Marisa Marchitelli

Bangkok’s dining scene this week spans the gamut of early Valentine’s celebrations, winter-driven tasting menus and a packed run of chef-led collaborations. W Bangkok’s long weekend brunch returns with a buffet-led spread, cocktails and DJ sets at The Kitchen Table. Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok brings romance forward with a pink-hued and rose-infused Valentine’s-themed afternoon tea, while Cannubi by Umberto Bombana at Dusit Thani Bangkok turns to northern Italian winter flavours with a six-course seasonal tasting menu. Sushi fans have a one-night-only four-hands omakase at Jikasei B, where two Michelin Guide 2026-awarded chefs share the counter, and Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok continues its 150th anniversary programme with a six-course riverside collaboration at Alex Dilling at Lord Jim’s. Here’s what’s cooking in Bangkok this week:

There's no way to travel all of Asia in one lifetime, but you can damn well bet that we're going to try. From bustling city destinations to wild island paradises, there's so much on the regional travel menu that we'd gladly spend our annual leave on in 2026 – and if you're having a hard time choosing, then you're in the right place. We talked to our Time Out editors and travel contributors in Asia to suss out what's on their radar for the coming year. These destinations are emerging hotspots: long overlooked or previously hard to reach, but now on the map for travellers seeking alternatives to well-trodden destinations like Bali, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Many on the list have become better-connected, too – all the more reason to buy that plane ticket in 2026. And it goes without saying: they all have spectacular natural attractions, rich culture, and fantastic dining scenes to satisfy the pickiest of travellers. Here's Time Out's list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2026.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox. READ MORE: The most spectacular places to visit in Asia and The most gorgeous islands in Asia 

When fire tore through Route 66 at RCA this past October, it sent shockwaves across Bangkok’s nightlife community. For decades, Route 66 was a constant: a first club for many, a last stop for others and a defining fixture of RCA’s late-night rhythm. That sense of loss ran deep because RCA itself has been on Bangkok’s nightlife map since the ‘90s, evolving from one of the city’s first purpose-built entertainment districts into a proving ground for generations of clubs, DJs and partygoers. Its sudden rupture landed just as Bangkok was gearing up for a new wave of big openings, creating an oddly symbolic moment for a city that rarely stops dancing. From backpacker streets to built-for-scale districts There was a time when Bangkok nightlife was easy to explain. You went to Khao San Road for backpacker chaos or Patpong for R-rated neon-lit spectacle. Clubs were transient, tourist-facing and rarely built to last longer than the season. Bangkok has since outgrown that model. As the city’s middle-class expanded and travel tastes evolved, nightlife followed suit. Purpose-built zones like RCA offered something different: space, scale and the freedom to think long-term. Over time, the city’s club scene began to look less like a backpacker rite of passage and more like a fixture of urban life. Today, locals and tourists share the same dancefloors. Clubbing in Bangkok is no longer something that happens on the sidelines of the city. It is central, social and very much year-round.

Chiang Mai is famous for its strong WiFi and even stronger iced americanos, but let’s be honest – you didn’t come all the way to the north just to stare at the same laptop screen in a different time zone.  We all know that the best part of the digital nomad lifestyle exists around your working hours. Clock off, step outside and Chiang Mai rewards you with a lineup of places designed for real life, not just productivity.  Ok, sure, some of these may still be ‘productive’ in some senses – for example a podcast studio or 3D printing labs – but we all know that’s the more recreational side of life in the digital world. Others sit firmly in the fun category – think long lunches that turn into friendships and recovery rituals that feel like a full-body reset. So, whether you want to create something, move your body, meet people or simply exhale, this is your guide to Chiang Mai beyond the nomadic keyboard.

With nature at your doorstep, fast internet and fresh coffee on every corner, Chiang Mai is a true haven for digital nomads. Aside from the affordability, delicious food and laid-back vibe that draws people in – it also balances the grind with lush surroundings that beckon whenever you need a break.  And while Thailand saw a dip in nomads post-Covid, the past year has brought fresh momentum, thanks to new visa options like the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), government initiatives and a growing community that welcomes every kind of remote worker.  Whether you're looking to kickstart a project, trade crypto or simply enjoy the slow life while you hack on your latest entrepreneurial project, there’s a coworking space that’s just right for you.

January is when travel in Thailand finally slows down. The air is still cool, mornings feel easier and there’s a shared urge to reset. This month brings a mix of gentle escapes and mood-lifting openings across Khao Yai, Chiang Mai, Khao Lak and Phuket, each offering its own way to ease into the new year. InterContinental Khao Yai Resort makes a strong case for the day trip, with a rail-inspired escape built around spa time, swans, lakeside dining and wandering, with no overnight stay required. Chiang Mai leans fully into restoration as Four Seasons puts sound healing front and centre, pairing crystal vibrations with rice-field calm. Down south, Khao Lak has some exciting developments: La Solaya opens as a quietly serene beachfront retreat, while Avani+ Khao Lak adds a bit more energy with a new beach club and Japanese bar made for sunsets and shared plates. Rounding things out, Layan Life by Anantara in Phuket offers a more structured reset, introducing gut-focused wellness programmes for anyone keen to start the year feeling properly balanced. If you’re ready to leave the city noise behind and settle into some self-care, these are the getaways that define January.

Bangkok closes out the year with a festive mix of cocktails, comfort food, celebratory dinners and new openings across the city. In Thonglor, 008 Bar leans into the holiday mood with limited-edition drinks and lucky draws, while Quilombo officially opens its doors with fire-led Argentine parrilla cooking. Over by the airport, Big Bite Burger Bar and Grill delivers award-winning burgers in a relaxed grill-house setting, and Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road turns up the celebrations with a festive menu at CHAR. Following the festive spirit, Tropic City brings on the party with a Boxing Day friend shift, welcoming Maprang and Samantha behind the bar for one night only. Here’s what’s cooking in Bangkok on the final week of 2025:

December is when Thailand’s coasts start to hum again. The islands shake off the shoulder season, beach clubs sharpen their line-ups and resorts step forward with new looks, fresh menus and creative collaborations that turn a simple escape into something more charged. This month’s Getaways bring together some of the most compelling openings and relaunches across Koh Samui, Phuket and Hua Hin, each offering its own version of year-end ease. On Samui, CLUB SEEN kicks off a new chapter with global headliners and an elevated day-to-night rhythm, while Kimpton Kitalay sets the tone for the season with a bold Takara Wong collaboration that blends street-led Bangkok energy with beachfront calm. Phuket answers back in two directions: a one-day-only Japanese twist at Yona Beach as Zuma takes over the floating bar, and a coastal dining reset at Anantara Mai Khao as Sea Fire Salt returns with fire, salt and sunset heat. Further up the Gulf, Anantara Hua Hin reopens just in time for holiday unwinding, unveiling redesigned rooms, expanded beachfront and a refreshed take on its Thai-village inspiration. If you’re ready to leave the city noise behind, these are the getaways that define December.

If you really want to experience local life at its most authentic when exploring a new city, the best thing you can do is take to the streets. And no, not that one major thoroughfare with the samey high street megastores and generic coffee shops. We’re talking about the neighbourhood backstreets and lively avenues that locals love; the places packed with independent shops and creative people, where a brand-new hi-fi listening bar will share the space with an old-school grocer or a centuries-old pub.  This year, to create our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets, we asked our global network of local editors and experts to nominate the street that epitomises the very best of their city. Time Out’s global travel team then narrowed down the list and ranked each street against criteria including food, drink, culture, fun and community spirit.  From Saturday samba sessions in Rio de Janeiro to a shapeshifting shopping street in Osaka, every avenue, alleyway and side street on this year’s ranking is unique to its hometown. Walking their length is like taking a stroll through the city in miniature, getting a taste of what makes life there brilliant – from food and culture to shopping and nightlife.  Did your favourite street make the list? Read on to find out. RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025🌆 The world’s best cities in 2025 Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening a

Chiang Mai, the cultural and spiritual capital of Northern Thailand, has long drawn seekers in search of balance – a city where ancient temples meet slow mornings and mindfulness feels like a way of life.  It's no surprise then that yoga studios reflect that same grounded yet creative energy – offering places to move, breathe and reset amid the city’s evolving wellness scene. But beyond a good stretch, these spaces go deeper. Many double as hubs for growth and connection, hosting workshops, sound baths and internationally recognised teacher training. Some offer aerial and hoop yoga, others focus on traditional lineages or creative fusions – together representing the full spectrum of Chiang Mai’s mindful movement culture.  This list brings together longstanding favourites and exciting newcomers shaping the next wave of yoga in the city. From polished loft studios to lovingly restored teak houses, here’s where to find your flow – and maybe your next step – in Thailand’s most soulful city.

Bangkok’s bread scene has come a long way. Once content with soft white slices and convenience-store toasties, the city now kneads, ferments and bakes like never before. A new generation of bakers is obsessing over hydration ratios, natural starters and long fermentations, while chefs are curing their own meats, whipping house-made butters and layering locally sourced pickles, jams and sauces. The result? Sandwiches with substance – where every bite tells a story of craft, patience and a little culinary ego. From the smokey pastrami on rye at Larder to Bartel’s cult sourdough melts, from Sarnies’ heritage-style sandwiches to the butter-dripping creations at Beyond Bread, Bangkok has quietly become a city of sandwich artists. These aren’t afterthoughts on a brunch menu anymore – they’re the main event. Whether you like them simple, stacked, or smothered, these are the spots raising the bar, one perfectly stacked sandwich at a time.

Looking 10 years ahead, Phuket could be Asia’s Monaco or St Tropez – a hub of yachting and sophisticated lifestyle, but with its own cultural heartbeat. Marina promenades could one day host art fairs, culinary festivals and regattas that attract a new wave of high-value travellers. If the island has long been known for its beaches, its next chapter could be written by the sea. This future is being mapped on Phuket’s east coast, where one of Thailand’s last deep-water marina sites has just been made available. The 138,000-square-metre property on Sapam Bay has the potential to host up to 200 yacht berths, including mega-yachts, alongside a mixed-use village of residences, retail and leisure facilities. It’s the kind of project that could shift the island’s economic horizon and strengthen Thailand’s ambition to become the ‘Boating Capital of Asia’.

Otto Italian Restaurant at MUU Bangkok is calling on Cupid with ‘Serata Ti Amo’, a new weekend set menu designed around the idea of a romantic Italian date night. The package highlights Southern Italian flavours and seafood-forward plates, starting with Polpo Grigliato (Italian-style grilled baby octopus) served with mashed potatoes and sweet paprika. For mains, there’s spigola - pan-seared seabass with Mediterranean capers, lemon and cauliflower puree - followed by Otto’s house ‘secret recipe’ tiramisu to finish. Prosecco is included too, because date night should always come with bubbles. Reserve via 02 090 9000. Otto Italian Restaurant, MUU Bangkok, Thong Lo, Klongton, Watthana. 11.30am-10.30pm

Adhoc Bangkok puts a modern Thai, farm-to-fork lens on fine dining, guided by chef Pop Pitchakorn Ramabut’s seasonal approach to regional flavours and direct-from-farmer sourcing. The nine-course tasting menu is built around clean, punchy Thai profiles and precise technique, moving from banana prawn with coconut milk, pineapple, ginger and Hua Hin caviar to clam with Thai basil, garlic and chilli paste, then W. Tawee Farm pork served with quail egg, house-made chilli sauce and a bun. Seafood keeps the momentum going with giant trevally dressed in smoked dry fish, longan, local seaweed and som-sa granita, followed by blue crab in golek and bamboo shoot coconut curry with cashews and cha-om oil. Heartier courses include Cherry Valley dry-aged duck with fresh rice noodles and nam tok sauce, plus a ‘samrub’ sequence that runs from crispy shrimp rice crust and coconut soup with shiitake and tapioca dumplings to Thai wagyu with green curry and young coconut. Dessert lands on Thai comfort: egg custard with palm sugar ice cream, pumpkin, sweet potato and thongmuan. Optional pairings include kombucha, Thai craft beer and wine. Nine-course tasting menu from B3,900. AdHoc Bangkok, Soi Phrom Si 1, Khlong Tan Nuea. Monday-Thursday 5pm-10.30pm, Fri 5pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-2.30pm and 5pm-10.30pm

If you want a quick nature reset close to town, Monk’s Trail is one of Chiang Mai’s best easy hikes. It’s about a 30-minute climb through a jungle path to Wat Pha Lat, a forest temple that used to be the main stopping point on the original walking route up to Doi Suthep temple. You can keep hiking further if you want, but Wat Pha Lat is the real reward – a waterfall runs through the temple grounds, and there are quiet corners to sit and catch your breath, with stunning views over the city below. Start early to beat the crowds and the heat. Sure, a new B200 surcharge may sting a bit after that beautiful hike but we like to think of it as a donation to keep the place so beautiful. Remember, wear appropriate clothes or you’ll not be allowed in – this means covering shoulders and legs above the knee.  Wat Pha Lat. Sriwichai Alley. 6am-5.30pm

If your nervous system feels like it has 47 tabs open, do as our writers do and book a sound bath at Chiang Mai Holistic. This wellness hub near Nimman is one of the city’s most established spots for sound healing, with weekly group sessions that use Tibetan singing bowls, crystal bowls and mixed sound journeys that fully shift you into rest mode. Beyond the sound baths, it’s also a full wellness centre with yoga classes, workshops and training programmes, including crystal singing bowl training for anyone tempted to learn a new skillset.  Chiang Mai Holistic. Classes from B300. 17/8 Canal Road. 9am-7.30pm  

Deep Green is not your typical bar, but it’s got Chiang Mai written all over it. Set inside a wooden house surrounded by lush gardens, it feels more like someone’s dreamy backyard, with plenty of outdoor seating and a pool that has a resort-like edge.  Although open daily, the real move is to go on event nights, when the venue packs out with nomads, expats and Thais all looking to dance, chat and listen to live bands and DJs. There’s even the odd market or daytime yoga and wellness sessions if you prefer.  Whether you’re in the mood to dance, eat, browse, or just hang out by the pool with a drink, it’s one of the easiest places to plug into the city’s creative nightlife scene without the noise of a full club night out. Deep Green @ Deejai Garden. Rachamanka Road.

 If Chiang Mai has a love language, it’s coffee. And while there’s many a great barista to parlez with, Akha Ama speaks it fluently. Founded by Lee Ayu Chuepa from the Akha hill tribe, the brand is built on a story of self-reliance – coffee could become a way for his community to thrive, not just survive. What’s different here is that Akha Ama operates as a social enterprise, buying coffee directly from Akha farmers at fair prices while supporting sustainable intercropping methods that grow coffee alongside fruits, tea and vegetables. The focus on quality and speciality processing helped turn local beans into an internationally recognised product, with real impact back home.  It’s also why the cafe has become a favourite for nomads – there’s outdoor seating, a quiet second floor for focused laptop time and you can stock up on custom-ground beans and even Nespresso pods. With four branches in Chiang Mai, it’s an easy daily ritual and for the full story, you can even visit their Living Factory and roastery in Mae Rim. Akha Ama Phrasingh. Rachadamnoen Road. 8am-5.30pm

If you’ve been threatening to start a podcast for years, Chiang Mai is the place where it actually happens. There’s a ton popping up across the city but Studio by Char stands out to us. Not only do they make the whole process feel easy, polished and professional, they also have tons of backdrops and decor you can use to make the scene your own. Think of it as a lifestyle-first podcast studio that’s built for those who want content that looks as good as it sounds. What makes it especially nomad-friendly is the hands-on service. The team brings high-end equipment and helps get you set up with an on-site technician managing lighting, cameras and audio so you can focus on the conversation. Optional full edits are also available if you want a ready-to-post final cut. Studio by Char. B1,400 per hour. Ragang Road. 8am-5.30pm, closed Tuesday

CNX3D is where Chiang Mai’s makers, founders and creative tinkerers go when they’re ready to stop talking and start building. Whether you’re designing a product, testing a new packaging concept, creating a physical prototype for a pitch or experimenting with custom parts, this 3D printing studio can take your file and turn it into a real object, fast. What makes CNX3D especially useful for digital nomads is the flexibility: they handle both FDM plastic printing and high-detail SLA resin printing, covering everything from function to finishing. They also offer 3D scanning services, which is a game-changer if you’re working from an existing object or need to reverse-engineer a component.  CNX3D. From B150 (FDM) and B300 (SLA resin). Photharam Road. 9.30am-5.30pm, closed Sunday

Sure, Grab is easy but if you really crave some  quality produce, your favourite imports or the odd fancy snack or bottle of plonk, then Rimping is the answer.  With branches all over the city, it’s an easy weekly staple no matter where you’re based. The Maya location is especially convenient if you’re staying around Nimman and working international hours. Also great for a quick stop after the gym or a nighttime coworking sesh – or so we hear.  But for those workaholics who genuinely can’t get away from their computer, Paleo Robbie is the go-to nomad-fave for healthy online ordering, with meals and top-notch ingredients delivered straight to your door.  Rimping Supermarket. Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center and other locations. 10am-10pm (9pm for other locations)

Food4Thought is one of Chiang Mai’s best social lunch spots, whether you’re meeting someone new, taking a break between calls or stretching a quick lunch into an afternoon. The menu is built around quality ingredients and comfort favourites done properly, from some of the best breakfasts in town to salads, sandwiches, pasta and a bakery lineup that’s dangerously easy to over-order from. There’s a flagship branch near Nimman, plus a newer location east of town set inside a stunning old house that feels made for long, slow meals and maybe even some laptop action (noooo!). They also host community events, making it an easy place to plug into the Chiang Mai social scene. Food4Thought East @113 Compound. Bumruangrad Road 8am-10pm

Bangkok’s brunch favourite Fran’s has finally expanded to Chiang Mai (yay!), bringing with it the same modern, greenhouse-style vibe and a menu rooted in American comfort food. Led by Chef Chalee Kader, one of Thailand’s most in-demand chefs, the concept is built around all-day brunch done properly, with quality ingredients and a menu designed for repeat visits. This is where you go for the brunch classics. We’re talkin’ eggs, bacon, pancakes, breakfast plates and sandwiches – the lot. They also make their own sourdough and bagels, which gives the menu a real house-made edge. There’s a full bar too – because who says no to a morning mimosa? – and the space regularly hosts special dinners with visiting chefs, often paired with live DJs. We recommend the silver dollar pancakes. Fran’s Chiang Mai. Soi Sainamphueng. 8am-10pm

Chiang Mai’s contrast therapy scene is a gift to anyone spending too much time at a desk. Whether you want a full wellness hang, a quiet minimalist soak or a social pool day with extra recovery perks, the city is so full of places to reset and recover that we couldn’t choose just one.  The Cocoon Sauna & Ice Bath is probably our fave – an all-in-one option south of town, with a saltwater pool, dry sauna, ice bath and a beautiful bell-shaped herbal steam room. It’s easy to spend hours here, especially with yummy food and drinks on-site. Their evening sauna parties with DJs and beers are especially fun.  The Old City Spa is another, more wellness-centric spot that (if the name didn’t give it away) is right in the heart of the city. This garden oasis offers a full recovery lineup – dry sauna, Thai herbal steam, infrared sauna, ice bath and onsen. Nice extras include free hot teas and water, plus a complimentary scrub. Hokka-An Sauna & Steam is minimalist, quiet and deeply peaceful, with two mineral onsens, a cold plunge and sauna. The best choice if you want to switch off completely and avoid crowds. And Looper Swimming Pool is the place to be seen swimming laps, with a lively pool vibe and hot onsens and ice bath poolside for the perfect post-swim reset.  And while these four really fit the bill, our longer list of onsens and ice baths in Chiang Mai can be found here.  Looper Swimming Pool. Yu Yen Road. 7am-9pm The Cocoon Sauna & Ice Bath. Nam Phrae. 12pm-7pm (12pm-10pm on Thur

If you’ve ever booked a painfully early flight out of Suvarnabhumi Airport, you already know the routine: set multiple alarms, pack the night before, then spend the final hours half-awake, worried you’ll miss your ride or get stuck in traffic at the worst possible time. Bangkok is many things, but predictable transport at 3am is not always one of them. This is exactly the problem Go Hotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is built to solve. Designed as a modern, family-friendly stopover option, it keeps the focus on what matters most when you’re flying: a comfortable bed, an efficient setup and the kind of small details that make travel feel less chaotic. Photograph: Go Hotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Located in Lat Krabang, just 10 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the hotel positions itself as a practical base for late arrivals and early departures. Whether you’re landing after midnight, leaving before sunrise or simply planning a quick overnight reset between destinations, this is the kind of stay that helps you switch off fast, wake up calm, and catch your flight on time. Made for stopovers, not overthinking Photograph: Go Hotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport The experience starts with an airport-first mindset. In the lobby, a real-time flight information screen keeps departures and arrivals visible, which sounds simple but makes a huge difference when you’re travelling on tight timing. There’s also a free shuttle from the hotel to the airport twice daily, making it easi

EDC Thailand 2026 may have been all about massive drops, neon-lit stages and thousands of hands in the air, but one of the weekend’s best moments didn’t happen at the main stage. It happened at Binary Beach. Created by The Title, an Official Sponsor of EDC Thailand 2026. Binary Beach was built as a full experience zone inside EDC Thailand 2026, giving festivalgoers a break from the main event: stepping out of high-energy chaos and into something calmer, more curated and distinctly Phuket. Photograph: Rhom Bho Property Binary Beach worked as a proper lifestyle landmark. It was designed for lingering, resetting and recharging, with a setting that leaned into seaside relaxation without breaking the festival mood. For anyone who needed a break from the crush of the crowd, it offered a smoother rhythm, with space to breathe and a vibe that matched Phuket’s identity as a global leisure destination. Photograph: Rhom Bho Property Modern mor lam, Ya-Dong cocktails and a wellness reset The Mini Tropical Stage brings a cultural twist to the soundscape, blending electronic music with Thai traditional influences through a modern mor lam approach. It offered a fresh entry point into Thai music culture, without ever losing the pulse of the festival. Photograph: Rhom Bho Property Then there was the Ya-Dong Bar – a sleek, contemporary take on Thai local drinking culture, featuring four cocktails created specifically for the event. To balance it all out, Binary Beach also included a crea

Thailand’s festival scene has been on overdrive. Bigger crowds. Bigger noise. Bigger schedules. The kind of weekends that are fun, but also require a recovery period. Marshmallow Restival is built for the opposite mood. A three-day ‘restival’ (yes, restival) designed around slowing down without dropping out. It takes place January 30-February 1 at Abonzo Yama Mitsu, a hilltop cafe about 10km from Chiang Rai city centre, with a setting that already does half the calming for you. The idea is a new kind of reset, where rest is the point rather than the reward at the end. As the organisers put it, ‘Marshmallow Restival comes with the concept of the Art of Rest, introducing a new resting experience - not stopping, just pausing.’     The anti-burnout festival Photograph: Marshmallow Restival Post-Covid, events came roaring back with a vengeance. New festivals landed every month, the crowds got bigger, the queues got longer, and a fun weekend away started to feel like a full-body workout. Marshmallow Restival is the intended antidote: a festival that still delivers music and atmosphere, but without leaving you depleted. The event is organised by Meaning Maker, a new Bangkok-based creative collective of filmmakers, artists, curators and story crafters dedicated to ‘crafting meaning and curating memories’. They describe the post-Covid boom in festivals as something people needed, but also something that came at a cost. ‘After the pandemic, people eagerly needed interaction at concer

Bangkok is a city that runs on movement – trains, taxis, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, expressways, shortcuts, side streets. You don’t have to be here long to realise its biggest talent is flow. But the past week has delivered a different kind of reminder: Bangkok and its surrounding routes are also constant works-in-progress. And when construction zones sit directly over live traffic, the safest thing you can do is re-route around them. Several recent incidents have involved infrastructure works and major corridors used by everyday commuters and weekend escapees, including the Rama II axis heading southwest toward Samut Sakhon and the South. If you’re heading out of town, or simply moving across the city, it’s worth travelling with more caution than usual.   The Rama II problem (aka why it feels cursed) Photograph: Nathathida Adireksarn / Associated Press Ask anyone in Bangkok and they’ll have a Rama II story. Sudden merges. Shifting lanes. Bottlenecks that appear out of nowhere. And construction that seems to last forever. People call it a curse because it feels relentless, but the reason is more practical than supernatural: Rama II has become a long-running construction corridor while still carrying huge volumes of traffic. That combination creates risk. When a major artery doubles as a worksite, the margin for error shrinks. Sightlines get worse. Lane markings change. Temporary barriers shift. Drivers speed up to escape congestion, then brake hard at chokepoints. Heavy equipmen

If your feed has recently filled up with fluffy ears, red bib and wide-eyed smiles, you are not imagining things. Monchhichi, the Japanese character first introduced in the 1970s, has arrived in Bangkok in a big way, fronting one of the most extensive holiday collaborations in the city this season. Running across multiple locations under Monchhichi x The Mall Group: The Great New Year 2026, the campaign transforms The Mall Lifestore, Emporium, Emquartier, Emsphere and Paragon Department Store into festive playgrounds built around character installations, exclusive merchandise and immersive photo moments. It is the first large-scale Monchhichi collaboration of its kind in Thailand, positioning the long-loved character not just as a nostalgic toy, but as a cultural icon reintroduced for a new generation.   A Japanese character with global staying power Photograph: The Mall Group Created in Japan in 1974, Monchhichi has spent decades building a devoted following across Asia and Europe. Known for its soft brown fur, oversized ears and signature pacifier, the character has evolved beyond a children’s toy into a collectible embraced by adult fans, designers and pop culture collectors. That longevity is part of the appeal. In Bangkok, where nostalgia-driven design and character culture have found renewed popularity, Monchhichi arrives at exactly the right moment. The collaboration taps into that sentiment while scaling it up into something highly visual and public-facing. Rather t

Thailand has reached a major tourism milestone, welcoming its one millionth visitor from the United Kingdom in 2025 and marking a full recovery of one of its most important long-haul markets. The achievement comes as international arrivals from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa collectively hit their highest level on record, underscoring the strength of Thailand’s global tourism rebound. The milestone visitor arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok on December 17 on a direct Thai Airways flight from London. Officials from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways International and partner organisations marked the occasion with a formal welcome, reflecting the significance of the UK market to Thailand’s tourism economy. The traveller received a package of premium travel experiences designed to highlight the country’s high-end hospitality, wellness and dining offerings. A record year for long-haul travel The UK milestone forms part of a broader record-breaking year for long-haul tourism. In 2025, Thailand surpassed 10 million long-haul arrivals for the first time, accounting for more than 30 percent of total international visitors. This shift reflects a growing reliance on long-stay and higher-spending travellers, particularly from Europe and North America, as the country focuses on value-driven tourism rather than volume alone. UK travellers continue to play a key role in that strategy. Arrivals from the UK are expected to reach around 1.1 million by th

MBK Center is leaning into what people love most about shopping in Bangkok with a new high-season campaign shaped by real visitor insights. ‘Step into Thainess – Shop like a Thai’ highlights the warmth, charm and cultural buzz that define the city, inviting everyone to experience one of Bangkok’s OG malls through a more expressive, Thai-style lens. Shopping with real Bangkok energy The campaign video draws directly from Google Reviews, celebrating the moments that keep MBK on every must-visit list: smiling bargains, casual chats with vendors, discovering Thai crafts and walking away with more stories than souvenirs. CMO Puttachad Srinisakorn notes that MBK is more than a mall. It’s been a cultural destination for decades that houses a lively mix of visitors and vendors from all walks of life. MBK’s popularity is backed by major recognitions, including the Travelers Choice Awards 2025 in the Things to do in Bangkok category on Tripadvisor and the Trusted Thailand certification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Inside, the offer is sprawling: explore floors dedicated to fashion, IT gadgets, and souvenirs, or unwind at premium beauty clinics and spas. Foodies can dive into the famous Food Legends by MBK, a hub of legendary street-food staples. Inclusivity is key here – the center is fully equipped with dedicated prayer rooms and a wide variety of certified Halal dining options, making it a welcoming stop for everyone. Photograph: MBK Center Culture sits at the heart of t

Bar.Yard’s refresh is anything but subtle. Soaring above the city, on the 40th floor of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, the rooftop favourite enters a new chapter with a sharper look, louder energy and a clearer sense of purpose. This considered reset is aimed at reclaiming Bar.Yard’s place as one of the city’s most dynamic after-dark destinations. The transformation is immediately felt. The redesigned space leans confidently into colour, texture and atmosphere, shaping an urban tropical playground that feels distinctly tuned to Bangkok nights. Thai, Southeast Asian and Pan-Latin influences are layered throughout the design, creating an environment that feels playful in daylight and charged once the sun sets. Punchy hues, dramatic lighting and graphic patterns work together to frame a rooftop made for long evenings, spontaneous celebrations and nights that stretch well past dinner. Rather than chasing trends, Bar.Yard’s new look feels rooted in mood and movement. Every design choice supports how guests actually use the space, encouraging connection, circulation and energy rather than formality. It’s a rooftop that feels lived-in rather than staged, inviting guests to arrive early, stay late and let the night unfold naturally. Designed to move from sunset to late night Photograph: Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok Comfort and flow sit at the heart of Bar.Yard’s redesign, shaping a rooftop that evolves seamlessly as the evening progresses. New seating layouts allow the space to shift effortle

Cloudy Bay, the New Zealand winery credited with putting Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the global map, has officially launched in Thailand with an intimate sit-down dinner at Maison Dunand. The event brought together media and tastemakers for a curated introduction to one of the country’s most influential wine producers, set in one of Bangkok’s most refined dining rooms. A guided journey through Cloudy Bay Founded in 1985 by winemaker David Hohnen, Cloudy Bay has long been associated with purity, precision and a strong sense of place. From its Marlborough origins, the winery helped redefine global perceptions of Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across Marlborough and Central Otago.   The Thailand debut unfolded as a multi-course pairing experience designed to highlight the breadth of Cloudy Bay’s portfolio. Dishes were matched with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Te Koko, followed by Central Otago Pinot Noir paired with New Zealand venison, before closing with artisanal cheeses and dessert wines. Each pairing was intended to reflect the character of the vineyard and the balance between clarity, texture and depth. Photograph: Cloudy Bay Beyond the glass, Cloudy Bay continues to emphasise sustainability through environmental management, renewable energy initiatives and responsible vineyard practices. The Bangkok launch marks a new chapter for the winery, introducing Thai audiences to a producer whose reputation has been built on consistency, cr

The Corner House is closing out the year with something lively, creative and unmistakably rooted in the spirit of Charoen Krung. From December 24-28, the building opens its doors for ‘Just Right Corner: EP. 01 – LOST & FOUND,’ the very first flea market staged across its four floors. It is designed as a thank-you to the people who helped shape the space through its first year, and an invitation for the wider community to gather, explore and celebrate the final week of the year. The atmosphere bridges nostalgia and curiosity, wrapped in a playful ‘90s theme that ties everything together. The concept of LOST & FOUND runs deeper than colourful visuals. It reflects the way many of us move through a busy year, sometimes misplacing small parts of ourselves along the way. The market becomes a gentle space to rediscover forgotten favourites, reconnect with personal interests and meet people who share the same creative leanings. The ‘90s frame the event with humour, brightness and a familiar aesthetic, but the intention is grounded in something warmer and more reflective, tapping into some sense of personal nostalgia. Four floors made for wandering Photograph: The Corner House The event is spread across four distinct environments, each one offering a different rhythm. The first floor operates as a dedicated food and beverage zone, featuring special event-exclusive menus curated by Sarnies & Friends, where guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy good music throughout the day.The second

Nimitr Thai Restaurant, perched on the 27th floor of 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok in Phrom Phong, pairs sweeping skyline views with a menu rooted in regional Thai cooking and an ingredient-led approach to herbs and spices. The restaurant takes its name from the Thai word for ‘special dream’, a fitting introduction to a kitchen built around heritage, sustainability and a deep respect for herbs and spices. This is Thai cooking shaped by personal history. The kitchen draws directly from the Wongphanlert family farm in Ratchaburi, where turmeric, fingerroot, ginger and other aromatics are grown specifically for use at Nimitr. Farming their own produce ensures freshness and quality, while quietly reducing carbon footprint and supporting local agriculture. More importantly, it gives the menu a sense of grounding that feels increasingly rare in high-rise dining. Photograph: 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok The menu encourages diners to choose their own path. You can order a la carte, opt for a four-course set, or dive into a family-style sharing menu designed to showcase flavours from different regions of Thailand. Across all formats, herbs and spices are not used simply for aroma or heat, but for balance, depth and wellbeing. A strong place to start is miang kham king scallops. This refined interpretation of the classic snack layers crisp betel leaves, lemongrass, coconut and shallots around plump scallops, delivering sweetness, bitterness and freshness in a sin

The capital’s art and food scenes collide with MUEBON x Mensho Tokyo, a new collab that blends contemporary street art with premium Japanese ramen culture. Presented by Sanctuary Gallery, the project marks Thai street artist MUEBON’s first-ever partnership with a restaurant, created together with Mensho Tokyo Bangkok, the Tokyo-born ramen house known for its meticulous broths and handmade noodles. Photograph: MUEBON x Mensho Tokyo At the centre of the project are 50 limited-edition Japanese ceramic ramen bowls, each hand-painted by MUEBON and designed as a one-of-a-kind artwork. For B20,000 a pop, you can take one home. Produced in Gifu, Japan, a historic centre of Mino-yaki pottery, the bowls feature MUEBON’s signature character Pooklook in playful scenes that weave ramen noodles directly into the designs. Available in both white and black bases, no two bowls are the same. Alongside the art launch, Mensho Tokyo Bangkok introduces a limited-edition menu built on its Signature Tori Paitan Ramen, simmered for over 20 hours. For this collaboration, the dish is elevated with Imobuta pork chashu, prized for its tender texture and natural sweetness, translating MUEBON’s vibrant visual language into flavour. The project offers a fresh take on how art can live beyond gallery walls, turning an everyday bowl of ramen into a collectible experience. Available now at Mensho Tokyo Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 31. 11am-9.30pm.