Awakening Bangkok, our annual light festival, has finally taken off at the capital’s Old Town. We reached new heights this year, with a bigger line-up that includes 52 artworks as well as a longer route that covers three areas in Bangkok’s historical and creative districts of Charoenkrung, Talad Noi and Chinatown’s Soi Nana.
It may take you more than one visit to catch up with all the featured installations and fun activities. Allow us to recommend five highlights that can boost your festival experience, so you can plan your route and see the most of what we have to offer.
Glass works in every shade of the color spectrum at Soi Chareonkrung 36
Marine Police Lodge, one of the most historically and architecturally important attractions on Charoenkrung Road, is once again one of the highlight locations of Awakening Bangkok. This time, art pieces by BGC display the delicate nature and unique artistry of glass sculptures.
As a bonus, there’s You Will See Me Everywhere!, a graffiti-inspired installation that is photogenic from every angle.
Talad Noi’s centuries-old Chinese-Thai structures once again houses high-tech art
Patina Café, the hottest hangout in Talad Noi, collaborates with us once again to house three cutting-edge installations—Fish and Wish, The Catcher, and Silk— that contrast with the venue’s old charm. There are also other spots like Mother Roaster and So Heng Tai that will give you big impressions.
After exploring this spot, amble up the alley where more amazing pieces of art await at So Heng Tai, Mother Roaster, and Baan Rim Naam.
A cool pop-up cocktail bar where you can refresh after a long hot walk
Right in the heart of Warehouse 30 is Johnnie Walker’s pop-up bar, where you can get a taste of exclusive concoctions that will definitely cool you down and provide a reprieve from the soaring summer temps. A nightclub-inspired installation booming lively music and beaming lasers will drive the fun to the extreme.
The doors of an abandoned shophouse in Chinatown have been unlocked for a mesmerizing art experience
This may be your only chance to see how the inside of an abandoned yellow shophouse on Soi Nana looks. A total of eight exhibitions that display both Thai- and Chinese-inspired art await your visit.
If the night is still young, don’t forget to drop by one of many hip watering holes in the area to get one for the road.
A food market that proves how art can be edible—and delicious
Awakening Bangkok is best enjoyed on a full stomach and with a full energy reserved. So pop into the Grand Postal Building and grab yourself some scrumptious grub at the food market by our first-time partner GrabFood, which is playing host to some of the city’s best restaurants and street food vendors.
But it’s Awakening Bangkok, which is why the food market is lit up so bright with head-turning installations by talented artists.
