Phavitch Theeraphong

Hack the brunch convention associated to hotel buffet (with a few upgraded ingredients and steeper price) for these brunchie gems offering one hell of a promotion for both weekdays and weekends.

Here are our picks for the coolest bars that give off both romantic and oriental vibes.

A few years back, marijuana, cannabis or ganja, as it’s called in Thailand and other Asian countries, suffered from a derogatory reputation in the country, associated with characters considered unpleasant, such as skin-and-bone crackheads or dirty hippies that roam the infamous back streets. That’s why it was quite a surprise when the campaign to legalize the psychoactive substance became one of the hottest issues of the year, especially during the recent general elections. Oversized green marijuana leaves appeared on the campaign posters of the Bhumjaithai Party—headed by business tycoon Anutin Charnvirajul—one of the many that pushed for the legalization and freedom of cannabis farming, and to make cannabis an export crop of Thailand. The attempt to legalize marijuana has since sparked many discussions and debates revolving around the substance, turning the public's eye to the controversial green plant. Despite having one of the strictest drug laws in Southeast Asia, Thailand has become the first country in the region to legalize marijuana, but only for medical use and research purposes. With the global cannabis market reported to be worth US$150 billion, according a 2018 Barclays report, and expected to reach US$272 billion in 2019, cannabis is undoubtedly an enormous business opportunity. Thailand is set to benefit tremendously from the new legislation, and the legalization of medical cannabis seems to be just a starting point in the country’s perceived future in marijuan

You wouldn't call Bangkok a pet-friendly city. Most public spaces are off-limits to your four-legged friends, thus spending time with them outside your home can be quite a challenge. But the city is developing a more welcoming attitude towards domesticated animals—cafés, shopping malls, and even staycation-perfect hotels across the city are now allowing fur parents to bring their canine and feline babies. New pet-centric businesses have also sprung up, including more grooming salons to make your pets pretty, and spas and swimming pools to make sure they remain healthy and in good shape. Here are some paw-fect spaces you can take your furry pals to enjoy a nice day out.  

Dewy-eyed, soft-spoken and with a seemingly perennial expression of bemusement on her face, Banyen Ruangsantheia has the appearance and personality that most people would not associate with a Michelin-awarded chef. Her presence as the award recipient for Suan Thip, an old-school restaurant in Nonthaburi, at the Michelin Guide Thailand Star Revelation ceremony at Park Hyatt Bangkok in November 2018 caught the attendees—comprised of the most iconic figures in the local and global gastronomic scene—by surprise. I didn't know who or what Michelin was  “I didn't know who or what Michelin was,” the 62-year-old chef confesses. “I only realized how big Michelin was when one of our servers told me. I was shaking throughout and was probably the only one in the room who could not understand English. When Suan Thip was announced as a Michelin-starred restaurant, I almost fainted. It’s hard to believe that a normal Thai eatery serving simple Thai food could be compared to high-end, five-starred restaurants.” The Nakhon Ratchasima-born Banyen, who’s been in charge of the kitchen at Suan Thip for almost three decades, initially came to Bangkok in the early ’70s and ended up becoming a maid for the Kittikachorn family, which owns Suan Thip. Due to the political conflict in 1973, Banyen’s employers were forced to relocate the entire household, help included, to a piece of riverside land in the then far-flung area Nonthaburi. The family was initially involved in the creation of intricate fabri

From swanky Thonglor nightclubs to rooftop bars in Silom with unmatched views, Time Out Bangkok searched through the city to find the greatest mixologists with their unrivaled cocktail concoctions. Scroll down for the list of our favorite cocktail bars in Bangkok. 

Bangkok is undeniably a foodie paradise, boasting a gamut of globe-spanning culinary offerings—both savory and sweet—to appease adventurous taste buds. But when it comes to Asian sweets, the continent’s confections are overshadowed by more popular Western counterparts, and savoring traditional Asian sweets can be quite a challenge in Bangkok. But if you know where to look, the city does have a few good places to partake in the region’s luscious delights, from Vietnamese street-side favorites to the Middle East’s sugar-kissed coffee accompaniments. Embark on a sugar-laden journey and discover the tantalizing desserts Asia has to offer.

เวลาเราพูดถึงร้านอาหารที่จองยากจองเย็น หลายคนก็จะเหมารวมว่าต้องรอนานหลายเดือนกว่าจะได้ลิ้มรสความอร่อยที่บอกกันปากต่อปาก แต่ในความเป็นจริง "ความยาก" ของการจองร้านอาหารไม่ได้อยู่ที่ระยะเวลาที่เราต้องรอแต่เพียงอย่างเดียว ความลำบากยากเข็ญของการจองร้านอาหารในกรุงเทพฯ เกิดจากร้อยแปดสาเหตุ ไม่ว่าจะเป็นร้านที่เปิดรับจองแค่เดือนละวัน ร้านที่มีโต๊ะและที่นั่งเพียงหยิบมือ ร้านที่ต้องกระหน่ำโทรนับร้อยสาย หรือร้านที่ต้องส่งอีเมลไปกลับหลายสิบรอบกว่าจะได้เวลาที่ลงตัว ฯลฯ  Time Out รวบรวมประสบการณ์ของเราเองและคนรู้จักมาจัดอันดับ 6 ร้านอาหารจองยากทั่วกรุงเทพฯ ที่รับประกันว่าแค่มีเงินไม่ได้หมายความว่าจะได้กิน แต่คุณยังต้องมีความอดทนขนาดมหาศาลอีกด้วย ...แต่ถามว่าสายกินอย่างเราท้อไหม บอกเลยว่าไม่!

Thai food has been praised around the world for its delightful flavors and its lavish use of herbs and fresh ingredients. While the more savory dishes have seen pop culture recognition, Thai desserts have sadly been neglected. Most of these sweet treats are a nightmare to make and are often priced less than what they merit, which is probably the reason why we barely see them in our usual dining haunts. Some Bangkok venues, however, have staunchly upheld Thai dessert traditions and have given these treats a fancy rebirth. Here are some legendary Thai sweets to try.

2018 is a very meaningful year for Thailand and Portugal. The official bilateral relationship between the two nations, which was initiated way back in the Ayutthaya period, has come into its 500th anniversary—the longest Thailand has ever had with a European nation. Five centuries of friendship—without dissolution—has had its implications on both countries. You still find traces of Portuguese culture in Thai society, from food and drinks to language and architecture. The shophouses spread across the old town flaunt architecture partially inspired by Sino- Portuguese culture. Behind the Grand Palace walls, patrons visiting Great and Good Friends, the exhibition that embodies the 200th-year celebration of Thailand-USA relations, will notice that the first letter to mark the official beginning of the bilateral relationship was written in Portuguese, the official foreign language in the Thai royal court during that time (long before English was widely learned in Thailand). Many Thai egg yolk-based desserts—from foi thong to thong yod—are closely related to Portuguese sweets. Then there’s the popular egg tart, a Portuguese-born snack that arrived in Thailand via Macau. Not to mention, many Thai words are “borrowed” or "reinterpreted" from the Portuguese language. A little bit of Portugal surrounds you—and maybe is even in you. And it’s time you became aware of it.   The Timeline 1511 The first Portugal trading ship arrived in Ayutthaya. Trading began. 1518 The first official tradi

Phuket has long been praised for its culinary culture, which highlights the province’s distinctive Phuketian Peranakan cuisine—mainly a blend of Thai, Malay and Chinese cooking—and is now being elevated by the influx of fine-dining restaurants. The city was put in the spotlight last year after it was recognized as a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO (the first time an Asian city was given this prestigious status). This year, Phuket’s culinary offerings come under scrutiny once again as the city becomes the new playground for Michelin inspectors testing its culinary offerings for the launch of The Michelin Guide Bangkok, Phuket, and Phang-nga 2019 happening in November this year. In celebration of Phuket’s shining moment, Time Out Bangkok travels to the resort town to check out its best restaurants and eateries. 

We love our lives in this big messy city of Bangkok. The dining and drinking scene is fantastic, and there are always awesome things to do. But the crowds and chaos can also be intolerable, (especially in these days leading up to the elections when political tension is again reaching boiling point). When you’ve had enough, and are starting to get migraines or panic attacks, a change of scenery or pursuing activities that let your mind escape for a short while can be a great idea. Time Out has sorted out some of the coolest things to do in Bangkok to help you find your inner peace, and to get your mental and physical state back on track.

Blue Whale Maharaj joins the other hipster havens that are giving more edge to the old town with a grand tribute to the deep blue sea.   Formerly an old shop house, the quirky café sits on Maharaj Road in the emerging Ta Tien area. Stepping inside almost feels like entering an aquarium—the wall is painted and tiled up in different shades of blue and boasts a massaive drawing of a blue whale. The second and third floors are outfitted with simple wooden furniture that mirrors the neighborhood’s nostalgic feel. The stairs leading to the third floor makes for a cool photo op with a charming backdrop—in blue, of course. The color scheme also makes its way to the café’s signature Smurf-blue latte, which blends butterfly pea extract with milk (available hot, B95, or iced, B120). The kitchen churns out simple—and photogenic—east-meet-west snacks and comfort fare. Opt for their fluffy pancakes (B220) served with a savory combination of smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, dill sauce and house-made dill and pepper oil. The open toast (B130) sees multigrain bread spread with Nutella and peanut butter, and topped with coconut flakes and chocolate sauce. For an old-school meal, try the Thai sausage fried rice (B180) crowned with a thick, fluffy scrambled eggs.

Posh hotel bars that serve great cocktails are, in most cases, rare in Bangkok. (We usually encounter juice-heavy numbers that skimp on booze). But new waves of establishments, including Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, are doing their best to change this situation. Launched alongside the highly anticipated Akira Back restaurant, ABar impressively combines style with substance by pulling off well-rounded libations in two distinct venues: a Victorian-themed drinking palace and a rooftop drinking space up above. Upon entering the bar, your eyes are met with awe-inspiring, moodily lit interiors that make the most of dark wood, black marble and brass details to pay tribute to Victorian London aesthetics and gritty retro-Manhattan elements. (The whole thing looks like something straight out of the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.) The outdoor terrace, fitted with apothecary-like cabinets, provide an area for puffing on vintage cigars while looking out to Sukhumvit’s glittering skyscrapers. The bar is helmed by Rojanat Chareonsri, who honed his skills at Nopa Kitchen + Bar in Washington DC and Fillets in Bangkok. The cocktails put the focus on premium dark spirits, so expect whiskey, rum and cognac to make their way into your drink (though we also noticed a couple of gin-based items). Study in Stone is a sour with Nusa Cana rum, sherry cream, citrus oleo saccharum (macerated lemon oil) and lemon (B415). Another offering, The Oxford, smartly reinvents the classic

A group of friends, comprised of two interior designers and a food stylist, have ventured into a café business that highlights caffeinated brews with dim sum bites. Here, they recommend pairing a cup of tea or coffee with a number of fried dim sum such as fried custard lava buns and miniature barbeque pork buns. They also serve boiled rice with eight savory sides and condiments made from ingredients that have been carefully handpicked from noteworthy shops in Chinatown.

Say “Ciao” to Ciao, the Water Library Group’s brand-new venture that purveys thin and crispy Italian indulgence. Tucked in the bustling neighborhood of Silom, right next to Kuku Ramen (a Japanese noodle parlor also by the same group), this industrial-chic space is kitted out with dark wooden tables, curved steel interiors and trendy faux brick walls, and is usually packed with Silom office workers looking to feast on good-quality Italian delicacies with wallet-friendly prices.  Italian chef Gerardo Calabrese steers the kitchen and churns out delicate thin-crust pizzas from a handsome hybrid gas/wood-fired oven. The pizza here comes in two sizes – small and regular – and is generously topped with an exciting selection of toppings. The combo of parma ham, rocket, parmesan, tomato and burrata cheese (B555/regular) is an interesting mash-up of contrasting flavors, while the vegetarian option, heaped with mozzarella, aubergine, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms, is simply refreshing. Their pizza dough is what possibly sets Ciao apart. Here, it is left to rise twice after kneading, so expect a crust with a light and airy texture.  Aside from pizza, other pick-me-ups include fresh strozapretti pasta cooked with house-made pesto (B260) and ravioli stuffed with smoked cheese and ricotta then laden with creamy truffle sauce (B260). The signature panna cotta, sprinkled with strawberry granita and fizzy Pop Rock candies, makes for a fun ending to your meal. Something worth noting: until the

Tongue-burning northeastern fare seems to be a big hit among Bangkokians, as proven by the Isaan eateries—from street side carts to proper, air-conditioned venues—found in almost every corner. Sadly, many of these food haunts hold off from doing justice to the region’s spice-packed dishes and, instead, come up with their own Bangkok-appropriated versions.  The group of friends behind men’s accessory brand Mongrest, led by Nattaphong Saehu and Nuthakorn Jivarungsinee, is hoping to save Isaan fare from its impending abysmal fate by opening a humble restaurant that pays homage to Nattaphong’s Nakhon Phanom root and the authentic spicy flavors of the northeastern cuisine.  Phed Phed is set in a space that seems untypical of an Isaan eatery—potted plants, blue tiles and white marbletop tables. Its menu, in contrast, respectfully plays with the no-nonsense flavors of Isaan cuisine through the use of local herbs that’s brought directly from the region as well as three types of house-made fermented fish sauce (pla ra), prepared distinctly for somtam, curry and relish.  Somtam, an Isaan staple, comes in more than 20 varieties including tum tang poo dong (B55), where a spicy cucumber salad is paired with preserved paddy field crab served with its shell. The Phed Phed team also makes their own Isaan-style snacks such as neam (fermented pork) and grilled fermented pork sausages (B50). Soup lovers can go for the aromatic bamboo shoot curry (B95), which sees local herbs swimming in a light

The world’s cheapest Michelin-starred street stall from Singapore has now opened its Bangkok outpost in the tourist-friendly Terminal 21 shopping mall and you don’t have to queue up for hours, well for now.  Having garnered one Michelin star in 2016, the popular Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Rice and Noodles has secured the title of the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred eatery and since then, has caused an unimaginably massive queue at the Singapore’s famous Chinatown Food Complex. Due to popular demand, chef Chan Hong Meng decided to venture out of the canteen and opened two more polished outlets in Singapore and one oversea parlor in Taiwan with the name of Hawker Chan, to make his Cantonese-style eat becomes more accessible.  Now, Hawker Chan has made its way to Bangkok on the 5th floor of Terminal 21 shopping mall and delivers the same dish that make people in Singapore queue up for hours — the signature soy sauce and chicken rice (B88). To our experience, the chicken comes out tender with juicy skin and is paired with rice laden with intense black soy sauce. Also, you can also substitute the chicken with char siu (B100), crispy pork belly (B100) and pork rib (110), or enjoy them in platter (B120 for 2 selections/B180 for 3 selections). 

A fancy trip to Paris used to be incomplete without a Facebook check-in at the original branch of the prestigious restaurant, La Maison de la Truffe. Now, thanks to a group of Thai business moguls, including Kamolsut Dabbaransi and Chalermchai Mahagaitsiri, Bangkok can enjoy the deluxe truffle experience at the first La Maison de la Truffe in Asia. The classic and sophisticated dining room reflects the décor at the original Paris branch: art deco interiors decked out with large mirrors and neo-classic furniture imported from France. Monara Pres, the head chef in the Paris shop, was flown all the way from France to helm the kitchen until the end of October. While in Bangkok, Pres is also tasked to name a head chef who will have to live up to his name.  Expect delicious contemporary European dishes taken to the next level with high-quality truffles from France and Italy. Promising to give you a mouth-gasm are dishes like beef carpaccio with fresh rocket, parmigiano cheese and sliced truffles (B1,100), and black spaghetti cooked in truffle-infused lobster bisque and topped with fresh truffles (฿2,500). The pan-seared foie gras served with fig chutney and delicious brioche bread (฿920) is a definite to-die-for. Finish off your meal with the panna cotta (฿370), which showcases Pres’s take on mango sticky rice. The fragrant black truffle cheesecake (฿400) is another go-to option. The restaurant only uses seasonal truffles so expect prices to triple in November when the desirable wh

French dining in Bangkok is often worshipped on the altar of haute cuisine—the experience normally comes with lavishly suited butlers and a pricey, multi-course menu that features dishes with names you probably can’t pronounce.  Brasserie Cordonnier, the latest restaurant by Soho Hospitality (the crew behind Charcoal and Above Eleven), aims to knock down Gallic fare from its lofty position by serving dishes that reflect the cuisine’s more humble origins.  The restaurant is akin to one of those bistros dotting Montmartre, the bohemian quarters in Paris. An eye-catching patio with blue awning opens up to a space with unfussy, dark wooden paneling and small tables. Vintage posters and snapshots focusing on footwear adorn the restaurant’s walls, manifesting a not-so-subtle fascination with footwear (cordonnier actually means “cobbler” in French).  But it’s the affordable French staples on menu that are the biggest draws. Chef Clement Hernandez, formerly the sous chef at J’AIME, puts his own twist on authentic French recipes, including a hearty ratatouille paired with tomato salad featuring different textures of tomatoes with mint and sunflower seeds (B280). Succulent escargots are seasoned with garlic and parsley (B390), while the beef bourguignon— a nice pairing to one of the reds in the French-centric wine list (from B240 per glass)—features beef chunks, glazed carrots and bacon bits simmering in an intense red wine sauce (B520).  The apple tarte tatin (B220) is not to be misse

A new cafe in Sukhumvit 49 ticks all the right boxes for how to run a green café: white-washed interiors and wooden furniture — all within a glasshouse surrounded by lush greenery — plus tasty-looking bites. Patom is owned by the people behind Sampran Riverside hotel in Nakhon Pathom province, who have been a driving force for organic farming in the Sam Pran area. The café, in fact, offers lunch boxes, featuring simple comfort food cooked with organic produce grown by these Sam Pran farmers. Half of the dining room is dedicated to a grocery store that sells organic veggies and fruits, and natural soaps and shampoo all produced in the province.  Theera Healthy Bake Room nearby supports the café by providing sweet treats made with Patom's organic produce, such as chocolate-chip pumpkin bars (B70 each) and spinach and mozzarella muffins (B120).  

Townhouse has created a buzz among Hongkongese and visitors alike for creative Asian fusion grub in a fun yet swanky atmosphere. The eatery has recently spread its wings, opening its first international branch in the new dining zone of Siam Paragon. With respects to its original branch, the Bangkok outpost is also dressed in dark blue and pink interiors. An eye-catching neon sign spells out the restaurant’s name. Townhouse’s exciting party vibe is set to appeal to the young Siam crowd and to inject a bit of groove into Siam Paragon’s upmarket atmosphere. Townhouse’s signature dishes are to be expected including a spherical egg waffle with Spanish Serrano ham (B140), reminiscent of pancakes with bacon; crispy, thin-crust pizza (B380) topped with Chinese-style barbecued duck, garlic, leeks, chili, mozzarella and a hint of sweet Peking duck sauce; and a swanky version of Singaporean curry noodles (B580), here generously topped with lobster, Serrano ham and foie gras. Dessert sees photogenic, mouthwatering options like a larger-than-life vanilla soufflé (B250) served with rum-infused cream sauce, and a torched crème brûlée (B190) filled with banana slices, caramel and coffee. Come nighttime, sweet and creative cocktails like Golden Triangle (curry-infused rum, peach liqueur and apricot brandy, B350) are on offer —perfect as a pregame drink before hitting the clubs nearby.

This hotspot is like Club Med for your pooch. Barkyard BKK is the city’s first “dog-centric” community space, catering to the needs – and desires – of your furry friend. There’s a café that serves treats and ice water to dogs, a pet-grooming salon and a spacious field that’s perfect for playing catch. There’s even also a dog-only swimming pool (not rooftop, sorry). A doggie’s paradise, indeed. Plus, you may want to consider Barkyard if you need to put up your pup while you’re away. The venue has 14 air-conditioned suites, and offers each room packaged with exercise and playtime (prices range from B700to B950/night depending on the size of your dog). All rooms are connected with a bark-cam, so you can check in on your pooch wherever you are in the world.

It’s time to get your health and fitness back on track after weeks spent in lockdown. Boutique fitness studio The Lab is pushing a set of well-curated exercise programs and nutrition coaching sessions aimed at helping you regain your strength and improve your overall health. Group exercise classes, such as the strength-focused Power Hour and the butt-toning Glute Lab, are conducted by well-trained and experienced instructors at their two branches in RSU Tower in Sukhumvit and NST One Building in Silom. But you can also opt for a one-on-one session with a personal trainer, who will work closely with you to help you reach your fitness goals. Maintaining your physique goes beyond cardio exercises and pumping iron. Eating also plays a major role in helping you keep fit and fab, which is why The Lab also offers a nutrition-coaching program. This includes a consultation with a certified nutrition expert who will help determine the amount of nutrients your body needs on a daily basis and the food that can complement your lifestyle. The Lab is currently offering a special promotion for its eight anniversary. Sign up now and take advantage of massive discounts on group classes, and personal training and nutrition coaching sessions. Contact The Lab at 0 2662 1618 for more information.

It has been a sad year for high-end mainstream food and restaurant chains. Ladurée Bangkok, who has made Thais go gaga over their fancy macarons since 2014, has taken to social media to announced the closure of all Ladurée shops in Bangkok in the end of August.  Until the closure of all stores, Ladurée Bangkok is currently offering a number of enticing promotions to clear up their stocks of macaron and other goodies. For example, a purchase of a box of 20 macarons will give you another complimentary box (B2,580), while a purchase of two boxes with 8 pieces of macarons will give you another two free boxes for B3,000. The rest of the promotion can be seen via Line @ladureethailand.    It's a pretty good deal if you're a serious sweet tooth and really crazy about macarons!             

Langsuan is now the hottest neighborhood for Bangkok’s newest high-end hotels. Following the opening of the café and rooftop bar at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, its next-door neighbor Sindhorn Kempinski has also revealed its food and booze outlets, plus a state-of-the-art fitness center.     Sindhorn Kempsinki Bangkok   The hotel’s suites and guest rooms will only be ready to accommodate staycationers and post-lockdown vacationers (provided we open up our international borders) in October, but its Lobby Lounge is now welcoming diners, serving them light meals, and an afternoon tea set that uses healthy and organic ingredients, and offers a wide selection of brews carefully selected by the hotel’s tea master.   Sindhorn Kempsinki Bangkok     Its bar Firefly, meanwhile, promises to be another worthy go-to for cocktails and cold libations. Dim lighting and a view that overlook the hotel’s lush grounds make it perfect for a quiet pre-prandial drink or an intimate rendezvous.   Sindhorn Kempsinki Bangkok       The hotel has also opened a part of Sindhorn Wellness by Resense, its two-story, world-class boutique fitness center. Once the hotel is fully operating, the gym will also offer a number of fitness classes, including yoga, Pilates, and Les Mills Body Pump and Body Combat, and HIIT and Crossfit sessions.  

Apple Store Central World has just revealed its breathtaking interiors. Located on the front esplanade of the busy shopping destination, Thailand’s second Apple store is set to become a landmark destination, just like its counterparts in New York, Tokyo and Shanghai. The architectural marvel, encased in a luminous glass cylinder, boasts three stories. A spiral staircase winds around a wooden centerpiece that soars majestically over the entire store and branches out to make up the roof. The store’s stunning design is sure to attract Apple fanboys, the gadget-savvy and curious passersby. Rumors say the store will finally open its doors to visitors this weekend. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed!   Phavitch Theeraphong/Time Out Bangkok           Phavitch Theeraphong/Time Out Bangkok          

Err, Bo.lan’s sister restaurant known for casual Thai fare, is now selling an all-you-can-eat dining deal priced at B1,000 net, available until 19 July. After relocated to the same compound as Bo.lan, the fuss-free Thai restaurant by chefs Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones is now offering flavorsome Thai meal using ingredients from sustainable producers and Bo.lan’s backyard garden to Sukhumvit folks. For the special free-flow deal, you’ll get to savor all food selection in the menu except the famous fried chicken skin. (However, you can order the dish separately. We recommend you reserve the dish in advance as it is available in limited portion). Drinks are not included in the deal. Reservation is required. To book a table, call 0 2622 2292. Err, Soi Sukhumvit 53. BTS Thonglor. Open Tue-Sun 11:30-15:00, 17:00-23:00

Aqua Bar at Anantara Siam hotel will be welcoming some of the most notable cocktail bars in Bangkok and the winners of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020. Throughout July, Anantara Siam guests and cocktail enthusiasts will be able to indulge in enticing concoctions whipped up by talented mixologists from three acclaimed cocktail institutions in Bangkok. Taking the stage on 16-17 July are the barmen from Backstage Cocktail Bar (No.33), who are tasked to showcase their creativity through their signature drinks. Silom’s acclaimed watering hole Vesper (No.11) will take over the beautiful courtyard of Aqua Bar on 23-24 to deliver their famous art-inspired drinks. And last but not least, tropical-theme bar Tropic City (No.24) will be serving refreshing yet head-turning concoctions with strong influence from Southeast Asia and The Caribbean on 30-31 July. Don't miss!  Anantara Siam, Ratchadamri, 0 2126 8866, 18:00-24:00. 

Apart from country music, Nashville is known all over the world for its spicy, tongue-numbing fried chicken. There’s even an event dedicated to it. Music City Hot Chicken Festival is held every 4 July bringing together to some of the most legit players in Nashville-style hot chicken in a food truck-style festival. And this year, Fowlmouth, the hot chicken parlor that has been introducing spice-loving Bangkokians to the aggressively fiery flavors of America’s deep south, are asked to join the event, covid aware-style. Due to COVID-19 that halts international travel, Fowlmouth has to celebrate the Music City Hot Chicken Festival by practicing “social distancing” from other hot chicken outlets in America. On 4-6 July, Fowlmouth gives 10% discount on all food and drink order to celebrate the event dedicating to the Nashville specialty. The participation of this Thai chicken eatery in the prestigious fried chicken festival serves as a testament that Fowlmouth really takes the Nashville staple very seriously. The establishment has been asked to join Music City Hot Chicken Festival in 2021 with the owner Chirayu Na Ranong in the judging panel for the Nashville Hot Chicken competition.

Suburban art gallery Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has finally given the green lights to avid photographers to take pictures inside the famous Richard Green Room—a gallery inspired by the interiors of legendary art museums in Europe. The interior details promise the bewilder visitors, featuring olive green-painted walls, curved gateways, and glass-dome roofs as you would see inside world-famous The Louvre in Paris and The National Gallery in London.  In contrast to the museum's other exhibition rooms that showcase contemporary pieces by local artists, Richard Green Room features pre-modern paintings and sculptures bought from Richard Green Gallery in London. Expect to witness masterpieces by John William Godward and Sir Lawrence Alma Tadema. The delicate artworks are sensitive to lights so the museum had prohibited photography inside the room.  MOCA Bangkok opens Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00-18:00. Admission fee is B250 (B100 for students with ID).    Tanisorn Vongsoontorn/Time Out Bangkok       Tanisorn Vongsoontorn/Time Out Bangkok       Tanisorn Vongsoontorn/Time Out Bangkok                            

Prestigious riverside hotel Mandarin Oriental Bangkok sets to welcome guests again from 3 July onward, offering staycation packages with huge discount (well, for Mandarin Oriental standard) and massive credits to use at the hotel's F&B and spa outlets.  A staycation at Mandarin Oriental comes with personal butler service, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, and a super early check-in at 8:00 and a late check-out at 20:00. (So you technically benefit from two full days with this deal). Packages start at B17,500 for Deluxe Premier room coming with a B8,750 food and drinks credit, and go up to B250,000 for the 300-meter Royal Suite plus a B125,000 credit to use at the hotel’s F&B outlets. The suite package also includes a dinner for six at Michelin-starred Le Normandie worth B100,000.  Thai residents and expats with work permit can take advantage of "Experience The Legend" Package which sees massive discount on Deluxe Premier (B9,999++/night) and Deluxe Suite (B19,999++/night) rooms, with complimentary massage and breakfast. Make sure you have registered for Fans of MO to receive complimentary dining credits (B2,000 for Deluxe Premier/B6,000 for Deluxe Suite). Well, that's one hell of a way to reward yourself after the lockdown!  The staycation package at Mandarin Oriental is valid until 20 September. To book your stay, click here. For "Experience The Legend" package, call 0 2659 9000.   

Social distancing makes going to movie theaters a not-so-popular option for many virus-scare cinephiles. All in the rage in cities like London, New York and Dubai, drive-in cinema as you've seen from American movies has been introduced as the solution to maintain ideal social distancing while you can still catch up with latest blockbusters. Movie theater chain SF Cinema and state-run telecommunication company CAT Telecom are teaming up to launch a drive-thru cinematic experience from 2-5 July at Crystal Design Center (CDC). Family-friendly flick Trolls World Tour has been selected to show at the premier event of the pop-up. The audience can enjoy the film in the comfort of their seat alongside food, snacks and drinks provided by SF Cinema. Portable air-conditioner will also be provided so you don't have to start your engine at all times.  Check out SF Cinema website for soon-to-announce showtime and ticket prices.  

Scala, probably Bangkok's most institutional movie theaters, is closing its doors for good in July. The news was confirmed by a post on the official Apex Scala Facebook page. But the long-standing movie theatre is not going out without a bang. On 4 and 5 July, Scala will host an exclusive film screening event in collaboration with the Thai Film Archive called "La Scala" (a play on the Thai world "la" meaning bidding farewell). The selected films to screen to bid farewell to the movie institution are: 12:00Blow-up 15:00The Scala & Niran Ratri 18.00Cinema Paradiso Tickets are B140 and B160. Call 0 2251 2861 to book from June 27 onwards. The 1,000-seater, stand-alone cineplex was designed by Jira Silkanok (who’s also behind the iconic look of the Indra Regent Hotel) and named after opera hall Teatro alla Scala in Rome. It opened on 31 December 1969 and screened the Western flick The Undefeated by Andrew McLaglen for its premier. Scala is praised by aesthetes as a prime example of Art Deco in Bangkok. On 3 July, the cinema is set to turn on all its lights and photographers and art lovers for one last chance to capture and appreciate the legendary venue’s beautiful architectural details.    

Bangkok is now home to the country’s first ever “garden bridge.” Set over the Chao Phraya River, the 280-meter Bangkok Sky Park connects the Bangkok and Thon Buri sides of the city’s main waterway, and is built on the concrete skeleton of the unfinished Lavalin Skytrain, a mass rapid transit project that was abandoned under former prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda. The elevated park is due to open today today (24 June) and welcomes visitors from 16:00. Designed by N71 Architect, the architectural firm behind the Chulalongkorn University Centennary Park, the green pedestrian bridge  is situated between the traffic lanes on the Phra Pok Klao Bridge. It features a lush and scenic walking route that overlooks the river, and a jogging path from King Prajadhipok Park in Phra Nakhon and Chaloem Phrakiet Forest Park in Thon Buri. The project is similar to the now scrapped Garden Bridge project over the River Thames in London.    

Elegant gem of Phloenchit Rosewood Bangkok has reopened its door after the lockdown, offering enticing staycation packages that promise a sojourn to remember. City-view rooms teemed with luxurious and modern charm are ready to welcome guests in “Summer at Rosewood” package priced at B8,000/night coming with B1,500 credit/night to spend at restaurants and bars. Rate goes down to B6,670 per night when staying for two consecutive nights and guests will benefit from a free third night. Guests are able to check-in as early as 8:00 and check out at 16:00.  You can also impress your date and take your staycation up a notch with “Suite Sojourn” package (from B19,600) where you’ll be pampered with a roundtrip transfer from your doorsteps in BMW7 Series limo and 60-minute spa treatment.