Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
Lunar New Year 2023 Collection / Harnn
In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Harnn presents an aromatic charm that wishes you the best of luck. The Thai-made health and beauty brand, whose products combine folk remedies with modern-day innovations, crafts a special edition scented sachet that takes inspiration from the design of the Japanese amulet, Omamori. Bursting with warm and floral notes of mimosa and cardamom, the aromatic charm features not just one but two symbols of good fortune on a silk-blended cover, including motifs of a rabbit and a four-leaf clover. Harnn also jumps on the Chinese New Year bandwagon by offering a Lucky Rabbit pillowcase when spending a minimum of B6,000. Shop at harnn.com.
Year Of The Rabbit 2023 / Burberry
Burberry hops into the Year Of The Rabbit with an exclusive capsule collection for extra festivity. The British luxury fashion house introduces a new version of the brand's staple Thomas Burberry "TB" Monogram that has been reimagined with playful rabbit ears, where two rabbits are positioned back-to-back so that their floppy ears can meet to form a love heart shape. The bunny-inspired pattern is adorned on womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, as well as the brand's signature Lola bag, accessories, cashmere and silk scarves. Visit burberry.com.
Chinese New Year 2023 / Onitsuka Tiger
To ring in the Chinese New Year, Onitsuka Tiger introduces a sneaker with design elements inspired by this year's zodiac—the rabbit. Its signature Mexico 66 model, which is one of the brand's iconic staples and debuted at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico, arrives in a clean mix of cream and birch across the recycled leather uppers. Fluffy faux fur lining runs along the lateral and medial sides of the Onitsuka Tiger stripes, giving the silhouette a new twist and adding extra fluffiness. The year "2023" is printed on its OrthoLite insoles in red and white, while soft gold branding appears on the tongue tab and heel flaps. Go to onitsukatiger.com.
Ultimate luxury / Bottega Veneta / Until Jan 22
Now that China has opened its doors, it is time to join family and friends for Lunar New Year celebrations. Bottega Veneta manifests this in a short film, a physical installation and a personalisable WeChat ecard, available to all. The concept addresses a local tradition with a universal message: time is the ultimate luxury. The film titled “Reunion In Motion” by director Jess Jing Zou is a portrayal of characters on the road, exploring introspection and togetherness as they travel through different landscapes in China. To mark the launch, a train reminiscent of the brand’s signature green is on a month-long journey across China, with the message: “On the roads that lead home, Happy New Year”. A personalisable WeChat ecard has also been released and the filter prompts users to use their fingertips to write a message on the condensation of a moving train window. The train journeys for a month across China, until the Lunar New Year on Jan 22.
Lunar New Year / H&M / Ongoing
The H&M Lunar New Year Collection 2023 features pastels, vibrant reds and eclectic prints inspired by the Year Of The Rabbit. H&M’s campaign “Celebration Of Style” for its 2023 Lunar New Year collection in Southeast Asia brings personalities in the region, like Christinna Kuan, Jestinna Kuan, Perry Kuan, Miss World Vietnam 2019, Luong Thuy Linh, Vietnamese singer, Song Luan, and Vietnamese kid influencer, Hehe of @hehiuwazzup, together across cultures and spaces. H&M’s 2023 Lunar New Year collection is available in stores and at th.hm.com.
JOIN
Made By Legacy Flea Market No. 14 / Made By Legacy: New Old Community / Jan 13, 14, 15
Made by Legacy flea market returns this weekend with its new riverside location at Saengthong Rice company’s warehouse on Rat Burana Road. Once again, the anticipated flea market will gather more than 200 vendors, selling everything from vintage apparel, brand names archives and handcrafted items to art pieces, old books, vinyl records, one-of-a-kind home decorations and imported furniture. Food and drinks are aplenty, with DJ crews to set the mood. A day-pass ticket costs B150, while B300 can get three-day access. Children below the age of 13 can enter for free. Visit fb.com/MadeByLegacy.
Film screening: He Had Wings / Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) / Jan 19
The documentary "He Had Wings", which portrays the correlation between a homeless artist named Ronnie Goodman and the streets of San Francisco, will be screened at the FCCT at Maneeya Center at Phloenchit. He is known as a street artist who has raised his voice for the unhoused and poor in the City by the Bay through his artwork. The half-hour docu will enlighten you on the social issues of racism, housing and social justice through Goodman's creative journey. Tickets cost B150, and members can join for free. Visit fb.com/FCCThailand.
Little Golfer Wonderland / Thaniya / until Jan 22
Thaniya Plaza is hosting the "Little Golfer Wonderland", where little ones can evoke their inner golfers. Until Jan 22, the event area on the G floor of Silom's golf retail centre has been transformed into a mini golf course, where little golfers can win a sports polo shirt with a surprise gift after completing the nine holes. During Children's Day weekend, on Jan 14-15, meet with a crew of Jesters, who will give out smiles and balloon animals. Parents can browse through curated golfing gadgets for themselves or their kids at a market zone. Go to fb.com/thaniyashoppingcenter.
Children’s Day / Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok / Jan 14
Bring out the child in you with Flourish as Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok pulls out all the playful, delicious stops for everyone in the family. Choose from an international buffet and kid favs for a family feast. Enjoy entertainments and activities galore from clowns and cartoon characters to painting and a balloon house, from cotton candy and hot dog stations to popsicles. Just don’t forget to save room for the ice cream and waffles. On Jan 14, at Flourish restaurant, from noon to 3pm, for B3,200++ per adult and B1,600++ per kid (between the ages of six and 12), enjoy a buffet. Call 02-095-9999, email fb.sindhorn@kempinski.com or visit bit.ly/ChildrensDayFamilyFun.
Eco-Friendly Children’s Day / Habito Mall and Bangkok Recycling Chain Event / Jan 14
With an eye on sustainability and circularity, Sansiri’s community mall Habito in the T77 community at On Nut is hosting a “Children’s Day Yard Sale & Fun Fair” in conjunction with the Bangkok Recycling Chain group. From 10am-5pm on Jan 14, families can enjoy multiple eco-friendly activities. Visitors can shop a yard sale with over 30 tables of preloved mom, baby & family items including clothes, toys, games, childcare and babycare items, or browse an eco-market family & kids oriented eco-friendly shops. More than 60 sellers, businesses, organisations and artists are involved in the fair and creating this conscious event. Highlights of the children’s activities include a kiddie “Trash-to-Treasure” upcycling workshop by Color with Pet Art, green storytelling and a kiddie bookswap by Liber Bookstore, sustainable play activities by Little Legend Nature Play and a yoga acrobatics show by Baan Unrak kids. In addition, the event also aims to motivate conscious consumption and recycling with a children's waste-sorting activity. Kids can complete the waste-sorting game and get a free cotton candy prize. Visit bangkokrecyclingchain.com.
Children’s weekend / Topgolf Megacity / Jan 14-15
Topgolf Megacity, next to Megabangna shopping center, delivers a whole lot of family fun on January 14-15, 2023 from 11.30am -8pm. Starting from The Puttyard, with free participation and play at the newest 18-hole minigolf, the day is continued with VR games and PlayStation action on the largest TV screen in town at Topgolf Sports Bar. “Brunch By The Bus” offers complimentary all-time kids’ favourite bites throughout the day. An add-on offer, “Booze By The Bay” for parents is priced at B1,250 per adult for two-hour free flow. This package is an add-on to regular gameplay that ranges from B850 to B1,450 per hour per bay. One or two adults can bring up to four children. Each bay can accommodate up to six players. Call 02-114-1289 or visit topgolfthailand.com/families.
Ukrainian fair / Angoon Garden, Thong Lor / Jan 15
The Ukrainian community in Bangkok will host a fair to spread the word about centuries-old Ukrainian traditions of Christmas celebrations. On Jan 15, from noon-6pm at Angoon Garden, Thong Lor, try Ukrainian cuisine, which will include the famous borscht; take a winter picture at photo booth; paint your own Christmas ornaments at a workshop; take part in Ukrainian carol singing, scheduled for 4.30pm and remind the world that the famous “Carol Of The Bells”, also known as “Shchedryk”, was written by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. Free entrance. Visit bit.ly/3is516Q.
The Royal Hibiscus Hotel / TK Park / Jan 21
The Contemporary World Film Series returns at TK Park, CentralWorld, after a five-year hiatus. The first screening will be The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, a lively romantic comedy from Nigeria. The story centres around a talented and creative chef working in London, who does not get the job she wants and decides to run the family-owned hotel in Lagos, Nigeria. The movie created waves at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film is supported by the Embassy of Nigeria, who will serve Nigerian snacks and drinks, after the screening, and Nigerian Ambassador Oma Djebah will introduce the film. Due to limited seating, reservations are a must. Tickets are B20 and can be bought at filmforum17@gmail.com.
Circoloco / Baba Beach Club Natai / Jan 14 and Jan 21
World-renowned Circoloco is back at Baba Beach Club Natai from 2pm-2am, with the support of The Tourism Authority of Thailand. Featuring a highly anticipated line-up including Archie Hamilton, DJ Tennis, Haai, Joseph Capriati, Michael Bibi, Peggy Gou, Richy Ahmed, Seth Troxler, Shygirl, Skream, Ccraig, Kidoo, Tom Roemer, Wildealer and more. Circoloco has extended will also contribute to the development of Thailand’s underground music scene. In the natural surroundings of Natai, the dance party will ensure sustainability at the events through the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials leading up to and throughout the show. Email phuket@bababeachclub.com or visit bababeachclub.com/natai/event/circoloco-thailand-2023.
STAY
Jungle To City Journey / Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort / Ongoing
Get bigger bang for your baht by booking two consecutive nights at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort to enjoy a one-night staycation at Anantara Siam Bangkok. Your mountain getaway includes a daily full-board meal plan and one of the resort's activities for each night spent. Select from an elephant experience, a cooking class Spice Spoons, a spa treatment or a 90-minute private yoga or Pilates class. Admission to the Hall of Opium museum and roundtrip airport transfers are included.
With "Jungle To City Journey", the hospitality group invites you to experience the distinctive splendours of Chiang Rai's lush nature and the bustling concrete jungle of Bangkok while luxuriating in a lavish lifestyle for a starting rate of B35,945 per night. By booking two consecutive nights in a Deluxe Three Country View Room or a night in a Three Country View Deluxe Suite at the prestigious Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, you can spend a night in Anantara Siam’s sumptuously appointed Siam Suite with Kasara Lounge access. Reservation at anantara.com/golden-triangle-chiang-rai.
Your 2023 / Chi, The Spa, Shangri-La Bangkok / Until Feb 28
Chi, The Spa at the riverfront luxury Shangri-La Bangkok is offering a soothing spa package to kick off 2023 in style. At a starting rate of B2,023 per person, guests can embark on a blissful journey with a 60-minute body massage using warm oil extracted from traditional Thai flowers or their choice of body exfoliation from the spa menu. Shangri-La Circle members get to enjoy a 30-minute Golden Facial Mask as an extra perk. Booking at shangrila-eshop-bangkok.com.
New Lounge / Nok Air
Nok Max passengers and Nok Smile Plus members can kick back in Nok Air's newly-opened lounge, which is among new initiatives for the airline's repositioning plan, aiming to shift itself from a low-cost to a premium airline. At Don Mueang International Airport's Terminal 2 for domestic and regional flights, stretching from Gates 41-46 and 50-56, the lounge offers a quiet setting to unwind before taking off. Expect a wide selection of Thai and international dishes, including bakery and soft drink stations. The lounge also opens to walk-ins for B500 per adult and B350 per kid. Nok Air Lounge is open daily from 5am-9pm. Visit fb.com/nokairlines.
Auspicious stay / Capella Bangkok / Until Jan 29
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Capella Bangkok on Charoen Krung Road and enjoy a resort credit of B6,888 nett per stay and one-of-a-king ang pao-inspired amenities created for the season. Stays offer daily daily breakfast for two guests, a special ang pao amenities, resort credit of B6,888 nett per stay to enjoy at the resort’s dining and spa outlets, daily sunrise yoga by the river, complimentary ironing of upto five pieces of clothing per day, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages from the minibar, replenished daily, a Capella Culturist, use of The Living Room and an evening Cin Cin Hour. The offer applies to Riverfront and Riverfront Premier rooms and is available until Jan 29 a minimum of two nights. Call 02-098-3888, email reservations.bangkok@capellahotels.com or visit capellahotels.com/en/capella-bangkok/offers/lunar-new-year-2023.
EAT
Lucky orange / Zing and Dynasty restaurants / Until Jan 22
Celebrate the Year Of The Rabbit on Jan 22 by picking up “Lucky Orange’ cakes from Zing or Dynasty restaurants at Centara Grand at CentralWorld. These cakes, also known as Chinese New Year cakes, are believed to bring good luck. Each box contains two pieces for B388 nett. Call 02-100-1234 ext. 6485 to place an order for a slice of luck. Visit centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw.
Belga Kitchen Party x Texica / Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit / Jan 19
Experience the richness and flavour of Belgian cuisine while sipping on wine and bubbles at the Belga Kitchen Party X Texica. With two hours of free-flow drinks and an array of Belga signature dishes such as Chicken waterzooi, Cote de boeuf, Belgian waffles and much more, served between 7-9pm, the dinner is priced at B1,800++ per person (Accor Plus members enjoy 10% discount). Call 02-126-9999 or visit bit.ly/3X1ER9r.
WATCH
The Woman King in cinemas
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.
Who's in it?
Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu and Lashana Lynch.
What's it about?
A historical epic inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Why watch it?
In the words of lead actress Viola Davis in an interview to ITV News: “What I think they will all see is a movie that literally is going to shift the narrative for people of colour".
M3GAN in cinemas
Directed by Gerard Johnstone.
Who's in it?
Allison Williams, Violet McGraw and Amie Donald.
What's it about?
A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own.
Why watch it?
Because 'Chucky' is so 2021.
