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
+ Vroom Vroom
Draw Your Dream Car: New Year Edition / TCDC / Jan 3 - 5
Kids and big kids, if you're a fan for Tamiya Mini4WD, this is your opportunity to paint one for yourself and try it out. This event at TCDC is hosted by FabCafe Bangkok, who's behind many fun workshops with a techie side, and you must reserve your seat by sending a message to their Facebook page or call the number below. Entry fee includes Tamiya Mini4WD kit and 3D printed shell. Kid-friendly, obv. Those who don't have a TCDC membership, use the "Makerspace free entrance" to enter.
10.30am-7pm / TCDC, between Charoen Krung 32 and 34 / http://facebook.com/fabcafebangkok, 083-619-9983 / B800.
+ Getting Crafty
Craft Space Beer Week 2017: Drink Craft, Play Hard, Have Fun / MOVE AMAZE / Until Dec 31
Join this rooftop party centred around the golden bevvies that we can't legally promote. Expect Thai and foreign craft brews during the seven-day event. There will also be some cool workshops if you like sculpting a ceramic piece, painting a mug or screen-printing a T-shirt or a bag. Beer buffs will discuss whether Thai craft beer will become a thing "in our lifetime or the next" (their words, not ours). Free entry. But if you buy a cash coupon valued at B1,000 in advance you'll get to do one activity for free.
From 5pm / MOVE AMAZE, Lat Phrao 19 / 092-289-5626, http://fb.com/moveamaze.
+ Let's Get Natural
Natural Body Care Workshop / Bangkok Soap Opera / Jan 7
Learn how to make a body scrub, a body lotion bar or a deodorant at this workshop by Bangkok Soap Opera, an artisan beauty shop. The edible ingredients found in your average kitchen can be turned into a unique recipe just for your skin.
10.30am-1.30pm / Bangkok Soap Opera, Ekamai 10 / book your spot by emailing info@bangkoksoapopera.com, B1,650 per person.
+ Potterheads Rejoice
Harry Potter: Christmas in the Wizarding World / Siam Paragon / Until Mar 2
For the first time in Thailand, the official Harry Potter-themed retail experience will pop up at Fashion Hall on Siam Paragon's first floor for the enjoyment of muggles, squibs and wizards alike. Expect a curated array of merch inspired by Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them in a festive and interactive setting of Hogsmeade (non-fans, it's an all-wizard village) during the winter. You can shop for all the accessories needed to pull off your Harry Potter cosplay. Don't forget to check out a real-life Ollivanders wand shop. Photo ops can be had at a selection of backgrounds from both film franchises. Potterheads should definitely not miss this one. More info and tickets at http://goo.gl/ztZefQ
10am-10pm / Siam Paragon, Rama I Road / 061-893-7634 (9am-8pm) / B100.
+ Merch and Music
Merchandise Dayyyyy Yeah Yeah and a Happy New Year / BACC / Dec 29-30
Browse through an array of handmade merchandises with live music in the background. Mini concerts by indie bands on two stages include Hiiyena, Anestetic Granny, The Proper Clan and more.
1-9pm / In front of BACC, Rama I Road, BTS National Stadium / http://facebook.com/noisemarketfest.
+ Auspicious Start
Overnight Chanting / Sathira Dhammasathan / Dec 31 - Jan 1
Begin 2018 on an auspicious note by joining an overnight chanting instead of a countdown party. Listen to a sermon from 8-10pm and join in an overnight chanting led by famous Buddhist nun Sansanee Sthirasuta at 10pm. The following morning, give alms to Buddhist monks at 7.30am.
From 8pm / Sathira Dhammasathan, Ram Intra 55 / http://facebook.com/sdsface, 02-519-1119.
Parties
+ Kolour Crowd
Kolour In the Park 2018 / Thai Wake Park / Feb 24
The fourth edition of Kolour In the Park will take place over the last weekend of February. An international line-up will take over two stages while large art installations, a gourmet food market, swimming in the lake and late-night after parties will add to the good vibe. Why are we telling you this so early? Head over to their website to register now to get access to early bird tickets, which which go on sale from Jan 17, 2018.
Thai Wake Park, 18/4 Soi Sudsawas, Lieab Klong 6, Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani / www.kolourinthepark.com, http://facebook.com/wearekolour.
+ Apocalyptic EDM
Dropzone Festival / Wonder World Extreme Park / Mar 2-3
Have you ever wondered what it's like when EDM fest and post-apocalyptic world collides? Of course not. But if you do now, consider joining Dropzone Festival, which features top DJs of the world playing on several stages in a dark sci-fi setting. The confirmed "Audiomancers" include Futuristic Polar Bears, A-Trak, Liquid Soul, Kaskade, and (gasp!) Paul van Dyk. Early bird tickets are available via Ticketmelon. You must be older than 20 years.
From 2pm / Wonder World Extreme Park, 86/1 Khubon, Khan Na Yao / http://goo.gl/SWzGKq, http://facebook.com/dropzonefestival / B3,500 for a regular two-day pass, VIP passes and packages are available.
+ Third Time's a Charm
Jai Thep Festival 2018 / Lanna Rock Garden / Feb 2-4
Chiang Mai also knows how to get down and party, y'all. The third edition of this music and art festival returns in early February. Six areas will be set up on 37 rai. Music-wise, you can expect live bands, electronic music, ambient and world genres and experiment sounds. Join a holistic workshop to learn something new or enjoy some wordsmithery at the spoken word stage. Join Jai Thep with an open heart. Bring your tent and camp for free but space is limited. If you don't have one, tent options are available at extra cost. Tickets are available via Ticketmelon. This fest is kid-friendly, too. Children younger than 12 can attend for free with their paying parents. Ticket prices stated below are valid until Jan 3, 2018, then they go up.
From 11am / Lanna Rock Garden, 17/4 Banpong, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai / http://goo.gl/beS4MT, http://facebook.com/JaiThepFestival / B750 for Sunday ticket, B1,100 for phase-1 two-day ticket, B1,300 for phase-1 three-day ticket, tents start from B950 per person (B500 deposit, B450 rental fee).
Shows
+ A Big Deal
Yak Fest / The Ocean Khao Yai / Feb 24
This new festival will bring together different lifestyles in one place. There will be five "villages": Talk Village, Bitchyland, Organic Village, Rap Village and B Village. All the cool people from different fields will be there. Alex Face, Rukkit, Yuree Kensaku and P7 represent street art. The music lineup is diverse -- from Rasmee Isan Soul to rapper UrboyTJ to indie diva Gene Kasidit to The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band. Party-wise, Trasher Bangkok and Rap is Now will show up. Giant inflatable dolls by nine artists will stand tall for your selfie ops. The early bird tickets, which come with a Nong Mamuang inflatable doll by noted illustrator Wisut Ponnimit, are available until Dec 31 at ThaiTicketMajor.
noon-midnight / The Ocean Khao Yai, Thanarat Road, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima / http://goo.gl/dZqH1w / B1,600 until Dec 31, B2,000 afterwards.
+ Hello Katy
Witness: The Tour 2018 Bangkok / IMPACT Arena Muang Thong Thani / Apr 10
KatyCats, are you ready for Katy Perry's second concert next year? Witness the California gurl deliver fireworks on the stage with her many hits so don't let this concert be the one that got away (if you're chuckling now, you're a real fan). Tickets go on sale on Jan 13, 2018. Citicard members have access to pre-sale tickets on Jan 9–10. Customers of Ocean Life Insurance also have access to pre-sale tickets on Jan 11–12.
Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani / www.thaiticketmajor.com / Ticket prices start at B3,500.
+ Diva Duo
AMP SHA Concert / Royal Paragon Hall / Feb 3-4
Two of Thailand's biggest divas and besties -- Amp Saowaluck and Marsha Vadhanapanich -- will join forces on the same stage for the first time. Together under their belts, they have many emotional hits fans know by heart. This will definitely be a nostalgic trip for those who grew up with their songs. Get your tickets from ThaiTicketMajor.
Feb 3 at 7pm, Feb 4 at 5pm / Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Rama I / http://goo.gl/TMR8oQ / B1,500, B2,000, B2,500, B3,000, B3,500, B4,000.
+ The XX in BKK
I See You 2018 / Thunderdome / Jan 29
The London-based pop trio -- Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith -- will stop by the Big Mango for their debut gig. They are known for their minimal yet hypnotic sound, which is located dreamily somewhere between indie pop and electronic. Their first two releases xx and Coexist received high praise from critics before their latest effort I See You was released in January. After playing sold-out shows and headlining at festivals, The XX is coming to Asia, bringing with them a full production. The tickets are on sale via Ticketmelon.
Thunderdome, Muang Thong Thani / www.ticketmelon.com, 02-026-3068. B2,800 per person for standing tickets only.
+ Jazz in Jiang Hai
Thailand International Jazz Festival 2018 / Singha Park Chiang Rai / Feb 2-3
Neekrung Connects (who's bringing John Legend's upcoming concert) and Singha Corporation will co-host a two-day jazz fest, featuring award-winning artists and rising stars from around the world. Brian McKnight of Back At One fame, Joey Alexander and Koh Mr Saxman are among the headliners. McKnight, you ask? Although he's best known as an R&B crooner, he told New York Daily News that he's "a jazz musician masquerading as a pop/R&B guy" back in 2012. Alexander is a child phenomena whose album My Favourite Things charted on the Billboard 200, the first Indonesian pianist to do so. Early-bird tickets are on sale until Dec 31.
Singha Park Chiang Rai, 99 Moo 1, Mae Korn / http://goo.gl/tXzVEe / B1,800 for two-day pass for early birds, B2,500 after Dec 31.
+ Rocky Start
pg.lost Live in Bangkok / Rockademy Thailand / Jan 4
After bringing PREP to Bangkok in early December, Seen Scene Space will bring pg.lost, a Swedish post rock group, to kick off 2018. The quartet will stop by Southeast Asia as part of their Versus Tour 2018. Their instrumental rock and roll sound comes with experimental touch and a tinge of melancholy. Two local bands -- Follows and Ziriphon Fireking -- will open for them. Get your standing tickets at Ticketmelon.
7-11.30pm / Rockademy Thailand, Sukhumvit 26 / http://goo.gl/x9qchg / B750 for early birds, B1,000 for regular tickets, B1,200 at the door.
+ Mellow Start to 2018
HYHBkk Live! with Homeshake / About Studio / Jan 20
Homeshake, a solo project by Montreal-based singer-songwriter and musician Peter Sagar, will kickstart your 2018 on a 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 are available via Ticketmelon.
7pm-midnight / About Studio, 35/209 Praditmanutham Road / http://goo.gl/wQv8c7 / B1,200.
+ Rock Legend
Liam Gallagher Live in Bangkok / Bitec Bangna Hall 106 / Jan 12
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, thanks to The Very Company. His first solo album As You Were was released in October this year and debuted at No.1 in the UK.
8pm / Bitec-Bangna, Hall 106, Bang Na-Trad Road / http://goo.gl/4dxWFG / 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
After Liam Gallagher, The Very Company also brings you Foster The People in January. The indie pop band from LA is known for hits such as Pumped Up Kicks, Houdini and Don't Stop (Colour On The Walls).
8pm / Moonstar Studio 8, Lat Phrao 80 / http://goo.gl/Q9thgM / B2,600.
Art
+ The King of Hearts
The King in Our Heart / Museum Siam / Until Jan 21
This exhibition is organised by The Thailand Association of the Blind as a tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and designed for visually impaired visitors. The king's memorable stories will be narrated as the visitors move from one display to another. The exhibits range from photographs, objects of significance and sculptures crafted in the king's likeness.
10am-6pm (free entry from 4-6pm, closes on Mondays) / Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai, Phra Nakhon / http://facebook.com/adofthailand.
+ We're so material
Dissecting desire / S.A.C Subhashok the arts centre / until Jan 21
This exhibition showcases two talented young Thai artists whose works reflect the illusion of humans' materialism through paintings and sculptures. The artist Naruepon Bamrungruan's sculptures are humourous and have profound meanings which resonate materialists in a sarcastic way, while Patdanu Tameekul paints flesh, skin and several parts of the body to create a new symbolic form and way of looking at luxury.
Tue-Sat, 10am-5.30pm, Sun, Noon-6pm / S.A.C. Subhashok The Arts Centre, Sukhumvit 39 / http://fb.com/sacbangkok, 02-662-0299.
+ The power of nature
Eye am everywhere / Kalwit studio & gallery / until Feb 3
Pavanarani (Pavana) Verma, the unique and spiritually inclined Thai-Indian visual artist from Singapore has always been enraptured by the cycle of life and its relationship with the Ultimate Source of the Universe. Intrigued by the message of Oneness, and the concept of duality as a mirage from various ancient philosophies such as Vedanta, Hinduism and Buddhism, she uses her art to explore the relationship between physical nature and the spiritual cosmos.
Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm / Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Ruamrudee 2 / http://fb.com/kalwitgallery, 02-254-4629.
+ Kawaii Creatures
Character in My Mind / Sky Lobby / Jan 8- Apr 2
The Sky Lobby at Centara Grand at CentralWorld will host an adorable cartoon exhibition featuring paintings by Sitthinon Mongkolsangsuree and Thanaphan Dejboon. The former obsesses with creating cute big-eyed girls due to her interest in fashion and design. The latter draws cats in fantasy setting. Together, they make one hell of a kawaii exhibition.
10am-8pm / Sky Lobby, 23/F, CentaraGrand at CentralWorld, Rama I / 02-100-1234 ext 6753-6.
+ Social Satire
NONSENSE / ARDEL Gallery of Modern Art / Until Jan 21
Amarin Buppasiri playfully comments, via his paintings, on the heavily edited pictures people put out on their social media. What lies beneath the artificial/staged beauty some craft with their smartphones? The empty quest for more likes? Are we collectively marching towards superficiality?
Tue-Sat 10.30am-7pm, Sun 10.30am-5.30pm / ARDEL Gallery of Modern Art, Boromrachachonnanee, Tawee Wattana / www.ardelgallery.com, 02-422-2092.
Food
+ Japanese tea time
Tsubaki afternoon tea, The Okura prestige Bangkok, until Mar 31
Head over to Okura Bangkok's Up & Above Bar and start the New Year with treats like Daifuku, rhubarb crumble tart, and Tsubaki tea cake, as well as savoury delicacies like smoked salmon and lemon zest. All these sweet and savoury bites go perfect with a cuppa.
2-5pm / Up & Above Bar, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Witthayu Road / Email upandabove@okurabangkok.com, call 02-687-9000 / B1,190++ inclusive of tea or coffee for two; B1,690++ with sake or two glasses of prosecco; B2,750++ with two glasses of Champagne.
+ New year extravaganza
New year celebrations, The Athenee hotel, Dec 31
A wide variety of New Year's celebrations is being offered by The Athenee Hotel. A lavish buffet will be served at Rain Tree Café, after which diners can head over to Glaz Bar for the countdown, while being serenaded by a five-piece band. Loved ones can gather for a New Year's Day brunch at Rain Tree Café or have a sumptuous dinner at Reflexions. These are only a few of the hotel's festive offerings. SPG member benefits apply and Le Club Plaza members get 20% off food at specific locations.
6pm / The Athenee Hotel, 61 Witthayu Road / Email fb.theathenee@luxurycollection.com, visit http://theatheneehotel.com or http://theluxurycollection.com/theatheneehotel. Call 02-650-8800.
+ Japanese-style new year
New year lunch bento box, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Jan 1-3
Ring in the new year with traditional Japanese bento. It also includes a complimentary cup of Otoso spiced sake to toast to good luck for the upcoming year.
Noon-2:30pm / Kisso Japanese Restaurant, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, 259 Sukhumvit 19 / Email fb.bangkok@westin.com, visit http://goo.gl/B73Pwb or call 02-207-8000. B1,590++.
Heineken behind the star experience
+ Centralworld, until Dec 31
Take a look at the long history of Heineken with this exhibition set up in front of CentralWorld. Discover how the drink is bottled and distributed with the Global VR Journey and learn the Heineken Star Serve at the Star Serve Experience. There's also a few more displays visitors can experience. Free admission.
5pm-midnight / CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road / Visit https://http://goo.gl/gHYwgC.
Travel
+ Longer Stay, Better Rates
Longer Stay / Travelodge Pattaya / Until Apr 30
A stay at Travelodge Pattaya is affordable but when you stay for at least three nights, you'll get even a better deal. TravelodgeR members are also entitled to an additional 10% discount and you can sign up via www.travelodgehotels.asia for free. The membership also comes with 12pm check-in and 2pm check-out. Both Pattaya Beach and Walking Street are within walking distance from the hotel, which is designed for budget-conscious travellers. Book online.
Travelodge Pattaya, Moo 10, Pattaya Sai Song Road, Chon Buri / www.travelodgepattaya.com, 038-103-777 / B1,444 per night with breakfast buffet.
+ It's All About U
Discover U Package / U Zenmaya Phuket / Until Mar 31
A two-night stay comes with many perks. These include daily breakfast, 30-minute head and neck massage, welcome cocktail, round-trip transfer to the airport, Phuket Town or Rassada Pier, 20% off on F&B and free shuttle bus to Jungceylon Shopping Centre.
U Zenmaya Phuket, 6/181 Moo 6, Kamala, Kathu / www.uzenmayaphuket.com, 076-336-888 / from B9,883 per person.
+ Staycation
Well Relaxing Package / Well Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 / Until Mar 31
Relax in the heart of Bangkok with this three-night package from Well Hotel Bangkok. Included are daily international breakfast buffet, free mini-bar, a 60-minute Thai or aromatherapy massage for two, a B500 dining voucher and free admission to join a group exercise class. The hotel is walking distance to the BTS and MRT, as well as countless malls, restaurants, cafes and nightlife spots. This package applies to four room types. Stay longer to receive special rates. Book by Mar 31 for stays until Jun 30.
Well Hotel Bangkok, 10 Sukhumvit 20 / www.wellhotelbangkok.com, 02-127-5995 / B9,499 for Superior Room, B10,999 for Deluxe Room and B14,599 for Executive Room and B19,399 for Executive Suite.
+ From UTH TO CNX
Direct Flight Udon Thani-Chiang Mai / AirAsia / Until Dec 31
The low-cost airline will launch daily direct flights between Udon Thani and Chiang Mai, on Feb 15. To commemorate this new flight, be among its first passengers at a promotional rate if you book before the end of this year to travel from Feb 15, 2018 to Dec 31, 2019. Meanwhile, flights between Udon Thani and Bangkok have been increased to five times a day.
www.airasia.com, 02-515-9999, Counter Services / B590 per trip.
+ Besties of Best Western
Holiday Bonus to Reward Members / Best Western Hotels & Resorts / Until Jan 31
Best Western is rewarding loyal members during this holiday season. BWR (Best Western Rewards) members will receive one $10 Best Western Travel Card for every stay at any of the 4,200 properties under Best Western around the world until the end of January 2018. BWR members can redeem 10,000 points for a free stay at any Best Western property in North America, too.
Sign up at http://BestWestern.com/Rewards.
+ Trekking in Chiang Mai
Camping Package / Chiang Dao Camping / Ongoing
Up for a real adventure? Join camping and trekking up Doi Luang Chiang Dao by Chiang Dao Camping, who regularly organise trekking trips from Fridays to Sundays, as well as holidays. Choose either a 2D1N or 3D2N experience and pick the time slots that suit you best. All equipment, meals and other basic necessities are provided. It won't be a breezy experience obviously but the view of sea clouds and foggy mornings will definitely take your breath away. We recommend that you read the full details in Thai on its website before you decide.
Chiang Dao Camping, 126/2 Ban Jom Kiri, Moo 3, Mae Na, Chaing Dao, Chiang Mai / www.chiangdaocamping.com, 062-893-6156 / B1,950 per person for 2D1N, B2,750 for 3D2N.
+ Camping in Chiang Mai
Camp Chiang Mai Season 2 / Camp Chiang Mai / Until Feb 28
Camp Chiang Mai, a temporary camping site/hotel in Mae Rim, has recently reopened for the winter for a limited time only. Accommodation choices are Gang Room, Family Room, Double Room and Twin Room, but they are all tents equipped with comfy beds and basic comforts. The site is next to a rice field and mountain range lies on the horizon. Room rates are subject to the period of your stay. Free breakfast is provided and barbecue dinner can be ordered. Outside food and drink is allowed. Parking space is provided, as well.
Camp Chiang Mai, Mae Raem, Mae Rim / www.thecampchiangmai.com, http://fb.com/CAMPchiangmai, 093- 996-9992 / Until Jan 16: B2,050 for two in Double or Twin Room, B2,650 for three in Family Room, B4,900 for four in Gang Room, Jan 17-Feb 28: B1,750 for two in Double or Twin Room, B2,350 for three in Family Room, B4,600 for four in Gang Room.
Movies
+ The greatest showman
(directed by Michael Gracey)
Who's in it?
Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson.
What's it about?
The musical film is based on P.T. Barnum (Jackman), a man who changed the face of show business forever. Gathering the people society has shunned due to their oddities, he founds one of the earliest forms of variety entertainment: the circus.
Why watch it?
Have you listened to the soundtrack? We dare you not to be singing the songs when you come out of the theatre.
+ Juimanji: Welcome to the jungle
(directed by Jake Kasdan)
Who's in it?
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas.
What's it about?
Four high-schoolers serving detention find an old video game console and decide to play it. Little do they know that the video game is Jumanji, and they're transported into the dangerous jungle world of the video game, inhabiting their avatars, and must survive.
Why watch it?
A sequel/update to a classic that looks to be promising.
+ A bad moms Christmas
(directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore)
Who's in it?
Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn, Susan Sarandon.
What's it about?
Sick of the pressure of having to prepare everything for a perfect Christmas for their families, the three moms let loose and get wild. But their fun is cut short by the arrival of unexpected visitors: their moms.
Why watch it?
Because it's not a holiday without an irreverent, holiday-themed movie?
NETFLIX
+ Bill Nye saves the world (season 2)
Bill Nye the Science Guy continues to inform the masses and dispel any form of baloney -- all with the help of science. The second season of the show drops today.
+ El Camino Christmas
Eric Roth goes to the desert town of El Camino to find his estranged father, only to find himself in the middle of a convenience store hold-up with five other people -- his father being one of them. The comedy starring Tim Allen, Jessia Alba and Dax Shepard is available for streaming now.
