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
+ Soap Making Workshop, The Commons, Nov 4
Attend this workshop by Bangkok Soap Opera to learn how to recycle cooking oil into liquid soap. You will not only leave with a bottle of liquid soap, but also with a deeper understanding of practicing recycling and sustainability. It’ll be good clean fun!
10am - 12.30pm. The COMMONS, Thong Lor Soi 17. 089-152-2677. Visit goo.gl/ByQPs2. B500.
+ Samitivej Sukhumvit First Aid & CPR for Kids 2017, Samitivej Hospital, Nov 7
Dr Anjana Sachabudhawong, MD from the Pediatric Pulmonology Clinic at Samitivej is leading this event to teach you first aid knowledge to keep your young ones safe. You will also learn CPR and other useful skills to aid in time of need.
9am - 12pm. Samitivej Hospital, Sukhumvit Soi 49. 02-022-2222. www.smtvj.com/2llKVJv to register online.
+ Random Thainess, Expique, Nov 8
Celebrate your “Thainess” by attending this event to hear from six different speakers discussing six random topics for six minutes each. 50% of the money raised will support the charity organisation Hyper-Tree for their volunteer group called Plant a Forest.
7pm-10pm. Expique, Sathon Soi 9. 085-873-3308. Visit goo.gl/7ri1y7 for more info. B300.
+ Plastic Bag Weaving – Practical Skills, The Home BKK, Nov 19
The HOME BKK presents you with a workshop to transform several colours of plastic bags into different sized bags. This is a chance for you to practice your handicraft skills while being eco-friendly. Recyle, reuse, and reduce!
11am-1pm. The HOME BKK, Sukhumvit Soi 23. 039-020-6377. Visit goo.gl/UUqCCL for more info. B360.
+ The Great Outdoor Market @ Klongsan, Lhong 1919, Nov 3 – Nov 5
Start off the weekend strong with great food, music, and art by the Chao Phraya River. The ‘Huo Chuán Láung’ (a steamship terminal) pier was used for storage of goods from Singapore and Hong Kong during 1850-1910s but it is now being relaunched as a riverside space called LHONG 1919 to host various creative events. It’s probably the most fun you’ll ever have visiting a historical site.
LHONG 1919, Chiang Mai Road, Khlong San. 085-818-8148. Visit www.thegreatoutdoormarket.tumblr.com/ for more info. Free entry.
PARTIES
+ Bangkok’s First Beer Pool!, Changwon Express at Flow House, Nov 3-4
Have you ever fancied filling a small pool with 70 kegs of the golden beverage and soaking in it? Of course not, but if you do now, know that someone is making that a reality. Changwon Express invites you to have a suds spa for real at its launch party with the help of Bannok Beer. Bathing in the adult beverage is purported to have many benefits and we guess you have to try it yourself to find out. The authorities may find out about it and denounce it later (like they did with beer yoga) so if you want to be a part of history then consider joining.
3-11pm. Changwon Express at Flow House, A Square, Sukhumvit Soi 26. goo.gl/hdGXGg.
+ Singha Music Presents: Kolour Warehouse, The Studio Park, Nov 11
Kolour will throw its next bash filled with outdoor stages, cutting edge music, gourmet food and more at a new venue. This time around, American DJ Seth Troxler, who was named the “Number 1 DJ In The World” by Resident Advisor’s inimitable Top 100 DJ Poll, will headline. This festival veteran has played at Awakenings, Coachella and Cocoon and has residencies at major clubs such as Fabric and Circoloco (DC10). He will be supported by our local talents such as Sunju Hargun, Dan Buri and Mendy Indigo.
4pm-1am. The Studio Park, 999 Moo 2, Soi Thong Dee 2, Bang Bo, Samut Prakan. www.bit.ly/KolourWarehouseTix. B1,300 for regular tickets, B1,600 at door.
+ G-Spot Theme Party : Olympia, Vertigo TOO, Nov 4
Come dressed as a Greek god or goddess and be so gay (as in happy) at this themed party hosted by G-Spot Entertainment. There will be three drag shows, fun games and a costume competition to win prizes at midnight. Thailand’s drag diva Pangina Heals and her children as well as hunky DJ Tackthai (Tack Kittiphop) will be entertaining you throughout the night. Come early to get in for free from 6-9 pm.
From 6pm. Vertigo TOO, 60/F, Banyan Tree Bangkok, Sathon Tai Road. Call 087-015-6600 or email ken.leing@gmail.com to reserve your table. B500 after 9pm with two drinks of Finlandia Vodka.
+ Beamfest, Beam, Nov 17-19 & Nov 24-26
Beam, one of Bangkok’s coolest nightclubs, is about to make the city booming with fresh sounds during its inaugural music fest. You’ll see a totally new look of the club as well as 72 Courtyard during two weekends. The party starts from 4pm-2am each day during which you can enjoy multiple genres of music, pop-up food shops and live art performances. They’ll also throw in a slide and a net for star watching because, well, why not? The line-up includes internationally recognised acts such as Skream, Cashmere Cat, Teenage Mutants as well as collab between Beam and three music event organisers from abroad — Amsterdam’s Red Light radio station, LA’s Soulection record label and NY’s Tiki Disco. The roster of local acts is also impressive, including The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, DCNXTR, Ga-Pi and Beam’s resident DJs. To go with great music, gourmet F&B will be on offer. Yuji Ramen from NY and Jigger & Pony from SG (no. 21 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list 2017) will open shops there. Smack N Smokes, Batt Tempura, Tropic City and Backstage will be serving local flavours. Tickets are available via Event Pop.
4pm-2am. BEAM, 72 Courtyard, between Thong Lor Soi 16 & 18. www.beamfest.com, www.fb.com/beamclubbkk, go.eventpop.me/beamfest2017. B1,500 per person for three-day ticket, B2,500 for six-day ticket.
SHOWS
+ Beer Belly X Little Creatures Pop-up Beer Terrace Launch Party, Beer Belly, Nov 3
Seven brews from the award-winning Australian beer maker Little Creatures will be available from Nov 1. However, today will be a launch party featuring an acoustic performance by singer songwriter/cool dude Hugo. Buy two glasses and get one more for free during the first weekend of this pop-up beer terrace.
6pm-2am. Beer Belly, 72 Courtyard, between Thong Lor Soi 16 and 18. www.fb.com/beerbellybkk, 02-392-7770.
+ FMD15: Come Out to Play – Live MMA, Insanity Nightclub, Nov 4
Fellas, we put this one in just for you. Full Metal Dojo will throw another adrenaline-pumping night with bouts between mixed martial arts fighters from across SEA. Inspired by 1979 film The Warriors, each “gang” will be in their own uniforms and compete inside the octagonal cage to see who’s the baddest. The 15th edition of FMD will be broadcast live via Facebook from 8.30pm with commentary in English and Thai. The night will also include an after party and FMD ring girls. Get your tickets and tables from Ticket Melon.
From 6pm. Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11. www.fb.com/fullmetaldojo, www.ticketmelon.com/event/fmd15. From B1,500 for standing tickets.
+ #HYHBKK Live! with JMSN, Rockademy, Nov 11
American singer-songwriter JMSN (pronounced Jameson) will stop by Bangkok as part of the Asian leg of his “Drinkin’ with JMSN” tour, with help from Have You Heard?. He released his latest and fifth album Whatever Makes U Happy earlier this year and previously lent his vocals to notable names such as Tyga, Kendrick Lamar and The Game. Listen to Cruel Intentions on YouTube and we bet he’ll make you feel so many feels. The early bird tickets already sold out so be quick! Tickets are sold through Ticket Melon.
From 7pm. Rockademy, Sukhumvit Soi 26. goo.gl/3JhGaQ. B1,100 per person or B1,300 if buy ticket at the door.
ART
+ Exhibition Of The Royal Crematorium, Sanam Luang, Until Nov 30
As of yesterday, the compound of the royal crematorium is now open to the public until the end of the month. Up to 5,000 people per hour will be allowed to enter the compound. Visitors will have 15 minutes in front of the royal crematorium where there will be exhibitions of royal development projects and then a further 45 minutes in the six exhibition halls. Visitors must dress appropriately as shorts, sleeveless shirts and strap blouses are not permitted.
Open daily, 4am-11pm. Sanam Luang.
+ Freeform Festival, Acmen Ekamai, Every Weekend From Nov 10 - Dec 17
The rooms of an old school in the heart of Ekamai will be transformed to accommodate for artists and creatives to set up shop and share their experiences, views and ideas. Think of this as a kind of market to shop around for things that will add to your artistic side. This will be happening every weekend until mid-December and you can expect any thing from theatre, art exhibitions and arts and crafts workshops to food designers reinventing the meal wheel.
Admission B100. Every weekend, 2pm-10pm. Acmen Ekamai, Sukhumvit Soi 63. www.fb.com/freeformformfree.
+ Islandscape, Serindia Gallery, Nov 17 - Dec 31
The reclusive artist Pramote Saengpolsit who was sea-bound from birth in the eastern fishing village of Nakhon Si Thammarat took inspiration from the landscapes of the Phitak island in Chumphon province and Phuket island to depict the fast changing territories of these islands. His pieces are formidable expressions of the colours and moods of the islands, with the fast 24 hour lives of Phuket pit against the slow-paced and community-based life of Phitak.
Tue-Sun, 11am-7pm. Serindia Gallery, Charoen Krung Soi 36. www.fb.com/serindiagallery, 02-238-6410.
+ Splashed, Nova Contemporary, Until Dec 24
Artist Kawita Vatanajyankur has created video performances that offer a powerful examination of the psychological, social and cultural ways of viewing and determining the continuing challenges of women’s everyday labour. The artist undertakes physical experiments that playfully and sometimes painfully, test her body’s limits — a challenge that is both intriguing and uncomfortable to watch.
Tue-Sun, 11am-7pm. Nova Contemporary, Ratchadamri Road. www.fb.com/novacontemporary, 090-910-6863.
+ The 1st International Live Performance Art Festival, Koh Lanta Island, Nov 18 - 25
This festival has been developed to use art as a means to relive the stories of the Urak Lavoy people living in Koh Lanta, based on a belief that art permeates all people and can aesthetically and beautifully recount the stories of the indigenous people. During the ceremony performed by the Urak Lavoy, the sound of rebana, like heartbeats, will be used to reflect their deep connections with sacred beings and ancestral spirits that continue to provide them with protection.
8am-7pm. Koh Lanta, Krabi. Visit goo.gl/EFiCcS for more information.
+ Landscape and A Man Who Eats The Sun, Gallery Ver, Until Dec 2
An exhibition by Chai Siris marks the exploration of a forbidden land in which one is lost in time, unable to identify whether it is past, present or future. The inhabitants of this land cannot determine whether they coexist together within the same realm and dimension or whether they are living separately altogether. Prepare for an in-depth exploration of reality mixed with fiction and various dreams presented as landscapes.
Wed-Sun, 12pm-6pm. Gallery Ver, Narathiwat Soi 22. www.fb.com/galleryver, 02-103-4067.
FOOD
+ Tempting Foie Gras Delicacies, Centara Grand At Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, Until Nov 30
Blue Sky Bar & Dining’s Chef Christian Werdenberg has concocted a Foie Gras menu that’s sure to please lovers of the delicacy. The menu includes Pan-seared foie gras with spiced citrus puree (THB 590++) and Consommés with ox tail & foie gras ravioli (THB 450++) among others.
Blue Sky Bar & Dining, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok, 1695 Phahon Yothin Road. Email fb_office@chr.co.th, 02-541-1234 ext. 4151.
+ Mad For Chocolate, Shangri-La Bangkok, Until Dec 30
What’s a perfect Saturday afternoon like? A day in the park? Staying in, watching a good TV show? Or perhaps indulging in a vast array of unlimited chocolate goodness? That’s what Shangri-La’s Chocolate Boutique is bringing for the price of B988++. Chocolate overload is definitely to be expected.
3pm-6pm. Chocolate Boutique, Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu. Email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com, 02-236-7777 or 02-236-9952.
+ Full Moon Set Dinner, Dusit Thani Bangkok, Nov 3
Enjoy a five-course Thai contemporary set dinner at Dusit Thani’s Benjarong Restaurant to celebrate Loy Krathong. The set includes Lotus petal miang kham and Roast pork ribs with pineapple sauce along with a number of other delicacies, accompanied with a performance of Thai traditional music. Afterwards, you can float a krathong in the pond.
Benjarong Restaurant, Dusit Thani Bangkok, 946 Rama IV Road.
E-mail dtbkdining@dusit.com, 02-200-9000 ext. 2345. B,1950++.
+ Loy Krathong at Mercure, Mercure Bangkok Makkasan, Nov 3
A number of Thai favourites and delicacies will be served at Mercure’s The Station to mark the occasion of Loy Krathong. Enjoy the seafood buffet as well as the live cooking station and a sizzling BBQ as you take in the city view.
6am-10:30pm. The Station, Mercure Bangkok Makkasan, 1599 Kamphaeng Phet 7 Road. E-mail h8422@accor.com, 02-115-3333. B999++.
+ The Fragrance of Perfection, Vie Hotel Bangkok, Nov 22-24
Three-Michelin star Chef Emmanuel Renaut takes on the helm of La VIE to bring patrons the best of French cuisine. Owner of the Flocons de Sel restaurant, the talented chef is set to whip up some of his creations like smoked chocolate tart and duck with red cabbage for the palate of Bangkokians. Seats are limited.
6:30pm. La VIE, VIE Hotel Bangkok, 117/39-40 Phaya Thai Road. E-mail fb@viehotelbangkok.com or afbm@viehotelbangkok.com, 02-309-3939 or 083-820-4224. B11,000, B13,000 for premium beverage pairing.
+ Techno-Emotional Cuisine, The House On Sathorn, Dec 8-9
Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, all the way from the two-Michelin starred restaurant Mugaritz in Spain which currently sits at number nine on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, is bringing his talents and creativity for a limited time at the Dining Room. Try some of his creatively named dishes like An oyster’s frozen kiss, Egg yolks tucked in with a sea urchin blanket, and 100% Lobster.
7:30pm. The Dining Room, The House on Sathorn, 106 Sathon Nua Road. Visit goo.gl/jg2aRf, email thehouseonsathorn@whotels.com, 02-344-4025. B11,500++, additional B2,500++ for wine pairing.
TRAVEL
+ Loy Krathong Set Dinner, X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort, Nov 3-5
Celebrate Loy Krathong in style at the newly-opened X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort next to the Ping River. The special set dinner, designed by Michelin-starred chef Nicolas Isnard, will be served at the greenhouse-chic Oxygen Dining Room. Thai music and dance will accompany the fancy feast. After that, release your lantern next to the Ping River. Although, all seats for the actual date (Nov 3) were taken, there are some left for the other two dates so be quick.
X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort, 369/1 Charoen Rat Road, Wat Ket, Muang.
x2resorts.com/resorts/chiang-mai-riverside, www.fb.com/X2chiangmairiverside, 053-931-999. B1,500 per person.
+ One Fantastic Experience, Mandarin Oriental Macau, Until Dec 28
Mandarin Oriental, Macau and One Central Macau shopping mall join force to offer a very tempting package for shopaholics and foodies. A stay there will be classy as the hotel is one of only 11 properties in the world to receive Five-Stars awards thrice from Forbes Travel and One Central Macau is literally next door. Spend your day shopping at brand name stores and relax with a spa treatment or dinner at the hotel. The stay comes with hotel credit worth MOP1,000 (Macanese Patacas) for dining or spa and MOP1,000 voucher for shopping at One Central Macau. Make your reservation online.
Mandarin Oriental Macau, n.945, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macau, China. www.mandarinoriental.com, +853-8805-8822. From MOP2,388++ per night for two people in guestroom or suite.
+ Uniquely Macao Winter Package, Sheraton Grand Macao, Until Feb 15, 2018
The start of our “winter” has been announced but if you want to experience a real one then consider this offer from Sheraton Grand Macao. In partnership with Macau Creations who create Soda Panda, the hotel offers a stay that comes with various and flexible choices of perks. Your stay for two in either a Deluxe King or Twin Room includes buffet brekkie or lunch, one-way tickets for two to experience Cotai Water Jet or free admission to Planet J or MOP200 credit at hotel’s dining outlets or spa, one shopping bag bearing the panda, one almond cake gift box and, lastly, MOP100 worth of credit at hotel’s dining outlets or spa.
Sheraton Grand Macao, Estrada do Istmo. s/n; Cotai. www.sheratongrandmacao.com, HKD1,288++.
MOVIES
+ Thor: Ragnarok (directed by Taika Waititi)
Who’s in it?
Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo, Jeff Goldblum.
What’s it about?
Hammerless and long-hairless, Thor (Hemsworth) must race back to save Asgard from Ragnarok, the end of all Asgardian civilisation being brought about by Hela (Blanchett). But to get off the planet he’s imprisoned in, he must first win a gladiatorial battle against his “friend from work”, Hulk (Ruffalo).
Why watch it?
Judging from the trailers, this seems to be more like a comedy than a typical Marvel superhero outing.
+ Stronger (directed by David Gordon Green)
Who’s in it?
Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany.
What’s it about?
The film recounts the true story of Jeff Bauman (Gyllenhaal). After having both his legs amputated after surviving the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, he must adjust to his condition as well his newfound fame after he was able to help identify the bomber.
Why watch it?
Given the bleak times we live in, we all need some inspiration.
TV SHOWS
+ Hawaii Five-0 (Season 5)
Mondays, 9pm RTL CBS Extreme Ch. 338
Sandy beaches and gorgeous mountains can all be found in the tropical paradise that is Hawaii, but this peaceful haven is kept safe thanks to an elite team known as the Five-O led by Steven McGarrett. Catch the fifth season of this hit TV series, and we dare you to skip that catchy intro.
NETFLIX
+ Star Trek: Discovery (Season 1)
Set ten years before the legendary adventures of the Enterprise crew, Starfleet is thrown into a war with the Klingons. Caught in the middle of it all is Michael Burnham, disgraced former officer and Starfleet’s first and only mutineer. But somehow, she’s offered a spot on the crew of Starfleet’s most advanced starship, Discovery. New episodes drop every Monday.
+ Riverdale (Season 2)
Family feuds, teenage angst and romance, cliques and defying the status quo, murder, maple syrup and in the middle of all this are a bunch of ridiculously attractive high school kids living in a not-so-innocent small town. Catch the second season of the modern, gritty, sexified version of Archie and his friends. New episodes drop every Thursday.
