Yuyuan Lantern Festival comes to Bangkok
From June 27 to August 15 at Iconsiam, this large-scale illuminated display celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand. Originally held at the historic Yuyuan Garden Malls in Shanghai, the festival also celebrates the friendship between Shanghai and Bangkok, which became sister cities in 2016.
The capital's edition carries the theme 'Spirit of Mountains and Sea', inspired by the ancient Chinese text Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas). This book is a collection of myths, geography and folklore that shares stories of mysterious mountains, vast seas and legendary creatures. For centuries, it has captured the imagination and wonder of generations. Now, the event brings these tales to life through lantern displays and creative installations.
One of the highlights is the space itself, designed to reflect Eastern culture and lifestyle. The riverside venue will be transformed into a magical wonderland along the Chao Phraya River, resembling a floating island illuminated with dazzling colours. Each cluster of lanterns represents a mysterious isle, scattered across the 'Island of Chao Phraya' and waiting to be explored.
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North Wales Live
33 minutes ago
- North Wales Live
I tried the seaside bakery with queues out the door and fell in love after one bite
Apparently, bakery tourism is now a popular thing with people arranging trips, around the country, in search for the perfect honey bun, loaf or croissant. I can certainly see the attraction, especially as we stared at a counter, heaving with gorgeous looking cakes. Popty'r Dref Barmouth is a little sister bakery of the one in Dolgellau, which was crowned as one of the worlds finest, following La Liste's 2024 Pastry Awards. Following its success, they opened this much smaller bakery on Jubilee Road in the bustling town of Barmouth. The seaside town of Barmouth in North West Wales, is said to be "bouncing back" as a holiday destination. Property prices have increased tremendously and a number of new restaurants and shops have popped up in the popular seaside town. You can certainly see why the place is booming, as you see the stunning coastal views, as you follow the narrow road into the picturesque town. The massive beach is surrounded by palm trees and there are plenty of car parking spaces near the front of the promenade. The bakery is small but easy to find, as you will see a queue of hungry tourists forming outside. We waited our turn and saw a collection of glorious baked goods, laid out temptingly in display cases and on shelves. This isn't just any old bakery, as they also serve a lot of hot and cold food as well. Salad boxes for when the weather is sweltering or warming comfort food like Bala butchered foot long hot dogs or their famous Chinese chicken curry. You can order a slice of pizza or pop in for a Sunday lunch option of ham or turkey, served in a giant Yorkshire pudding with all the trimmings. However, we were here for the baked goods and boy, what a choice they had. We saw millionaire profiterole pots, filled with cream, caramel and chocolate sauce along with brownies, flapjacks and almond tarts. There were buns galore with Chelsea, Belgium, Custard, Blueberry or even Biscoff versions on sale. There were Sourdough bloomers, baguettes or just plain fresh bread fighting foe your attention among a sensory overload of crumbs and carbs. We weren't too sure where to start but then I saw an old school classic. I remembered cornflake cakes from the seventies and this delightful cake combined the classic flavors of rich, gooey syrup with the irresistible crispiness of cornflakes. There was a layer of strawberry jam underneath the crunchy flakes and on top of the crumbly pastry casing. One nostalgic bite is all it took for me to fall in love once again. I also picked a 'Pwdin Bara' as it looked a bit different to what I have tried before. Bread pudding is a traditional cake, once known as 'poor man's pudding' as it was an inexpensive easy way to use left over bread. Kind of perfect for a bakery. The bread pudding was packed with spice, fruit, ginger and cherries. It tasted a bit like a cross between bara brith and a Parkin cake. It was very moist and very morish. One of the bakeries biggest sellers and bakery tourist attraction is their famous honey bun. Honey buns are made from a yeast-based dough that is fried, giving it a characteristic texture. It's basically the same as an iced bun, but with a sweet honey glaze instead. It was nice but I am not sure about traveling half way across the country for one. Last but not least, we couldn't resist the mint aero tray bake. I am pretty sure it winked at me. The cake was a huge slab of chocolate, crushed biscuits and mint bubbles. It had a satisfying bite and crunch with a zingy after taste of mint chocolate. The thick and fudgy filling was glorious and I declared that I would probably travel across the country for this chocolate mint slice of heaven. That's the thing with cakes; we all have our favourite one. We all have our preferred bakery as well. We ate our yummy baked goods by the seafront with the blue and green of the sea shimmering in the distance. You may all scoff at the idea of bakery tourism but at this moment in time, I can't think of a better place to eat my cakes. The Facts Price: Cornflake Cake £3, Honey Bun £1.50, Mint aero chocolate slice £3.50, Pwdin Bara £3.50, total £11.50 Atmosphere: Bun appetite! Car Parking: Plenty of car parking spaces in the large car park near the beach. Disabled Access: Takeaway only Service: Plenty of patience from the staff, as we tried to make our minds up re what sweet treat to choose. Overall: The award-winning bakery selling buns behind the latest 'bakery tourism' craze.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
Edinburgh Fringe show aims to spark conversation on sex and disability
Aaron Pang was influenced by his own experience of navigating dating as a disabled person to create Falling: A Disabled Love Story. Speaking to The National, Pang – who is based in the US – reflected on the preconceived notions that able-bodied people have around disability and sex. His show explores the complicated world of online dating, drawn from Pang's own experience of using a cane following a spinal cord injury at the age of 18 – and being unsure whether to show the cane in his profile. READ MORE: Comedian cancels Fringe show over 'terror' charge bail conditions' "The few times I haven't [shown the cane], and I meet someone, they always lean in and ask what happened – the show is trying to answer that question," he told The National. "I'm tired of answering the question to each individual person, so I'm trying to pack every single Uber driver and curious auntie and random stranger on the street into a room and get it done in one go." Falling: A Disabled Love Story challenges the narrative around disability, offering an unflinching insight into online dating, paying for sex and navigating intimacy. "The goal is to change people's minds," Pang said. "This is a thing that not a lot of people think about, in terms of how disabled people date and how they have sex and how they find love." Pang added that people often avoid talking about disability and sex, or they might pretend or assume that disabled people don't have sex. He told The National: "People don't think about disabled people as sexual beings, they think about, 'you need to learn how to walk, you need to heal first'. "But I've healed as much as I can, it's time to move on with life – there's all sorts of life to be lived. Pang said that assumptions around sex and disability often depend on cultural standards. He told The National: "A lot of western cultures are very hush, hush about it, because they don't want to make you feel bad, because they think that they have some preconceived notion that it might get in the way. READ MORE: Alba playwright puts his money where his mouth with Fringe show "In reality, I do want to talk about it, I'm comfortable talking about it. It's them who are uncomfortable." Reflecting on his Chinese background, he said: "In eastern cultures they can be a lot more blunt, which is sometimes a benefit as opposed to people tiptoeing around it, and it can be very uncomfortable." 'Disabled stories are our stories' It is Pang's first time at the Edinburgh Fringe – and the first large piece of work he is performing as a solo artist. While he feels excitement, there is also a level of apprehension, particularly when it comes to considerations around accessibility that able-bodied people are less likely to need to take into account: Access to venues, Edinburgh's cobblestones, or the need to preserve energy for the day. Pang said that Pleasance – which runs the venue he is performing in – has been "on top of accessibility". He stressed the importance of the Edinburgh Fringe being a festival which is not only accessible to everyone, but also platforms disabled artists and their stories. READ MORE: I'm performing at the Fringe but fear I won't be allowed to re-enter the US The team behind Falling: A Disabled Love Story is Pang, who stars in the show, and his partner Connie Chen, who is the show's director and is also disabled. Pang stressed the importance of having the show created and led by disabled people, as he told The National: "This is disabled art at its core, and it's really important that it is disabled people forming it." He added: "We are the future. Everybody becomes disabled. You either die early or you become disabled. "Disabled stories are our stories." Falling: A Disabled Love Story is at Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 2), July 30 to August 25 at 3pm.
Time Out
18 hours ago
- Time Out
Mercure Bangkok Surawong
Wherever you find yourself on Sukhumvit, you'll likely spot a Mercure nearby. So, it's no surprise to find one in the historic Surawong neighbourhood. What sets Mercure apart is its concept of being a 'portal to the destination'. The design, atmosphere, and even the dining are all inspired by local culture. At the Surawong branch, where old-world charm meets modern energy, the hotel strikes a thoughtful balance. It possesses a nostalgic feel without seeming outdated, featuring modern touches that don't detract from its character. With story and style, here's why Mercure Bangkok Surawong isn't just another city hotel for a short stay. Why stay at Mercure Bangkok Surawong? The hotel's location is top-notch if you want to spend hours travelling around the city. Right next door is Silom Road, a lively street that's all business during the day but comes alive with street food, markets and bars at night. Just a short ride away is Chinatown. And getting to other parts of the capital is easy thanks to nearby public transport, so you can quickly reach the city centre or explore different neighbourhoods without any hassle. But what impressed me is that it's more than just a place to crash. Surawong itself has a history dating back to the late 19th century when it was a hub along the Chao Phraya River trade routes. Chinese traders and immigrants shaped the area, leaving a lasting mark on its culture, architecture and food scene. Even though many big businesses have moved elsewhere, you can still feel that vibe throughout the neighbourhood. Once I stepped into the hotel, the design caught my eye right away. Reclaimed wood, steel and stone pay homage to the old warehouses nearby, giving the space a stylish, grounded feel that really reflects the area's heritage. It's a subtle but meaningful touch that makes your stay feel more special. What are the rooms like at Mercure Bangkok Surawong? Renovated from what used to be an office building, the hotel boasts 219 rooms, including classic, superior with balconies and family rooms. Each room mixes local elements with a modern feel. Traditional weaving patterns are turned into sleek wall details, giving the space a nice balance between heritage and contemporary comfort. I stayed in a privileged room with a balcony on the 17th floor and the panoramic view of the city's skyline right from my window was a highlight. The king-size bed was very comfy. It was big enough that I honestly didn't want to get out of it. The room had all the expected amenities such as fast Wi-Fi, a capsule coffee machine, a tea station and a TV. The shower and toilet are in separate sections, with the sink placed outside. One of my favourite parts was the balcony. It came with a small table and a couple of chairs, offering views over the surrounding buildings, including the British Club and its tennis court. It's a little spot for a morning coffee or just sitting back in the evening as the city winds down. One small thing to flag, there wasn't a hair dryer. So if you're planning to wash your hair, you'll need to leave time for it to air dry or bring your own. Where's there to eat at Mercure Bangkok Surawong? To reflect the neighbourhood's Chinese roots, the hotel has its own signature restaurant called Yu Her Bao, serving modern Cantonese and Sichuan dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The concept is inspired by the mystique of jade and the menu puts a fresh spin on traditional Chinese flavours while also making the most of Thai produce. It's that kind of East-meets-East blend that feels comforting but still a little exciting. If you're coming with family or want a more intimate dining experience, there's also a private room available. Menu highlights include crispy charcoal tofu peking duck set, fried wagyu beef with black pepper sauce, Japanese ramen noodles stir-fried hokkien style, poy leng topped with dried scallop and a refreshing chilled sago cantaloupe with coconut milk for dessert. Starlight Rooftop Bar was the highlight of my stay. With sweeping 360-degree views of the capital, it offers the best of both worlds – the buzz of nightlife below and the calm of being high above it all. The vibe is lively but laid-back, with the DJ setting just the right tone for the evening. The cocktail menu, curated by in-house mixologist Gongson Sonti, draws inspiration from traditional ingredients but is reimagined with a creative twist. Try bangkok night, a mix of tequila, krachai and pepper syrup, lavender, yuzu and pineapple or siam sour, a take on a classic with Mekhong whiskey, passion fruit, moringa syrup, lemongrass, egg white and a float of red wine. What is breakfast at Mercure Bangkok Surawong? As someone who's more than happy to wake up early for a good breakfast buffet, I was glad to find that the hotel doesn't disappoint. The morning spread is served at Yu Her Bao from 6.30am to 11am, with everything from fresh pastries, congee, and dim sum to Thai dishes and eggs done three ways. And if you'd rather sleep in, you can have breakfast delivered straight to your room to ease into the day in bed or enjoy it out on the balcony. What is the service like at Mercure Bangkok Surawong? The service here feels easygoing and genuinely thoughtful. The staff are professional and friendly, offering just the right amount of attention without ever making things feel too formal or stiff. During dinner, they were attentive without being intrusive, always nearby, ready to top up a glass or bring over something extra without even needing to be asked. What facilities are available at Mercure Bangkok Surawong? Since the top floor is home to Starlight Rooftop Bar, there's no swimming pool at the hotel. But what they do have is a fitness centre open from 6am-10pm. It features treadmills, an upright and a recumbent bike, an elliptical, a cardio wave machine, weightlifting equipment, a sit-up bench, a regular bench, free weights and yoga mats. What's the area like around Mercure Bangkok Surawong? Just a short stroll away is the Neilson Hays Library. Built in 1922 and designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno, it features neo-classical details and holds about 20,000 books, from fiction to children's titles. After a recent restoration, it won a UNESCO award for cultural heritage. If you're around in May or November, check out their bi-annual book sale to find unique reads or donate books to support the library. A few minutes down the road is Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, one of the city's oldest Hindu temples. Locals come here not only for worship but also to take part in colourful festivals and cultural events that bring the community together. Its ornate, colourful façade and intricate carvings stand out beautifully amid the city's relentless bustle. Nearby, 100 Mahaseth, featured on Time Out Bangkok's best restaurant list, is a long-time mainstay of the mid-range dining scene in Bangkok, highlighting some of the best and most unusual local ingredients from the North and Northeast. Chef Chalee Kader masterfully blends traditional Thai flavours with modern, elegant presentations. Highlights include Chiang Mai-style sausage served on a brioche bun and herb salads paired with grilled pork heart. Upstairs, Mahaniyom offers expertly crafted cocktails inspired by local ingredients, along with a selection of tasty snacks from downstairs. For those who enjoy a more laid-back afternoon, River City Bangkok is nearby along the Chao Phraya River. This arts and antiques complex combines galleries, shops, cafes and regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events. Why should you book a stay at Mercure Bangkok Surawong?? If you're looking for a well-located base while exploring Bangkok, Mercure Bangkok Surawong ticks all the boxes. Its location puts you within easy reach of some of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods, without the constant noise and chaos. What makes it stand out is how it reflects the charm and cultural layers of the area, giving the hotel a sense of personality you don't always get with big chains. It's a stay with style, story and just the right amount of character.
