Guru By Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel deals to indulge in.
STUFF
Collaborative Collection / Pañpuri x Jim Thompson
Celebrating the essence of Thai craftsmanship, Pañpuri and Jim Thompson have joined forces on an aromatic capsule where the fragrance and beauty of Thai fabric meet. "House On The Klong, 'Jim's Garden", "Jim's Dream" and "Oriental Journeys" are the four new scents that encapsulate the ambience of Jim Thompson's House Museum on Kasem San 2, featuring aromatic candles, scented sachets and diffusers. Given that it's designed with the help of the lifestyle brand synonymous with Thai silks, you can expect collectable packaging that showcases refined silks, with more than 100 exquisite designs that mix and match into uniquely new patterns. Shop at panpuri.com.
For a rainy day / PDM Brand
Timely for the rainy season, PDM Brand rolls out a raincoat collection working in collaboration with a circular lifestyle brand, Earthology. Following the design-driven umbrellas "Typhun" and "Popcorn" launched last year, the award-winning design studio adds another item to its everyday catalogue, focusing on sustainability. Available in kid and adult sizes, the raincoat is crafted with waterproof textile that is recycled from waste. Who says eco-friendly products can't be fashionable? The slickers arrive in bold orange, which is dubbed "Bangkok Traffic", with the brand’s classic geometric patterns called "Stride" partly featured along the arms, or opt for a monochromatic version in "Cloudy Strom" (soft grey) and "Windy Grey" (dark grey), with texting designs on the back. Visit pdmbrand.com.
Walk down Sesame Street / Vans
Following partnerships with Supreme and Mastermind Japan, Vans is taking a detour from streetwear brands to a different neighbourhood, crafting a new collection for Sesame Street. Sending a subtle message, "We All Belong", the collab is designed for the family with head-to-toe offerings for adults and kids. A slew of classic sneaker silhouettes, including the Authentic, Old Skool and Sk8-Hi, each is adorned with beloved character graphics and themed motifs. Lizzie Armanto, one of the talented skateboarders on the Vans' pro-skateboarding team, also joined the fun and was tasked with designing an exclusive pair for kids. Her Vans X Sesame Street Kids Little Lizzie features suede detailing in pastel colours, set against an all-white upper with Cookie Monster's silhouette. Visit vans.com.
Metamorphosis Campaign / Swarovski
Swarovski’s new campaign by fashion photographer Steven Meisel, was conceived by creative director Giovanna Engelbert and brought to life by the visionary styling of make-up artist Dame Pat McGrath. “Metamorphosis” is a celebration of joyful self-expression and the transformative power of crystals. It features a series of otherworldly creatures representing Swarovski’s Florere, Idyllia, Gema, Dextera and Millenia jewellery families, reimagined in a fantastical new light as tropical flora and fauna. The campaign draws on Swarovski’s Austrian heritage for inspiration, taking its cues from the magical garden rooms created by Empress Maria-Theresa at Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace in the 18th century. Visit swarovski.com/th.
Pride celebrations / Der Mond
Der Mond, a Thailand-based fine jeweller, has launched “Celebrate Your Pride”, specially-crafted genderless jewellery. The campaign includes pieces from the brand's signature and new collections, highlighting the "Caliber" collection. Experience the jewellery at all branches of Der Mond. Visit dermond.co.th.
JOIN
Get your laugh on / Comedy Club Bangkok / June 17-18
Take your first step in becoming a stand-up comedian with Phrom Phong’s Comedy Club Bangkok, which hosts a beginner workshop this weekend for B1,250 per person. Leading the two-day crash course is Chris Wegoda, resident comedian and stand-up comedy creative director of The Comedy Club Bangkok, who introduces the key elements of stagecraft, such as timing and pacing, stage presence and body language. Not only does the workshop teach about live comedy performance, but also helps develop your self-confidence and public speaking skills. Register at ComedyClubBKK.com.
Play with clay / C.A.L.M. Bar & Guinguette / June 18
Calling all art enthusiasts! C.A.L.M. Bar & Guinguette and Eye Studio will host a ceramic workshop on Sunday. For B1,980 per person, you will get a kilogramme of clay and professional pottery tools to discover the artistry within you, not to mention flee-flow drinks to keep your creative juices running. Call 062-462-9192 or visit bit.ly/42znpvr.
Kombucha & Lotus Tea 101 / Joyrukclub Thailand / June 17
This Saturday, Onrada Farm will take over Silom's Joyrukclub Thailand, where participants can learn the art of kombucha-brewing using housemade and organic ingredients. The workshop covers everything from the basics of fermentation and carbonation to the benefits and ways to consume kombucha. The class sets you back at B2,500 per person. To book a seat, visit fb.com/JoyRukClub.
Appreciation for wine / Igniv Bangkok / June 19
Igniv Bangkok will host the “Sommelier 1.0 By Igniv Bangkok”, which offers a distinctive dining experience. Hosted by Igniv's restaurant manager Regina D’Souza, the dinner will be an evening of wine discovery from sommeliers from Elements, Baan Tepa, Inddee Bangkok, Haoma and Igniv. Diners will be able to engage with the sommeliers, as they guide and share details about the five wine labels paired with Igniv’s summer menu. The dinner will be served at three times on June 19, 6pm, 7pm and 8.30pm, and is priced at B7,900 nett per person. Call 02-207-7822, email igniv.bangkok@stregishotels.com or visit bit.ly/IgnivBangkokReservationAP.
Pride party / Octave, Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit / June 24
Throughout June, guests at the Lobby Lounge and Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar at Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit can revel in the spirit of pride. Stonewall Inn cocktails at the Lobby Lounge are priced at B280++. On June 24, from 5pm-2am join “Rainbow Rendezvous” at Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, which will be transformed into a pride party destination, with DJ Patsan in the house. Entry to “Rainbow Rendezvous” is free, though tables are available at B4,999 nett, inclusive of a bottle of premium beverages and mixers. Call 02-797-0000 or email diningbangkok@marriott.com.
Water campaign / Pernod Ricard
As part of its commitment to promoting responsible drinking across Asia, Pernod Ricard is expanding its digital campaign “Drink More Water” in Thailand, raising awareness on the importance of drinking water and pacing oneself when consuming alcohol. The campaign will be amplified through digital means and on-the-ground activations through a partnership approach. Visit drinkmorewater.asia.
Film festival / Bar.Yard, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / June 24
For the third year, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok will hold the Pride Film Festival on June 24, showcasing films that are hand-picked to celebrate all things queer and everything in between and beyond. The “Let Us Be Perfectly Queer” screenings are free upon advance reservation. The festival features four films that have played iconic roles in the LGBTQIA+ movement, from 11am-8pm at the Grand Studio, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. All films are in English. Festival patrons can enjoy food and beverages , available to purchase during screenings. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a seat, visit bit.ly/PRPrideFilmFestival2023EN. Call 02-056-9999 or email kimptonmaalaibangkok@ihg.com.
Pool party / So/ Bangkok / June 24
Get your groove on for eight hours at “The Original So Pool Party”, which will be held every last Saturday of the month at So/ Bangkok. Beat the heat and get your wet ’n’ wild on at the infinity pool, overlooking Lumphini Park. The party will be held on June 24 from 1-9pm at The Water Club on the 10th floor of So/ Bangkok. The entry fee, including one drink is priced at B700 nett until June 23 and B800 nett after. The VIP Package starts at B12,300 nett for five people. Call 02-624-0000, email h6835-fb2@so-hotels.com or visit bit.ly/3oPwgv6.
Bisou x Lounys / Bisou Bangkok / June 21 to July 21
The Bisou x Lounys exhibition by Mozart Advisory in collab with Bisou Restaurant Bangkok will open on June 21 at 6pm and run for a month. The French artist, Lounys is of Algerian and Berber descent and lives between Paris and New York. For his first art show in Thailand, he has "reinvented" Bisou with his art, which is voracious as he questions the nature of survival in its contemporary form. His influences stem from contemporary pop and conceptual art movements, with his technique being automatic drawing, reminiscent of surrealist explorations of the 1920s. Call 096-025-5858.
Bad romance / Lost & Found / June 24
Hidden away in a bunker-like riverside space, Lost & Found at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel is a safe haven celebrating diversity and creativity in all its forms. This Pride Month, as part of its rotating roster of theatrical performances, Lost & Found presentes "Bad Romance" — an evening of untamed desires and naughty temptations featuring Thai rapper Badbitchbkk and drag performer Vismcqueen as the main act. On June 24, guests can also expect a hip-hop performance, live DJ sets, kinky shows and some sassy strides from resident queens. Doors open at 8pm and entry is free. Call 02-431-9475 or email riversidedining@anantara.com.
STAY
Office Escape / Spa Botanica, The Sukhothai Bangkok / Until Dec 31
Need a break from work? Spa Botanica at The Sukhothai Bangkok offers a discounted 90-minute signature massage for B5,000 per person (originally B7,500). The soothing programme combines kneading and stretching to reduce stiffness and improve the flexibility of your muscles. As the name suggests, sneak away from your office for a couple of hours and return refreshed without your boss suspecting a thing, as the "spa-tacular" deal is available only on weekdays between 10am-2pm. Round up two friends (co-conspirators) on your spa day to enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea set and a 30-minute massage voucher for your next visit. Call 02-344-8676 or contact spabotanica@sukhothai.com.
Mae Rim Romance / Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai / Until Dec 15
Celebrate each other in the magical setting of Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, nestled within the breathtaking Mae Rim Valley. With "Mae Rim Romance", the resort has prepared a getaway nest for lovebirds to celebrate their love in style, complete with a turndown amenity and complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival. By booking a minimum of three nights' stay, they can unwind with a 90-minute herbal compress spa treatment and enjoy a dinner set with a complimentary sundowner experience at Ratree Bar. The rate starts at B19,200 per night with daily breakfast included. Book at fourseasons.com/chiangmai.
Suite Escape / Chatrium Grand Bangkok / Until Dec 23
Take your citycation at Chatrium Grand Bangkok to the next luxury level with “Suite Escape". Book a minimum two-night stay in a suite, executive suite, two-bedroom suite, executive two-bedroom suite and three-bedroom suite to enjoy a 10% discount on your room rate. A night in each accommodation costs B13,687, B13,840, B16,134, B18,275 and B23,638, respectively. The package also includes daily breakfast at Savio and a one-way airport transfer. Visit chatrium.com/grandbangkok.
Kids programme / Rosewood Phuket
Rosewood Phuket will host family-friendly activities this summer. The Rosewood Explorers Club carves out a special niche for children like cultural crafts table, relaxation corners and an outdoor water playground. A curated programme of age-appropriate activities centred around culture, sustainability and wellness are designed to ignite the curiosity and energy of young travellers. Local Thai residents rates start from B18,000 nett, including breakfast for two persons at the Garden Pool Pavilion. Email phuket.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com.
EAT
4-hands dinner / Phra Nakhon X Yoong Khao Hom / June 21-22
A collaboration between chefs Kannika Jitsangworn and Sujira Pongmorn will be served at Phra Nakhon, Capella Bangkok. Available on two days only, the collab will offer dishes from Thailand’s southern provinces, from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Phuket and Pattani. Discover creations such as Hoo chae, a Phuket salad and Khao yum kratong thong, a Nakhon Si Thammarat salad. Main courses will include Khai baytong go-lae, a Thai Muslim-style grilled chicken and the classic Gaeng kua pla nam dok mai, barracuda in yellow curry with potato and pak lin harn, a local herb indigenous to villages in the southern Thai shore. Desserts will celebrate southern Thailand’s sweeter side such as O-aew served with pickled santol and Chempadak cake. The "Phra Nakhon X Yoong Khao Hom Southern Thai Feast” is available for dinner on June 21 and lunch on June 22 and is priced at B2,900++ per person. Call 02-098-3814, 065-998-4690 or email phranakhon.bangkok@capellahotels.com.
Robatayaki fiesta / Above Eleven X Yankii / June 21-22
Above Eleven takes over Yankii Robatayaki & Bar for two nights on June 21-22. The “Robatayaki Fiesta” will see chefs Omar from Above Eleven and Hakan from Yankii team-up to curate a menu where traditional techniques meet creative innovations. From grilled anticuchos to delicious cebiches, the fiesta will extend to handcrafted cocktails. The fiesta will be at Yankii Robatayaki & Bar at Skyview Hotel Bangkok on Sukhumvit 24 from 6pm. Visit sevn.ly/x8Z7Fh6G.
Mayura Station / Riva del Fiume Ristorante, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River / Until June 30
Riva del Fiume Ristorante debuts a limited-time menu showcasing the exquisite flavours of Mayura Station beef and truffles sourced from Truffle Hill. Hosted by Mayura Station owner Scott de Bruin and Four Seasons executive chef Andrea Accordi, the dinner will be held on June 17, with the menu available until June 30. The menu will feature a selection of Mayura Station beef dishes, including cuts rarely found outside of Australia. Dishes include flamed Mayura Station Signature oyster blade, cedar wood grilled Mayura Station Signature striploin and Mayura Station Signature beef tenderloin carpaccio all enhanced with black truffles from Truffle Hill. An optional wine pairing is available, as is de Bruin’s “Master Cut” or a tomahawk with oxtail jus for sharing between two or more. Prices for individual dishes start at B950++, while the degustation menu is priced at B7,500, accompanied by optional wine pairings at B3,800. Call 02-032-0885.
Seasonal cakes / Chocolate Boutique, Shangri-La Bangkok / Until June 30
Durian enthusiasts or those looking for their first taste of the popular summer fruit will not want to pass up on the “Durian Crepe Layered Cake”. Enjoy a slice for B220 nett or indulge with a two-pound cake at B2,200 nett from the Shangri-La Bangkok’s executive pastry chef Alexandar Hekimov. If you’re not into durian, the Strawberry and Matcha Crepe Layered Cake is also on offer for B180 nett a slice or B1,800 nett for a two-pound cake. Seasonal cakes are available at the Chocolate Boutique until June 30. Call 02-236-7777 or visit bit.ly/SeasonalCakesatChocolateBoutique-Media.
Afternoon tea / Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok / Until Aug 31
The “Thai Delights Afternoon Tea” with Mariage Frères’ first-ever special blue tea, Bangkok In Love, is being served at Peacock Alley. Bangkok In Love with its aromatic spices is as the perfect pairing for fine savoury bites showcasing traditional recipes with modern interpretation. Highlights include Tangmo pla haeng, Ma hor and Moo satay jelly ajard. Sweet bites feature classic Thai desserts with a modern twist and include Tub tim grob, Lod chong kati, and Saneh jaan, the traditional dessert made from yellow bean and salted egg yolk often served at auspicious occasions. The “Thai Delights Afternoon Tea” will be served daily until Aug 31 from 1-5pm. It is at B2,500++ for two. A boxed takeaway option is available at B1,900 nett for one. Call 02-846-8888 or email bkkwa.fb@waldorfastoria.com.
Dinner by the river / Sirimahannop / Until Dec 30
Sirimahannop, the reimagined Thai tall ship and refined dining destination, is serving a romantic six-course dinner overlooking the shimmering River Of Kings. The sharing menu will transport diners on a global gastronomic voyage that celebrates Sirimahannop’s historic voyages between Thailand and Europe, and the ports of call in between. The journey commences with oysters, followed by salmon, Norwegian tea-smoked duck breast and Pan-fried Atlantic halibut steak. The main course is Baked pork chop, concluding with a cherry tart. The “Romantic Dinner By The River” is priced at B2,900++ per couple, including two glasses of welcome cocktails. Call 02-259-5999, email sirimahannop@marriott.com or visit sevn.ly/xLwhIARF.
Buzz and bloom / The St. Regis Bangkok / Until July 31
Through the use of local and sustainable honey, the “Buzz & Bloom Afternoon Tea” experience aims to raise awareness about the vital role bees play in maintaining biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services. Nine different types of honey are used in the afternoon tea set, including Vejpong, which was Thailand’s first honey industry in Nakhom Pathom. Also in focus is the Wild Flower of 5th Month Honey from Mae Hong Son, produced when spring flowers are in bloom, and is also sourced directly from forest villagers in Doi Luang Tak, Tak. The “Buzz & Bloom Afternoon Tea” is priced at B1,000++ for one person, and will be served from 2-5pm. Call 02-207-7777, email fb.bangkok@stregis.com or visit bit.ly/theStRegisBarAndDrawingRoom.
