What’s on BKK: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, & Drink on May 18-24, 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. Thailand Dive Expo 2023
Do you love exploring the underwater world? If so, you should not miss this year’s 17th Thailand Dive Expo (TDEX), featuring an underwater photo contest, a TDEX Divers Talk, sustainable workshops, and more.
Since its inception in 2004, this event has been hailed as "the real business hub for [the] diving industry," thanks to its efforts to promote scuba diving as part of lifestyle tourism and to pioneer exciting new activities in the depths of the Thai ocean.
Certified and new divers, instructors and dive masters, dive centre owners, domestic and international travellers, and more are expected to attend the event. To register, go here.
When: 11 AM-8 PM, May 18-21
Where: Hall 6-7, Lower Ground Floor, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, No. 60 Ratchadaphisek Road, Khlong Toei Subdistrict, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok
How much: Free (registration required)
2. Thailand Golf Expo and Outdoor Fest
Have a knack for executing a proper swing and striking the ball cleanly? Whether you’re a beginner golfer or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome to join the Thailand Golf Expo.
The event’s highlight, Putt Golf Tournament, is a "1 Putt 100,000" competition in which players have a shot at winning THB100,000.
You may also check and analyze your swing in as little as 15 minutes to strengthen your golf skills, thanks to the team of experienced golf instructors from the Golfing Ground Performance Center. You may register here.
When: 11 AM-8 PM, May 18-21
Where: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, No. 60 Ratchadaphisek Road, Khlong Toei Subdistrict, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok
How much: Free (registration required)
3. Ko Samui Yacht Regatta
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the province of Surat Thani is Koh Samui because of its stunning natural wonders, including beaches, waterfalls, temples, and fishermen’s villages. Every year, the Samui Regatta is held in the province, which draws some of the finest yachts in Asia for the ultimate sailing experience.
The week-long sports event includes three days of spectacular sailing, daily social festivities ashore, and a lot of prizes to be won. You may check the detailed schedule via this link.
For more information, you may contact the Secretary of Samui Regatta 2023 via +66 (0)81 894 0280 or send an email to ksr@regattas.asia.
When: 10 AM-6 PM, May 19-27
Where: Chaweng Beach, Koi Samui, Suratthani, Thailand
How much: THB25,000 (standard fee including a skipper); THB1,500-THB7,000 (non-sailing participant social ticket)
4. ‘Lost in Paradise’ Exhibition
“What you see may not be real, and what is real may not exist?”
Thai artist Benzilla will be having a solo exhibition hosted by Trendy Gallery in River City Bangkok. The exhibit will display Benzilla’s illusionary artwork featuring the floating three-eyed alien. This year, his original painting was exhibited by the sportswear giant Adidas.
When: 4 PM, May 20
Where: Trendy Gallery, River City Bangkok, Galleria 1, 2nd Floor, 23 Soi Charoen Krung 24, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong
How much: Free
5. Portrait of Detention: Drawings of Insein Prison by Maung Phoe
Myanmar-born artist Maung Phoe will be having an exhibition that is profoundly entrenched in the history of the infamous Insein Prison. The exhibit will display more than 70 ink drawings and excerpts from his diary depicting inmates’ conditions during the 2021 coup.
The sketches, done on a wide variety of papers, will provide visitors with a glimpse into the past, like the crowded cells, the close quarters in which prisoners slept, and the faces of some of the political and non-political prisoners that Phoe met. If you’re interested in learning more about social justice and its historical significance, we recommend checking out this event.
When: 5:30 PM-7 PM, May 20
Where: SEA Junction, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, Room 407, 8, BACC, 939 Rama I Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan
How much: Free
6. Mental-verse Roaming
Mental-verse Roaming is a safe space for those who are battling with their mental health, as it opens a world where everyone can listen, understand, and learn more about each other.
A documentary film will be shown depicting the lives of four people of different ages who suffer from depression rooted in home and family. The film seeks to interpret the true meaning of the words “home” and “family.”
Caution is advised as the narrative deals with delicate topics, such as suicide and assault, which may impact one’s mental health. Before you visit, we ask that you get your mental health checked.
Apart from watching a documentary, attendees may also participate in workshops and join in encouragement sessions to help them communicate with their families about the topics that have been difficult for them to discuss.
When: May 20-24
Where: a.e.y. space, Songkhla 140 142 Nang Ngam, Tambon Bo Yang, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla
How much: Free
7. SuperSports 10 Mile Run 2023
The SuperSports 10 Mile Run is yet another major event that sports aficionados should not miss this weekend in Bangkok.
Get your running shoes ready for the 10-mile run that will take place along the roads of Ratchadamri, Ratchaprarop, Din Daeng, Viphawadi Rangsit, Soi Paholyothin 2 & 5, Rama 6 Soi 30, Rama 6, Petchaburi, Banthat Thong, Rama 4, Henri Dunant, and Rama 1 until they reach the finish line right in front of CentralWorld.
On the other hand, participants of the five-mile run will dash through Ratchadamri Road, Petchaburi Road, Banthat Thong Road, Rama 4 Road, Henri Dunant Road, Rama 1 Road, and back to the starting line at the CentralWorld.
Unfortunately, registration closed on May 7th, and tickets quickly ran out. Runners who successfully signed up will receive an original Adidas event shirt as a memento. For more information about the race, click here.
When: 3 AM-7 AM, May 21
Where: centralwOrld, 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
How much: THB500
8. Breathwork & Ice Bath Workshop Bangkok
Prepare for the ultimate mind and body reset with this workshop that will immerse (literally!) participants in an ice bath. It is believed that this breathwork session improves a person's health in many ways. For example, it may help them feel less stressed, speed up their metabolism, and give them more energy.
The organisers will provide mats, shower rooms, hot tea, and snacks after the session. Participants must bring their own towels and a change of clothes or swimwear. You may reserve your spot here.
When: 12 PM, May 21
Where:The Green Room Yoga Studio, 29 Sukhumvit 31, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Klongtoey, Bangkok
How much: THB1,800-THB 2,400 (tickets available until May 21)
9. Peekaplay: Water Play at Lagoon
Your children will have a blast at this kid-friendly event, which has indoor and outdoor play at the lagoon in addition to storytelling and sensory play. Make sure to pack a swimming suit and swimming diaper so they can join in the water games.
Peekaboo BKK is committed to offering children opportunities for group play, get-togethers, and celebrations. You can book your tickets and RSVP here.
When: 9:30 AM-11:30 AM, May 22
Where:IPC International Kindergarten, 313 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok
How much: THB250-THB350 (THB100 for additional adults)
10. Amarin Expo 2023
This event is geared towards families and will offer a variety of products that are appropriate for people of all ages. There will be five different shopping zones selling everything from house and garden items, baby and kids, travel, food, and the Naiin Books market.
In addition to shopping, expect mini concerts from well-known Thai artists, meet and greet celebrities and Amarin TV news anchors, and public talks and workshops.
When: 11 AM, May 24
Where: Exhibition Hall 5-8, Lower Ground, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, No. 60 Ratchadaphisek Road, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok
How much: Free
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