Amari Pulse

The Chinese New Year is a time for families to come together and reconcile by forgetting all grudges, and celebrating the themes of happiness, wealth, and longevity. In addition to making amends – feasts abound as do fireworks. But where should you celebrate the Year of the Rabbit on February 3rd?  

• Head to the Beach

Why not escape from the city for a bit and head to the shores of exotic Pattaya?  Whatever you fancy – you’re sure to find it here. From pulse pumping parties to relaxing island getaways the ‘Vegas’ of Thailand has you covered during the Chinese New Year. 

• Head to the Club

If you’re looking for a little excitement the nightlife scene of Bangkok is sure to deliver. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in style at Bangkok’s club paradise RCA – or if you’re not feeling the younger crowds – head Thong Lo and Ekkamai for a taste of ‘la vida loco’ served with refinement.  

• Head to the Hills

Leave the crowds behind and head to Chiang Mai for a chill holiday with a touch of culture. Thailand’s original Lanna Kingdom is so chill – that you might not want to return to the chaos of the big city after experience a Northern style Chinese New Year. 

Valentine’s Day – held on February 14th – is a celebration of love and affection between intimate companions and a great excuse to party regardless of whether you’re in a relationship or not. Thailand embraces this Western holiday to the max and there is certainly no shortage of romantic places. 

• Romantic Riverside Dinner

Take your honey just before sunset and enjoy a feast on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Quaint dining venues abound and the succulent seafood served here is to die for. Afterwards hop on a river boat for a romantic starlit cruise.

• Romantic Market Tour

Drop by for an evening stroll with your special someone at Suan Lum Night Bazaar. This bustling night market is a shopping and entertainment icon in Bangkok and the perfect place to shop for romantic gifts.

• Romantic Club Night

If you’re single Valentine’s Day is probably not your favourite holiday. Head to Sukhumvit Soi 11 for some action packed clubbing and perhaps you’ll find that special someone to celebrate with next year. 

Looking for that one of a kind gift to commemorate your holiday in Bangkok? You’re in luck – because we did all the hard work and scoured the never ending mélange of markets in Thailand’s capital city to bring you this list of cool stuff to take home. 

Dress Socks

OK, we know this list is supposed to be ‘cool’ stuff – but you really can’t underestimate the importance of dress socks. We’ve found that the designer department store brands quickly grow holes – so why not stock up for this war of attrition? Reasonably priced at around 40 THB per pair – you can score loads for cheap.

Random Art

Whether you’re a connoisseur of the finer things in life or someone with simpler tastes – the Bangkok street art scene has something for you. Want a commissioned painting of Barak Obama shaking hands with Elvis or a subtle hand printed beer Singha placemat? You can find them in Bangkok. Be sure to pick up a tuk tuk sculpture constructed entirely of recycled beer cans – a gift that is sure to please.    

Thai Silk Ties

Again, ties don’t exactly strike one as ‘cool’ – but what’s cooler than a bright pink elephant pattern silk tie? Merchants selling this essential masculine accessory abound and comparatively speaking they are cheap – plus most come with matching cuff links and handkerchief – with elephant print of course.   

Wooden Frog Stick

You can’t miss these vocal contraptions and their purveyors around various tourist areas of Bangkok. Look for the person dressed in traditional hill tribe garb and listen for a high-pitched croak. Arguably, the most annoying device ever conceived – these wooden frogs bellow when stroked with a stick. Take one home and show your noisy neighbours who the boss really is.  

Virgin Organic Coconut Oil 

Take this soothing ointment back to your homeland and amaze your friends with its healthful properties. The latest craze among Thai people – this beneficial oil is good for hair and skin, helps relieve stress, increases immunity, and could perhaps hold the secrets to world peace. Well, not really – but it is great stuff and will surely make your friends jealous.   

This list is by no means exhaustive or sensible – but it is a good start for shoppers that want to get the most out of Bangkok. Stay tuned for part two.