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
+ Mega Ghost Festival: Welcome to Asylum Hospital, Mega Bangna, Sep 21-30
The annual Halloween celebration at Megabangna returns early. This year, you’ll get to brave a haunted asylum for a chance to win prizes. Two concerts by Scrubb and Paradox will take place from 9-10pm on Sep 21 and Sep 30 respectively.
10am-10pm. Megabangna, 1/F, 38-39 Bang Na - Trad Road. www.mega-bangna.com, 02-105-1000. B250
+ Fast Forward Summit 2017 by Roger J Hamilton, The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Sep 23-24
People with an entrepreneurial spirit should consider joining this two-day conference where you’ll learn about future trends and their impact on your business, upcoming technology to stay ahead of the curve and tools to stay productive throughout the day. All these questions and more will be discussed by Roger James Hamilton, NY Times best-selling author and world renowned futurist and social entrepreneur. He is the founder of Entrepreneurs Institute and the creator of the Wealth Dynamics profiling system, which has been used by over 700,000 entrepreneurs. He will also be joined by notable Thai entrepreneurs such as Ruangroj “Krating” Poolpol, Strategic & Education Partner of 500 Startups Global, and Prinyarat “Tun” Samranwong, founder of Commerzy. The session will be conducted in English.
9am-6pm. The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, 559 Ratchaprarop Road. www.wealthdynamicsthailand.com/ffs2017/, 065-640-3992, 097-113-1976. B3,900-9,900.
+ The Wagging Tale of Bliss - Reconnecting, Open House, Sep 23
Here comes the official book launch of writer Bhavna Khemlani’s most recent work, The Wagging Tale of Bliss - Reconnecting, with art work for the book by Xiaofang Huang (Seven). The evening will be filled with fun-filled performances, poetry, readings by Bangkok’s women writers and of course a book signing by the writer herself.
5:30pm-7:30pm. Open House, Central Embassy, Phloenchit Road. Visit goo.gl/ZuqpHp for more info. Free admission.
+ Cold Process Soap Making Workshop #3, Tentacles N22, Sep 24
Learn how to make artisan cold processed soap from start to finish. Explore a wide range of plants to come up with a soap recipe to suit your needs. You’ll come away with one block of fragrant soap at the end. The workshop will be hosted by Mood : Mind : Body.
1-5pm. Tentacles N22, Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Soi 22. Message m.me/tentaclesn22 to apply, goo.gl/RS6GEY for more info. B2,300.
PARTIES
+ Chang Music Connection presents Waterzonic Bangkok, Live Park, Sep 29-30
The wet and wild EDM fest returns with an international lineup from Dutch DJ MaRLo, genre-crossing American female DJ Mija and our superstar homegirl Nakadia. All tickets are valid for both days. Get your tickets from Event Pop.
5pm-midnight. Live Park, Rama IX Road. www.waterzonic.com. B3,500.
+ Beamfest, Beam, Nov 17-19 & Nov 24-26
Beam, one of Bangkok’s coolest nightclubs, is about to make Bangkok booming with fresh sounds during its inaugural music fest. You’ll see a totally new look of the club itself 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, bars and live art performances. They’ll also throw in a slide and a net for star watching because, well, why not?
The first round of lineup includes internationally recognised acts such as Skream, Cashmere Cat, Teenage Mutants as well as collab between Beam and three music event organisers from abroad — Red Light radio station from Amsterdam, Soulection record label from LA and Tiki Disco from New York. The roster of local acts is also long, 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. Early bird tickets are on sale now as well as three-day and six-day tickets via Event Pop.
4pm-2am. BEAM, 72 Courtyard, between Thong Lor Soi 16 & 18. www.beamfest.com, www.fb.com/beamclubbkk, www.go.eventpop.me/beamfest2017. B1,500 per person for three-day ticket, B2,500 for six-day ticket.
+ Evil Needle, Beam, Sep 27
French beatmaker Evil Needle will move the crowd with his laid-back, soulful hip-hop on Wednesday Rebels night during which both rooms of Beam will be blasting with various genres of music. He’ll be joined by Beam’s resident DJs Noxro, Mud and N.A.T. Free entry, baby!
9pm-late. BEAM, 72 Courtyard, between Thong Lor Soi 16 & 18. www.beamclub.com, www.fb.com/beamclubbkk, 02-392-7750.
+ White Castle Music Festival 2017, CenterPoint Entertainment, Sep 22
Show up in white for a wild progressive house fest with an international lineup, including UK’s DJ duo CARTEL who performed at Tomorrowland. Some other world-touring notable duos include Holl & Rush and Marnik. Tickets are available from Ticket Melon.
6pm-1am. CenterPoint Entertainment, Sukhumvit 105, Lasalle Road. goo.gl/4u8h3T, www.fb.com/WhiteCastleMusicFestivalTH. B1,500 per person, B30,000 for VIP package for eight people.
SHOWS
+ Twelfth Night or What You Will, M Theatre, Sep 23-24
Dreambox presents an adaptation on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, or What You Will featuring notable and stage-and-screen veterans. The comedy centres on a fraternal male-female twin who were separated in a shipwreck. The sister disguises herself as a man to work for a duke whom she crushes on but the duke is in love with a countess who fancies the sister in male drag instead. Oh the good old cross-dressing love triangle. The cast includes well-known actors and actresses that Thai 90s kids grew up with such as Darun Thitakawin (Rungthong Ruamthong), Kanokwan Buranon, Yanee Tramoth, Wasan Utamayothin and Wayne Faulconer.
2pm & 7.30pm on Sep 23, 2pm on Sep 24. M Theatre, 2/F, Phetchaburi Road. www.dreambox.co.th, www.fb.com/dreamboxtheatre.bkk. B1,300 or B1,500.
+ Beer Belly Live, Beer Belly, Sep 27
Klear, a Thai pop rock band with hundreds of millions of views on their music videos on YouTube, will perform at Beer Belly. Catch Pat singing live their famous heartbreak songs while nursing a cold one or two. Her voice is quite something.
9pm-2am. Beer Belly BKK, 72 Courtyard, between Thong Lor Soi 16 & 18. 02-392-7770, www.fb.com/beerbellybkk. B300 includes one Hoegaarden.
+ The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Creative Industries at M Theatre, Sep 29-30 & Oct 6-7
Hopes, struggles, passions and an eclectic group of six-graders. All this spells out the hilarious Broadway musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Under the direction of Michael J Allman, Bangkok Community Theatre will be performing this entertaining winner of two Tony Awards. Book those tickets now for this I-R-R-E-S-I-S-T-I-B-L-Y adorable show!
7.30pm with 2pm matinee on 7 Oct. Creative Industries, M Theatre, 2/F, Phetchaburi Road. www.bangkokcomunitytheatre.com. B850.
+ G-Day Music Festival 2017, Thunder Dome, Sep 24
JAMM and Godzillionaire join hands to throw you a feel-good concert with eight acts in Thai pop music. Expect 10 hours of music from Room 39, Chin Chinawut, Ton Tanasit, Two Popetorn, Dan Worawech, Tor Saksit, Wan Tanakrit and Bee Peerapat. Love is’ latest band MEAN will perform too.
2pm-midnight. Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani. www.fb.com/JAMM2016, goo.gl/znr3g2. B800, B1,200, B1,600, B2,000, B2,500.
+ Dream Theater Images, Words & Beyond 25th Anniversary Tour Live in Bangkok, Thunder Dome, Sep 27
Bangkok seems to be on a throwback vibe as we welcome the progressive rock group, Dream Theater back to our city. The band is returning to Thailand on Sep 27 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of its all-time hit album Images & Words. With the album ranked in the Rolling Stones’ “100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time”, fans are in for a treat as the metal maestros will be performing all of Images & Words, taking everyone back in time with numbers like Pull Me Under, Another Day, Metropolis Part 1 and Under a Glass Moon. Whether you saw them live last time in 2012 with A Dramatic Turn of Events or have followed their tracks from vinyl to YouTube, this is a not-to-be-missed event.
8pm. Thunder Dome, Muang Thong Thani. goo.gl/eo4QeX. B2,000.
+ #HYHBKK Live! with JMSN, Rockademy, Nov 17
American singer-songwriter JMSN (pronounced Jameson) will stop by Bangkok as part of the Asia 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 were 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.
+ Femme Le Folk: Female Songwriters Showcase, Black Cabin, Sep 23
Black Cabin in collaboration with Other Roads Record and Live Artists Asia will host a night dedicated to four female singer-songwriters. They are Thai/Swedish Jennifer Läckgren of Jenny & The Scallywags, American Valerie Joyce, Irish Jen Moore and Thai Kaltira Songprakhon of The Kitz.
9pm-midnight. Black Cabin, 33/1 Soi Farmwattana, Rama IV Road. goo.gl/FJ3V6A. B300 includes two beers or ciders or one hour pour.
+ 24 Magic World Tour 2018, IMPACT Arena, Apr 30, 2018
Big names keep coming to the Big Mango! And this guy is really big. Grammy-winning, multi-platinum selling superstar Bruno Mars is bringing his 24K Magic World Tour to Bangkok next year! It 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. www.thaiticketmajor.com, 02-262-3838. Tickets start at B3,500 and go on sale this Nov 4.
+ E-San Music Festival #6 Thailand, Ubol Ratana Dam, Nov 25
Go northeastern for the annual music fest with a hippie vibe. Embrace music, love, peace and freedom amidst the vast body of glistening water and the mountains. Four out of 60 music acts to join the fest have been confirmed. They are The Richman Toy, Yaan, Yena and Sanim Yok. Send a message to their inbox to buy tickets.
From 9am. Ubol Ratana Dam, Khon Kaen. www.fb.com/ESANMUSICFESTIVAL, 081-592-1624.
B350 per person.
ART
+ A Place Called Earth, S.A.C. Subhahsok The Arts Centre, Until Oct 31
Artist Niam (Surachai) Mawornkanong brings fourth his fight with depression in art form. This will be the artist’s sixth solo exhibition which will present 20 pieces of acrylic paintings with absorbing beauties that will continue to surprise many viewers, especially when they find out that the artist is actually colour blind. This condition has never been an obstacle to stop him from creating art. We’re glad!
Tue-Sat, 10am-5:30pm, Sun Noon-6pm. S.A.C Subhahsok The Arts Centre, Sukhumvit 39. 02-662-0299, www.fb.com/sacbangkok.
+ Parp-Pim2 Bangkok Printmaking Exhibition 2017, Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Until Nov 30
See the works of print by over 20 local and foreign artists who are carving out their identities with an art form that is still relatively unexplored in present day Thailand. See works by the likes of Beejoir, Alex Face, Glue Bag, 2Choey, Petch Pmp, Kowutz, Mau Mau and more, all in one place. They have expressed their creative mind and poured their heart and soul into these prints. This event is coming back for the second time after its premiere in 2015. Opening today at 7pm.
Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm. Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Wireless Road. 092-595-2951, www.fb.com/kalwitgallery.
+ No Greed - No War, Jamjuree Art Gallery, Until Oct 4
See one artist’s take on the idea and one day reality-to-be — a world without greed and war. Hosted by Rebel Art Space, the exhibition brings together works by artist Vasan Sitthiket. If we all made art, and not war, the world would be a better place, hey?! We’re looking forward to this one.
Open daily, Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. Jamjuree Art Gallery, Suranarai Road. 081-664-5799, www.fb.com/Jamjuree-Art-Gallery.
+ New York Minute, The Decorum Bangkok, Until Oct 15
Thai artist Prates Songtieng, AKA Monsieur Poppi, is a creator who found himself moving to New York in 2010 to follow his love for illustration. In his first solo exhibition, viewers will see how he has combined the worlds of illustration and photography to capture the Manhattan metropolis, its people and fashion, amongst other things, with pieces coming together to bring a collage work of art. Monsieur Poppi revels in the energy and life of Brooklyn, which is bustling with many artists and creators, and by the looks of it, has inspired a true gift within the artist.
Open daily, 12:30pm-8pm. The Decorum Bangkok, 3 Arisamphan 5. goo.gl/7Nt6jf, 086-533-5255.
+ Forever In Our Hearts, Sky Lobby, Opens Sep 27
Four talented Thai artists inspired by the life and reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej have come 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.
+ Time Capsule Exhibition Bangkok, Siam Paragon, Until Sep 25
The world’s fashion mogul teams up with Thailand’s mall mogul to present an exhibition that will take viewers on a journey through the history of the fashion house, revisiting its landmark innovations in technology and design. Travelling from the house’s beginnings in 1854 to the present day, the story is told using rare and celebrated objects selected from the Louis Vuitton archive. In the very least, you’ll get to see how the world has changed in the last 160 years and what Louis Vuitton had to do with it.
Open daily, 10am-8pm. Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon, Rama I Road.
www.louisvuitton.com, 02-262-0130.
FOOD
+ Oktoberfest, Beer Belly, Sep 15-Oct 7
Celebrate Oktoberfest at 72 Courtyard’s Beer Belly by chugging down two pints of the drink the restaurant gets its name from. Along with the adult beverage, enjoy a signature German platter that includes grilled chicken, Bavarian chicken with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
5pm-2am, Beer Belly, 72 Courtyard, Thong Lor. Visit www.fb.com/beerbellybkk, 02-392-7770. B999++.
+ Geek Out Craft Beer Festival, Quaint Bangkok, Sep 30
From a bottle. From a can. From a tap. Whichever way you want it, you can get it at the Geek Out Craft Beer Festival. Be prepared to test both conventional and unconventional brews from seven beverage importers.
12am-11:30pm. Quaint Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 23. Visit goo.gl/1nfZVs. B600 for Weekend Warrior, B500 for Part-time or Full-time Geek.
+ So Amazing Chefs 2017, So Sofitel Bangkok, Sep 26-Oct 1
12 chefs, each with a Michelin star of their own, join forces for a culinary celebration. This will include three cooking classes and five private chef’s tables, amongst other things, as well as the Culinary Showdown competition and gala dinner on Sep 27.
SO Sofitel Bangkok, Sathon Nua Road. Visit www.so-sofitelbangkok.com, email H6835-FB3@sofitel.com, 02-624-0000.
+ Tasting Menu Delight, Red Sky, Until Sep 30
Chef Christian Ham has concocted new delectable dishes for those dining 55 floors above the chaos of the city at Red Sky. Some of the new things on the menu include the Slow-cooked bresse chicken, the Baked rainbow trout and the Pheasant & foie gras pie. Customers who come in between 4pm-6pm will also get a buy one get one free on any cocktail they order.
4pm-1am. Red Sky, Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Email diningcgcw@chr.co.th, 02-100-6255. B2,955++, additional THB 1,999++ for wine pairing.
+ Cream Lava Flavour Mooncake, Shangri-La Hotel, Until Oct 3
Shangri-La Hotel’s Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant is introducing the Cream custard lava flavoured mooncake to their 2017 Mooncake Treasures. Along with that, traditional mooncake flavours like durian and red bean are also available.
Shangri-La Hotel, 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, Bangrak. Visit www.hshangbkkmooncake.com, email shangpalace.slbk@shangri-la.com, call 02-206-8605 or 02-206-8791. Prices range from B768 to B3,188.
+ Mooncake Promotions, Banyan Tree, Until Oct 4
Obviously, mooncake season is in full swing. Banyan Tree’s assortment of mooncakes, ranging from black sesame seed to Chinese chestnut, will be available at a number of places. From today, Banyan’s Tree’s mooncakes can be bought at Bai Yun, Romsai and Goodies, CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, Siam Paragon, The Mall Bangkhae and Tha Phra. They will also be available at EmQuartier starting on Sep 26.
Banyan Tree Bangkok, Sathon Tai Road. 02-679-1200. Prices range from B199 to B488.
TRAVEL
+ The 3rd Museflower Life Festival, Museflower Retreat & Spa Chiang Rai, Oct 6-9
Looking for a transformative experience regarding holistic wellness? The annual event at Museflower Retreat returns for the third time, celebrating all things healing and green. They will host workshops, fitness classes, health counselling sessions, therapies, vegetarian buffet and many more. Be open to participate in alternative practices such as singing bowl meditation, mandala colouring and trauma releasing exercises.
The event will be open to the public on Sat 7 with entry fee of B800 which grants you all access from 10am-5pm to workshops, talks, lunch buffet, classes and swimming in Thailand’s first Himalayan crystal salt pool. A very good deal, if you ask us. Pay B400 to join one 60-minute class or B600 for a 90-minute class. A retreat programme is available exclusively for guests who are staying during the holistic healing fest.
10am-5pm. Museflower Retreat & Spa Chiang Rai, 159/1 Moo 1 Ban Samanmit, Donsila, Wiang Chai. www.museflowerlifefestival.com, 052-029-823, 093-137-0414. B11,450 or B14,450 per person for festival package depending on room type.
+ Three-hour Stay & Day Room, Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok, Ongoing
Avoid any anxiety and traffic before departing Bangkok from DMK with a short or long-term stay at Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok. The airport is only a five-minute stroll in an air-conditioned passageway from the hotel so you can spend time at several dining venues or an outdoor pool before your next flight. If you have hours to kill, hop on a complimentary shuttle bus to Future Park Rangsit or Chatuchak Market for some last-minute shopping. For a proper parting lunch, consider an affordable Thai buffet at the hotel’s The Bridge restaurant for the price of B170 per person.
Amari Don Muang Airport Bangkok, 333 Chert Wudthakas Road, Don Muang.
www.amari.com/donmuang, 02-566-1020. B530 for three-hour stay, B1,060 for day room rate, from B1,850 per night for longer stays.
+ Room, Breakfast & Dinner Package, Hilton Pattaya, Until Oct 31
It’s straightforward. Stay for at least two consecutive nights and your breakfast and dinner will be taken care of. Wake up to the international array of food first thing in the morning and end your day on a sumptuous note with a seafood buffet along with a panoramic view of Pattaya Bay at Edge restaurant. Hilton Honors members also receive perks such as Free Wi-Fi, digital check-in and points to redeem. Sign up at www.joinhhonors.com.
Hilton Pattaya, 333/101 Moo 9, Nong Prue, Banglamung, Pattaya, Chon Buri.
www.pattaya.hilton.com, 038-253-000.
+ Opening Rates, X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere, Until Nov 30
X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere will be officially launched on Nov 1 and, therefore, offering affordable deals for those who look to become its early guests. Their One-Bedroom or One-Bedroom Premier rooms include all the amenities to make your stay comfy, including a private balcony to enjoy the gulf view. But the premier room also comes with a private jacuzzi on the balcony. Definitely consider this deal if you want to get some vitamin sea without going too far from Bangkok.
X2 Vibe Pattaya Seaphere, 111 Moo 3 Soi Na Jomtien 32, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chon Buri. 038-237-815, www.x2vibe.com/residences/pattaya-seaphere. B2,600 per night in One-Bedroom room or B3,600 per night in One-Bedroom Premier room.
+ Super Deal, X2 Yachting, Until Oct 31
A yacht cruise to the islands near Jomtien coastline with X2 is on offer at special rates. There are various packages starting from a two-hour to eight-hour charter and even three-hour sunset cruise with flee-flow adult grape juice. To live really large, stay overnight in a yacht with your squad of six people. Start from B27,000 for a maximum of 20 passengers on a two-hour charter along with soft drinks, tea, coffee, snacks, snorkelling equipment, fishing gear and kayaks. BBQ costs extra. Use SUX2YT17 promo code to book.
http://x2yachtcharter.com/super-deal.
+ Rejuvenating City Retreat Package, Centara Grand at CentralPlaza Ladprao Bangkok, Until Dec 30
Your choice of a pampering 90-minute massage will be on the house if you stay for at least two nights in a Deluxe Room. The package also includes daily breakfast for two, in-room Wi-Fi, non-alcoholic mini-bar and 20% off on food at all of the hotel’s restaurants.
Centara Grand at CentralPlaza Ladprao Bangkok, 1695 Phaholyothin Road, Chatuchak. www.centarahotelsresorts.com/CGLB, 02-541-1234 ext 4116-19. B3,450++ per night.
MOVIES
+ KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE (directed by Matthew Vaughn)
Who’s in it?
Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry.
What’s it about?
After their HQ is destroyed by a group only known as “The Golden Circle”, the Kingsman cross the pond and team up with their American counterparts, the Statesmen, to save the world from this new shady criminal organisation.
Why watch it?
Because we want to know how in the heck Colin Firth’s character, Harry Hart, is still alive!
+ MOTHER! (directed by Darren Aronofsky)
Who’s in it?
Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Helms, Michelle Pfeiffer.
What’s it about?
A couple living in a remote area has their quiet life disturbed when another couple comes and visits them.
Why watch it?
Critics have been saying the film messes with you. Horror films with jump scares and gore are scary, but psychological thrillers like these leave you disturbed long after they’re finished. That’s actually a good thing for some people.
+ BIRTH OF THE DRAGON (directed by George Nolfi)
Who’s in it?
Philip Ng, Xia Yu, Billy Magnussen.
What’s it about?
The film draws inspiration from the fabled fight between Bruce Lee (Ng) pre-Hollywood fame and a kung fu master named Wong Jack Man (Yu) who had an issue with Lee teaching martial arts to Caucasians.
Why watch it?
... For kicks and giggles?
NETFLIX
Fuller House
Get nostalgic, return to the familiar Tanner home, and follow the Fuller sisters, their best friend Kimmy and all their kids as they live together under one roof. There’s hilarity, drama and a whole lot of love and fuzzy feelings.
Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father (Season 1)
British comedian Jack Whitehall stars with his father, Michael Whitehall, on this father-son roadtrip comedy/documentary where they travel through Southeast Asia, visiting countries gap year students would usually visit like Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Jerry Before Seinfeld
Before being known as a beloved TV sitcom character, Jerry Seinfeld was a stand-up comedian. Now, back at the comedy club that gave him his start, he’s going back to his roots to do what he loves. Just him, a mic, a crowd and some jokes.
