Meena Janekrabuanhad

Not everyone who visits Thailand wants to see another temple. But what if it had cats? So many cats that you forget all the statues and keep your eyes down for a game of feline ‘I spy’ as hundreds of furry faces run carefree among the colourful ceramic chedis. At Wat Pho (or its official Thai name, Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan), the temple is a safe haven for visitors looking for a little peace of mind, a place where monks share their teachings and, in this case, a home for some very cute little creatures, too. About 200, to be exact. A tail of 200 temple cats Photograph: Meena Janekrabuanhad - Time OutWat Pho's cat residents: Grass Jelly and Cotton Ball At first there were just 20 – some stray cats wandering around the neighbourhood, others abandoned at the temple. Venerable Monk Mahanalin was, at some point along his journey in the Sangha, tasked with looking after them, making sure the temple remained a clean and safe place for both people and cats. They were never meant to permanently stay. In fact, Ven. Mahanalin says he wasn’t even a cat person. And yet, here he is years later, introducing us to hundreds of cats he named himself, with a gang of them following him at all times.  ‘This is Pizza; Mom Mam (the oldest of the bunch who’s been here for 10 years); nong Mali, the youngest and newest resident; and Botun, who has to take daily medication. Mafuang and Mafai are siblings, both born here. Green Beans is the shyest of them all, and Grass Je

Japan has shabu-shabu, China has huǒguō and Thailand has suki. The names, broths and sauces differ, but the ritual is much the same: gather around a bubbling pot, throw in whatever takes your fancy and inevitably burn your mouth because you couldn’t wait another half a second. Thailand’s version grew out of Chinese hotpot, adapted to local tastes and popularised by restaurants such as COCA, which began as a 20-seat Cantonese dining room in Bangkok in 1957. Suki has since become a fixture of family meals and shopping-centre dining, with each restaurant’s house sauce serving as its calling card. Thai suki brings its own character to the hotpot table. The broth is usually light and savoury, taking on flavour from the vegetables and meat as they simmer. The more you add, the tastier it gets. Seasoned suki diners crack an egg into the broth at the start so it cooks into soft ribbons and gives the soup a richer texture. You’ll also find versions inspired by Thai favourites such as tom yum – because Thailand has a tom yum take on almost everything. Not that we’re complaining. Thai suki shares the seemingly endless choice of meats and vegetables found in other hotpots, but it has staples of its own. Morning glory and glass noodles are among the essentials, with the noodles soaking up the broth and sauce for slippery, savoury mouthfuls. Suki’s secret weapon? The dipping sauce. Every restaurant has its own ratio, but the familiar sweet, sour, spicy and salty balance remains: tiny but f

People come to Thailand for the food, but what if the food is also dessert? That spicy, sour bowl of tom yum? The soy sauce found in practically every Thai kitchen? Bangkok’s ice-cream makers have turned them into frozen scoops – and some of the results are considerably tastier than they sound.  From suki sauce and fish sauce caramel to pad kra pao, dried fish and even ‘holy water’, here are 10 of Bangkok’s weirdest ice cream flavours to try and judge for yourself.

‘Made in China’ really doesn’t quite mean what it used to. From cult fashion labels to design-led lifestyle brands, a new generation of Chinese names is winning over Bangkok and you no longer need to book a flight to Shanghai or Beijing to get your hands on them. In fact, some of these brands have made Bangkok their only home outside China. Stores once saved for the next trip abroad are now popping up around our very own city, bringing a distinctly Chinese take on fashion, design, food and lifestyle to Bangkok’s streets. Here are the Chinese brands Bangkokians are currently obsessed with and where to find them.

I just moved here, and I thought that would be the hardest part. Turns out belonging is a whole other battle.  Even in the social hubbub of Bangkok, making friends as an adult is hard, so I’ve turned to hobbies. Think of them as little whimsical side quests around Bangkok: no social pressure, no commitments, no need to be particularly good at anything. Just show up as you are, try something new and see where it takes you.   Maybe you’ll meet a like-minded friend. Maybe you’ll come out the other side with a new favourite pastime. Or maybe you’ll spend two hours awkwardly making some wonky trinket that doesn’t work properly but you’ve had a great time making it anyway. Worst case, you’ll have a funny story to look back on. Welcome to ‘hobbymaxxing’ in Bangkok. A series about trying new things, facing (social) fears and making new memories, one hobby at a time. First up: journalling. Trading your phone for a pen Journalling seems like a good place to start, even if it’s quite personal (so much for making new friends!). It’s low-entry, low-pressure and requires very little commitment beyond finding somewhere to sit and putting pen to paper, essentially. And in a city that’s always rushing to get caught in traffic, there’s something quite nice about deliberately doing the opposite. Find somewhere to slow down, open your notebook and scribble your thoughts. Serious ones or complete nonsense. Photograph: I found something goodEverything to Journaling

Light casts shadows through the glass, falling across a vinyl record spinning at a steady 33 rpm. The crackle of the needle settling into the grooves awakens analogue sound – imperfect, but that's why people love it.  In our fast-paced world, where almost everything can be commanded with the touch of a fingertip, sinking into a chair and listening to an entire record has become a rare and almost exquisite act. A ritual, even, for those who appreciate sound.  Japan’s traditional jazz cafés, known as Jazz Kissa, remain among the few places where you can walk in, leave the outside world behind and simply immerse yourself in the music – unbothered and uninterrupted, with no ads to skip and no algorithm deciding what you listen to next. In Bangkok, we have similar spots – usually referred to as listening bars – although they’re usually a little more connected than the social Faraday cages of Japan.  The Japanese sense of nostalgia is captured in the pages of Jazz Kissa: The Soul of Japanese Listening Culture, a photographic exploration of Japan’s iconic cafés and the culture of deep listening that surrounds them.  Behind the book are three people who appreciate the art of listening in their own way: Katsumasa Kusunose, a music historian and photographer who has spent nearly half his life immersed in jazz cafés; Ted Gushue of ERG Media, a publisher with a belief in the enduring power of print; and Devon Turnbull, a sound architect who turns loudspeakers into sculptural works of art

This is definitely a camera-eats-first kinda list. We’re judging these places purely by their looks (because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to go wrong with a butter and sugar combo), so expect an obscene amount of cuteness as we run through Bangkok’s best looking desserts. Those who know the drill will already have cameras at the ready. And if you’ve been dragged along but aren’t exactly a café person, well... please be patient and don’t tuck in until the perfect picture is taken. And for those who do prefer to eat with their eyes, this list covers cookies, parfaits, puddings, cakes, pastries, macarons and pretty much every kind of sweet treat you can imagine – provided it’s cute enough to make the cut. Bangkok has never been this sweet.

Move over, elephant pants. Thailand has another wardrobe staple worth adding to your closet: it comes in pairs and is made of leather.  That’s right, Thailand's homegrown leather shoe brands have grown from humble workshops into respected names recognised both locally and internationally the past few years, and we’re all here to celebrate them. With carefully selected premium leathers, skilled handcraftsmanship and versatile designs, these shoes are actually built to last rather than simply chasing seasonal trends.  And before you think it, forget the idea that leather shoes are only for boardrooms or black-tie events. Everyone’s going for the leather shoe look these days, seamlessly blending artisanal quality with everyday looks. We’re talking timeless loafers and Derby shoes, rugged boots and leather sneakers. They literally go with any outfit.  To celebrate this new Thai craft, we’ve rounded up 12 leather shoe brands made in Thailand worth knowing – from heritage names that have stood the test of time to emerging labels worth keeping on your radar.  

Nothing feels more inviting on a hot, humid day in Bangkok than stepping into a blissfully air conditioned mall. In fact, they’re often the coldest places you'll find in the entire city – a welcome escape from the relentless tropical city heat. To say Bangkok has a lot of malls would be an understatement. Thailand is one of the world's premier shopping destinations, and it seems like there's a new, luxurious mall around every corner. But these malls are much more than places to shop. They've evolved into all-in-one lifestyle hubs where you can find virtually anything you need from world-class dining and entertainment to grocery stores, banks, clinics, fitness centers and even cultural attractions. To make the decision on which one fits your style, we've rounded up the best shopping malls in Bangkok for every type of traveller – whether you're chasing luxury brands, hunting for bargains, searching for the city's best food courts or simply soaking up skyline sunsets.

Every Mid-Autumn Festival, eyes turn skyward for the full moon. But the real star of the celebration might just be something sweeter. The mooncake – a round pastry that has long symbolised family reunions, completeness and prosperity – is as much a part of the festival as the moon itself.So, as each autumn arrives, hotels, Chinese restaurants and leading confectionery brands across Bangkok unveil their annual mooncake collections, reimagining traditional recipes, selecting premium ingredients and creating gift boxes that resemble works of art. And in this era of great creatives, many of these venues collaborate with renowned chefs, artists and designers to share experiences that extend far beyond the ordinary dessert. In 2026, the world of mooncakes has become more exciting and competitive than ever. From classic lotus seed paste and salted egg yolk fillings to more contemporary creations featuring yuzu, lychee, caviar and limited-edition collections that challenge traditional expectations; there are more choices than ever to discover, enjoy and share as a memorable gift. We’ve curated the most noteworthy mooncake collections in Bangkok to help you choose the perfect Mid-Autumn Festival gift, or simply so you can overindulge yourself. We’re not here to judge.

While Fourth of July may not be a national holiday in Bangkok, it falls on a weekend, making it the ideal time for anyone to experience America without flying halfway around the world. Add on a decent number of US expats all rearing to cheer on 250 years of independence, there’s really no reason not to join in.  This year, Bangkok goes all out with rooftop fireworks, boat celebrations, all-American BBQ feasts and live music that would make Uncle Sam proud. So whether you’re an American missing home or just here for the food and festivities, there’s an event for everyone. Lobsterbacks included.  Whatever you are feeling – whether it's a family fun day or a late night party – here’s our top picks for America’s big day, Thailand style. 

This home-grown chain keeps the format flexible, with six broths and nine dipping sauces spanning Cantonese, Hainanese, Teochew and other styles. Build your pot around Hainanese-marinated pork, Neo meatballs, shrimp wontons, seafood balls, vegetables and jade noodles, or start with the aromatic grilled-fish shoyu broth. The extensive menu gives everyone at the table room to follow their own cravings without turning dinner into an expensive production. It’s relaxed, reliably good value and particularly easy with a mixed-age group. Multiple locations across Bangkok and beyond. Opening hours vary by branch  

Surviving in Yaowarat is no small feat, but Texas Suki has been doing it since 1979. It serves old-school Thai suki on a Texas-sized scale, with a light, clean Cantonese-style broth that is naturally sweet and savoury. The meatballs are a crowd favourite: order a mixed plate of signature Texas meatballs, fish balls and other seafood varieties for springy, pleasantly chewy bites that soak up the broth and sauce. Firm jade-green egg noodles also hold their bite without turning mushy. The house suki sauce leans sweet and tangy, making it approachable for newcomers while keeping regulars happy. Unlimited fresh chilli, garlic and lime let you adjust it yourself – pile them on, then mind who you talk to afterwards. Free-flow tea refreshes the palate between mouthfuls. Multiple locations in Yaowarat and at Sena Fest (second floor). Open daily 11am-10pm  

Sinnic keeps things personal: each diner gets an individual pot and a set of meat, vegetables, broth and dessert, with extras available if you want to keep going. Choose from three broths: clear chicken soup, a lightly sweet and savoury black broth or the standout jaew hon, which brings northeastern Isan herbs, spice and gentle sourness to the pot. Premium options include seafood, Kurobuta pork belly and tender Thai Wagyu. Three sauces cover the bases: rich white fermented bean curd, punchy jaew hon and a reliable chilli-oil-and-garlic combination. For an extra B40, add vivid blue rice coloured with butterfly pea and cooked with coconut oil. Fresh melon or coconut ice cream cools things down at the end. Town Hall, 88/8 Sukhumvit 49, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. Open daily noon-10pm

Charoen Thai Suki serves traditional Thai suki, or ‘suki boran’, with a single sweet, aromatic pork-bone broth and no frills. The meat arrives coated in egg and sauce; as it cooks, the marinade enriches the initially light stock. There’s an order of operations. Bring the broth to the boil and add all the vegetables at once to release their natural sweetness, then thoroughly mix the meat with its egg and marinade while you wait. Tip the lot into the boiling pot, stir and let it simmer until the flavour has worked into the meat. This isn’t the kind of hotpot you eat as you cook – patience pays off here. 32/3 Phet Kasem Rd, Wat Tha Phra, Bangkok Yai. Open daily 10am-11pm

70 years later, COCA’s original suki sauce recipe still packs a punch. Fans will swear that their sauce is what makes or breaks a good suki – hitting that tangy, chilli-garlicky sweet spot. Following a recent makeover, COCA now offers plenty of broths to choose from. Classic Thai tom yum is an easy favourite, and there are four new ‘wellness-inspired’ options, including low-sodium genmaicha broth, roasted rice chamomile for a more calming bowl, umami emerald pearl and kombu and a rich black garlic boost broth.   But whatever soup suits, follow the tradition of pairing it with vegetables that arrive fresh and crunchy, alongside a spread of meat and seafood, giving that premium grocery store feel for everything on the table. Calorie conscious diners can tuck into lean chicken, while those ready for a full protein experience might opt for Australian wagyu. And if you prefer to go light on the greens then that’s an option too.  It’s hard to go too far wrong with whatever ends up in your pot. And for the true suki sauce lovers, finish with the bizarre but absolutely scrumptious suki sauce ice cream. Trust us on this one. After all, there’s no such thing as too much sauce.  Cloud 11 (first floor), 888 Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong. Open daily 8am-10pm

Agong means grandfather in Thai-Chinese, and Ruenpetch’s founder spent more than two years developing the signature marinade and dipping sauce that have sustained this traditional Thai suki for generations. The choice is refreshingly simple: one broth made with chicken-bone, cabbage and daikon. Soybean-paste-marinated meat enriches it as it cooks, while the fermented-red-bean-curd dipping sauce delivers the real punch. Ruenpetch leans more heavily on the bean curd than most, creating an earthy, savoury umami base, with sesame seeds and sesame oil adding nuttiness and a smooth finish. It’s the kind of suki your mum might have grown up eating before bringing her own children back years later. You don’t have to take our word for it; trust the grandfather behind the recipe. Multiple locations on New Phetchaburi Road, Ratchaphruek Road and Bang Na-Trad Soi 23. Open daily 10.30am-9.30pm  

Fish sauce isn’t the first ingredient that springs to mind when you think of dessert, but at Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed Samlor, pastry chef Saki Hoshino makes a persuasive case for it. Blending Thai and Japanese culinary influences, this ice cream turns fish sauce into a sweet-salty caramel that tastes far less alarming than the name suggests. It may not replace chocolate as your default order, but polishing off the whole container is surprisingly easy. 1076 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak. Open for dinner on weekdays and lunch and dinner on weekends (closed Tuesdays)

Watermelon and dried fish might sound like an eccentric combination, but it’s based on a traditional royal Thai summer snack. Chilled watermelon is usually topped with sweet-salty crispy dried fish and fried shallots, balancing juicy fruit with savoury crunch. Turn the watermelon into ice cream and the pairing still makes sense – think of the fish as a particularly unconventional topping with a little extra protein.  245 Soi Phutthabucha 29, Bang Mot, Thung Khru. Open daily 8:30am-6:30pm

For those accustomed to rushing through life – from the morning commute to racing home at the end of the day to reclaim a few quiet hours alone – THE BARAI HUA HIN feels like a summer break from being an adult.  About a three-hour drive from Bangkok, Hua Hin has long been the city’s seaside escape, known for its royal history, old-school holiday charm and a slower pace but with all the comforts.  Set on a quiet stretch of beachfront, THE BARAI HUA HIN started life as a spa. With boundless success, it’s now expanded into a hotel where four elements shape everything from the architecture to the wellness experience.  It’s also the first hotel in Thailand to join Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, a luxury portfolio of hotels picked for having a story, a sense of place and a personality of their own – not just a nice pool, although this hotel does have one of those too. From slow mornings by the beach and special meals cooked by the chef to guided wellness sessions and local excursions, the days at THE BARAI HUA HIN have a way of filling themselves here. Come without plans and let the day unfold.  Why stay at THE BARAI HUA HIN? For more than two decades, The BARAI has been a Hua Hin favourite for some serious spa time. Now, its hotel brings that same sense of restoration beyond the treatment rooms, turning a few hours of pampering into a full stay built around slowing down and feeling well.  The idea is simple: ‘Curated Wellness, Your Way’ – whether that means filling your day with trea

Before hyper-realistic fruit-shaped cakes, there was luk chup – a traditional Thai dessert that has long been known for its almost-too-real appearance. Taking the form of tiny fruit and vegetable shapes painted in vivid colours and finished with a glossy jelly coating, beneath the shiny exterior is a sweet mung bean paste made with coconut milk and sugar. Baan Luk Chup takes the tradition a step further, moving beyond the usual miniature fruits to recreate familiar Thai dishes and cute characters in luk chup form. Our favourite has to be the nam prik pla too – a cute dish of ‘chili paste’ and ‘mackerel’ that flips the concept savoury. Although the filling is absolutely still sweet. With so many playful creations, see how many you can recognise before taking a bite. Locations at Arun Amarin and Charan Sanitwong 50. Open daily 8am-7pm and 7am-6pm, respectively

This dessert could be cute or turn sideways very quickly. Baan.rukrom cafe & bakery is primarily a cake-decorating café where you can come in with your own inspiration and leave with your very own masterpiece. It might not end up in an art gallery, but it will, eventually, end up in your stomach. Choose from cakes, cookies and cupcakes to decorate, with the final level of cuteness entirely in your hands. Whether it turns out picture-perfect or a little more abstract, there’s no pressure – it’s all part of the fun. There are also ready-made cakes and baked treats for those needing a little bite without needing to put in the work. 493, 8 Pracha Rat Sai 2 Rd, Bang Sue. Open 10am-6pm (closed on Wednesdays)

If cuteness had a home in Bangkok, it would be HUUS PLATE. Housed in a renovated old house, the three-level café is known for its Japanese milk bread, shokupan and shonuts – a pastry that combines a shokupan with a doughnut. Innovation at its best.  But good pastries alone won’t land you on this list. HUUS PLATE also doubles as a space for hosting collaborations with different brands and artists, with the décor, themes and desserts changing to match. One visit might bring a new character, another a new world but one thing stays the same: the cuteness. 5 Sukhumvit 60 Alley, Phra Khanong Tai. Open 10am-6pm (closed on Mondays)

Anyone who has landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport after a long flight knows that the holiday feeling can fade fast in a slow-moving immigration queue. For some travellers, though, arrival in Thailand is about to become a little quicker. Thailand is expanding its automated border control at Suvarnabhumi Airport to passport holders from 31 additional nationalities. That brings the eligible total to 33, allowing more foreign arrivals to use the auto gates instead of joining the regular staffed immigration queue. There are a few conditions. Travellers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card before arrival. First-time visitors must still use a staffed immigration counter so their biometric data can be collected. The system is also being rolled out in phases, so holding an eligible passport does not guarantee that every traveller will be able to use an auto gate immediately.  So, who can use Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi auto gates? Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Passports from the United States, China, Taiwan and India are not included for now, so those travellers must continue to use the regular immigration queue on arrival.

Bangkok’s mix of shopping, style and home-grown design comes into focus from October 1-11, when Bangkok International Fashion Week (BIFW2026) brings 10 runway shows, student showcases and international labels to Siam Paragon, Siam Center and Siam Discovery. The 11-day programme divides neatly across the three shopping centres: established Thai names on Siam Paragon’s Grand Runway, the next generation at Siam Center and more experimental global fashion at Siam Discovery. Meet the next generation at Siam Center From October 1-4, Siam Center’s ‘NEXT TH-PHENOMENON’ takes over the Visionary Stage at Atrium 2 on the ground floor.  It brings together students and emerging talent from 13 universities and institutions across Thailand, alongside three Thai designer presentations: Keira Selbe, Sleeping Cloud and Tao thongdam x Mohhomphrae / Heritage / Kanhom. Expect work rooted in the identities and stories of Thailand’s regions, with young designers showing where they come from and where they think fashion should go next. Explore global labels at Siam Discovery On October 6, Siam Discovery’s G floor takes a more experimental route with ‘SIAM DISCOVERY FASHION REVOLUTIONARY 2026’, a programme looking at fashion through discovery, lifestyle and emerging global trends. Discovery Selection gathers international fashion and lifestyle brands including DAMSON MADDER, ADERERROR, OPEN YY, AJOBYAJO and ANDERSSON BELL. House of Aren adds Vietnamese labels to the mix, bringing a wider Southeast As

We’ve all been there, unfortunately. Swim shorts on, cold drink in hand, then the ba-loop of an incoming work message. One quick reply becomes another and suddenly you’re typing ‘Sound’s good. I’ll follow up right away’ from a sun lounger. Thai travellers know the feeling particularly well. Thailand ranked first among 14 markets surveyed for travellers most likely to work while on holiday. The country’s famously sabai outlook, it seems, becomes rather less relaxed when the laptop comes out. According to SiteMinder’s Changing Traveller Report 2025, based on responses from more than 12,000 travellers, 68% of Thai respondents said they were highly likely to work during their next trip. Indonesia followed at 66%, and India at 61%. The global average was 41%, with North America at 34% and Europe at 31%. Turns out, those European summers were real. The data alone doesn’t reveal whether this is specifically a result of Asian work culture, although the three highest percentages came from Asian countries. It could be workplace expectations, the normalisation of remote and hybrid work, or the fact that freelancing and self-employment can all blur the line between a trip and the working day. Then there is the smartphone, making the office difficult to escape even beside the pool. Time to head for the hills (ideally somewhere without a signal).

Why stare at the Windows wallpaper when you can work from one? The Thai capital has been named the world’s best workcation city for 2026 in International Workplace Group’s fourth annual Work from Home Anywhere Index, ahead of Tokyo, Barcelona and Porto. A workcation is exactly what it sounds like: work plus a vacation. The emails and Monday-to-Friday routine remain, but your ‘office’ could be a Bangkok café, a hotel rooftop or somewhere with a much better lunch break at a fraction of the price. IWG scored cities on climate, broadband speed, accommodation, transport, food, culture and the availability of flexible workspaces. Reliable Wi-Fi was the top priority when respondents chose where to work remotely while travelling, cited by 38% – because nobody wants to spend a workcation frozen on Zoom repeating, ‘Can you hear me?’ Bangkok won out with affordability, strong connectivity and enough food, culture and after-hours action to make logging off worthwhile. The shift is bigger than a few laptops by the pool. More than half of surveyed workers, 51%, said their employer already offers a work-from-anywhere policy. Almost half, 48%, plan to extend a holiday or short break by working remotely in 2026. Avoiding burnout and supporting wellbeing was the leading reason for doing so, cited by 54%, followed by spending more time with family and friends at 53%. For many, the point is to fit more life around the working day. Bangkok isn’t Asia’s only contender. Tokyo placed second and Seou

Calling all passengers who love to check-in extra early; the duty-free dried mango can wait. Suvarnabhumi Airport just got its very own first aesthetic clinic – a perfect spot to keep that holiday glow going before you board the plane home.  Simply check into your flight, pass the security checkpoints and then make a bee-line straight into Aura Bangkok Clinic.  Photograph: Aura Bangkok ClinicSuvarnabhumi Airport T-beauty at new heights Getting a beauty treatment is usually a rare treat-yourself splurge. It takes half a day and sometimes even half a paycheck. But in Thailand, popping into a beauty clinic is as easy as grabbing a snack from the nearest convenience store.    Photograph: Aura Bangkok ClinicSuvarnabhumi Airport And with Thailand’s booming wellness scene, there’s no shortage of clinics to choose from. For travellers, though, finding a safe and reputable one that fits into a busy schedule can be tricky. With 12 years of experience, over 100,000 treatment cases and 20 branches across Thailand, Aura Bangkok Clinic has the credentials to back it up – and with such a convenient location opening up, what’s stopping you from a quick glow-up on your travels? The ‘world’s first aesthetic beauty clinic has landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport’ – after immigration   Photograph: Aura Bangkok ClinicSuvarnabhumi Airport Aura Bangkok Clinic’s ability to clear immigration marks a new milestone as the ‘world’s first aesthetic clinic to operate within the secure departures area’. It

Bangkok’s Christmas calendar is taking shape early. The Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre brings Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to Siam Pic Hall in Siam Square One on December 24-25 as part of its ASEAN Tour 2026. The Bangkok performances pair ballet with a live orchestra, while Mariinsky Theatre soloists Oksana Bondareva and Ivan Sitnikov join the production. Expect the familiar festive set pieces: dreamy snow scenes, toy soldiers, the Mouse King, magical transformations and dancing sweets. A live orchestra gives Tchaikovsky’s score the scale it deserves – and should make the production feel rather more special than another December screening at home.  The combination of a full ballet company, Mariinsky soloists and live music makes this one of the more substantial Christmas events in Bangkok this year. It also lands neatly on December 24-25, when families are already looking for something festive to do together. If The Nutcracker is part of your family’s Christmas ritual, you know the drill. If you have somehow never seen it, this is a good excuse to dress up and start.  Early-bird tickets come with 20% off until 40% of seats have been sold. After that, prices return to the regular rates, so booking early makes sense if Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is already taking shape. December may still feel a while away, but this is one festive plan worth sorting before the end-of-year scramble begins. December 24-25 2026. From B980. Reserve here. Siam Pic Hall, Siam Square One

Pak Khlong Talat, Bangkok’s famous wholesale flower-market district, is blooming beyond shopfronts for the first Bangkok Flower Festival at Yodpiman River Walk. Expect flower-filled photo zones, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, floral drinks and after-dark projection mapping beside the Chao Phraya River. There is plenty here beyond admiring the displays or picking up a bunch to take home. The festival explores flowers through things you can see, taste and make, with activities spread across the riverside venue. Start in the flower zone, where dense banks of blooms create the look of a field without Bangkok’s heat – the display is tucked inside an air-conditioned hall, so your make-up should survive the photos. Leave space in your camera roll for the flower exhibitions, then slow down with a flower-themed workshop and make something of your own to take home. Crafting not your thing? Browse more than 20 vendors selling floral-themed products, decorations, crafts and food instead. It is an easy place to pick up something more interesting than the usual bouquet.   Later, head to the Chao Phraya riverside to sample floral distillations showcasing a variety of flowers. Stay after dark for the large-scale projection mapping show, which throws animated blooms across the setting and gives the evening its most eye-catching finale. For anyone who knows Pak Khlong Talat mainly as a place to buy flowers by the armful, the festival offers a broader look at Bangkok’s best-known flower distr

Melody of Life 17 returns to centralwOrld this October with three days of free live music. More than 100 artists will rotate across the festival’s stages from daytime into the evening, making it an easy place to meet friends, catch a set, grab a bite and soak up the atmosphere. Photograph: Melody of Life Music FestivalBangkok This is built as more than a concert: Melody of Life is an all-day hangout for browsing, shopping and discovering new music. Previous editions have included a Music Market stocked by artists and designers, with DJs soundtracking the browse.  Choose a stage to suit your mood. The Outdoor Stage handles the biggest crowd-moving sets; the Indoor Stage is more laid-back. The Indy Stage spotlights independent musicians across genres, while the Idol Stage is aimed squarely at T-POP fans.  This year’s line-up includes Slot Machine, Tilly Birds, F.HERO, Lomosonic, No One Else, The Parkinson, MVL, MEYOU, and Whal & Dolph, with plenty more across the three-day programme. It is a broad enough bill to reward some wandering rather than camping at one stage all day. There is room for newer names too. Special guest Meilee Tal brings a pop set built around vocals, choreography and visuals, with five original songs that she wrote and produced herself. The songs draw on Meilee’s own stories and experiences, giving the set a more personal angle than a straightforward showcase. Speaking about the festival, Meilee said: ‘I’m very excited and honoured to be invited to perfor

Why do some cities become dream destinations for music lovers? The answer may not lie in hosting major concerts throughout the year, but in the way music becomes an integral part of daily life. Music is a vital force that fosters communities, strengthens cultural identity and drives the city's creative economy. This is the core idea behind the concept of a ‘Music City’. Enter Bangkok Music City – the city’s defining music event. Not quite a music festival, not quite a concert, it’s a chance for the city to serve up a huge artist showcase, packed with networking opportunities that allows emerging artists to meet with music industry leaders, record labels, producers and other professionals, both in Thailand and abroad. Guided by the idea of ‘Discover Asian Music’s Future,’ the event highlights the potential of Asian artists and positions them for the global stage. The event also features a speaking panel and music conference that bring together music industry professionals to share experiences, discuss current trends and network. These activities serve as an important pillar in developing and elevating Thai music to a global level. Photograph: Bangkok Music City2026 So here is the first wave: The Thai names The homegrown side gathers a batch of rising local acts: Apichat Pakwan, ‘BANK’ SORNRAM, DharmaDance, GYMV, JPBS, Mongkol, Montonn Jira, Réjizz, Sounds of Future Siam and srwks. The one plenty of people clock first is Montonn Jira, a Bangkok producer and one of the founder

Bangkok’s brief December cool spell is your cue to get outside. You can finally enjoy the outdoors without ending up in a puddle of rain or sweat. One of the best excuses? The Suan Luang Rama IX Flower Festival, an annual flower and botanical fair spread across the park’s roughly 200 acres. The festival fills the park with ornamental plants, seasonal gardens and winter-flower displays. Look for cooler-climate blooms such as tulips, plus zinnias, celosia and chrysanthemums in full colour. The park’s Chinese, Japanese and French gardens add several very different backdrops without leaving Bangkok. Come for the unhurried walk through the flower fields, a few photos and some of  Bangkok’s most comfortable outdoor weather of the year. If the displays spark ideas for home, browse the plant and gardening market for flowers, potted plants and supplies. It is more useful than the average festival souvenir stall. Beyond the blooms, the programme includes outdoor performances, plant competitions, markets and food zones serving dishes from around Thailand, alongside traditional music and Thai performing arts. After dark, illuminated gardens and floral displays change the mood completely. Take the MRT Yellow Line to Suan Luang Rama IX station, then continue to the park for one of Bangkok’s most reliable December outings. December 1-10 2026. B20 per person; B50 per car for parking. Suan Luang Rama IX Park. Daily 5am-7pm

Fancy a free boat ride with a useful purpose? Get Lost in Volunteer & Beyond is taking volunteers onto Bangkok’s Lat Phrao Canal for its monthly clean-up. You’ll collect rubbish from a waterway that helps protect the city from flooding. No experience is needed; gloves and the boat ride are provided. Lat Phrao Canal runs through Bangkok and forms part of the city’s flood-control system, carrying rainwater during the rainy season. Bangkok grew around its canals, but decades of urbanisation have left many polluted. Rubbish blocks water flow, making it harder for canals to drain efficiently during heavy rain. Get Lost in Volunteer & Beyond runs the clean-up each month. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty; gloves and the boat ride are supplied. The schedule:  8:40am: Meet at Airport Rail Link Ramkhamhaeng Station 9:00am: Arrival at Lat Phrao Canal 9:15am: Welcome, activity overview and safety briefing 9:30am: Canal clean-up begins 10:45am: Group photo and wrap-up 11:00am: Finish  It is a small, practical way to spend a Bangkok morning – and the free boat ride is a decent bonus. September 19 2026. Sign up here. Lat Phrao Canal. 9am-11am

Those shoppers from math problems buying 60 watermelons, 25 apples and 33 lychees finally have their moment: passengers can now check one 10kg box of fresh fruit for free on domestic flights from 20 regional airports across Thailand. The catch is manageable – use an official box supplied at the airport and leave the durian behind. It’s a rare chance to take a few extra kilos home without paying extra baggage fees, so consider this your sign to stock up. Running until August 31 2027, the initiative aims to help local farmers distribute produce during peak harvest season, promote Thai-grown fruit and encourage domestic travel. The 20 participating regional airports are Nan, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, Loei, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Trang and Narathiwat.  The offer applies to passengers flying with seven participating airlines: Thai Airways, AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air and Ezy Airlines. And yes, everyone is wondering about durians. The king of fruits remains banned, so it will have to stay behind. Participating airports will instead have designated retail spaces where farmers can sell permitted seasonal fruit. Only fresh fruit is allowed. Each passenger may check one 10kg box and must use an official fruit box supplied by the airport. It will be securely sealed to prevent odours, leaks and insects fro