Songkran may be over but if you're like me, you'd be suffering from a severe case of holiday hangover. As much as we'd all like to remain in limbo with no work or responsibilities to worry about, we all have to face reality and get back to our usual routines. But that doesn't mean we have to jump into being all hectic again. It's good to carve out some "me time" or time with a few friends to relax and chill, even it's for just a few hours and not the three days we were so generously given over Songkran. With good company, it's time to let your hair down for another new year (see what we did there?), have a good brunch while reading a book, chat over a few drinks or maybe go on a food and shopping trip. We've got a few new places that you'll want to check out.
SIRI HOUSE
8am-midnight
14/2 Soi Somkid, Phloen Chit Road
www.SiriHouse.com, www.fb.com/SiriHouseBKK
094-868-2639
Siri House is another one of Sansiri's many projects all around the city. Having launched a similar concept in Singapore, Siri House in Bangkok is touted as a "lifestyle space" that artfully mixes traditional local culture with modernity. The house, rented from a member of the royal family, is an intimate space but there's a lot going and many things you can do. Brunch it up at Luka or maybe do some work or finish a book over a cuppa or two. If you're a morning person, fret not -- Luka opens at 8am. Wake up late but still want breakfast? They've got an all-day breakfast menu. If dining is what you're after, Quince opens at 5pm and serves up a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. There's also a bar on the ground floor, as well as bar on the second floor called Jacqueline, which opens at 5pm. You don't just have to sit around at Siri House either. They've got small shops selling a number of things from bluetooth speakers, vinyls, clothes and flowers. Plus, if the heat is bearing down on you -- you are in Bangkok! -- then take a dip at the pool. Yes, they've got a pool open to the public. Aside from all the things you can do, Siri House's location is off the beaten path yet still accessible, as well as being in the city yet still being excluded from the hustle and bustle that it's an oasis of sorts from all the noise of the city. It's a city getaway within the city, basically. Oh, and of course, there are many IG opportunities here, so maybe plan a trip solely for the reason of stocking up your album with photos you can post over the next few weeks. Fair warning though: weekends and evenings can get a little crowded.
MODEL MARKET
5pm 'til late (11am on weekends)
Thong Lor
www.fb.com/ModelMarketBKK
085-223-4324
There are lots of community spaces all around the city with various restos and vendors that entice Bangkokians to come and chill. Model Market is jumping into the fray and has dubbed itself an "upcycled urban space". More than just being a cool place to hang out what with its urban decor at Thong Lor aka chill central, it also prides itself in being an eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor venue. In fact, Model Market is home to The Remaker, a recycling studio, which sells jackets, bags and shoes made from recycled material. It also has a bicycle-powered juice maker, which is an ingenious way to get a bit of a workout in with a reward. Model Market is home to a number of food vendors that make it a must-visit if you're planning to go on a food outing. Well-known cold press coffee-bar Nitro Lab is on site as well as pop-up spaces for Peppina and Korean BBQ resto Gangnam Pocha. You can also get your fill of wines and craft beers care of Bootleg brothers, Tropic City and Mikkellers. Want to treat your stomach and your ears? Pay them a visit on Fridays when there's live music. Finally, they plan on opening an "eco-market" to sell used items, as well as weekday Farmer's Markets so be sure to keep an eye on their social media.
101 THE THIRD PLACE
10am-10pm
101 Sukhumvit Road 101
www.fb.com/101TheThirdPlace
02-009-1101
Located a little ways down the BTS line towards Kheha, 101 The Third Place is home to a number of well-known stores all around the city. Restos like Pepper Lunch and Ootoya, as well as coffee places like True Coffee and Starbucks have found a home here, but 101 The Third Place is more than just food and drinks. Its aim is to make it a one-stop place for everything, from food and shopping to working spaces and businesses. Basically, they want you to feel that you've got everything you need right here. Along with a park, a sports club, and a whole lot of other services that include self-care, 101 The Third Place pretty much succeeds in delivering on its promise. There's a number of different pop-up vendors and events that take place in their space which you can find out about on their FB page or website. Whether it's a shopping spree, a wellness day out or just a stroll through the park, 101 The Third Place has got ya.
SPECTRUM LOUNGE & BAR
5.30pm-1am
Hyatt Regency Bangkok, Sukhumvit soi 13
www.fb.com/SpectrumRooftopBKK
02-098-1234
Spectrum Lounge & Bar sits on the 29th and 30th floor of the Hyatt Regency Bangkok at Nana. Though it may already sound as if you're going to break the bank just because it's in a Hyatt Hotel, Spectrum is actually pretty affordable, with a glass of beer starting at a price of B170++. They've got a number of snacks as well that can be as cheap as around B300++, but if you've got the cash to spare then perhaps you'd feel like getting some of their premium snacks like their BBQ Wagyu beef finger ribs with mushroom and spinach salad which cost B850++. Cocktails, of course, are a given. A stand-out for me was the Mad Mango (B280++), a drink inspired from the mango-and-chili combo many locals enjoy. Another fruity and tropical drink is the Hole in One (B330++), but if you're looking for something that tastes a little more like a dessert, definitely go for the uniquely named Eddy Murphy (B290++). Food and drinks aside, Spectrum provides the ambience for your needs: if you're looking for something a little more laid-back, relaxing and romantic, the indoor lounge and the outdoor seating on the 29th floor is for you; but if you want to perhaps dance a little and enjoy music that pumps you up, head over to the 30th floor where you can sit at the bar, have a couple of friends over at a table, or lie down with your special someone on one of their hanging loungers. IG protip: get there once they open so you can have great shots of the setting sun.
RISE ROOFTOP BAR BANGKOK
4pm-1am
akyra TAS Sukhumvit, Sukhumvit soi 20
www.fb.com/RiseRooftopBarBKK
02-091-6929
Rise isn't your typical high-rise rooftop bar despite its name, probably because it only sits on the 9th floor of the hotel. The general manager actually described it as a terrace, but all for good reason: while other rooftop bars want to rise above the city so that patrons can be sort of disengaged from the world below, the concept of Rise wants its patrons to still be part of the city vibe. If you think being on the 9th floor doesn't provide great views, you're dead wrong. There's still a lot of great shots to be taken with the city in the background. The menu is ridiculously affordable but doesn't sacrifice quality. Although Rise does offer a number of Western dishes like burgers and sandwiches -- food that goes well with a beer, for sure -- their pride and joy is the Thai dishes that they serve which are an absolute must-have. Along with the food, the cocktails are also affordable and start at a price of B220++. It's a great place for an after-work wind-down sesh especially if you can catch their aptly named Thank God It's Nearly Friday event every Thursday for an all-night happy hour (it's not an hour anymore obviously but you get what it means). They've also got a Saturday Aussie BBQ which is more family-oriented and also opens up the pool for everyone who comes.
