Marisa Marchitelli

May keeps things varied across Thailand’s getaway scene, with a mix of dining-led stays and resort experiences worth planning around. Koh Samui leads with two reasons to check out for a few days – Banyan Tree Samui’s ‘Connections’ programme built around shared wellbeing rituals, and Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui’s ‘Summer Staycation’ offer with across-the-board perks. Chiang Mai draws attention with afternoon tea and bottomless brunch at Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel, while Bangkok brings a short-run one-Michelin-starred takeover at Park Hyatt Bangkok. Down by the coast, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa offers a flexible stay-and-spend package that makes it easy to stretch out a beach break. If you’re looking for an excuse to travel this month, these are the getaways worth booking.

Chiang Mai’s art scene this May moves from institutional group exhibitions and calligraphy to interdisciplinary projects and independent space programming across the city. Chiang Mai Art Museum opens a group exhibition centred on regional identity and landscape, while Makok Art Space presents a calligraphy-focused solo show by Jin Li. New to the scene, Fãr Studios brings together educators working across Thailand in a group exhibition with workshops running alongside. Mid-May sees two openings on the same day, with Gallery Seescape presenting the latest chapter in Chitti Kasemkitvatana’s long-running project on time, and Head High Second Floor hosting a solo exhibition by Kailash Mani.

Chiang Mai has always had a sweet tooth, but lately it’s showing up in more ways than ever. Alongside long-standing neighbourhood favourites serving mango sticky rice, bua loy and coconut-laced classics, a new wave of dessert spots is reworking Thai flavours through ice cream, plated sweets and café-style creations.  The result: a city where you can move from a late-night street bowl to a carefully churned scoop without skipping a beat. Whether you’re after something warm and nostalgic or cold and refreshing in the heat, these are the stops worth building your dessert crawl around.

Chiang Mai’s art scene this month spans a major retrospective, a meditative painting installation and a run of smaller exhibitions across the city. MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum continues its survey of Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook’s work, bringing together decades of video, installation and mixed media. In Hang Dong, Museum of Something (MOS) presents 108 Buddha paintings arranged in a single continuous row. Haan Studio opens a process-driven solo show, while Alliance Française Chiang Mai presents a digital exhibition built around bold graphic compositions. Jing Jai Gallery focuses on quiet, observational work, Déjà Gallery explores repetition and reworking and La Luna Gallery brings together spiritually rooted pieces including embossed metal works.  Want to plant your very own tung flag at the Museum of Broken Relationships? Click here. Click here to find out other things to do in Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai is often reduced to a quick temple stop from Chiang Mai. Stay a little longer and the province reveals something much more compelling.  This is one of Thailand’s most agricultural regions, where rice fields stretch across broad valleys, tea plantations climb the hillsides and small hilltribe villages sit between long mountain ridges. It’s expansive, lightly populated and best explored by car. That connection to the land feeds directly into the food. Chefs here are working with an exceptional range of local ingredients, from rare mountain herbs and fermented vegetables to forest produce and tea grown just down the road. The result is a foodie scene that feels grounded, inventive and increasingly worth the drive.  Add to that pottery studios, tea houses and riverside cafes spread across the countryside and it’s pretty clear that Chiang Rai rewards those willing to take their time.  And with time in mind, here’s how to spend a long weekend discovering a different  side to the province of the city of kings.

March brings a livelier energy to Thailand’s getaway scene, with food, wine and travel experiences worth planning around. Khao Yai leads with two distinctive reasons to leave the city - the once-a-month forest bar K-BAR at Khao Yai Art Forest and GranMonte’s hands-on harvest season among the vines. Phuket draws attention with a one-night chef collaboration at Aulis and crispy Peking duck Fridays at Yue Restaurant & Bar, while Le Méridien Chiang Rai tempts travellers with early-booking travel fair deals. For something more romantic, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort in Koh Samui offers private pool villas and honeymoon indulgence by the sea. If you’re looking for an excuse to travel this month, these are the getaways worth planning around.

If your feed lately has been filled with beautiful cars, it’s not a coincidence. March in Bangkok is stacked with car culture events, from relaxed morning meetups with coffee to full-scale national showcases featuring major automotive brands. This list draws from the Monthly Bangkok Car Events Calendar, compiled with support from Alla Meller and JB Photographer, who regularly track and update car gatherings across the city.  Judging by how packed March already is, Bangkok’s car scene is clearly heating up. Right now it’s one of the most active communities in the city, easily rivaling the energy of the live music scene. Whether you’re a driver, a tuner or just someone who enjoys looking at great cars, it’s time to clear some space on your calendar.

Valentine’s in Chiang Mai has never been a one-size bouquet. While some dates demand the best in fine dining, the rest of the city (and those who look to be impressed) are turning eyes toward things like tarot readings, cross-cultural performances and – for those of us who are still single – a few delightfully odd ways to meet a stranger.  Jing Jai Market opens the Valentine’s season with outdoor movies and craft workshops under the trees, setting the tone for a week that skips the usual cliches. Lobbyist at Nimman Mai? Design Hotel pairs cocktails with love readings, Kalm Village hosts a music and Hmong textile night and the Museum of Broken Relationships invites visitors to post a letter to their future selves.  Those who still like to party can mosey on down to the Amazing Valentines Festival at Central Airport, while the more quirky Look Inside Bar sets up piñatas and puzzles for the brave. If food is your jam, Simple Pleasures Café fills the garden with blues and sizzling South Indian kitchen service, while Palette at 137 Pillars House finishes dinner with a melting chocolate dome worth drooling over.  The weekend also rolls straight into the 49th edition of Chiang Mai Flower Festival, with the city blooming well beyond the old city walls and a parade of floats carrying Valentine’s straight through to Sunday. Here’s where to spend the day of love with a little more personality and of course some petals too.  Looking for other things to do this weekend in Chiang Mai? Our

The point of Shambhala In Your Heart – Chiang Mai’s 10-day culture and arts festival – has never been spectacle. It’s about slowing down enough to hear music properly, to meet strangers who quickly become friends and to remember how easy life can be when the day follows the shape of the mountains. The backdrop of majestic Doi Luang, Chiang Dao, sets the pace from the moment you arrive – unhurried, grounded and a little wild. Running since 2010, the gathering was founded by self-described Japanese hippies who fell in love with the nearby hot springs and crisp mountain air.   Photograph: HU    Just as all good festivals emerge, what began as a circle of friends has grown steadily, yet Shambhala has kept almost exactly the same shape – handmade by volunteers, analogue and gently resistant to the modern festival machine. They even write attendees names in a book like it’s 1995. Photograph: HU The first weekend – remember, it’s a 10-day festival running from February 6-15 – welcomed around 2,500 visitors – many camping straight through the week.  Once past the makeshift gates, the site looks like a postcard from another decade. Teepees rise from the grass, strings of fabric flags crisscross the trees and the smell of wood smoke drifts through food stalls serving simple, hearty plates. Photograph: HU A row of hilltribe vendors sells woven bags, jewellery and tie-dye. Nothing is polished and that’s the point. People arrive with tents, hammocks, children and dogs, planning to

Bangkok is evolving into a city where pets can come along for the ride. Cafes are setting out water bowls, shopping centres are relaxing rules and public spaces are beginning to open their gates. Benjakitti Park already has a dedicated dog park and Lumphini Park is preparing one of its own, signs that the capital is slowly learning to make room for our fur babies. In this changing landscape, a few pets have become unlikely ambassadors, none more recognisable than the stars of the page Eyebrows are the Crown of Calorie. The appeal goes beyond dramatic brows, glamorous wigs and runway-ready outfits. At its heart is a story about responsibility, creativity and the bond between a man and his dogs. For Prompirya ‘Black’ Batmabisek, adopting a dog was never part of the plan. He loved fashion and design and pets were new territory, until one ordinary day and an unexpected visit that changed everything. Photograph: nesmailova What inspired you to get your first dog?I’ve always loved fashion, creativity and design, but I’ve never raised a pet before. One day I accompanied a friend to buy a dog and saw a tiny Chihuahua sitting alone with an injured leg. I felt sorry for him and decided to take him home myself. The seller told me he would stay small – which turned out not to be entirely true. Calorie had weak muscles and needed acupuncture for almost a year before he could walk normally. That was four years ago and it was the start of everything. How did the idea of the ‘dog with eyeb

ฉันรู้ตัวว่าฉันต้องชอบ (และอาจจะกำลังต้องการ) มายังเทศกาลนี้ตั้งแต่อยู่หน้าประตูทางเข้า โดยเฉพาะหลังจากที่ผ่านงานอีเวนต์ที่ต้องใช้พลังงานแบบน็อนสตอบในช่วงที่ผ่านมา Abonzo Yama Mitsu ตั้งอยู่บนเนินเขาที่ลาดเอียงพอดีๆ นอกตัวเมืองเชียงราย พร้อมวิวหุบเขาและแม่น้ำกกแบบ 360 องศา เวทีกลางแจ้งหันหลังให้กับทิวเขาที่สลับซับซ้อนสุดลูกหูลูกตา โดยมีแสงพระอาทิตย์ตกดินเป็นเฟรมภาพที่สมบูรณ์แบบอยู่ไกลๆ ที่นี่เป็นสถานที่ที่สะกดสายตาด้วยธรรมชาติเสียจนทำให้คุณต้องรู้สึกผ่อนคลายทันทีที่มาถึง Photograph: Marshmallow Restival ฉันได้รับการต้อนรับด้วยรอยยิ้มกว้างที่คุ้นเคยจาก ตั๋ง-จิรปาณ ขาวคำ นักไวโอลินจากกรุงเทพฯ ที่ฉันเคยร่วมงานและได้ดูเขาแสดงมาหลายปี ฉันเป็นแฟนคลับตัวยงของเขาเลยล่ะ ปรากฏว่าเขาเป็นหัวหน้าวงไวโอลินในวง Marshmallow Symphony Orchestra ฉันไม่ได้คาดคิดมาก่อนว่าจะเจอคนรู้จักที่นี่ การได้เจอเขาตั้งแต่วินาทีแรกเลยทำให้ใจฟูขึ้นมาทันที ‘ผมได้รับคำเชิญจาก ‘โน้ต’ เพื่อนของผมที่เป็นคอนดักเตอร์ เขาพานักดนตรีจากกรุงเทพฯ เชียงใหม่ เชียงราย และพะเยา มารวมตัวกันเพื่อวงออร์เคสตรานี้ครับ’ ตั๋งบอกกับฉัน ‘เราเล่นครั้งแรกในงานแต่งงานของผู้จัดงาน แล้วเขาชอบสไตล์มาก เลยขอให้จัดวงขนาด 30-40 คนมาเล่นในงาน Restival นี้ ผมรู้สึกว่าได้รับการดูแลดีมากและประทับใจกับประสบการณ์ทั้งหมดจริงๆ’ Photograph: Marisa Marchitelli Marshmallow Restival นิยามตัวเองว่าเป็นเทศกาลแห่งการพักผ่อน ที่นี่ไม่มีโชว์ตอนเที่ยงคืน ไม่มีตารางเวลาที่ทุกคนต้องเร่งรีบ มีเพียงเวิร์กช็อป โปรแกรมดนตรีที่คัดสรรมาอย่างดี และวิวดอยที่ทอดยาวให้ทุกคนได้ปล่อยใจไปกับมัน ผู้คนส่วนใหญ่เป็นครอบครัวคนไทยรุ่นใหม่ที่มีเด็กๆ วิ่งไล่จับกันระหว่างแถวเก้าอี

I knew I’d enjoy (and probably needed) this festival before reaching the gate, especially after the run of high-octane events of late. Abonzo Yama Mitsu sits on a rolling hill just outside Chiang Rai town, with a 360-degree view over the valley and Kok River below. The open stage backed out onto layers of endlessly folding hills, with sunset perfectly framed in the distance. It’s the kind of place that is so naturally captivating that it demands you unwind the moment you arrive. Photograph: Marshmallow Restival I was quickly greeted with a big and familiar smile from Jirapahn ‘Tung’ Khaokum – a Bangkok-based violinist I’ve worked with and seen perform over the years. I’m a big fan. Turns out he’s the first violin in the Marshmallow Symphony Orchestra. I hadn’t expected to know anyone here, so seeing him right away lifted my arrival spirits. ‘I was invited by my friend Note – the conductor, who brought musicians from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao together for this orchestra,’ Tung told me. ‘We first played at the organiser’s wedding and they liked the style so much they asked for a 30- to 40-piece band for the Restival. I felt really taken care of and very impressed by the whole experience.’ Photograph: Marisa Marchitelli Marshmallow Restival dubs itself a relaxation festival. No midnight sets, no frantic timetable, just workshops, a well-curated music program and a long, lazy view of the mountains. The crowd was mostly young Thai families with kids chasing ea

Park Hyatt Bangkok marks its ninth anniversary with a tight, limited-run collaboration with NAWA Thai Cuisine. The one-Michelin-starred restaurant brings its ingredient-led, detail-focused approach into a nine-course tasting format, drawing from Thai flavours across regions and reworking them with a more contemporary hand. Dishes glide through familiar territory like nam prik, tom yum and tom kha, but with sharper presentation and balance, keeping the menu familiar and refined. The setting on Level 9 is reworked for the occasion, keeping the experience intimate and food-focused. Tasting menu B4,500 per person. Park Hyatt Bangkok, Central Embassy. May 8-10

Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel lines up a couple of easy reasons to settle in this month, starting with its ‘Summer Bliss’ afternoon tea. Built around the sweet-tart punch of Marian plum, the set leans into both savoury and dessert bites, from ma hor with minced chicken to scallops with plum salsa, followed by pavlova, mille-feuille and other pastry-led finishes. It’s served across a few spots in the hotel, so you can take it poolside or keep things more low-key indoors. On Sundays, Favola shifts the mood with a bottomless brunch that runs twice a month. The format is simple: Italian dishes and two hours of free-flow drinks, with the option to upgrade for a broader drinks selection.  Afternoon tea from B700 per person. Bottomless brunch from B1,050 per person. Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel. Daily 12pm-5pm for afternoon tea. 1st and 3rd Sunday 12pm-3pm for brunch

Kailash Mani’s solo show leans into what they describe as ‘Outsider Art’, with work that sits outside formal structures and draws heavily from personal experience. Themes of migration, memory, loss and hope run through the exhibition, with a mix of raw imagery and more introspective pieces. Curated by Jirarat Chaiyarach and Reinhard Kressner, the show opens on May 16 from 6pm. Head High Second Floor operates as a non-profit space within a residential setting in the Old Town, so visits tend to feel more informal than a typical gallery. Opening reception May 16, 6pm onwards. Head High Second Floor. 28/1 Singharat Road, Si Phum, Old Town. By appointment only. Closed Wednesdays and Sundays. May 16-June 26

Chitti Kasemkitvatana’s latest exhibition lands as the final part of a three-year project looking at time. Titled ‘Epilogue: A Diffraction Grating’, the show pulls together references from science, religion and personal memory, using light as a starting point for how things overlap and shift. The idea of superposition runs through the work, where multiple states exist at once rather than settling into a single reading. There’s a walk with the artist on opening day if you want more context, but the exhibition holds its own if you prefer to move through it at your own pace. Opening reception May 16, 6:30pm-8pm. Gallery Seescape. 22/1 Soi 17 Nimmanhaemin Road. Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. May 16-July 30

This one shifts the focus to artists who spend most of their time in the classroom. Class 2 Canvas brings together a group working across Thailand, with painting, mixed media and other contemporary formats in the mix. The idea is simple: show the work that happens alongside teaching, not just what’s taught. Artists include Aigul Ibatullina, Ben Guy, Catherine Head and Marlena Das, among others. There’s also a series of workshops running through the month, covering everything from performance to more hands-on formats like object exchange and knitting. Fãr Studios. 7 Kow Klang Soi 3. Tue-Sun 11.30am-5.30pm. May 9-30

Jin Li’s solo show centres on calligraphy, but not in a strictly traditional sense. The works move between controlled technique and more expressive gestures, pushing the format into something looser and more personal. Based between academic training and independent practice, Jin Li draws from both worlds here, with pieces that focus as much on movement and rhythm as they do on form. The space itself runs on an appointment basis, so it’s worth planning ahead before heading out. Makok Art Space. 445 Moo 7, Namprae, Hang Dong. By appointment only. Until May 24

Five artists come together here under the theme ‘Northern Show’, with works that draw from landscape, daily life and connections to place. Painting and mixed media sit side by side, with each artist approaching the idea of regional identity from a slightly different angle. Featured artists include Ploeng Watsan and Kriengkrai Thamnamueang, alongside Uthai Harasarn, Ruangsak Padthawaro and Sarawut Dolrasri. The show is installed in exhibition hall three and sits within the museum’s ongoing programme highlighting artists from the north. Chiang Mai Art Museum. Ban Sa Ha Khon, Mae On. 9am-5pm. May 2-31

Stepping slightly away from traditional Thai desserts, 7 Senses blends Italian technique with local flavour, led by a Thai wife and Italian husband duo in the kitchen. A go-to for seriously indulgent gelato, it doesn’t hold back on variety. The menu is sprawling, with just about every flavour you can think of, but what makes it stand out is how Thai ingredients sit comfortably alongside the classics. Expect scoops like Thai tea, durian, butterfly pea and coconut in different forms, alongside brighter combinations like lemon and lime coconut.  There are also plenty of non-Thai flavours in the mix, but the local ones are where things get interesting. What really sets it apart is the texture. This is easily some of the creamiest gelato in town, rich without tipping into heavy and smooth enough that each flavour lands cleanly.  7 Senses Gelato. Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 11. 12pm-10pm

Feels less like a café and more like slipping into a friend’s house in the countryside. The space is warm, softly lit and easy to settle into, whether you’re starting the day or drifting in for something sweet. The barista setup is fully dialled in with coffee and tea covered, but the real pull is the mix of comforting Thai dishes and a tightly curated dessert menu that leans classic. On the sweets side, you’ll find everything from water chestnuts in coconut milk and sticky rice with egg custard to golden threads and met khanun. Smaller bites like coconut balls and ta-ko keep things light, while combination sets bring together a few favourites in one go. It’s all straightforward, well executed and deeply satisfying. Add in khao tom, noodles and a shelf of boxed treats ready to take home, and you’ve got a spot that works from breakfast through to an afternoon sugar fix. La Lune Cafe. Photharam Soi 3. 7:30am-4pm

Wanlamun takes traditional Thai desserts and gives them a refined, almost palatial treatment. The flavours stay rooted in coconut, pandan and palm sugar, but everything feels more composed, from the balance of textures to the way each dish is presented. Desserts lean delicate and precise, with soft custards, chewy elements and creamy components layered in a way that feels both intentional and nostalgic.  The space matches the tone, calm, considered and slightly elevated, making it a good pick when you want something that feels a bit more special. You’ll also spot Wanlamun’s desserts stocked in Rimping supermarkets around town, a sign of just how popular they’ve become. Wanlamun Rim Nam. Charoenrat Road, Wat Gate. 12pm-10pm

This family-run spot has been serving desserts since the 1960s, with roots that lean Chinese as much as Thai. Set within Ton Lum Yai Market in Kad Luang, it’s the kind of place where you perch on a stool, dessert in hand, watching the rhythm of the market unfold around you. The menu stretches well beyond ice cream, with steamed bao and a selection of traditional sweets wrapped in leaves, soft, fragrant parcels that hint at old-school techniques and recipes passed down over time. But what draws most people in is the mango sticky rice, reliably good when in season, alongside a richer durian sticky rice version served in coconut broth that feels especially indulgent. Sunday Ice Cream. Ton Lam Yai Market, Kad Luang. 10am-4pm

You have to know it to find it. Set within the bustle of Warorot Market and quite literally under the stairs, this busy, no-frills spot is all about traditional Thai desserts made with care. You’ll see locals line up, pointing at trays of neatly arranged sweets while staff move quickly to keep up. The selection leans classic, with a wide range of coconut-based desserts, sticky rice variations and bite-sized sweets that highlight different textures, soft, chewy, jelly-like and custardy. Everything is made fresh and sold fast, which means what you’re getting always feels lively and in demand. It’s not polished, and that’s part of the appeal. Between the market noise, the constant flow of people and the tightly packed counter, this is Thai dessert in its most everyday, energetic form. Khanomthai Taibandai. Wororot Market, Kad Luang. 10am-4pm

Chocolate isn’t just something you taste – it can be something you see, touch and experience. To mark its fifth anniversary, The 1 Exclusive is stepping into a more experiential space, moving beyond traditional loyalty perks and into something more immersive. The programme’s latest collaboration brought this idea to life through the Janice Wong First-Ever Chocolate Edible Art Gallery with Mastercard – an exhibition designed to blur the line between art and flavour. Held at the Mastercard Experience Space at Central Chidlom, the exhibition brought together internationally acclaimed pastry chef and visual artist Janice Wong, known for transforming desserts into sculptural works. A two-time recipient of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef award, Wong approaches chocolate not just as an ingredient, but as a creative medium. Photograph: The 1 Here, chocolate became colour, texture and form. Each installation was crafted to reflect both partners, with visual elements inspired by Thai culture. Patterns, colours and familiar imagery drew from local references, including scenes reminiscent of floating markets, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. The result was a gallery that felt rooted in Thailand, yet distinctly modern in execution. Photograph: The 1 But this wasn’t a traditional exhibition where you stood back and just observed. One of the key ideas behind the project was interaction. Visitors were invited to engage directly with the artworks, including a series of chocolate lollipo

Khao Lak sits just north of bustling Phuket, but moves to a different beat. The beaches are wide and open, the vistas expansive and the draw is as much the space as the scenery. It’s a popular seasonal surfing spot, and also a go-to for divers wanting to explore the famed Similan and Surin Islands. Best of all, nobody is rushing anyone for anything. Set along Bang Niang Beach, La Solaya Khao Lak arrives with that same understanding of pace. The newly opened beachfront resort is built around the idea of letting the day unfold naturally, without schedules, pressure or over-programming. We sure like the sound of that. Designed for flow Photograph: La Solaya Khao Lak Rather than offering an array of activities, La Solaya chooses to focus on atmosphere and unwinding. The resort is designed with the Indian ocean taking centre stage and the day progresses according to her ebbs and flows. Early hours are calm, with gentle light, crisp sea air and spaces that invite lazy lingering. As the day warms up, energy shifts naturally toward the pool and shared areas, without tipping into noise or crowds. By evening, the pace eases again, with sunset views over Bang Niang Beach and lighting that encourages guests to stay present, and just take it all in. Rooms that prioritise ease Photograph: La Solaya Khao Lak La Solaya Khao Lak has 144 rooms and villas, including family-friendly options and private pool villas. Design is understated and refined, with light tones, natural materials and su

Bangkok understands chilli the way other cities understand weather. It shapes daily life, dictates cravings and decides how long lunch will last. For one balmy afternoon and evening, just once a year, the city gives that ingredient centrestage. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok becomes a roaming kitchen where chefs from across cultures translate heat into flavour, memory and even a friendly competition. Chilli Fest 2026, now in its fourth edition, gathers an impressive circle of chilli-lovin’ Michelin-calibre talent and neighbourhood favourites. Thai curries share tables with Mexican aguachile, modern Korean fire meets Punjabi street food and Southern Thai intensity sits beside Spanish-Japanese tapas. The festival is designed as a moving feast, encouraging visitors to wander between stalls, follow aromas and compare how different kitchens speak the same language of fiery spice.   Photograph: Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok   Chef Thitid Ton Tassanakajohn returns with Gaengsod, celebrating the art of freshly pounded Thai curry through vibrant green curry rice sets and delicate pan sib dumplings. GOAT’s Chef Parkorn Tan Kosiyapong brings Thai-Chinese imagination with Thai wagyu cooked in 18 spices and an experimental pairing of coconut, sato, SCOBY, salt and chilli. From Delia, chef duo Gabriela Gaby Espinosa and Diego Zarco serve taco de carne asada and aguachile negro inspired by Abuelita traditions. I-Sang dishes out buldak bibim noodles and an intensified Korean fried chicken glaze that ba

Bangkok has always excelled at reinvention. Just look at its skyline, food scene or the way a quick errand somehow turns into an all-day adventure. Now, the city is applying that same talent for transformation to beauty and wellness, with clinics like Aura Bangkok Clinic helping put it firmly on the global map. As global beauty culture shifts away from extreme results and towards safety, credibility and subtlety, Thailand is stepping into the spotlight as a beauty destination. Bangkok, in particular, has become a magnet for those who want expert care, international standards and results that look refreshed rather than obvious. Where beauty meets credibility Photograph: Aura Bangkok Clinic Today’s aesthetic travellers are well-informed and very selective. They read extensive reviews, follow credible influencers and expect treatments carried out by qualified medical professionals, supported by experience and ongoing training. Bangkok’s medical aesthetic scene delivers that confidence, pairing state-of-the-art technology with the warm, hospitality-led approach that Thailand is famous for. One clinic that defines these standards is Aura Bangkok Clinic. Founded in 2014, it has treated more than 100,000 cases and built a strong reputation for non-invasive procedures, skin rejuvenation and lifting techniques that enhance such as Ultherapy, botox and filler injections. The focus is on balance and proportion, not chasing social media trends.   Doctors trained to global standards Ph

Veyla’s ‘Muse of Rhythm’ is hard to miss. The headphone-wearing figure sits at the centre of this new boutique club in Ekkamai, setting the tone for a night built as much on visuals and atmosphere as it is on music. Bangkok’s nightlife is moving fast, and Veyla is firmly in the category of clubs you visit because you want to feel something: a bassline in your ribcage, the room moving as one, lighting that makes every moment look cinematic. Built around house, Afro-house and tech house, the venue keeps things music-first and tightly curated with an emphasis on global DJs, selector-led programming and long-form sets designed to unfold as a journey rather than peak-and-drop moments. Even the name plays into the concept: Veyla (pronounced way-lar) means ‘time’ in Thai, and the whole space is designed to pull you into the rhythm of the night and keep you there. This isn’t a place for EDM drops, birthday sparklers and table wars. It’s for people who actually come for the groove. A club with a muse Photograph: Veyla Bangkok Every club wants an icon, but Veyla makes it literal. The venue’s dramatic centrepiece is a headphone-wearing statue of a woman known as ‘The Muse of Rhythm’, positioned less as decor and more as the club’s core identity. It’s the kind of instantly recognisable detail that anchors the room, becomes the unofficial logo and ends up in everyone’s first post of the night. The muse is also baked into Veyla’s narrative. She’s imagined as a figure who channels the ene

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