Noticed something different about Bangkok? No, it’s not the traffic-free roads or that Thais have stopped taking photos of their meals before eating (ha! Don’t be ridiculous). We’ll give you a clue: it’s in the air and it’s making us a little less miserable. It’s the beginning of winter, or, as we know it — the extremely short period of the year when the whole country gets giddy over a two-to-four degree dip in temperature. Nevertheless, we’re going to take full advantage of this and guide you to this winter’s best seasonal pop-ups.
HEINEKEN POP-UP CITY LOUNGE
(Through Dec 31)
Making its Asian debut, Heineken is bringing a new urban design experience to the heart of the city. As part of its latest global initiative, the pop-up lounge is collaborating with S’Mores restaurant to give guests a premium dining experience as well as signature drinks like beer cocktails and Heineken Extra Cold — perfect for our balmy climate. Performances by local artists and DJs like Supersonic, Room 39, Gene Kasidit, Moderndog and Nut The Voice will happen throughout the month. We’re giving this event a 10 for convenience as attendees can reserve tables online via Heineken’s Facebook application and it’s happening right on Ratchaprasong.
Venue: 6pm-midnight. CentralWorld, Rama I Road.
Contact: Reserve your tables at http://goo.gl/vIqKEt or visit www.fb.com/Heineken.
CHANG BEER PARK 2014
(Through Dec 31)
Chang beer is taking over the whole city with four different set-ups. Get ready to indulge in a special menu designed by Chef Chumpol Jangprai from Iron Chef Thailand, which includes Salt and 9 chillies fried chicken, Northern Thai sausage with kurobuta pork, Duck confit kua kling and Beer lamb shank, all of which can be enjoyed alongside concerts by various artists. In addition, guests can sample special craft beers like Chang Honey Cream, Chang Lemongrass Infusion, Chang Lemon Lime and Chang Hazy Summer Brew that are only available for this winter season.
Venue: 6pm-11pm. Chang Friendship Park and Chang Craft Selection Park at CentralWorld; Chang Park at Asiatique; Chang Park Craft Selection at Sathorn Square.
Contact: www.fb.com/changworld.
DON’T SLOW FEST FARMRAK
(Nov 29)
Embrace your creative side with an outdoor festival organised by SC Asset and Don’t Journal as they put on fun workshops such as arranging your own terrarium, cooking with award-winning Chef Ben McRae, and beer tasting with Beervana. While you’re here, pick up some cool finds like home decor, artworks, ceramics and jewellery from local brands. Renowned restaurants, cafes and food trucks will also be participating so no one will go hungry. Participants include Summer Street, Orn The Road, Kofuku, Quince, Bigknit, Roots and more. Attendees will be the first few to catch the screening of the film Farm Rak: An Organic Love Story directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang — the same man behind the critically acclaimed The Last Life in the Universe.
Venue: 1-10pm. Airport Rail Link, Makkasan Station.
Contact: www.fb.com/DontJournal.
THE HOUSE OF WALKER
(Dec 10-Jan 3)
The vast outdoor area that is normally used as a walkway between Siam Paragon and Siam Center will be transformed into a culinary and music-filled site for the season. Dine from the city’s prestigious eateries like Vesper, Perfume, Roof Hideaway and Hyde & Seek, while the drinks will predominantly be from Johnnie Walker’s shelves. The event will showcase whiskey-based cocktails, all made from JW’s range of Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Gold Label Reserve, Platinum Label and Blue Label — although we imagine the real whiskey connoisseurs will be drinking it straight or on the rocks. Local artists and bands will be putting on chilled-out performances every night, providing a complete taste and sound experience. Attendees must be 20+.
Venue: 6pm-midnight. Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon, Rama I Road.
Contact: Call 02-800-8088 or make reservations at http://www.houseofwalkerth.com.
SANSIRI WINTER MARKET FEST
(Dec 13-14)
With over 60 shops selling hand-made products and decorative items, this could be the best winter market to shop at. The huge outdoor space will be occupied by five different zones — Slow Living, Trend Seeker, Vintage Hunter, Food Indulger and Family Backyard — all providing fun workshops and activities throughout the day. A real Christmas tree has been imported all the way from Europe and will provide visitors with the perfect backdrop for a selfie. Don’t worry if you’re not a big shopper, as there is also a round trip to Yangon for two to be won.
Venue: 3-9pm. San Samran Bridge, Sukhumvit Soi 77. Shuttle bus services available from BTS On Nut.
Contact: http://www.sansiri.com/wintermarketfest.
BANGKOK DOCKLANDS
(Dec 19-21)
That’s right, the capital is putting on a pop-up event by the Chao Phraya River where you can eat, shop and go camping. Aiming to provide guests with a communal eating experience, the dining area will be filled with very long tables — think picnic-style. Live music, cafes and shops will provide the three-day affair with a fun outdoorsy atmosphere suitable for all ages without having to leave the city.
Venue: 4pm-midnight. Next to Central Pier (Sathon) and Wat Yannawa.
Contact: 085-818-8148, www.fb.com/thegreatoutdoormarket.
Beyond Bangkok
If you’re looking to venture outside the city for cooler temperatures, here are two events worth making the trip for.
Big Mountain Music Festival, Khao Yai
(Dec 8-9)
The sixth instalment of the legendary music festival will see Big Ass, Jetset’er, Stamp, Da Endorphine, Potato, Palmy, Scrubb, Cocktail and many more artists performing over two days. Expect thousands of music fans flocking from across the country to rock out to their favourite bands, portable toilets and fantastic weather for sleeping under the stars.
Venue: Bonanza Khao Yai, Thanarat Kanongpra Road.
Contact: Purchase tickets at http://www.thaiticketmajor.com.
Price: B2,000 for two days.
Wonderfruit Festival, Pattaya
(Dec 19-21)
The festival that promises to deliver a unique three-day experience of music, art and gastronomy — oh, and don’t forget “glamping” (Glamping Going camping with glamour). Alas, just when we thought Thong Lorites and A-listers would get to learn how to build campfires and dig holes for their toilets, we soon learned that the provided tents are equipped with air con, bedding, towels, luxury showers and toilets — you know, things that aren’t usually associated with camping. But the line-up of performers and chefs participating in the event are very interesting — think gourmet food from Paolo Vitaletti (Appia) and David Thompson (Nahm); music from big names like Woodkid, Chet Faker, Hugo and many more. Get those wet-wipes, portable chargers and mosquito sprays ready, it’s going to be one epic weekend.
Venue: The Fields at Siam Country Club, Pattaya.
Contact: Purchase tickets at http://www.wonderfruitfestival.com.
Price: B5,000 for adults, B3,500 for teens (12-19 years), kids go free, B25,000 for a group of six, B600 for a dog pass. Camping charges: B5,000 for basic tent and B15,000 for bell tent.
