Black-nest Swiftlet. These little members of the Swift family produce nests by gluing them together with a special saliva gland. It doesn’t sound too appetizing but the end result is a highly valued and rare food in this part of the world. This is largely because people believe that the nests are full of nutrition and are thought to have all kinds of health benefits including helping digestion, the immune system and, of course, libido. Who knows if this is true; the nests certainly contain plenty of nutritionally important elements like calcium, iron and potassium so there might be something in the theory. Anyway the bird’s nests are soaked to produce a gelatinous material that is used for the famous soup as well as in health drinks such as the one pictured – all of them are typically very pricy.

2525

One of the reasons that these bird’s nests are so expensive is that in the past they were only found deep inside mountain caves, particularly in Borneo. It was a highly-skilled, dangerous and unpleasantly guano-filled task to enter these caves and prise the precious nests from the cave walls. However, around 20 years ago a clever avian entrepreneur had the bright idea of making cave-like conditions in urban environments and farming the bird’s nests. And that’s what these mysterious prison-like buildings are; Swiftlet Bird’s Nest Farms. It turns out that Swiftlets thrive in tropical conditions close to the sea and the local province town of

Bird’s Nest Farm

ing

...one of the most expensive foodstuffs in the world is made out of solidified bird spit.

Trat has become a local nest-farming centre as more and more of the town’s shop-house buildings are converted to dwellings for the precious Swiftlet.

You will notice this if you visit the town. Especially at sunset when the skies of Trat are filled with hordes of chattering and chirping Swiftlets flocking back to their valuable nests to roost for the night.

26

Reci

pe: M

ince

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ith To

fuTaohoo Nam Deng - Tofu with minced porkThis is a tasty and healthy Chinese-Thai style dish that combines creamy Tofu with small pork meatballs in a savoury vegetable sauce.

IngredientsTofu - 200gmsMinced Pork - 100gmsMushrooms - 30 gms - slicedCarrot - 30gms - slicedSesame Oil - 1 tablespoonGarlic - 2 clovesSpring Onions - 4Coriander - 1 large stalk1 small ChilliBlack Pepper - pinch

SauceSoy Sauce - 1 teaspoon + 1/2 tablespoonOyster Sauce - 1 tablespoonMaggi Sauce - 1 teaspoonSugar - PinchCornflower - 1.5 tablespoons

Recipe: Minced Pork With Tofu

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Preparation� - Mix the pork with a pinch of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce then separate and roll into six balls. Add a slice of the chilli to the top of each ball (optional - but it looks and tastes nice).

2 - Cut the Tofu into six roughly square cubes and place a pork ball on top of each piece.

3 - Microwave on high in a covered bowl or plate for five minutes. (You can also steam in a closed container over boiling water)

� - Crush the garlic and fry in the sesame oil for a minute. Then add the carrot and mushrooms and fry for a couple more minutes.

5 - Now add all the sauce ingredients together, stir in until mixed and then add 100ml of water.

6 - Then bring the sauce to a boil and add the spring onion and most of the coriander - save a little to garnish.

� - Slowly add the cornflower and water mixture and stir until the sauce thickens to a consistency that you’re happy with.

� - Finally pour the sauce over the tofu and pork, sprinkle with the coriander leaves and serve.

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