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
+ This is Spartaaa!
Spartan Race Thailand / Siam Country Club / Until Feb 28
The renowned obstacle race returns. It will be held at Siam Country Club in Pattaya for the second time on May 19. Fitness First members have the privilege to sign up and receive 10% discount by using FF10SPARTAN promo code.
www.spartanrace.co.th / 02-789-9997.
+ Green Market
Eat Well, Feel Great / HABITO / Feb 3-4, Mar 3-4 & Apr 7-8
Phra Khanong peeps, the famous Bangkok Farmers's Market will come to you for three weekends at HABITO Mall. As usual, expect organic fruits, veggies and processed agricultural products from the producers, as well as activities for them kids.
11am-6pm / HABITO Mall, On Nut 1/1 / http://fb.com/bkkfm.
+ Floating Exhibitions
KNOW - R & KNOW - R(iver) / Floating Park at CAT Telecom Pier / Until Feb 4
Shma, in collaboration with TCDC and Qrated Collections, has turned a sand barge into a floating park as part of Bangkok Design Week 2018. The park will also be a venue for two exhibitions titled "KNOW -- R" and "KNOW -- R(iver)". The former is a photograph exhibition by Thai and foreign photographers who captures stories of 14 riverside communities that are fading away. The latter is also a photograph exhibition to portray legacy and history of the Chao Phraya River.
11am-8pm / CAT Telecom Pier behind Bangkok General Post Office / http://fb.com/Shmadesigns.
+ Bar Hopping
Young Master Thailand Release Party / Cho Why / Feb 3
Young Master, one of Asia's best breweries originated from Hong Kong, officially land in Thailand. A Q&A session by Young Master team starts at 3pm before a bar crawl commences. It starts from Cho Why to Pijiu Bar and Ba hao. B100 entry fee includes a guide book and special mug, which can be used to sample beers all night. 13 brews will be available at B100 per 150ml. Collect one stamp in your guide book for each brew you try and collect 13 to win a prize. If you don't want to collect them all, just stop by for a cold one for the price of B180 per 300ml all night.
3pm-1am / Cho Why, Soi Nana 17, Yaowarat / http://goo.gl/8KErq9.
+ Making Some Scents
Natural Perfume Workshop / Steps with Theera / Feb 4
Bangkok Soap Opera will host a perfume-making workshop at Steps With Theera on Sunday. Learn the basics of aromatherapy and invent your own scent to express who you are in a unique way. More than 30 essential oils will be available for your experimentation along with 15 flower extracts and 14 types of hydrosols.
10.30am-1.30pm / Step with Theera, Ekamai 10 / go to http://goo.gl/forms/b2zkD1k1jqpdVWOI2 to register, 085-348-9791 / B1,700.
Parties
+ Sonic psychedelic
Sonic dreams with 1200 micrograms by DJ Chicago / Whiteline / Feb 3
Submerge yourself and spazz out this Saturday night with some psychedelic trance accompanied with crazy live visuals at Sonic Dreams. Presented by Belgium-based Dacru Records, the event is split into two rooms, the main room will feature psy-trance acts while the chill-out room will be lead by deep house artists. DJ Chicago, who is a part of renowned psychedelic trance act 1200 Micrograms, will be headlining the party.
8pm-3am / Whiteline, Silom 8 / goo.gl/YsasRQ / Pre-sale tickets at B320, tickets at the door are B500 with a free Dacru Records CD for the first 100 visitors.
+ Dance like it's 1999
S.I.S: Bring it all back: don't stop never give up / Changchui / Feb 3
Rewind and party in the age where the cassette tape was king and pop music ruled the dancefloors instead of EDM. Organised by Trasher Bangkok, Bring It All Back's nostalgia-filled party will be featuring 90s pop music hits, which includes the likes of S Club 7, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Spice Girls, Atomic Kitten, Madonna and many more. Dance and disco anthems from the 70s and 80s will also be played, so you can be sure to get that Abba fix you need on the dancefloor.
6pm-1am / ChangChui, Sirindhorn / http://fb.com/trasherbangkok.
+ Trun up the speakers
Martin Garrix t Illuzion / Illuzion Phuket / Feb 4
Fly and party in Phuket this weekend as world famous Dutch DJ/producer Martin Garrix will be performing for the first time on the island at Illuzion. At the age of 20, the musician has already climbed to the top of the charts in both the electronic and pop music worlds due to his musical talents. Voted #1 DJ in the world by DJMag for two years in a row, Garrix has collaborated with other major artists, performed at world famous music festivals and has produced popular EDM hits, including Animals, In The Name Of Love, and Scared To Be Lonely.
9pm-1am / Illuzion Phuket, Bangla 31 / http://fb.com/illuzionphuket.
+ Techno on the beach
Nakadia welcomes Loco Dice & Yaya in Khoh Samue / Cha Cha moon beach club / Feb 10
Party down at Koh Samui for a night filled with techno music featuring Thailand's very own Nakadia, who will be welcoming two of the genre's prominent DJs Loco Dice and Yaya. A hip hop rooted artist, Loco Dice's techno mixes have been played all around the world in notable venues and festivals, including Hyte in Ibiza and Sonar in Barcelona, and has even founded his own record label Desolat. Yaya, who is a prolific producer due to his hybrid sound, started his techno/house music career by performing afterhours in Ibiza, releasing his records on vinyl and digital in various labels such as Desolat and Cadenza. A special boat service will be offered for attendees coming from Koh Phangan.
9pm-3am / Cha Cha Moon Beach Club, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui / http://goo.gl/kusdWL / pre-sale tickets at B750-850.
+ King of the kraft
Sugar club presents Krafty Kuts / Sugar club / Feb 15
Bring on the funk as the award-winning king of breaks Krafty Kuts will be performing at Bangkok's Sugar Club next Thursday. The English producer has performed alongside major artists, including The Prodigy, Fatboy Slim and The Rolling Stones, and had won multiple awards including the Breakspoll Winner award eight times and being voted for Best International DJ and Best Single of the Year by DJMag. His new label, Instant Vibes has enabled him full creative control of his music, where he has performed muti-genre sets spanning from funk, hip hop, jazz, dubstep and drum and bass so for those wanting to witness his turn-tabling techniques shouldn't turn this opportunity away.
10pm-midnight / Sugar Club, Sukhumvit 11 / http://fb.com/SugarClubBangkok / B300 for ladies, B400 for lads (includes 1 standard drink).
+ Come together
Together festival 2018 / BITEC / May 4-5
It's time to bring your party squad back together as Together Festival returns this year. Previous iterations of the music festival have featured popular EDM artists such as Armin van Buuren, Marshmello, Disclosure, Steve Aoki and Justice. Rapper Snoop Dogg had also been a headliner of the event back in 2013. No lineup announcements have been made as of yet but expect to see an international lineup of artists and DJs soon.
3pm-4am / Bitec Bangna / http://fb.com/TogetherFestival.
Shows
+ Smallroom summertime
Leo presents smallroom holiday party / Haad Baan amphur / Mar 17
Thai pop music label Smallroom will be hosting a get-together concert by the beach which features musical acts signed by the label. Fourteen artists and bands will be performing which include Tattoo Colour, Greasy Cafe, Polycat and Slur. Early bird tickets went for B800 back in January, so if you missed out at securing them, general admission tickets are available at any 7-Eleven branch.
Haad Baan Amphur, Chon Buri / http://fb.com/smallroommusic / B1,200.
+ Stay open
Singha light live series vol 3.1 -- Rhye / Voice space / May 23
Now in its third year, the Singha Light Live Series has been known for bringing rising international bands to Thailand. The first show of this year's series brings electro-soul band Rhye for a night of skillful instrumental arrangements and emotive vocals. Based in Los Angeles, the Canadian/Danish duo started gained popularity due to their singles Open and The Fall along with their air of mystery surrounding their identity, creatively sensual music videos, and distinct falsetto voice. Their debut album Woman, released back in 2013, was critically acclaimed by critics worldwide and has been longlisted for the 2013 Polaris Music Prize. Since then the band has toured extensively, receiving a global following in the process and are currently supporting their second album which is due for release this weekend. Tickets will be available for purchase tomorrow through TicketMelon.
7pm-12am / Voice Space, Viphavadi Rangsit Road / http://fb.com/haveyouheard.live / Regular tickets will be available starting tomorrow for B1,800. Tickets will also be available at the door for B2,000.
+ Whisk away in a wintery wonderland
Disney on ice everyone's story / Impact arena / Mar 29-Aor 1
Disney On Ice returns this year! Fans of the House of Mouse will be able to marvel at and sing along with more than 50 of Disney's famous characters as they skate and dance with elaborate choreography to memorable scenes from their films. Along with Mickey's gang, expect to see characters from The Lion King, Toy Story and Finding Nemo. With 14 stories retold as old as time through ice skating, the production will feature 30 tunes from your favourite animated classics such as Hakuna Matata, You've Got A Friend In Me, and A Whole New World. Of course, it wouldn't be Disney On Ice without delving into the kingdom of Arendelle, as royal sisters Anna and Elsa from popular animated film Frozen are set to make a special appearance. You can never have too much of Let It Go can you?
Thu and Fri showtimes are at 2.30pm and 6.30pm, Sat and Sun showtimes are at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm / Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani / http://goo.gl/qMGQQF / B600-B2,500.
+ Return to Pandora
Cirque du Soleil: Toruk -- the first flight / Impact arena / Jun 14-24
If you are a fan of director James Cameron's 2009 sci-fi fantasy film Avatar and are itching to go back to its breathtaking world of Pandora then world famous theatrical producer Cirque du Soleil's newest production is the next best thing. Titled "Toruk -- The First Flight", the production is inspired by the film that introduced filmgoers to the blue-skinned race called the Na'vi, bringing them and their fictional language and culture to life never before seen in a live theatre setting. The performance will take place before the events of the film. With acrobatic acts, epic score, extravagant sets and costumes, and large-scale puppetry, this is one circus performance that will definitely blow audiences away.
1pm, 3.30pm, 5pm and 7.30pm; check link for more details / Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani / http://goo.gl/dB426S / B1,000-B4,000.
Art
+ Emotive Art
Emotion / The Peninsula Plaza / Until Feb 7
This ninth solo exhibition by Sompech Wanchit features 40 of his acrylic paintings capturing various moods like its title suggests. Underneath the mesmerising dreamscapes he creates lie consciously or unconsciously expressed emotions. His paintings are visual feasts but those little details he hid will slowly reveal themselves to you.
10am-8pm / The Peninsula Plaza, Ratchadamri Road / 02-254-2384.
+ Otherness
Pieces from Berlin / ARDEL's Third Place Gallery / Until Mar 3
Bussaraporn Thongchai's two years in Berlin serves as the original ingredient for this exhibition. She pondered that two years in Berlin was long enough to make her feel like a stranger to the place she came from but too short to make her really acclimate in the new society there. Her new exhibition explores cultural diversity, ethnicity, migration and more.
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, closes on Sunday / ARDEL's Third Place Gallery, Thong Lor 10 / www.ardelgallery.com, 02-422-2092.
+ Imaginary Places
21 EXHIBITION by SIRI / 10ml. / Until Feb 11
Dr Maxwell Maltz famously said 21 is the magic number of minimum days for a new habit to form. This inspires Sirinart Saiprasart, aka SIRI, an illustrator and writer at 10 millimetres Publishing, to create 21 paintings of her dream destinations to be on display during this 21-day exhibition. During the same period, she'll be writing a special diary for the exhibition and visitors who partake in writing the diary with her will receive a picture she draws as a thank-you too. Previously, her cute illustrations have been featured in two exhibitions in Taiwan.
10am-8pm / 10ml. Cafe Gallery, Vibhavadi Rangsit 16 / 089-465-6915.
+ 50 Galleries in Two Nights
Galleries' Night Bangkok 2018 / 50 galleries in Silom, Chao Phraya riverside and Sukhumvit / Feb 9-10
The fifth edition of Galleries's Night by the French Embassy returns bigger than ever. Here's your chance to appreciate art at 50 participating galleries in Bangkok from the evening until night-time. Sound like a lot of work to do? Fret not, because you can hop on one of 30 dedicated tuk tuks, equipped with a mobile gallery to light up your journey, to go from one gallery to another. Download Galleries' Night app onto your iOS or Android smartphone to help you navigate. The first night will focus on galleries in Silom and those near the Chao Phraya River. The second day highlights those in Sukhumvit. A must for art aficionados.
5pm - late / http://fb.com/galleriesnight.
+ New Lights on Old Villains
Knock'em DEAD: Solo Exhibition by Tikkywow / YELO House / Until Feb 25
Tikkywow, or Pichet Rujivararat, is having his first solo exhibition at YELO House. Known for his vivid, graffiti-esque and colourful signature, Tikkywow puts his own twist on villains from popular movies and cartoons who want to turn over a new leaf. His works have been featured in many countless publications in Thailand and abroad.
11am - 8pm / YELO House, Soi Kasemsan 1, Rama I / http://fb.com/yelohouse.
+ Isan in Art
Isan Contemporary Report / BACC / Until Apr 15
What constitutes contemporary Isan-ness in this ever-changing world is the question that serves as the main catalyst behind this new project by BACC. Different topics related to Isan region and its people will be explored through many activities and mediums. Common Exercises: Isan Contemporary Report will include paintings, photographs, videos and installation by 12 artist groups. There will be different talks by curator and artist. Last but not least is Music & Art Fest at BACC, which is an opportunity catch live performances by Toomturn Molam Group, Rasmee and DJ Maft Sai.
10am-9pm / BACC, 9F, Rama I / http://facebook.com/baccpage.
Food
+ Feast for a cause
2018 Bangkok chefs charity gala dinner / Mandarin Oriental / Mar 3
The 9th edition of the Bangkok Chefs Charity Gala Dinner will once again be held at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok with HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presiding. The dinner, priced at B12,500 per person, will feature 10-courses prepared by the country's top executive chefs with proceeds going to charities under Her Royal Highness' patronage.
5.30pm / Mandarin Oriental Bangkok / email bcc@gourmet-one.com, 02-403-3388 ext 511
or 085-1526857, Rachanee on 02-659-0302.
+ Spanish food hall goodness
Uno Mas mini kitchen / Central Chidlom / ongoing
The newly renovated Food Hall at Central Chidlom is home to Uno Mas' new mini kitchen. Enjoy some of the restaurant's signature dishes like Joselito Iberian cured ham plus sandwiches, as well as sangrias on the ground floor of Central Chidlom.
10am-10pm / Central Chidlom, 1027 Phloenchit Road / Email diningcgcw@chr.co.th, 02-100-6255.
+ Affordable
Michelin star restaurant / U Sathorn / ongoing
J'aime is serving up Michelin star-quality dining at an affordable price. For B1,100 per person, enjoy a lunch set menu that includes Plancha-seared rainbow trout, Prawn and mushroom soup, and Mimosa leek and potato salad.
12pm-2.30pm / J'aime by Jean-Michel Lorain, U Sathorn Bangkok, 105/1 Soi Ngam Duphi / Email reserve@jaime-bangkok.com, 02-119-4899 / B1,100.
+ Italian brunching
Al Fresco brunch / Rembrandt hotel Bangkok / ongoing
Enjoy a relaxing poolside Sunday brunch with Rembrandt Hotel's Al Fresco Brunch at their trattoria-style Italian restaurant, Da Vinci. Along with stone-baked pizzas, enjoy a wide variety of Italian cheeses and live stations that include foie gras among others. There will also be a live DJ to get you in a chill mood.
11.30am-3pm / Da Vinci, Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit 18 / Visit http://rembrandtbkk.com, http://fb.com/davincibkk, 02-261-7100 / B1,250, B450 for children between the ages of 6-12.
Travel
+ One Month in Bangkok
Extended Stay / X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit / Until Dec 31
Throughout this year, X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit is offering a special deal designed with long-stay business travellers in mind. While you're in Bangkok for business, you get to live like a local in the On Nut neighbourhood where the trendy hotel is located. All room types available -- Studio, One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom and Three-Bedroom Duplex -- are valid for extended stays from one month to a year. Not only better rates, but guests who take advantage of this deal will also be entitled to perks such as daily cleaning, laundry service and more. There are many things to enjoy on site such as a fitness centre, pool, spa, onsen, cafe, bar and more.
X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit, 10 Sukhumvit 52 / email book.suk@x2vibe.com or call 02-331-9091 and 063-474-5483 / from B35,000 per month for a Studio to B80,000 per month for a Three-Bedroom Duplex.
+ Love Island
Romance Package / Santiburi Koh Samui / Until Dec 22
If you're looking to celebrate love this Valentine's Day (or at a later time this year), Santiburi Koh Samui, the luxury villa-and-suite resort on the north shore, is ready to sweeten up your romantic stay. The 4D3N stay in a Grand Deluxe Pool Villa includes daily breakfast, one bottle of sparkling wine, a candlelit dinner on the beach and a one-hour in-villa spa treatment for couples. Lovers can take a stroll on the four hectares of beautiful beachside location and tropical gardens of the hotel. Many activities are available for couples to make sweet memories together.
Santiburi Koh Samui, 12/12 Moo 1, Maenam Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani / 077-425-040, http://goo.gl/cs7ktW / B93,125 until Apr 15 and Jul 1 to Aug 31, B76,250 from Apr 16 to Jun 30 and Sep 1 to Dec 22.
+ Summer in the City
Cool Down Your Summer / Amara Bangkok / Apr 30
Those who look to celebrate Songkran or spend the summer during Thailand's hottest month should give this offer serious consideration. Book a stay until Apr 30 to stay during April and receive 15% off on BAR (Best Available Rate). The other perks included in this offer are one-day BTS pass, a Songkran survival kit (from Apr 12-15 only), 4pm late checkout, 20% off on F&B and a rooftop swimming pool with a gorgeous view. Book online.
Amara Bangkok, 180/1 Surawong / www.bangkok.amarahotels.com, 02-021-8888.
+ Get Down to the Biz
Business Essence Package / Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Mar 31
Centara Grand recently announced its brand new Business Essence Package for business travellers staying in Deluxe World room type. Your accommodation includes unlimited Wi-Fi, daily buffet breakfast for two at The World Restaurant, three pieces of laundry service per day, B500 credit redeemable for beverages at any outlets of Centara Grand, welcome drink upon arrival and 4pm late checkout.
Centara Grand at CentralWorld, 999/99 Rama I / www.centarahotelsresorts.com, 02-100-1234 ext
6759-6763 / 5,800 per night.
+ The Happiest Place on Earth
Disney Friends Springtime Carnival / Hong Kong Disneyland Resort / Mar 15-Jun 20
More than 100 beloved Disney characters will show up day and night to celebrate Disney Friends Springtime Carnival. The new "We Love Mickey!" night-time projection show will debut. New and longtime Disney friends will be appearing at the new Africa-themed Karibuni Marketplace in Adventureland and other spots across the park for your selfie ops. Disney character-themed egg hunt, new food & drinks and merch also await you. Most importantly, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is offering exclusive deals for Thais. Advance Purchase Room offer gets you 15% off on any rooms at Disney Explorers Lodge, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Hollywood Hotel. Book online to get a free room upgrade and Attraction Priority Admission Pass. "Play, Shop, Dine" ticket deal for one or two days is also available. Buy a one-day ticket to receive HK$50 (B200) voucher for merch or one free waffle. Two-day ticket gives you better value and comes with HK$30 voucher for merch. Keep your eyes out for more Disney deals at Thailand International Travel Fair on Feb 7–11 at QSNCC, Wonderful Hong Kong & Macao Travel Expo 2018 on Feb 9–18 and Discover Thailand Discover The World on Mar 1–4.
More info at www.hongkongdisneyland.com/th/ offers-discounts.
+ Honeymooners' Hideaway
Honeymoon Package / Centara Muscat Oman Hotel / Apr 30
Surprise your significant other with a three-night stay at Centara Muscat Oman Hotel. To sweeten up this offer, the hotel will throw in a free upgrade to Business Suite, one private dinner on the rooftop for two, one-hour massage for two at Spa Cenvaree and in-room romantic decoration. The hotel is close to several attractions such as The Royal Opera House and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. If you're adventurous and active type, diving, dolphin watching, golfing are available in Oman's capital city.
Centara Muscat Hotel Oman, Way 6816, Ghala Heights, Wilyat Bausher, 3564, Muscat / www.centarahotelsresorts.com/special-offers, http://goo.gl/kM5B4w / From B16,822++.
+ From DMK to CJM and Back
New Direct Bangkok-Chumphon Flight / AirAsia / Until Feb 4
AirAsia just added a new direct flight between the capital city and the southern province, bringing the number of southern flights to 61 per day. Chumphon, which is regarded as the gateway to the south of Thailand, may not spring to mind when we talk about top travel destinations but it boasts beautiful beaches, coral reefs and Thailand's biggest Robusta coffee plantation. The inaugural flight will commence on Mar 25. The promotional fares are available for booking until Feb 4 for travel from Mar 25 to Jan 31, 2019.
www.airasia.com / from B590 per trip.
Movies
+ Downsizing
(directed by Alexander Payne)
Who's in it?
Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Kristen Wiig.
What's it about?
A couple (Damon and Wiig) in the throes of a financial crisis are doing their best to cope. One of their options is to undergo the process of "downsizing", where they are permanently shrunk to five inches tall but in return enjoy a better life partly due to the increased value of their money.
Why watch it?
It's not The Great Wall.
+ Samui song
(directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang)
Who's in it?
Chermarn Boonyasak, Stéphane Sednaoui, David Asavanond.
What's it about?
A soap opera actress (Boonyasak) is married to a foreigner (Sednaoui), who is a fanatic devotee of a cult leader. Seeking an escape, a man (Asavanond) offers a proposal to take her husband out of the picture.
Why watch it?
Troubled marriage to a weird, perhaps even delusional, farang, a mysterious handsome stranger, and a cult leader -- the trappings of a good thriller.
NETFLIX
+ Altered carbon (season 1)
Based on the cyberpunk novel by Richard K. Morgan, the series is set 300 years in the future where death is no longer permanent. Takeshi Kovacs is revived in a brand new body by a wealthy man named Laurens Bancroft who has brought Takeshi back for one purpose: to solve Bancroft's own murder. The series premieres today.
+ Dirk gently's holistic detective agency (season 2)
Follow the continuing adventures of eccentric holistic detective Dirk Gently and his sidekick, former bellboy Todd, as they encounter weirder stuff, encounter even more odd people, and solve more obscure cases. The second season is available to stream now.
TV SERIES
+ Strike back
Cinemax -- Feb 3, 10am Streaming on HBO GO via AIS PLAY and AIS PLAYBOX
When terrorist Omar Idrisi escapes, the elite Section 20 is called upon to bring the man to justice. The 10-episode season premieres tomorrow.
+ The day I almost died
TrueVisions Channel 338 -- Saturdays and Sundays, 8.35pm. The title says it all. Witness harrowing tales of near-death experiences. Just make sure you're near a bathroom or wastebasket in case you need to hurl.
