The flavours of travel are experienced through tasting local food and seeing unseen places. Travelling like a local is the best way to learn and experience what a country has to offer. Don’t have enough time? Visiting a floating market provides a quick glimpse of this in just one short trip. Heading further south of Bangkok, Song Khlong Floating Market at Wat Taling Chan, a well-known floating market in Taling Chan, uniquely combines the riverside lifestyle of the locals with nature. Recently, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the market launched the "Wow

One of the most iconic spots along the Chao Phraya River is embracing a new landmark, revived from the glorious past, as The Langham unveils its luxurious landing in the Kingdom in 2026. Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, have announced the opening of The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok, set to debut in 2026. This luxurious addition to the famous Chao Phraya River will showcase the best of Langham’s world-class service and hospitality. The Customs House building, located in Bang Rak District, is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful heritage sites. Designed in a neo-Palladian style by architect Joachim Grassi, the building has stood elegantly since 1888. Its teak floors, grand central staircase, and impressive four-story hallway are remarkable examples of its historical significance. Once considered a gateway to Thailand, the Customs House has a storied past, hosting royal family soirées and celebrating King Rama V’s return from his European travels. The restoration will revitalize this historic building, transforming it into a world-class destination that blends cultural significance with modern luxury. Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, “We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company’s dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation make it the ideal partner to further our vision of setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region while honoring the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and Bang Rak District.” LHG’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob van den Oord, added, “The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate.” The restoration will feature signature Langham elements, providing a luxurious and extraordinary hospitality experience. The hotel will house T’ang Court, Langham’s three Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant from Hong Kong, a unique destination bar, and an outlet dedicated to world-class pastry creations. Guests will also enjoy rejuvenating treatments at Chuan Spa, Langham’s renowned wellness retreat. We eagerly await the unveiling of this new landmark! The Langham Hotels & Resorts Website: LanghamHotels.com Facebook: @thelanghamhotels Instagram: @langhamhotels X: @thelanghamhotel

Jungceylon Shopping Center is now ready to unveil its refreshed look with new immersive concepts to elevate the retail experience for worldwide visitors. After undergoing extensive renovation, Jungceylon, one of Phuket’s largest malls, is set to unveil its new appearance following an asset enhancement initiative (AEI) to reposition the mall as “The Oasis of Shopping in Patong” – a one-stop destination offering fresh and immersive concepts in this lively and convenient locale. Mr. Prawit Janyasittikul, Chief Executive Officer of Phuket Square Co., Ltd., which manages Jungceylon, said, “We are delighted to mark Jungceylon’s new chapter with the completion of the AEI, which includes a full transformation of the mall, from refreshed and reconfigured spaces to new retail concepts. The development and renovation plan began in 2022, covering over 200,000 sqm with an investment of over 1 billion baht. The shopping mall now boasts over 300 stores fully operational across all four distinct zones, each thoughtfully decorated with nature themes to evoke a sense of freshness and relaxation.” It’s not only Jungceylon’s revamp; the hotel adjoining the mall, formerly known as Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, has also undergone a complete makeover and has been rebranded as M Social Phuket. Additionally, the highlights of the new look include four zones curated for multifunctional purposes and diverse interests. The Jungle Zone: A four-story building along Patong Road 2, beside the main entrance to the shopping mall, and connected to M Social Phuket. It is decorated with the concept of "Amid the Shady Trees," featuring a tropical resort mall style with lush greenery and wildlife-themed architecture and interior design. The Botanica Zone: A three-story building adjacent to Patong Road 3 and M Social Phuket, decorated with the theme "Color of Flower Blooming." This zone adds a vibrant touch with flower sculptures and gazebos in a modern park style. The main anchors are Big C, Robinson Department Store, and SF Cinema, featuring numerous fashion brand stores. The Bay Zone: A semi-outdoor multipurpose area in the heart of the shopping mall, with a "Sense of Sea Breeze" theme. It features a large junk boat and art sculptures of dolphins and whales in a central pool, surrounded by schools of fish and colorful jellyfish, creating an exciting and vibrant oasis. This area hosts promotional events and showcases leading stores such as Shabushi, McDonald's, Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Le Siam, KFC, Tim Hortons, and Superdry. The Garden Zone: Spanning over 4,700 sqm, this zone is connected to the entrance from Patong Road 3 and leads to The Bay Zone. It is a hub for international restaurants, lifestyle cafés, and chic hangout spots, decorated with the concept of "A Green Mythical Romance" and accentuated by Phuket's Sino-Portuguese shophouses in a modern classic style. The Garden Zone offers a spacious and relaxing atmosphere, akin to being in a beautiful garden. It includes leading restaurants such as Hachiban Ramen, The Thai Food Factory, Zen, Urban Food, Spoon, Wine Connection, Spice House, Wabi Sabi, Churrasco, Taco Bell, McDonald's, Roxane Café, Yayoi, Irish Time Pub, Greyhound Café,

Uniquely known as a boutique destination nestled in the heart of Krabi, Red Ginger Chic Resort has recently partnered with Tolani Hotels, a renowned hospitality management company, and continues to offer vibrant and playful vibes, especially for family escapes.This significant collaboration aims to elevate its exceptional service and unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the world. Ms. Kasmaporn Limpanapongthep, Owner Representative of Red Ginger Chic Resort, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to work alongside Tolani Hotels to embark on this new chapter for Red Ginger Chic Resort by Tolani. With their expertise, we will exceed our guests' expectations and deliver extraordinary experiences."With expertise in the hospitality industry and attentiveness to details, Tolani Hotel is a perfect match for Red Ginger Chic Resort’s contemporary accommodations and eco-friendly amenities. It also retains their Asian finest touches from accommodation to dining experiences, providing service up to global standards. 🔗 www.redgingerkrabi.com 🔗 www.tolanihotels.com

Thonglor has been an ideal area for buzzing life as it is a renowned happening part in the heart of Sukhumvit, Bangkok, with a wide range of options to suit a modern lifestyle. SCOPE Promsri recently celebrated the grand opening ceremony with exclusive guests and celebrities. This low-rise condominium in the neighbourhood of Thonglor defines itself as the epitome of modern luxury living and uniquely stands out with its design, especially the impeccable interior with a touch of world-class designer brand. SCOPE Promsri www.scopepromsri.com ☎ Tel: +66 (0) 2821 5664

Brings together real and virtual experiences at a destination Preparations around 70% complete “We’re taking destination development to a new level and creating real and virtual experiences never before seen. We want The HAPPITAT at The Forestias to be a place in people’s hearts – a place where they create unforgettable memories and to which they constantly return with the same sense of anticipation and excitement as their very first visit.” “The HAPPITAT will be a place that’s magical, filled with surprise moments, and one that creates happiness for people across all ages.” Ms. Orada Kerdhong, President – Storied Place, MQDC Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), the developer of the 398-rai ‘The Forestias’ town, today, announced that it is building at The Forestias’ a themed destination, named The HAPPITAT, that is the first to bring together real and virtual experiences across a very large footprint and which aims to add a new dimension to people’s experiences at a destination. Ms. Orada Kerdhong, President – Storied Place, MQDC, said, “We’re creating a phenomenon with the HAPPITAT – one that takes destination development to a new level. The HAPPITAT will be a place to which people will want to return constantly because every visit will give them new experiences as a result of a year-round calendar of indoor and outdoor activities, a rich mix of lifestyle pursuits, and, in the future, the integration of virtual reality experiences across many aspects. Our goal is to have people feel, at every visit, the same excitement and pleasure of discovery as their first visit, no matter what they have come to do, but still combine it with a feeling of warm and comfortable familiarity.” “It’s why we’ve called it the HAPPITAT – a combination of the words ‘habitat’ and ‘happiness’,” she said. The HAPPITAT’s footprint of almost 60 rai includes the forest at the heart of The Forestias, numerous gardens, parade grounds, hundreds of shops, and food-and-beverage and other service outlets, learning and entertainment facilities, cultural and social facilities, multiple market places, a science museum, as well as offices. The HAPPITAT includes three buildings that, together, comprise around 211,000 square metres of gross floor area. Ms. Orada said that MQDC engaged some of the world’s most eminent international experts in destination planning as well as in entertainment to draw up the HAPPITAT’s masterplan. “It’s an ingenious layout that lets people move from a cityscape and ‘city life’ along the main highway at the entrance of The Forestias, through various stages that ultimately brings a visitor to quiet nature at the edge of the 30-rai forest. It’s a fulfilling journey from ‘busy urban environment’ to ‘extraordinary natural environment’.” She said that “the horizontal movement from city life to deep forest takes people through “a route in which there are multiple magical experiences throughout. The journey can be enjoyed as a whole, from end to end, or a visitor can linger along the way and simply enjoy parts of the journey, or enter and exit the journey at any point. And, in the future, with the

As travel restrictions have been eased, Phuket Old Town is filling with tourists once again. Nevertheless, if you prefer hanging around quieter spots, or are just wishing to take a break from the crowds, here are our picks of not-so-touristy places in the old part of town for quality experiences.   Museum Phuket The museum has long been located in the Old Town, but you may have walked past it many times without realising it as it sits within a beautiful Sino-Portuguese building. The museum showcases stories of Phuket’s rich history, Peranakan culture, Chinese influences and much more that will all help you appreciate and enjoy the island even more.   Drawing Room Phuket Drawing Room Phuket is an art space with a slow bar serving handcrafted coffee made with an intelligent choice of coffee beans, as well as non-coffee drinks. If you are an epicurean, you should stop by when you are in town.   Rosa Sweets & Chocolate Rosa is a new paradise for those with a sweet tooth! When you enter the shop, you will be delighted by the myriad choices of craft chocolate. There is seating so you may slowly indulge into some sweet treats, and coffee and chocolate drinks are offered here as well. You may even like to opt for a bottle of Prosecco to pair with your choice of confection.   Pop Espresso Phuket This coffeehouse delivers the fine aromas and flavours of coffee, to be selected from an array of well-chosen beans and then transformed into a heavenly cuppa using either the pour-over method or with an Aram Espresso Maker. If you are looking for a spot to sip and chat, discover new coffee flavours and take a break from the outside sun, this is the place for you.   Cloud Markt It is neither a grocery store, restaurant nor bar, but a terrific combination of all three! Open day to night, you will find local products like snacks and aromatic candles here and be able to enjoy tasty dishes, light bites and a range of drinks including craft beer, kombucha cocktails and natural wines with cold cuts to accompany those.     Text and Photos by Pakvipa Rimdusit

The influence of Peranakan culture is one the biggest cultural charms to be discovered on Phuket. The province was once a destination for numerous immigrant Chinese who married with locals and merged their cultures into a harmonious blend, even incorporating some of the Western influences which had started to seep through. Even though the heart of Peranakan culture is still Singapore and Malaysia, the southern region of Thailand is rich with multiculturalism and Peranakan culture is most prominent in Phuket. Whether it’s Peranakan cuisine or architecture you would like to delve into, there are a number of places to experience them on Phuket. There are, however, two very elegant Peranakan manors that are eminent and not-to-be-missed.   Baan Ar-Jor HISTORY: The three-storey mansion was built by Chinese tin-mining businessman Tan Jin Nugn in 1936. He was not only a successful entrepreneur, but a man who lived a compelling life. The house remained intact throughout decades of its occupants’ trials and tribulations, was abandoned for some more decades, and then thankfully revived by the original owner’s great-grandsons in more recent times. They have turned the mansion into a living museum that showcases rare collectibles and unveils the rich story of the family. The mansion-turned-museum’s name comes from the word ‘Ar-Jor’, which means 'great-grandparent'. STYLE: Peranakan architecture with a nostalgic ambience and décor, surrounded by tranquil greenery. HIGHLIGHTS: The mansion is home to Michelin-recommended Toh-Daeng Restaurant, which serves authentic Phuket dishes made from the family’s recipes which have been passed down for generations. All proceeds from the entrance fee (THB 200 per person) will be given to Baan Mai Khao School to support educational purposes. Artwork by the young students of Baan Mai Khao School are displayed at the museum, delightful to see and heart-touching. The mansion is also a homestay, so you can enjoy a very unique stay on the island. LOCATION: A few minutes’ walk from Mai Khao Beach. WEBSITE: www.baanarjor.com   Baan Chinpracha HISTORY: The manor was built during the reign of King Rama V by Phra Pitak Chinpracha, a prosperous tin-mining businessman who was also a philanthropist. He lived in Malaysia prior to settling down in Phuket, and brought many Peranakan and Western influences with him, such as Western-style furniture imported from British Malaya (present-day Malaysia). The manor is considered to be the most beautiful and well-preserved Sino-Portuguese building in Phuket, and the descendants of the original owner still live here. STYLE: A Melaka-inspired Peranakan manor with luxurious architectural details. The architecture lets plenty of natural light in, since the house was built when there was no electricity available. The building was constructed with a traditional version of cement that allows breathability, and the pond in the centre framed by an arch not only acts as a visual delight but also serves to collect rainwater. There are more architectural details to amaze visitors, which they can learn about during their visit. HIGHLIGHTS: The kitchen preserves its original look and functions, and displays rarely-seen kitchen ware. Numerous antiques, collected for over a century, are showcased alongside a collection of intriguing vintage photos.

As tourism is flourishing again, the world's largest multi-attraction pass, Go City, has made an exciting debut of 'Go City Bangkok' – value-for-money travel passes with access to a number of top attractions and experiences in the vibrant metropolis. Go City's unique passes offer the opportunity to see the best of a city, from the top sights to unique off-the-beaten-path experiences, all at a massive savings. There are two options for the Go City Bangkok pass, each designed for a different type of travel style. Presently, the Go City Bangkok passes allows access to these unmissable experiences: King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk, Chinatown Food Tour and Bangkok Pub Tour, Ayutthaya Day Tour, Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise, Tuk Tuk Tour, and authentic Thai massage experiences. In the near future, Go City is planning to add more lifestyle options into the mix like stunning sky bars, mouth-watering food and beverages options, and others. On top of that, for Thai travellers who is taking a trip overseas, Go City has also expanded attraction options in various cities including London, New York, Paris, Stockholm, and Sydney. The Bangkok's All-Inclusive pass lets spontaneous customers maximise their visits and see as much of the city as they can for a set number of days. An Adult 2-Day All-Inclusive Pass is priced at THB 2,999 (approximately USD 89). The Explorer Pass offers flexibility for your exploration across 60 days, which you can choose ahead of time or upon arrival. An Adult 3-Choice Explorer Pass is priced at THB 1,899 (approximately USD 57). To learn more or make a purchase, visit GoCity.com/Bangkok, or download the Go City app from the App Store or Google Play.