Although it feels like the rain isn't going away any time soon, that isn't stopping some of Bangkok's favorite markets making a comeback this winter. If you're getting bored of Art Box, here's what's on offer this winter.
What: The fifth edition of the uber-popular market of the Old Town returns to the lawns of Museum Siam, bringing together all sorts of handmade, arts and craft stalls, home decor products, cassette and vinyl stores, pop-up book shops plus food and drinks. Bangkok Underground Film Festival, a new platform for independent and DIY filmmakers, is also set to launch at the open-air amphitheater. Last year saw some pretty awesome live performances at the arty music fest, ranging from the likes of Chladni Chandi, Zweedz n' Roll, Plastic Section and Polycat. And we're excited to see this year's lineup, especially when the organizers are promising even longer stage time this time around.
What: Although the organizers have been working on smaller projects throughout the year, nothing quite beats the hype of the original market that launched at the end of 2014. Returning to the awesome original venue, in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Bangkok Docklands Company Limited, the outdoor festivities will feature design products, pop-up cafes, art installation pieces, workshops and the chilled-out atmosphere by the river that we fell in love with.
What: Arguably the closest Bangkok ever gets to an actual Christmas market. The T77 Sansiri Community has been holding one of the best outdoor markets every year, and we're expecting the return this year to be even bigger than before. Expect Bangkok's best pop-up shops and food stores taking over the beautiful bridge that connects some of the latest residential projects together, with festive soundtracks from early evening till late. The end-of-year breeze is a bonus.
What: Because what would an end-of-year celebration be without massive sales on Boxing Day? This is by no means an outdoorsy market, but this brand-new handmade and design market, organized by the same team behind Zaap on Sale, is set to be one of the biggest, taking over the entire Royal Paragon Hall. A great way to find a special gift before 2015 comes to a close.
What: The mega indoor fashion market makes a return to Royal Paragon Hall with over 400 stalls to celebrate the end-of-year sale, bringing together online brands and boutique stores. You’ll definitely want to wear comfy shoes because there won’t be that much seating. Don’t expect a cheap stroll, either.
What: Here’s one for the art lovers. The weekend sees this new pop-up market take over the grounds of Hua Lamphong Station (think Made By Legacy last year). Expect lots of vintage items, handmade crafts, a small art exhibition as well as art workshops. There’s already a pretty huge food lineup too, plus some live indie music across the two days by singers from The Voice Thailand, Folkwhite, Fwends, Youth Brush and Pijika, to name a few.
When: Oct 31-Nov 1
State Railway of Thailand (Hua Lamphong Station), Rama 4 Rd. MRT Hua Lamphong
What: The bare industrial space on the sixth floor of Embassy turns into a creative market featuring appearances by fashion stores by art and design students, a mixed-media art installation by 56th Studio, a music zone, and a food and drink zone. Live DJs and bands like DCNXTR, Fwends, and Yellow Fang, to name a few.
When: Oct 31-Nov 1
6/F, Central Embassy, Phloen Chit Rd. BTS Phloen Chit
What: The second edition of the outdoor market for bike lovers at the riverside community mall, with booths selling parts, accessories and sports gears, plus a Night Bike Trip around Rattanakosin and a Bike painting workshop.
When: Oct 30-Nov 1
Tha Maharaj Community Mall, 11/1, Maharaj Rd. 02-866-3163. www.thamaharaj.com
What: Lamoon Project is taking over the defunct Wonderland Fun Park with two days of music, art, food and market festivities across an area of 25,000 square meters, promising an "American Indian" Theme and plenty of photography, graphic illustration and music performances by local artists like Praew Kanitkul, Aey The Voice, Yellow Fang, Plastic Plastic and many more.
