Marisa Marchitelli

Bangkok’s dining scene this week moves from limited cookie drops to Chinese cuisine shaped by Thai produce and a one-night bar takeover. Super Cookie Friends keeps things tight with weekly DM-only batches that sell out fast, while Nan Bei at Rosewood Bangkok introduces a new menu rooted in Chinese technique with a local lens. Aman Lounge hosts Italian mixologist Simone Rossi for a one-evening guest shift, Ventisi leans into seafood with a Saturday night buffet at CentralWorld, and Deckles Smokehouse brings slow-smoked comfort food to Surawong.   Here’s what’s cookin’ in Bangkok this week:

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

Gaia Beats occupies a unique middle ground on the Chiang Mai festival circuit. It avoids the high-octane EDM spectacle of Thantawan, yet stops short of the deep-rooted ‘hippie’ eccentricity found at Shambala In Your Heart. This was only the festival’s second year, and while I missed the inaugural edition, which was smaller and ran for just one day, I arrived expecting something fairly intimate, even with the expansion to a three-day format. Walking into the festival, the first thing that hit me was just how beautiful it all looked, and how much thought had clearly gone into it. At its heart, the festival was about connecting with nature and community, and showing that a good party did not have to come at the planet’s expense. Photograph: David A. Kerr About an hour east of Chiang Mai in Mae On, Gaia Beats took over Sense Hot Spring Wellness – a hotel and spa complex tucked into forested hills. Before I even made it to a stage, the visual language of the place stopped me in my tracks. Giant dome-shaped bamboo and fabric shades stretched over pathways and gathering spaces, sunlight filtering through lush bamboo landing on the site’s unmistakable deep purple buildings. Psychedelic, hand-painted signage created by a team of volunteers popped up throughout, reinforcing the sense that every detail had been crafted by hand. Photograph: David A. Kerr That sense of care carried across the entire site. The property sprawls with clusters of buildings set among water features and gar

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.

Deckles Smokehouse at voco Bangkok Surawong leans into slow-smoking and bold seasoning, with a menu built around comfort food and grill-led dishes. The focus is on smoked meats and hearty plates, with flavours shaped by time, heat and heaps of spice. The space keeps things relaxed, with indoor seating and outdoor balconies overlooking the swimming pool and the city. The menu moves seamlessly through the day, from breakfast untl late evening, with smoked dishes remaining the anchor. Deckles Smokehouse, voco Bangkok Surawong. 6am-11pm

Ventisi at Centara Grand at CentralWorld sets up a sprawling seafood-focused buffet every Saturday night, built around an impressive spread and live-cooking stations. The lineup includes an array of fresh sashimi, shellfish and grilled favourites, with river prawns, squid, rock lobster and salmon forming the core of the selection. Stations run throughout the evening, with seafood cooked to order alongside a wider buffet of hot and cold dishes. The experience includes a free-flow beverage package, keeping drinks aligned with the pace of the buffet. Buffet B2,490 per person. Ventisi, Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Saturday, 6pm-10.30pm

Aman Lounge opens its bar to Italian mixologist Simone Rossi for its first guest bartender night, bringing a one-evening collaboration built around his approach to balance and flavour. Rossi’s menu centres on Ratafia Rossi – his signature liqueur – interpreted specifically for the space through a small, focused list of cocktails. The menu runs tight, with a handful of drinks that move between spirit-forward and lighter styles, built with citrus, herbal and bitter elements. Each offering keeps a clear structure, with Ratafia Rossi shaping the profile across the list. Live music runs through the evening, giving the room a musical lift as the bar shifts into guest mode for the night. Aman Lounge, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Wireless Road. February 18, 5.30pm-12am

Colette is French in bones and Bangkok in attitude – a brasserie that looks polished while still feeling casual and inviting. Considered lighting, beautiful interiors lined with contemporary art and a busy open bar set the tone for a room that transitions seamlessly from a weekday dinner to a long weekend lunch. Food sticks to familiar ground and does so with confidence and quality. Tuna tartare arrives in generous chunky bites, bright with mustard seeds and a satisfying crunch from potato chips. Beef and onion soup is deeply rich and caramelised with molten cheese overflowing from the bowl. Grapefruit and avocado salad brings a clean, zesty start before richer plates roll out. Whole roasted baby chicken is a table favourite, resting on a bed of thyme with a salty-savoury miso sauce that keeps the meat juicy and umami-packed. Lobster tagliatelle feels indulgent but balanced – carrying the sweetness of shellfish without drowning it in cream. For dessert, mille feuille hits perfection – crisp, flakey pastry layered with Earl Grey English cream and a thread of caramel. The kitchen’s new direction comes from executive chef Chris Beverley, whose background runs through respected London dining rooms before settling in Bangkok. His approach keeps French technique at the core while letting flavours stay approachable and clean – the kind of cooking that feels generous and relatable rather than showy. It suits the room’s rhythm. The bar has its own energy - cocktails are steady and wel

Hone Bangkok exudes zen calm from the moment you enter. Warm, soft light falls on a long counter facing the grill station and staff discreetly glide through the space tending to your every need. It’s an izakaya in spirit but not the cramped, noisy kind. The room leans minimalist Japanese – pale timber, clean lines and thoughtful textures throughout.  Food follows the same mood. Start with the exquisite chilled capellini with hotate and ama ebi. It’s clean and bright in both appearance and flavour with ponzu lifting the sweetness of the scallop and shrimp without drowning it. Saikyo miso black cod is buttery and comforting – a flakey fish with a soft sugary edge that stays just on the right side of rich. Pâté and caviar toast is a pleasing table opener, playfully presented on caramelised crisp bread and dusted with salt and microscopic petals. Yakitori is where the kitchen really shines. Tsukune chicken meatball comes glossy with teriyaki and shoyu egg yolk – tender with a light hint of smoke. Reba liver teriyaki is confident and simple, proof that careful grilling beats fancy tricks. Between rounds, the seasonal vegetables – zucchini, pumpkin, lotus root and baby corn – pick up a sweet char and reset the palate. If you’re still hungry, go for the premium cut gokujo beef tongue with Japanese leek which brings depth and much satisfaction. The unagi cream cheese roll sounds curious but works on the plate – eel, omelette and avocado balanced by crunchy puffed rice. Coconut lava d

Char makes a dramatic first impression before food even lands on the table. Set on the 25th floor of Hotel Indigo, the room opens to a sweeping vista of Bangkok’s signature steel and glass, retro-futuristic skyline. Tables are spaced generously, service moves with confidence and the open grill gives the place a warm, smoky heartbeat. The menu is concise and very much focused on what fire does best. Beef tartare à la Parisienne arrives silky with confit egg yolk and classic garnishes and clean, no-frills flavours. Scallop carpaccio with beetroot and green apple gel leans bright and sharp, with pistachio adding the perfect amount of crunch. For something warmer, grilled octopus with bell pepper hummus foam has a satisfying char and a soft, yielding centre, while the crispy duck and watermelon salad cuts richness with hoisin sauce and toasted cashews. From the grill, steak frites cafe de Paris is an easy crowd pleaser – Austrian wagyu striploin, properly rested with golden fries and a fresh, homemade ketchup. Kurobuta pork chop with mustard and rosemary jus keeps things hearty and in the comfort-zone without heaviness and Australian lamb double cutlets showcase careful timing and flawless seasoning. Steamed cod with onion cream and orange condiment is a subtle plate – delicate and thoughtful after the bigger flavours. Desserts stay classic – chocolate molten cake with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel does exactly what you want it to do and does it well. The wine list isn’t v

Piscari switches format after dinner with ‘No Agenda. Just Mingle’ – a late-night programme built around DJ vibes and a more fluid, stand-up room. Complimentary shots and small bites land through the night, nudging the crowd to circulate rather than settle. The rooftop opts for social over formal, with private corners for smaller groups and a Mediterranean-inspired bar menu ticking in the background. It’s perfect for couples who want to keep the night going well past dinner. Piscari, Andaz One Bangkok, Wireless Road. February 14, 9pm-midnight

Pavilion at Dusit Thani Bangkok keeps the evening grounded in comfort and familiar flavours with a shared set dinner that moves between Thai and Chinese kitchens. The menu opens with spicy crab and crab roe with Oscietra caviar, flower-shaped prawn dumplings and egg custard with Hokkaido scallop, followed by Chinese-style double-boiled conch soup. Mains arrive for the table with grilled Boston lobster in red curry, Wagyu beef fried rice and wok-fried spinach. Dessert reaches back to an older recipe with crispy coconut rolls finished with caramelised coconut sugar. Dinner set menu B4,500++ per couple. Pavilion, Dusit Thani Bangkok. February 14

Bitterman celebrates Valentine’s with options instead of rules. They’re serving a special set for two alongside a limited a la carte selection for anyone who prefers to mix and match. The sharing menu starts with strawberry, beetroot and rose butter with warm sourdough, followed by bluefin tuna crudo with citrus miso-koji emulsion and Jamón Serrano with melon and basil oil. Mains move through moules marinieres in white wine and creme fraiche and dry-aged Australian Black Angus striploin with steak frites and caviar, finishing with dark rum-marinated fig caramel custard pudding and a sparkling berry mocktail, with an optional prosecco upgrade. Guests who book before February 10 receive a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé per person. Dinner set menu B3,500 per couple. Bitterman, Sala Daeng. February 14

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok stretches Valentine’s across three corners of the property, each with its own romantic offerings. At Arva, chef Edoardo Traverso builds an Italian dinner around seasonality and craft, with highlights like homemade ossobuco ravioli with saffron and Parmigiano, pan-fried seabream with white asparagus and chargrilled wagyu striploin with purple artichoke. At 1872 Lounge, the mood turns softer with chef Florian Couteau’s Romantic Afternoon Tea. Expect Oscietra caviar with whipped Franciacorta cream, Alaskan crab mousse touched with Provence rose, duck confit tartlets and floral-accented sweets served against the green backdrop of Nai Lert Park. As evening settles, Aman Lounge gets intimate with live jazz and a short menu of Valentine’s cocktails balancing fruit, spice and gentle bitterness, created with romance in mind. Afternoon tea B3,900 per couple. Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Wireless Road. Valentine’s programmes, February 9-15

Tropic City marks its eighth birthday with the kind of marathon session the bar built its name on. The doors open early and the line-up runs late, with guest bartender Franco Muñoz from Salmon Guru Dubai making his first Thailand appearance and Leo Malakul from Dry Wave Cocktail Studio stepping behind the bar alongside two one-night-only guests. On the decks it is a full Bangkok roll call – Sarayu, Pichy, DJ Zombie, KWH, Jirus and Mumsfilibaba trading house, disco and breaks. The night is walk-ins only, closer to a casual house party, with people drifting in pre-dinner and staying far past last plates. Tropic City, Soi Charoen Krung 28, Bang Rak. February 14, 4pm-2am

VIVIN Suk 22 launches a monthly moules-frites night with a two-evening debut built around unlimited pots of Thai green mussels and duck-fat fries. The mussels arrive in traditional Thai baking pots and come in three house styles – marinières with white wine, marinières with cream, and beer-cooked – all prepared with onions, garlic, butter, parsley and a touch of Trang pepper. Fries are hand-cut from local organic potatoes and fried in duck fat for dipping into the broth. The evening is designed to feel communal rather than formal, spread across the second and third floors of VIVIN’s heritage wooden home. Bonus - each couple booking receives a complimentary Chiang Mai ale or soft drink. All-you-can-eat moules frites B690 per person. VIVIN Suk 22, Sukhumvit 22. February 13-14, 6pm-9pm

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

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