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terminal tunes
koh samui airport gets jazzy
KOH SAMUI IS FAST BECOMING A HUB FOR REGIONAL events, with one of the most popular additions to the social calendar being Samui Jazz (www.samuijazz.com), a series of free performances at an unlikely location – the island’s airport. Since last May, the island has staged a number of top-class jazz artists in the island’s boutique airport shopping plaza, known as Samui Park Avenue, an open-air walking street that connects check-in counters to the resort-style departure lounge. The strip is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, and jazz nights are held at Singha Sports Bar, a second-floor spot flanked by a large balcony.
“When we flrst heard that they were holding jazz concerts at the airport, it sounded a little strange,” said David James, a Koh Samui resident and jazz fan. “But after the flrst show we were hooked. It’s held at a great venue and the performers so far are of a very high calibre.”
The show makes a point of combining international acts with some of Thailand’s best musicians. September’s line-up included Swedish rising star, pianist Jonathan Fritzen, and Thai guitarist, Changton Kunjara. In June, Brazilian songstress Marcela Mangabeira sang bossa nova, while the much-loved local saxophonist, Koh Mr Saxman, wowed the crowds.
“We wanted to try something different,” explains Santii Wongsawat, the co-owner of Samui Channel, who launched the concert series in conjunction with Bangkok Airways. “Already we have a loyal following of regulars who attend every event, and the list of performers keen to play on Samui just keeps growing.”
Danish singer Sinne Eeg, whose second jazz album, Waiting For Dawn, won her a Danish Music Award, will perform on 28 November. Known for her down-tempo tunes and Diana Krall-like voice, Eeg’s repertoire includes jazz standards as well as English- and Danish-language originals. Get there early to reserve a seat, and watch the time – you wouldn’t want to miss your flight. – Jules Kluk
rock on
it’s time to climb in luang prabang
WITH JUST TWO ‘CLIMBABLE’ SPOTS, Luang Prabang’s nascent rock climbing scene has yet to rise to the heights of Krabi’s Railay – but the dramatic and isolated beauty of both climbs more than makes up for it. Those willing to swap the quiet charm of this UNESCO town for some high-energy rock-face action are rarely disappointed.
Luang Prabang’s prime climbs are the Gecko Wall and Eagle Wall; both crisscross craggy limestone cliffs beside the Mekong River. Just a 30-minute boat ride south of town, the Gecko Wall is far more popular as it offers seven bolted routes of varying difficulty.
“The Gecko Wall is perfect for either beginners or hardened pros,” says Phaivanh Phonepaseuth, manager of one of the town’s two climbing outflts. “The emphasis is on both safety and enjoyment, and the view upstream over Luang Prabang is just spectacular.”
Phaivan’s company, Lao Jewel Land (Ounheuan Road, [next to National Museum], tel +856 71 253910, www.laosjewelland.com), offers one-, two- and three-day courses on the Gecko Wall, with qualified, English-speaking instructors and all the necessary equipment. Participants are taught climbing techniques as well as basic knots and belaying.
The more people climb, the cheaper things become; a one-day course for one person costs US$43, including lunch and transport, whereas a three-day course for four people costs U$47 each. Those climbing for more than a day either camp or stay in a village nearby and the maximum group size is six.
The other climbing concern here, Green Discovery (Sisavangvong Road [opposite Scandinavian Bakery], tel +856 71 212093, www.greendiscoverylaos.com) hawks much the same deal, but may soon be offering trips to an additional wall at Nong Khiaw, three hours from Luang Prabang. Experienced climbers can rent gear at both outflts, with two full sets costing US$35. A climbing permit, which is essential for independent climbing, costs US$5. – Text and images by Daniel Allen
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