Christmas in Bangkok: Jingle all the way
 | Bangkok is going to jingle all the way this Christmas. The Thai capital is shaking its tail feathers in preparation of the merriest of all seasons and the arrival of an anticipated record number of visitors. Weather prophets might not be predicting snow, and Santa will undoubtedly have great difficulty navigating his reindeer-pulled sleigh through the city's notoriously gridlocked traffic, but that's no reason not to get into the spirit of giving, twinkling lights and stuffed turkey. Buy Now |
Chinese New Year in Bangkok
 | Head down to Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, where old buildings of vintage-style architecture peep through neon ideograms. Take your senses for a stroll and behold the transition from the Year of the Pig to the Reign of the Rat. With as much as 14% of Thailand's population claiming Chinese ancestry, celebrations in Bangkok are big news! Firecrackers, colourful lanterns, wonderful eating experiences, and the traditional processions of the Golden Dragon and the masked Lion Dance are just some of the exhilarating surprises to encounter. Buy Now |
Valentine's Day in Bangkok
 | While love really should be celebrated every day, Valentine's Day is an excuse to raise the bar a few notches, to show that special person in your life just how much you care. Here are some decadent ways to spend a romantic and memorable evening in the run up to, and on, Valentine's Day. Buy Now |
Songkran in Bangkok
 | At which of Thailand's many festivals do locals sprinkle water piously over Buddhist statues, but also hurl it at passersby? During which public holiday do Thais pay respect to parents and elders, make merit, give their homes a spring-clean, and still squeeze in time for partying? That's right, it's time again to celebrate the Songkran Festival. Over three hot, sticky days locals see in the traditional Thai New Year, and the whole country is gripped by body-cooling, spirit-cleansing celebrations. The hallmark for tourists, of course, has long been the tradition of water throwing. Everything from a courteous sprinkle or polite splash to a well-aimed bucket helps participants articulate the good-natured festival fever. It's a practical and mostly welcome solution to the sweltering dry season heat. However, there's a much deeper meaning to Songkran beyond getting drenched. Most Thais in fact head home for its duration, to enjoy a break punctuated by religious ceremonies amongst family. For them it's a time to express thanks to those they respect, loyalty to ancestors, an awareness of family and social responsibilities and their religious devotion - as well as get wet. Buy Now |
Easter in Bangkok
 | What do you know about the origins of Easter? This, I ask the man behind the intricate edible artworks of famed Bangkok Mariott Resort & Spa pastry shop Numero Uno, executive pastry chef Bernd Opiela. I'm waiting for a fairytale concerning spring rites, goddesses and the moon, so I'm a little startled by his abrupt reply: "Forget about it and enjoy the chocolate!" How can anyone argue with that? As sweet as they are, the innocent cartoony bunnies festooned all over the show at Easter have quite a dark and scandalous past. Care to take a closer peek at symbols of Easter? Buy Now |
Loy Krathong: The Festival of Light
 | According to one of the most popular legends, years ago a Buddhist King fell in love with a woman called Nopamas. As beautiful as she was clever, Nopamas was collectively praised for her extraordinary nature. She and the King enjoyed the greatest happiness together, and eventually were married. After a blissful wedding, preparation for a Buddhist celebration began. Although Nopamas had married a King who was a practicing Buddhist, she still remained true to her Brahmin faith, worshipping her own idols and spirits according to the precepts her family had taught her in early childhood. Buy Now |
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