The statement that "going on the pill makes women fat" is not entirely correct, as making assumptions about someone’s weight, even if well-intentioned, can be hurtful. In today’s modern society, each person likely has their own story about weight-related issues, which requires empathy and respect for their feelings and boundaries.
The Beat Asia caught up with Varangtip “Rung” Satchatippavarn from Bangkok, who shared how her menstrual condition impacted her weight due to medication she took to manage her period.
As she entered her twenties, Rung constantly struggled with irregular periods combined with pad allergies and menstrual pains that significantly affected her work attendance. This personal battle led her to question the societal taboos when it comes to women's health as well as the dearth of innovative solutions available.
With this, Rung was motivated to create change by establishing her own company, ira (pronounced eye-rah). More than just a business venture, ira is also a movement aimed at fostering societal transformations dedicated to women's health.
Photo by Varangtip “Rung” Satchatippavarn
Can you share your journey as a period activist and women's health advocate?
Before ira, I was working in the government, a VC firm, and a startup company. Throughout my whole career, I have witnessed and fallen victim to gender inequality and have been frustrated with how little we are doing for the environment and society as a whole.
I knew then that you don’t have to be in the system (government) to create change, and you don’t have to wait for change to happen and be the change you want to see. That’s why I decided to quit my job on [Sept. 25, 2019] and devoted myself [to the] research and development of the brand. In November 2020, ira was born and we launched our first product: 100% organic and 99% biodegradable sanitary pads and liners.
The more research I did on period poverty and women’s health innovation, the more passionate I got. However, I couldn't find any activists or influencers in this specific area. That’s when I thought to myself, if no one is advocating about this, then I will.
Could you provide more details about the mission and scope of Femtech? Additionally, what challenges did you face in establishing Femtech, and how did you overcome them?
Femtech is a term used for startups innovating in the women’s health industry, e.g., menstruation, menopause, fertility, etc.
Compared to other countries, the concept of feminism, Femtech, and period poverty in Thailand is still very new, and there are a lot of misunderstandings surrounding these topics.
The good thing about being the first mover is that it provides great potential to grow but also poses a huge challenge to educate customers. This is why we did a lot of branding and communication. Our communication strategy also has to be creative and memorable. If you look at our page, you’ll see we have a presence on many channels (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook), and all of them provide very easy to digest information to make it attractive and fun for viewers.
Another struggle is advertising and content creation because sometimes our subjects or wording is deemed inappropriate as our content got muted multiple times and our page warned of being shut down. We try to wiggle our way around this using different words or censoring, but over-censorship is bad for getting the right message across.
Going into meetings full of middle-aged men and explaining to them the importance of menstrual welfare and needs are very challenging and discouraging at times, especially when no one understands it. I also get a lot of negative comments online on my content, calling me all sorts of things like sl*t, attention seeker, or even catcalling me.
In the end, I got through these negative comments because I focused on my customers and positive comments. Out of 100 bad ones, there are more people who thank us or share their stories about how grateful they are for our product or service. They are the reason why I started the company, and if I can make one person feel the difference, then my work is effective. The mission is too great and bigger than me or my company, so remembering why I started will help me get through these challenges.
How does ira ensure that its feminine hygiene products are not only comfortable but also contribute to better health and a healthier planet?
Photo by Varangtip “Rung” Satchatippavarn
Our products are 99% biodegradable and 100% organic (certified), which means we reduce the amount of toxins released to our planet and divert [four] plastic bags from landfills per pad being used. Since we don’t use any toxic chemicals in our products, it is healthier for [the] user’s health and skin.
Our pads don’t produce dioxins or phthalates, which can lead to reproductive health problems, and we don’t use perfume or synthetic fibres that can cause rashes or allergies. From our bamboo fibre to our bioplastic, our pads are biodegradable and don’t leave microplastics. We offer the perfect balance between convenience and sustainability for our users.
What measures have you taken to make ira’s products both affordable and accessible, especially considering the pricing challenges often associated with eco-friendly alternatives?
We want to ensure our products are as affordable and accessible as possible because period poverty or pad allergies don’t discriminate. You can be anywhere or in any class and still suffer from rashes. Our solution supports and aligns with our goal too, which is to achieve economy of scale and diversify our sales channels. We sell through B2C (>50 supermarkets), D2C (social commerce and e-commerce marketplaces), and B2B (universities, hotels, and corporations).
Photo by Varangtip “Rung” Satchatippavarn
Besides ira's eco-friendly period products, do you engage in any outreach or educational programmes?
Yes, we started off with our social media content and expanded to crafting and delivering programmes in local schools around Bangkok. So far, we have conducted menstrual health hygiene programme[s] in [five] schools and educated 750 students since we launched it [in] November 2022.
These are conducted with our ira “For All initiative” where we donate pads to underprivileged girls and families. We have partners all over Thailand who help us distribute our pads to reduce period poverty, and so far, we have donated over 1.5 million pads since we launched our brand in November 2020.
Photo by Varangtip “Rung” Satchatippavarn
Period products can be a sensitive topic for some individuals. How would you approach creating inclusive and diverse messaging that resonates with a wide range of audiences while respecting cultural differences and individual preferences?
Social listening is very important when you are doing a D2C brand. The words and phrases we use have already factored in how our audience or regulation will view them to ensure it’s acceptable and approved.
Keeping up with the current trends and producing content in real-time is also very helpful to ensure that our content is up to date and with higher engagement. Regarding communication surrounding period and sex, we make sure to always address myths and misconceptions that are specific to Thailand and discuss them with our audience. We even use codenames like “bread” which means sanitary pads.
Looking forward, what do you see as the biggest opportunities for your company?
Photo by Varangtip “Rung” Satchatippavarn
I think this industry is very untapped and underserved, so the only way is up. We want to continue developing solutions for menstruators, but also opportunities to be with our customers through every stage of their women’s health cycle, whether it’s during puberty, fertility, or menopause.
What advice do you have for anyone, regardless of gender, who wants to join the movement to fight period poverty?
Talk about it. Start with your family, close friends, or partner. When I used to set up booths and interact with customers, I always found childhood friends or family who never discussed these things together, even though they talked about everything every day. It’s crazy how this topic is so taboo.
Understanding your fellow human’s health and well-being and having empathy with them is the first step in creating an inclusive and sustainable environment. The next step is to act on these issues and find solutions to address them, whether it’s donating pads, educating others on sex education, or supporting organisations with a mission to destroy period poverty. For corporations, we have a B2B sales channel to support those who want to get involved by providing menstrual welfare schemes for employees/clients.
This interview has been edited for clarity. Read more about Rung here. Stay updated on Ira Concept & Femtech’s latest updates by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
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For many, the COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call. It was a moment of clarity, shifting priorities, changing values, and determining what truly matters.
For Yidan Xiong, it meant reconsidering almost everything in her life.
Before the pandemic, Yidan had a globe-trotting career as a FinTech cryptocurrency marketing executive. Today, she runs a farm and farmstay in Chiang Dao, Thailand.
It wasn’t an easy transition, nor was it linear. Leaving corporate life behind to live and work on a farm might be a fantasy for plenty of burnt-out professionals, but Yidan actually made the leap. She traded meetings, marketing campaigns, and international conventions for rice fields, animals, and the slow pace of farm life.
Courtesy of Yidan XiongCourtesy of Yidan Xiong
And from the looks of Yidan's Farm, it's easy to understand the appeal. Through the photos and videos she shares online, as well as the farmstay listed on Airbnb, her corner of Chiang Dao looks idyllic and quaint. With a growing list of animals she lives with — three pigs, two goats, 20 chickens, 10 ducks, four cats, four dogs, and a pond of fish — it can almost feel like stepping into the shoes of a Disney character.
But Yidan's story isn't necessarily about escaping one life for another.
She emphasizes that she loved her corporate career as much as she enjoys what she's doing on her farm now. Rather than leaving those years in her rearview mirror, she brought what she learned from them with her. Corporate, for Yidan, isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, she credits the skills she developed in her previous line of work as extremely valuable now that she's building, running, and promoting her farm.
In this exclusive interview, The Beat Asia sits down with Yidan Xiong to talk about her journey from FinTech marketing to farm life, the realities of running Yidan's Farm, and how building a farm was a way of coming home.
Courtesy of Yidan Xiong
You grew up in the countryside. What was that like and do you feel like your childhood experiences influenced your decision to run a farm?
I grew up in the countryside in Zhejiang, China. My childhood was quite free, and I lived there until I was 8 years old. It's not really that long, but it was the freest, wildest, and most adventurous time of my life. Often, I feel like the decisions I make, and [ultimately] the place I found where I should build my farm, are because of my childhood memories.
[Chiang Dao] is a very similar landscape. But we didn't have so many mountains in Zhejiang. But we had rice fields, and my family had farmland. We didn't really live off of farming, but I was lucky enough to get involved with the farming activities. I still remember one of my best memories was having a picnic in the rice fields. While the adults were harvesting, I was sleeping on the straws and watching them harvest. Then later on, we'd eat the food that we packed from home. These memories followed me even when I grew up.
Even during my corporate days, I went to a lot of farms. I travelled a lot and went to many countries, and wherever I went, I always tried to look for farm stays to have a piece of the kind of life I used to have. But it's different when you're a guest, and you go to pay for a night to live there. It's not really what I want. People treat you like a guest, and you just feel like a customer taking photos of the farm.
But it's not just the landscape; it's the way of life, the sense of community. China is very modern now, but back then, living in the village, everyone was very close to each other emotionally. This kind of community is also another big part of why I really wanted to [build a farm] and experience this kind of lifestyle again.
You've mentioned that your grandfather used to work with bamboo and it's a material you currently use in your farm. What is it about bamboo and the memory of it that's important to you?
When I got the land, I actually had no idea what I was going to build for my house. I was flipping through different references on Pinterest, magazines, online, this and that. But then bamboo structures caught my attention, and that's when I started to dig into the idea.
Intuitively, I think, of course, it [was prominent in] my childhood because we had a bamboo forest next to the house. And my grandpa used to make furniture and all these things from bamboo. So it's kind of in my memory that bamboo is something very easy to work with. You can just chop it off and instantly start to work with it, unlike other building materials.
The more I dug into it and why people use bamboo as a sustainable building material, especially in tropical countries like the Philippines, which often suffers from natural catastrophes like earthquakes, flooding, etc. because bamboo is strong enough to withstand them. And it's affordable and a fast-growing material.
You've done a lot of research into bamboo and working with traditional farming methods, how do you apply that in your farm?
I have two main houses that are completely made out of bamboo. The first one is a two-floor house where I stay, but there's a common space where people can make coffee and tea and hang out, like a living room. For the foundation, we used concrete pillars; however, because bamboo will rot in one to two years, we have to use concrete footing as the pillars underneath. Besides that, almost 95% of the building is made of bamboo. The roof is made of thatch, like hay or grass, which also needs to be changed every year or two.
That is the first home on the farm, and it was finished fast, in 10 days. I rented a house in Chiang Dao. Then when I started to build the house, I camped there with my dog, Lucky. I had a little tent and watched over the construction. Every day, I needed to be there with them because I didn't really have a blueprint. I had to be there every day to help the workers visualize and relay what I had in mind. I'm also a visual person, so even though I had a picture in mind, it was also hard for me to deliver numbers, measurements, etc. Back then, I also didn't speak Thai at all. So it was a lot of body language and miming, and that's how we built the first house.
I built the second bamboo house as a guest house to host friends who wanted to come visit. They were kind of shocked by the decision I made because I didn't really tell anyone beforehand, so they got curious about why I would make such a big, sudden move. And they came to visit me. They saw how quiet it is. Not touristy. And they wanted to stay with me too.
Courtesy of Yidan Xiong
Why did you choose Chiang Dao specifically?
Honestly, it was more like a gut feeling. An intuitive decision. At the beginning, I got to know Chiang Dao because I went hiking on Doi Luang Chiang Dao Mountain with some friends, and then we got lost. We ended up spending three days without knowing how long we would be there, but it was the best three days I spent then. It was also extreme because before that, I was used to the city and never really left my phone or went without signal for more than five hours. So that was the longest time that I was actually off-grid, and I didn't bring anything to entertain myself. No books, no board games, nothing.
At night, we were just sitting around the campfire and looking at the stars. I thought I would be scared or intimidated by nature, you know, getting lost in the jungle. But everyone was super chill, so psychologically, we calmed each other down. The experience also spiritually awoke something in me. After that, I started to roam Chiang Dao by myself on a bike, and that's when I formed the idea of staying here. Like, "It would actually be nice to own a farm here."
That was when I started to ask myself questions like, "Why am I so drawn to this kind of life?" I didn't really wonder why I always tend to pick farm stays wherever I go, even on business trips sometimes. My company back then would ask me for an invoice, and there wasn't always one, but I just wanted to stay in farm stays. I didn't want to trap myself in a hotel. And I'm also a super animal person. I would always adopt cats back then; somehow, animals would always come to me. So, the idea of building a farm and having that land where my animals could roam around freely started to form in my head.
Then COVID-19 happened, and that was a transition period for you. Could you share what that era was like for you?
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but I was pretty sure that I was done with [FinTech].
COVID-19 happened, and it was good timing. My decision wasn't actually very sudden; it was a period of two years. To a lot of people, it appears sudden. But there was a lot of internalization going on that I never really shared with anyone. At that point, I was just certain that I no longer enjoyed doing what I was doing, but I didn't have the courage to step away from it. And as a Chinese [person], you have to work to prove that you're valuable. So I was really struggling with the idea of not working and not getting validation through my career. But that's why COVID-19, in a way, gave me the opportunity to pause. Because the whole world was on pause, and everyone else didn't know what to do.
So, I just decided to leave my condo in Bangkok. It was the beginning of COVID-19, and everyone started to panic and hoard in the supermarket. I thought, "Okay, I can't be in Bangkok. I don't want to be trapped here, for I don't know how long." We didn't know when it was going to end, right? All I knew was that I needed to get away from the city. Packed up my stuff, got a taxi, which dropped me off at the pier. Went to an island about five to six hours away; I don't even remember the name. Then I stayed on that island for two months because of the lockdown. I was basically living in a bubble. On the island, no one talked about COVID-19. Life just carried on because it was geographically isolated.
Courtesy of Yidan Xiong | Photo from Instagram/Yidan's Farm
I roamed around Thailand for almost two years.
Luckily, I had some savings. It was also then that I realized that, after I left Bangkok, after two months living on the island, I could hardly remember what I had in the condo. At that point, I realized that if everything disappeared in that condo, it actually wouldn't affect my life at all. I don't need those things.
That's when I started to ask myself: "What do I actually need for my life?"
So, I lived on my savings for two years, just roaming, adopted a cat on an island, and travelled with that cat, met some people along the way, and travelled with them too.
Two years later, I came to Chiang Mai, and that was when I felt like I needed a home. It was cool to be a nomad and roam around, but I'm tired of moving around and moving my cats around. That was when I ended up in Chiang Dao.
When you built the farm, was it always meant to be a farmstay?
Everything just kind of happened, like a flow. I have no idea what I'm doing [sometimes]. It was very spontaneous, organic in a way. Something I kind of just manifest an idea and people sometimes get on board because they agree. With this, I'm really lucky people trust me and they invested in this idea. They saw something in it, something about our farm stay that is unique, different, and interesting.
COVID-19 also pushed people to long for this kind of connection to others and to nature. Slowly we just built things and now we have five accommodations or houses. And we have a capacity to host up to 20 people.
We're now a group of six people who are living together at the farm. But I'm the one who really lives here full-time and operates everything.
A lot of people are also thinking of making a similar jump: leaving their corporate lives behind and starting something rural or closer to nature. What would you say was the hardest part of that transition?
Realistically, for most people who have worked their entire lives in a corporate setting, they don't have the actual skillset to be able to live in the countryside. But that's not really the hardest part because I also didn't know how to farm, how to build things on my own, even the language. But I grinded in all those five years. Even to this day, I'm still learning how to fix water heaters or this and that, right? I'm still learning every day. So those practical things, finances, skillsets, are not really the number one obstacle.
It's the mentality.
You have to be mentally prepared that in the years to come, you will have to learn everything from scratch. And also, the loneliness. I was alone there, living and building my farm, for two to three years. I had people but they come and go. It was actually an emotional struggle back then because I'd meet friends and people who have the same energy, and we build a connection. But they have to leave. So that was my struggle for a while, being in a fluid status where everything is constantly changing around you.
You mentioned before that you would stay in farms and being treated like a customer is not exactly what you were looking for. Now that you have Yidan's Farm, is that something you aim to do differently?
From the very beginning, we are very different. Right now, my guests, I don't really see them as my guests. I think about 30 to 40% of my guests who come to stay at our farm, they are people who have stayed with us before already, and they're just coming back again.
A lot of times you will see former guests who volunteer with tasks, like helping other guests check in. They would stay for one to two months, and our farm has become like their spiritual home. It's become a community.
In a way, they've also been part of the journey from the start. Because I started to share this whole farm building journey from Day 1 on YouTube, also on Instagram, Facebook, and on my Chinese social media platforms. I didn't have a lot of followers back then, but some of my long time followers have seen my videos from Day 1 when I didn't even know how to hammer a nail to five years later. So, for them, there's also an emotional connection [even before they visit the farm].
Finding validation in your career is something that you said you had to change. Now that you're doing the hard labor of building this farm and running it, do you find validation in being able to do these very physical tasks?
For me, the biggest validation right now is that I know that if you drop me in any corner of the world, I'm able to make a living.
And I can live a fucking great life. Because I have proven to myself that I have this ability to start from zero and adapt myself in a completely new environment and culture, connect with people, physically build a house for myself, attract people who are on the same frequency, and start a novel kind of co-living community.
I'm also able to farm my own food. So that sounds like a very complete, wholesome life to me.
Photo from Instagram/Yidan's Farm
Going back to your career, what led you to FinTech and cryptocurrency in the first place?
When I first heard about Bitcoin, crypto, blockchain [and more], it was like 2017. I was working in the entertainment industry back then, still in marketing. The majority of my corporate life was always about advertising, PR, and marketing.
When I started to work for a crypto brand, I was doing PR, building the brand image, hosting events and conferences. It was a whole new world [back then], I was pretty hyped about the concept. A decentralized, borderless kind of utopian world where everyone owns their own money and no one controls them. I guess that was kind of idealistic, but that's why I was really attracted to it and why I started to work in that space. Back then, it was very early stages of crypto in Beijing. I went to meetups and there would be people from twenty different countries — and everyone was so passionate. That whole vibe kind of really got me.
What did a typical day look like for you back then?
I didn't really have a typical day, to be honest. That was how the industry was like back then. It was totally chaotic. No one knew exactly what they're doing. It was kind of hectic and, I mean, in a way, I'm good with dealing with chaos. Chaos was my friend. I'm quite adaptable, flexible, a spontaneous person. So, it was easy for me to adapt to the new industry and environment.
Back then, I would fly to many different countries. [During my time there], I visited over 20 different countries. We organized and hosted a lot of meetups, events, conferences. Online digital marketing, building communities online.
A lot of it was seemingly done on the fly and you did a lot of traveling. Would you say it was a very demanding career, especially when you were in the thick of it?
Yeah, I think, although I'm good with chaos, it makes you feel lost after a while, right?
At some point, you just pause and you think like: "What am I doing here?" It's not like anything that you were building was leading to anything physical. Unlike building a house, you sketch something and a month later, you see a house standing there. But the whole business was virtual. They kind of have a sense where you don't feel where your achievement is.
Like, where did it land? What did it bring to the world and the people around you? I asked myself that [at some point] and my parents asked me all the time: "What do you do?" And I didn't have an answer for that. I didn't know how to explain it. Then I realized, it's a job where the accomplishments or the value it brings to the people or the community, or the meaning of it all, gives you pause. Like why am I spending my valuable life and energy into something that I don't see the value of?
Courtesy of Yidan Xiong
Now that you're in a farm. What do you love most about it? What does your day at a farm look like?
My life at a farm is very simple, relaxing. It starts at around 6 or 7 o'clock. If we have guests, we make them coffee. I live with my boyfriend and he also volunteers in the farmstay. He's a barista, so he makes coffee while I entertain the guests. We also have a yoga space in the middle of the rice field and since I practice yoga, sometimes I do yoga with the guests.
I have a huge group of animals, so I check on them and feed them. Interact with them. Then online work. I spend about three to four hours focused on something online. We call the cafes around us our "office," and that's where I go to work because I can't really focus so much at the farm since there can be a lot of distractions.
In the morning, we also brief ourselves about the maintenance. What needs to be done like check ins and outs. Welcome the guests. House repairs. Farming schedule, harvesting and planting. Then in the evening, we cook. We have a big communal kitchen, and we have a community dinner. There are about two to three bars in town, but we also mix our own cocktails. I make my own plum wine [and] we ferment things too like kombucha. Sometimes we host our own parties or have outdoor movie nights.
In the past, you talked about the role of money in attaining freedom. Has your definition of freedom changed since leaving the tech industry?
My definition's changed along the way, at some point in the whole journey of building this place and the community. Before, my definition of freedom was to be able to travel or go wherever I want instantly. Now that I have many obligations at the farm — like the animals, the guests, the property — travelling is not as easy. I'm not able to leave just like that.
Now, freedom is being responsible at the same time as being able to be free. It's not just physical freedom anymore. Yes, I can go wherever I want, but what is the consequence of that? At every stage in your life, you realize that you have to redefine your idea of freedom again and again. Because things always change, so you have to change too.
Right now, [I ask myself]: What is the utmost freedom that I can reach at this stage of my life and still be able to hold onto the things that I can call valuable? My animals, my relationship with my community, my place, my farm, the things we grow here — these are valuable to me. Freedom now means balancing those things.
You talked about people coming from all these different countries, coming to stay in your farm for months. Why do you think people are drawn to this?
To a certain degree, I would say everyone is escaping from something.
I was also escaping. But what matters is what do you do after escaping? For me, the initial intention was moving out of the city to the countryside because I had enough of it. Sometimes, you just want to go: "Fuck it, I just want to run." And there's no shame in wanting to run away. Sometimes, it's too much for some people.
Everyone is going through some struggle. Modern struggles may not always look harsh, but the mental stress, loneliness, and everything our generation is going through is still a lot. First step is accepting that there's no shame in wanting to escape. But the idea of it may even make you feel guilty, especially when life may seem so perfect. But if you have that idea of wanting to leave and start a new life, acknowledge it. Face it, and once you've decided what you want to do, follow through on it.
Following through is the part a lot of people actually struggle with. A lot of people think they might be escaping one bubble only to end up in another bubble. Like a lot of people in these hippie places, they escape to the islands, but they refuse to learn the local language, eat the local food, and do what they used to do in their own country.
Courtesy of Yidan Xiong
Is there anything from your past career that you're still trying to unlearn, or some reflex that you find yourself still doing?
Yeah, I mean now I'm marketing my own life. I'm not exaggerating it or boosting it, not trying to convince anyone of buying my lifestyle. I'm just telling, sharing that this is my life right now. And if people are interested, they can come have a look, come to the farm, stay here and see what our life is like.
When I first started to post videos, a lot of people commented that they don't believe I'm really here. They said: "She's just shooting videos in the countryside and she'll go back to her condo in the city after that." But eventually, it became less and less. No one can pretend for such a long time. Maybe a month or two, but for five years?
I understand [why they react that way]. It's not cynical. In a way, they're probably angry at themselves. They want to make the same choice, but they're not able to do it. So, they make excuses for themselves. They just tell themselves it's not real, so that they feel better.
But they can come book our farm stay, live with us for a few days, to get the feeling for it. And they can figure out if it's something they really want. Because it's not just a story. It's a lifestyle. We live here.
If you could talk to Yidan before the COVID pandemic, what would you tell her?
I'll just tell her: "You're doing great. You're on the [right] path. Whatever you haven't figured out, you'll figure it out. It's all [where] it's supposed to be." Honestly, if I get that chance, I will say nothing. Because I think whatever I chose to do at that point is supposed to be happening at that point. I never really felt like I did something that I didn't enjoy.
Even when I worked in corporate back then, I enjoyed it. Then I stopped doing it when I stopped enjoying it. It was #NoRegrets *laughs*
What's next for you and Yidan's Farm?
Five years is a milestone. Honestly, this project has grown beyond what I have anticipated in the beginning. There was no plan, no business model, and I'm very proud that we've gone so far. But is also brings a lot of challenges, for sure. I need to think about the project less in a personal way, but more in a community and business way. It's not just myself and my animals anymore. This project needs to support the people who are working for this project; they need to get paid. And it's growing, so we need to think of things in a more systematic, even in a corporate way. This is something I can probably borrow from my old corporate life.
Corporate is not a bad word. Running things in a corporate way just means bringing in professionalism and structure. It's not just being in a corporate world.
We were featured in a BBC documentary by Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild. One episode was about my farm and I'm travelling because of private screenings. Like business trips with my previous job. Because of these, a lot of people have come over to visit our farm.
In the near future, we're also planning on having our own coffee farm and roastery. We're also planning on an Eco Village project for two years now. We might potentially expand our land, create a sort of village for those who want to stay long-term like a couple of months or half a year whenever they come back, they have a place here they can call home.
Photo from Instagram/Yidan's Farm
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
To learn more about Yidan Xiong, follow her on Instagram. For updates and information on Yidan's Farm, follow them on Instagram.
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After a seven-year wait, Siam Carnival Funfair is rolling back into Bangkok, transforming Grand Rama 9 (behind Central Rama 9) into a fun-tastic playground for 17 nights.
Billed as the biggest carnival in Thailand, Siam Carnival Funfair opens today, July 31, and runs until Aug. 16, 2026, with gates open from 5 PM to 10 PM. Entry costs THB15, and each ride runs THB60 per person.
The carnival's centerpiece is a towering Ferris wheel that lights up the skyline. Adrenaline seekers will be pleased to find a compact roller coaster, a spinning Tagada, a Viking swing ship, and a giant robotic octopus ride. Rounding out the lineup are a carousel, a jet-style spinner, a "Crazy Bus" drop ride, and flying bee gondolas.
Beyond the rides, organizers are promising more than 80 food and shopping stalls scattered across the grounds. Families, kids, friends, and couples can enjoy the fair with or without the rides.
The fair's return marks its first run in Bangkok since before the pandemic. Siam Carnival Funfair is presented in partnership with Central Rama 9 and Muang Thai Insurance.
Updates on ride lineups and other details can be found on Siam Carnival Funfair's Facebook and Instagram pages.
Siam Carnival Funfair
Location: Grand Rama 9, Rama IX Road, 9/9 10320 Bangkok
Dates & Time: July 31 to Aug. 16, 2026, from 5 to 10 PM
Admission Fee: Entry is THB15 per person. Rides are THB60 per person
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In a city that never seems to slow down, Bangkok’s spa scene offers the ultimate pause button. Tucked between shopping streets, skytrain stations, and buzzing neighborhoods are sanctuaries dedicated to deep relaxation. No Bangkok itinerary is complete without a massage — and the best ones don’t have to come with a luxury‑hotel price tag.
From traditional Thai bodywork to herbal compresses and onsen‑style foot soaks, the city’s spa places blend authentic techniques with unbeatable value. Perfect for weary travelers and wellness lovers alike, this list proves that relaxation in Bangkok can be both indulgent and accessible!
One More Thai Massage & Spa
Photo from Website/Klook
Just steps away from Chit Lom BTS, One More Thai Massage & Spa is a welcome retreat for tired legs and travel‑weary bodies. The spa specializes in traditional Thai techniques and herbal compress treatments designed to melt away tension, while thoughtful extras like a complimentary Thai dessert after your session add a charming local touch. With its central location and generous package deals (some discounted by up to 50%!), it’s an easy win for travelers looking to relax without straying far from Bangkok’s main shopping and business districts.
One More Thai Massage & Spa One More Thai Massage & Spa Sun, May 31 10:00 AM
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Unwind with 50% off spa treatments at One More Thai Massage & Spa near Chit Lom Station when you book via Klook.
Let's Relax Spa
Photo from Website/Klook
A long‑standing favorite in Bangkok’s wellness scene, Let’s Relax Spa at Central World delivers time‑honored Thai massage traditions. With more than 20 years in the industry, the spa offers an extensive menu of treatments tailored to different needs, whether it’s a targeted back and shoulder massage or a full‑blown pampering package. Each session ends with Thai snacks and herbal drinks, making it a well‑deserved reward after a hectic week or a full day of shopping. Consistently well‑reviewed by guests, it’s an ideal stop for those craving quality downtime.
Location: Central World Room NO. D205, 2nd Floor, NO.4 4/1-4 ซ. วิภาวดี 2 แยก 4-4 Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Let's Relax Spa Treatment at Central World in Bangkok Let's Relax Spa - Central World Sun, May 31 10:00 AM
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Unwind at Let’s Relax Spa – Central World in Bangkok, where expert therapists offer premium Thai massages, soothing treatments, and post-massage snacks.
Bhawa Spa On The Eight
Photo from Website/Klook
A serene hideaway in Sukhumvit, Bhawa Spa on The Eight invites guests to slow down with wellness journeys crafted for both body and mind. Signature experiences like Bhawa’s Secret Aromatherapy Deep Relaxation Massage and the sleep‑inducing Jet Lag & Insomnia Lullaby Massage & Retreat are perfect for those in need of recalibration, while indulgent treatments such as the Heavenly Hot Jewel Stone Massage and Stress & Anxiety Relief Therapy offer deeper restoration.
Location: 34/1 Soi Sukhumvit 8, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Bhawa Spa on the eight at Sukhumvit in Bangkok Bhawa Spa On The Eight Sun, May 31 11:00 AM
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Rejuvenate at Bhawa Spa Sukhumvit with 15% off exclusive wellness packages—your sanctuary of calm in bustling Bangkok.
Divana Virtue Spa | Silom
Photo from Website/Klook
Housed in a preserved 100‑year‑old colonial mansion once owned by a nobleman from King Rama V’s era, Divana Virtue Spa is where old‑world elegance meets modern Thai wellness. Guests can indulge in sensory rituals such as the spa’s signature Queen of the Night–inspired treatments, which draw on rare Thai florals that bloom after dusk. Other offerings range from the classic Aromatherapy Relaxing Massage and heritage‑inspired Siamese Sense to Hot Stone Massage and the Aroma Massage with Milk Bath.
Location: 10 Si Wiang Road Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Divana Virtue Spa | Silom in Bangkok Divana Virtue Spa Silom Sun, May 31 10:00 AM
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Indulge in luxury at Divana Virtue Spa Silom and enjoy up to 40% off on selected rejuvenating spa packages!
Once Upon A Thai Wellness Spa and Private Onsen
Photo from Website/Klook
Once Upon A Thai Wellness Spa & Private Onsen is another favorite among guests seeking effective, no‑distractions relaxation. The spa’s highly rated treatments, such as the Therapeutic Aroma Massage and Pain to Gain therapy, combine firm Thai techniques, herbal compresses, and warm stones to deliver real muscle relief. For a more indulgent reset, immersive packages like Floating Away and Sky After Rain, complete with private onsen access, offer a holistic approach to unwinding, all within a sleek, calming environment close to Bangkok’s key landmarks.
Up to 50% off spa packages at Once Upon a Thai Spa Once Upon A Thai Wellness Spa Sun, February 1 3:00 PM
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Relax with up to 50% off spa packages at Once Upon A Thai Spa. Book now in Klook for exclusive deals!
Nature Thai Massage and Spa at Asoke
Photo from Website/Klook
Nature Thai Massage & Spa brings a “nature in the city” concept to Bangkok’s busy Sukhumvit area. The spa’s signature Nature Signature Fusion blends traditional Thai massage with aromatherapy for a deeply balanced experience, while targeted treatments like the Office Syndrome Massage and high‑pressure Siam Deep Tissue Massage cater to guests who want serious muscle relief. From hot stone rituals to classic Thai massage with Tiger Balm, each session is delivered in a private room and capped with a soothing Thai herbal drink.
Nature Thai Massage and Spa at Asoke Experience in Bangkok Nature Thai Massage & Spa BTS Asoke Sat, February 28 10:00 AM
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Unwind at Nature Thai Massage & Spa Asoke, a serene “nature in the city” retreat offering premium private rooms and signature treatments like the Nature Signature Fusion, complete with a complimentary herbal drink.
DIORA Luxe Sukhumvit Spa
Photo from Website/Klook
DIORA Luxe Sukhumvit Spais a refined sanctuary designed for what the spa calls a true “Sense of Relax” that appeals to both first‑time visitors and seasoned spa‑goers. Step inside and you’re greeted by elegant modern Thai interiors before being led into private treatment rooms. Signature packages like Jet Lag Recovery Package, DIORA Remedy II, and Aromatherapy Oil Massage with Hot Stone offer a full head‑to‑toe reset suited for solo travelers, couples, or families. With skilled therapists and thoughtful touches like herbal tea and warm towels, it’s an easy choice for relaxation in the heart of the city.
DIORA Luxe Sukhumvit Spa Experience in Bangkok DIORA Luxe Sukhumvit Spa Sun, May 31 9:00 AM
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DIORA Luxe Sukhumvit Spa offers a refined Bangkok spa experience with aromatherapy massages and curated packages, welcoming solo travelers, couples, and families in a modern Thai‑inspired setting.
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It's one thing to make a New Year's resolution to prioritize your physical and mental health, and another to actually follow through. January is the perfect launchpad for your fitness adventure, giving you that extra boost of motivation to keep going all year long.
The first step is to be practical and consistent. Signing up for a gym membership or joining a fitness club that offers your preferred program is ideal. There are plenty of options available, whether you want to participate in a boot camp with intense workouts, hire a personal trainer for a customized experience, try martial arts like kickboxing for a full-body workout, or enjoy dance-based classes like Zumba to get your adrenaline pumping.
Are you ready to take the plunge and work up a sweat? Here are all the places where you can kickstart your fitness journey in 2026.
BASE
Courtesy of BASE
Known for its HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and strength training, BASE is a highly regarded fitness studio that has been voted Asia's "Gym of the Year" and "Bangkok's Best Studio." If you're looking to achieve your personal fitness goals, you’ll find qualified instructors and personal trainers ready to help you.
BASE offers 50 and 60-minute HIIT and strength-based classes designed to build muscle, along with comprehensive workout options like BASECAMP and BASE X. Now is a great time to start their 10-week HYROX training program, which focuses on improving race-specific skills and endurance. Additionally, there are special classes that emphasize kettlebell training, Animal Flow, and cardio stations for biking and running. Whether you prefer group classes or personal training with a BASE coach, there are plenty of options for all fitness levels. BASE also provides pre- and post-natal training to guide you through this crucial phase.
For Bangkok residents, there’s a 2-class trial pack available for THB1,100, or you can opt for a class membership. Membership options include a 1-month membership with 16 sessions for THB8,500, a 3-month membership for THB17,550, and longer-term options for 6 or 12 months. BASE has locations in Sathorn, Amarin, and Langsuan.
Location: BASE Sathorn, Sathorn Nakhon Tower, 92/5 Unit RT1 2nd Floor Sathorn Thani 2 Building North Sathorn Rd, Silom Bangrak, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
Virgin Active
Courtesy of Virgin Active
Virgin Active is not just your average gym; it’s an international fitness playground known for its extensive facilities and diverse range of classes. They offer a variety of workout options, including Power Yoga Flow, Anti-Gravity Yoga, Pilates, Boxing, Cycling, and HIIT. And that's not all — think steam rooms, Himalayan salt rooms, and even sleep pods. Some branches provide complimentary workout gear, and the Eastville location has a dedicated kids’ fitness program. If you’re chasing that adrenaline rush, the rock climbing experience at the Siam Discovery branch is definitely thrilling.
Membership options at Virgin Active require a commitment, ranging from a 12-week plan that includes one class per week (priced between THB350 and THB550 per week) to a 12-month commitment offering unlimited class access (ranging from THB620 to THB950 per week).
The variety of workout options ensures that you won’t get bored with your routine, which is a significant advantage. Branches are located at Empire Tower, EmQuartier, True Digital Park, Eastville, and Wireless Road.
If you're on the hunt for a gym that never sleeps, look no further than Jetts Fitness. With 24/7 access, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to squeeze in a workout at any hour. They offer functional and personalized training without any lock-in contracts.
Go for classes like Body Jam, where cardio meets a dance party featuring hip hop, funk, jazz, and more. If you’re feeling fierce, try BodyCombat — a heart-pumping workout inspired by martial arts like karate, Muay Thai, and tai chi. Prefer to pump some iron? BodyPump will have you feeling strong, while Body Balance provides a zen full-body workout experience.
Jetts Fitness has standard gyms as well as premium Jetts Black clubs, which provide upscale experiences with high-end equipment, specialized trainers, and exclusive classes, all without lock-in contracts.
To kick off the year, Jetts Fitness is offering a special 12-month membership for THB1,500 per month. You can sign up by Jan. 31, 2026, to take advantage of this deal, which includes a Jetts duffle bag, a stainless steel bottle, unlimited group classes, access to all Jetts clubs, and two free personal training sessions. And if you’re looking for something more customized, their Personal Training Package is a great pick for weight loss or injury rehabilitation, also available until the end of the month.
Branches are located at Sena Fest, Siam Square One, Park Silom, Silom Connect, and more.
Location: Jetts Fitness, Sena Fest, 542 542/1-2 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
CrossFit Arena
Courtesy of CrossFit Arena
If you’re looking for an intense workout, CrossFit Arena is the place to be. This dynamic gym is all about the thrill of cross-training, blending bodyweight exercises with strength training. It's a spacious facility and offers a variety of classes, including one-on-one sessions, high-intensity group classes, and nutrition coaching. This community-driven gym offers intriguing programs like Hyrox training, weightlifting, gymnastics, and personal training that will keep your fitness journey fresh and fun.
The best part? They offer drop-in rates for open gym sessions at THB600 per visit, group classes for THB800 each, and unlimited weekly access for THB2,300. If you’re thinking about sticking around for the long haul, just reach out to their team, and they'll help you get started.
Fitness First Bangkok offers exceptional gym facilities along with a variety of fitness classes and specialized studios, including options for yoga and cycling. Members can choose from an array of Les Mills classes, like Aqua Fit, and enjoy signature classes such as Mind & Body, HIIT, Cardio, Cycling, and Strength training. With over 20,000 group fitness classes available each month — including Zumba and Aerial Flow Yoga — there are plenty of options to find the workout that best suits your needs. Some branches even feature swimming pools, rest and recovery zones, and complimentary refreshments and coffee.
You can select from different membership options, such as unlimited access to ONE Premium Club for THB2,395 per month, or benefit from the extensive variety of group classes available. If you're interested in personalized support, Certified Fitness Coaches can create a customized workout plan for you, complemented by an innovative 11-point assessment, along with guidance on nutrition and well-being.
Branches of Fitness First include CentralPlaza Rama 3, Platinum Sathorn Square, One Building, and more.
Absolute Boutique Fitness Studio is a well-established premium fitness studio that specializes in yoga, cycling, and Pilates, with various locations throughout the city. If you’re looking for a comprehensive destination for Pilates, check out Absolute Pilates. This studio uniquely blends traditional Pilates with the latest fitness techniques, offering dynamic group classes on Pilates reformers. With expert instructors at your side, you’ll receive the personalized attention you need to crush your goals — be it building serious strength, enhancing your flexibility, perfecting your posture, or bouncing back from injuries.
Before diving into the action, all newcomers are required to attend a Foundation Class to ensure they’re well-prepped for the All Levels classes. Absolute You also caters to every fitness whim with options like Foundation Class, Fit & Tone, Functional & Movement, and Cardio Circuit. Additionally, be sure to try the newest trend, the Pilates Chair, which is an excellent choice for beginners looking to improve stability and mind-body awareness.
For New Year deals, they have enticing discounts of 30% off on classes: Pilates for THB448 per class, cycling for THB440 per class, and yoga for THB304 per class. These offers must be purchased before the end of January 2026 via the Line App or their own app. There are also 2-Trial Classes of Pilates Reformer or Pilates Wunda Chair for THB990, and Personal Training sessions for THB1,900 with a Buy 1 Get 1 Package available.
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Finding a way to quiet the chaos and reconnect with yourself as you prepare to begin 2026 with inner peace? Sound healing has become one of today's most popular wellness treatments.
Sound healing, an ancient practice, harnesses the vibrant energy of sound vibrations to enhance physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Through the use of instruments such as singing bowls and gongs, practitioners create resonant sound waves that align the body’s natural frequencies. This harmonious process not only balances energy but also alleviates stress, fosters profound relaxation, improves sleep quality, and sharpens focus. As our collective consciousness has increasingly acknowledged the importance of mental health and embraces holistic therapies, sound healing has emerged as a compelling and rapidly evolving wellness trend worldwide.
If you are seeking a rejuvenating experience to realign and revitalize your being, check out these studios and wellness centers in Bangkok where you can experience sound healing therapy.
Lotus Wellness Bangkok
Courtesy of Lotus Wellness Bangkok
Nestled in an elegant Thai-Colonial style house in the heart of Sathorn, Lotus Wellness Bangkok is a holistic wellness studio and a pioneer in sound healing in the city. They offer a variety of sound healing sessions throughout the week. The classes here include a 60-minute Gong Relaxation session, Sound Healing Meditation, 5 Elements Sound Journey, Tibetan Bowls & Gong Relaxation, and Tibetan Bowls Relaxation. Additionally, they also have a 75-minute Soul Connection & Sound Healing session. Private sessions are also available, lasting between 60 to 90 minutes.
Their general schedule for 2026 features Sound Healing and Gong & Singing Bowls Relaxation classes every day from Tuesday to Sunday. Lotus Wellness is closed on Mondays. Check out their specific schedule here. For more information, email them at lotuswellnessbangkok@gmail.com or call them at +66822833442.
Location: Lotus Wellness Bangkok, 43 Soi Atthakan Prasit, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok, Thailand
The Green Room Yoga
Courtesy of The Green Room Yoga
The Green Room Yoga is a wellness sanctuary established by Jen Chapman, located in the heart of Sukhumvit 31. This distinguished studio offers an impressive array of over 80 classes each week, catering to individuals of all skill levels. The diverse offerings include an assortment of yoga classes, sound baths, and other rejuvenating wellness activities designed to help participants reset and invigorate their spirits.
Jen, a Yoga Alliance E-RYT 200 certified instructor, transitioned from a successful career as a professional dancer to embrace the art of yoga and sound therapy in 2015. The studio boasts a team of 23 qualified experts, each dedicated to guiding clients through enriching sessions. Among its offerings, The Green Room Yoga features a variety of sound healing experiences, such as Crystal Bowl Sound Bath (THB690), Slow Flow & Sound Bath (THB690), Flow Yoga & Sound Bath (THB790), Gentle Flow and Sound Bath (THB790), Cacao & Sound Bath (THB890), and more.
Additionally, the studio provides a comprehensive 20-hour Sound Therapy Training program, which delves into the fundamental principles of sound therapy. This program emphasizes practical, hands-on experience with modalities including gongs, Tibetan bowls, crystal bowls, and more. In addition, Jen offers private one-on-one sessions and is available for hosting corporate events as well.
Location: The Green Room Yoga, 29 Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Attuned Studio
Courtesy of Attuned Studio
Attuned Studio is a premier sound healing and meditation studio situated in the heart of Bangkok, founded by Ice Sound Healing. The studio offers a serene environment conducive to relaxation and overall well-being. Among its diverse offerings are the Foundations of Himalayan Singing Workshops, where participants explore the rich history, techniques of playing, and selection of singing bowls. Other offerings include Sound Meditation with Handpan & Singing Bowls, as well as Sound Bath sessions (THB700), and Chakra Awareness Meditation (THB700 for first-timers), which are available monthly.
Attuned Studio provides numerous options to kickstart your healing journey, including private one-on-one sessions, group workshops, retreats, and corporate wellness programs, ensuring that you can choose the approach that best suits your needs.
Check their offerings and book a session here. Contact them via LINE or inquire via email at icesoundhealing@gmail.com.
Pree Chawla is a Bangkok-based practitioner specializing in Reiki healing and gong sound therapy. Pree offers an array of sessions designed to foster relaxation, alleviate stress, and cultivate inner peace through both energy work and immersive sound vibrations. With a rich background in Reiki since 2015 and gong sound healing since 2018, Pree brings considerable expertise to their practice.
The offerings here include private one-on-one sessions at THB2,000, semi-private sessions for two participants at THB1,400 per person or three participants at THB1,200 per person, and group sessions for four or more individuals at THB1,000 per person. Additionally, those interested in advancing their skills can enroll in the Gong Course Level 1, priced at THB7,000 per person.
Message Pree - Energy & Sound via Facebook to book. For more information, email pree.chawla7@gmail.com or call +66896710055.
Location:Pree - Energy & Sound, B.T. Residence, 10 Soi Sukhumvit 8, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Moonzpell Studio
Courtesy of Moonzpell Studio
Moonzpell Studio in Bangkok is an exquisite wellness center dedicated to crafting transformative wellness experiences that seek to restore equilibrium and foster a deeper connection with your inner self. Their array of offerings includes immersive ice bath sound journeys (THB750) and floating sound healing sessions (THB750), both designed to rejuvenate your mind and body.
The studio also provides yoga sessions suitable for practitioners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned yogis, featuring nurturing and mindful practices that resonate with your natural rhythm. In addition to individual sessions, Moonzpell Studio offers tailored private and group experiences to address diverse physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The studio is also available for rent, perfect for hosting various sessions or events.
They post their monthly schedules on Instagram. Book a session via LINE.
Safensound is an integrative wellness center that provides personalized healing sessions tailored to your individual needs. The serene environment offers a variety of Sound Healing therapies, including Himalayan and Crystal Singing Bowls, Reiki, Chakra Balancing, Somatic Experiencing, Oracle Card Guidance, as well as Cacao or Matcha Ceremonies, among other offerings.
Sound therapies include Chakra Balancing for 60 mins (THB1,900), Somatic Experiencing for 60 mins (THB1,900), Crystal Frequency for 60 mins (THB1,900), and Comprehensive Sound Healing for 60 mins (THB2,500), and Himalayan and Tibetan Singing Bowls (THB999 per person). Meanwhile, there's also Sound and Soma (THB1,200 per person) sessions using sound healing instruments and Melodies of New Moon (THB1,300 per person), which involves moon rituals and sound bath.
For those looking to enhance their self-care routine with alternative healing practices, private sound and oracle sessions are also available. They post monthly schedules via Instagram, which is also where you can reach out to them for more information and to book a session via DM.
Location: SafenSound Healing Home, 34 Sukhumvit 62, Soi 5-4 Phra Khanong Tai, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260
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If you’re looking for some new plans for the family, Siam Paragon has just the thing!
MELAND, the world’s leading indoor theme park, has finally opened its first flagship branch outside China at Siam Paragon! Located on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon, the 5,000-square-meter theme park blends advanced technology with a whimsical, fairy-tale aesthetic, presenting a next-generation “edutainment” space that merges play, learning, and immersive experiences for visitors of all ages.
The flagship features seven themed zones and more than 500 different activities, positioning itself as a comprehensive learning-through-play destination for all. MELAND brings exclusive large-scale mechanical rides to Thailand, including the Sea-Merry-Go-Round and the “Fiship Tour,” both designed to bring families on a journey through deep-sea worlds and colorful cloud kingdoms.
Photo from Instagram/MELAND Thailand
The park also introduces immersive digital art through a collaboration with D’strict, the creative studio behind Jeju Island’s Arte Kids Park. Meanwhile, daily programming — including fairy tale parades and interactive stage plays encourages hands-on participation for children to learn and play.
The park also includes age-specific zones, such as a zone for babies, an imaginative role-playing area for toddlers, and a large, five-storey climbing zone for older children, offering tailored play experiences for all developmental stages.
MELAND operates a comprehensive, standardized operational support system, including a smart wristband with location tracking, a three-tier hygiene protocol, a professional and multilingual team of doctors, nurses, and service staff, and family-friendly facilities such as nursing rooms, parent-child restrooms, and more.
Photo from Instagram/MELAND Thailand
Tickets to MELAND range from THB1,150 to THB1,730 for single-day entry passes, with multi-entry and unlimited-entry passes also available via their website. Guided activities and art workshops will be added soon, so stay tuned!
MELAND Siam Paragon is now open, welcoming families into its immersive world of rides, fun, and fairy tale “edutainment”!
For more information and updates, visit MELAND’s website here and follow their official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages.
Location: MELAND Siam Paragon Bangkok, 5/F, North Zone, Siam Paragon Shopping Center, Rama 1 Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
Operating Hours: Daily, from 10 AM to 9 PM
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Rosewood Phuket is ushering in the 2025 holiday season with a dynamic and expansive line-up of culinary collaborations, cultural experiences, and family-friendly moments. From late November through the New Year, the resort’s secluded Emerald Bay setting will transform into a tropical celebration of global flavors and local culture.
A seasonal highlight is the Taraz x Rosewood São Paulo pop-up at The Shack from Dec. 18 to 28, 2025, where guests can savor the fresh, raw, and light flavors of Peru and Brazil. Expect ceviches, tiraditos, and South American delicacies refined with Japanese techniques and bright Latin accents.
Courtesy of Rosewood PhuketCourtesy of Rosewood Phuket
Across the resort, signature dining venues will headline the season’s grand feasts. The Night Before Christmas at Red Sauce delivers a festive-themed Mediterranean celebration with an open kitchen and live music. On Boxing Day, La Tavolata brings an Italian countryside feel to the lawn with a rustic BBQ under the stars, finishing with a dramatic fire dance show. Thai culture takes the spotlight on Dec. 29, 2025 at the Ta Khai Festive Fair, a village-style market hosted by beloved chef couple Auntie Yai and Uncle Nun.
The festivities culminate with the New Year’s Dinner, a spectacular culinary journey featuring a feast of local and international flavors, live performances, and a magnificent fireworks display by midnight. The new year starts off gently with The First Bite of the Year, an expanded and restorative breakfast affair on Jan. 1, 2026.
Courtesy of Rosewood Phuket
Throughout the season, the resort’s atmosphere will be set by a calendar of holiday-defining moments. Every Sunday, the Advent Solstice Lounge transforms the poolside with curated DJ sets to match the Andaman sunset. At Mai Bar, Light Up The Night offers a live band, enjoyed with handcrafted cocktails.
On Dec. 27 and 28, 2025, the resort welcomes Philip Huang & Friends for an artisanal collaboration, with activities like a hands-on indigo dyeing workshop and an exclusive menu of cocktails at Mai Bar inspired by exceptional Thai ingredients.
The resort’s youngest guests can go on their own adventures at the Rosewood Explorers Club, filled with creative games, a cookie decorating class, and a visit from Santa! Families can also gather for Christmas Movie Night, where they can watch Hallmark Christmas films under the stars on the main lawn.
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Put yourself and your fitness first this June! Asia's largest group fitness festival, The Ultimate Fitness Force 2025 (TUFF 2025), is making its way to TRUE ICON HALL, ICONSIAM Mall.
Taking place over two days from June 7 to 8, 2025, this thrilling event is hosted by Fitness First Thailand in collaboration with ICONSIAM, and Les Mills Asia Pacific, and it is gearing up to welcome over 8,000 participants from across Asia and beyond.
This year’s lineup features the largest Les Mills experience yet! Get ready for 13 adrenaline-pumping classes across two days, including fan favorites like BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYJAM, RPM, LES MILLS DANCE, BODYBALANCE, and the exciting launch of Les Mills Pilates!
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Kick up things a notch with Red Hot Dance Ignition by Fitness First, a sizzling dance workout that blends Pop, Hip-Hop, House, Latin, Shuffle, K-Pop, and EDM with a fierce, feminine flair.
Facebook/Fitness First Thailand
And who better to lead these epic sessions than the best in the biz? You’ll train alongside Les Mills top global trainers, presenters, and ambassadors, including Thailand’s finest fitness superstars.
Your energy levels are guaranteed to soar even higher with an immersive stage production featuring cutting-edge sound, lighting, and visuals that’ll make every workout feel like a concert.
There will be non-stop action and the opportunity to test your strength and endurance with the HYROX Physical Fitness Challenge, a worldwide fitness competition designed for all skill levels.
Standard class passes are priced at THB900 per session, with premium options available, such as VIP front-row access and exclusive meet-and-greet sessions. There is even a discount for Fitness Trainers around the world! Tickets are available on Eventpop here.
Location: True Icon Hall, Iconsiam, 299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong Ton Sai Sub District, Khlong San District
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Looking after your fitness and health isn’t just about lifting dumbbells at the gym — sometimes, sports like Muay Thai offer a dynamic and engaging alternative. A centuries-old combat sport that originated in Thailand, Muay Thai combines punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, making it a full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and discipline.
If you’re in Bangkok and ready to experience this well-loved sport, these Muay Thai gyms are some of the best places to learn how to punch and kick like a professional athlete.
Elite Fight Club Bangkok
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If you’re looking for a gym run by legitimate Muay Thai enthusiasts and experienced trainers, Elite Fight Club Bangkok delivers. Located in Sukhumvit, this 2,000 sqm training camp offers a modern facility with top-tier coaching, on-site accommodations, and healthy meal options.
Muay Thai classes run for two hours, with a full-day pass at THB800 and a week-long pass at THB3,500. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fighter, this gym provides the space and expertise to train seriously.
Location: Elite Fight Club Bangkok, 758/22 Water Diamond Tower Sukhumvit 30/1 Alley, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Bangkok Fight Lab
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Are you a beginner looking to try Muay Thai or an experienced fighter wanting to sharpen your skills?
Bangkok Fight Lab offers group classes for those who enjoy a community vibe and private sessions for a more focused approach. No need to feel intimidated — this gym welcomes all skill levels, with coaches dedicated to helping you reach your fitness goals while keeping the energy high.
A drop-in class is priced at THB550, making it an accessible option for anyone ready to train.
If you’re looking for top-tier Muay Thai training, Krudam Muay Thai School guarantees expert coaching. Every instructor has completed the school’s basic coaching development course, ensuring you receive high-quality instruction from trained professionals.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fighter, you’ll get the guidance needed to improve your skills. Prices start at THB599 for adults and THB499 for kids.
Contact Krudam Muay Thai School via Line for more information.
Want to connect with people from all over the world? Tiger Eye MMA is the place to be. Popular among tourists, this gym offers professional training while giving you the chance to mingle with fellow travelers who came to Thailand to experience the sport firsthand. Regular clients even join the gym’s annual retreat to train, bond, and deepen their understanding of Muay Thai.
If you’re interested, this could be your perfect opportunity to learn and connect. A single Muay Thai session is priced at THB600.
Sure, established gyms with top-tier facilities are great, but sometimes the best training experiences come from local gems run by dedicated, knowledgeable people. Kiatphontip Gym is exactly that.
This no-frills gym keeps it simple — you show up, pay for a session, and get straight to training. The coaches are rising stars in Muay Thai, and occasionally, even big-name fighters drop by to train.
Call +66 89 129 8383 to book a slot.
Location:Kiatphiontip Gym, 6, 1 Moo 2 Thanon Sala Thammasop, Sala Thammasop, Thawi Watthana, Bangkok 10170
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Love is in the air, especially in Thailand! In celebration of the upcoming enactment of marriage equality in the country, digital travel platform Agoda is inviting same-sex couples to join their newest competition, #AgodaLoveWins, for a chance to win their dream honeymoon!
From Jan. 22, same-sex couples in Thailand can already legally obtain their marriage licenses in accordance with the Marriage Equality Bill, passed by the Thai Senate in June last year.
With the competition, Agoda is giving away a holiday voucher worth up to THB350,000 to a lucky same-sex couple of Thai nationalities who will be obtaining their marriage license until Jan. 31.
Photo from Website/Agoda
To join, couples must post a photo or video of themselves with a description that tells their love story and their dream honeymoon destination. All entries can be posted on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, using the hashtag #AgodaLoveWins and tagging Agoda’s official social media pages.
Couples must also register their participation here, where they can input the necessary information and the link to their social media post.
The winning couple can enjoy their holiday voucher, which can be used in Agoda’s over 4.5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, until May 26, 2025.
“This is our way of helping same-sex couples in Thailand begin a new chapter filled with joy and unforgettable memories. We look forward to witnessing the inspiring stories and dream destinations shared by this incredible community,” said Pitichoke Chulapamornsri, Senior Director at Agoda, in a press release.
To see full terms and conditions for #AgodaLoveWins, visit their website.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
