Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
The Essence of Dreams / Tory Burch
Designer label Tory Burch steps into the world of fragrances with “Essence Of Dreams”, the brand's first perfume collection that takes inspiration from the designer's inner journey. Five sentimental scents are introduced, giving you a recollection of your innermost feelings and dreams. Designed to evoke a sense of "freedom", Electric Sky offers lavender and woody smells. Try Sublime Rose, which boasts notes of rose and blackcurrant if you're feeling "loving'. If you're in the mood for citrus and honey, Divine Moon is the way to go, and it represents "peace". Cosmic Wood captures the essence of "magic", with a scented pack of vetiver, spicy cardamom and jasmine, while Mystic Geranium brings "joy” through a serene blend of fresh bergamot, aromatic geranium and musk. A 90ml perfume from the Essence Of Dreams collection costs B4,850. Shop at toryburch.co.th.
Preduce Skateboards Edition / G-shock
Casio crafts a collaboration timepiece to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Thai skateboard brand Preduce Skateboards. Local artist Thun "Trk" Puchpen is tasked with designing Casio's shock-resistant G-shock watch, the DW-5600 model. It catches everyone's attention with a watch face that features a vibrant design of Tossakan's head, a giant from Thai literature named Ramakien, with an LED display showing an outline of the demon's fiery face. The watch's body comes in all black with the Preduce logo on the straps. Visit preduce.com.
New Symfonisk Speaker / Ikea
Ikea and the California-based audio brand Sonos are gearing up to launch another piece of stereo furniture for their wireless speaker line, Symfonisk. Following the bookshelf and table lamp speakers, they announce the next version of a Symfonisk speaker that features the shape of a floor lamp. Designed with simplicity in mind, the coming floor lamp speaker adds a minimalist aesthetic to your space thanks to its design with an all-black body and a bamboo lamp shade. The speaker is part of the Sonos system, which allows it to connect to music and audio content via an app, and it can also sync with other Ikea audio products when installed with Dirigera, a smart home hub. Shop at ikea.com/th.
Kana Pure / Sukhumvit 11
Bespoke Life Sciences Ltd, under Boutique Corporation PCL, has launched its third high-grade medical cannabis dispensary shop on Sukhumvit 11 under Kana Pure. Bespoke cultivates its high-grade medical cannabis in fully environmentally controlled farms in northern Thailand. Bespoke intends to roll out up to 20 additional fully licensed outlets throughout Thailand in 2023.
JOIN
Juggling Therapy / Bangkok Jugglers and Spinners / Dec 30, Jan 6
Looking for New Year's resolution ideas? The online community Bangkok Jugglers and Spinners invites you to unlock yourself at "Juggling Therapy". Taking place today and next Friday, from 4-7pm, at Santichaiprakarn Park, the workshop introduces you to juggling, combining self-confident and mindful approaches. Join for free. Equipment is limited; please bring your own if you have it at home. Contact fb.com/groups/bangkokjugglersandspinners.
Ring In 2023! / The Commons Saladaeng and Thonglor / Dec 31
Both The Commons Saladaeng and Thonglor will throw a countdown party to ring in 2023 in style. Gather your loved ones for a New Year's Eve celebration, where you can find proper food and booze to end things right. A line-up of DJs and musicians brings the beats to your New Year's celebrations. Whether on Sala Daeng 1 or Thong Lor 17, the urban lifestyle community spaces will set up a "2022 Memories Corner" where you can reflect, write and share inspiring postcard greetings. Go to fb.com/thecommonssaladaeng and fb.com/thecommonsthonglor.
Let's Party / 100-Bit Barcade / Dec 31
If you want to catch the countdown buzz but are not a fan of crowded places, 100-Bit Barcade is it. The drinking establishment on Chareon Krung 31 that makes you feel like a kid again with classic video arcade games will host a party this New Year's Eve. Come by for arcade games and a complimentary red or white sangria. The party starts at 6pm. Visit fb.com/100bitbar.
Times Square of Asia / CentralWorld countdown / Dec 31
Countdown to 2023 at CentralWorld, which is being decked out as the “Times Square of Asia”. The highlight will be that the CentralWorld Bangkok Countdown 2023 will appear on the screen in Times Square, New York. How’s that for soft power?! Gates to the CentralWorld countdown open at 6pm and is free if you download the Central Life X app and fill in the required details on the “Join” in “Settings” for convenience. Visit bit.ly/centrallifexctwcountdown. Alternatively, watch a live broadcast of the countdown on Channel 3HD from 10.30pm-12.30am, Multi View via Facebook Live or YouTube Live: CentralWorld from 7pm-12.30am.
K!nkyBKK X-tend / Pulse Clinic, Silom / Until Feb 28
Pulse Clinic and Pulse Gallery follow the success of the “K!nkyBKK” exhibition with the announcement of K!nkyBKK X-tend, an exhibition that invites the LGBTQI community to explore fantasies at deeper levels through art, performances and more. Featured artists include Gastby Lim, a kink artist who embraces the beauty of intimacy and the male body through shibari, Marla Bendini, a transwoman artist who documents her rises and falls of being a woman through her work, and Myrtille Tibayrenc, a well-known Chiang Mai-based French artist whose work is featured in the Bangkok Art Biennale 2022. Visit pulse-clinic.com.
Bryan Adams So Happy It Hurts Tour in Bangkok / Royal Paragon Hall / March 17
Canadian veteran musician Bryan Adams returns to Thailand for the fourth time in 2023 to perform at Royal Paragon Hall as part of the Asia leg of his “So Happy It Hurts” tour, named after his latest and 15th studio. The feel-good rock star packs his latest album with uplifting songs and positivity, a much-needed vibe as the world is transitioning into the post-Covid era, and it sat atop music charts in 40 countries His very expansive discography, which includes 73 singles, contains many hits such as Everything I Do, I Do It For You and It's Only Love (with Tina Turner) that early fans remember him by while younger fans may be more familiar with Could Number 9 and When You're Gone (feat. Melanie C). Pre-sale tickets for fan club members start on Jan 4 via his official website bryanadams.com. Live Nation members get to buy tickets on Jan 5 from 10am-10pm. Sign up for a membership and buy the pre-sale tickets at bit.ly/BATHPS. The public sale starts Jan 6 from 10am via Thai Ticket Major at bit.ly/BryanTH23. Tickets start from B2,200.
TRAVEL
Midtown Year End Sale & Year End Special / Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok & Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / Until Dec 31
Soi Langsuan's Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok and Soi Ton Son's Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok give you a reason to book a citycation in advance. With the "Midtown Year End Sale" and "Year End Special", you can get a 15% off on your room rate when booking on weekdays or a 10% discount to save on your weekend stay. IHG One Rewards members can top off their stay with an additional 3% off. Book by the end of the year for stays beginning on Jan 2. Visit sindhornmidtown.com and kimptonmaalaibangkok.com.
Luxury Stay & New Year's Eve At Trader Vic's / Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort / Until Dec 31
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort invites you to end things right with a gourmet buffet at its Trader Vic's. Ring in 2023 in style with a half-board riverside getaway by booking a minimum of two nights, with one of the nights staying on New Year's Eve. With rates starting at B22,154 per night, you can kick back in a deluxe room with a daily breakfast for two. The highlight awaits at the resort's American-fusion cuisine, where you can enjoy a festive buffet spread with an alcoholic drink pairing, tapping along with a live band to set the mood. Dance the night away and stay for a firework show over the glittering river at midnight. Booking at anantara.com/riverside-bangkok.
Flight Deal / Bangkok Airways / Until Dec 31, 2023
Bangkok Airways is giving you a little present for the New Year. The airline is rolling out a deal for flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Passengers can book their flights to the North for B1,360, which includes a 20kg baggage allowance, free seat selection, Flyerbonus mileage collection, Boutique Lounge access and a complimentary in-flight meal. The saving rate is bookable all year round. Reserve a seat at bangkokair.com.
Sustainable wellness / Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort / Ongoing
BDMS Wellness Clinic Retreat has opened shop at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and is offering signature wellness check-up packages aimed at the early detection and prevention of diseases. The programmes also analyse signs of biological and bio-chemical ageing processes to improve health and help maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, slow the ageing process and increase longevity. Rates for the signature wellness check-up packages start from B10,800++. Multi-day check-ups and treatments offer luxurious accommodation at Anantara Riverside and incorporate treatments at the renowned Anantara Spa that draw from healing practices of East and West. Rates for a three-night Detox Package start at B46,260++ for two people sharing a room and includes a three-night stay and daily wellness breakfast and lunch. Call 02-476-0022 or email bangkokriverside@anantara.com. Visit bangkok-riverside.anantara.com.
EAT
New a la carte menu / Dynasty, Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Ongoing
The Chinese restaurant, Dynasty, at Centara Grand at CentralWorld has launched a new a la carte menu featuring new signature Cantonese dishes. Indulge in a Prawn salad with orange sauce, “Yao chin chao faan” fried rice with shrimp and fresh scallops, Pumpkin soup with conpoy and crab meat, and Sauteed fresh Australian abalone with oyster sauce and shiitake. The new signature dishes can be enjoyed with any other a la carte dishes, with a dim sum buffet, or as part of a set lunch or dinner. Call 02-100-6255 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
WATCH
Best of Stand Up on Netflix
Premiers on Dec 31
Highlights of all the new stand-up specials for this year.
The Glory on Netflix
Premiers on Dec 30
South Korean drama series about a woman puts a plan of revenge into action.
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish in cinemas
Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado.
Who's in it?
The voices of Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek and Harvey Guillén.
What's it about?
Puss discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: he has burned through eight of his nine lives. So, he sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical last wish and restore his nine lives.
Why watch it?
Everyone's favourite leche-loving, swashbuckling, fear-defying feline returns for the first time in more than a decade.
