Guru By Bangkok Post's weekly pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
JOIN
Cool comforts / SoCal / April 6-30
There’s no better way to celebrate Thai New Year and beat the heat this early summer than with special Songkran Splash beverages at SoCal at the Intercontinental Bangkok. Offering a selection of sparkling spritzers, cocktails, zesty mocktails and alleviating ales, the three-week-long promotion in April features a drink list that highlights ultra-refreshing tropical flavours and satisfying suds that are simply perfect for lifting flagging spirits in sultry temperatures. The Songkran Splash beverage promotion is available at SoCal from April 6-30. On April 13, there will be a Thai New Year traditional long drum dance.
Easter celebrations / Carpe Diem Beach Club / April 5
Carpe Diem Beach Club is celebrating Easter in true Mediterranean style with a special edition of its signature "La Dolce Vita Sundays" on April 5. The La Dolce Vita Easter Brunch offers a curated Mediterranean dining experience and bespoke Bloody Mary bar, elevated by live culinary performances and guest chef collaborations. Leading the kitchen takeover this time are chef Palanca from Vaso Bangkok, chef Willy Trullas from El Willy Bangkok, and chef David Aldea from La Cava Phuket.
Easter celebrations / Shangri-La Bangkok / Until April 30
Gather your loved ones for a joyful Easter Sunday at Next2 Café, where a delightful riverside feast awaits. The celebration goes beyond the table, as children step into a world of Easter fun with exciting activities, from an exhilarating egg hunt to face painting. The Easter brunch buffet will be offered on April 5 at Next2 Café. Follow the sweet scent to Chocolate Boutique and discover an irresistible selection of handcrafted chocolate treats. From the out-of-this-world Galaxy Nut Egg to the whimsical Chocolate Quail Butterfly Egg, each creation is crafted to bring moments of joy to your Easter celebrations at Chocolate Boutique. “Hoppy” Easter Delights are available at Chocolate Boutique until April 30.
Holiday buffets / Ginger / April 12-19
Ginger at Holiday Inn Bangkok, once again marks Thai New Year with special Happy Songkran Holiday Lunch and Dinner Buffets. On the menu are piquant specialities from the mountainous North and Northeast, courtly dishes that perfectly illustrate the cuisines of the Central Plains and fiery offerings from the provinces of the Deep South. There will be a Rod Nam Dum Hua ceremony in which youngsters pour water gently over the hands of their elders as a mark of respect from April 13-15. Happy Songkran Holiday Buffets are available from April 12-19.
Summer in Tulum / Santiaga / April 4
"Summer In Tulum" is a Tulum-inspired daytime brunch where fermentation, bold Mexican flavours and music come together on April 4. Chef Mauricio Rosales Ungson brings together a brunch menu, house-made tepache and a live DJ set for a one-day event inspired by the laid-back rhythm of coastal Mexico. The spotlight is on tepache, Mexico’s refreshing fermented fruit drink, crafted in-house and presented through a series of bright, tropical and spiced variations. Expect playful flavours like hibiscus, tamarind, lemon, jackfruit, mangosteen and pineapple, all designed to complement a lively daytime drinks programme. The food features dishes such as pan francés tres leches with pink guava, huevos with machaca and chorizo, onsen egg in salsa verde, yoghurt with molerosa and enchilada depato. Only 30 seats are available.
Pool party / W Bangkok / April 13-14
Celebrate the Thai New Year in style at the "Songkran Splash Away Endless Summer Pool Party" at W Bangkok on April 13-14 at the Wet Deck. In collaboration with Innerbloom, the line-up features Estrella, Brynna, Wula, Franziie, Ben.G, Alpha and Groove, delivering an uplifting mix of tech house, melodic house and techno. The celebration will be elevated with special live performances by a saxophonist and percussionist, creating an electrifying atmosphere from afternoon through sunset. Tickets are available via Megatix.
Easter celebrations / Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa / April 5
Pattaya Marriott Resort and Spa on Jomtien Beach will offer the Easter Sunday Brunch on April 5 at Goji Kitchen Grill & Bar. Savour the freshest seafood, including Alaskan king crab, prime grilled meats, honey-glazed ham and much more, alongside handcrafted Italian dishes from La Familiare, the resort’s popular Italian ristorante. There will also be a series of springtime sweets, including Easter cakes and an Easter egg hunt. Children who dress up in Easter costumes will dine for free, and a photo booth will be available to provide a reminder of the experience. On April 13-14, celebrate the joy of Thai New Year with the Songkran Dinner Buffet. Diners can savour the refreshing taste of khao chae, seafood on ice, prime grilled meats, Goji’s signature beef noodles and much more.
Khao chae / Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok / Until April 30
Celebrate the arrival of Thailand’s summer season at Thara Thong, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok with khao chae. The set features candle-smoked jasmine rice in iced fragrant water, shrimp paste balls, caramelised shredded fish, caramelised shredded beef, caramelised shredded pork, sweet stir-fried pickled radish and crisp fried sweet pepper filled with delicately seasoned chicken.
Easter celebrations / Nikki Beach Koh Samui / April 5
Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Koh Samui will host “The Ultimate Easter Brunch" on April 5. Guests can explore ocean-fresh seafood and sushi,a live grill station, pasta and Mexican live station and a grand dessert finale. There will be Easter Signature Cocktails, traditional Easter Egg Painting, Bunny Balloon Art, interactive Bunny Games and a Golden Egg Grand Hunt.
Easter celebrations / Centara Reserve Samui / April 5
Centara Reserve Samui offers an Easter Brunch at Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen on April 5. Enjoy seafood, oysters, charcuterie, cheese, beef Wellington, sushi and pizza, with special Easter menu highlights. Special Easter cocktails with Easter activities are also on offer.
Go green / Slowcombo / April 8-9
Slowcombo will host the "Slow So Green Market #6 by Wai Jai Green" on April 8-9. A curated green market, it brings together quality products for health-conscious and sustainability-minded consumers. Set in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the market features a selection of vegetables, fruits, fresh food, beverages and more — all rooted in the belief that good food is the foundation of good health. There will also be special workshops by Libra & Pisces on April 8 and by Eventide on April 9.
Afternoon tea / The Author's Lounge / Until April 25
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok welcomes pastry chef Masanori Hata for a limited-time residency at The Authors’ Lounge, presenting an afternoon tea until April 25. Chef Hata’s will present a selection of savouries, warm scones and desserts. The experience begins with a sorbet featuring Floating Island with Bourbon vanilla ice cream and sea-salted caramel. Enjoy a selection of tea sandwiches, including Boston lobster with tartare sauce, beef pastrami with potatoes and sour cream, yellow curry bread sandwich with celery heart and egg salad, smoked salmon with horseradish and cucumber, and coronation chicken salad with black olives. The afternoon tea continues with warm plain and raisin scones, served with seasonal house-made jams and a choice of Devonshire clotted cream, mascarpone or butter. Chef Hata’s pastry selection includes lemon mint pie, hazelnut milk chocolate cake, pistachio griotte cake, apricot and pistachio macaron, hazelnut praline and caramel petit-beurre dulcey, and a brioche roll with pear compote and jasmine cream.
Upcoming concert / Star2 / April 11
Star2, the hip-hop artist who was born in a Thai refugee camp and is of Karen descent, will be performing at BluePrint Live House on April 11. Accompanying him will be Chinatown Runner, Sprite, special guest HoodTrophy Bino, Ler Mu Dex, Lil BK, Eh La, Tae Tae, FG Fame, JJSP, Don Kids, Name MT and other surprise guests. Releasing on April 3 is “Ring Ring”, the latest release from Asian-American artists Star2 and Young Henny. The melodic trap track spotlights the rising influence of Southeast Asian voices in hip-hop, fusing West Coast production with cultural elements inspired by the Karen people. The bilingual nature of the song stems from Star2, who uses his verses to bridge his heritage with his American life. “Ring Ring” frames success through metaphor, using unanswered phone calls to symbolise the emotional trade-offs that come with ambition. The music video features polished drone cinematography with a gritty, local-block feel, perfectly complementing the track's melodic trap energy.
Thai pop / 25 Degrees Bangkok / April 12-14
25 Degrees Bangkok turns up the heat with "Splash The Beat" from April 12-14. Dive into three days of music, burgers and good times. JDJ and Lom Soundstylist spin a mix of Nu Disco, Thai Funk, and House, setting the tone while guests dig into 25 Degrees’ signature juicy burgers and refreshing drinks featuring Tito’s. On April 13–14, Allie will be on-site with sunscreen trials to help guests stay protected under the Bangkok sun. Dine in during Songkran and receive exclusive artist collaboration giveaways by goodnight.xinqxinq, including collectible stickers and a waterproof phone pouch, while supplies last.
Thailand privileges / Tourism Authority of Thailand / Until April 30
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched "Amazing Thailand Passport Privileges @ Hat Yai", a series of on-the-ground initiatives designed to revitalise tourism across southern Thailand. Running until April 30, the campaign features the "Amazing Bag" gifting activity, a lucky draw and exclusive privileges redeemable at more than 100 outlets across the region. The "Amazing Bag" is presented to international visitors, featuring handcrafted items like herbal inhalers from Songkhla, tie-dye textiles from Surat Thani, batik tote bags from Nakhon Si Thammarat, tie-dye products from Trang, krajood bags from Phatthalung, batik card holders from Pattani, batik hats from Narathiwat and upcycled batik keychains from Krabi. International travellers arriving via Hat Yai International Airport, Sadao Customs House or Padang Besar Customs House during the campaign period can participate by presenting their passport at designated activity booths to receive an Amazing Bag. A QR code inside provides access to exclusive privileges redeemable across participating establishments throughout southern Thailand.
Applications open / 50 Best Restaurants Scholarship / Until April 15
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants announces that applications are now open for its "50 Best Restaurants Scholarship", in partnership with Parmigiano Reggiano. The scholarship is open to chefs from around the world with less than three years’ experience in a professional kitchen or similar environment. The winning candidate will have the opportunity to undertake two four-week stages in professional kitchens designed to provide hands-on experience, refine technique and immerse the recipient in a high-level culinary environment. The stages will take place at The Fat Duck in Bray, United Kingdom, and Salsify at the Roundhouse in Cape Town, South Africa. The final three candidates will be invited on a trip to attend The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, taking place in November, where the scholarship winner will be revealed. Applications are open via The World’s 50 Best Restaurants website and will close on April 15.
Six-hand dinner / Ojo Bangkok / April 10
On April 10, Ojo Bangkok will host “A Six-Hands Dinner Above The Clouds”, a one-night-only collab of three culinary heavyweights. Leading the charge is chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano from Ojo, chef Chele Gonzalez of Gallery By Chele in Manila and chef Willy Monroy of Milpa in Osaka. The evening promises a menu that drifts between Mexico, the Philippines and Japan. A Champagne Blanc de Blancs pairing is on hand for anyone who wants to take the high-altitude experience even higher.
EAT
Seafood showcase / Summer Palace / Until June 30
Summer Palace at InterContinental Bangkok unveils a seafood showcase: the "Typhoon Shelter Lobster Mountain", available until June 30. Inspired by the vibrant culinary heritage of Hong Kong, Typhoon Shelter cuisine traces its origins to fishing communities who sought refuge in protected harbour inlets during seasonal storms. From these humble beginnings emerged a bold and aromatic seafood cooking style defined by high-heat wok-frying and a robust combination of golden garlic, chilli and fermented black bean sauce. Summer Palace presents an impressive three-kilogram “mountain” of premium Boston lobster. Each lobster is expertly wok-fried to achieve a fragrant, savoury finish, generously coated in crisp garlic, vibrant chilli and rich black bean sauce.
40th anniversary / Shangri-La Bangkok / Until June 30
Shangri-La Bangkok celebrates its 40th anniversary with dining experiences across its signature restaurants and bars. As part of the “40 Years Of Timeless Luxury By The River Of Kings” celebration, indulge in dining offers available until June 30.
Soul mornings / Mill & Co
Mill & Co at Centara Grand at CentralWorld introduces "Mornings Made For The Soul", a comforting breakfast experience centred on freshly baked pastries, aromatic coffee and a gentle start to the day. The café offers a new breakfast combo set that celebrates simple morning pleasures — freshly-baked viennoiserie, aromatic coffee or freshly brewed tea, and bright citrus notes of orange juice to awaken the senses.
Khao chae / Benjarong / Until June 30
As temperatures rise, Benjarong at Baan Dusit Thani will offer khao chae until June 30. Served with a selection of traditional accompaniments, highlights include kapi balls, stuffed shallots, stuffed green chilli wrapped in fine egg net, sweetened shredded beef or pork, sweet stir-fried preserved radish, sweet stir-fried fish prepared following a traditional Surat Thani recipe, deep-fried salted egg yolk prepared in the traditional Chaiya style and minced pork with salted fish, alongside fresh organic vegetables and som chun, a fragrant traditional Thai citrus dessert. There is also a takeaway set available.
Lunch buffet / Avani Ratchada Bangkok
One Ratchada Restaurant at Avani Ratchada Bangkok is offering the Sunday Social Lunch Buffet, a gathering featuring premium seafood, live grill specialties, refreshing beverages and live jazz. The buffet offers a selection of fresh seafood on ice, including Alaskan king crab, oysters, river prawns, clams and mussels, together with a variety of international dishes, Peking duck and BBQ highlights such as crispy pork, roasted duck, Australian prime rib and freshly grilled seafood. There is also a “Your Gin Vibe” free-flow gin cocktails on offer.
STAY
Songkran stay / Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort / April 12-14
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort will host a celebration of Pi Mai Muang (Lanna New Year) from April 12-14. On April 13, get part in an alms-giving ceremony, a Songkran cultural procession, Lanna dance performances and a Buddha-bathing ceremony in the Laan Prempreedee celebration grounds. There will also be the Kad Mua (Local Market) held on April 13-14. The Songkran Lanna Festival Package features a minimum two-night stay in a Deluxe Room with a private balcony, daily breakfast buffet for two guests complete with three Lanna-inspired signature dishes and an Alaskan Crab Dinner Buffet at Latest Recipe on April 13. Booking is till April 12 for stays from April 12-4. The resort has collaborated with Kitsinee Thanwarukkit, a celebrated Chiang Rai artist whose work was featured on the international stage at the Thailand Biennale. Under the evocative theme "Joy of Pi Mai Muang", Kitsinee has created a limited-edition commemorative keepsake that captures the festive spirit of the Lanna New Year. A bespoke memento will be gifted to guests staying from April 13–15. Latest Recipe will serve khao chae until April 30.
15th anniversary / The St. Regis Bangkok / Until April 30
The St. Regis Bangkok marks its 15th anniversary with the Royal Suite Anniversary Celebration. Set on the 24 th floor and spanning 250m², the Royal Suite offers expansive living and dining spaces with sweeping views of the golf course and Bangkok skyline. Created for a truly memorable escape, the experience includes dining credit per night, a private in-room Champagne sabering ritual performed by a St. Regis Butler, and round-trip luxury limousine transfers in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, including airport transfer or travel to a local residence within 20km. Each stay is further enhanced by the brand’s signature 24-hour Butler Service. Bookings are until April 30 for stays until Dec 23. The celebration will continue with Viu Luminary Brunch: The Astor Legacy, a refined Sunday gathering held on April 26.
Extended stay / Centara Hotels & Resorts / Until June 30
Centara Hotels & Resorts introduces "A Place To Pause", a long-stay available for booking until June 30, for stays until Sept 30. The campaign offers extended stays across Centara’s worldwide properties, which include long-stay room rates, enhanced savings and rewarding in-stay benefits. CentaraThe1 Members enjoy an additional 15% savings, while guests staying 10 nights or more receive 10% hotel credit to spend on dining, drinks and spa treatments.
STUFF
New collection / Mouawad
Mouawad introduces the “Quattro Vola” fine jewellery collection, inspired by the poetic harmony of movement, symmetry and transformation, symbolised through four gracefully balanced wings reminiscent of a butterfly in flight. Featuring meticulously crafted pendants, earrings and rings, each piece emphasises lightness and fluidity, with minimal metal to allow diamonds to shine freely as the defining element. The collection reflects elegance, freedom and renewal, combining timeless design with exceptional craftsmanship to create luminous, contemporary heirlooms that transcend trends and celebrate enduring beauty.
New collection / Burberry
Burberry presents a new capsule collection created in collaboration with the Royal Collection Trust. Four new designs have been created in collaboration with the trust, a department of the Royal Household, to mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth. Burberry was worn by Queen Elizabeth throughout her reign and was awarded a Royal Warrant in 1955. The collaboration launches ahead of the largest-ever exhibition of Queen Elizabeth II’s fashion, opening at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace in April, which will feature Burberry designs worn by the late Queen.
New collection / H&M
H&M brings a fresh vision for a spring wardrobe, with a rich nostalgia and unexpected contrasts. The S/S 2026 womenswear collection embraces a playful and bold nostalgia, blending eras and influences into a powerful and liberating collection that rethinks spring dressing. Flashes of different eras – from the 80s through to the 90s to 00s – add surprise and intrigue across key items, create a wardrobe with a sense of history and culture. The collection celebrates the way modern wardrobes blend past and present, referencing back in unexpected and dynamic cycles.
Debut English track / Taemin
Korean soloist Taemin has debuted his first English-language track, “Long Way Home", which is a moody, atmospheric pop/R&B ballad that unfolds with cinematic intensity, exploring longing, distance and the quiet gravity of finding your way back. The release comes ahead of his highly anticipated performance at this year’s Coachella, where he will be the first Korean solo male artist to perform on the line-up. In addition, he became the first K-pop artist to be part of Amazon Music’s “In The Paint” performance series in partnership with the NBA, and the first solo artist to have an exhibition dedicated to him at the Grammy Museum.
New lip balm / Celine Beauté
Initiated with the launch of the satin lipstick, Le Rouge Celine collection is being enriched in April with eight matte-finish lip balms: One universal shade and seven tinted shades with buildable colour. Celine Beauté reinforces a French idea of femininity and allure in an extension of the CELINE Haute Parfumerie codes. Refillable and timeless objects, the lip balms are dressed in faceted silver cases and embossed with the Triomphe, the Maison’s emblem, and are infused with black rose oil extract and hyaluronic acid spheres.
Silk and Songkran / Jim Thompson
Ditch the usual Hawaiian shirts and go more stylish with this Songkran-inspired collection from Jim Thompson. The collection serves as a stylish travelogue, beautifully intertwining contemporary design with the enchanting allure of Thai heritage. Expect prints and patterns inspired by murals from ancient temples and natural beauty from water, flowers to pineapple. Made from breathable fabrics to ensure comfort and style for Thailand's seemingly all-year summer. These patterns are also featured on bags, accessories and home decor.
