Every week, we sift through tonnes of activities, shows, art exhibitions and things to do. Here is our especially curated list of what's hot this week in Bangkok and beyond. Enjoy!
ACTIVITIES
+ Christmas Central
Let's Celebrate 2018: The Holidays Bring Me Here, Central Chidlom & Central Embassy, Until Jan 14, 2018
The two Centrals are going into a full-on festive mood with 10 festive spots to check out. On the skywalk into Central Embassy, you can't really miss a gigantic Santa Claus and a big red ribbon tied around the elevated passage itself. Check out Santa's Playland on the ground level of Central Embassy where the little ones can enjoy a 7-metre inflatable Santa slide and everyone can play games to win prizes at various kiosks. Get into a jolly mood at Santa Village on the second level of Central Embassy where you can meet a real life Santa Claus (his name is Bill Francis and we interviewed him a long time ago) and write to Santa to ask for special wishes. Check out Open House on the sixth level to see a giant Santa going down a chimney and enjoy a Christmas market. Last but not least is a red Christmas tree on the ground floor of Central Chidlom called The Snow Maker. Artificial snow is falling inside the tree. On top of all the decorations, shoppers stand a chance to win great prizes such as a 8D7N tour of Lapland for two for every B5,000 spent.
10am-10pm. Central Chidlom & Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road.
+ Creative Sunday
Basic Handweaving Workshop, The COMMONS, Dec 10
Textile artist Nualnin (Awika Samukrsaman) will guide you through the basics of weaving. You'll get to experiment with different types of yarns and handcraft vivid patterns of your own. Book your spot at the link below.
1-5:30pm. The COMMONS, Thong Lor Soi 17. http://goo.gl/forms/3jIcBWHfMSoeevpv1, B2,700 per person.
+ Jolly Japanese
2017 Ramwong-Bon Dance Festival, Thephasadin Stadium, Dec 16
After three years of absence, the Japanese festival by the Japanese Association in Thailand and various partners returns to commemorate 130 years of diplomatic relations between the Land of the Rising Sun and the Land of Smiles! There will be about 60 booths of goods, food and tour information. Wear comfy shoes because you'll be dancing either Thai or Japanese style, or both.
4-9pm. Thephasadin Stadium, National Stadium, Rama I Road, BTS National Stadium. B60 entry fee comes with a lucky draw.
+ Christmas Scent
Christmas Perfume Making Workshop, Bangkok Soap Opera, Dec 17
Artisan bodycare shop Bangkok Soap Opera will host a workshop where you can learn the basics of aromatherapy and create your own holiday fragrance. The good news is that they use only natural ingredients so your perfume will be friendly to your skin and the environment.
10am-1:30pm. Bangkok Soap Opera, Ekamai Soi 10. Email info@bangkoksoapopera.com to book, B1,750.
+ Creative Canal
Bangmod Fest #2, Bangmod Canal, Dec 9-10
The second edition of Bang Mod Festival will take place along 3km of Bangmod canal. The local Buddhist and Muslim communities will join forces to offer various activities for everyone in the family. Highlights include live music, goat feeding, planting oranges, local food and stand-up paddle-boarding. There is no entry fee but you must pay to join workshops.
3-9pm. Bangmod Canal, Thung Khru. www.facebook.com/3CProject.BKK.
+ Your Everyday Devastated
YED Talks X Heineken: (gen)Z Thru the World, Warehouse 30, Dec 9
This special edition of YED Talks focuses on not-so-inspiring but oh-so-relatable stories from people of Generation Y and Z. Seven miserable millennials (the organiser's words, not ours) will share their stories on topics such as studying what your parents told you to, being a net idol and homelessness. There will also be two debates; one asking attendants if they'd be able to survive without social media and the other between a Generation X boss and a Generation Z employee. All talks will be in Thai. No Facebook Live or post-event videos. You can take photos, though.
3-10:30pm (talks start at 5pm). Warehouse 30, Charoen Krung Soi 30. B500 via http://go.eventpop.me/yedz.
PARTIES
+ Team Trasher
Battle of the B**ches, GMM Live House, Dec 23
Trasher Bangkok will host its last party of 2017 with yet another fun theme. Dance to some of the biggest hits by today's pop divas. Dress up as super heroes to show your power. As you can expect from a Trasher Bangkok do, this one is gonna be wild, fun, colourful and inclusive.
7pm. GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road. B500 via www.ticketmelon.com/event/trasher-christmashero.
+ EDM Assembly
MAYA Music Festival 2017, MAYA Space, Dec 10
The latest edition of MAYA Music Festival will take place at a new venue. The confirmed international line-up includes notable names from the EDM scene such as Steve Angello, Deadmau5, Robin Schulz, Madeon and more. A 33-metre Hanuman stage will also put you in awe.
MAYA Space, 100/24, Moo 9, Pong, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. www.mayamusicfestival.com, B4,000.
+ Beam Me Up
Yawk & Maurice Simon, BEAM Club, Dec 9-10
After its successful dance music fest, BEAM isn't slowing down. It just announced the December DJ line-up and deets on NYE and NYD parties. This weekend, Yawk from Berlin and Maurice Simon will take over the main room on Saturday and Sunday respectively. If you want a midweek pick-me-up, check out Rebels Wednesday night and catch local collectives such as Why Not Thursday (Mendy Indigo & friends) and Slum Disco Soundsystem (Tekayu Harrington and Chote Kaewyanurak) on Thursdays.
9pm-late. BEAM, 72 Courtyard, G/F, Thong Lor Sois 16 & 18. 02-392-7750 to reserve a table or special packages.
+ Bye Bye 2017 (With a Bash)
The Bangkok Countdown, Live Park, Dec 30-31
Brought to you by the same minds behind S2O, The Bangkok Countdown will debut with superstar DJs such as Afrojack, Knife Party and Wiwek. It aims to offer all the festivities that you'll need to usher in 2018 from music coming from futuristic stages, food galore and art installations over two days. The party will continue into the wee hours of Jan 1 too. Must be 20+.
Door opens from 4pm. Live Park, Rama IX Road. www.thebangkokcountdown.com.
B1,500 for one-day advanced ticket, B2,500 for two-day advanced tickets, B2,500 for one-day VIP ticket, B4,500 for two-day VIP ticket.
+ EDM Island
EPIZODE FESTIVAL, Phu Quoc Island, Dec 31, 2017-Jan 1, 2018
The second edition of the electronic music fest on Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island returns so you can say goodbye to 2017 and start off 2018 on a high-energy note. Ricardo Villalobos, Call Super, Jamie Jones and Ryan Crosson have recently been added to the very long roster of notable DJs in addition to Chris Liebing, Dixon, Loco Dice and more. In addition to the mesmerising and hypnotic music, artistic decorations and daily activities will add to the amazing atmosphere of this unique fest.
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. https://epizode.com. From $120 for three-day multi pass.
SHOWS
+ Rock Legend
Liam Gallagher Live in Bangkok, BITEC Bangna Hall 106, Jan 12, 2018
There's no need for an introduction to this rock icon if you're a 90s kid. Liam Gallagher, who's best known as the frontman of now-defunct Oasis, will return to Thailand to perform live after his last concert 10 years ago. His first solo album As You Were was released in October this year and debuted at number one in the UK.
8pm. BITEC Bangna, Hall 106, Bangna-Trad Road.
www.ticketmelon.com/event/LiamGallagher. B3,600 for regular standing ticket, B4,600 for VIP standing ticket with soft drinks.
+ From LA to BKK
Foster The People Live in Bangkok, Moonstar Studio 8, Jan 28, 2018
After Liam Gallagher, The Very Company also brings you Foster The People in January. The indie pop band from LA will make a debut performance here with their hits such as Pumped Up Kicks, Houdini and Don't Stop (Colour On The Walls).
8pm. Moonstar Studio 8, Lat Phrao Soi 80. www.ticketmelon.com/event/fosterthepeople. B2,600.
+ Mellow Start to 2018
HYHBkk Live! with Homeshake, Nakarin Space, Jan 20, 2018
Homeshake, a solo project by Montreal-based singer-songwriter and musician Peter Sagar, will start your 2018 on the mellow note with his indie pop/R&B lullaby. With two cassettes and two full-length albums under his belt, he has amassed a following with his lo-fi, dreamy and downtempo sound. Homeshake's unique music is hard to describe but truly feels like a breath of fresh air. Tickets went on sale on Dec 5 via Ticketmelon so you still may be able to buy early tickets.
7pm-midnight. Nakarin Space, Srinakarin Road. www.ticketmelon.com.
B1,200 for regular ticket, B2,000 for early bird ticket for two people.
+ Fight for Charity
Bangkok Brawl 4, Insanity Nightclub, Dec 9
The annual charity fight for white-collar boxers returns. All money raised will go to HDF Mercy Centre which helps orphans and children from troubled families in Klong Toey. Seven great bouts will culminate in the main fight which is a rematch between TJ Chang and Nazar Morez. Must be over 18.
From 6pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11. http://goo.gl/4Ly1hE. B500 for advanced tickets at Sportsman (Sukhumvit Soi 13), Hooters (Sukhumvit Soi 15) or Ticketmelon,
B1,000 at the door, call 087-804-9542 for VIP tables with beverage packages.
+ A Christmas Carol is Coming to Town
A Christmas Carol, M Theatre, Dec 8-9
Bangkok Community Theatre is presenting an adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. And you have only today and tomorrow to catch it. Directed by Michael Allman and produced by Don Harrelson, this new BCT play tells of the redemption of a soul and how Xmas touches us. Some of you may already know the story. Xmas-hating miser Ebenezer Scrooge is transported to his past, present and future Christmases by three spirits and changes his stingy ways in the end. The cast consists of Ethan Oulton, Peter Dee, Mark Peterson, Naomi Bactol, Becca Shatford and Hannah Kathryn. They will be assuming different characters except for Ethan will play Scrooge.
7:30pm for both dates, 2pm matinee on Dec 9. Creative Industries, M Theatre, New Phetchaburi Road. B800 tickets from www.bangkokcommunitytheatre.com.
FOOD
Stop. hamper time!
Our picks of festive hampers to give away this season.
Anantara Siam Bangkok, until Dec 31
A mixture of local goodies like tom yam dried nuts as well as international delicacies like German stollen are in Anantara Siam Bangkok's festive hampers. Want step it up a notch? Go for the ultimate festive hamper which comes in a leather box, with a bottle of champagne along with other goodies. Of course, you could opt for a personalised hamper.
Anantara Siam Bangkok, 155 Ratchadamri Road. Email mochamuffins.asia@anantara.com, 02-126-8866. Starting at B2,900.
Mandarin Oriental, until Jan 15
A selection of delectable and luxurious foods inhabit Mandarin Oriental's festive hamper. However, it doesn't have to be limited to that. If you prefer, you can customise your very own gift hamper! Available at their shops in Siam Paragon, Gaysorn Village, Central Chidlom, Emporium, and of course, at the hotel itself. Delivery is also possible to selected destinations.
Mandarin Oriental, 48 Oriental Avenue. Email mobkk-hamper@mohg.com, 02-659-9000 ext 6818-6819.
Centara Grand At CentralWorld, until Jan 10
Zing Bakery is giving you a choice of three hampers, each different in size depending on just how generous you feel or how deserving you think the person is. Santa's little helper is the smallest which is priced at B2,500++, then there's Jack frost at B4,00++, and the largest is Santa's bag of cheer at B6,200++.
Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama I Road. 02-100-1234 ext. 6485.
Dean & Deluca, ongoing
Curate your own hamper, whether it be in the seasonal red or green or Dean & Deluca's signature light grey, with a selection of items from the New York gourmet food and beverage brand. Items you can put in your hamper include Butler's Chocolates from Ireland, local premium tea Chaidim and Spanish homemade biscuits Paul & Pippa among others. Available at their outlets at MahaNakhon CUBE, Central Embassy, EmQuartier, and The Crystal.
Email sales@deandeluca.co.th, 02-023-1616.
Conrad Bangkok, until Jan 5
Chocolate truffles, mince pies, rum fruit cake, and Christmas cookies -- just a few of the things that make Deli by Conrad's festive hampers so delectable. There's a 10% discount for Hilton Premium Club members. Hampers start at B5,200.
Conrad Bangkok, 87 Witthayu Road. 02-690-9999.
HIGH DINING
Dinner in the sky Thailand, from Dec 20
Take your dining experience to new heights -- literally. The famed Dinner in the Sky finally launches in Bangkok. Twenty-two diners are suspended high above the city with a view of Emporium and Dinosaur Planet all the while dining on a four-course gourmet dinner concocted by Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Just make sure you're able to eat even if your stomach churns from the height.
6pm and 7:30pm. Visit http://dinnerinthesky.co.th. B4,990 on weekdays, B5,390 on weekends.
TEA TIME, CHAPS
High tea winter flavours, Shangri-la hotel, until Dec 31
Served at Shangri-La's Lobby Lounge, this afternoon tea set includes a selection of premium pastries and sweet and savoury treats on three-tier stand. Relax and unwind as you sip on a cuppa while listening to the melodious harp or having conversation with friends.
2-6pm. Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu. Visit http://goo.gl/vvB4rV, email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com, 02-236-7777. B1,198++ per set for two.
GET POPPIN'
Limited edition nutcracker trio, Garrett popcorn shops, until Dec 31
Along with their yearly collectible holiday tins, Garrett has released a signature Nutcracker Tin. One of the flavours in these three tins stacked on top of each other is the limited Cocoa caramel crisp. Available at all their outlets at Siam Paragon, CentralPlaza Ladprao, and Don Mueang International Airport.
Visit http://fb.com/GarrettPopcornTH. B720, B790 at Don Mueang International Airport.
ART
+ Fractals And Kaliedoscopes
Krungthep fever dream, Galeria Sucio, Jan 13-Feb 12
Robert Stratton is a digital artist, designer and programmer from Brooklyn, USA who has lived in Bangkok for the last six years. At the core of the work is a tension between the photographic evocation of a time and place and the re-shuffled shapes, colours and textures in the increasingly processed versions of the photo. In his work, he uses software he wrote to manipulate photographs he has shot in and around Bangkok.
Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm. Galeria Sucio, Sukhumvit Soi 39. http://fb.com/GaleriaSucioSukhumvit39, 083-959-991.
+ Colourful Art & Ambient Music
The Shape of Colour X Yaan, Future Factory, Dec 12
Just in case you didn't catch Karma Sirikogar's beautiful exhibition, The Shape of Colour, make sure you are there for the Thai-Indian visual artist's closing party! The solo exhibition by wonderfully talented Bangkok-based artist will be blessed up with some live ambient electronic world music, brought to you by none other than Bangkok's very own band, YAAN.
Tue-Sun, 1pm-7pm. Future Factory, Phahon Yothin Road. http://fb.com/futurefactorybkk, 098-253-9356.
+ Learning From Athens
246247596248914102516... and then there were none, Gallery Ver, Dec 10-Jan 21
For the international art festival Documenta 14, Arin Rungjang was invited to produce and exhibit his new work that came out of historical and political research. "246247596248914102516... And then there were none", one of Arin Rungjang's installation pieces in Kassel, Germany, is a sequel to "And then there were none… Tomorrow we will become Thailand" series in Athens, Greece. It presents the relationships and connections between the historical, social, political and the artist's personal memory in a variety of forms, including installations, drawings and video installations.
Wed-Sun, noon-6pm. Gallery Ver, Sathu Pradit 15. http://fb.com/galleryver, 02-103-4067.
+ Questions Of Importance
Pieces from Berlin, Ardel's third place gallery, Jan 30-Mar 3
Bussaraporn Thongchai is an female artist whose drawing and paintings confront gender issues, failed relationships, sex and family. Her newest art exhibition will ask us to explore the stories, experiences and encounters of cultural diversity, ethnicity, migration, rights, as well as the ongoing conflicts and negotiation between morality and struggle for life.
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. ARDEL's Third Place Gallery, Thong Lor Soi 10. www.ardelgallery.com, 02-422-2092.
+ Walking With Fashion
Shone Puipia: Antwerp 2012-1016, Maiiam contemporary art museum, until Dec 18
Just in case you're in Chiang Mai! This exhibition presents selected works of Shone Puipia, an emerging Thai fashion designer. Shone graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. On view are selected silhouettes and accessories from the three collections made during his studies: The Wild Bunch (2015-2016), She Walks on Marble Columns (2014-2015) and She Came by the Green Line Bus (2013-2014).
Wed-Mon, 10am-6pm. MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, Chiang Mai. http://fb.com/MAIIAMchiangmai, 081-386-6899.
+ Art And Amulets
The truth is stranger than fiction of Objet Trouve', RMA institute, until Dec 26
Sang Sangwachi's first solo artistic exhibition, "The Truth is stranger than Fiction of Objet Trouvé" is a collection of Thai fetishism along with commemorative objects and amulets which correlate with the development of social, historical and financial contexts as well as the featured relationships between people and political leaders. These have all been carefully selected to present a portrait of Thai narratives, faith and identity.
Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm. RMA Institute, Sukhumvit Soi 22. http://fb.com/RMA-Institute, 02-663-0809.
+ Art From The Heart
Forever in our hearts, Sky lobby, Until Jan 3
Four talented Thai artists inspired by the life and reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej came together to present an exhibition of paintings, with works ranging from an impressionism style upon oil and canvas, charcoal and clutch pencil 4B on paper to watercolour. The artists are Mana Kwangsue, Dinhin Rakpong-asoke, Gulached Kaochaimaha and Sahashanat Tagoenggorn. A part of the total revenue received during the exhibition will be donated to Siriraj Hospital to provide medical equipment for the Navamindrapobitr 84th Anniversary Building.
Open daily, 10am-8pm. Sky Lobby, Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Rama I Road. 02-100-1234 ext 6753-4.
+ I'm Emotional For A Reason, OK?!
Emotion as reason, Bangkok university gallery, until Dec 16
Every day life and the history of learning dictates that we control or limit our emotions. But what if emotion is the reason... for everything? Artist Jarasporn Chumsri reconsiders emotions through paintings. She delivers her expressions through semi-abstract forms. The processes are not fixed with reasons but follow the harmony of reasons and emotions, which are the core ideas of this exhibition.
Tue-Sat, 10am-7pm. Bangkok University Gallery, Kluai Nam Thai Road. http://fb.com/bangkokuniversitygallery, 02-350-3626.
TRAVEL
+ It's All About U
Cool Flat Sales, U Inchantree Kanchanaburi, Until Dec 20
While the Bangkok "winter" seems to be over, you may have a better chance of enjoying a cool breeze at U Inchantree Kanchanaburi. A stay in a Superior Room with breakfast for two becomes more affordable. The view here is pretty breathtaking as the hotel faces a bend in the Khwae Yai River and you can dine next to the river or take a dip in the pool while looking over it. Several historic sites are within an easy walking distance from the hotel and you can book more adventurous activities like rafting, kayaking or elephant bathing through the hotel.
U Inchantree Kanchanaburi, 443 Mae Nam Kwai Road, Tha Makham, Muang. www.ukanchanaburi.com, http://fb.com/Uinchantree.kanchanaburi, 034-521-584. B2,471 per night (except for Saturdays).
+ Staycation
Winter Breaks, Bliston Suwan Park View Bangkok, Until Dec 20
If you're looking to stay in Bangkok to say goodbye to 2017 and usher in 2018 in style, consider this year-end offer from Bliston Suwan Park View Bangkok. Save up to 40% on any one-bedroom type rooms and enjoy jolly perks such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast buffet, HARNN hand cream as welcome gift, 15% discount on special menu and 30% off on treatments at Mira The Spa. Its location affords guests a gazillion things to do along Ratchaprasong, Phloenchit and Sukhumvit. A minimum of 2N stay and advance booking are required. Type "WB241117" promo code. The booking period is from now until Dec 20 and stays from now until Jan 31, 2018.
Bliston Suwan Park View Bangkok, 9 Soi Tonson, Phloenchit Road. www.blistonresidence.com/promotion.html, 02-658-7979. From B3,720 per night.
+ Michelin in Chaing Mai
Alfonso's Kitchen, Shangri-la Hotel Chiang Mai, Until Dec 10
Michelin-starred chef Alfonso Caputo, who's currently the head chef of La Taverna del Capitano, will be at Shangri-la Hotel Chiang Mai until this Sunday to serve guests one-of-a-kind dinner. The legacy of flavours, which has been passed onto him from his grandfather who founded the restaurant, is the secret ingredients along with local produce from which Alfonso creates this special meal. This event is just the first in a series of culinary events to highlight the property as a new foodie hotspot.
Shangri-La Hotel, Chiang Mai, 89/8 Chang Klan Road, Muang. www.shangri-la.com/chiangmai, 053-253-888. B2,980++ per person with beverages and wines.
+ Krabi Getaway
Special Peak Season Rate, Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, Until Jan 7, 2018
A beachside getaway during Xmas and New Year doesn't have to be so costly. This deal especially for Thai guests from Dusit Thani Krabi includes special rates on a Deluxe room and breakfast for two. The booking period starts from now until Jan 7, 2018 for stays from Dec 25 - Jan 7, 2018. The hotel boasts direct access to 1.8km of pristine Klong Muang Beach. Do check out Ko Kwang which is a short walk away on the beach from the hotel.
Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort, 155 Moo 2, Nong Thale, Muang. www.dusit.com/dusitthani/krabibeachresort, 075-628-000. B9,200 per night.
MOVIES
+ Wonder
(directed by Stephen Chbosky)
Who's in it?
Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Daveed Diggs.
What's it about?
Auggie Pullman (Tremblay) was born with facial defects and has been homeschooled by his mother. However, when he gets to fifth grade, he is entered into a local school. Despite the bullying he encounters, Auggie eventually becomes an unlikely hero, pushing those around him to take a hard look at themselves and really learn something about kindness and compassion. Based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name.
Why watch it?
Jacob Tremblay is adorable and has undoubtedly given another great performance. Seriously, we're reaching for tissues already.
+ Brad's Status
(directed by Mike White)
Who's in it?
Ben Stiller, Jenna Fischer, Michael Sheen, Luke Wilson.
What's it about?
Brad (Stiller) goes on a trip with his son to find the perfect college. In the process, he reminisces about his own college days and compares himself with his friends, who have gone on to live successful and wealthy lives, while he works at a non-profit. Brad then wonders if this is all there is for him.
Why watch it?
A "finding-a-college" crisis meets a mid-life crisis.
+ The Third Murder
(directed by Hirokazu Koreeda)
Who's in it?
Masaharu Fukuyama, Kôji Yakusho.
What's it about?
Screened at the Venice international Film Festival, this courtroom drama follows Misumi, recently released from prison after serving time for murder. However, he's confessed to committing another — his third — and will most likely be sentenced to death. Despite all this, Shigemori, the attorney representing him, finds something eerie: there is no evidence that Misumi committed the murder except for his confession.
Why watch it?
YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH.
+ Safe Neighborhood
(directed by Chris Peckover)
Who's in it?
Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller, Dacre Montgomery, Patrick Warburton.
What's it about?
Ashley (DeJonge) is babysitting Luke (Miller) for the night when an intruder breaks into the house and terrorises them. A series of crazy and disturbing events ensues afterwards.
Why watch it?
A ridiculously twisted and violent version of Home Alone.
+ Renegades
(directed by Steven Quale)
Who's in it?
J.K. Simmons, Sullivan Stapleton, Charlie Bewley.
What's it about?
Five Navy SEALs stationed in Europe discover a treasure underneath a lake which was stolen by the Nazis back in WWII. They go against their orders and plan to return the gold back to its rightful owners - that is, if they can pull it off what with enemies coming after them.
Why watch it?
It's written by Luc Besson. That's really the only thing going for this movie. That and J.K. Simmons.
