The month of December is upon us and it’s quite hard to believe 2018 is finally drawing to a close. With less rain and cooler temperatures, December in Bangkok is still looking pretty hot, especially in light of all the wonderful things there are to do to get in the festive spirit. And when it comes to Bangkok’s art and event scene, there’s plenty to be doing, either with that special someone or even on your lonesome. From wellness retreats and wedding showcases to yacht parties, yoga and festive markets, there’s one thing that’s for sure: your electronic diary will be flashing constant reminders of what to do, where to go and who to see. Read on for our hand-picked selection of things to do in the next two weeks and don’t forget to click “add to your calendar” for the ones that catch your eye.
The year-end chaos on top of the chaos that is Bangkok means that really, you need to take a break. Body Conscious, the new alternative-thinking clinic for wellness teams up with Digital Detox Asia for a 7 hour ‘break’ that includes Vinyasa yoga, guided meditations, sound healing, sauna, a charcoal room healing session and more to help you disconnect from the madness and reconnect with your centre. Totally worth it.
When we think of our dream wedding, the reception area of the Author’s Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental is always held captive in our mind’s eye. It’s just such a magical place. But, weddings should and are usually booked months in advance so if you’re shopping around for a location, head to the Sala Rim Naam at the Mandarin Oriental on this day where you can meet with a fully dedicated team of experts capable of making your special day even more special. This year sees wedding packages and offers from Chansoma, one of Thailand’s traditional weaving centres in Baan Tha Sawang village in Surin district, best known for sophisticated Thai silk and meticulous embroideries. Also in attendance will be ANYA Wedding, luxury wedding invitations and premium gifts provider alongside Smallmoonphoto, a professional wedding video/photography service.
One of our favourite exhibition and co-working spaces in town is holding a weekend market for the most stylist cats in Bangkok, including all the city’s top stylists. See how these these stylish cats get down and the types of merchandise they make, from shoes and bags to everything in fashion. The weekend will also see a talk session on topics such as fashion in the media, led by the style director at Vogue Thailand, as well as Korean and Thai supermodels sharing their experiences within the industry.
Were you a fan of the beer yoga sessions that were shut down before things got seriously buzzing? Well, the next best thing, wine yoga, has finally arrived in Bangkok and it’s going to be a bit of a wild and free-flowing session. There will be a unique combination of what is termed Brew Yoga, an innovative journey of flowing movement, sound and your preferred choice of beverage, followed by a silent disco and wine tasting. Maybe downward facing dog is a lot easier when you’re tipsy.
Yes, it’s the weekend with The Weeknd and he’s finally almost here! Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum selling music artist and lyrical genius The Weeknd is finally making it to Bangkok, and we don’t care whether or not he’s bringing Bella Hadid! Expect his greatest hits, from Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy and Can’t Feel My Face to The Hills, Often and Earned it, the song that made Fifty Shades of Grey worth watching. Can you tell how much we love The Weeknd?
Climb aboard Bangkok Island, the party ship that sails along the Chao Phraya river as an official world-class music venue, and amongst other things, enjoy some soft rock tunes by Hugo, one of Thailand’s favourite and internationally recognised artists and his ‘friends’. It’s no secret that the member of the royal family is a bit of a legend in Thailand and he is without a doubt incredibly talented, not just because he was signed onto Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation. This isn’t the only reason to attend the river cruise party though as there will be other talented musicians gracing the decks of Bangkok Island, including Zero Hero, Southern Boys and DJ Mongkorn Sanla.
If you know your jungle and your drum and bass, you’ll know Goldie, the British king of jungle who’s been hitting it hard in Thailand for over a decade now. Not only will it be in one of the best club rooms in Asia – Beam is the heaven of nightclubs, with advanced lighting, a luxury aesthetic, some of the best speaker systems in town and a communal party spirit – but this will also be the first time the club have allowed a full on drum and bass takeover of the main room. Best thing? The Monday after is a public holiday!
Okay, so this isn’t in Bangkok but it is an event that no Bangkokian should miss! We remember when Wonderfruit started in 2014 and it’s a delight to see the annual arts, music, sustainable living and lifestyle festival is still going strong, with a swarm of loyal fans that keep returning to the fields of wonder. In what is now regarded as one of Asia’s leading music festivals, expect international live music acts and DJs, wellness sessions, perspective-shifting talks and workshops, fantastic food, new-wave architectural masterpieces and much much more. It’s time to wonder once more. See you at ‘The Quarry’!
See 7 critically-acclaimed and award-winning films that all touch upon migration issues, the need to celebrate diversity and the unique contributions migrants across the world living in different countries bring to the table. From the the struggles faced by intersex and transgender people in Kenya to the dilemmas faced by North Koreans attempting to escape into China, each of the films capture the trials and tribulations, joys and personal moments of those who leave their homes in search of a better life. The Festival is part of the United Nations’ “Together” global campaign to counter xenophobia and promote diversity and inclusion.
Get in the christmas spirit while shopping for gifts, eating, drinking and being merry in the annual market organised by property developer Sansiri PLC. There’s no winter market going this strong in Bangkok as the one at T77, and it’ll brimming with festivities, from a meeting with Santa to a stroll through the santa garden. On Sunday 16 November, you’ll also be able to watch live music from 25 Hours, one of Thailand’s most-listened to alternative pop bands.
