This April: Delectable Tapas and Delightful Degustation at Carlton Bangkok
By Lifestyle+Travel
As a celebration for the upcoming Songkran Festival, Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit invites you to revel in delectable events led by Phuket’s top chef, Chef Wuttisak Wuttiamporn, who is famous for his heavenly progressive Thai cuisine, and the hotel’s award-winning mixologist, Supharat Thongmeesuk.
On 1 April, “Tapas in the Sky” is where innovative tapas meets craft cocktails under a starry sky. At Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar, from 18:00 onwards, the well-thought-out cocktail pairing will blow your mind. Priced at THB 1,490++ per person.
On 2 and 3 April, Chef Wuttisak will join forces with the hotel’s Executive Chef Kan Bright San in an exclusive four-hands dinner highlighting progressive Thai and New Asian Cuisine at Carlton Club Lounge. The 8-course degustation menu is priced at THB 4,999++ per person or THB 5,999++ inclusive of 4 glasses of wine pairing.
For more information or to make reservations, call +66 (0) 2 090 7888 or email FBreservations@carltonhotel.co.th
By Lifestyle+Travel
Khao Chae Round-Up 2026: Where to beat the heat this summer
When the hot season in Thailand ceases to be a mere conversation starter and becomes a daily survival challenge, the people’s collective palate shifts toward its most sophisticated, traditional cooling mechanism: Khao Chae. Originally a humble New Year’s tradition brought to Thailand by the Mon people, the dish was famously adopted and “upscaled” by the royal palace during the reign of King Rama V, transforming it into an elaborate display of culinary masterpieces. This summertime treat manages to be both incredibly light and remarkably complex. Every grain of rice is parboiled, polished by hand, and soaked in the floral-infused water, and every classic condiment is a balance of salt, sugar, and smoke, meticulously prepared with time-honoured techniques. How to Eat Khao Chae To truly appreciate Khao Chae, there is a specific, almost meditative etiquette to the meal that ensures the delicate floral water stays pristine. Start by taking a small bite-sized piece of a side dish, follow it with a spoonful of the chilled rice and a sip of the scented water, and then finish with a piece of fresh vegetable, such as a slice of fingerroot, cucumber, or green mango. This ritual ensures that each flavour remains distinct and the fragrant rice water is untainted by grease. With the ritual mastered, explore our curated selection of this year’s finest offerings, where Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s top chefs prove that while the weather may be relentless, the tradition of keeping cool is an art form in itself. Khum Hom, Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok Experience Chef Ian Kittichai’s interpretation of the quintessential Thai summer delicacy that has graced family tables for generations. The Khao Chae experience Khum Hom is a masterclass in culinary precision and diligence—premium jasmine rice is parboiled, polished, and bathed in chilled, candle-scented water, served with 10 savoury-sweet, meticulously hand-crafted side dishes, including Look Kapi(Deep-fried caramelised shrimp paste), Prik Yuak Yud Sai (green peppers filled with minced pork and shrimp), Pla Yee-Son Wan (sweetened shredder sun-dried ray fish), and Khai Deng Kem Tod (fried salted egg yolk). The meal concludes on a bright final note: seasonal fruits and kaffir lime suspended in a light, scented syrup—a refreshing palate cleanser that acts as an immediate sensory pick-me-up against the midday heat. Pricing and Packages: Dine-in: 990++ baht per person (All Accor+ Explorer enjoying 10% off) Takeaway Set: 1,790++ baht per 2 persons and served in a woven basket with a 10% discount for online orders and self-pickup Period: 15 March – 30 April (Lunchtime only) T: +66 (0) 2 666 3311 | W:www.khumhomrestaurant.com Bodhi Terrace, Anantara Chiangmai Resort As the northern heat settles over the Mae Ping River, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort unveils its seasonal remedy: a curated collection of summer treats that celebrate the intersection of royal tradition and seasonal contemporary flair—the cooling ritual of Khao Chae and the fleeting, sweet-and-tart vibrancy of the Mayongchid (Marian Plum). What sets the Anantara rendition apart is the precision of its accompaniments. Each bite offers a calibrated balance of textures and flavours, while the Mayongchid is undoubtedly the golden star. The
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Sky-High Spirits: The Standard’s Boldest Season
Forget silent nights. The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon subverts tradition with a high-altitude festive lineup. Ditch the ordinary for a high-altitude festive takeover. Featuring quirky markets, Michelin-starred hairy crab, and Thailand’s highest countdown, this subverted, sky-high celebration redefines holiday glamour with unrelenting attitude. The Creative Kick-off The festivities ignite at The Parlor with Objects of Desire (Dec 19–21). This isn't your average market; it’s a curated playground of creative merch, fashion finds, and holiday drama. Expect live DJs, DIY workshops—think custom scrunchies and live drawing—and a pet-friendly policy that ensures no one is left behind. When the retail therapy peaks, head to Double Standard for comfort food and festive sips. A Culinary Odyssey The hotel’s dining icons are pulling out all the stops. Mott 32 brings back its cult-favorite Hairy Crab menu, while Tease offers a "Hypnotically Cool" afternoon tea (THB 1,100++). On Christmas Day, The Standard Grill serves a lush semi-buffet featuring roasted suckling pig (THB 1,800++), and Ojo delivers Mexican-inspired singular creations like King Crab Veracruzana against the city’s best backdrop. The Ultimate Countdown New Year’s Eve peaks at Sky Beach and Ojo for Thailand’s highest party. As 2025 fades, disco-house maestro Dicky Trisco and underground icon Seelie take over the decks 78 floors up. Whether you opt for a five-course dinner at the Grill or the all-in "Stay for Midnight" package (from THB 34,000++), you’ll be toasted by free-flow champagne and front-row views of Bangkok’s explosive firework display. The morning after? Recover at The Standard Grill with a "Morning After Brunch" designed to cure any festive hangover. For more information LINE Official Account @thestandardbangkok Tel: +66 (0) 2085 8888
By LIFESTYLE+TRAVEL
Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Madi Paidi Bangkok’s Festive Revolution
Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection has unveiled a holiday experience that is “Exactly Festive Like Nothing Else,” launching its first-ever Festive Decoration Contest. This visionary initiative invited 25 teams of talented university students to step beyond the classroom and transform the hotel’s sophisticated spaces into immersive art installations. By pairing young creatives with industry experts in architecture and design, the hotel has created a platform that bridges the gap between academic talent and professional hospitality, echoing Marriott International’s Serve 360 commitment to empowering the next generation. The Winners’ Circle The results are a masterclass in Thai craftsmanship and sustainable storytelling. Taking home the Winner’s Award, team Pun Parn (KMUTNB) captured the essence of renewal with a striking centerpiece made of bamboo strips from Nakhon Sawan, electrified by the vibrant colors of Bangkok’s iconic tuk-tuks. The First Runner-Up, Three Whispers (Chulalongkorn University), curated a serene welcome featuring handcrafted paper trees and traditional Pha Khao Ma fabrics from Lampang. Meanwhile, Second Runner-Up, A Land of Abundance (Thammasat University), reimagined the Thai garland at EKKALUCK restaurant using recycled materials, proving that luxury and eco-consciousness can walk hand-in-hand. Cast Your Vote The journey doesn't end with the judges. From now until January 1, 2026, Madi Paidi Bangkok invites the public to become part of the creative process. Guests can vote for their favorite design either onsite at the hotel or via social media. The winner of the Popular Vote Award will be announced on January 2, 2026, marking a new chapter for these rising stars of Thai design. Experience a festive atmosphere where every corner tells a story of local heritage and future innovation. For more information www.madipaidibangkok.com Tel: +66 (0) 2127 5999