What’s on Bangkok: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on Dec. 12-18, 2023

Ahh, another week is upon us, and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in Bangkok! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Bangkok’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do right now—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss.  

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Bangkok to see what’s best in store for the week ahead.

1. Cynical Bear 놀이터 (Noliteo)

Don’t miss the last chance to swing by and immerse yourself in Koo Youen Mo's solo exhibition to mark Cynical Bear’s 10th anniversary in Thailand.

Over the past decade, he has organised five solo exhibitions in the kingdom where "living and life" take centrestage. The exhibition serves as a dynamic arena that blends social issues and politics, providing solace and resilience for Cynical Bear.

When: 6 PM, Until Dec. 12

Where: RCB Galleria 1, 2nd Floor, River City Bangkok, 23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Si Phraya Pier, Yota Road, Sampantawong, Bangkok

How much: Free admission

2. Wine Tasting GranMonte Thailand

Fancy making your Tuesday night classy? Join the GranMonte Wines' tasting event, featuring exquisite wines meticulously crafted in the lush Asoke Valley of Khao Yai.

You can take your experience up a notch by pairing these fine wines with specially curated canapés, all while sipping, munching, and soaking in the stunning views of the Bangkok skyline from the 60th-floor venue. Make sure to reserve your spot by calling +66 (0) 2679 1200 or sending an email to [email protected].

When: 6 PM, Dec. 12

Where: Banyan Tree Bangkok, 21/100 South Sathorn Road, Sathorn

How much: THB1,199 per person via Megatix

3. Bumpsy Daisy's Meet Santa Bill

They say Christmas is all about kids, right? So, get them ready for a jolly ride as Santa Bill is coming to town next week!

It’s a mixed-age meet-and-greet session where little tots can enjoy arts and crafts and cookie decorating with Santa Bill. And he's not just here for giggles and crafts! He's got a small gift for each kiddo and a perfect photo opportunity to capture the festive magic. Pre-booking is required. You may send Bumpsy Daisy a DM to learn more about this event.

When: 3 PM-5 PM, Dec. 12-13

Where: Bumpsy Daisy, 3/10 Sukhumvit Soi 31 (Sawasdi)

How much: THB500

4. Thailand Coffee Fest ‘Year End’ 2023

Coffee lovers, buckle up for a caffeine-fuelled adventure as the Thailand Coffee Fest is having its year-end bash for three days in the kingdom. Explore more than 200 brands serving up coffee galore, along with teas, heavenly baked goods, and all the cool coffee shop gear you can imagine. Register via this link.

This fest is pulling double duty because it's happening alongside the Thailand Rice Fest, a fantastic celebration of new rice consumption and a bustling marketplace showcasing the best of Thai rice industry products.

When: 10 AM-8 PM, Dec. 14-17

Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Exhibition Hall 5, Level LG, 60 Ratchadaphisek Rd., Khlong Toei

How much: N/A

5. Skyline Film Bangkok

Spend an unforgettable weekend with Skyline Film's rooftop movie-watching. This unique cinematic experience will take place under the open sky, featuring a large screen delivering crystal-clear images. To enhance your immersion, wireless headphones will transport you into a world of high-quality audio and video magic.

The movie lineup includes “About Time,” “Before Sunrise,” “You’ve got mail,” and “Love Actually.” Each ticket includes a complimentary drink, but, fair warning, seats are up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis.

When: 8:30 PM, Dec. 15-17

Where: River City Bangkok, 23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Si Phraya Pier, Yota Road, Sampantawong, Bangkok

How much: THB450 via Ticketmelon

6. Ground Phlox Christmas Market

Amp up your Christmas shopping game at the Ground Phlox Christmas Market, where over 25 regional shops will bring their unique creations to the table. Apart from shopping, you can stroll through its garden and sip on your favourite cup of joe, all while a jazz quartet sets the mood with some festive tunes.

Beyond the shopping stalls, it's a whole festive playground. Get crafty with activities like candle making, painting, fortune reading, board games, and even pet food promotions.

When: 9 AM-8 PM, Dec. 15-17

Where: Ground Phlox, 7 Soi Chalurmphakiat, 75 Prawet Zone, Suan Luang, Phatthanakan, Soi Chaloem Phrakiat

How much: Price varies

7. Dusit Gourmet’s Buche de Noel Christmas Log Cake (Early Bird Discount)

Get the Christmas party started early with Dusit Gourmet’s Christmas log cake, now available with a sweet 20% discount.

This specially curated cake is a festive masterpiece made of Christmas spiced sponge, velvety chocolate cream, chestnut mousse, and crispy praline, all topped with festive decorations and a dollop of vanilla Chantilly. Just a heads up, though. It includes nuts, gluten, lactose, eggs, and a touch of alcohol, so you're in for a flavour-packed experience. Ready to dive into this holiday goodness? Order your Christmas log cake here.

When: 8 AM-11 PM, Until Dec. 15

Where: Baan Dusit Thani, 116 Saladaeng Road, Bangkok

How much: THB1,199

8. Softpomz: ‘The 1st time in 11 years’ Fan Meeting

Softpomz will have her first-ever fan meeting this Saturday! The YouTube sensation is known for her interestingly cool content, such as making hats for cats, reviewing Japanese snacks, and more videos that you could enjoy with your friends and family.

Softpomz has a massive 3.4 million subscribers on YouTube and a whopping 8.8 million likes on TikTok, as of writing. This fan meeting is like a trip through her adventures over the past 11 years. Grab your tickets here.

When: Dec. 16

Where: Union Co- Event Mall, F5 Floor, UnionMall Shopping Center, 54 Soi Lat Phrao 1, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok

How much: THB360-THB2,760 

9. Art Battle Bangkok

Ready to unleash your competitive artistic spirit? The Art Battle is coming to Bangkok this coming Saturday. This event is going to be a night bursting with creativity and excitement as the world’s most talented artists come together for a live art tournament.

There will be 12 artists who will go head-to-head in three rounds of live painting, and the winners will be determined by the audience’s vote. Curious to know more? Check out the complete details here.

When: 7 PM, Dec. 16

Where: Host BKK Arts Center, Chandrphen Restaurant, 4th floor, 1030/1 Rama 4 Road, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon

How much: N/A

10. Happy Pawn Chess Club's Chess Tournament for Kids

Is your kid the next Bobby Fischer or Garry Kasparov in the making? Here’s the perfect chance to find out! Sign them up for the Happy Pawn Chess Club's children's chess tournament, which will take place this Sunday in Bangkok.

This tournament is an opportunity for your little ones to sharpen their intellectual skills and develop unique strategies on the chessboard. And to keep those young minds fuelled, they've got lunch, drinks, and snacks all lined up.

Winners in each category of the competition will receive medals, and all participants will be given a certificate. Register your future chess champs here.

When: 10 AM-4 PM, Dec. 17

Where: Alliance Française de Bangkok, 179 Witthayu Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan

How much: THB1,590

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