Every week, we sift through tonnes of activities, shows, art exhibitions and things to do. Here is our especially curated list of what's hot this week in Bangkok and beyond. Enjoy!
Activities
+ Potterheads Rejoice
Harry Potter: Christmas in the Wizarding World, Siam Paragon, Dec 17-Mar 2, 2018
For the first time in Thailand, the official Harry Potter-themed retail experience will pop up at the Fashion Hall on Siam Paragon's first floor for the enjoyment of muggles, squibs and wizards alike. Expect a curated array of merch inspired by Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in a festive and interactive setting of Hogsmeade (non-fans, it's an all-wizard village) during the winter. Basically you can shop for all the accessories needed to pull off your Harry Potter cosplay. Don't forget to check out a real-life Ollivanders wand shop. Photo ops can be had at a selection of backgrounds from both film franchises. Potterheads should definitely not miss this one.
10am-10pm. Siam Paragon, Rama I Road.
+ Christmas at ChangChui
ChangChui Fest-Take Off, ChangChui, from Dec 16, 2017
ChangChui will host its first Xmas, featuring art installations, food, drinks and laser beams! The festivities will kick off with the lighting of Christmas Chair-rity tree made of 1,000 green chairs by artist Thanawat Maneenawa of TAM:DA brand. The chairs will later be donated to a school later. The signature air-plane has been transformed into NA-OH Museum and it will be officially launched. Only 200 people are allowed to visit it per day. From Fridays to Sundays, the Night Zone will become lively with food, indie bands, DJs and craft shops. Free entry.
Closes on Wednesdays, 11am - 9pm for Green Zone, 4-11pm for Night Zone. ChangChui, Sirindhorn Road, Bang Plad, 081-817-2888.
+ Museum Binge
Night at the Museum 2017, 11 Museums, Dec 15-17
Go on a knowledge quest during the seventh edition of this nighttime museum visit. All the participating museums will be open for longer hours so you can enjoy all of them over this weekend. They are Museum Siam (10am - 10pm), King Prajadhipok Museum (9am - 9pm), Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall (10am - 9pm), The Queen's Gallery (10am - 9pm), Pipat Banglamphu - Local Heritage Museum (10am - 9pm), Coin Museum Treasury Department Thailand (4 - 9pm), Police Museum Parusakawan Palace (10am-8pm), Sai Suddha Nobhadol Building Museum (4 - 9pm), Chulalongkorn University Museum of Natural History (4 - 10pm on Dec 15, noon - 10pm on Dec 16-17), The National Memorial (4 - 10pm) and Bangkok Planetarium (5:30 - 9:30pm on Dec 15-16). Pay for tickets to enter some museums while others are free during certain hours. For more info and highlights in Thai check out the link below.
+ Seasonal Market
Winter Market Fest #5, T77 Community, Dec 16-17
Sansiri's Winter Market Fest returns! Shop, eat, drink and be jolly at this annual market event where 150 shops participate. There will be mini concerts by Season Five, Lipta, Sqweez Animal and Film Bongkot. Santa Claus will make an appearance too.
4-10pm. T77 Community, On Nut 1/1. http://goo.gl/w6JS1i.
+ Cafe at Home
Specialty Coffee for Home Brewers Workshop, The COMMONS, Dec 16
Wanna recreate the cafe experience at your own home? If yes, then consider joining this workshop which is co-organised by Roots coffee shop and Yellow Stuff. Learn about the origins of specialty coffee and several methods of preparing a good cup of joe from French press, drip and cold brew. There are two options that you can sign up for. A mini market by The Great Outdoor Market will take place at The COMMONS on Dec 16 - 17 from 11am - 10pm too.
1-4:30pm. The COMMONS, Thong Lor Soi 17. Sign up at http://goo.gl/forms/flLp8knds3mPC6Vg1, B3,000 with one brewing guide and 150g of coffee beans, B3,800 get the aforementioned items plus one cold brew tumbler and one mini digital scale.
Parties
+ Team Trasher
Battle of the B**ches, GMM Live House, Dec 23
Trasher Bangkok will host its last party of 2017 with yet another fun theme. Dance to some of the biggest hits by today's pop divas. Dress up as super heroes to show your power. As you can expect from a Trasher Bangkok do, this one is gonna be wild, fun, colourful and inclusive.
7pm. GMM Live House, 8/F, CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road.
B500 via www.ticketmelon.com/event/trasher-christmashero.
+ Bye Bye 2017 (With a Bash)
The Bangkok Countdown, Live Park, Dec 30-31
Brought to you by the same minds behind S2O, The Bangkok Countdown will debut with superstar DJs such as Afrojack, Knife Party and Wiwek. It aims to offer all the festivities that you'll need to usher in 2018, from music coming from futuristic stages and food galore to art installations over two days. The party will continue into the wee hours of Jan 1 too. Must be 20+.
Door opens from 4pm, Live Park, Rama IX Road, www.thebangkokcountdown.com.
B1,500 for one-day advanced ticket, B2,500 for two-day advanced tickets, B2,500 for one-day VIP ticket, B4,500 for two-day VIP ticket.
+ Wet and Wild
Cartoon Network Amazone Presents Splash Out 2017, Cartoon Network Amazone, Dec 16
Have your pre-New Year party at this wet and wild DJ do in the famous water park. Dutch duo Dannic and Dyro will headline with support from local DJs Monster, Og Smith and Roxy June. The party starts from 4pm but you can come early to enjoy all the rides.
4pm - midnight. Cartoon Network Amazone, 888 Moo 8 Na Jomtien, Chon Buri. Thailand. www.cartoonnetworkamazone.com/splashout2017, B1,290.
+ Extra EDM
Don't Let Daddy Know, Live Park, Feb 2-3, 2018
Don't Let Daddy Know returns to Bangkok at a new venue. This time around, the EDM event will take place over two days. You can expect major stage production, mind-blowing effects and a top-notch DJ line-up. Three Dutch DJs, Martin Garrix, Ummet Ozcan and Dannic, it's been confirmed, are joining.
From 5pm. Live Park, Rama IX Road. Get your tickets at http://dldk.com/thailand2018. B3,000 for early bird two-day pass.
Art
+ An artist and his flowers
Kawee's Flowers, Yelo House, Dec 21-Jan 21
Here is a solo art exhibition by Kawee Laksanasakulchai, presented by an artist who explores his feelings and ideas through the portrayal of various paintings of flowers, on canvas as well as other materials, such as metal. His unique style of colour choice and composition are what set his flowers apart from the many others created before him.
Wed-Mon, 11am-8pm. YELO House, Rama I Road. http://yelohouse, 089-777-2322.
+ We're so material
Disecting Desire, S.A.C Subhashok the art centre, until Jan 21
This exhibition showcases two talented young Thai artists whose works reflect the illusion of humans' materialism through paintings and sculptures. The artist Naruepon Bamrungruan's sculptures are full of sense of humor and profound meanings which resonate materialists in a sarcastic way, while Patdanu Tameekul's paints flesh, skin and several parts of the body to create a new symbolic form and way of looking at luxury.
Tue-Sat, 10am-5:30pm, Sun, Noon-6pm.
S.A.C. Subhashok The Arts Centre, Sukhumvit Soi 39. http://sacbangkok, 02-662-0299.
+ The power of nature
Eye Am Everywhere, Kalwit studio & gallery, until Feb 3
Pavanarani (Pavana) Verma's unique and spiritually inclined exhibition opens today at 7pm. The Thai-Indian visual artist from Singapore has always been enraptured by the cycle of life and its relationship with the Ultimate Source of the Universe. Intrigued by the message of Oneness, and the concept of duality as a mirage from various ancient philosophies such as Vedanta, Hinduism, and Buddhism, she uses her art to explore the relationship between physical nature and the spiritual cosmos.
Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm. Kalwit Studio & Gallery, Soi Ruamrudee 2. http://kalwitgallery, 02-254-4629.
+ Fractals and kaleidoscopes
Krungthep Fever Dream, Galeria Sucio, Jan 13-Feb 12
Robert Stratton is a digital artist, designer and programmer from Brooklyn, USA who has lived in Bangkok for the last six years. At the core of the work is a tension between the photographic evocation of a time and place and the re-shuffled shapes, colours and textures in the increasingly processed versions of the photo. In his work, he uses software he wrote to manipulate photographs he has shot in and around Bangkok.
Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm. Galeria Sucio, Sukhumvit Soi 39. http://GaleriaSucioSukhumvit39, 083-959-991.
+ Learning from Athens
246247596248914102516... And Then There Were None, Gallery Ver, until Jan 21
For the international art festival Documenta 14, Arin Rungjang was invited to produce and exhibit his new work that came out of historical and political research. “246247596248914102516... And then there were none”, one of Arin Rungjang's installation pieces in Kassel, Germany, is a sequel to “And then there were none… Tomorrow we will become Thailand” series in Athens, Greece. It presents the relationships and connections between the historical, social, political and the artist's personal memory in a variety of forms, including installations, drawings and video installations.
Wed-Sun, noon-6pm. Gallery Ver, Sathu Pradit 15. http://galleryver, 02-103-4067.
+ Questions of importance
Pieces from Berlin, Ardel's third place gallery, Jan 30-Mar 3
Bussaraporn Thongchai is an female artist whose drawing and paintings confront gender issues, failed relationships, sex and family. Her newest art exhibition will ask us to explore the stories, experiences and encounters of cultural diversity, ethnicity, migration, rights, as well as the ongoing conflicts and negotiation between morality and struggle for life.
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. ARDEL's Third Place Gallery, Thong Lor Soi 10. www.ardelgallery.com, 02-422-2092.
+ Walking with fashion
Shone Puipia: Antwerp 2012-1016, Maiiam contemporary art museum, until Dec 18
Just in case you're in Chiang Mai! This exhibition presents selected works of Shone Puipia, an emerging Thai fashion designer. Shone graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Belgium. On view are selected silhouettes and accessories from the three collections made during his studies: The Wild Bunch (2015-2016), She Walks on Marble Columns (2014-2015) and She Came by the Green Line Bus (2013-2014).
Wed-Mon, 10am-6pm. MAIIAM Contemporary
Art Museum, Chiang Mai. http://MAIIAMchiangmai, 081-386-6899.
Shows
+ The XX in BKK
I See You 2018, Thunderdome, Jan 29, 2018
The London-based pop trio -- Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith -- will stop by the Big Mango for their debut gig. They are known for their minimal yet hypnotic sound which is located dreamily somewhere between indie pop and electronic. Their first two releases xx and Coexist received high praise from critics before their latest effort I See You was released in January. After playing sold-out shows and headlining at festivals, The XX is coming to Asia, bringing with them a full production. The tickets will go on sale on Dec 17 from 10am via Ticketmelon.
Thuderdome, Muangthong Thani. www.ticketmelon.com, 02-026-3068. B2,800 per person for standing tickets only.
+ Hearty 555
Stand-up Comedy & Dinner Theatre, The Comedy Club Bangkok, Dec 15-17
The Comedy Club Bangkok will be having a very busy weekend to provide you with a lot of laughter. Today at 8:30pm, a stand-up comedy show featuring Nate Eubanks, Josh Carter (of The Jim Gaffigan Show and Collegehumor fame) and special guests will take place at the club. On Dec 16-17 at 8:30pm, Sorabh Pant, a leading comedian from India, will take over the club to deliver a side-splitting sesh. He was praised by Times of India and Hindustan Times for his observational and topical humour. Last but not least is HO HO Homicide, a murder mystery dinner theatre in which everyone gets to play a character, at CheckInn99 on Dec 16 and 23 at 6:30pm. It also includes an Asian buffet. All tickets can be purchased at http://ComedyClubBangkok.com.
Stand-ups: The Comedy Club Bangkok, Sukhumvit 33/1 above The Royal Oak pub. BTS Phrom Phong, Mystery dinner: CheckInn 99, Sukhumvit 33. BTS Phrom Phong. Nate Eubanks and Josh Carter: B400 for advanced tickets but B600 at the door, Sorabh Pant: B600 for advance tickets but B800 at the door, Ho Ho Homicide: B1,300 with Asian buffet.
+ Music in Mountain
Chang Music Connection Presents Nanglen Music Festival 3, The Ocean Khao Yai, Jan 20, 2018
This music/lifestyle fest will feature many popular Thai music acts, outdoor interactive installations by renowned Thai illustrator Pomme Chan, a foodie's dream from 40 vendors and a special menu by Chef Tam Chudaree Debhakam (winner of Top Chef Thailand). Music-wise, the line-up includes Palmy, Joey Boy, Aof Pongsak, Peck Palitchoke, Oat Pramote, Ben Chalatit and more. Tickets are sold through All Ticket.
The Ocean Khao Yai, Thanarat Road, Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima.
www.allticket.com, http://nanglenfestival. B2,000.
Food
+ Frosty
Barista's choice, Roots coffee, until Dec 31
This month's Barista's Choice is a festive concoction named Mint cacao frost brew. To coincide with the season, the refreshing drink contains cacao nibs and homemade caramel sauce mixed in with fresh milk and a mint-infused cold brew. Available at Roots Coffee at The COMMONS for B120.
Roots Coffee, The COMMONS, Thong Lor Soi 17.
Visit http://rootsbkk.com or http://RootsBKK.
+ Fashinable tea time
Fashion hi-tea, So Sofital Bangkok, ongoing
Lounge about and enjoy a lazy afternoon with a cup of tea and a selection of sweet and savoury treats, all while enjoying a view of Lumphini Park. There's also an option to go for free-flow Piper Heidsieck champagne for B2,500++.
2:30pm-5pm. MIXO Bar, 9/F, So Sofitel Bangkok,
2 Sathon Nua Road. B650++, B1,200++ for two.
+ Winin' down
Time to wine, St. Regis Bangkok, ongoing
Relax after a long day of work or gather a group of friends for a chilled sesh over a choice of selected wines from northern Italy. B700++ gets you two glasses of wine per person as well as a variety of cold cuts.
5pm-8pm. The Lounge, Level 1, St. Regis Bangkok,
159 Ratchadamri Road. Email fb.bangkok@stregis.com, 02-207-7777.
+ Christmas at the 'Bucks
Christmas march, Starbucks, ongoing
Looking for the perfect gift for a coffee lover? Starbucks has unleashed a slew of new drinkware. Opt for the Gingerbread stainless steel to go for that person who's always... well, on the go, or perhaps gift the Melting snowman cup with a cute little red scarf so that there's a Christmas feel all year round. Available in all Starbucks stores nationwide.
Visit starbucks.co.th or http://StabrucksThailand.
Travel
+ Fantastic Ten
Ten and Terrific, X2 properties, Until Feb 28, 2018
X2 is celebrating its tenth anniversary with the “Ten and Terrific” campaign. Not only does this offer include slashed down room rates but it also has 10 special perks. Every stay will come with sparkling wine, a bouquet of flowers, a spa treatment, a gift set, resort credit, free transfer from the airport and a private dinner for two. This applies to both X2 resort and villa collections. Book online until Feb 28, 2018 to stay from now until May 31, 2018.
http://x2resorts.com/offers/ten-terrific-package. B10,000 per night with 10 perks for X2 Resorts or from B27,999 per night with 10 perks for X2 Villas.
+ Easy Cosi
Introductory Rates, COSI Samui Chaweng Beach, Ongoing
Centara Hotels & Resorts has launched its new brand, COSI, with the opening of COSI Samui Chaweng Beach. The new property on Chaweng beach, which is geared towards digitally savvy travellers, just opened on December 1. Facilities designed for young-minded travellers include a 24/7 space for relaxing and socialising, a rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi, in-room smart TV, free daily credit to enjoy food or drink anytime of the day and more. The hotel is literally a five-minute walk away from the beach. Plus, its neighbours are some of the most happening bars, restaurants and attractions on the island. Book online.
COSI Samui Chaweng Beach, 209/4 Moo 2, Bo Phut, Koh Samui.
http://bit.ly/2yqUrBp, 077-430-123-4. B1,515 per night.
+ Hiking in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Great Outdoors Campaign, Ongoing
Yep, you read that right. Standing over hundreds of skyscrapers and fancy buildings that the cosmopolitan island is known for are mountain peaks with breathtaking views. The Hong Kong Tourism Board recently launched its Great Outdoors campaign. Experience star-filled skies, a sea of clouds and a stunning sunrise atop the 869-metre-high Sunset Peak, the third highest peak in Hong Kong. Plover Cove Country Park is enchanting with centuries-old Hakka villages, folk legends, waterfalls and bamboo grooves. Explore the greener side of Hong Kong with help from an official guide for hiking and cycling, available at HKTB visitor centres around the city. Or download an e-version at the link below.
+ A Suite Deal
New Ocean View Suites, THE NAI HARN, Ongoing
THE NAI HARN has launched 16 new Ocean View Suites, each of which feature a glamorous terrace with a BBQ kit and a “Press for Champagne” button. Each unit offers 40m? of ultra-stylishness that will probably mean you won't want to step outside. Guests can kick back on a lounger with champagne in one hand and a BBQ skewer in the other. Then luxuriate in a giant bathtub in a spacious bathroom before drifting off to sleep in an over-sized king bed. Stay for three nights or more to enjoy sweet perks such as express check-in, a welcome bottle of champagne, daily F&B credit worth $50 and a butler service.
THE NAI HARN, 23/3 Moo 1, Vises Road, Rawai, Muang.
www.thenaiharn.com/exclusive/exclusive-packages. 076-380-200-10.
+ Trekking in Chiang Mai
Camping Package, Chiang Dao Camping, Ongoing
Up for a real adventure? Then consider joining camping and trekking up to Doi Luang Chiang Dao by Chiang Dao Camping. They regularly organise trekking trips from Fridays to Sundays as well as holidays. Choose either a 2D1N or 3D2N experience and pick the time slots that suit you best. All the equipment, meals and other basic necessities are provided. It won't be a breezy experience obviously but the view of sea clouds and foggy mornings will definitely take your breath away. We recommend that you read the full details in Thai on its website before you decide.
Chiang Dao Camping, 126/2 Ban Jom Kiri, Moo 3, Mae Na, Chaing Dao, Chiang Mai.
www.chiangdaocamping.com, 062-893-6156. B1,950 per person for 2D1N, B2,750 for 3D2N.
+ Camping in Chiang Mai
CAMP Chiang Mai Season 2, CAMP Chiang Mai, Until Feb 28, 2018
CAMP Chiang Mai, a temporary camping site/hotel in Mae Rim, has recently reopened for the winter for a limited time only. The accommodation choices are Gang Room, Family Room, Double Room and Twin Room, but they are all basically tents equipped with comfy beds and basic comforts. The site is next to a rice field and the mountain range lies in the horizon. Room rates are subject to the period of your stay. They provide free breakfast and sell barbecue dinner. They allow you to bring in food and drink from outside. Parking is provided as well.
CAMP Chiangmai, Mae Raem, Mae Rim. www.thecampchiangmai.com, http://CAMPchiangmai, 093- 996-9992. Now until Jan 16: B2,050 for two in Double or Twin Room, B2,650 for three in Family Room, B4,900 for four in Gang Room, Jan 17 - Feb 28: B1,750 for two in Double or Twin Room, B2,350 for three in Family Room, B4,600 for four in Gang Room.
+ Hooray in Hua Hin
Opening Rate, The Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, Ongoing
Opened on December 1, The Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin adds excitement to your stay with free and unlimited access to Vana Nava Water Jungle during its soft opening period. The 300-room brand new hotel is geared towards families and business travellers. It boasts a 24/7 fitness centre, a panoramic view of the ocean, infinity pools on the 26th floor, a spa, a kids club and more. Book now to stay from Dec 15, 2017 to Apr 20, 2018. Call or email to book.
The Holiday Inn Vana Nava Hua Hin, 129/129 Phetchakasem Road, Hua Hin.
032-209-999, hihh.rsvn@iha.com. From B2,999++ per night with access to the water park.
+ Christmas in Hong Kong
A Symphony of Lights & Hong Kong Pulse Light Show, Ongoing
Hong Kong just unveiled the new version of its famous multimedia light show, A Symphony of Lights and the winter version of the Hong Kong Pulse Light Show, giving you even more reason to visit it for your year-end celebrations. A Symphony of Lights (which you can watch on our Facebook) incorporates 40 buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour which beam and shine to the rhythm of music by The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. The 10-minute light-and-sound show takes place at 8pm every evening. After that, you can catch the winter version of Hong Kong Pulse Light Show at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. The 3D projection show begins with a snowstorm which covers the centre in snow. A dragon then shows up to save Christmas. The centre's piazza (fancy word for a square) will be decked out with LED balls and a giant crystal ball for a snowy effect. This eight-minute show takes place at 8:10pm, 8:40pm, 9pm, 9:20pm and 9:40pm everyday until Dec 28, 2017 only. The best spot to catch both shows is at the harbourfront area near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
For more info on both shows, go to http://goo.gl/numiPp.
Movies
+ STAR WARS: EPISODE VIII -- THE LAST JEDI
(directed by Rian Johnson)
Who's in it?
Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Gwendoline Christie, Andy Serkis, Kelly Marie Tran.
What's it about?
Picking up right after the events of Episode VII, Rey (Ridley) has finally found Luke Skywalker (Hamill), but her expectations aren't necessarily met when the Jedi is apprehensive in training her. Meanwhile, the Resistance continues to battle the First Order, led by the enigmatic Snoke (Serkis) who is training Kylo Ren (Driver), otherwise known as Ben Solo.
Why watch it?
Well, it's not like we've been absolutely dying while waiting for this movie for the past two years. It's not like we want our questions answered. And it's definitely not because we completely lost it with the first trailer that was released.
+ ALL I SEE IS YOU
(directed by Marc Forster)
Who's in it?
Blake Lively, Jason Clarke, Yvonne Strahovski.
What's it about?
Gina (Lively), after being blinded in an accident, relies on her husband James (Clarke) to “see”. She undergoes surgery which allows her to regain her eyesight. However, being able to see also makes her discover some disturbing details of her marriage and her life.
Why watch it?
Aside from the interesting premise, it was shot here in Bangkok.
+ SUBURBICON
(directed by the greatest Batman, George Clooney)
Who's in it?
Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar Isaac.
What's it about?
The idyllic neighbourhood of Suburbicon is the closest thing there is to a utopia. But when Gardner Lodge's (Damon) home is broken into and his wife brutally killed, the whole neighbourhood realises that Suburbicon may not be as peaceful as it seems.
Why watch it?
Disturbing. It's utterly disturbing.
+ MARROWBONE
(directed by Sergio G S?nchez)
Who's in it?
Charlie Heaton, George MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy.
What's it about?
The Marrowbone siblings live in a secluded area far from the reaches of civilisation and for good reason: these siblings are keeping a secret just so they could stay together. However, something -- or someone -- begins to haunt them in their derelict manor.
Why watch it?
It's Jonathan from Stranger Things going up against something otherworldly yet again.
+ ENGLAND IS MINE
(directed by Mark Gill)
Who's in it?
Jack Lowden, Jessica Brown Findlay, Jodie Comer.
What's it about?
A biographical drama film, it follows the early years of singer Morrisey in Manchester, England, in the 70's. Years later, he would form the alternative rock band, The Smiths.
Why watch it?
Music and the 70's -- it's a fantastic combination.
