Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
Gongkan Collaboration Collection / Carnival
Thai streetwear brand Carnival presents a wearable art collection with local artist Gongkan. The brand's classic pieces, including sweaters, hoodies, crop tops and t-shirts, serve as a canvas for Gongkan to showcase his artwork from his thought-provoking "For Someone Who Hates The Rainbow" exhibition. Several motifs in the collection depict a rainbow portal with Gongkan's distinct characters swooping out of it. It carries a message of freedom to break away from societal expectations and embrace yourself. Aside from artistic apparel, there is a selection of dishware and furniture. Visit carnivalbkk.com.
Billie Eilish Nike Air Force 1 Low / Nike
Grab your wallet, Billie Eilish's fans. The American singer-songwriter has teamed up with Nike for another sneaker collab. Her previous collaborations with the Swoosh included a pair of high-top Air Force 1 in a new silhouette with a strap-heavy take, whereas this time, the artist chose the low version of the Nike Air Force 1. The kick features a pack of patchwork derived from leftover material waste from the prior AF1 High, creating a layered aesthetic. A monochromatic colourway and utilitarian style are what both of Eilish's Nike AF1s have in common. The launch also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Nike Air Force 1, serving as another reminder of how the silhouette has become a canvas of creativity for multiple generations. Visit nike.com/th.
Flume Collection / PDM Brand
Does PDM Brand's latest pattern look familiar to you? Yes, that is a curvy silhouette of the Chao Phraya River from above. Zürich-based designer Fritz Jakob Gräber was tasked with designing a new pattern for the brand's signature weaving mat. He named his design "Flume", which is a clear nod to the hometown of PDM — Bangkok. Available in two sizes, the mat features a double-sided design, offering different shades between brown and beige when flipping over. Shop at pdmbrand.com.
JOIN
RTAF Night Museum / National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force / Dec 21-25
The National Aviation Museum of the Royal Thai Air Force will host the "RTAF Night Museum" next week. Expect a flock of steel birds that were used for royal duties on display alongside aviator attires. Festivities include a walk rally, painting and a paper plane workshop. Get some meals from food trucks and stay for their movie nights, screening aeroplane-related films. Visit fb.com/royalthaiairforcemuseum.
Ground For Giftmas / Ground For / Dec 17-18, 24-25
Up for gift-hunting? Ground For, a lifestyle community space on Phahonyothin Road, hosts a weekend Christmas market, "Ground For Giftmas". They will be four days of drinking coffee, buying gifts, eating an array of food and checking your feng shui. Go to fb.com/groundfor.
Christmas Self-Care Gift Box / Bangkok Soap Opera / Dec 17
Busy preparing gifts for others this season of gifting? How about making one for yourself at Bangkok Soap Opera? Thong Lor’s organic soap maker hosts a "Thong Lor’s organic soap-maker" workshop for B2,100 per person. Your one-of-a-kind Christmas bundle is packed with natural products specially designed for self-love and self-care, including a Christmas candle, natural winter soap and bath salt. Book a seat here: soapoperabkk.com.
Workshop and sunset cruise / Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa / Dec 16
“Aperol Pop-Up Bar” at the Renaissance Pattaya Resort & Spa, which is on the hotel's beachfront from Dec 16 to March 31, 2023, kicks off with an “Italian Drink Workshop” by Symphony Loo, Campari Group brand ambassador for Southeast Asia. The workshop costs B3,200 per person and includes brunch and free flow Italian cocktails. The workshop then caps off with “Aperol Sunset”, which takes place aboard a luxurious yacht with free flow Italian cocktails and food. The dinner cruise is priced at B3,600 per person. Call 038-259-099 or email info@renaissancepattaya.com. Visit aperol.com and camparigroup.com.
Sunday salon / Alexander Lamont Gallery - Bangkok Warehouse 30 / Dec 18
Celebrate the Christmas season with Alexander Lamont at the Sunday Salon on Dec 18 from 2-6pm at Alexander Lamont Gallery - Bangkok Warehouse 30. Join the Winter Holiday workshops or enjoy live music, mince pies and mulled wine with friends and loved ones while you browse the beautiful gifts from the studio on display in the gallery. The workshops will be conducted by floral artist Naomi Daimaru: 2-4pm is the Winter Holiday centrepiece workshop and 4-6pm is the Christmas tree workshop. Each workshop is priced at B1,000, with all materials included, and is limited to 10 people each. Email marketing@alexanderlamont.com.
Celebrate You / Virgin Active Thailand / Dec 19-22
To bid farewell to the year in style, Virgin Active, is urging you to tap into the festive spirit under the “Celebrate You” campaign. Virgin Active Thailand and its eight world-class clubs in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Chiang Mai have gone full festive. The club is organising a festive-themed Les Mills classes complete with special costumes for trainers, along with a new set of songs that will reignite the festive spirit for all class-goers from Dec 19-22. Les Mills are exercise classes that create movements through upbeat music, modern studios and quality equipment to make you fall in love with exercise, without exhausting all the fun. In addition, Virgin Active is offering four free personal training sessions when applying for Long Termer memberships. Visit virginactive.co.th.
Hendrick’s Festive Wonderland / T1 building / Dec 22-27
Hendrick’s is inviting everyone to “Put A Little Hendrick’s In Your Holidays” with its latest refreshing encounter: the “Hendrick’s Festive Wonderland” on the 40th floor rooftop of T1 building, Thong Lor, daily from 7pm, Dec 22-27. A cozy outdoor space offering views of Bangkok’s skyline, escape from the conventional and monotony of clichéd festivities. Hendrick’s Festive Wonderland promises a playground of yuletide oddities to inspire the curious-minded and ring in holiday cheer. Merrymakers can take their pick from a special array of festive drinks at the first-ever Hot Air Balloon Bar. Featuring guest shifts by Charmaine Thio, Hendrick’s gin brand ambassador for Southeast Asia on Dec 23 and local bartenders from Dec 24 onwards. The menu includes the delectable HG French 75 and the exquisitely refreshing Cranberry fizz. In the spirit of coming together, two drink purchases can get a personalised Hendrick’s Christmas card from a Hendrick’s artist. Those expecting a bout of good luck can also take part in the Hendrick’s Giving Christmas Tree, where winners can receive prizes ranging from unusual Christmas cookies, 1 complimentary refreshing festive drink, a pair of Hendrick’s Gin socks and more.
andhim / Woo Bar, W Koh Samui / Dec 23
W Koh Samui’s Woobar, the island’s preferred lounge destination, hosts the year’s biggest W Vibes party with Simon Haehnel of international headliner duo andhim as featured artist. Founded by Haehnel and Tobias Müller in 2010, andhim has released more than 60 songs and remixes and collaborated with Theophilus London, Diplo, Högni Egilson, Groove Armada and Elderbrook. Their remix for Wine And Chocolates made it to No.31 on the German single charts. They describe their sound “super house” — their own definition of electronic music that, whether melodic or deep, always bears the typical andhim fingerprint. W Vibes on Dec 23 is priced at B1,500 nett per person with two drinks. VIP pods are at B10,000 nett each and is good for six guests, a bottle of a premium spirit and six mixers. Call 07-791-5999, email bf.wkohsamui@whotels.com or connect with W Koh Samui on Facebook or IG.
Timeless Path / Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok / Until April 2
“Timeless Path” by Torlarp Larpjaroensook, curated by Nim Niyomsin and Kit Bencharongkul will be on view at the Four Seasons Art Space by Moca Bangkok. The exhibition demonstrates the artist’s attempt to connect to something beyond our world, into the deep space beyond our common logic and perception. The centrepiece is Voyager (2022). Launched in 1977, the year Torlarp was born, Voyager I is the most distant man-made object. As of this month, it is 14.8 billion miles away from Earth. Displayed with this work is a screen showing real-time information on Voyager I from Nasa on a wooden frame that was once part of the artist’s old family boat. Every signal we have received from the spacecraft is from the past. Its present is our future. Signal (2022), one of the new additions to this show, reminds us of a time prior to the invention of smartphones. This was when we had to write down phone numbers and remembered the numbers of those close to us by heart. An old phone dial links to a light on the screen revealing an image of the artist’s childhood home where he lived with his grandmother in Ayutthaya. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. Call 02-016-5666 or email info@mocabangkok.com.
Vessel Of Desires / SAC Gallery / Until March 15
American artist Trevor Foster is a multidisciplinary, known for ceramic works, as well as detailed mezzotint prints. In “Vessel Of Desires”, Foster’s first solo exhibition with SAC Gallery at 160/3, Sukhumvit 33, he offers insights into his wide and varied interests curated into a wonder room, with objects of different sizes and materials. Foster draws his inspirations from 16th-18th century illustrations, as well as historical objects and design language found in the Rococo period. Although they come from various origins, they are tied together by Foster’s fascination with local craftsmanship. The exhibition presents more than 50 pieces of Foster’s series of work in mixed media, including prints and sculptures, that serve as the artist’s autobiography of his experiences, journeys and the cultures he’s visited. Opening reception is on Dec 17 from 4pm. Visit sac.gallery.
STAY
Elevate And Enjoy / Four Points By Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort / Until Dec 31
Enjoy a promotion as you “Elevate And Enjoy” a memorable vacation on Patong's beachfront just steps away from the sea. Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort is bringing in 2023 with a special promotion. Indulge in premium rooms like the Balcony Ocean View, Pool Access, One Bedroom Suite, Family Suite and Ocean View Suite with daily breakfast for two, B300 daily resort credit and a welcome amenity. This promotion starts at B5,250+++ per night for two persons. Booking dates are until Dec 31 for stay dates until March 31, 2023. Visit fourpointsphuketpatong.com.
Are You Kidding? / The Standard Hua Hin / Ongoing
From a complimentary kids' menu to special welcome amenities and super tempting rates, The Standard Hua Hin gives you a reason to take your little ones for a tropical getaway. With a rate of B5,499 per night for Standard King, the "Are You Kidding?" package offers daily breakfast, which children can dine for free on the kids' menu. Take your little ones to the Juice Cafe to enjoy a complimentary crepe cake. A postcard pack with coloured pencils is available in your room, as well as a selection of toys, like Jenga, for a family's game night. Book via standardhotels.com/hua-hin.
Thai-Licious Experience / Shangri-La Bangkok / until Mar 31
Take pleasure in a savoury staycation at Shangri-La Bangkok in Wat Suan Phlu Alley, which invites you to experience an authentic Thai taste at the hotel's Salathip Thai Restaurant. For a rate starting at B6,000 per night, book a minimum stay of two nights to enjoy exclusive dining privileges with "Thai-Licious Experience". Think of a daily breakfast for two adults and two kid, below the age of 12, and a Thai dinner set for two adults at Salathip. The offer is valid until March 31. Reservations are available at shangri-la.com/bangkok/shangrila.
Journey To Resilience / Rosewood Bangkok / until Feb 28
Unwind with a pampering "Journey To Resilience" offer at Rosewood Bangkok. The luxury hotel on Phloen Chit Road rolls out a two-day wellness programme that is designed for guests who need to relax in style. For B34,000 per night, they can kick back in Sense Studio King while being pampered with indulgent sessions from Sense, A Rosewood Spa, such as a 90-minute Lost Remedies treatment and a 60-minute facial treatment per person. Your evening is enhanced with the turndown service of a Sense signature bath in your private whirlpool. Besides a wellness-focused retreat, you can savour delectable meals without guilt, with a healthy lunch set at G&O and a whole dinner set at Lakorn European Brasserie. Select one of the 45-minute private classes to stay on top of your fitness routine, including pilates, full-body stretching or foam roller exercise. Go to rosewoodhotels.com/en/bangkok.
EAT
Winter In Tuscany / Rossini’s, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit / Dec 16-19
An exclusive culinary evening combining the finest flavours of Italy with premium beverage from Penfolds, the Australian vineyard, at Rossini’s, will take place over four nights, Dec 16-19, from 5.30-10.30pm. The “Penfolds Premium Beverage Dinner” will see diners savour a sublime four-course menu crafted by hotel executive chef Gaetano Palumbo and complemented by Penfolds, the historic and highly-acclaimed premium beverage maker, which celebrated its 178th anniversary in 2022. The meal is priced on the Line Shop at B3,200 nett per person (food only) and B2,000++ for the Penfolds premium beverage pairing. Visit bit.ly/SGS_LINEShopping or Line: @sheratongrandebkk.
For our list of festive meals to celebrate Christmas and New Year, please go to our previous articles at bit.ly/3FUkUfc and bit.ly/3FC1iLD.
WATCH
Avatar: The Way Of Water in cinemas
Directed by James Cameron.
Who's in it?
Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver.
What's it about?
Jake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their home.
Why watch it?
The movie is the new benchmark in CGI blockbuster film-making.
Harry & Meghan on Netflix (Volume 2)
Streaming now
Harry and Meghan Markle are giving fans a look inside their 2018 wedding, and much more.
