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
+ The Neilson Hays Book Sale at The British Club,
The British Club Bangkok, Nov 25-26
For all you bookworms out there, be sure to bookmark this sale hosted by the Neilson Hays Library at The British Club Bangkok. There are fiction, non-fiction, paperbacks, hardbacks, historical books, children's books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, airport books, and lots more. There will also be light refreshments to accompany you while you're feasting your brains.
The British Club Bangkok, Surawong Road, Bang Rak. Visit http://goo.gl/cy2ME7 for more info. 02-234-0247.
+ The 60 Second Film Festival, Warehouse 30, Dec 2
Calling all filmmakers, local and international, new and experienced: put your director hats on! The best film award at this festival comes with a B20,000 prize, along with a chance to win different category prizes, and equipment. All you need to do is submit a film of 60 seconds or less by November 24.
7pm – midnight. Warehouse 30, Charoen Krung Soi 30, Bang Rak. Visit http://goo.gl/W9mbVt for more info. 087-061-1117.
PARTIES
+ Cotton -- ft. Trus' Me, SAFE ROOM, Nov 10
Three headlining DJs -- Trus' Me (Prime Numbers, UK), Moogly (Silver Network, Fr) and Jack Haze (Communique Records, Fr) -- will raise the roof with eclectic genres of electronic music at this inaugural Cotton party. Get in for free before midnight.
10pm-3am. SAFE ROOM, White Line, Silom Soi 8. http://fb.com/saferoombkk. B200 at the door with one drink.
+ Modulate, White Line, Nov 11
White Line will host two parties back-to-back. Modulate will bring together Bangkok's best techno, electronic and experimental sounds as well as visual artists. Three Thai electronica acts -- Kijjaz, Tum Monotone and Twist x Twist -- will kick off the night from 8pm to midnight. After that, head to SAFE ROOM upstairs for live improvised techno sets by Marmosets and Asymmetric.
Free entry and food until 9:30pm. 8pm - 3am. White Line, Silom Soi 8. http://fb.com/whitelinebangkok.
+ Karma Kastle, Mirasierra Khaoyai, Nov 24-26
The party scene continues to heat up during the Thai winter. Karma Klique, which is already known for its Karma Kruise and Karma Kamp parties, returns with its first edition of Karma Kastle at a new scenic venue in Khao Yai. Expect an international DJ lineup as well as our local talents. Lose yourself to the music from 20+ acts amid the lush surroundings of Spanish-inspired Mirasierra Khaoyai. A camping site is available not so far from the venue. Mirasierra Khaoyai, 575 Moo 1, Nong Nam Deang, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima.
http://goo.gl/vf3FDy. B2,000 per person via One Place Bangkok.
+ Blast Pool Series #0026, DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit, Nov 11
The weather is getting slightly chilly but one of the hottest pool parties in the city will turn up the heat. Blast Sessions is back at the same venue. Karl Ross and James Leatham, the co-creators of underground party Rumours Yangon, and Atlas Muvs, Cocoon Phuket's resident DJ, will showcase their turntable skills. Blast resident duo Adiero + Nukier will warm up the crowd. Free entry for the ladies from 2-3pm. Free open bar sangria from 2-3pm.
2-8pm. DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 26.
http://fb.com/BlastSessions. B400 with one drink, B700 with one hour of all you can drink, buy one ticket and get another for free before 4pm.
SHOWS
+ Singha Music presents Imagine Dragons Evolve World Tour Live in Bangkok, Show DC Oasis Outdoor Arena, Jan 11, 2018
The award-winning American alternative rock band will return to the Big Mango in January to play their second fully-fledged concert after their first gig here two years ago (yes, they performed at the official opening of Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park in September but that doesn't count because it was members-only). It will be in support of their third studio album Evolve which was released in June this year and already generated hits such as Believer, Whatever It Takes and Walking the Wire.
7:30pm. Show DC Oasis Outdoor Arena, Rama IX Road. http://goo.gl/rjQ39F. Tickets start at B2,500 via ThaiTicketMajor.
+ Bruno Mars 24K Magic World Tour 2018 in Bangkok, IMPACT Arena, May 1, 2018
Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling superstar Bruno Mars is bringing his "24K Magic World Tour" to Bangkok next year! After his first Bangkok date (Apr 30) was sold out, Bruno Mars has added one more show for May 1, 2018. This will be his second concert here after The Moonshine Jungle Tour in 2014. Prepare yourself to have Bruno "uptown funk you up" with his "24K magic".
IMPACT Arena, Muang Thong Thani. http://goo.gl/6HAB2d, 02-262-3838. Tickets start at B3,500 via ThaiTicketMajor.
+ Bangkok Comedy Fringe 2017, Various Venues, Until Nov 19
Three comedy clubs -- Khao San Comedy Club, Raw Comedy, Stagetime Comedy Club -- have joined forces for a side-splitting stand-up event. An international line-up of funny guys and girls will perform.
Tickets to shows in Bangkok venues, Pattaya as well as VIP passes are available via Bangkok Comedy Fringe's official website. www.bangkokfringe.org.
ART
+ The Garden of God, Duke Contemporary Art Space, Until Dec 10
This solo exhibition by artist Kriangkrai Kongkhanan presents the imaginations of a garden in a secret land where gods live, worshipped as symbols of prosperity, stability, happiness and success in life. Images of such gods and their auspicious symbols represent certain needs in human minds, which form emotions. The artist's vivid and colourful portrayals of these entities is hugely revealing of his ability to capture such majestic powers.
Open daily, 11am-midnight. Duke Contemporary Art Space, Gaysorn Village. http://fb.com/duke.gaysorn, 094-647-8888.
+ Two Men Looking Through The Same Bars #2, Wtf Gallery And Caf?, Until Nov 30
The Art Centre of Silpakorn University alongside WTF Gallery and Caf? have put together this exhibition, presenting works by artists Nuttapon Sawasdee and Yingyod Yenarkarn. Nuttapon Sawasdee is the third of six artists selected for the exposed: up-and-coming artists project hosted by the Art Centre of Silpakorn University. Over a period of one year, Nuttapon has been working with the Art Centre in creating works for this exhibition, together with inviting another emerging artist -- Yingyod Yenarkarn to also feature in the show. The project's young emerging artists tend to show interesting perspectives towards many social issues. Tue-Sun, 4pm-10pm.
WTF Gallery and Cafe, Sukhumvit Soi 51. http://fb.com/ArtCentre.SilpakornUniversity, 02-221-3841.
+ The Creative District Gallery Hopping Night, Various Venues, Nov 17
Boy, are we excited to have another night out with one too many galleries (or can there ever really be too many?!) Gallery Hopping night is back with a bang to spruce us up with an evening of cultured chit-chat and appreciation of all things artsy and beautiful. Nothing has officially been announced but we hear Speedy Grandma, JAM, Bridge Art Space, ATTA Gallery and Number1gallery are some of the galleries that will be participating. All galleries will be found in the Silom, Charoen Krung and Klongsan areas of Bangkok, as usual.
Exciting! Nov 11, 6pm-11pm. Various galleries. http://fb.com/galleryhoppingbkk, 089-143-7216.
+ Sake: Inside Japan's Artisanal Breweries, Jua, Nov 17
In conjunction with the creative district's upcoming Gallery Hopping Night, Japanese restaurant JUA will be displaying a new selection of large-format photographs from Jason Michael Lang's critically-acclaimed book, SAKE: The History, Stories and Craft of Japan's Artisanal Breweries, an illustrated account of the owners and brewers behind the country's most unique adult beverage.
Nov 11, 6pm-midnight. Jua, Charoen Krung Soi 28.
http://fb.com/juabangkok, 061-558-7689.
+ Portrait of Thai-Chinese, Cho Why, Until Nov 17-23
In this solo exhibition, the Korean but Bangkok-based photographer Park Donghyuk, AKA Soma Bangkoksnaps has put together a small documentary photography series about the Thai-Chinese life and culture in Bangkok's Chinatown. All the snaps are in black and white film.
Open daily, 6:30pm-late. Cho Why, Soi Nana 17.
+ In Search of Self, Kathmandu Photo Gallery, Until Dec 28
According to Carl Jung, the rocks in Dow Wasiksiri's dream symbolise the ego. A keen student of psychology and inspired by a dream, Dow brought the rocks to life in the series In Search of Self (1982), in which red rocks emerge from a lavatory and a swimming pool, resulting in indelibly surreal images. The rocks are very much alive with intent as they go about their adventures, in their preoccupations known only to themselves. This exhibition revisits the early surrealist work of the celebrated Thai contemporary photo-artist Dow Wasiksiri, and includes the silently eerie Mysterious Shell (1993) alongside the red rocks.
Tue-Sat, 11am-6pm. Kathmandu Photo Gallery, Pan Road. http://fb.com/kathmanduphotogallery, 02-234-6700.
FOOD
+ Barista's Choice, Roots Coffee, Until Nov 30
Roots Coffee's special Barista's Choice for this month has a very tropical inspiration. The Aloha passionfruit cold brew uses passion fruit and palm sugar caramel and is topped off with caramel-coated passion fruit seeds. The drink is available for the whole month of November for B120.
Mon-Thu 8am-8pm, Fri-Sun 8am-9pm. Roots Coffee, The COMMONS, Thong Lor Soi 17.
+ Unveiling Foodtopia, Ongoing
There is another that has joined the ranks of go-to places for food in the chillout haven that is Thong Lor. Foodtopia houses the likes of smoke-house "Smokin' Patty" and the Italian restaurant "Osteria", among a number of other restaurants.
11am-12am. Foodtopia, Thong Lor Soi 10. http://fb.com/FoodtopiaBKK, 02-391-8580.
+ Exclusive Chef's Table, Tribeca Restobar, Dec 15-16
Three chefs from Top Chef Thailand are joining forces to bring a specially-designed menu to Tribeca Restobar's patrons. This exclusive event is only happening for two days, so be sure to make reservations and not miss it.
5pm. Tribeca Restobar, Nihonmura Mall, Thong Lor Soi 13. http://fb.com/tribecabkk, 02-712-9209. B3,999.
+ Thanksgiving Meal, The Kitchen Table, Nov 23
Celebrate with friends and family at W Bangkok's The Kitchen Table with a Thanksgiving feast. Start off with the butternut squash soup and indulge in a scrumptious roasted turkey breast served with gravy and cranberry sauce, and for dessert, have some pumpkin pie with maple cream. Advanced reservation recommended.
12pm-10:30pm. The Kitchen Table, W Bangkok, 106 Sathon Nua Road.
Email bf.wbangkok@whotels.com, 02-344-4000. B1,550++.
+ Michelin Guide Bangkok 2018 Award Ceremony & Gala Dinner, Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Dec 6
There was a big hullabaloo when Michelin announced that they were going to release a guide for the Big Mango. Well, the time has finally come. Those who are being recognised will be revealed, but the night wouldn't be complete without a six-course dinner by three Michelin starred chefs and a number of local talents. It will be a black-tie event.
5:30pm-9:30pm. Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok, Rama I Road. http://goo.gl/CjRDrk.
B20,000 per one ticket, B30,000 for two.
TRAVEL
+ Escape Vacation with an Artist, Escape Hua Hin and Escape Khao Yai, Until Feb 28, 2018
Escape Sansiri Hotel Collection, in collaboration with two Thai artists -- Wisut Ponnimit (the creator of Mamuang character) and Pimm Chongcharoen (founder of Teaspoon Studio) -- offers art installations, new decor and exclusive premiums for guests who stay from now until Feb 28, 2018. Escape Khao Yai will be spruced up by cute characters designed by Wisut, while Pimm brought even more liveliness to the public area of Escape Hua Hin through vivid patterns and installations.
A stay at either Hua Hin or Khao Yai property comes with postcards by its respective collaborating artist. One night in a Deluxe room with breakfast for two starts from B3,000 net. Type in the "FESTIVE17" promo code to get an additional 5% discount. Or book directly with the hotels. Both properties also offer outdoor dinner during this festive season. Have a romantic picnic at Escape Khao Yai for the starting price of B750++ per person every day from 6-10pm. Or join a poolside barbecue party with live music at Escape Hua Hin on Saturdays from 5:30-9:30pm.
For more info on room packages and daily activities, go to http://goo.gl/A55JHC
for Escape Khao Yai and http://goo.gl/8Jhu1X for Escape Hua Hin.
+ Three New Routes, AirAsia, Until Nov 12 and Nov 19
AirAsia has added two new routes between Don Mueang and Chengdu as well as Phuket and Kunming, bringing the total number of its Chinese routes to 22 across 14 cities. They accommodate increasing numbers of Chinese tourists travelling to Thailand and vice versa. These new flights will start from February 1, 2018 but you can book it now online via the airline's website to enjoy special rates -- B1,990 for Don Mueang-Chengdu and B1,790 for Phuket-Kunming. They are valid for travelling from February 1, 2018 to March 24, 2018. Domestically speaking, AirAsia announced a new route between Phuket and Khon Kaen, flying four times a week. The inaugural flight will take off on December 22 just in time for your year-end getaway. Book it from now until Nov 12 for the price of only B690 per trip. It's valid for travelling from December 22, 2017 to November 21, 2018.
www.airasia.com.
+ Opening Rate, Travelodge Sukhumvit 11, Until Mar 31, 2018
Britian's favourite hotel chain Travelodge has expanded into Bangkok with Travelodge Sukhumvit 11. Just opened on November 1, the 224-room hotel is located in the soi that has so many choices of bars, restaurants and activities already but is also few minutes away from BTS Nana for easy exploration of the city.
Travelodge Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Soi 11. www.travelodgehotels.asia, 02-491-3999. B1,199 per night.
+ Introductory Rates, COSI Samui Chaweng Beach, Ongoing
Centara Hotels & Resorts has launched its new brand COSI with the opening of COSI Samui Chaweng Beach. The new property on Chaweng beach, which is geared towards digitally savvy travellers, will open on December 1 but you can book a stay now to be amongst its early guests. Facilities designed for young-minded travellers include a 24/7 space for relaxing and socialising, a rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi, in-room smart TV, free daily credit to enjoy food or drink anytime of the day and more. Book online. The hotel is literally a five-minute walk away from the beach. Plus, its neighbours are the most happening bars, restaurants and attractions on the island.
COSI Samui Chaweng Beach, 209/4 Moo 2, Bo Phut, Koh Samui. www.cosihotels.com, 077-430-123-4. B1,515 per night.
+ KKday Creative Travel Contest, Until Nov 20
Uni students are invited to join this contest organised by KKday, Asia's leading e-commerce travel platform. Three students form one team to create a PDF document, introducing themselves and detailing their passion for travelling. Upload it onto Google Drive and share it on the website listed below. Top five finalists will be announced on Nov 24 and each team will be given a budget to make a video clip to promote Thai tourism while capturing "KKday Easy Travel -- An Unforgettable Experience" theme. The team whose video receives the most votes will win a trip to Japan worth B200,000. Register from now until Nov 20. www.thuniprogram.act.kkday.com
+ Early Birds, Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok, Until Oct 31, 2018
Book well ahead of your next Bangkok stay at Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok to reap chunky discounts. Feel at home, away from home, in a stylish one-bedroom apartment equipped with a full kitchen, laundry appliances and the latest in entertainment systems. Shama serves as a perfect base for you to conveniently explore Bangkok, being close to both BTS Phloen Chit and Nana and within a walkable distances to so many F&B options, malls and more. Book 30 days in advance to receive a 20% discount and 7 days in advance to receive a 15% discount.
Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 2. 02-105-6000, www.shama.com/sukhumvit.
MOVIES
+ The Big Sick (Directed By Michael Showalter)
Who's in it?
Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano.
What's it about?
Loosely based on comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his wife's love story, the film follows Nanjiani as he falls in love with Emily (Kazan), a grad student, despite their vast cultural differences. When Emily falls ill, he is forced to face Emily's family as well as his own since they've been trying to set up an arranged marriage for him for some time.
Why watch it?
People have been raving about it for some time because once again, we're getting this film pretty late.
+ Only the Brave (Directed By Joseph Kosinski)
Who's in it?
Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges.
What's it about?
Another film based on a true story, it recounts the heroics of an elite firefighting team known as the Granite Mountain Hotshots as they fight the third deadliest U.S. wildfire in history, the Yarnell Hill Fire.
Why watch it?
A solid inspirational drama based on the courageous acts of actual people.
+ Beyond Skyline (Directed By Liam O'donnell)
Who's in it?
Frank Grillo, Bojana Novakovic, Iko Uwais.
What's it about?
Aliens invade the earth and abduct a number of people. Despite facing otherworldly enemies, a detective (Grillo) will stop at nothing to rescue his son who was one of the ones abducted.
Why watch it?
Taken but with aliens.
TV SERIES
+ Penn And Teller: Fool Us (Season 4)
Fridays, 7:40pm, RTL CBS Extreme Ch. 338
Arguably magic's most famous duo, Penn and Teller, have posed a challenge for aspiring magicians: try and fool them. If they succeed, they get to perform with the duo at their resident show at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. Catch the fourth season of this unconventional magic competition every Friday.
NETFLIX
+ The Killer
A notorious killer ironically named Shaggy was raised by a bandit named Seven Ears in isolation. Now, Seven Ears has mysteriously disappeared, and Shaggy sets out to find him. Netflix's first original film produced in Brazil is available for streaming today.
