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Bangkok summers are brutal. Everyone's either fleeing to a beach or holed up poolside in a fancy resort. But this year, centralwOrld is making a case for staying put – and it's a compelling one.
centralwOrld The Summer Club, running March 13-May 10, transforms centralwOrld into something between a community sports ground, an art installation and a very aesthetically pleasing excuse to get off your sofa.
The visual identity comes courtesy of illustrator Prang Vipaluk (back for a second collaboration with centralwOrld) whose vivid and imaginative linework turns the mall into something that actually looks like summer feels – chaotic, colourful and alive.
The centrepiece is a pickleball playground out front – the sport that everyone swore was a fad and yet here we are, still talking about it (and playing it too). The courts have been built into a full festive experience in partnership with Vaseline, Havaianas, Prebo Pop, Wilson, Hatari and Molly Tea, with check-in spots, rest areas and enough going on that non-players have a reason to show up too. Book a slot through the Central X app or simply walk-in, either way it’s completely free.
Beyond pickleball, there's a rotating roster of activations designed to shake off office syndrome, including the HOKA SPEEDGOAT 7 FLYLAB – a space showcasing the innovations of HOKA’s footwear that runs April 10-12 and the HOKA x centralwOrld Vertical Run Wilder on April 11 – a similar event but this time a chance to try the new Speedgoat 7 footwear designed for vertical terrain.
The timing is also convenient if your workout wardrobe has seen better days. Adidas, Nike, Lululemon, New Balance and Puma are all on site with exclusive drops and limited collections. Plus customised fittings and interactive experience zones for anyone who has been making do with the same leggings since 2020.
Let's be honest – the real motivation behind any workout is what you get to eat after. Sweat it out at the Summer Club and consider your calories well and truly earned. centralwOrld's food scene is there for the indulgence you deserve, with award-winning restaurants and seasonal menus making the reward very much worth it.
On top of all that, khao chae – the Thai summer dish you need to know – brings cool, jasmine-soaked flavour to the scene with Nara Thai Cuisine and Kiew Kai Ka both serving up the royal dish, the latter Michelin-recognised for seven consecutive years. For dessert, iberry is mixing it up with mayongchit ice cream for anyone finally ready to understand what the fuss is about (it’s like a mango, but smaller and way more delicious), while YOLK is adding Thai fruits like mango, durian and coconut to their signature egg tarts.
For those who prefer the air-conditioned side of things, spending in-mall earns points through The1 programme, redeemable for a Thann Wellness retreat or a DIY charm-making session at Craftfeteria – which, aside from being a great name, is a very good excuse to get involved beyond just shopping.
The soundtrack of this summer club also comes courtesy of Thailizm during Songkran and the FWD Music Fest. So between the sport, the food, the shopping and the live music, centralwOrld has essentially built a whole summer itinerary and put it in one place. All they need now, is you.
centralwOrld’s Summer Club runs March 13-May 10. The beach will always be there but this won’t be. Free entry.