Laurie Osborne

A sprawling coconut grove, a private 800-metre beach and a pace of life dictated by the tides. This isn't the Koh Phi Phi of postcards and party legends; this is SAii Phi Phi Island Village, a self-contained world of barefoot luxury that feels thrillingly remote, yet polished to perfection. My journey here began where most Phi Phi adventures do, at the bustling Tonsai Pier, but quickly diverged. As I stepped onto the resort’s private longtail boat, leaving the crowds behind for a stunning 20-minute ride along the island’s jungle-clad coast, I felt a palpable sense of escape. Pulling into the turquoise waters of Loh Ba Gao Bay, the resort’s thatched-roof bungalows peeking out from between 70 acres of palms, it was clear this was a hotel that doesn't just occupy a location; it is the destination. It’s a place that proves you can find total tranquility on one of Thailand’s most famous islands. Why stay at SAii Phi Phi Island Village? For anyone who loves the idea of a remote island escape but still wants flawless service, a choice of pools, and a top-tier dive centre on their doorstep, SAii Phi Phi Island Village is the answer. It masterfully walks the line between rustic-chic and five-star comfort. Formerly the Phi Phi Island Village Beach Resort, a 2020 rebranding under the youthful SAii banner injected a fresh, playful energy into this long-established property. The physical ‘village’ footprint remains, creating a wonderful sense of space, but it’s been updated with a contemp

The phrase ‘lost at sea’ doesn’t usually conjure images of five-star comfort, but pulling into Kimpton Kitalay Samui, I felt like the most pampered castaway in the world. The resort isn’t just on the beach –it’s designed as a love letter to the ocean and the communities that live by it. The name itself, a blend of kita (song) and lay (sea), sets the tone for a place that feels like a fantasy fisherman’s village, albeit one with impeccable design and a knockout cocktail list. After ceremoniously banging a huge welcome gong, I walked through the main lobby, designed like a grand stilted pavilion with tantalising views straight through to the sea. It was immediately clear: this isn't a cookie-cutter resort. It’s a place with a story, and I couldn't wait to start reading. Why stay at Kimpton Kitalay Samui? You stay at Kimpton Kitalay Samui for its perfect marriage of boutique hotel charm and full-scale resort luxury. It brilliantly captures the creative, locally-infused spirit that Kimpton is famous for, all while sprawling across the beautiful, family-friendly Choeng Mon Beach. The entire resort is conceived as a ram-wong (village), with low-rise buildings and villas connected by meandering garden paths that all lead down to the sea. This design philosophy creates a wonderful sense of discovery; every turn reveals a new pool, a hidden courtyard, or a quirky art installation inspired by the sea. Hospitality is polished but never stuffy, with unscripted service that feels genuinel

In the heart of the Charoenkrung creative district, a culinary laboratory is quietly pulling apart everything you thought you knew about Thai food. Small Dinner Club (SDC), as it's aptly named, is the brainchild of Chef Sareen Rojanametin, who seems intent on questioning and reimagining the nation's cuisine from the ground up. His approach is deeply personal, drawing on a mosaic of global experiences that inflect a playful and profound curiosity into every dish. Forget what you expect from a fine dining spot; the vibe here is intimate and inviting, shunning opulence for a focus on connection and curiosity. The thoughtfully designed space, complete with curated art and handcrafted tableware, sets the stage for what SDC calls a ‘journey of discovery’. This isn't just a meal; it's a culinary puzzle box waiting to be unlocked. Chef Sareen, whose background intriguingly includes fine arts and a period as a monk, translates his eclectic life into his cooking. His time spent in Melbourne, for instance, is cheekily referenced in a dish titled 'Too Many Italians, Only One Asian', a clever nod to his experience running a cafe in an Italian-dominated district. This playful naming convention is a hallmark of the SDC experience, transforming dining into a guessing game. Dishes arrive with enigmatic titles like 'Daft Punk is Playing in My Mouth' or 'Duck & Hide', challenging diners to decipher the ingredients and concepts before the full story is revealed. This is a spot for the adventurer

The final countdown is on! With our Capture Bangkok photo challenge submissions closing in less than a week on July 15, there's no better time to get out there and find your winning shot. To give you a creative boost, we asked some of our headlining photographers to share their secrets: where they find their inspiration, how they harness the city's chaotic energy, and the techniques they use to capture the real Bangkok. This isn't just about gear; it's about perspective. It's about learning to see the beauty in the mundane and the stories hiding in plain sight. Take their advice, grab your camera, and show us the city through your eyes.   Danny For Danny, the best photo opportunities are found far from the tourist trail, in local markets such as Khlong Toei where there’s activity 24 hours a day. He enjoys the Giant Swing area, noting it’s ‘full of Buddhas and vintage buildings’. He’s a firm believer that the morning light is ideal, but as long as the sun is out, any time is a good time to shoot. He avoids grey, overcast days that can flatten the city’s dynamic character. A longtime Canon user, Danny values the system’s consistency. ‘I know their colours, I know how the camera will respond’, he says, ‘and that lets me focus completely on the moment without the gear getting in the way’. For the Capture Bangkok project, he chose the compact Canon RF 35mm f/2.8, appreciating the hands-on control. To ensure sharp images in Bangkok’s fast-paced environment, he typically shoots bet

Your Instagram is good, but our gallery wall is better. Time Out is thrilled to announce that the submission period for our inaugural ‘Capture Bangkok’ Street Photography Challenge is now officially underway. We're calling all photographers, from seasoned pros to passionate amateurs, to share their most captivating and unique perspectives of our city. Don't just capture the iconic landmarks; immerse yourselves in the everyday life, the frenetic energy, the serene corners and the untold stories that make Bangkok so special. We want to see Bangkok through your lens. The stakes are high! The winning photograph will be showcased in a prestigious exhibition at The Corner House in Charoen Krung from August 7-20, displayed alongside the works of 10 of Bangkok’s most celebrated street photographers. Ready to enter? It's simple. Follow these four easy steps to share your vision with us: Open the entry form: Click the link below to get started. Fill out your details: Complete the short Google Form with your information. Share your best work: Submit up to four of your favourite photos, complete with descriptions. Stay tuned! The winner will be announced on July 22 2025. Click here to access the official submission form. This incredible celebration of Bangkok's creativity is brought to you in partnership with Canon and Coca-Cola. Remember, submissions close on July 15. Don't miss this opportunity to have your work recognised and celebrated. Good luck! We can't wait to see your submissi

What makes Bangkok the second-best city in the world? It’s a question we asked earlier this year, and you answered. It’s the energy, the food, the culture, the beautiful, beautiful chaos. But more than anything, it’s the stories – the millions of tiny moments that unfold every second on its streets. Now, we want to see them through your lens. As part of our Capture Bangkok celebration, we’re showcasing the work of ten of the city’s most visionary street photographers at The Corner House in Charoen Krung from August 7-20. These are the artists who peel back the layers of the Big Mango, finding poetry in the traffic, romance in the tangled wires, and serenity amidst the rush. Their work will inspire, challenge and make you see your city in a whole new light. We're thrilled to bring this project to life with our partners, Canon and Coca-Cola. And the best part? One more photographer will join them on that gallery wall. That photographer could be you! Get ready: Time Out Capture Bangkok Street Photography Challenge submissions open on June 30 and run until July 15. This is your official call to action. Charge your batteries, hit the pavement, and prepare to show us your Bangkok when the Google Form link drops. But first, get inspired. Read on to meet the 10 photographers whose work defines the art of seeing this city.   STYLEdeJATE  Photograph: STYLEdeJATE For STYLEdeJATE, Bangkok is a city where the frenetic energy of bustling crowds, tangled overhead wires and relentless tra

Get your cameras ready, Bangkok! Time Out is thrilled to launch its inaugural ‘Capture Bangkok’ Street Photography Challenge, a city-wide call for your most stunning, evocative and unique images of the capital.  Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate amateur, this is your chance to showcase your vision and have your work celebrated. In a megalopolis that pulses with a chaotic, and beautiful rhythm, every corner holds a story waiting to be told. From the serene temples of the Old Town to the dizzying heights of its modern skyscrapers, the frantic energy of its markets to the quiet moments of daily life, we want to see Bangkok through your eyes. You voted, the world listened Earlier this year, Bangkok was crowned the planet's second-best city by Time Out. That global recognition inspired 'Capture Bangkok.' This is more than a competition – it's a city-wide celebration of the talent and stories hiding in plain sight. We're inviting you to pound the pavement, explore the hidden sois, and capture the images that truly define Bangkok for you. How to enter Ready to take on the challenge? From June 30 to July 15, we’ll accept your photo submissions via a Google Form. The link for submissions will be announced on June 30, so keep your eyes peeled on our website and social media channels. The prize The stakes are high! The winning photograph, selected by a panel of 10 participating photographers, will be showcased in a special exhibition. An exhibition in a historic setting Spea