It was a month of weirdly sporadic but absolutely superb cooling temperatures. Between a light romance in the air at Loy Krathong (also tons of fireworks on the riverside), Gaggan’s new restaurant opening, Thanksgiving 2019, and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing, let’s just call it right here, right now: November has been quite a month.
We’re gearing up for the festive season — and all the feasts that will follow — putting together gift lists and wish lists, and clearing all our debts and IOUs for the New Year. As we freshen up for 2020, it’s intriguing that our reading habits towards the end of the year have changed a little, too. Stories you loved this month were centred less around dining, and more towards personalities and places. Interviews were popular, events were popular, and pop-culture news updates became increasing trends.
Yet whilst throughout all these happenings we’re always trying to stay one step ahead of the trends and report these to you on a lively stream of stories, it is often times understandably difficult for the buzzy busy bee to keep up with every hot feature. But that’s exactly why we’ve created this round-up.
Whether you’re an avid reader seeking a monthly ‘Best Of’ reel, or an insider looking to get the low-down on our most popular stories, we’ve put it all together here in one raving recap. In order of popularity (and exempting our monthly columns), relive some of the best exclusives we’ve covered this November, and consider yourself debriefed and dapper to dive right into December.
[Featured image credit: The Standard Huruvalhi, Maldives]
First Look: The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives
15 November 2019
“This newly launched island getaway isn’t just for honeymooners; it’s been crafted to accommodate families, friend groups, love birds and solo travellers who want to treat themselves to a well-deserved escape to paradise.”
The winners of The Michelin Guide 2020 Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Phang-Nga
12 November 2019
“Following the great success of their first two editions, Michelin has excitedly announced its expansion to the ancient Lanna Kingdom of Chiang Mai this year, noting its fine organic produce and wealth of star-worthy restaurants here. These come in addition now to Bangkok, Phuket, and Phang-Nga, digging deep into the greatest restaurants and street-side eateries worthy of hype and praise in Thailand.”
27 Questions: Ou Baholyodhin, Chief Creative Officer for Sansiri
13 November 2019
“After various successful stints befitting penthouses in Knightsbridge, villas in Malibu, and yachts on the Italian Riviera, in 2018, he then became Chief Creative Officer for Sansiri, a position that had not even existed before. It was especially crafted for him.
It is a true testament to Ou’s skill, and a brilliant example of where the work speaks volumes for the talent, but also for the man’s character. Read ahead as he takes us on an illustrious voyage with stops along the way for flip flops at the Vogue Gala, the best roast beef in Bangkok, and a nightmare of a shopping bill in Milan.”
10 must-see places that need to go on your 2020 travel bucket list
15 November 2019
“As we bounce into 2020, we need to embark on some new experiences to feed our adventurous souls with that curiosity and excitement. Planning a trip is always a tricky one because we are spoiled with so many choices. Whether you are on the lookout for a tranquil getaway on a tropical island or want to explore the hidden gems of nature, we’ve put together a list of Instagram-worthy places for everyone here.”
#NoFilter: in conversation with Thai Netflix star Kitty Chicha Amatayakul
01 November 2019
“We got candid with the young and bubbly Thai actress, singer, scriptwriter and model Kitty Chicha Amatayakul. She stole hearts with her performance as Nanno in Netflix’s Girl from Nowhere and you’ve likely seen her as a member of the girl group Kamikaze. It’s no surprise that Kitty Chicha Amatayakul is cruising towards a successful showbiz career after her pathbreaking performance in her latest stint, and fans are eagerly waiting for her to hit the screens again.”
5 reasons why every carb lover needs to visit Brioche from Heaven
07 November 2019
“The bakery boasts an impressive array of brioche buns bejewelled with various toppings. Putting a spotlight on the butter-enriched dough, all the pastries are made from imported butter from Normandy, and grade-A flour from France – Chef Gai’s nod to the brioche bun’s origin.”
Why Rimowa luggage bags can stand the test of time and style
11 November 2019
“There is no name in the game greater than Rimowa when it comes to luggage that is worthy of investment.
The German brand is well known the world over as a brand steeped in the rich histories of travel, and the accompaniment of the most stylish globe trotters. But what makes the aluminium baggage so desirable? And how does one even begin to tell the difference between them? We delved a little deeper to uncover the story, and see why Rimowa is a brand worth trusting, even as trends come and go.”
LSA Neighbourhood Guide: 10 reasons to visit Ari
09 November 2019
“Most people forget about Ari when it comes to places to explore in Bangkok. The neighbourhood is almost completely void of tourists and big hotel chains. It’s often left out of Michelin guides and Google images of Bangkok. Yet Ari is, in actual fact, bursting with fun things to do. It’s home to dozens of picturesque cafés, creative shops, and modern art galleries. But Ari is a neighbourhood that doesn’t beg for attention. Instead, it’s simply content to just lay low and serve freshly baked pastries on a hand-painted plate. Consider it Bangkok’s best kept secret.”
The new era of wedding dresses for millennials (and the bridal labels to watch)
05 November 2019
“There are few traditions that the new marrying lot are doing away with. Wedding dresses no longer have to be floor-length, white, or even a dress at all. And who says you need only one for the special occasion? The rise of “Influencer” style weddings have seen millennials opting for several changes throughout the day, in order to create a dramatic look for the actual wedding but then slipping into something a little more fluid in order to dance the night away at the reception. Millennials have opened up a whole new world of opportunities for themselves, making the new-gen wedding day so much more exciting, personalised, and fashionable than ever before.”
The best Bangkok Halloween photos on Instagram this year
02 November 2019
“This year, we’ve seen more Bangkokians celebrating than ever before, taking their costume and makeup game to the next level. At the same time, bars and restaurants gave us plenty of choice for parties and, yes, Instagrammable moments. On that note, we’ve been sifting through the city’s thousands of fabulous (and some outrageously wild) Halloween photos on Instagram and we’re applauding all your incredible outfits. From makeup artists to supermodels, here we’ve gathered just a few of our favourite Instagram posts from that big spooky night. You know, just in case you needed some entertainment for your hangover.”
