Kaweewat Siwanartwong

Right, it's the first weekend of April. The sky's gone soft, the heat's settled in and Songkran's just around the corner. The city's loosening up a bit – pavements are filling out, parks are stretching their legs and plans are starting to pile up without you even trying. There’s plenty of culture to put in your diary. Kick things off gently at Sea Life Bangkok, which has been reworked with low-lit installations and a quieter, almost dreamlike route through the tanks. Then switch gears at Red Bull Dance Your Style, where freestylers hold the entire crowd with their unexpected moves. Fancy something slower? Thai Book Fair gives you long aisles of paperbacks and those small conversations that tend to stick around. If you're feeling social, Bangcork Wine Fair is all about easy tastings and shared bottles, while The Hope Fair folds shopping, charity and Songkran rituals into one tidy afternoon. Elsewhere, Music in the Park keeps your evenings gentle, with jazz and orchestras drifting across green spaces. Common Art Club shifts things slightly – installations and talks by day, then a proper dance floor once the sun goes down. Pick a spot that sounds good, see where the day takes you and let the weekend happen on its own terms. Trust us, you won't regret it. Get ahead of the game and start planning your month with our list of the top things to do this April. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok. Subscribe to our free Time O

It's probably not time to ditch the AC just yet, but April is still the month where you can wave goodbye to the old year in the Thai calendar without shedding a tear. Thai New Year is here, which means the city starts to properly wake up – parks get busier, restaurant tables spill out onto pavements, and suddenly there's a flood of festivals and events worth getting excited about. Summer is long here, and with it comes Songkran, the festival everyone's been waiting for. Bangkokians are more than ready to make a celebratory splash, and that long holiday? Perfect timing to explore the city's stunning parks, museums, galleries and – let's be honest – its night life scene. Things are hotting up now, so it's time to shake off that winter hibernation and get stuck into what Bangkok does best: fantastic green spaces, world-class museums and galleries, plus restaurant and bar offerings that are genuinely unbeatable. There's loads happening this month, and we've rounded up some of the best bits to help you make the most of it. Trust us, you won't want to spend April indoors. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok. Subscribe to our free Time Out Bangkok newsletter and get the very best of the city delivered straight to your inbox.

We're always updating this piece to keep things fresh and on point, so feel free to swing by whenever you fancy the latest. And if you're after a few more spots to explore, have a look at our best listening bars for even more musical inspiration. Ever tried making a martini at home? Chuck two and a half ounces of gin or vodka and half ounce of dry vermouth into a cocktail shaker, add cubed ice and give it a proper shake for 10 seconds. Job done. Except it never quite tastes the same as when you're perched at a bar, does it? We tried, and out of frustration, we ended up in Soi Nana. Not the notorious soi just off Sukhumvit, but Chinatown’s version – a narrow lane that used to be all apothecaries and aunties selling dusty jars of ancient remedies.  These days it's transformed into a brilliant strip of neon lights, roadside conversations and the satisfying clink of glasses. Most of the shophouses have converted to bars, and if you're wondering where to start, don't worry. We've got your back. The spots included here aren't just about perfect cocktails, though you'll definitely get those. What makes a truly good bar? For us, it's simple. A menu of genius drinks matters, obviously, but so does the overall vibe. There's absolutely no point sipping the perfect negroni if you're stuck in a bar that smells like bin juice. To earn a place on this list, a bar has to be fun, friendly and inclusive, whilst looking and tasting the part. No exceptions. Subscribe to our free Time Out Bangkok

Let’s be honest. The old stereotype of glasses wearers being nerds or overly serious types just doesn't hold up anymore. These days, glasses have turned into fashion-forward confidence boosters that say just as much about you as any piece of jewellery. Picking the right pair isn't just about matching your face shape anymore either. They need to work with your whole vibe: your outfit, your hair, the way you live your life. Even on those days when you're after a little something extra to pull your look together, glasses do the job perfectly. Finding frames that work for both everyday wear and special occasions used to feel like a mission, but not anymore thanks to the dozens of  Thai eyewear brands out there that get it.  To help you find your next pair of super specs, we've rounded up five Thai eyewear brands worth knowing about. Each one offers a mix of classic and contemporary styles with designs that actually stand out, and we've chosen them because the quality speaks for itself. No gimmicks, just well-made frames that do what they're supposed to do.

We keep this article updated regularly to make sure everything stays accurate and current, pop back anytime for the latest or check out our best bar list for 2025 if you’re looking for some more to add to your list.  New year, new bars to explore. With such great feedback last year, we asked the folks at Paikapai (@paikapai.official) back to help us put together this year's guide to Bangkok's best new bars, and their enthusiasm for the project never gets old. Their story isn't complicated. What started as regular 'post-work drinks’ with mates turned into a whole community. The name literally means 'let's go!' in Thai, which pretty much sums up their approach to how they check out new bars and share with their audience. When they're deciding if a bar makes the cut, they always look past the menu first. For Paikapai, atmosphere matters most – does it feel welcoming? Can you actually relax here? Then come the cocktails, which need to be excellent, and service that feels warm rather than rehearsed. Those elements together make somewhere worth returning to. Bangkok's bar scene feels particularly alive right now. Bartenders are getting creative with local ingredients, making Thai gin and rum something to seek out rather than overlook. You get drinks like Wasteland's 'fossil fuel' that you won't forget in a hurry. Entire neighbourhoods transform too. Soi Nana in Yaowarat has gone from ‘quiet street’ to ‘global drinking destination’ in just a few years. That energy makes sense when y

Updated March 2026: We’ve refreshed our best spa list to bring you the best in new openings around the city. Auriga Spa takes pole position, with its huge collection of hydrotherapy pools, while wellness market leaders PAÑPURI add an organic spa to the offerings of Park Hyatt. Bangkok's spa scene is heating up – and not just because of all the new onsens.  With so much to choose from, if you don’t know where to look, start here. Whether you're after a luxury treatment or something decent that won't completely empty your wallet, the city's packed with places promising to fix your aches and melt away that work stress. Thai massage has a reputation for good reason, and you'd be hard-pressed to find another city where getting a massage feels as essential as grabbing lunch. It's just part of life here, but there’s far more to spas than your typical yogic stretch. We've pulled together the best spots across the city for when you're feeling utterly knackered or your shoulders are screaming at you after too many hours hunched over a laptop. From full luxury experiences to brilliant mid-range finds, these are the places that'll actually leave you feeling human again. So, whenever the stress gets too much or your body starts staging a protest, you know exactly where to go for some relief.Subscribe to our free Time Out Bangkok newsletter and get the very best of the city delivered straight to your inbox.

We're always updating this piece to keep things fresh and on point, so feel free to swing by whenever you fancy the latest. And if you're after a few more spots to explore, have a look at our best listening bars for even more musical inspiration. In a city where the rhythm of life never stops, jazz in Bangkok is more than just a musical genre. It's the breath of a community, the roots of culture and a current of melody and lyrics woven through people's lives. Whether you're a traveller enchanted by the notes you've been following for years, or simply someone willing to let the saxophone carry your imagination beyond the familiar, the capital offers countless hidden nests and clubs to experience its true spirit. From improvisation stages in classic shophouses – where every note is raw and fresh – to legendary hotel bars gracefully perched along the Chao Phraya River, each venue tells its own story. For Bangkokians, jazz continues to shine and captivate. Each place stands strong with its unique character, providing spaces that release the day's fatigue and allow music to take centre stage, narrating the night's story. Here are 15 venues across Bangkok that continue to play unforgettable jazz, keeping the music alive in everyday life, without boundaries or rules. Subscribe to our free Time Out Bangkok newsletter and get the very best of the city delivered straight to your inbox. Stay one step ahead and map out your plans with our round-up of the best things to do in Bangkok.

Sometimes, moments of quiet sensory attention can feel almost radical. Yet scent has a strange way of interrupting that rhythm. A trace of jasmine drifting through evening air. A faint hint of wood lingering in a hallway. The soft sweetness of a room spray that appears without warning and suddenly rearranges memory. Long before sight or touch, fragrance reaches the emotional part of the brain. It reminds us of people, places and moments we thought we had forgotten. Perhaps that is why scent remains one of the quietest forms of emotional therapy. It is also the central language of Ganda Saitum, founder of Ganda Scent & Object. Her practice does not treat perfume simply as a cosmetic product. Instead it functions more like a library of emotions. Each fragrance captures a moment, a mood or a fragment of memory.   “Scent is something very honest, it speaks before we have time to explain it.”   Interestingly, Ganda did not originally plan to become a perfumer. Her career began in publishing, working as a beauty editor during the era when print magazines still held  sway. Those years exposed her to countless products and perfumes. She spent long days reviewing fragrances and analysing trends. Creation arrived later. ‘One day my husband, Surasak Ittirit, joked that maybe I should start making something of my own,’ she recalled. ‘He said: “If you only review things, you will become a very good critic’’.’ The comment stayed with her. Photograph: Ganda Saitum Soon afterwards she enro

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

This list is from 2025. Our latest ranking for 2026 is live here. People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest n

Anyone who's been going out in Bangkok knows that queer nightlife never stays still for long in this city. Bar-hopping and clubbing are already among the top things to do in Bangkok, but LGBTQ+ nightlife here? It takes things to the next level. The Thai capital is fast becoming a proper mecca for queer parties, with venues that cater to pretty much every taste going. Whether you're after sweaty dancefloors, intimate cocktail spots or something a bit more leftfield, there's a place for you. So we've rounded up our picks of the brightest spots lighting up the scene right now. Add them to your Bangkok to-do list, but remember to party responsibly, look out for your mates and keep those good vibes flowing. See our best nightclubs in Bangkok if you want to dance the night away.

Updated February 2026: We’ve refreshed our list of the best record stores in Bangkok to keep you on top of the best new spots to dig. Recent additions include Recoroom Vinyl & Vintage Audio and Format BKK, as well as a special entry Cassette Shop for those who prefer their music on tape. Running your fingers along the spines, hearing that faint crackle as the needle meets the groove. It's a pleasure analog music lovers know can't be replicated by any streaming service. Unless you’ve been living under a digital rock, you’ll know that record shops in Bangkok are making a serious comeback. Communities for people who speak the same language, they’re where you’ll find vinyl lovers digging and poking through grooves new and old in search of a hot release or rare first pressing.  From old-school institutions that have been around since your parents' day to hidden underground spots brimming with character, the city's vinyl scene is thriving in ways you might not expect. Whether you're into jazz, soul, indie, international releases or boundary-pushing molam, Bangkok's got you covered. We've rounded up the very best record shops across the city, from the well-loved classics to the newer spots making serious waves. Trust us, there's enough here to keep any crate digger happy for hours. We update this article regularly to ensure the information remains accurate and current. So grab your tote bag and get ready to hunt for some proper analogue joy. Your next favourite album is out there so

Few names carry the same weight in rock as Jim Marshall, whose amplifiers shape decades of sound without much compromise. At Marshall Livehouse, that legacy feels close enough to touch. Doors open to anyone curious, from seasoned players to those still figuring out their first chord. Stage and rehearsal rooms stay available free of charge, giving you time to try models like the JVM410H, JCM800 or the 1960 series without pressure. The experience stays hands-on, less showroom, more shared practice space. Later, Marshall Amplified runs from 5pm to 7pm, where people who know these machines well talk through their history, techniques and the details that shape such recognisable sound. April 5. Free. Marshall Livehouse, midday-8pm

Thanwa Huangsmut takes familiar expectations and quietly pulls them apart, piece by piece. His paintings rely on instinct as much as discipline, balancing assured brushwork with colour that feels almost unruly at first glance. Figures seem caught mid-shift, held between movement and control, as if testing how much space they can claim for themselves. The question lingers without insisting on an answer: do we truly own our lives, or simply perform within inherited limits? Each canvas suggests a different response, shaped through texture, rhythm and carefully measured composition. What stays with you is less a conclusion and more a feeling, a quiet encouragement to stand firm, to choose deliberately, and to carry that choice with a certain grace. Until May 3. Free. Joyman Gallery, 11am-6pm

Bangkok handles coffee parties with ease, so an art-led gathering feels like the natural next step. The format stays refreshingly simple: spend the day moving between seven interactive installations, pausing for talk sessions where artists speak plainly about their process and what drives each piece. A busy art market fills the space with prints, small objects and things you didn’t plan to buy, while workshops invite you to make something rather than just observe. Food stalls keep things casual, easy to dip in and out of between conversations. As evening settles, the mood shifts without warning. Lights drop, DJs take over, and the gallery reworks itself as a dance floor. It feels slightly surreal, like stepping through different scenes in one day, without ever needing to leave. April 4. B150 at the door. 515 Victory Hall, Victory Hotel, 11am onwards

Evening air in Bangkok finally softens. Parks begin to fill not with runners, but with people stretched across the grass, waiting for the first notes to carry across the lake. Music in the Park returns throughout April, settling into familiar green corners like Lumphini Park, Benjakitti Park and Wachirabenchathat Park. Weekends shift in tone: smooth jazz drifts one evening, a full orchestra follows, then indie bands and easy pop keep things light. Bangkok Big Band and Bangkok Metropolitan Orchestra bring a sense of polish, while newer acts from the Talent Everywhere project keep it grounded.  April 1-26. Free. Various parks across Bangkok.

Weekends rarely feel this light, or this deliberately unhurried. At The Commons Thonglor, Little Pea brings back its annual Wild Easter Rumpus, stretching across two easygoing days that lean gently towards joy rather than spectacle. Families wander between egg hunts with limited slots, hands-on craft tables, and corners set aside for face painting, each moment held together by a soft, playful rhythm. Storytelling sessions unfold without fuss and stay open to all, offering a quiet pause between bursts of colour and movement. Children move freely, curiosity leading the way, while parents follow at a slower pace.  April 4-5. Free. The Commons Thonglor, 10am-5pm

The Ministry of Culture marks the Rattanakosin anniversary with a five-day programme that stretches across Bangkok, touching three very different corners of the capital. Titled Living Rattanakosin, the idea about the past continues to sit alongside everyday life, 244 years after the city’s founding in 1782. Across April evenings, contemporary performances share space with temple fairs and late-night museum openings. Historic architecture takes on a softer edge after dark, when light settles across facades and courtyards. You move between locations, catching fragments of music, food and conversation, each moment offering a different way of seeing a part of Bangkok that rarely stands still. April 22-26, Free. Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park, Bangkok National Museum and Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan.

TK Park takes a wider approach this year, spreading its board game gatherings across Bangkok. Working with the Institute of Board Games for Learning and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, the idea feels simple: create space for people to meet, play and think together. Sessions run on the third Sunday of each month across 12 learning libraries, each one offering a slightly different crowd. April sits on chance, with dice-led games setting the tone for Songkran. Expect titles like King of Tokyo, Sagrada and Camel Up, alongside a few lesser-known picks. Wins come and go quickly, but the real appeal sits in the conversations between turns, where strangers settle into something resembling familiarity. April 19. Free. The Bangkok City Library, 11am-3pm

As the heat settles over the city, RomRom Collective marks the season’s close with a Songkran edition of RomDingDong that feels both loose and considered. The format stretches across 13 hours, moving from daylight into early morning without much concern for time. Live acts and DJs rotate steadily, with a few first-time sets slipping quietly between familiar names. Debuts arrive without much announcement, which keeps the night slightly unpredictable in the best way. Around the edges, food vendors keep things grounded, offering something warm or quick between sets. People drift in and out, staying longer than planned. By sunrise, the atmosphere softens, less about a finale and more about letting the evening settle naturally before everyone heads home. April 13. B555-888 via here. The Warehouse Talad Noi and Clutch Bar, 4pm onwards

At Songkran water replaces polite greetings, strangers become temporary allies, and the act of getting soaked feels oddly ceremonial. It marks a reset, washing away the past year while the heat insists you lean into it. From morning through late afternoon, streets shift into open-air playgrounds. Music drifts from pickup trucks, laughter carries easily, and no one stays dry for long. Where to get soaked in Bangkok this Songkran? In Bangkok, familiar routes take on new energy. Silom Road draws dense crowds, Sanam Luang keeps a more traditional rhythm, while Chang Chui offers something slightly offbeat. Most of it costs nothing, which makes wandering feel like the only real plan. April 13-15. Free. Citywide.

The Songkran Music Festival earned its reputation without trying too hard. For 2026, it shifts to a purpose-built site on S2O Land, Ratchadaphisek, trading up for a wider footprint and sharper production under the theme Party in the Universe. The signature 360-degree water cannons stay, firing in sync with each drop, though the timing still catches you off guard. Between sets, fireworks cut across the night, while the lineup leans heavily on familiar headliners rather than surprises. And just when it seems enough, K2O Festival extends the weekend by another day, for anyone not quite ready to leave. April 11-13. B3,500-7,900 via here. S2O Land, 5pm onwards 

A five days with mix of music, water and nostalgia at ChaingChui that feels knowingly over the top. The programme blends Thai remix DJs with live luk thung and mor lam, alongside variety performances that echo temple fairs. Female headliners take centre stage, backed by lighting and sound that feel closer to a concert than a street celebration. Between sets, you move past food stalls, small attractions and the occasional elephant motif, all adding to the mood. Dress codes lean to expressive. Sabai, vintage pieces or anything reworked tends to fit, especially once everyone ends up soaked anyway. Children under 100 cm tall enter for free, which adds to the family fun. April 11-15. B199 at the door. ChangChui Creative Park, 11am-midnight

Songkran usually means street corners and water guns, but River City Helipad offers a different perspective. For two nights, the rooftop shifts into the KYVO Fire & Water Arena, suspended above the Chao Phraya, where music carries across open air. As evening settles, the skyline softens and the KYVO Fire Cube F02 takes focus. Flames rise in measured bursts while sheets of water move across the floor, cooling the crowd between tracks. People stand somewhere between soaked and sun-warmed, watching light shift against the river. The setting does most of the work, leaving you to take it in, slightly removed from the usual Songkran festiities. April 10-11. B800-20,000 via here. River City Helipad, 3pm-10pm

April isn't just about dodging water during Songkran – you've also got to fight for a spot at the Post Malone concert. His Big Ass World Tour hits Bangkok this September, and he's bringing Don Toliver along for the ride. The Bangkok show lands on September 22 at Rajamangala Stadium, part of a massive Asian run that takes in Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul and Tokyo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @postmalone If you caught his 2023 Bangkok show, you already know he just keeps levelling up. The 9x diamond-certified global superstar has massive hits like Circles, Sunflower, rockstar and Congratulations, and they're just the start of a back catalogue that refuses to stand still. Now, here's where it gets tactical. The fanclub presale starts on Monday April 6 from midday to 11.59pm. Mastercard holders get special access too. Their presale runs from Tuesday April 7 at midday through to Thursday April 9 at 12pm. Head here for the details. Trip.com users can grab tickets before everyone else through the app, same window: Tuesday April 7 at midday to Thursday April 9 at midday. Live Nation Tero members get their turn on Thursday April 9 from 2pm to 11.59pm. Membership's free if you sign up through their website. General sale finally opens on Friday April 10 from midday via Thai Ticket Major. Set your alarms, make your coffee strong and good luck – you're going to need it.

So, remember all that talk about the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) building a Hawker Center beside Lumpini Park? Now, the BMA confirms the project's nearly done and set to open this May. Photograph: BMA The Lumphini Park Hawker Center sits at Gate 5 along Ratchadamri Road, just opposite Chulalongkorn Hospital. It comes as two semi-outdoor buildings with gable roofs, connected by a green space running through the middle. There's room for up to 88 vendors, each with a compact two-by-two metre stall that includes water, electricity and sanitation. Waste zones stay separate from dining areas, which makes keeping everything clean much easier and more organised. Photograph: BMA This whole thing is part of the BMA's effort to 'organise street food' – raising standards around cleanliness, safety and how public spaces get used. Lumpini Park serves as the trial run before they consider rolling it out to other districts later on. Opening hours run from 5am to midnight in two shifts – mornings cover 5am till 2pm, evenings go from 4pm to midnight. The BMA reckons this setup works for everyone, from dawn joggers to midnight snackers, whatever your schedule looks like.

April brings something special: timeless Studio Ghibli works retold through a spectacular live performance at Phaya Thai Palace, one of Bangkok's most elegant ancient architectural treasures that's absolutely brimming with historical stories. The show takes you through Ghibli's world of imagination, with vocals that hit you right in the feels and live music that brings back all those childhood memories. Every melody's crafted to pull you back through those legendary films, whether it's the warmth, the dreams or that nostalgia you didn't realise you'd been carrying around. Photograph: Phya Thai Palace There's a special guest too: Music BNK48 (aka Praewa 'Music' Suthamphong) who's lending her distinctive voice to the mix, adding an extra layer of emotion to an already pretty moving night. It’s a journey back to moments you'd forgotten you loved, where music connects you to endless imagination in a space that's absolutely dripping with its own magic and history. April 28-30, from At Thewarat Sapharom Hall, Phaya Thai Palace. Tickets are B1,500-4,500 (book tickets) 

Wake up on April Fool's Day (April 1) to something that sounds like a prank but absolutely isn't: the 'Pink Moon' rising full and brilliant across the sky, ready to kick off the month with a bit of celestial magic. Now, before you get your hopes up, the Pink Moon won't actually turn the colour of a strawberry milkshake (and no, there still aren't any rabbits up there either). The name comes from Native American lunar calendars, where each full moon gets christened based on what's happening down here on Earth. In April, it's all about the phlox – a gorgeous wildflower that carpets American meadows in bright pink blooms, announcing that spring has properly arrived. The tribes took inspiration from these blossoms to name the moon, marking the season's full swing into warmer, brighter days. The moon itself stays its usual pearly white, but what makes this night special is how massive and radiant it looks hanging there in the sky. The moon starts rising in the east around 6:30pm on April 1 and stays visible throughout the night until the early hours of April 2. You can catch it with your bare eyes from anywhere in the country, though if there's enough dust or pollution floating about in the atmosphere, you might spot a faint pinkish tinge. Worth keeping an eye out for. Even though the moon won't go pink like the name suggests, finding yourself a decent open spot away from city lights to watch the full moon ushering in warmer days makes for a pretty memorable astronomical moment. O

​​Sequins, off-key changes and a frankly wild amount of pyrotechnics are heading east as Eurovision finally makes its Asia debut in Bangkok, after years of failed attempts The contest launches with national selections across participating countries before everyone gathers in Thailand's capital for the big showdown on November 14. You can watch it broadcast live, naturally, because what's Eurovision without millions of people simultaneously losing their minds over a particularly dramatic costume reveal. Photograph: Eurovision 10 countries have signed up so far including South Korea, Bhutan, Thailand and the Philippines, with more joining the party soon. The format stays true to the original with one crucial rule that keeps things honest: all songs must be brand new originals and lead vocals have to be sung live. No miming your way through this one. Photograph: Eurovision Votes come from a mix of music experts and fans, the same system that's launched some proper megastars over the decades. Abba famously won for Sweden whilst Celine Dion took the trophy for Switzerland back in 1988, and look how that turned out for them. Last year's European Song Contest pulled in 163 million viewers who witnessed everything from absolute belters to tear-jerking ballads. Now, as the European Broadcasting Union teams up with LA-based Voxovation and Bangkok's S2O Productions, the Asian edition is finally happening, bringing decades of glittery chaos to a whole new continent of fans. Watch thi

Bangkok's evening air is getting pleasant again, isn't it? The weather makes you actually want to be outside after work, for sure. And what better way to spend those balmy hours than sprawled out on park grass with live music floating over you? Music in the Park is back to do exactly that. Throughout April, your usual spots like Lumphini Park, Benjakitti Park and Wachirabenjatas Park swap their jogging soundtrack for something far more interesting: smooth jazz one weekend, classical orchestra the next, then indie bands and easy-listening pop to round things off. Photograph: Music in the Park Bangkok Big Band and Bangkok Metropolitan Orchestra bring the polish, whilst emerging artists from the Talent Everywhere project add fresh energy to the mix. It's the sort of variety that keeps your weekends interesting without you having to plan too hard or spend a fortune. Here's what's onWednesday, April 1 - Bangkok Big Band Artist: TEE JETS, 6pm at Lumphini Hall. Saturday, April 4 - Bangkok Metropolitan Orchestra Artist: Adam Rapa (Trumpet) & Jayanat Wisaijorn (Piano), 6pm at Lumphini Hall.- The Slacker, 29 Let's go, Dragon Boy Band and the Busy Band, 6.30pm at Benchasiri Park.- Bubble Boom, Ant Band and Hashtag, 4.30pm at Benjakitti Park. Sunday, April 5 - Weight Potato, Black Line, Dream Hight and The Exorcist, 4.30pm at Benchasiri Park.- Jelly Roll Jazz Club, Yusu Jazz Band and Silpakorn University Jazz Orchestra, 5pm at Lumphini Hall.- Rizz Band, 4.30pm at 80th Birthday Anniver

Thai fabrics have always had a moment – just not quite an everyday one. That's about to change. The government transforms mall courtyards this month with an initiative called Proud to Wear Thai Nationwide, and Siam Paragon is the latest stop on March 31 from 4pm onwards. The idea is simple: wear Thai, however that looks to you. Full traditional dress counts. So does a silk sabai paired with jeans. Photograph: sriritajensen It's part of a bigger push to position Thai culture as soft power – letting the country speak for itself through what people wear, make and buy. Younger generations are already doing a lot of that work, taking traditional elements and pulling them somewhere fresher without losing what makes them distinctly Thai. Culture, when it moves like that, stays alive. Got a favourite piece of Thai fabric sitting forgotten at the back of your wardrobe? Now's the moment to bring it out. No Thai textiles yet? This is probably the inspiration you need to start. The event runs from 4pm on Monday 31 March at Fashion Hall, first floor, Siam Paragon.

If you've been missing that handy shortcut between Benjakitti Park and Lumphini Park, here's some good news. Green Bridge is finally making its comeback on May 1, and it looks nothing like what you remember. That single shade of green that gave the bridge its name? Completely gone. The 1.6 km surface now sports red, purple and yellow instead, with non-slip materials designed for long-distance runners who want a scenic route between Bangkok's two favourite green spaces.   Photograph: BMA The new setup includes dedicated cycling lanes (courtesy of Sport Surfaces), granite stone walkways and lighting that runs the whole way across. And if you've been desperate to cycle between the parks again after months of annoying detours, you're actually in luck. The path's been open for trial use since November 30, so you can test it out right now. Photograph: BMA Previously you'd have to leave through the park gates to reach the bridge, but the Bangkok Environment Department removes the Badminton Association of Thailand's courts to create a proper entry point. Soon you walk or cycle straight from one park into the other, with new recreational spaces and running paths added in. Photograph: BMA Construction sits at around 74 percent complete at the moment, a collaboration between BMA and several design firms. When May 1 rolls around, Bangkok gets not just a more functional route but a landmark that's worth visiting on its own.

If you've ever wondered what it feels like to crank up the same amps that fuel rock's loudest moments, Marshall Livehouse Bangkok is giving you the chance this April. Photograph: Marshall The venue hosts Father of Loud Day on April 5, a worldwide celebration honouring Jim Marshall, the bloke who founded Marshall Amplification and basically gave rock music its roar. From midday until 8pm. Photograph: Marshall Livehouse This isn't some look but don't touch situation. You actually get to test drive the JVM410H, the JCM800, the 1960AV/BV/A and the Studio 900. There's even a special 2026 Lunar New Year Edition on hand, which is pretty hard to find anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned player or someone who just fancies a go, the space welcomes both beginners and pros equally. A talk session called Marshall Amplified kicks off at 5pm and runs until 7pm, diving the stories behind world class sounds. You get history, techniques and insider tales from people who actually know their stuff about what makes Marshall amps so iconic. Photograph: Marshall Livehouse There's also an exhibition that traces Marshall's journey from its early days to now, and a Vinyl Wall featuring ten albums that define the brand's DNA.  Even if you've never picked up a guitar, experiencing that legendary volume in its rawest form might just convert you. Free entry. April 5 from midday to 8pm at Marshall Livehouse.

Couples hunting for a wedding venue with atmosphere, get this one bookmarked.  The Reise Pracha Chuen throws open its doors on March 28 and 29 for a wedding open house that goes way over your standard venue viewing. This spot already does a bit of everything (restaurant, pizzeria, event space) but it really shines when it comes to romantic celebrations. Photograph:The Reise The whole point is letting couples wander around the actual venue rather than squinting at photos online. You get to see how the European garden wedding setup works in real life, check out the lighting and figure out whether this is where you want to say your vows. Much better than trying to imagine it all from a brochure. Photograph: The Reise There's a full lineup of activities to keep things interesting. You can join workshops, snap photos at various booths, watch live painters do their thing and even create your own perfume. The wine tasting adds a nice touch too, making the whole experience an actual event. Photograph: The Reise They've also gathered wedding suppliers under one roof, including Kaidang Design for creative work and IDo Catering for the food side of things. Other service providers will be there as well, so you can basically sort out multiple vendors in one afternoon.   The open house runs from 1pm-8pm both days and admission is completely free. You just need to register beforehand via Line ID @thereiseplace or ring 081-909-8565. And for any brides looking for a wedding dress, here

Landing a parachute on top of the world's highest volcano is the sort of thing most people wouldn't even consider attempting. But Dr. Tanaboworn Sirikunakornkun, better known as Thailand’s Super Tum, just made it official. Guinness World Records certifies the Thai academic this week for his successful summit landing on Ojos del Salado volcano at the Chile-Argentina border, confirming him as the first person ever to pull off this frankly bonkers feat Photograph: ePR Thai Government But this high altitude jump is not his first rodeo. In fact, this marks Super Tum's third major international achievement. His previous stunts include skydiving with a massive 150 square metre Thai flag over Mount Everest, certified by the Nepal Press Association, and a high altitude jump over Antarctica.  The associate professor (yes, he has a day job) says patriotism drives these extreme missions, with each jump honouring his country's core institutions. As an alum of King's College, he credits his training there for instilling a lifelong commitment to national service. We think its more about his commitment to adrenaline, but either way, you do you Super Tum! 

Love cinema but fancy doing something different with your weekend? Instead of the usual mall cinema routine, hop to The Corner House Bangkok from March 27-29 for screenings of five classic films that actually make you feel something. Photograph: The Corner House The Corner House teams up with Film I Trust for a screening series called Sip/Scent/Scene. Each film explores love, friendship and those awkward moments in life where you're trying to work out who you are. The setup keeps things cosy with just 35 seats per screening, so you're not squashed in with hundreds of strangers scrolling through their phones. Film programme March 27 Photograph: DreamWorks The Terminal (2004), 6.30pm Tom Hanks gets stuck at JFK airport and somehow turns waiting around into one of cinema's loveliest experiences. His character transforms a soulless terminal into a place full of unexpected friendship and hope. Proper feel good stuff that makes you believe in people. March 28 Photograph: Allstar/PARAMOUNT Forrest Gump (1994), 6.30pmAnother Hanky favourite, this one where good old Forest Gump,  a man with a pure heart, stumbles through American history, becoming a war hero, cross country runner and shrimp business owner along the way. But really it's about one thing: finding and keeping love. Photograph: The Kobal Collection The Breakfast Club (1985), 9.10pm Five teenagers from totally different social circles spend Saturday detention together. The rebellious one, the popular girl, the nerd,