Here's something to rattle your brain: we're now past the halfway point of 2021. It's hard to count days when we find ourselves stuck indoors on an endless loop of never-ending Covid cases, a government that denies reality and protests from people who are fed up and tired of all the crap happening around them.
It's tiring, but as the clock continues to tick and as we move closer and closer to the end of the year, let's try and look at some of the things we can look forward to in the coming days or even years. From new parks to a crap-ton of malls, here's what's coming up in the Kingdom.
Developments in the City of Angels
Queen Sirikit Convention Center
Opening 2022
Visit QSNCC.com.
Benjakitti Forest Park
Opening 2022
The planned forest park is set to become Bangkok's green lung measuring a whopping 259 rai. It's an extension of the original Benjakitti Park, which is next to Queen Sirikit National Convention Center though "extension" seems to be an understatement as there will also be walkways and bicycle trails that will connect it to the already-existing Lumphini Park. The park plans to have numerous outdoor spaces for sports and gatherings, as well as ponds and canals for those days you just want to have a quiet picnic by the water. If the photos uploaded online are to be believed, the entire park could be Bangkok's version of Central Park in NYC but I guess we'll know for sure once the park opens up in 2022.
Rise of the hotels
Despite tourism taking a heavy hit due to the pandemic, a number of new hotels are set to open nationwide to ready travellers once the borders open and restrictions lift once more.
dusitD2 Hua Hin
Opened July 2021
Dusit's more affordable and little more casual line, dusitD2, opened their Hua Hin property in July. Located near the famous Cicada Night Market, Bluport Mall and the main beach, dusitD2 Hua Hin is the third property of Dusit in the city and has selected rooms available for travellers with pets. Guests can also avail of a special package that includes a one-night stay with breakfast for two and a 20% discount on food and beverages at select restaurants starting at a price of B2,299 for stays until Sept 30. The property gives travellers a great place to stay in the heart of Hua Hin at a decent price.
Visit bit.ly/3sFkLEa.
Dusit Central Park
Rama IV Road
Opening 2023-2024
Moving back to the City of Angels, the legendary Dusit Thani Hotel Bangkok was one of the most famous hotels in the city that welcomed dignitaries and celebrities alike back in its heyday. However, it was demolished in 2019 to undergo what it touts as a "bold transformation". On the historic site, a new and modern Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel will be built. Though elegantly fresh, it promises to stay true to its legacy of hospitality. Along with the hotel will be a number of different properties: the Dusit Residences, which will be a slew of luxury homes, and Central Park, which will have retail, "cultural events" and restaurants, as well as offices. Altogether, they'll make up what's been dubbed as Dusit Central Park, and with Lumphini and Benjakitti Forest Park nearby, that name may very well be accurate. The plan is for the hotel to open in 2023 with the rest of the property opening in 2024.
Visit DusitCentralPark.com.
Eastin Grand Hotel Phaya Thai
Phaya Thai
Q2 of 2022
Eastin Grand Hotel Phaya Thai is the second Eastin Grand Hotel in Bangkok and is planned to also have some office and retail spaces (Bangkok is obsessed with retail, obviously). With a planned number of 394 rooms and suites, the property will include 175 serviced apartments, a number of restaurants and event spaces with a total of 4,285m². Plus, it will be accessible via BTS Phaya Thai.
InterContinental Bangkok China Town
Verng Nakorn Kasem
Opening 2027
Yaowarat or Chinatown has long been the iconic old town of Bangkok with its age-old shophouses, legendary markets and restaurants that serve signature dishes. It is set to have its first luxury property in 2027 with the InterContinental Bangkok China Town, a 332-room hotel that will house two hotels, residences, restaurants and -- surprise, surprise -- a mall. On top of that, the plan also includes setting up a 24-hour food centre along Charoen Krung Road. The property, situated at Verng Nakorn Kasem, plans to make it a "must-visit destination" and draw guests by marketing its proximity to tourist spots like the Grand Palace and other shopping destinations in Sathon and Silom.
Melia Chiang Mai
Charoen Prathet Road, Chiang Mai
Opening November 2021
Melia opened their property in Koh Samui early last year. Now, making headway in establishing properties in key locations nationwide, Melia will open up in Chiang Mai later this year at a location that overlooks the Ping River. Melia Chiang Mai is also situated in the heart of the city and is close to many tourist attractions, and is only 6km from the airport. The hotel will also house the city's highest rooftop bar, Mai The Sky Bar, which sits atop the 21st floor. The Level Lounge will also provide stunning 360-degree views of the city but you'll have to get exclusive access to it.
Visit bit.ly/3y7YDmX.
Centara Reserve Samui
Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui
Opened Aug 2021
Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui has been "reimagined and reupgraded" to Centara Reserve Samui, a new resort that's set to tantalise guests with "luxury island living". The property, which opened this month, features 184 rooms, pool suites and beachfront pool villas with ocean views and a tranquil beach. Plus, booking a suite and villa means it comes with your own "Reserve Host". The property also houses a number of restaurants to satisfy your cravings, as well as a complimentary photo shoot with the resident photographer so you don't have to sweat for your IG content.
Visit bit.ly/2WhtD79.
Malls, malls, malls
Because what Bangkok needs is more malls, right?
Boutique Corporation Community Mall
Charoen Krung
Opening Q2 of 2022
Charoen Krung has long been a gestating community hub that continues to expand every year with new developments, and it shows no sign of stopping. Boutique Corporation, who is responsible for establishments like Summer Hill and Summer Point in Phra Khanong, will be putting their own stamp in the Chaoren Krung area with a new community mall "that offers an integrated lifestyle experience comprising of stores, restaurants, wellness and educational outlets" In other words, it's a pretty much like every mall there is here in Bangkok. Not a lot is known about the mall yet other than its location and that it has a contemporary Nordic design vibe (does this mean Ikea-inspired architecture?). Even its own name is still unknown though imagine if its name was actually "Boutique Corporation Community Mall". We'll have to await further details as its opening date draws nearer.
The Bangkok Mall
Bang Na
Opening 2023
Not only is Bangkok obsessed with shopping malls, it also can't get enough of huge shopping malls because apparently, size does matter when it comes to them. The aptly named Bangkok Mall has been touted to be not just the biggest mall in the city but also the biggest in Southeast Asia. However, its construction is taking a hot minute and it won't be a surprise if its record is broken even before it opens. It's set to give Central Bang Na and Mega Bang Na a run for its money and will also include the aptly-named Bangkok Arena on its grounds, which is planned to be a major sports and concert venue.
EMSPHERE
Phrom Phong
Opening 2022
Yet another mall that's long been in the pipeline, EmSphere is the planned third development of the triumvirate alongside EmQuartier and Emporium. Collectively, it would be known as the Em District. The EmSphere plans to bring a mix of retail stores and office spaces, which isn't anything new. But other than its glass design, which they're boasting to be beautiful, there's really nothing else we know about it other than it's going to be yet another mall selling luxury goods. The Em Live, an arena that's planned to seat 6,000 people, will also open in its vicinity. Well, looks like traffic is going to be even worse in Phrom Phong.
