Guru by Bangkok Post's pick of the most exciting products, activities, art exhibitions, shows, food and hotel deals.
STUFF
Heaven On Earth / Organika / Collection launch
Organika, a luxury brand known for its organic spa and aromatherapy products, has introduced a new sensory experience through three fragrances in its "Heaven On Earth" collection. The collection unveils with a "Book Of Scents" theme — a premium and tasteful experience through three new hand creams: Dreams, Earth and Heaven, the packaging of which mimics a book. Jazz up the holidays with an enigmatic series of fragrances from Organika via Line: @organikahouse.
Mickey and Friends Collection / Ravipa
Disney fans can get their hands on a jewellery collection by Ravipa that brings together seven beloved characters, including the mouse that started it all. Dubbed "Mickey and Friends", the collection marks a milestone for Ravipa for being among the first Thai-made jewellery labels to collaborate with Disney. The bling range includes bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale have brought a playfulness to the brand's minimalist aesthetic. The highlight is a matching set of woven bracelets that feature a charm for each character's silhouette and signature element. Shop at ravipa.com.
Christmas Collection 2022: Golden Merry / Swatch
Swatch introduces nine festive timepieces for its Christmas collection but none gets you into the festive spirit quite like the Golden Merry. It's a nod to the Die Glocke model, one of the iconic timepieces from the brand's archive that also showcases the traditional Swiss art of paper cutting. The Christmassy watch is bursting with details and not-so-subtle finishes, from the jingle bells and mistletoe embroidery on the strap to the golden fringe and red ribbons. The statement element is the golden, paper-cut-like watch face, adorned with silhouettes of mistletoe, fir trees, a Swiss chalet, the reindeer and Santa blowing an alphorn. Visit swatch.com/en-th.
JOIN
Macrame Christmas Workshop / Powwowwow BKK / Dec 24
HandHand Studio will take over an activity room of Ekkamai's Powwowwow BKK to host a class teaching you how to make macramé Christmas ornaments. For B1,900 per person, participants will be taught the basics of knotting techniques to create festive decorations for their Christmas trees. Register via bit.ly/3HPhHPn.
Sarnies Experiences: Gingerbread House & Cookie Decoration / Sarnies Sukhumvit / Dec 24
On Christmas Eve, head over to Sarnies Sukhumvit, a Japanese-inspired establishment by Singapore-born coffee house Sarnies, on Sukhumvit 37 for their festive workshop. B2,500 gets you a seat at "Sarnies Experiences: Gingerbread House & Cookie Decoration", which includes a complimentary pumpkin spice latte. Leading the workshop is pastry chef Mo, who will show you the ropes, from perfecting your icing mix to sharing tips and tricks to pull off your cookie decoration game. Register at fb.com/sarnies.sukhumvit.
Christmas In Chinatown / Asai Bangkok Chinatown / Dec 24-25
Asai Bangkok Chinatown will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland to host "Christmas In Chinatown". Come by Yaowarat's lifestyle hotel on Charoen Krung Road this weekend for a festive buzz. A beer garden is set up in the hotel's courtyard, where you can make things merrier with some cold pints from local brewery Beervana, served with tapas. Sarttra and Tom Funky Gangster will be behind the DJ deck, setting the mood with their funky beats. Go to fb.com/asaichinatown.
The Papa Papercut / Sky Lobby, Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Jan 10 to April 30
“The Papa Papercut” art exhibition by Dr Napat Kangwannarakul will be on display at the Sky Lobby, on the 23rd floor of Centara Grande at CentralWorld from Jan 10 to April 30. A part of the total revenue received from the sale of artwork on display will be donated to the foundation for Prof Emeritus Preecha Thaothong, which is a learning centre for arts and culture, as well as an extension for those who are interested in art to learn the work of national artists. This exhibition was inspired by the horror of the human mind that induces the perception of fear and is a display of emotional beauty through the representation of the horrors. The paper cutting represents fragility of the human mind. Call 02-100-1234 ext 6753-56.
The Presence of Silence / Gallery Seescape / Dec 23 to March 5
Korat-born and Chiang-Mai-based Wanlop Hansunthai, who has exhibited in Thailand, Japan, Italy and the US, invites you to explore environmental changes which resulted from human activities through his paintings and sculptures. The opening reception starts 6.30pm today. Gallery Seescape is located on Nimmanahaeminda Road, Chiang Mai. More info at fb.com/galleryseescape.
A Primordial Void / Blind Space Bangkok / Until Jan 20
Blind Space Bangkok presents "A Primordial Void", a sound and video installation by Jeanne Penjan Lassus, as its third exhibition. The Thai-French visual artist works in film, video installation, photography and writing. She leads her audience into a "cave" and invites them to stare into the engulfing darkness and perhaps enter another world. Blind Space Bangkok is at 75 Old Chan Road, Chong Nonsi. The exhibition is open for free from Wed to Sat from noon to 6pm. More info at fb.com/blind.space.bangkok.
Winter Fun Festival / The Crystal Ekamai-Ramindra / Until Dec 25
You have until this weekend to enjoy Winter Fun Festival at The Crystal Ekamai-Ramindra on Pradit Manutham Road. Besides wintery decor for photo-taking spots, food trucks and daily performances from acoustic bands. On Christmas Eve, Thai pop band ETC. will perform a mini-concert. Enjoy a free Ferris wheel ride and soft drink when you spend at least B3,000. By the way, the first Bangkok branch of After Yum from Pattaya opened there in October and you can line-up to get a queue number from 3pm and place your orders before it opens at 4pm. More info at fb.com/thecrystalshoppingmall.
Sky Camping Festival 2022 / Amorini / Until Dec 25
Join this camping festival on the rooftop of Amorini on Suan Sayam Road where food and live music await. Meet fellow outdoorsy people and stand a chance to win a foldable camping chair from Coleman when you spend a minimum of B1,500. More info at fb.com/amorinimall.
TRAVEL
Expanded daily flight / Emirates / From Jan 1
From Jan 1, Emirates will operate a fourth flight between Bangkok and Dubai, boosting connectivity between the two gateways. The additional flight will be operated by the airline’s flagship Airbus A380. EK374 will depart Dubai at 10.35pm local time, arriving in Bangkok at 7.35am local time, the following day. Emirates’ return flight EK377 will leave Bangkok at 2am local time, arriving in Dubai at 6am local time. Emirates also operates a daily direct flight to Hong Kong from Bangkok. Tickets can be purchased at emirates.com.
Vietravel Airline's touchdown / Ongoing
The first international flight of Vietravel Airlines, VU137, touched down at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok with 220 passengers on board. The flight, which took off from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, is in response to the growing demand for travel between Vietnam and Thailand. Vietravel Airlines, which began operations in December 2020, is the first touring airline and the fifth commercial airline of Vietnam. The flights between Thailand and Vietnam will operate daily, with flight VU137 departing Noi Bai International Airport at 11.55am and flight VU136 departing Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 2.50pm. One-way tickets can cost as low as B88. The airline is also launching daily flights between Bangkok and Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City, with its first scheduled service to the Thai capital in January 2023. Visit vietravelairlines.com.
Christmas Celebrations / The Sukhothai Bangkok / Until Dec 23
A festive getaway at The Sukhothai Bangkok lets you sink your teeth into Christmas delights. Sathon's luxury hotel has your Xmas celebration covered with a staycation that pairs a room with a Christmas Eve buffet dinner for two guests. Rates start at B16,900 per night for a club room and B18,900 for a club balcony. A night in a club suite begins at B21,900, which includes access to the club lounge. Booking is available until today for a stay between Dec 24-25. Go to sukhothai.com/bangkok.
A December to Remember / The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon / Until Dec 23
Take your celebration to new heights at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. The chic hotel prepares a four-course set with an optional festive wine pairing for you at Ojo, a Mexican restaurant on the 76th floor of King Power Mahanakhon. Steakhouse The Standard Grill also rolls out a four-course menu with an optional wine pairing, with a live jazz performance to get you into the jolly mood. Whether you're celebrating on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you can bundle the festive feast with a room for a rate starting from B20,810 per night. Book by today to enjoy your festive staycation on Dec 24-25. Visit standardhotels.com/bangkok/properties/bangkok.
Oshogatsu Package / The Okura Prestige Bangkok / until Dec 23
To bring 2022 to a glorious end, The Okura Prestige Bangkok on Witthayu Road invites you to celebrate the New Year in Japanese style with the limited "Oshogatsu" package. Booked by today for a stay between Dec 25 and Jan 6, your festive staycation lets you kick back in a lavish accommodation that comes with a choice of a daily Japanese breakfast set at Yamazato and a New Year’s Eve dinner buffet at Up & Above Restaurant and Bar. On Jan 1, the hotel will host a traditional Mochi ceremony in the hotel’s lobby at 4pm. A minimum stay of two consecutive nights is required. Reservations via okurabangkok.com.
Tourist promotion / Harbour City, Hong Kong / Ongoing
To celebrate the relaxing of social distancing measures and easing of restrictions for inbound tourists to Hong Kong, the Harbour City shopping destination will launch tourist-exclusive offers and give away 50,000 welcome gifts for free. Tourists can receive a free Hong Kong-themed welcome gift when visiting Harbour City and redeem various rewards upon designated spending. The “Fly To Harbour City” Reward Game on Instagram will take place until Dec 31. Simply publish an Instagram post to share your one-day itinerary in Harbour City and the 1,000 most creative and passionate overseas participants will win exciting prizes, including HK$1,100 dining vouchers, as well as 20% off on booking of Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Gateway Hotel and The Murray hotel. Visit harbourcity.com.hk.
EAT
Re:fuel On Wheels / Aloft Bangkok / Ongoing
Aloft Bangkok on Sukhumvit 11 is bringing their popular currywurst food truck back! The famous German street food snack will be sold in a variety of flavours ranging from original to a Thai twist. Enjoy your favourite pork or veal sausage with a variety of delectable sauces and side orders at prices starting at B170 nett per set, with five sets on offer, the sausages come with a choice of sides like the Classic French fries, Cheese fries, Bavarian potato salad and Cheesy bacon fries. 'Re:fuel On Wheels' opens at 6pm till late in front of the hotel. For the menu, visit bit.ly/3htCxJd
Festive afternoon tea / Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Bangkok / Until Jan 7, 2023
The “Festive Afternoon Tea”, delicately curated by executive pastry chef Alex Hekimov, will be served in the Lobby Lounge of the Shangri-La Bangkok until Jan 7, 2023, from 2-6pm. It is priced at B1,999 nett for two people and includes a fine selection of hand-picked teas and premium coffee. The tea features a selection of Instagram-worthy sweet and savoury small bites that almost look too pretty to eat. Included are Strawberry Mont Blanc, Pear yuzu speculaas caramel, King crab mayonnaise, yuzu and Sesame marinated scallop, to name but a few. The lounge offers magnificent Chao Phraya River views. Call 02-236-7777 or email restaurants.slbk@shangri-la.com. Buy vouchers at bit.ly/FestiveAfternoonTea-Media.
Winter Wonderland / Zing, Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Until Jan 6
Experience the magic of the holidays by strolling through a festive winter wonderland at Zing. Warm up with a glass of glühwein, a creamy hot chocolate, or a cup of premium coffee. This year, Zing offers an array of holiday treats, including one of Thailand's largest selections of Christmas cookies with 20 different varieties, which include Cinnamon stars, Vanilla Kipferl cookies, Beaver cookies and Basler läckerli. Indulge in various other sweet treats, such as chocolate lollipops, coated cherries, house-made Christmas stollen, gingerbread, traditional yule log cake, chocolate truffles and pralines. And with some luck, you may even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus and his reindeers! Call 02-100-1234, ext 6485 or email diningcgcw@chr.co.th.
Winter menu / Igniv, St. Regis Bangkok / Until February
Combining the essence of European winter with the produce of Thailand, Igniv celebrates the changing of the seasons in its new winter menu until the end of February. The four-course fine dining sharing menu, encapsulates dishes featuring herbs and fresh vegetables that showcase the Thai season with festive classics Bergfichte with gingerbread, goat's cheese and pumpernickel, as well as a tartlette featuring the prized black winter truffle. The winter menu at Igniv Bangkok is available Thursday to Monday for dinner and on the weekends for lunch at B4,500++ per person. Call 02-207-7822, email igniv.bangkok@stregishotels.com or visit ignivbangkok.com.
WATCH
Scala in cinemas
Directed by Ananta Thitanat.
What’s it about?
After Siam and Lido, the first two standalone cinemas in Siam Square, disappeared in flames, Scala cinema become the last standalone cinema in Bangkok, until it was defeated by the pandemic. Not long after its last film screening, Scala was demolished. A filmmaker, also the daughter of one of the cinema's former employees, started to explore the Scala and unexpectedly faced her long-lost childhood memories when she met her father's old friends who gathered for their final mission — dismantling their workplace.
Why watch it?
The documentary, which explores the cinematic magic of Bangkok's last standalone cinema through the eyes of its long-serving staff, took the Grand Jury Prize at the World Film Festival of Bangkok.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery on Netlfix
Premieres today
World-famous detective Benoit Blanc heads to Greece to peel back the layers of a mystery surrounding a tech billionaire and his eclectic crew of friends.
The Witcher: Blood Origin (limited series) on Netlfix
Premieres on Dec 25
The prequel to The Witcher.
