Guru By Bangkok Post's weekly pick of the most exciting products, activities, food and travel to indulge in.
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Songkran festivities / Silom / April 12-14
Silom adds a new dimension to the 2026 festivities with "CP Splash To Space" at CP Tower Silom from April 12–14. The space-themed festival is inspired by CPF's "Thai Chicken Mission To Space" programme and will bring a range of live performances and interactive activities. Highlights include an appearance by Mix Chaloemsri on April 12, a performance by T-pop group iZ on April 13 and an international Pride parade on April 14.
Songran festivities / Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok / April 13-14
Soak, sip and celebrate as Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok at the "Splash On, Spritz On", a two-day, sun-soaked Songkran party in collaboration with Aperol Spritz. On April 13-14, expect water-fights, feel-good beats, delicious bites and cocktails. A line-up of classic Thai and Songkran street food favourites will be on offer.
Songkran festivities / Banyan Tree Krabi / April 13
Banyan Tree Krabi introduces the "Songkran International BBQ Dinner" on April 13, featuring Thai cuisine, sizzling barbecue bites and spectacular live entertainment to welcome in the Thai New Year. Highlights include a live carving station with slow-roasted Angus spare ribs and a live barbecue station with fresh local lobster, tiger prawns, mussels, veal sausage, BBQ beef skewers and grilled turmeric chicken. Daytime activities include a traditional Buddhist alms-giving ceremony.
Songkran festivities / Centara Reserve Samui / April 12-13
Centara Reserve Samui presents a two-day programme shaped around how the Thai New Year is meant to be enjoyed. On April 12, enjoy the Songkran Beachfront Brunch at Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen with a drum parade moving through the resort before live DJ and band performances lead into water celebrations along the shoreline. April 13 begins with monks leading the Rod Nam Dum Hua blessing ceremony, followed by a traditional procession and eases into Songkran water celebrations across the property. In the evening, Act 5 – The Grill presents a Songkran buffet dinner, featuring Thai live music, dances and a fire show. An outdoor cocktail bar continues the celebration offering locally inspired drinks and a guest mixologist’s four-cocktail tasting flight.
Songkran festivities / Meliá Chiang Mai / April 11-17
Meliá Chiang Mai’s Mai Restaurant & Bar marks the Thai New Year with a "Songkran Special Edition" menu from April 11-17. Dishes range from spicy grilled scallop salad and baked black pork with Thai oregano to grilled Australian beef ribeye with fermented shrimp paste curry sauce. Mai The Sky Bar will host the “Skykran Festival” from April 13-15 with Songkran-inspired cocktails accompanied by live music.
Songkran festivities / Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong / April 11-15
From April 11–15, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong transforms its outdoor terrace into a lively, temple fair-inspired setting in celebration of Songkran. The experience combines traditional Thai treats with interactive activities such as water blessing rituals, games and themed dress moments, accompanied by music. At Sato San Rooftop Bar from April 13-15, the “Songkran Bite N Bucket Splash", offers light bites and a selection of beverages. Throughout April, Sato San Rooftop Bar introduces “Banana Jardin by Bally Chanoknart”, a limited-time beverage concept that highlights a more mindful approach to ingredients. Guided by the idea of reducing waste, the creation reimagines banana from fruit to finish — bringing a second life to elements often overlooked — while combining notes of cognac, spice and citrus for a balanced profile. The Moxy Rice Bowl Truck serves comfort-driven bowls every Friday and Saturday, while Kub Klaem at the outdoor terrace offers light sharing bites. The “Splashing With Me", its drink of the month, is on offer at Moxy Bar & Restaurant.
Songkran festivities / Banyan Tree Samui / April 11-15
At Banyan Tree Samui every evening from April 11-15, Saffron restaurant will feature a Songkran set menu. On April 13, the resort will host a "Streets Of Samui BBQ Buffet Food Market", which will also include a traditional Thai dance performance. From April 13-15, The Edge will offer a special Floating Breakfast buffet.
Songkran festivities / Aman Nai Lert Bangkok / April 10-20
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok's 1872 welcomes Songkran with a curated selection of seasonal Thai dishes. From April 10-20, 1872 presents a selection of dishes rooted in the flavours of Thai summer like Yum ma muang pla foo, Gai tom rakum, Yum mang kud goong pao and Kanom jeen sao nam.
Songkran festivities / Innside By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit / April 13-15
At Innside By Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, Songkran festivities range from a traditional water-pouring ceremony and a long-drum parade to mango bites and temple-style ice-cream. The hotel will offer a complimentary "Songkran Fun Flow" corner for in-house guests with mango bites and local dips from April 13-15 at The Kites Eatery. The hotel will host the ceremony and parade and offer ice cream, made by shaking metal tubes filled with flavoured drinks in a container of ice and salt, on April 15. Employees will also don creative Songkran styles as part of a contest.
Songkran festivities / Centara Grand at CentralWorld / Until April 19
Running until April 19, the Thai New Year line-up brings together heritage rituals, culinary highlights and rooftop festivities across Centara Grand at CentralWorld. "Songkran Above Bangkok" offers a mix of tradition and contemporary. The Buddha Bathing Ceremony will be held at the Sky Lobby until April 15, while the Sabai Thai Elegance Experience is available from April 9–19. From April 11–15, the Champagne Bubble Party at Cru Champagne Bar brings a lively atmosphere to the skyline, pairing music with sweeping views of Bangkok at sunset. On April 12, the Songkran Pool Party at the Pool Deck and Lotus Garden transforms the space into a vibrant temple fair. The Ya Dom Herbal Workshop at Tea & Tipple on April 14 introduces Thailand’s beloved herbal inhaler tradition through an interactive session.
Songkran festivities / Meliá Pattaya Hotel / April 13-15
Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s Lay Beach Club will usher in the Thai New Year with pool parties, live DJs, a foam cannon, dancers, fire shows and more. The Songkran Pool Party will be held from April 13-15. The Lay Beach Club Foam Pool Party on April 16 and April 19 will feature a foam cannon, dancers and a fire dance show. Daybed and cabana deals on April 13-15 and April 19 and table drinks packages ranging from cocktail towers to beer buckets on April 16 will be on offer.
Songran festivities / Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa / April 12–14
On April 13, the “Songkran Family Dinner Buffet” will be served at Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa's Amber Kitchen. The evening will be enhanced by classical Thai dance performances. On April 12 and April 14, experience a “Beach BBQ Dinner” with sizzling grilled meats and seafood, plus an enticing selection of à la carte dishes and a dramatic fire show on the beach. From April 12–14, guests will be welcomed with a Buddha water blessing ceremony. On April 13, celebrations begin with a beachside merit‑making ceremony, followed by a lively Songkran parade and water-splashing, traditional Thai games and fun activities.
Songkran festivities / Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort / April 10-15
Celebrate the spirit of the Thai New Year at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort through culture, cuisine and curated experiences. Experience the magic of Songkran through a bespoke theatrical performance, "The Eternal Siam" at Sala Lakorn from April 10-15. Step aboard Manohra Cruises or the restored antique rice barges for a refined evening on the river from April 10-15 to enjoy cultural showcases. At Benihana Riverside, choose the special set menu featuring premium Wagyu striploin (MS 6/7), jumbo tiger prawns and a dramatic pork krapao flambé being served from April 10-15. The Songkran Saturday Brunch: The Sizzling Edition will be served on April 11 at Benihana, bringing "Eatertainment" to a whole new level.
Songkran festivities / Avani Ratchada Bangkok / April 14
Avani Ratchada Bangkok will offer the "Family Day Brunch" on April 14 at One Ratchada Restaurant. The brunch brings together a generous selection of premium seafood on ice, including Alaskan king crab, fresh oysters, river prawns and clams, alongside live grill specialties, BBQ highlights and signature dishes such as Peking duck. A curated spread of international buffet favourites completes the experience, with a special "Come 4, Pay 3" offer.
MSL Thailand / Lido Connect / April 18
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) has launched the MLBB Super League (MSL) Thailand and unveiled the 2026 MLBB Thailand Esports Roadmap. The launch marked Thailand's reintegration into MLBB's global esports ecosystem, as part of the game's five-region ecosystem overhaul strategy. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of MLBB, Moonton Games' flagship title. Thailand has also been announced as the host of the M8 World Championship Wild Card Stage. MSL Thailand will kick off on April 18 at Lido Connect, where the Regular Season will run five weeks of high-stakes competition. The inaugural league tournament will feature eight teams: Full Sense, Bacon Time, Buriram United Esports, Solyx, eArena, Tenacity, Hydra and King Of Gamers Club, joined by ACT Esports Club and Valee Thai Esports, the two teams that emerged victorious from the MSL Thailand Open Qualifiers. The champion of MSL Thailand will earn a place at the MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) at the Esports World Cup 2026, beginning their journey at the MSC Wild Card Stage. The second-place team will compete in the MLBB Challenge Cup Mekong (MCCM) alongside teams from Vietnam, Timor-Leste, Laos and Brunei, where the champion will also secure a coveted slot in the MSC Wild Card at EWC26. The event also unveiled a new pathway for aspiring female Thai athletes with the launch of the MLBB Women's International Thailand Qualifiers, which will determine the country's representative for the MWI at the Esports World Cup 2026.
Summer botanicals / Spa InterContinental / Until June 30
The 75-minute Summer Botanical Bliss therapy at Spa InterContinental at InterContinental Bangkok, delivers an instant glow thanks to essential oils and wildcrafted botanicals designed to repair and hydrate the epidermis in an all-natural way. The therapy begins with Aromatic Release Massage and concludes with a finishing Facial Mist that has been infused with six wildcrafted Thai botanicals. Available until June 30.
Global photography dialogue / Foto Bali Festival 2026 / June 3 to July 12
From nearly 700 submissions across more than 80 countries, Foto Bali Festival 2026, presented by Nuanu Creative City, announces the 36 selected artists for its second edition. Taking place from June 3 to July 12 at Nuanu Creative City, Bali, the festival will feature works by 36 artists from 24 countries. Under the theme "Afterimage", the festival brings together works that explore memory, continuity, and the ways images persist beyond the moment they capture. Moving between personal narratives and broader reflections on history, identity, and collective experience, the selected projects consider how photographs continue to shape meaning over time.
Footie campaign / Fifa World Cup 2026 / Until April 25
To launch Closeup Gold (limited edition), Closeup has launched the "Closeup Go For Gold" lucky draw campaign, offering up to 20 free tickets to experience the Fifa World Cup 2026 live at the stadium. Until April 25, Purchase any Closeup products at stores nationwide where it provides printed or E-receipt. Scan the QR code or register via the brand’s Facebook or Tiktok channels. Each receipt counts as one entry (no limit on registration entries per person). Participants are eligible to win multiple tickets if multiple unique entries submitted by the same individual are drawn. Increase your chances of winning by creating a photo or video to answer, “Which national team do you want to be ‘Closeup' to?". Publish it publicly on any social media with the hashtag #CloseupTHGoForGold to receive one additional entry per receipt (limited to one bonus content entry per receipt).
Coffee masterclass / Ikea x Nespresso Thailand / April 11-15
Ikea Thailand has partnered with Nespresso to invite Ikea Family members to beat the summer heat with the "Masterclass With Ikea | Nespresso" workshop. At the workshop, Ikea Family members will learn to craft iced coffee drinks, along with professional barista tips they can easily recreate at home. Workshop participants will also receive a Nespresso discount voucher and an Ikea cash coupon. Sample a Nespresso coffee menu and get a Nespresso Cooler Bag and Barista Ice Cube Tray with any coffee machine purchase. The workshop kicks off on April 11 at Ikea Sukhumvit, followed by Ikea Bang Na on April 12–13 and wraps up at Ikea Bang Yai on April 14–15.
Urban art / MRKreme / April 13-19
MRKreme, whose real name is Worakan "Andy" Jongthanapipat, is a Thai–Hong Kong artist and creator of the Mushkin character. He teams up with ArtXP, an art community dedicated to artists’ stories through Art + Experience, to launch “MRKreme: The Furryways” Thailand Tour, their first nationwide art tour in an interactive pop-up showcase format. Bringing whimsical creatures from the Kooky World universe into the real city, the project debuts in Bangkok’s historic Song Wat district from April 13–19. Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative aims to establish a new cultural landmark that connects contemporary art with local community identity in a meaningful and sustainable way. A key highlight lies in a series of live graffiti painting sessions in each city, where MRKreme draws inspiration from local identity, culture and each province’s unique “hidden gems”. The experience begins with mysterious traces and “Lost & Found” posters scattered throughout alleyways and building corners, inviting the public to step into the role of detectives in search of hidden creatures tucked within the community’s urban gaps. From April 18–19, the experience culminates in a live painting where the artist creates graffiti works on-site, transforming local cultural symbols into vibrant, living artworks from 11am-6pm. Adding to the spectacle, a whimsical furry graphic train will travel through Song Wat’s iconic spots, inviting everyone to fully immerse themselves in this imaginative world. The Song Wat district marks the starting point of the “MRKreme: The Furryways” Thailand Tour, which will continue across five key destinations including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Rayong and Udon Thani from April 13 to May 24.
EAT
Afternoon tea / The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Up & Above Restaurant and Bar of The Okura Prestige Bangkok has launched the “Haru Afternoon Tea", which pays tribute to Japanese spring. Begin with an array of sweet creations designed to evoke the imagery of a garden in full bloom, like Sakura mochi and Japanese dango. Continue with the Cherry and cream cheese Mont Blanc tart and Strawberry almond and mascarpone mousse cake. Savoury delicacies include Aka ebi with red dragon fruit and ebiko, Rose, lychee, ikura and yuzu, Chiang Mai tomato bloody mary and the Phuket coconut, watermelon and cream cheese.
Afternoon tea / Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok / Until June 30
Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok is offering the Summer Tropical Afternoon Tea at Sip & Co. and The Lobby Lounge, featuring a delightful assortment of sweet and savoury treats, and indulge in a special cocktail collection inspired by Seoul at Anju Korean Rooftop Restaurant & Bar.The Summer Tropical Afternoon Tea offers Mexican grilled shrimp with avocado salsa, scallop with lychee and yuzu, smoked salmon with summer fruits and Tub Tim Siam pomelo salad. Sweet treats include Peach Melba, tropical young coconut mousse, shine muscat lychee jelly and more, paired with Araksa teas.
Khao chae / Centara Grand / Until April 9
Centara Grand at CentralWorld will offer khao chae until April 19 at Ventisi Restaurant and Tea & Tipple. The limited-time Khao Chae Ritual Experience, created in collaboration with Banya Thai Restaurant & Home Cooking. At Ventisi and Tea & Tipple, the set includes shrimp paste balls, stuffed sweet peppers with pork and shrimp, sweet shredded pork, sweet shredded fish, deep-fried shallots, and stir-fried sweet radish, each element prepared in keeping with the dish’s time-honoured character.
Seoul in a glass / Anju Korean Rooftop Restaurant & Bar / Until May 30
A refreshing cocktail journey from sunrise to sunset, inspired by Seoul’s iconic districts and the vibrant flavors of Korean summer, is available at Anju Korean Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. Discover three crafted cocktails: Seoul Sunrise Lychee, Gangnam Citrus Glow and Twilight Berry Han River. Shaken until May 30.
Jazzy brunch / Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit / Each Sunday in April
To honour 26 years of the Jazzy Brunch at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, each Sunday in April unfolds as a distinct themed celebration. On April 12, "The Grande Songkran Brunch Celebration" will feature the culinary heritage of Chiang Mai and the Nurse Quartet. On April 19, the brunch will feature a special collaboration with Kisso Japanese Restaurant at the The Westin Grande Sukhumvit and the Jazziam Band, who return with their “Summer Swing” programme. On April 26, the Sunday Jazzy Brunch 26th Anniversary will offer "Ocean To Your Plate" with Andaman crustaceans, Gulf of Thailand delicacies, live shellfish stations, premium caviar, and a show-stopping dessert spread that pays homage to 30 years of culinary celebration. The Warren Quartet takes the stage for the anniversary celebration, bringing a masterful blend of classic jazz standards and original compositions that honor the timeless spirit of Sunday Jazzy Brunch. There will also be a Charity Auction And Raffle with all proceeds donated to HDF Mercy Centre.
STAY
Golden Week offers / Song Saa Private Island / Until April 30
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia’s pioneering marine-positive private island resort, has unveiled a series of exclusive offers for Golden Week. Song Saa offers a separate package featuring 35% off villa rates, a complimentary villa upgrade based on availability upon arrival and a 20% discount on food, beverage and spa services. Families are welcomed with a "children-stay-free" policy, allowing up to two children below the age of 12 in one-bedroom villas and up to four children in two-bedroom villas. The Golden Week Offer requires a minimum stay of two nights, with bookings accepted until April 30 for stays between April 29 and May 6.
New hotels / Minor Hotels
Minor Hotels has announced Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel, with both properties representing firsts for the brand in India: first resort and first urban hotel. Scheduled to open in 2028, Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort will bring the brand’s immersive experiences and refined hospitality to the Unesco‑recognised Western Ghats. Set within a forested enclave near Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka, the 69‑key resort is designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte and draws on the region’s natural landscapes, coffee heritage and Kodava culture. The property facilities will feature four dining venues, swimming pool, lobby lounge and library, Anantara Spa and wellness centre, a fitness studio, meeting and event spaces and a kids’ club. Slated to open in 2032, the 170‑key Anantara Kolkata Hotel will anchor the World Trade Center Salt Lake Kolkata an-acre mixed-use development. The hotel will feature two restaurants, lobby lounge, flexible meeting and event spaces, and complementary leisure facilities, including Anantara Spa and wellness centre, gym and swimming pool.
STUFF
New collab / Onitsuka Tiger x Versace
Onitsuka Tiger's collaboration with Versace is inspired by the Onitsuka Tiger’s archive model, Tai-Chi. Crafted at Onitsuka Innovative Factory located in Tottori prefecture in the Sanin region, it utilises carefully selected Italian materials. Notable features include double stitch on the Onitsuka Tiger Stripes and Versace’s enduring Medusa symbol in studded embellishments on the tongue. The upper is treated with a washing process or buffing to achieve a vintage texture. The line-up includes loafers crafted in Italy as well and these special models embody a meticulous design realised through the fusion of Italian and Japanese craftsmanship.
The alchemist’s garden / Gucci
Gucci's The Alchemist’s Garden bridges alchemy with modern perfumery to create an innovative range of luxury scents. Inspired by the four alchemical stages — Substratum (Earth), Vaporum (Air), Liquidum (Water) and Ignis (Fire), two new creations emerge: Ylang Ambrato and Lignum Idealis Eaux de Parfum. Every scent in The Alchemist’s Garden is encapsulated in the collection’s signature bottles. The Substratum scents feature ingredients from the Earth in their rawest forms. The fragrances are encased in black bottles featuring animals and powerful symbols. In the Vaporum family, ingredients and molecules are gently refined through supercritical fluid extractions to reflect their aerial qualities, symbolised by white bottles and flying creatures. The Liquidum scents harness the ancient art of distillation to transform matter through the power of water. Each bottle is adorned with a mysterious symbol from Gucci’s magic garden. The Ignis scents create daring fragrances encased in red bottles, adorned with magical symbols and fantastical animals.
New collections / Burberry
Debuted on the Burberry Summer 2026 runway and crafted for life on the go, the new Rider bag combines timeless style with modern energy. The Rider bag has a soft structure crafted in Italy from premium calf leather. Signature shades of black, peat brown and soap beige are presented alongside the season’s statement python-effect leather, with whipstitched and fringed designs. The Rider is distinguished by a metal Knight closure and matching oval eyelets at the front flap. A leather top handle and detachable strap are designed for versatility, switching it from a handheld bag to a shoulder and crossbody style. Available in a small and medium. Celebrating 170 years, Burberry has refreshed its classic trench coats, car coats and jackets for summer in tropical gabardine. Timeless silhouettes include the Kensington, Waterloo and Fitzrovia trench coats, alongside the streamlined Camden car coat, presented in a seasonal colour palette of pale sugar pink and stone beige, or graphite grey for men. The women’s Mayfair trench jacket offers a sharp, cropped cut, while the Bloomsbury for men is Burberry’s take on the classic Harrington jacket.
Capsule collection / Sretsis Sawasdee Pimai Thai 2569
Sretsis celebrates the Thai New Year with the launch of “Sretsis Sawasdee Pimai Thai 2569”, a capsule collection that reimagines the beauty of traditional Thai Ikat textiles. Classic Ikat patterns are reinterpreted into fresh floral prints in soft shades of pale rose, peach and sky blue, capturing the gentle spirit of spring and the elegance of Thai heritage. Traditional sarongs are modernised for contemporary wear with invisible side zippers finished with Sretsis’ signature lace trimming, alongside adjustable side-tie styles designed for ease and versatility. The sarongs are styled with Sretsis lace-collar shirts for a modern attitude, cropped hand-embroidered knit cardigans for a playful femininity, and silk lace camisole blouses for an alluring touch suited to festive Thai occasions. In a further nod to Sretsis’ heritage, exclusively available at Sretsis Inn, Bangkok, the, the beloved ที่รัก and หวานใจ rings, meaning “Darling” and “Sweetheart” in Thai, make a return from the early 2000s.
New album / MCK
MCK, a defining voice in contemporary hip-hop in Vietnam, is back with a new album after a two-year hiatus. HVL takes MCK's fans through his life and music journey in three chapters — Pain, Chaos and Freedom. To celebrate his comeback, MCK and creative director Phuong Vu created a 360° album trailer, shot on iPhone 17 Pro, with easter eggs hidden throughout for fans to discover, decode and unlock exclusive content. Watch it on YouTube.
Earbuds colour / Bang & Olufsen
Bang & Olufsen introduces Beo Grace in honey tone, the latest colour expression of its new marquee sculptural wireless earbuds. Inspired by fine jewellery, the warm metallic finish brings subtle depth and radiance to Beo Grace’s design. The honey tone introduces a warmer expression that allows the earpiece to sit naturally alongside gold and rose gold accessories. Sculpted from polished aluminium and housed in a seamless, pearl-blasted charging case, it balances tactile elegance with everyday practicality, slipping into a pocket while remaining cool to the touch. Beo Grace delivers exceptional sound fidelity with a 12mm titanium driver at its heart, Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, Spatial Audio optimised for Dolby Atmos and crystal-clear calls, all within its compact form.
