Category: Attractions

Recommended Spa & Wellness- when your soul need the way to take a break

28/9/2018

Natural Oriental remedies

The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s serene 25th floor spa offers the benefits of essential oils from remedies such as plai, tamarind, camphor, lemongrass,
kaffir lime and turmeric. A 30 minute body scrub to warm and relax is followed by a 60 minute oil massage to relieve tension. Natural Oriental Remedies is available daily from 10am- 10pm, 1st October to 31 st December, priced per person at B4,000++/ B4,500++ for 90/120 minutes.

02 687 9000
spa@okurabangkok.com

The Okura Prestige Bangkok

eforea spa

‘Intimate Moment’ for deep relaxation
eforea spa on level 17 of Hilton Pattaya introduces ‘Intimate Moment’, a deep relaxing spa package that combines a choice of treatment with a relaxing oil massage. Starting with an exfoliating body scrub or eforea’s signature treatment ‘Journey Enhancement’, you complete the package with ‘Relaxing Oil Massage’, a deeply relaxing aromatic warm oil massage from head to toe. Priced at B4,000 nett per person for 120 minutes, available until 31 October, 10am - 10pm.

+66(0)38-253-000 pattaya.eforeaspa@hilton.com

Muay Thai classes with a view
Halfway up Centara Grand at CentralWorld tower at LifeStyles on 26 fitness centre, professional Muay Thai instructors guide you through basic punching and kicking moves in a series of kickboxing classes for all abilities, moving on to more advanced defence, knee and elbow techniques. uay Thai is fantastic cardio workout building strength, flexibility and confidence. Classes every Thursday from 18.00 – 18.50 hrs, priced at B400

02 100 6299
www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/services

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Moleskine Collaboration with five elite artists

31/8/2018

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Moleskine, the creators’ favourite lifestyle brand of Italian origin, works with five elite artists : Sundae Kids, Lafyna, Juli Baker and Summer, Sy Chonato, and Chaonnapat Setdhasoratha The works were crafted on Moleskine sketchbook and watercolor notebook collection called Moleskine Art Collection under ‘The ExtraOrdinary’ concept.

Always inspired by new-yet-original ideas derived from artists’ journeys on the road, Moleskine creates products that act as unique and cannot-live-without travel companions – bridging creators and the current world of digital, as well as embracing the power of creativity and communications. Acting as a medium in supporting and distributing Thai cultural heritage through creative works worldwide.

Juli Baker’n Summer’s - Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya Travel’s columnist who created the zine’s name I’ll follow the sun vol.2 within traveling journal concept, sharing her art tour experience in South Korea with colored pencil and watercolor format.

Lafyna - Nicha Thaveecharoensook is an Illustrator. She regularly conducts watercolour and coloured pencil painting workshops in various studios. Her zine’s initiative ‘Bangkok Fantasy’ tell the story of Bangkok’s environment around such as places, foods, and a variety of culture

Sy Chonato – Pitshaya Chonato a content writer based designer who loved information overload who passionate in human communication by finding the sweet spot between Design and Writing both offline and online formats ; The Internet Explorer which being inspired from online experience. A casual sketch journal that collects what she has found from the weird sides of the internet. She wants to explore, the weird, the meme, the dark side and awkward human communication of the web and the ambiguity thin line of what’s real and what’s not. She wants to embrace and explore it.

Chaonnapat Setdhasoratha – A Traveling photographer, writer, and owner of “ABE rabbit” facebook page. He has named his zine as ‘Travel book whose story is lost during the journey in Shikoku’. Inspired by Murakami’s novel called “Kafka on the Shore” this photo journey takes place in Shikoku island and other thrilling places such as island of art, island of cats, island that is occupied by rabbits, and mystery village in the middle of the forest tht has dolls more than its population. The story is told by photos from Chonnapat and quotes by Murakami

Sundae Kids – Two best friends who enjoy every kind of art, enjoy to tell the story through their art works. Sundae Kids shared their work across a variety of media including illustration, Comics, Graphic novel and Animation. Their concept is snooping into other people’s lives and told us their stories, so their zine’s name ‘SNOOP’.

Enjoy with Moleskine Art Collection and discover your journey accessories such as Bag, Book, smart writing set, and limited edition products at Moleskine pop-up store, 2nd floor Gaysorn Village. Today till 31 December 2018.

Join our community and Share your Journey with Moleskine!
Facebook: Moleskine Thailand , Hashtag #MoleskineThailand, Official LINE @MoleskineTH

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Life as a foodpanda rider and… a “mother”

14/8/2018

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In today’s world, it is relatively common for a mother to juggle between working and raising a child. The on-demand economy offers those who choose to work flexibility to fit their work to their lifestyles, allows workers to manage their duties as an employee and a mother however they want.

On the surface, Miss Naruemol Winchakunkul or "Pang" may seem like a regular foodpanda rider. But at a closer look, this 33-year-old plays another important role. She is the mother of a 16-year-old boy, “Nong Lip”. Pang says raising a teenager alone is not an easy task, but her son’s future encourages her to work hard and live life to the fullest every single day.

Now going into her fourth year as a foodpanda rider, Pang said that the job allows her to earn enough money to raise her son and to cover some personal loans. This is all possible thanks to foodpanda’s flexible working hours that fit with her roles as a mother. Delivering food by motorbike is not a simple task - the work itself is stressful and requires many responsibilities and obstacles. This includes checking the order, the condition of the food package and so on. When it rains and the roads are slippery, she tends to drive slower than usual which results in negative reviews from customers. Some of them have even splashed water on her face.

“As a rider, I want to deliver food to the hands of the customer in the best condition possible, so that they would be happy with our service,” Pang said.

Khun Pang

Khun Ya

Having not completed high school, she has always had to rely on jobs with limited skills to earn her money. With a helping hand from her sister, she chose to work 6 days a week and uses the rest of the week to spend her time with her son who is now studying in Hotel Management in a technical school in Bangkok. Pang said she wants to give total support to her son’s education, which is her priority.

“I didn’t have good education when I was young and I know how difficult life is without it. That is why I want to support my son fully in whichever career path he is pursuing,” Pang explained.

Let’s also meet Thatsaniya Saemasae or "Ya" a Thai-Malay who is currently residing in Bangkok has started working with foodpanda two months ago.Ya said she is pleased with how the company allows her to be flexible with the schedule. As an active individual, she chooses to work every day from 8.30 to 12.30 and 15.30 to 20.45. She sends allowance on a monthly basis to her 11-year-old son, Sawan, who now lives in Yala with her mother, and manages to have some savings left for herself.

“As a delivery person, you give more than just food to the customers. A couple of weeks ago I delivered one order to the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok and I spoke to them in Malay. They were very surprised that foodpanda hires such a diverse group of employees. Aside from food, we act as an ambassador that creates a positive image for the company,” Ya said excitingly.

Ya plans to move her son to Bangkok to be closer to her. She knows that big cities have a higher cost of living, and plans to get some part-time jobs in the future to support herself further. “I am looking for jobs that allow me to apply online. It’s more convenient and enables me to adjust the job around my lifestyle and routine.”

In such a competitive world, many people are now struggling to earn a living to support their children. But as on-demand economies revolutionise society, it allows single parents to adjust their schedule however they want. Just like Pang and Ya, their duties go beyond food delivery and into bringing happiness to the customers via food. Not only that, but they create a bright future for someone waiting at home.

Promotion from foodpanda on Mother’s Day!

There is no better way to celebrate an important occasion than to spend it with your loved ones and your favourite food. For this year’s Mother’s day, foodpanda customers can order “Mom & Me Combo set” from Pizza Hut with 50% off price and no delivery fee! Just order from foodpanda application or website: https://www.foodpanda.co.th, you would get two medium-sized pizza, Cheesy Pops and Garlic Bread for only 359 THB. The promotion runs from August 6-19, 2018.

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BANGKOK’S LATEST ‘IT’ SPOT FEELS LIKE A SLICE OF BROOKLYN – THE CREATIVE DISTRICT

5/7/2018

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By Rodd Chant

The city’s oldest quarter beside the Chao Phraya River is home to an engaging mix of fresh creative energy, modern laid-back dining and old-school Thai-Chinese enterprise.

THE oldest road in Bangkok, Charoenkrung Road, has given birth to an entirely new area - the Creative District. Scattered throughout a myriad of so is and nestled amongst aging shophouses, food carts, and mechanic workshops you'll find a new breed of creative makers and doers, a mix of local and expat creative entrepreneurs, all bringing a new kind of energy to an old neighbourhood. The creative groundswell started to take hold in 2012 with the opening of the eclectically named Speedy Grandma (the name is a nod to a local legend about an elderly woman rumored to haunt the streets at night). The brainchild of Thomas Menard, who hails from France, and local artist Unchalee Anantawat, the space on Charoenkrung Soi 28 is home to an art gallery and bar and it has been known to hold some pretty lively events. Little may they both have known at the time but they were at the forefront of igniting a new creative energy in the area.

Thomas Menard

Q: Did you immediately see the potential of the area?
A: “Yes, I saw the potential immediately because the area is so well located (Chinatown, Silom, Chao Phraya River) and Charoenkrung is the frst road in Bangkok, so there are many old buildings, and very lively sois. It’s a rare part of the city where you can actually walk around and observe artisans, mechanics, metal shops, retail shops of all kind of motor engineering workshops, small fresh markets, small Chinese temples, historical Chinese settler’s houses, converted warehouses, art galleries... I loved Talad Noi for all those reasons. The Creative District is now emphasizing and developing this community into a interesting destination and blend of upcoming creative businesses and old craftsmanship together.” Thomas Menard - Speedy Grandma, Soy Sauce Factory, Soulbar.

Thomas Menard

But even prior to the arrival of Speedy Grandma two Belgians fell in love with the charm of the neighbourhood. Pieter Compernol and Stephanie Grusenmeyer, founders of the sleek and desirable furniture design company P. Tendercool, settled in 12 years ago.

Peter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer - Founders & Design Directors, P. Tendercool

Peter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer

Q: What attracted you both to this area?
A: “Stephanie and I used to be dealers in Oriental art, we have been visiting for 25 years now and always stayed in this area as it is the Oldest part of town, near always exciting Chao Phraya River. We’ve always found this a very authentic part of the city and love the small shops in Talad Noi leading up to Chinatown. We loved it so much that 12 years ago we renovated three shophouses, now known as Speedy Grandma. When our current gallery became available for rent we did not hesitate one second: an art deco gem in not exactly high street. We figured that if we were good enough, people would find us. They did.”

Q: Do you think the district will continue to evolve?
A: “We are convinced it will. Just check the numbers of bars, restaurants, galleries which have popped up in recent years: 80/20 restaurant, Black pig Tattoo, 100 mahased, Jua, Maison Close, Tropic City,… not to mention what happens a bit further at Soi Nana in Chinatown. Warehouse 30 runs regular exhibitions, we are converting our warehouse into exhibition-space, Atty relentlessly puts her shoulders under the increasingly popular Gallery Hopping nights. This is just the start.”

Great minds think alike
A collective of like-minded individuals are focused on continuing to spearhead the development of the Creative District; and so far it seems to be working.
One of the key groups championing the area is The Creative District Foundation, a registered non-proft driven by local private active citizens and permanent residents, working voluntarily to improve livability and livelihood for those living and working in the area while developing it into a creative hub of the capital.
The foundation is but one of a few organizations working to realise the potential of the Creative District. It places the preservation and protection of current local way of life and businesses above all else while encouraging new developments, particularly responsible and creative ones. Its vision is to have a district that is economically robust and diverse, with new innovative and creative products and services standing side by side with traditional ones that were there first.
Some luxury hotels in the area have seen the benefit of the Creative District as an added experience for their guests.
“For the Peninsula Bangkok the Creative District is the perfect representation of Thai creativity, entrepreneurialism, heritage, harmony, discovery & surprise.
I have yet to meet a guest not captivated by the sensory overload an exploratory walk offers.
We are using it to differentiate a stay by the river and demonstrate clearly why this is indeed the centre of Bangkok once again.” Geoffrey Webb, Director of Marketing, Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok
Over the past five years many more newcomers have moved in, all bringing something different with their own takes on what to inject into the area.
Two of the biggest arrivals have been Warehouse 30 and the new TCDC (Thailand Creative & Design Centre).

Warehouse 30

Opening its doors in August of 2017 Warehouse 30 would be happily at home in Brooklyn, New York. Inhabiting a space of what was once a World War 2 storage facility, and under the guidance of renowned and visionary architect Duangrit Bunnag, Warehouse 30 has become one of the centrepiece destinations in the district. When you explore what lies behind the towering glass doors you’ll soon discover there is pretty much something for everyone such as fashion and accessories from local and international designers, vintage clothing and bric-a-brac, books, food, coffee and even documentary flm screenings.

TCDC

The new TCDC building makes a statement on Charoenkrung Road, attached to the beautifully renovated 75 year old Grand Postal Building, it is a gleaming creative edifce that offers up exhibitions, workshops, co-working spaces, a creative library, events and much more. TCDC’s move from the sixth ﬂoor of the Emporium department store on Sukhumvit Road, Phrom Phong to Charoenkrung Road played an important role in the confrmation of the area as a creative destination in Bangkok.
As you would expect in a ‘Creative District’ art can be found everywhere with a number of art galleries and unique art spaces calling the district home and many of Bangkok’s best street artists have left their mark on the sides of many buildings and walls adding to the artistic ﬂavour of the area.

Speedy Grandma

Speedy Grandma: Thomas Menard and Unchalee Anantawat’s frst foray into the neighbourhood and the destination that started it all. This art gallery and event space focuses on experimental art and ideas.
672/50-52 Charoen Krung Soi 28
Soy Sauce Factory: Another of Thomas Menard’s creative ventures, this art space and bar focuses on photographic exhibitions and good drinks.
11/1 Charoen Krung Soi 24, Bangkok, Thailand

Maison Close: Part art gallery, bar and tattoo shop that hosts weekly events, exhibitions, movie nights, an underground film festival, and more.
397/399 Charoen Krung Soi 45

Galerie Adler: Contemporary international art gallery found on the same Soi as Outlaw Cuisine and Maison Close cocktail bar.
373/2 Charoen Krung Soi 45

Bangkok River City: One of the long standing presence’s in the area has recently launched their new RCB Photographer’s Gallery on the second ﬂoor with a show with renowned photographer Patrick Brown.
Charoen Krung Rd, Soi 24

Serindia Gallery: Showing fne art and photography exhibitions by international artists.
OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd.

Atta Gallery: This gallery’s sole focus is contemporary art jewelry.
OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd.

Most Gallery: Creative space dedicated to photography.
672/63 Charoen Krung Soi 26

1 Projects: Located on the ground ﬂoor of the same building as Most Gallery. Showcasing the works of local and international emerging Asian artists.

Galerie Adler

Eliseo Barbàra, MOST Gallery + MOST 2414 Digital Marketing Agency
Q: What’s missing from the Creative District?
‘I would like to see more entrepreneurs and startups move into the Creative District, from industries not strictly connected to art and food & beverage. It would be great to have people doing innovative stuff such as mobile and web solutions, content development, and media production.’
If it’s some personal art you’re after, the ink on skin type of art, then head to Black Pig Tattoos where you’ll fnd New York transplant Luke Satora, a Japanese-American tattoo artist. Luke made the move to Bangkok in 2016 and gravitated to the Creative District. You can fnd his shop positioned above the Tropic City
bar.
Speaking of bars, when it comes to food and beverage offerings in the area, and aside from the delicious local street food delights, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Eliseo Barbàra, MOST Gallery + MOST 2414 Digital Marketing Agency

Chet Adkins, Chef/Co-Owner of Jua.

Chet Adkins, Chef/Co-Owner of Jua.
Q: Why did you decide to open in this area?
A: We chose the creative district area due to its proximity to the river and the feel of being in “real” Bangkok. It doesn’t have the feel of other areas like Thonglor, Ekamai and the like.
These areas are congested and overcrowded with tall buildings and masses of people.

Q: Any other plans in the Creative District beyond Jua?
A: We are planning to do more projects in the area as we really feel it is a better place to live and work. There are not to many areas in Bangkok like this and with groups trying to protect the architecture and soul of this area we would rather be here.

Refurbishing older buildings rather than building new ones makes a place hold on to its heritage and history which we feel is important in a city like Bangkok.

Jua: This Izakaya style restaurant and bar opened by chef Chet Adkins (ex - Ku De Ta, Bangkok) and photographer Jason Lang serves up a fresh and innovative Japanese menu and a list of enticing drinks.
672/49 Charoenkrung Soi 28, Bangkok, Thailand

Take the scenic route and arrive at the Si Phraya Pier.

Tropic City: Downstairs from Black Pig Tattoo, Tropic City is a cocktail bar founded by two Swedes - Sebastian De La Cruz and Philip Stefanescu that specializes in gin based creations. The vibrant tropical exterior makes it easy to fnd on
Charoen Krung Soi 28. 672/65 Charoen Krung Soi 28, Bangkok, Thailand.

Outlaw Cuisine: Owned by artist turned chef Romain Guiot, Outlaw Cuisine offers up a Mediterranean focused menu. Keeping with the vibe of the area the exterior of the restaurant is emblazoned with mural artwork.
415 Charoen Krung Soi 45, Bangkok, Thailand.

80/20: Around the corner from Little Market is this innovative Thai restaurant with a menu that comprises of 80% locally grown and organically produced ingredients. Chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget serves up some truly eclectic dishes that are perfectly at home in a creative district.
80/20, 1052-1054 Charoen Krung Soi 26, Bangkok, Thailand.

Maison Chatenet: Situated on the corner at the entrance to Warehouse 30 sits this taste of France helmed by chef/proprietor Marcel Chatenet. From coffee and pastries to quiche and porchetta sandwiches, this sleek designed two-level spot is yet another welcome offering in the district. Maison Chatenet, Warehouse 30
Charoenkrung Soi 30, Bangkok, Thailand.

Foojohn: You’ll discover a mix of crepes, wine, American barbeque, and live music spread throughout this multi-level venue.831 Charoen Krung Soi 31, Bangkok, Thailand.

You can also get your groove on in the Creative District. If it’s some live music you’re after you can’t go wrong with SoulBar found at 945 Charoen Krung Rd., a vibrant and intimate venue that caters to fans of good soul and funk music.

Tropic City

80/20

So as you can see Bangkok truly has a creative destination that is as diverse at the city is itself. There’s sure to be more additions to the area coming soon as it evolves and develops, because the energy that exists now shows no signs of
dissipating.

Rodd Chant is an Australian and an ex-New Yorker, he spent many years working as a Creative Director for major advertising agencies in Sydney, Singapore, and New York and he has a passion for all things creative, especially in the Asia region. You can find him on Instagram @roddchant

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SOB Save Our Beaches “Do your bit”

3/7/2018

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All of us are responsible for this sorry state of affairs. We use far too much plastic and have no interest in what happens to it later. This has to stop.

At the BigChilli, we’re launching an initiative called Save Our Beaches (SOB) with the aim of hopefully highlighting the efforts of individuals or groups to collect plastic bags and other rubbish piling up on Thailand’s seashores.

We’ll publish in the magazine and post on our social media photos of anyone willing to spend a few moments of their time cleaning a beach. Join the drive to Save Our Beaches. Don’t let others do the work. Do your bit.

Plastic is the scourge of our seas and beaches. There’s no getting away from it. It’s an eye-sore, ugly and unnecessary. Marine life, and therefore the food chain, is under threat from this growing man-made menace. So too is the environment. Once-magnificent, pristine beaches have been spoiled.

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Secret Bangkok

6/11/2013

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Twelve places most expats don’t know about but should
By Adam Purcell and Narumol Trachoo

Agalico Gardens & Tea Room

HIDDEN away on Sukhumvit 51, this delightful coffee shop has all the charm of an English countryside manor and a beautiful garden to match. When you first wander through the front door – which isn’t signposted – you may think you’ve accidentally walked into the home of a wealthy person who’s hosting a Hi-So tea party. A white-washed living room decked out with comfy couches and rattan chairs is full of well-preened patrons tucking into chocolate cakes, scones and drinking tea from fine china cups. Out in the garden, which is lush with plantlife and decorated with Balinese statues, other customers lounge on benches, read books in hidden, shady corners, and speak in hushed voices. It’s all very peaceful, and very surreal when you consider that just a short stroll up the street is busy Sukhumvit with all its honking horns and shrieking vendors. Adding to Agalico’s feeling of exclusivity is the fact it’s only open Fri – Sun (10am – 6pm). A real hidden gem.

For more info Tel: 02 662 5857 www.agalico.co.th

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Recommended Spa & Wellness- when your soul need the way to take a break

Moleskine Collaboration with five elite artists

Life as a foodpanda rider and… a “mother”

BANGKOK’S LATEST ‘IT’ SPOT FEELS LIKE A SLICE OF BROOKLYN – THE CREATIVE DISTRICT

Thomas Menard

Peter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer - Founders & Design Directors, P. Tendercool

Take the scenic route and arrive at the Si Phraya Pier.

SOB Save Our Beaches “Do your bit”

Secret Bangkok

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Recommended Spa & Wellness- when your soul need the way to take a break

Moleskine Collaboration with five elite artists

Life as a foodpanda rider and… a “mother”

BANGKOK’S LATEST ‘IT’ SPOT FEELS LIKE A SLICE OF BROOKLYN – THE CREATIVE DISTRICT

Thomas Menard

Peter Compernol & Stephanie Grusenmeyer - Founders & Design Directors, P. Tendercool

Take the scenic route and arrive at the Si Phraya Pier.

​

SOB Save Our Beaches “Do your bit”

Secret Bangkok

Categories

calendar of events

FOLLOW US

CURRENT ISSUE

2017 - 2018 so Far

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP