Kaweewat Siwanartwong

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

This list is from 2025. Our latest ranking for 2026 is live here. People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest n

Can you believe it's already summer? Neither can we. March shows up fast and suddenly there are actual reasons to venture outdoors again. A fresh season brings a small surge of energy across Bangkok, where exhibitions, restaurant openings and the events start reclaiming the spotlight. Fun adventure kicks things off at Lumphini Park, where Netflix celebrates One Piece: Head to the Grand Line with playful installations and themed boats drifting across the lake. Tea lovers gather elsewhere for World Taste of Tea, a weekend devoted to proper brewing and global favourites like Yerba Mate. Then, things get a bit more reflective with Death Fest, which encourages thoughtful conversations about life's final chapter through creative exhibitions and open discussions. Film fans head toward the Bangkok Horror Film Festival at Hua Lamphong Post Office, where outdoor screenings share space with haunted installations and filmmaker talks. Digital culture also finds a spot this month through QR: Link, an audiovisual programme exploring connection through code, sound, image and language. Artists from Southeast Asia and Central Asia present performances alongside an augmented reality exhibition that treats technology less like machinery and more like the living. Music offers its own invitation to step outside too this weekend, with Music in the Park running throughout the month, filling green spaces with relaxed evening performances organised by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. So don't

Anyone who's been going out in Bangkok knows that queer nightlife never stays still for long in this city. Bar-hopping and clubbing are already among the top things to do in Bangkok, but LGBTQ+ nightlife here? It takes things to the next level. The Thai capital is fast becoming a proper mecca for queer parties, with venues that cater to pretty much every taste going. Whether you're after sweaty dancefloors, intimate cocktail spots or something a bit more leftfield, there's a place for you. So we've rounded up our picks of the brightest spots lighting up the scene right now. Add them to your Bangkok to-do list, but remember to party responsibly, look out for your mates and keep those good vibes flowing. See our best nightclubs in Bangkok if you want to dance the night away.

Updated February 2026: We’ve refreshed our list of the best record stores in Bangkok to keep you on top of the best new spots to dig. Recent additions include Recoroom Vinyl & Vintage Audio and Format BKK, as well as a special entry Cassette Shop for those who prefer their music on tape. Running your fingers along the spines, hearing that faint crackle as the needle meets the groove. It's a pleasure analog music lovers know can't be replicated by any streaming service. Unless you’ve been living under a digital rock, you’ll know that record shops in Bangkok are making a serious comeback. Communities for people who speak the same language, they’re where you’ll find vinyl lovers digging and poking through grooves new and old in search of a hot release or rare first pressing.  From old-school institutions that have been around since your parents' day to hidden underground spots brimming with character, the city's vinyl scene is thriving in ways you might not expect. Whether you're into jazz, soul, indie, international releases or boundary-pushing molam, Bangkok's got you covered. We've rounded up the very best record shops across the city, from the well-loved classics to the newer spots making serious waves. Trust us, there's enough here to keep any crate digger happy for hours. We update this article regularly to ensure the information remains accurate and current. So grab your tote bag and get ready to hunt for some proper analogue joy. Your next favourite album is out there so

'Coffee might be the reason we walk into a cafe, but community is the reason we want to come back.' Last year, we invited Khun Wa (Thananop Eimsunthorn), a cafe curator with a radar for cool spaces all across Bangkok, to reveal his map of must-visit spots. So many that you cafe hoppers could barely keep up, quite honestly.  This year, he’s back by popular demand with a 2026 update on new openings and must-trys – because it seems that 'just good coffee' no longer cuts the mustard.  'I feel honoured and excited every time,’ says Khun Wa. ‘It's like getting to explore the city all over again. Every place I visit sparks new conversations and ideas that really help refresh my creative energy.' From 'technique' to 'lifestyle,' he sees this year's vibe as cafes moving away from showcasing technique (think roasting profiles or latte art) and toward creating living spaces that connect more deeply with specific communities. We've seen the rise of cafes for runners, matcha cafes and spaces with clearly defined workshop areas. Today's cafes aren't just selling drinks. They're selling a worldview and creating a shared sense of belonging. When we asked why food, baked goods and various activities have become central this year, Wa offered a sharp insight. 'Great coffee is the core that gets people through the door. But craft menus like homemade sourdough, activities like run clubs and design events, are the tools that make people want to come back. These elements give a cafe its story and t

Welcome to a very very hot March, but nothing beats art with the bonus of AC, right? March is packed with exhibitions and events worth braving the heat for. The big one this month is Mango Art Festival, one of the city's major annual art gatherings that always delivers. Alongside it, a wave of new shows has just opened across galleries, giving you plenty of fresh reasons to step out and see what artists have been up to. Not sure where to begin? We've pulled together the top art exhibitions in Bangkok happening right now. Honestly, there's plenty on offer and the cool galleries are reason enough to venture out. Pop back each week for fresh recommendations as new shows keep rolling in throughout the month. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok. Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of top things to do this March. Whether you're a regular gallery-goer or just art-curious, these are Bangkok’s best spots to live the art life. From alleyway masterpieces to paint-splashed corners you might walk past without noticing, here are our top spots to see street art.

February might be the month of love, but March keeps Bangkok in a pretty flirtatious mood. The heat settles over pavements, linen replaces layers and the city remembers how good it feels to be outside. Weekends fill up quickly now. Parks host lazy wanderers, galleries tempt the curious and nights stretch longer than intended. Take a look at Mango Art Festival, it’s back as a huge playground for collectors and camera rolls alike, with installations and performances that'll have you reaching for your phone. T-Pet x T-Pop Festival pairs idol culture with four-legged companions, which sounds improbable but somehow works brilliantly. People Festival and MEK Music and Market go grassroots, mixing live sets with independent stalls and conversations that drift well past midnight. Silent Theatre Festival proves words are optional when movement tells the story. Central Cee brings sharp West London lyricism to a local stage, a reminder that global rap feels entirely at home here now. And Chilli Fest crowns the season with heat levels that test your courage as much as your taste buds. The thing about March is it rarely whispers. It beckons, really, pulling you out of whatever comfortable routine February left you in. So don't waste the month watching the temperature climb from indoors. Get out there and see what all the fuss is about. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.

We're out here having a grand old time celebratin' St Pat's in Bangkok, so we are. There's a rake of things to do, so let's get out there and give it a lash.  Look, Bangkok will celebrate pretty much anything if you give us half a chance. St Patrick's Day rolls around and suddenly the whole city's gone green, pints are flowing and everyone's having a proper laugh whether they're Irish or not. Sure, some people reckon it's all a bit much, but honestly? It's just a nice way to mark other cultures living in the city. And, if you're far from home, celebrating your national day with a bunch of mates (and strangers who'll be mates by the end of the night) feels pretty special.  St Patrick's Day marks the death of Ireland's patron saint, but really it's become a full-blown celebration of Irish culture. Loads of green, plenty of Guinness and drinking songs you'll definitely be belting out by midnight whether you know the words or not. So where should you head in Bangkok to get properly stuck in? We've rounded up the best spots to celebrate. RECOMMEND:Where to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Bangkok

Ireland is known for its jolly culture of drinking and socializing in pubs. An amiable atmosphere, hearty traditional comfort fare, live sports showing on huge TV screens (accompanied by vigorous chanting), cheerful music and lots of booze—all these characterize good ol' Irish pubs.Bangkok is home to more than a few of these drinking spots. Experience laid-back vibes, exuberant conversations and charming Irish hospitality at these beloved joints.

Just recently, at a whisky event that promised the usual swirl of ice and polite applause, something else cut through the room. Not a saxophone – it was thinner, stranger, almost trembling. I remember turning to a friend and asking, 'What is that?' The answer leads me to Sorrawat 'Ben' Suviporn. Ben is one of the partners behind Studio Lam, the vintage-style bar long considered a sanctuary for Thai musical heritage. For years it's been a meeting point for luk thung devotees, mor lam obsessives, jazz heads and anyone willing to let African rhythms sit beside Latin swing, funk and soul. It's a place where crates matter and curiosity is currency. Yet the sound I hear that evening doesn't come from a record collection. It comes from plants. Under the name Melt and Reform, Ben works with bioelectric signals from living organisms, translating their electrical activity into control voltage, then shaping that data through a modular system until it becomes something like music. Or perhaps something before music. The project grows out of Melt Experience, an earlier collaboration rooted in plant medicine, inner stillness and guided frequencies. Over time, the work shifted from symbolic use of natural elements to actual dialogue with Mother Nature herself. Photograph: prakaanmaltwhisky Melt and Reform feels almost alchemical. Frequencies dissolving, field recordings bending, bioelectric signals reshaped into song. I ask Ben when he first realises sound can be treated as something aliv

This will be the first time a Marley heir has performed alongside Thailand's top reggae artists, which is pretty monumental when you think about it. Julian Marley, the son of Bob Marley himself has linked up with The Uprising for what’s shaping up to be a milestone gig. He and Alexx Antaeus just scored a Grammy nomination for Best Remixed Recording with their amapiano take on ‘Jah Sees Them’. When he talks about dabbling in different genres, he makes it sound completely natural, like it's just part of the journey. And his father's influence? Still there, always present, guiding everything he does. It's not just Julian Marley taking the spotlight. You've got some Thai reggae legends on this bill too. JOB2DO are there with all the tracks everyone knows and loves, doing what they do best with that easy, laidback feel. Malaiman Downtown bring their own unmistakable  flavour, and then there's INJA, who basically shows up to set the whole place on fire. Jamaican reggae heritage meets Thailand's homegrown talent, all on one stage. If you plan to go, here’s what you need to know before the night starts. When is Julian Marley performing in Bangkok? Julian Marley is set to play a one-night-only live show in Bangkok on Friday 22 May. Where is Julian Marley performing in Bangkok? Julian Marley brings his signature sound to the stage at UOB LIVE, located within Bangkok’s EM District and perched atop the Emsphere. The venue can host up to 6,000 guests, accommodating concerts, entertainment

Another night with Parity brings a new visitor to Bangkok. Macedonian born and now based in Berlin, Aceedo arrives with a sound shaped by the outer edges of electronic music. His sets carry traces of the late nineties and early two thousands, gliding between seductive house dreamy rollers and slightly peculiar progressive turns that keep dancers curious. Raised within the underground scene of Skopje, Aceedo develops his musical instincts long before Berlin sharpens the details. The German capital later opens doors to respected venues including ÆDEN and Sisyphos. International appearances stretch across Mexico, Brazil and the Czech Republic, gradually shaping a reputation for thoughtful late night selections.March 13. B400 via here. Bar Temp., 9pm onwards

Despite the heat (and a bit of smog), spending an entire weekend indoors, however, rarely lifts the Bangkok spirit. Overcome the indoor-outdoor dilemma and head to Music in the Park, a BMA-organised party that keeps you outdoors – and for good reason.. The concept stays refreshingly simple: gather live musicians in leafy parks, wait for evening breeze and invite the public to slow down for a while. Performances appear across several neighbourhoods throughout the month , so no heroic journey across town is required. This weekend, head to Lumphini park with friends, bring a picnic and wander across lawns as songs drift gently through the trees, reminding us all that the most pleasant of evenings often ask for very little effort. March 15. Free. Sala Phirom Phakdi, Lumphini Park. 5.30pm

A long night of grooves waits at legendary 12x12 as Rocco Universal arrives from Bali for a rare appearance in Bangkok. Resident at Potato Head and the driving force behind Cosmic Tiger, Rocco  carries a reputation that precedes him, most often gliding between warm house rhythms and deeper club textures at the stage. Local favourites also step behind the decks. DJ Seelie brings her careful track curation while Pez keeps the floor moving with familiar confidence, carrying the room forward until the wee hours. March 14. B200 at the door. 12x12. 8pm onwards

As night falls over Bangkok, BLOSSOM gathers a crowd drawn to the darker club sounds and steady rhythmic builds of late night breakbeats. Come early and move from groove toward heavier pressure, guiding your hips through moments of tension before the eventual releasing that burst of energy reserved for only the latest of hours.  The lineup brings together selectors who favour experimentation over easy formulas. Savemekilly opens the evening with restless rhythms, followed by the curious selections of Want One? followed by Olle and Winkieb, with music stretching well past midnight.  March 14. B300 via here and B500 at the door. BLAQLYTE BLOQ. 9pm-late

A gathering of vintage treasures, art. objects, craft, and hands on workshops is afoot, settling comfortably inside The StandardX Bangkok Phra Arthit – a design minded address near the old riverside quarter of Chao Phraya River. Rub shoulders with collectors browsing racks of unusual finds while makers share their work across neatly arranged stalls. Creators including Wishulada, Smile Silver, Studio899, Basic Teeory and Mind Hom present objects that feel personal rather than mass produced. Be sure topause and peruse small workshops along the way, where artists explain their process and let you try it out too. A nearby coffee break fits naturally between discoveries, before another slow wander through displays that celebrate creativity with a gentle sense of style. March 14-15. Free. The StandardX, 10am-7pm

Code, sound and language share the same stage in this audiovisual programme exploring connection across digital and human systems. Artists from Southeast Asia and Central Asia gather in Bangkok for a series of performances that make use of augmented reality, treating technology less like machinery and more like the living. Projected art moves between scanning and sensing, with algorithms appearing beside images and layered audio compositions for full Matrix-like immersion. Walking through, you’ll encounter screens flickering with shifting visuals while speakers carry fragments of speech, rhythm and electronic texture to really set the scene. The result feels reflective rather than technical, but installations still manage to recognise how bodies, languages and networks quietly link across great distances. March 14. B300 via here and B350 at the door. Bangkok Kunsthalle. 4.30pm-9pm

For those who just can’t say no to a coffee, then take a walk down Coffee Road as it returns to Terminal 21 Asok. Office workers stop by after long afternoons while casual wanderers arrive for a slower midday break, all united by the promise of a decent cup. Baristas line the space with stalls serving everything from careful pour-overs to bold iced blends, each offering a slightly different idea of what constitutes a perfect brew. A bassy DJ booth keeps the atmosphere lively, turning the gathering into an easy going coffee party where music and caffeine share equal importance. Stroll through the venue with cup in hand, chatting with friends or discovering unfamiliar roasts along the way. Be warned, however, you only have two hours to see it all. March 13-22. Free. Terminal 21 Asok. Midday-2pm

Music drifts through Bangkok once again as Soundscape returns after a well received 2025 edition featuring names such as Phum Viphurit and LANDOKMAI. This year, the festival expands its programme, placing a new generation of Thai artists even more centre stage across several party-packed evenings. The lineup begins with PURPEECH and Mirrr on March 13. March 14 opens with a daytime gathering featuring YONLAPA, Valentina Ploy and Mindfreakkk, followed later by a headline performance from The Toys before coming to a close with Tilly Birds on Sunday. Beyond the stage, a free exhibition organised by The Hechyeomoyeo gathers more than forty visual artists, inviting you to get involved with playful installations such as the luxury Glambot camera which captures cinematic moments on the big screen between sets. March 13-15. B999-2,500 via here. 515 Victory Hall. 7pm

You may recall this first being planned to take place in Bangkok’s famously disused New World Mall, but with an actual fear of ghosts (real ones), a new address gives this horror gathering a welcome change of scenery. The event now settles on the sixth floor of Hua Lamphong Post Office, a building whose faded grandeur still suits the mood, minus any uninvited ghouls. Evenings bring outdoor screenings beneath the night sky, while a haunted house exhibition recreates memorable scenes from cult films. Crew members share eerie stories from the set, offering glimpses behind the camera. A short film competition champions emerging horror talent, with talks where audiences question directors and actors about their craft. Food stalls and music keep spirits lively between screenings. All in all, the programme mixes Thai film favourites such as Bangkok Haunted with international chillers including The Thing and Unfriended. March 13-15. Free. Sixth floor, Hua Lam Phong Post Office, 7pm-11pm

Death waits for everyone, yet most people still struggle to speak about it. Thankfully, Death Fest breaks the ice by  inviting visitors to treat mortality as part of everyday conversation rather than a distant shadow. The theme this year, ‘old sick dead’ – a possible nod to the economic nickname Thailand’s recently acquired – but look closer and you’ll find something softer: a reminder that quality of life matters whether someone feels healthy, unwell or approaching their final chapter. Five areas shape the programme: ‘Old School’ hosts practical care sessions for families; ‘Human Life-brary Cafe’ welcomes thoughtful discussions with specialists; ‘Life Journey’ gathers services connected with ageing and palliative support; and ‘Friends Eat’ encourages us to hold onto shared meals with loved ones, before it’s too late. There’s also some reflective activities to get into, from a coffin showroom that’s less morbid than you might expect, to family portraits and a reading corner where volunteer grandparents share stories with children. March 13-15. Free. Hall 6, IMPACT Exhibition Center. 9am-7pm

Coffee takes a brief holiday as Bangkok turns gloriously green for World Taste of Tea – a gathering that celebrates tea culture in all its forms. Traditional ceremonies lead the show, sitting comfortably beside casual drinks that city crowds currently queue for, offering a curious mix of heritage and modern taste all under one mall ceiling. You can even meet with the iconic  Yerba Mate, the South American favourite now charming wellness devotees across the globe. Meanwhile, matcha specialists arrive from Japan alongside well known cafes from around Thailand, inviting guests to compare earthy notes one cup at a time. Browse the tables for rare leaves, elegant brewing tools and pastries that pair with a cuppa.There’s an air of ‘trade show’ but is delivered more casually than most, where conversation flows as easily as the next carefully prepared pot.  Until March 17. Free. Central World. 10am-10pm

Deep grooves load as Alik takes his place behind the decks in Bangkok. The French DJ (who now calls the Thai capital home), mixes easily across house, deep house, Afro-house, fro-tech, tech-house and minimal techno, building a set that feels both patient and hypnotic in the same beat. As night settles over the skyline, dancers gather with that familiar anticipation only a good DJ can summon. Are you following?  March 12. Free. Bar.Yard. 9pm

It’s as if Bangkok has gone completely One Piece crazy! If you grew up following the Straw Hat crew's adventures, well, this really is your week.. In addition to Netflix bringing the Grand Line to Lumpini Park,  ICONSIAM has joined the crew with a One Piece Pop-Up Cafe that takes over 600 square metres of the iconic mall with a full 360-degree One Piece universe to explore. Fans can explore the crew's growth and character development across more than 25 years of storytelling, with the latest wanted posters of the Straw Hat gang straight from the Marines, as well as recreations of key pirate adventures and a stamp hunt across all 10 locations. Photograph: ICONSIAM The real showstopper, however, must bethe ‘Gear 5 Zone’. Right in the centre of the hall stands a five-metre-tall Luffy Gear 5 statue, looking massive and ready for snaps.  And for real One Piece devotees, this event delivers more than just the character exhibitions – there are also loads of recreated scenes from various islands throughout the story, giving fans the chance to snap realistic photos like they've actually boarded the ship with the crew. All completely free, find this treasure trove at ICONSIAM's Attraction Hall, running until 31 October. Open daily 10am-8.30pm

Right now, the global spotlight is on Thailand. A full year after making history with the new marriage equality bill, the nation has just advanced to the first round of the selection process to host WorldPride 2030.  This is massive, especially considering Thailand now goes head to head with two absolute Pride-worthy giants: Barcelona and London. If chosen, Bangkok will become  become the world's 'Capital of Diversity' in 2030. Photograph: Jaksuwong - Time Out Bangkok WorldPride is a global event that promotes visibility and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) issues on an international level..  The first edition took place back in 2000 in Rome, overseen by InterPride, an international organisation founded in 1982 in Boston to unite LGBTQIAN+ communities across the globe. This year the event moves to Amsterdam, a city famed for its tolerance and claiming the throne as the most diverse city in the World. Cape Town, follows up in 2028, with all to play for in 2030. Tough competition. Thankfully, InterPride already has Thailand squarely in its sights, with the InterPride World Conference 2026, happening in Phuket from October 29 to November 1.  LGBTQ+ leaders from around the world will gather to assess Thailand's potential before the official winner gets announced in January 2027. Photograph: Jaksuwong - Time Out Bangkok So what does being shortlisted actually mean? To even be considered as a WorldPride host, an organisation must ha

In an age where streaming keeps pushing forward and living costs keep climbing, there's something special about cinemas that feels more important than ever. Film buffs get it (especially the Letterboxd crowd), and Time Out's global team has just ranked the 100 best cinemas worldwide.  The brilliant news? House Samyan is Thailand's sole entry, sitting at number 46 alongside legendary screens from Paris, Tokyo and Berlin. Photograph: House Samyan This isn't just any cinema. Tucked up on the fifth floor of Samyan Mitrtown, House Samyan feels more like a house than a classic cinema, and it is one of Bangkok's film lovers’ best.  For seven years now, it's been the go-to spot for independent films, international cinema and rare classics you won't find anywhere else. From One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Taiwanese new wave gems to Y2K Japanese films that you won’t find screening anywhere else – it has a lot to offer the city’s crowd. The three screening rooms feel intimate. More like settling in at a friend's place than anything else. There's even a balcony with views over Wat Hua Lamphong and the Bangkok skyline (stunning at sunset, if you’re not inside glued to the big screen when ti happens).  Needless to say, House Samyan has become an essential landmark for anyone wanting to experience cinema beyond the mainstream, wrapped up in an atmosphere that's unfussy but full of character. No wonder it made the 100 best cinemas worldwide list.  Check their official website for what'

If you've ever wanted to perform in front of a crowd without the stress of a proper stage, here's your chance. Siam Square turns the shopping district around for one giant street festival this weekend. Running on March 14 to 15 from 3.30pm to 9.30pm at Siam Square Walking Street, this initiative aims to make public areas in Bangkok the go-to places for street performances, sparking social, economic and cultural movement. It's a collaboration between BMA, PMCU and GMM Music, transforming six spots throughout the walking street and creating seven zones of entertainment. Clearly, they’re not clowning around. Photograph: Bangkok Street Performer Zones one and two kick things off with busking bands playing all sorts of styles, while zone three brings the spectacle with singing puppets, homegrown mime x beatbox acts and hula hoop acrobatics from Taiwan. If you fancy joining in rather than just watching, zone four runs a stamp collection hunt where you complete challenges to win prizes. The main stage keeps things buzzing all night with TIGGER from GMM and a lineup of bands. Photograph: Bangkok Street Performer Content creators can check out zone six for music stand and performance, and zone seven offers actual workshop classes in singing, breakdancing and usable hula hoops if you want to upskill yourself. There’s also a tonne of workshops happening at Siammover, which is on the second floor of Siamkit Building. Bangkok Street Performer is free and runs March 14 to 15 from 3.30p

This isn't your standard drinks festival. Song Craft bills itself as a showcase of ‘The Art of Taste’ and trust us, that's no marketing fluff. As craft beers make waves across the nation, this weekend boozer is all about Thai ingredients from every corner of the country being put through world class production methods to create some of the best IPAs, pale ales and stouts. Photograph: Song Craft The festival returns from March 27 to 29 after selling out last January. Kegs are already on their way to Lost in Songwat, a cafe inside a Chinese shophouse that's been standing since King Rama V's reign. Over 100 years old and the traditional architecture still looks brilliant. Wooden beams, vintage tiles, the lot. Photograph: Song Craft And while you can easily find some great craft beers in many bars across the city, what makes Song Craft worth the trip is how the brewers and distillers take their ingredients – not to mention all the new samples you’ll get to try.  There’s tropical fruits from the south, grains cultivated in the north, herbs you've never heard of – all transformed through modern brewing and distilling techniques. Rice spirits aged in clay pots, mango sours that actually taste of mango, beers made with Thai botanicals instead of imported hops. But we’re getting carried away.  Aside from the beer pours, makers of said beers are also in attendance, ready to talk about their process and where they source everything. It's a liquid tour of Thailand, and you don’t even

If you've been putting off a visit to Bangkok Planetarium, now's the time to get moving. The beloved stargazing spot is shutting its doors for a makeover on March 30, and it won't be back into our orbit until late 2026. For plenty of Bangkokians, the spot oozes pure nostalgia, first sharing cosmic displays with the city’s wide eyes way back in 1964. That domed roof, those soul-absorbing chairs, the feeling of slipping into another dimension while learning about the stars. Space-themed films (both entertaining and educational) rotate every month, keeping the place fresh, and there's something about the atmosphere that makes you forget you're still in the city at all. Photograph: Bangkok Planetarium Which makes the news all the more bittersweet. After this March, the planetarium shuts down for a major renovation that'll take roughly seven to eight months. So if you've been meaning to revisit or want one last look at the original setup before it transforms, you've got until the end of this month to put on your space boots and disappear into the stars. The planetarium will then not be back in our telescope sights until late-2026, when reopening details will be shared through its Facebook page Bangkok Planetarium. Until then, catch the exhibitions before those iconic chairs go dark for a while and we’ll share news of its new arrival in about half an Earth year.

Since opening to the public last year, Sala Chaloem Thani has impressed everyone with strong programming, free showings and a cool old-school aesthetic.  This time round, the 107-year-old wooden cinema doubles down on that vintage feel, inviting classic film lovers to step back into the ‘70s with a weekend of movies that capture the teenage chaos of yesteryear. Photograph: Thai Film Director Association On Saturday March 21, screenings start local with Wai Onlawon (1976), a Bangkok love story about a provincial lad who bombs his university entrance exam and subsequently falls for his strict landlord's daughter. The film charmingly captures what teenage life looked like in the capital back then – messy romance, foolish outbursts and a good helping of youthful angst. Sunday March 22 brings the international classic Grease (1978), a musical that needs no introduction. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this tale of chaotic high school romance set in the 50s. Both screenings kick off at 4pm and entry is completely free. The caveat: tickets are only available at the door, giving none away before 3pm. And with only 200 seats, we recommend getting in line quickly.  Photograph: sawasdeeswing Sunday also comes with a little more spectacle, as once Grease wraps up, the cinema floor opens for full-on swing dance party led by the Sawasdee Swing group. Dancing to the Grease megamix in a century-old wooden theatre? There’s a good reason Bangkok just made Time Out’s top 10 ci

After getting American fans buzzing earlier this year, British electronic pop duo HONNE don't leave their Asian audience hanging for long. This July, the band return to Bangkok as a major stop on their 10 Year Anniversary Tour – and if you caught them last year, you already know this is one you don't want to miss. Photograph: HONNE The gig lands on July 25 at… and it’s sure to be a belter. Named after the Japanese word for inner desires and the contrast of how you act in public, tracks like Warm on a Cold Night through to Love Me / Love Me Not and everything in between make a fitting concept for the lustful yet hidden closed-door cultures of Bangkok. View this post on Instagram A post shared by HONNE (@hellohonne) However, word from their latest shows suggest this new tour is more intimate than usual, with a stripped back approach to some songs and heart-forward delivery that echoes how they first come together. What we’re saying is, if you're there for last year's show, this one promises a different side of the band entirely. Photograph: HONNE Tickets aren't on sale just yet, but you can register for RSVP access via their booking site here where you’ll be able to jump the queue when they do finally drop.  Venue details and official prices are also coming soon, supposedly before the tickets drop, giving you time to plan your time, re-learn some lyrics and book a hotel within walking distance (because we all know the concert Grab nightmares).

Every year, Time Out releases its ranking of the best cities in the world, and our beloved Bangkok has made the top 10 yet again.  The Thai capital lands an impressive 8th  place globally and second across all of Asia, thanks to our on-the-ground writers and contributors who actually know what makes these spots tick. And this ranking couldn’t have come at a better time. The city opened its first ever international contemporary art gallery at the end of 2025, then this October the Bangkok Art Biennale rears its head once again, proving there’s more than just a few cool bars that makes the city tick.  But our cool city is not just about the paintings. After many fingers crossed, Formula 1 officially races into town, bringing high-speed drama to a city that already moves at about a thousand miles an hour. Festival fans should also clock that Tomorrowland lands in the region this December – and while not technically in Bangkok (the main rave happens in nearby Chonburi) the city not only supplies most of the patrons, but also becomes the de facto place to be for the ultimate pre-festival warm up. Nightlife remains absolutely unmatched too. While other cities are struggling to keep the party scene going, Bangkok's after-dark scene just keeps getting stronger. So, as we mark  the tenth anniversary of the Time Out Best Cities ranking, we take a look at our peers and take pride in the fact that not one, but two Thai cities make the list, with Chiang Mai coming in at a comfortable 32nd

What if your favourite photograph could walk out of the album and onto your back? That's exactly what's happening at EmSphere this week, where Thai fashion label MATTER MAKERS is making memories wearable. Photograph: MATTER MAKERS The brand has teamed up with Kanrapee.Chok (Kanrapee Chokpaiboon) – the photographer and artist behind cult photobook 'The Good Place' – for an immersive experience that makes you part of the lens.  Titled Memories Matter, it takes dreamy images from the photobook and prints them onto fabric as part of the exclusive 'We Met In The Good Place' wearable collection. Now, instead of flipping through pages, you get to carry those moments around with you on your back. But the event on March 12 is way more than just a chance to browse new threads. There's a VR zone where you can literally step inside 'The Good Place' through a 360 degree game that flips through the pages from the inside out. You can also mess about with film cameras on site and snap your own memories for free, no darkroom required. Photograph: MATTER MAKERS If you're feeling spendy or simply love his work, grab two pieces from the collection and you'll score a limited edition poster featuring Kanrapee's photography for free – something you can proudly hang up at home to match your new threads the next time guests come to visit.  The whole thing goes down at the MATTER MAKERS store on EmSphere's first floor from 5pm to 9pm, and it’s absolutely free.

The legendary Australian wine brand is entering a fresh chapter by appointing Troye Sivan as its new Creative Partner, bringing together wine, design and contemporary culture. Troye, an Australian singer, actor and style icon who's basically everywhere right now, is lending his taste to add a flavour of fashion to Penfolds – the big announcement dropping during last week’s Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 event.   To launch this new partnership, his first project is already here: a limited edition label for Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz. And we know where to get one. Photograph: Penfolds Taking the torch of creative collaboration from Japanese streetwear brand NIGO, Troye has some big shoes to fill following Penfolds' first creative partnership success. Already making waves, it's part of the brand's ongoing obsession with pairing influential artists with its 180-year winemaking heritage – and the results look gorgeous. Photograph: Penfolds The collection comes in two formats. There's a standard 750ml gift box, then the proper collector's piece – a 1.5 litre magnum that Sivan co-created with South Korean craftsman Rahee Yoon. The packaging uses translucent red and white tones designed to feel warm and celebratory, meant to capture those special moments when people gather together. Only 20 bottles of the magnum exist worldwide, so they're seriously hard to come by.  Thankfully, the 750ml bottles are much easier to find, launching globally in March 2026 and

If you're the type who enjoys discovering new labels without the stuffiness of a traditional wine tasting, this is worth blocking out your weekend for. Bangcork Wine Fair is back for another round, and this year it's pitched up at Two Palms Taproom from April 3 to 5 – three solid days of discovering bottles you've never heard of, soundtracked by tunes from DJs who'll be playing records throughout. New venue, same vibe. Photograph: bangcork.winefair The fair brings together 15 wine vendors showcasing over 200 labels from around the world. It's a serious lineup of some of the biggest names in the scene – but without any of the stuffiness that usually comes with more formal wine tasting events. Each day runs from 3pm right through to midnight, so you've got plenty of time to explore, drink and forget about the spit bucket. Photograph: bangcork.winefair Entry costs B700 and gets you two tasting tokens to start. Although if you’re anything like us, you’ll go for the B1,500 option for a swirlingly generous 10 tokens. You can always top up more once you're there too, although tickets do last for all three days; letting you spread out your wine-filled weekend in any way you please.  There's a group deal running too for those drinking with friends (because what’s better than that on a weekend afternoon?). Buy five tickets and if you're among the first 15 groups, you'll snag a free bottle of wine. Tickets are live on Ticketmelon here, giving you ample time to prepare yourself for