Meena Janekrabuanhad

This is definitely a camera-eats-first kinda list. We’re judging these places purely by their looks (because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to go wrong with a butter and sugar combo), so expect an obscene amount of cuteness as we run through Bangkok’s best looking desserts. Those who know the drill will already have cameras at the ready. And if you’ve been dragged along but aren’t exactly a café person, well... please be patient and don’t tuck in until the perfect picture is taken. And for those who do prefer to eat with their eyes, this list covers cookies, parfaits, puddings, cakes, pastries, macarons and pretty much every kind of sweet treat you can imagine – provided it’s cute enough to make the cut. Bangkok has never been this sweet.

Move over, elephant pants. Thailand has another wardrobe staple worth adding to your closet: it comes in pairs and is made of leather.  That’s right, Thailand's homegrown leather shoe brands have grown from humble workshops into respected names recognised both locally and internationally the past few years, and we’re all here to celebrate them. With carefully selected premium leathers, skilled handcraftsmanship and versatile designs, these shoes are actually built to last rather than simply chasing seasonal trends.  And before you think it, forget the idea that leather shoes are only for boardrooms or black-tie events. Everyone’s going for the leather shoe look these days, seamlessly blending artisanal quality with everyday looks. We’re talking timeless loafers and Derby shoes, rugged boots and leather sneakers. They literally go with any outfit.  To celebrate this new Thai craft, we’ve rounded up 12 leather shoe brands made in Thailand worth knowing – from heritage names that have stood the test of time to emerging labels worth keeping on your radar.  

The rainy season may be the perfect excuse to stay curled up in bed, but unfortunately, August's lineup is too good to miss.  This month's calendar is packed with everything from dance performances, concerts, book festivals and expos to vintage markets and lively carnivals. Better yet, most of the events are indoors, so you can dodge the downpour without missing out. From indie and acoustic pop to alternative rock, music lovers have plenty to look forward to this month. Catch Matt Maltese and Phum Viphurit at Road to Melt Festival, swoon over Matthew Ifield's Close to Your Heart Tour, or bid farewell to Kodaline as they hit the stage for their final tour. Prefer something a little slower-paced? Head to the Bangkok Speculative Literature Festival for offline reading sessions, author talks and a book and craft market. If you've ever been curious about MBTI, ‘Type to Meet You’ is a community event where the four-letter personality types become a starting point for new friendships and fresh insights about yourself. And for those looking for a dance, join the swing dance classes at Lumphini Grand Ball, compete for a spot on the dance floor or simply enjoy the performances. The Siam Carnival Funfair brings classic thrills with roller coasters, games and carnival treats, while Nippon Haku offers a taste of Japan through a dedicated expo for anyone dreaming of a trip or work opportunities in the Land of the Rising Sun. Keeping track of what's coming next? Our Bangkok concert roundup

Nothing feels more inviting on a hot, humid day in Bangkok than stepping into a blissfully air conditioned mall. In fact, they’re often the coldest places you'll find in the entire city – a welcome escape from the relentless tropical city heat. To say Bangkok has a lot of malls would be an understatement. Thailand is one of the world's premier shopping destinations, and it seems like there's a new, luxurious mall around every corner. But these malls are much more than places to shop. They've evolved into all-in-one lifestyle hubs where you can find virtually anything you need from world-class dining and entertainment to grocery stores, banks, clinics, fitness centers and even cultural attractions. To make the decision on which one fits your style, we've rounded up the best shopping malls in Bangkok for every type of traveller – whether you're chasing luxury brands, hunting for bargains, searching for the city's best food courts or simply soaking up skyline sunsets.

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, eyes turn skyward for the full moon. But the real star of the celebration might just be something sweeter. The mooncake – a round pastry that has long symbolised family reunions, completeness and prosperity – is as much a part of the festival as the moon itself.So, as each autumn arrives, hotels, Chinese restaurants and leading confectionery brands across Bangkok unveil their annual mooncake collections, reimagining traditional recipes, selecting premium ingredients and creating gift boxes that resemble works of art. And in this era of great creatives, many of these venues collaborate with renowned chefs, artists and designers to share experiences that extend far beyond the ordinary dessert. In 2026, the world of mooncakes has become more exciting and competitive than ever. From classic lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk fillings to more contemporary creations featuring yuzu, lychee, caviar and limited-edition collections that challenge traditional expectations; there are more choices than ever to discover, enjoy and share as a memorable gift. We’ve curated the most noteworthy mooncake collections in Bangkok to help you choose the perfect Mid-Autumn Festival gift, or simply so you can overindulge yourself. We’re not here to judge.

While Fourth of July may not be a national holiday in Bangkok, it falls on a weekend, making it the ideal time for anyone to experience America without flying halfway around the world. Add on a decent number of US expats all rearing to cheer on 250 years of independence, there’s really no reason not to join in.  This year, Bangkok goes all out with rooftop fireworks, boat celebrations, all-American BBQ feasts and live music that would make Uncle Sam proud. So whether you’re an American missing home or just here for the food and festivities, there’s an event for everyone. Lobsterbacks included.  Whatever you are feeling – whether it's a family fun day or a late night party – here’s our top picks for America’s big day, Thailand style. 

For those accustomed to rushing through life – from the morning commute to racing home at the end of the day to reclaim a few quiet hours alone – THE BARAI HUA HIN feels like a summer break from being an adult.  About a three-hour drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin has long been the city’s seaside escape, known for its royal history, old-school holiday charm and a slower pace but with all the comforts.  Set on a quiet stretch of beachfront, THE BARAI HUA HIN started life as a spa. With boundless success, it’s now expanded into a hotel where four elements shape everything from the architecture to the wellness experience.  It’s also the first hotel in Thailand to join Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, a luxury portfolio of hotels picked for having a story, a sense of place and a personality of their own – not just a nice pool, although this hotel does have one of those too. From slow mornings by the beach and special meals cooked by the chef to guided wellness sessions and local excursions, the days at THE BARAI HUA HIN have a way of filling themselves here. Come without plans and let the day unfold.  Why stay at THE BARAI HUA HIN? For more than two decades, The BARAI has been a Hua Hin favourite for some serious spa time. Now, its hotel brings that same sense of restoration beyond the treatment rooms, turning a few hours of pampering into a full stay built around slowing down and feeling well.  The idea is simple: ‘Curated Wellness, Your Way’ – whether that means filling your day with trea

Before hyper-realistic fruit-shaped cakes, there was luk chup – a traditional Thai dessert that has long been known for its almost-too-real appearance. Taking the form of tiny fruit and vegetable shapes painted in vivid colours and finished with a glossy jelly coating, beneath the shiny exterior is a sweet mung bean paste made with coconut milk and sugar. Baan Luk Chup takes the tradition a step further, moving beyond the usual miniature fruits to recreate familiar Thai dishes and cute characters in luk chup form. Our favourite has to be the nam prik pla too – a cute dish of ‘chili paste’ and ‘mackerel’ that flips the concept savoury. Although the filling is absolutely still sweet. With so many playful creations, see how many you can recognise before taking a bite. Locations at Arun Amarin and Charan Sanitwong 50. Open daily 8am-7pm and 7am-6pm, respectively

This dessert could be cute or turn sideways very quickly. Baan.rukrom cafe & bakery is primarily a cake-decorating café where you can come in with your own inspiration and leave with your very own masterpiece. It might not end up in an art gallery, but it will, eventually, end up in your stomach. Choose from cakes, cookies and cupcakes to decorate, with the final level of cuteness entirely in your hands. Whether it turns out picture-perfect or a little more abstract, there’s no pressure – it’s all part of the fun. There are also ready-made cakes and baked treats for those needing a little bite without needing to put in the work. 493, 8 Pracha Rat Sai 2 Rd, Bang Sue. Open 10am-6pm (closed on Wednesdays)

If cuteness had a home in Bangkok, it would be HUUS PLATE. Housed in a renovated old house, the three-level café is known for its Japanese milk bread, shokupan and shonuts – a pastry that combines a shokupan with a doughnut. Innovation at its best.  But good pastries alone won’t land you on this list. HUUS PLATE also doubles as a space for hosting collaborations with different brands and artists, with the décor, themes and desserts changing to match. One visit might bring a new character, another a new world but one thing stays the same: the cuteness. 5 Sukhumvit 60 Alley, Phra Khanong Tai. Open 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays)

From the perfect Pantone-approved pastel colours and sprinkles on the storefront, you can already tell it’s only going to be even cuter inside. Sunny Flavour Cafe is famed for its cheesecake, which looks just like the yellow cartoon cheese blocks you can see Tom and Jerry fighting over. Almost everything on the menu comes in a baby-pastel shade, right down to the star-shaped ice cubes in the drinks. And adding to the line-up of cute animal desserts, this one’s cartoon character of choice is the bunny, with treats as adorable as the real fluffy ones.  Want to make some of the cuteness yourself? Sign up for one of Sunny Flavour’s cookie-decorating workshops and get creative with colourful royal icing and character-shaped butter cookies. 33 Pradiphat 17 Alley, Phaya Thai. Open 10:30am-5pm (closed on Mondays)

From the café to the desserts, Calling Calling feels like it could be tucked away on one of those cosy quintessential side streets in Japan. With their cute signature parfaits that manage to stack a huge amount of different sweets into one cup and cream sodas in every colour of the rainbow, it’ll have you reminiscing about your last Japan trip or planning your next one. Japanese sweets and cartoon nostalgia come together in the most kawaii way, with Hello Kitty parfaits that stack layers of ice cream, fruit, cookies and wafers for a mix of crunchy and creamy textures in every spoonful. And if you’re after something a little more cheeky, try the Crayon Shin-chan-inspired parfaits. A sweet throwback to the cartoons you loved as a kid, now served as ice cream. 387/7 Soi Charoen Krung 45, Si Phraya, Bang Rak. Open 11am-6pm (closed on Tuesdays)

Aren’t choux the cutest? Meet ‘Coco’ and ‘Bon Bon’ from the Woolloomooloo Bakery, the light, airy French choux pastries filled with custard, here to steal your heart and your appetite. Inspired by the owner’s very own dog, ‘Bon Bon’ became the bakery’s signature, with the cutest bulbous shapes that make taking that first bite just a little bit painful. There’s also dachshunds too, so you’ll have to take your pick or might as well just get both. And the cuteness doesn’t stop at the desserts. The storefront is just as adorable. Not just any kind of cute – we’re talking Korean cute. Think soft, whimsical, minimalist and ridiculously photogenic. The bakery is also pet-friendly, so you can enjoy cute desserts while being surrounded by cute dogs. Even though this isn’t a dessert review, if you’re lucky enough to catch their seasonal ‘peach­tachio’, don’t pass it up. A whole poached white peach in the prettiest shade of pink, filled with peach cream cheese on top of a baked custard tart layered with pistachio paste. Locations at Ratchada 19 and Thonglor 13. Open daily 9am-6pm

Whether you've followed Kodaline since the beginning or only recently discovered their music, this is your last chance to see the beloved Irish alternative rock band live in Bangkok. As one of Ireland's most beloved bands, Kodaline brings its ‘Farewell Tour’ to the city as the band closes the chapter on more than a decade of heartfelt songwriting, soaring indie-rock anthems and emotionally charged live performances. The set is expected to span the band's career, featuring fan favourites including ‘All I Want’, ‘High Hopes’ and ‘The One’, in a performance that reflects on the music and moments that have defined Kodaline's journey. August 28-29. B1,900-B9,600 via here. UOB LIVE, Emsphere (sixth floor). 9pm-late

Jelly Roll Jazz Club turns Lumphini Hall into a classic swing ballroom, with international jazz acts, beginner classes and some friendly competition. Never danced before? This is your chance to give it a go, with free beginner classes led by professional instructors – who knows, maybe you’ll even be ready to enter the competition later (but no pressure).  The night features live jazz from Thai and international artists, including Thailand’s Yusu Jazz Band, Japan’s Clap Stomp Swingin’, Eyal Vilner from the US, The Brothers Arntzen from Canada and Steven Coombe representing the UK, with the ‘Swing Era Cadets’ closing out the night with one final swing performance. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early before the hall fills up.  August 23. Free. Register here. Lumphini Hall, 4pm-7pm

‘Well, I think they call this love…’ if the lyrics don’t ring a bell, then Matthew Ifield’s warm romantic voice might. The rising Australian artist captured listeners around the world with his cover of ‘I Think They Call This Love’ that became a viral sensation with his smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery. Now, Matthew Ifield is heading to Bangkok for his first-ever solo concert in Thailand. As part of VERY Live Presents: Matthew Ifield ‘Close To Your Heart Tour 2026’ in Bangkok, the singer-songwriter will bring his soulful performances, original romantic melodies and heartfelt ballads to stage.  August 19. B1,900-B2,500. Grab your tickets here. Volume Livehouse. 7pm

Road to Melt Festival brings together two of indie music’s most distinctive singer-songwriters, Matt Maltese and Phum Viphurit, for a night of intimate live music in Bangkok. With his bittersweet songwriting and heartfelt storytelling, Matt Maltese creates songs known for turning everyday emotions into beautifully honest lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. The British-Italian singer-songwriter earned a loyal following with his charmingly melancholic style and captivating live performances.  Sharing the stage is Phum Viphurit, the Bangkok-born, New Zealand-raised singer-songwriter behind global hits like ‘Lover Boy’ and ‘Long Gone.’ With his laid-back charm, warm vocals and feel-good approach to songwriting, Phum has become one of Thailand’s most recognised indie artists, winning fans around the world with his effortlessly relatable sound. Together, they bring two distinct worlds of indie music from opposite sides of the globe together. August 16. B2,500 via here. Cloud 11 Hall. 7pm

No awkward icebreakers or forced networking and forget the usual ‘what do you do?’ introductions. At Type to Meet You: EP. 1 Type to Shine Yourself, your MBTI type becomes a new way to start conversations. The Academic Bar x MBTI Community event brings together knowledge and conversation beyond the four letters. The evening features an MBTI lecture by BeruArny Channel (MBTI Certified Practitioners), followed by a panel discussion with author and The MATTER co-founder, Champ and Pharaoh of The Common Thread on personality, self-growth and how understanding our MBTI preferences can help us better understand ourselves and others.  Set in a cosy bar atmosphere, this event is about good conversations and new connections – drinking is completely optional. Come meet new people with shared interests, exchange perspectives or simply enjoy listening and learning in a relaxed environment. August 5. B650 and includes a complimentary drink. Reserve your spot here. Bottle Rockets Bar, Silom. 7pm-10pm

Not sure where your career is heading? Been job hunting for months or wondering whether it’s finally time for a change? Life, unfortunately, isn’t a piece of IKEA furniture, and adulting comes without an instruction manual. But Work Life Festival 2026 might be the next best thing. Part career fair, part conference and part expo, it’s a crash course in everything we wish someone had taught us before we entered the working world. From building useful skills and exploring new career paths to managing money and tackling everyone’s favourite subject – tax – Work Life Festival brings together the knowledge and resources to help you decide what comes next, whether you’ve just left the classroom or have years of work behind you. For 2026, the festival explores the possibilities through its ‘OH! MY MULTIVERSE’ theme. Attendees can ‘explore, experience and evolve’ across the different ‘verses’ of work and life – because when it comes to careers and money, who really knows what they’re doing? Two main stages bring together more than 60 speakers for 50 sessions. The SkillForce Stage focuses on sharpening your mindset and building the skills required for a fast-changing world of work. The Make Rich Stage is all about making your hard-earned money work harder, so you’re not left wondering where it went at the end of every month. Every month. Once you’ve levelled up your skills, explore four expos: SkillForce, Future Jobs, Taxes and Work Syndrome. Expect career opportunities, practical tax

Bad news for Bangkok’s bookworms: another beloved neighbourhood hideaway is closing its doors.  For years, the bright red doors of Somewhere Bookshop and Home Cafe, affectionately known as the ‘red-door bookstore’ in Tha Phra, have been something of a portal, inviting readers into a little world of books, daydreams and caffeine. But every story has its final chapter and this one comes to an end on October 18. Photograph: Somewhere BookshopBangkok Luckily, that’s a decent amount of time to get your nose into a few books before they disappear. For now, the doors remain open so we all can soak up the familiar atmosphere and make a few more memories.  From now until October 18, the space will continue to host reading events and other activities, with plenty of chances for book lovers to gather one last time. There will also be special discounts on books, so visitors can take home a few more stories and perhaps a little piece of this beloved bookstore with them. Photograph: Somewhere BookshopBangkok As for what comes next, the team behind the red-door bookstore admits that the next novel in their story has yet to be written,  but they promise to share any updates when the time comes. Thankfully, there are many other spots that are still deep in their own narrative. You can still get your reading fix and the familiar sense of community at Something Blue Library in Thon Buri. And keep an eye out for Somelee, the little white book truck bringing books on the road and keeping the

It’s hard to believe that, at the end of this concrete alleyway where cars and people still squeeze past, sits one of Bangkok's best-kept local favourites.  Part café, part stay, GalileOasis may be tucked away, but has in recent years evolved into a neighbourhood hub for artists, coffee enthusiasts and anyone drawn to its creative, slightly whimsical spirit. The Green Residency This August, the space becomes even more inviting with the Green Residency: Plant & Ceramic Pop-Up running from August 19-31.  The two-week event embraces Bangkok’s rainy season with a collection of hard-to-find plants, beautifully crafted ceramics and ‘the art of slow living’ – brought to you by a curated line-up of independent vendors.  Turn up, look around and pick up a new leafy addition for your home or a handcrafted ceramic mug to add to that overflowing cupboard. If you’re visiting on the third or fourth weekend of the month (Aug 22-23 and Aug 29-30), keep an eye out for the pop-up's special ticketed events and craft workshops. While details are still under wraps, expect cosy gatherings and interactive fun that brings together nature lovers, creatives and the local community.   Photograph: piccolo.vicolo.cafeBangkok Come for the pop-up and leave having discovered a slice of local charm that's well worth venturing off the main road to find. GalileOasis. 535/32 Soi Rong Rian King Phet, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi. Free entry with ticketed workshops. 9am-6pm (closed on Tuesdays)

While printmaking may remind some of us of the good old days when newspapers were delivered to our doorsteps every morning, the art form is far from a thing of the past. Actually, it’s still thriving, albeit in new mediums and trends.   From packaging and publications to posters, zines and artworks, printmaking continues to make its mark in the world. And while it once was something happening behind closed warehouse doors, it’s now taking stage as a creative, interactive process where experimentation and creativity drive a new era of printmaking design.   And now, it's out in the open to see, feel, touch and experience first hand. To celebrate its evolution, the Thailand Printmaking Festival 2026 (TPMF 2026) comes to Central Chidlom, where you can experience every stage of the craft: from the printing press, ink and paper to the artists and designers who bring each piece to life. Photograph: GroundControlThailand Printmaking Fest TPMF 2026 is built around the theme ‘From Process to Perspective’ – bringing together artists, print studios and educational institutions under one roof. The programme encourages you to look beyond the finished artwork and discover the experimentation, learning and ‘happy accidents’ that shape each piece. Explore your creative side through interactive exhibitions and immersive experiences, such as The Red Puzzle by Kitikong Tilokwatthanothai, which invites you to rearrange elements of an artwork and discover your own new interpretation.   For those

Before ‘City Pop’ became a music genre, it was art. The colour of the sky on a summer afternoon, the calm turquoise waters, the long shadows of palm trees stretching across concrete. The dream of a holiday that never had to end. Hiroshi Nagai transformed these feelings of optimism, romance and escape into artwork that defined the visual identity of that ’80s City Pop era. His iconic illustrations graced album covers and helped shape Japan’s pop culture landscape for decades.  This August, Tokyo’s Hiroshi Nagai once again arrives in Bangkok with his new exhibition, Summer Dreaming, and his first-ever solo exhibition in Thailand, held at River City Bangkok.  Photograph: Hiroshi NagaiTropical Modern   Inside the exhibition, visitors can explore more than 30 rare original works spanning Hiroshi Nagai’s career, from his early 1980s pieces to more recent creations, and see up close the brushstrokes, colours and textures that prints can never fully capture. The exhibition also features four new works created exclusively for Thailand – offering a glimpse of Bangkok through the eyes of an artist who turns sunlight into timeless memories. Photograph: Kaput MagazineHiroshi Nagai Even if you don’t recognise the name Hiroshi Nagai, you may already know the feelings his art evokes, even knowing them by sight, if not by name. As he dreams of summer, this exhibition reveals how nostalgia can truly be painted into images.  August 4-September 4. Free Admission. River City Bangkok Galleria

If you're one of the many people who can't stop thinking about your next Japan trip but are out of vacation days, Nippon Haku Bangkok 2026 may be the way to go.  Described as ‘one of Thailand’s largest Japan-focused expos’ the event brings together everything we love about Japan from food, tourism, culture and entertainment to opportunities to study, work and experience life in Japan.  Happening on August 28-30, this year’s theme explores a ‘Japanese Way for Better Day’ – and really, what’s better than going to Japan without leaving Bangkok? Start your day at the expo just like you would after landing in Narita – with a steaming bowl of ramen. Then, get inspired by wandering through aisles of booths uncovering new flavours, traditions and experiences, all direct from Japan.  Taste regional foods, learn how to whisk matcha with tea experts and even try on a kimono. Once you’ve had your fill, join the traditional craft workshops or catch popping J-pop performances from artists including UNIVER23, SHUN and Fukushima Seika. For those dreaming of making Japan more than a holiday destination, the expo also features education and career opportunities, including study-abroad programmes, Japanese language courses and pathways to connect with Japanese companies. And if Nippon Haku has only fuelled your wanderlust, head to the regional representatives and travel agencies to discover new destinations beyond Tokyo and start planning your next adventure. Admission to Nippon Haku Bangkok 20

Follow the illuminated Ferris wheel and the sounds of laughter, screams and excitement, and you’ll find your way to the Siam Carnival Funfair. Returning after a seven-year hiatus, the fair is back for a whopping 17 nights from July 31-August 16 – its biggest and boldest comeback yet.  From rows of irresistible street food to classic fair treats like fluffy cotton candy and warm funnel cakes showered in powdered sugar, there’s plenty to fuel up on before taking on the thrill rides.  Don’t let the screams frighten you from jumping on the roller coaster, viking ship or many other attractions that were imported from Germany and Italy just for this event; it’s sure to get your heart racing.  But, if (like us) you’re not always a fan of adrenaline, there’s still plenty to enjoy.  Keep yourself calm on the merry-go-round or try your hand at classic carnival games and test your luck. Maybe you’ll even walk away with an oversized stuffed animal as proof of your victory.  For the little ones who aren’t quite tall enough for the rides (and to save the adults with too many stuffed animals at home already), skip the games and head to the animal feeding zone instead, where you can feed adorable bunnies and piglets ‘til your heart’s content. Whatever your age, the fair has a way of bringing out our fun side, and we can’t deny that the Siam Carnival Funfair has all the boxes ticked. Entry is just B15 too, so really, what’s your excuse?  July 31-August 16. B15 for entry plus B60 per ride. Gra

They say ‘there should only be one cook in the kitchen’ but ‘The Tide & The Tower’ proves otherwise.  For two nights only, lebua, Bangkok’s award-winning 5-star hotel, brings together two Michelin-starred chefs for a rare six-course dinner where California’s coastline meets Bangkok’s skyline.  Flying in from the States comes Chef Matthew Kammerer, the chef behind the two Michelin-starred and Michelin Green Star Harbor House Inn, whose ingredient-first cooking and commitment to sustainability have made him one of the defining voices in modern American fine dining.  Across the kitchen is Mezzaluna’s Chef Ryuki Kawasaki, whose blend of Japanese traditional flavours and refined French techniques have earned the restaurant two Michelin stars.  With a total of four stars on their aprons, these two renowned chefs serve up a tasting menu that bridges the oceans through a shared passion for cooking and ingredient-led philosophy. And that’s not all that’s exciting about Mezzaluna. With Bangkok’s sweeping skyline and the Chao Phraya river as the backdrop, the view sets the scene but the food, understandably, takes centre stage. While it may be a rookie mistake to fill up on the bread, the warm pillowy ‘seaweed shokupan’ with savoury seaweed butter is impossible to resist. Baked with seaweed Kammerer foraged himself along California’s coast and brought to Bangkok for the collaboration, it leaves you wondering how California seaweed made its way through airport security and into a loaf of

The perfect island getaway may look different for each traveller, but for the readers of Travel + Leisure, Koh Samui’s variety of lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear turquoise waters and luxury wellness resorts puts it at the top of  the list for 2026. And we can’t disagree, honestly.  The annual World’s Best Awards rankings, voted by their readers, consider each island's natural attractions, activities, food, friendliness and overall value.  After placing in the top 15 last year, Koh Samui climbed up the ranks and overtook Paros, Greece, to claim the title of the world's best island for 2026 with a score of 95.64 out of 100 – narrowly beating the Maldives, which came in second with 95.38.  Phuket, also not far behind, took fifth place on the list, making island hopping in Thailand a new must with two of the world’s best islands in the top five.   What is it about Koh Samui that won the travellers’ hearts?  Just a little over an hour from Bangkok by plane, yet worlds away from the concrete jungle’s fast pace, this tropical paradise lets you go from sunrise hikes in the mountains to sipping sunset cocktails by the beach all in the same day.  With a variety of landscapes to explore and plenty of wellness retreats to keep your zen levels well above average, Koh Samui has something for most. And, recently reaching an even wider audience after serving as the main filming location for The White Lotus season three.  While the dark comedy series may be fictional, the is

Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just looking for your next read, escape the reality of the city for a day and step into the Bangkok Speculative Literature Festival.  This literary gathering brings together like-minded people who find comfort and joy between the pages of a book with author talks, panel discussions, workshops, a book and craft market and an offline reading session. But it’s not all just books. With this year's speculative literature theme, the festival explores all the infinite ‘what if?’ scenarios too, inviting readers and writers alike to use the creativity and freedom of storytelling to reimagine today's challenges. Back to the details, the festival features four acclaimed authors from Thailand, China and the UK:  Veeraporn Nitiprapha, the first woman to win two Southeast Asian Writers Awards for her novels The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth and Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat.  Regina Kanyu Wang, the award-winning Chinese science fiction writer and co-editor of The Way Spring Arrives.  Katalina Watt, author of the Sunday Times bestseller Saltswept. Apinuch Petcharapiracht, known for her dark, surreal storytelling in Death and the Maiden, published by Penguin Random House SEA.  Arrive at the right time, and you’ll get to hear from the speakers in the panel discussions, and even join them in workshops (if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot), where everything is laid bare on the table – from their creative writing process to how they han

Play is not only the stuff of childhood afternoons spent tearing around the neighbourhood park. At Bangkok International Children's Theatre Festival (BICT Fest), it becomes a way to spark imagination, curiosity and discovery – and a good excuse for grown-ups to join in too.  Now in its 10th edition, BICT Fest invites everyone from curious little ones to adults who have not entirely grown out of playtime. These are not sit-still-and-watch performances; audiences are encouraged to interact, explore and get involved  alongside the artists.  Running from August 21–30, BICT Fest 2026 brings together 11 performances by artists from Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. This year’s theme is Play Attention: Look Who's Growing Up!, with events taking place at One Bangkok, Goethe-Institut Thailand and Sodsai Pantoomkomol Centre for Dramatic Arts. Photograph: BICT FestBangkok Highlights include IYKYK, an interactive parking-lot performance that whisks audiences aboard golf carts into a world of light and shadow created by DuckUnit, Plock!, a Belgian contemporary circus show that turns movement into a living painting inspired by Jackson Pollock; and Frolic, a contemporary dance work performed by disabled and non-disabled artists. Families with babies aged three to 24 months can try Kaow Kome, a sensory performance exploring rice through Thai and Japanese cultures. Afterwards, keep the playdate going at TBC, a new interactive

The idea of running through the humid, busy streets of Bangkok may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s not stopping the city’s biggest marathon from returning for its 37th year.  Bangkok’s run culture has turned simple jogs into a fully-blown social scene in recent years; with themed runs, community clubs and café hangouts bringing people together before and after the finish line.  It's become an activity that lets you check off two health goals at once: getting your workout in while making time to connect with others. It's no surprise that this once-solo sport has become one of the biggest wellness trends around. But for those ready to take things up a level, the time to lace up is now.  The 37th Bangkok Marathon returns on January 10, 2027, bringing together everyone from first-time runners looking for a new challenge to seasoned marathoners chasing their next personal best. With something for everyone, there are multiple options to suit runners of all levels:  Micro Marathon: 5 km Mini Marathon: 10 km Half Marathon: 21.1 km  Full Marathon: 42.195 km Photograph: bkkmarathonBangkok Starting on closed roads in the quiet hours of the night and continuing into the early morning, this is your chance to experience a completely different side of Bangkok – one that feels worlds away from the city’s usual daytime rhythm, if you can see past the muscle burn.  This year, the marathon takes a more scenic route, passing by some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks while allowing yo