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Times
28-06-2025
- Times
Bangkok has a new luxury hotel — next to the city's most peaceful park
Bangkok took the title of the world's most visited city in 2024, with 32.4 million travellers taking a bite of the Big Mango last year. Its recent starring role in The White Lotus season three has boosted its appeal further, and now the Thai capital has the ultimate luxury endorsement: an Aman hotel. Aman enjoys cult status within the hospitality industry. The brand invented the high-end boutique hotel concept almost four decades ago and has since expanded to 36 properties that remain the byword for exquisite taste. Aman is also famous, make that infamous, for charging truly eye-watering prices — just the thought of the £150,000 joining fee and £11,500 annual subs for gym membership at its New York property puts me in a cold sweat. Bank managers look away now, devoted Aman fans from Mark Zuckerberg to Kate Moss gather round: there's an argument that despite rates starting at £830 a night, its new Bangkok property is actually a relative bargain, at least compared with the group's two other urban properties. Rooms in New York are rarely less than £2,000 and those in Tokyo are north of £2,500. In Thailand you'll arrive in style because the rate includes a limousine transfer and fast-track service through Suvarnabhumi airport, where it can sometimes feel like 32 million of those 32.4 million visitors are in front of you in the immigration queue. The hotel throws in a complimentary minibar, restocked daily with everything from champagne to kombucha, and breakfast — the kimchi omelette is delicious. If that sounds something like sufficient bang for your buck, the question is: can this place deliver an authentic Aman experience? Aman, after all, is a Sanskrit-derived word meaning 'peace', and the group's enduring appeal hinges on its minimalist aesthetic and seamless service, conjuring a state of uncomplicated calm in even the most contrary guest. I did indeed feel ridiculously relaxed from the second I stepped into Amanyara's cathedral-like lobby in Turks and Caicos. I was perfectly chilled at the Acropolis-style Amanzoe in Greece and soporifically content amid the airy splendour of Amangalla in Sri Lanka. But peace and quiet in Bangkok, that 24/7 hot mess of belching traffic, human ant trails, go-go bars and general bedlam? Squirrelled away, though, in Pathumwan, the Mayfair of Bangkok, is a wondrous anomaly: Nai Lert Park. It is seven serene acres of botanical beauty and birdsong over which now tower the 36 sparkling storeys of the new Aman Nai Lert Bangkok. It's a promising location to give peace a chance. In the early 20th century Nai Lert, full name Lert Sreshthaputra, was Thailand's answer to Richard Branson, Conrad Hilton, Harry Gordon Selfridge and Willy Wonka rolled into one. He pioneered the city's public transport systems, cut the ribbon on Hotel de la Paix, one of Bangkok's first luxury hotels, opened its best department store and established its first ice factory, paving the way for all manner of sweet treats. Nai Lert's great-granddaughter Naphaporn Bodiratnangkura, who now runs the family business that includes the park, wanted to honour her ancestor's incredible legacy with an appropriately remarkable hotel, so she turned to Aman. Four and a half years and £144 million later and I'm greeted at the hotel's discreet entrance by a welcoming committee that has the poise and grace that ten years at a Swiss finishing school couldn't top. It's April 10, eight days after the launch and just two weeks after the Myanmar earthquake that brought Bangkok to a temporary standstill. I suspect there's a fair bit of swan action behind the scenes, but with an 'Amansanti'(eg staff member) to guest ratio of more than 4:1, there's never any hint of paddling in public. I'm whizzed up to the vast light-flooded lobby on the ninth floor, where the stunning triple-height atrium is anchored by a 12m sculpture, inspired by a century-old chamchuri tree in the park below and adorned with 6,000 gold leaves. It's a wildly impressive but surprisingly warm, unintimidating space. This area sashays into the glamorous 1872 bar (the year of Nai Lert's birth), which serves tea-infused martinis from a 3D-printed miniature replica of the entrepreneur's old water tank, and beyond to Arva, a romantic Italian restaurant where the truffle pasta is worryingly moreish. • Bangkok's best cocktail bars The fingerprints of the architect and interior designer Jean-Michel Gathy, renowned for his artistic interpretation of local heritage, are everywhere. Thoughtful details include the 3,000 spinning tops behind the reception desk that form the Thai numeral one in a nod to Nai Lert, the country's numero uno, tactile barklike bronze light fittings that echo the park's persimmon trees, while hundreds of metallic 'lasagne' sheets are suspended from Arva's ceiling. The 52 suites, on floors 11 to 18, are a masterclass in clean-lined understatement, a symphony of cream, toffee and taupe tones, with warm woods, baby-soft leather furniture and a mesmerising contoured installation, a sort of sexy spin on an Ordnance Survey map, across one wall. While the circular tub in the swanky bathroom is so huge, it probably should have a lifeguard on duty. Most overlook the park canopy. Mine also looks across to apartment blocks where I watch one well-groomed woman 'walk' her fluffy purse pooch on her balcony. Another more harassed female flounces into a hammock on hers while her toddler amuses himself underneath it. The fabulously cool 25m outdoor infinity pool's centrepiece is an intriguing elliptical void through which bursts an ancient sompong tree, thought to be Bangkok's third-tallest tree. Its branches create natural protection that throws every flavour of shade on your standard sun umbrella and contrasts spectacularly with a horizon of high rises. I do miss watching the procession of long-tail boats, water taxis and canal barges glide along the Chao Phraya River available from other luxury waterfront properties such as the Mandarin Oriental, but, in compensation, Pathumwan is close to upmarket dining and shopping malls such as Siam Paragon and Gaysorn Village. • 21 of the best hotels in Bangkok With such great Thai food on the doorstep, the hotel has decided not to compete. Apart from the excellent Italian cucina, the Aman also has Hiori, a lively teppanyaki restaurant with a carefully curated list of sakés and Japanese craft beers, and Sesui, an intimate eight-seat omakase counter where I'm entranced by the two chefs as they create 19 tiny courses of perfection before my eyes, including surgically sliced goldeneye snapper, delicately flavoured black throat sea perch and matcha ice cream. Wellness is a central pillar of the Aman ethos. In Bangkok it has partnered with the Hertitude Clinic, responsible for tweaking Thailand's rich and famous, to offer jet lag-slaying cryotherapy and IV infusions, while the main Aman spa menu offers a lullaby to blissful sleep. I have to peel myself off the treatment bed after my jasmine-scented Lert Siam massage. I don't have time for the three-day detox devised by the tennis star Novak Djokovic, Aman's recently appointed and first global wellness adviser. His programme includes Pilates, yoga, a circulation-improving beating with birch sticks and … flower meditation — you make a garland to lay at a spirit house in the park. • 10 of the best things to do in Bangkok Djokovic is undoubtedly a brilliant athlete but he's only ever one dodgy line call away from an on-court hissy fit so I'm not convinced he has ever made a floral tribute for the gods. But if he manages to remain in a state of uncomplicated calm at Wimbledon this year, I'll take that back and give thanks to Aman. This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Susan d'Arcy was a guest of Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, which has B&B doubles from £830 ( Fly to Bangkok
Time Out
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Meet the 10 street photographers headlining ‘Capture Bangkok'
What makes Bangkok the second-best city in the world? It's a question we asked earlier this year, and you answered. It's the energy, the food, the culture, the beautiful, beautiful chaos. But more than anything, it's the stories – the millions of tiny moments that unfold every second on its streets. Now, we want to see them through your lens. As part of our Capture Bangkok celebration, we're showcasing the work of ten of the city's most visionary street photographers at The Corner House in Charoen Krung from August 7-20. These are the artists who peel back the layers of the Big Mango, finding poetry in the traffic, romance in the tangled wires, and serenity amidst the rush. Their work will inspire, challenge and make you see your city in a whole new light. We're thrilled to bring this project to life with our partners, Canon and Coca-Cola. And the best part? One more photographer will join them on that gallery wall. That photographer could be you! Get ready: Time Out Capture Bangkok Street Photography Challenge submissions open on June 30 and run until July 15. This is your official call to action. Charge your batteries, hit the pavement, and prepare to show us your Bangkok when the Google Form link drops. But first, get inspired. Read on to meet the 10 photographers whose work defines the art of seeing this city. STYLEdeJATE For STYLEdeJATE, Bangkok is a city where the frenetic energy of bustling crowds, tangled overhead wires and relentless traffic offers an endless playground for the lens. He doesn't just capture the city; he remixes it, infusing his own perspective into the frame to create a visual dialogue with the urban environment. This experimental approach is at the heart of his work, turning the familiar tapestry of Bangkok into something uniquely personal. While he undertakes planned commercial and artistic projects, his true passion lies in the spontaneous exploration of the streets, a practice he champions through Fotoclub BKK, a community he co-founded. For over six years, STYLEdeJATE has led monthly photowalks, often collaborating with artists from around the globe to explore the historic Charoenkrung district. He finding that even after a hundred visits, the area's blend of past and future, tradition and progress, never fails to offer a new story. This deep, sustained engagement with his surroundings informs STYLEdeJATE's core philosophy: a commitment to sincere and thoughtful image-making. He believes the true elevation of a simple snapshot to a work of art lies in the artist's sincerity – a genuine drive to create, evolve and communicate a personal truth that resonates with the viewer. In an era of endless digital images, he advises aspiring photographers to shoot less and think more, embracing the limitations of film photography as a way to cultivate a more deliberate and meaningful practice. For STYLEdeJATE, the most powerful images of Bangkok are not just aesthetically pleasing but are born from a deep connection to the moment, capturing the city's multifaceted identity – a sometimes contradictory collage of experiences that is real, tangible, and anything but artificial. Darkle Darkle attempts to capture what is both visible and residual. Living in Chinatown for over two decades, he's less interested in the city's overt chaos and more in its layered, supernatural energy – the ghosts, patterns, and vibrational pull of a past that lingers in the present. His process is a self-described 'maniacal obsession,' a compulsive need to gather and archive fragments of the city before they vanish, treating surfaces and facades as portraits of a place and its history. He is a photographer scratching at the surface of the now, trying to uncover remnants of what's been lost and how those absences continue to shape what remains. This deep, forensic approach informs his entire philosophy. He sees the constant negotiation of shooting on the streets, guided by a deep-seated sense of kreng jai, as a space where real, human tension can be productively managed. It's a delicate balance between being an invisible observer and an engaged participant, a line that shifts constantly. This is exemplified by what has become a long-term project of sorts: repeatedly photographing the same gable at Lhong 1919, where the shifting shadows act like a clock, marking the subtle, inexorable passage of time. His advice to others is to be single-minded in their purpose: 'Ask yourself… what do I really want to say?' For Darkle, the most powerful images are not sight gags for a saturated online world, but personal, coherent statements that cut through the noise with resonance and insight. Christian Hogue Bangkok is not a story to be told, but a stage for moments waiting to be found, thinks street photographer Christian Hogue. He steps out without a preconceived narrative, preferring to let the city present its own scenes. His process is a reactive dance with the environment; he doesn't hunt for shots but trains himself to recognise when an image 'calls out' to him. Light is often his guide, drawing him to the reflected glow of late afternoon sun on buildings or the electric hum of neon signs against the twilight sky. He finds inspiration by deliberately avoiding the cliches, venturing beyond the usual tourist trails into local Thai neighbourhoods, hi-so districts, and the rich hunting grounds of neon-lit back alleys around areas like Siam Square and Phrom Phong. This philosophy of openness extends to his interaction with people. While sensitive to cultural context, Hogue embraces the friendly attitude of Thais towards being photographed, often preferring the engagement of street portraiture over distant, candid shots. He's fascinated by the unique, fleeting moment when a person realizes they are on camera, capturing that genuine, natural reaction. For him, the uniqueness of Bangkok is embedded in the bold colours and symbols of the everyday – the eclectic, bright soda bottles at a spirit house, a concrete policeman statue, or the folded fish charms dangling from a scooter. His essential advice for capturing the city's authentic spirit is simple and reflects his entire approach: 'Just be open to the moment.' Danny A walk through Bangkok with Danny is a search for the city's essential details. He moves like a wanderer, letting his intuition and the quality of the light guide him down character-filled alleyways in neighbourhoods like Charoenkrung and Samsen. His camera seeks out the elements that are quintessentially Bangkok: the specific design of a school uniform, the vibrant colours of local fruits, the unique script on a street sign and the warmth of its people. His process is candid and respectful; while he prefers to capture moments as they unfold naturally, he won't hesitate to ask for a quick portrait if a scene feels too perfect, always keeping the interaction brief to honour his subject's time. Embracing an open and inclusive view of art, Danny believes any photo taken with purpose can be a meaningful work. He usually shoots in full colour, but is oft-drawn to the symmetry and mystery of black-and-white, as seen in his favorite shot of a lottery ticket seller whose face is obscured but whose personality shines through in his posture. For Danny, the biggest challenge of shooting in Bangkok is simply staying present amidst the heat and crowds. His advice to others reflects this philosophy: go out with no agenda other than to observe. Take it slow, and whether you get the perfect shot or not, the time spent being mindful in the moment is a victory in itself. Don Amatayakul In a city defined by its relentless energy, photographer Don Amatayakul seeks out the opposite. For him, the true art of capturing Bangkok lies in discovering and framing its hidden pockets of peace. He approaches the city not as a whirlwind of activity to be documented, but as a complex space where tranquility can be found if one only knows where – and how – to look. His process is fluid; sometimes he wanders and lets the atmosphere guide his lens, while at other times he meticulously scouts a location, studying its light and angles a day before returning with his camera. This desire for serenity is the message he hopes to convey, offering viewers a chance to feel the city slow down, even just for a moment, through his images. As a photographer, Don operates as an invisible observer, believing that the most natural and honest expressions are captured when people are unaware of the camera. He navigates the streets with a profound (consideration for others), always mindful that he is a guest in the lives he photographs. This philosophy is perfectly encapsulated in his iconic image of the colossal Buddha statue at Wat Paknam, framed by the setting sun, serenely presiding over the chaotic rush of traffic below. For Don, this single frame captures his vision: a reminder that even in the heart of the capital's bustle, peace and beauty are always present. His advice for those wishing to see this other side of Bangkok? 'Wake up earlier.' In those quiet, early hours, and by spending more time simply absorbing a place, you might just discover a side of the city most people never see. Ganesh Sinkorkiat For Ganesh, Bangkok's story unfolds in the quiet moments often lost amidst the city's frantic pace. Six years ago, he saw only the rush and the traffic, but through his camera, he discovered a different city – one of stunning dawns, serene dusks and intricate details tucked away in forgotten alleys. His mission is to capture these fleeting moments of beauty, hoping his images make people pause and see their surroundings in a new light. He wants to provoke a sense of discovery, for locals to exclaim, 'I walk past here every day, but I never knew it was this beautiful!' Whether it's the warm morning light, the gorgeous evening glow, or the tranquility of night, Ganesh seeks to reveal a calmer, more profound side of Bangkok, offering a visual respite from the daily grind and perhaps inspiring a new weekend adventure. Ganesh often seeks a higher perspective, drawn to rooftops and vantage points that frame the city's unique architectural dialogue – where ancient temples stand in graceful harmony with modern skyscrapers. He is a hunter of the 'Golden Hour,' patiently waiting for the perfect light to wash over the city. His advice to aspiring photographers is simple yet profound: 'Walk a little slower, be mindful, and when you find the right angle, stay there longer.' It is in this deliberate stillness, he believes, that the true, authentic spirit of Bangkok reveals itself. Hiang Kanjinna For Hiang believes that, to truly captureing Bangkok one must means embraceing its boundless variety – what he calls the 'Diversity of the Metropolis.' Her lens finds stories in everything from the city's freneticchaotic energy and the hidden peace of a weekend at Khlong Lat Mayom to the fleeting moments of humour found on any given street. This philosophy demands flexibility; she is equally prepared to meticulously plan a shoot or to wander aimlessly, letting the city guide herim. The most critical rule is simply to have a camera ready at all times, because an opportunity can arise from anywhere. Whether observing from a distance or engaging directly with his subjects, she believes each approach yields a completely different, yet equally valid, emotional texture for an image. Growing up in Charoenkrung has given Hiang a deep appreciation for the district's layered soul, where historic buildings and temples blend seamlessly with modern high-rises. This personal connection informs heris wider view of the city: a place that defies easy categorization. Heris emblematic photograph, a shot of the majestic Wat Arun framed by a welcoming doorway and bathed in the warm evening sun, encapsulates his vision of Bangkok as both iconic and inviting. Heris ultimate advice for anyone wanting to capture the city's true spirit is to 'Set no expectations.' ShHe believes that by arriving with an open mind, you allow the city to reveal its unexpected wonders, leading to photographs that are deeply personal and uniquely your own. Golfwashere Golf observes that the city of Bangkok truly comes alive during 'special events.' While he always has a camera ready, his instincts as a landscape photographer kick in when the familiar skyline is transformed by the unexpected – a sudden fireworks display, a new skyscraper puncturing the clouds, or a local festival that remakes a street's atmosphere. These moments are more than just beautiful; they are anchors in time, creating powerful new memories of the city. Though he meticulously plans his shoots with a clear goal in mind, he finds that the most impressive shots are often the unplanned 'images in-between.' It's in these spontaneous moments that the true, unscripted character of Bangkok reveals itself. This fascination with duality defines Golf's vision. He sees a city of contrasts: a grand, sprawling metropolis that, on closer inspection, is woven from the intricate, individual lives of its people. His favourite compositions capture this dialogue, juxtaposing the warm orange tones of Old Town architecture against the cool, modern sheen of a new tower. He finds endless inspiration in neighbourhoods like Talat Noi, where older structures take on a colourful new life and light filters through narrow alleys in endlessly surprising ways. His ultimate advice for capturing the city's authentic spirit goes beyond the lens: talk to the locals. For Golf, no guidebook or map can replace the stories and insights shared by the people who call Bangkok home. Piti Amraranga Piti swears that the soul of Bangkok isn't found in its grand landmarks, but in the small, ingenious traces of human problem-solving left behind on the streets. He is drawn to the city's everyday creativity – the raw, simple ways people repair broken items or invent their own DIY solutions. To Piti, these acts reveal a deep-seated creative spirit and a distinctly local sense of humour. His process is one of patient observation; he wanders without a set plan, letting the streets guide him until something catches his eye. Once he finds a subject, be it a person, an object, or a place, he dedicates his time to it, working the scene until he captures the image he envisions or the moment passes. This quiet, observational approach defines his style, allowing him to document the city's candid spirit without intrusion. Piti's artistic vision revolves around discovering and framing the hidden relationships between objects. He seeks connections in all forms – light, colour, geometry, or human gestures – and his goal is to make viewers feel at ease, perhaps even smile. One of his most emblematic shots captures this philosophy perfectly: a classic Bangkok taxi juxtaposed with a pot of marigolds, two icons of Thai culture brought together by an accidental, yet perfect, colour harmony. He finds endless inspiration not in chaotic markets, but in the city's public parks, which he sees as perfect stages for street photography with their mix of people, activities, and open spaces. His advice to others is to spend time learning from the art and creativity you encounter; for Piti, it is this deeper understanding that truly shapes one's unique perspective and elevates a simple photo into a meaningful work of art. PK Vanasirikul With a background in fashion, PK approaches the city as his model, engaging in a creative dance to capture its unique details and moods. He looks past the obvious chaos that many photographers seek, searching instead for Bangkok's 'subtle romantic moments.' For him, this means letting the streets guide him toward quiet, timeless scenes where he can document the city's more spiritual side. This quest for tranquility often leads him to the walkable, story-rich sois of neighbourhoods like Song Wat and Charoenkrung, where micro-universes unfold away from the main thoroughfares. His goal is to create a visual 'safe haven,' producing images that are relaxing and relatable, finding beauty in the mundane and offering a sense of ease in a hectic world. This perspective is deeply tied to a desire to find beauty in the unconventional, born from a personal connection to Thai subcultures like the Dek Chang (vo-tech students). Seeing a raw, rockstar spirit that is often misunderstood, he aims to reveal the humanity and individuality within these groups, celebrating the non-conventional as a vital part of the city's fabric. This empathetic lens underpins his entire philosophy of 'ethical photography.' He believes the feeling between photographer and subject is paramount, and would rather let a moment disappear than capture a photo that makes someone uncomfortable. For PK, intentionality is what elevates a snapshot to art, and his intention is clear: to compose layers, reflections, and geometric abstractions that reveal a timeless, gentler and more nuanced Bangkok.
Time Out
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Anime, amplified: soundtracks come to live at Music of Anime Concert
Bangkok is buzzing with anime fever this year. From Naruto the Gallery and Attack on Titan to 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour in Thailand, devoted fans are spoiled for choice with nostalgic encounters. But the Big Mango has even more events in store. The Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra is set to bring your favourite Japanese stories to life – not through immersive exhibitions, but through melody at the Music of Anime Concert. Taking place on June 19-20 at 7.30pm, the evening of orchestral storytelling features Tokyo-born conductor Naohisa Furusawa. Known for his innovative approach to animated film scores, Naohisa has captivated audiences with his work alongside the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Opening with beloved Studio Ghibli classics, this year's concert begins with the magical sounds of Joe Hisaishi's timeless scores from Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle and Ponyo. As the evening unfolds, the orchestra guides you through a range of emotions with pieces from well-known narratives. You'll feel the heartfelt moments of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, the thrill of Sword Art Online, the quiet reflection of A Silent Voice and the moving beauty of Your Name.
Time Out
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Pop a cork! Bangkok sweeps gold in the Star Wine List of the Year Asia 2025
There's more to Bangkok than street food and skyscrapers – the capital's also making major moves in the world of wine. The Big Mango claimed six out of 12 Gold Stars in the Star Wine List of the Year Asia 2025, cementing its status as a rising star in Asia's wine scene. The awards, released annually, celebrate the best wine lists and the talent behind them across Greater China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. With categories covering everything from list length and by-the-glass offerings to sparkling wines, regional focuses, sustainability and rising stars, the competition highlights all dimensions of wine curation. Judging is handled by an independent panel of internationally acclaimed sommeliers. For the 2025 edition, the panel included Salvatore Castano, ASI's Best Sommelier of Europe and Africa 2021, and Reeze Choi, ASI's Third Best Sommelier of the World 2023, who engaged in rigorous discussions to determine the winners across 11 categories. This year, the capital takes home six of the 12 Gold Stars – the highest recognition in each category. Inddee leads the pack with three wins: Best By the Glass List, Best Medium-Sized List and the prestigious Grand Prix. Other standout winners include Haoma, recognised for Best Short List and Sustainable Wine List and Sühring, which claimed Best Austrian Wine List. But the excitement doesn't end there – Gold Star winners automatically qualify for the Star Wine List of the Year International Final, set to take place in Vienna this June. So keep an eye on the announcement as we might see Bangkok shine even brighter on the global stage.
Time Out
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Attack on Titan Final Exhibition looms over Bangkok ‘til June 18
Thai fans can step back into the world of Titans as the exhibition makes its Bangkok debut Bangkokians show no sign of slowing down when it comes to Japanese anime exhibitions. Lately, the Big Mango has welcomed a steady stream of them into local galleries. This time, it's the Attack on Titan Final Exhibition that has taken over the city, running until June 18. It's been almost two years since the final episode of this dark fantasy manga and anime series by Hajime Isayama aired. Yet its incredible world, gripping plot and complex characters continue to spark conversations among fans worldwide. Now, with the exhibition in the capital, fans can step back into the world of Titans and experience the adventure once more. Showcased at CentralWorld Pulse, this exhibition brings Attack on Titan to life with eight zones where fans can explore Isayama's original drafts and sketches of Titans, characters and objects from the manga archives as well as jump into a thrilling battle sequence in a cinema-style setting. Photograph: CentralWorld One of the standout experiences is the 'Titan War' theatre, where you'll get to watch two 10-minute animation episodes on a giant 2.4-meter-high, 9-meter-wide screen. Feel the rush as the Titans fall from the sky in a battle sequence that puts you right in the middle of the action. And don't miss the special zone, designed just for Thailand, where you can check out the jaw-dropping four metre tall inflatable Titan Head, complete with a wall-climbing effect that makes you feel like you're stepping straight into the anime. Tickets for the Attack on Titan Final Exhibition starts at B300 on Ticktmelon.
