Celebrate Tet with Old Quarter-Style Market at This Hotel in Hanoi
By Lifestyle+Travel
The spirit of old Hanoi will sweep through the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi this month, as the hotel celebrates Tet with a traditional Old Quarter-style market from Jan. 17-19. The festivities continue with special culinary offerings beginning Jan. 24.
At the Tet market, food vendors on the hotel’s patio will sell authentic Vietnamese favourites, while children will be given traditional toys known as to he, edible figurines made from glutinous rice powder shaped to look like flowers and animals. Market-goers can also learn the art of classic Vietnamese calligraphy.
Wine, craft beer and other refreshments will also be on offer, as will souvenirs that visitors can take home as memories of the Vietnamese lunar new year. Traditional-style Vietnamese houses will also be erected in the hotel’s walkway outside La Boutique du Metropole, adding to the “Old Quarter” ambiance.
The Tet market at Metropole Hanoi is open to the public daily, and kicks off Friday, Jan. 17 at 4pm with an opening ceremony featuring a traditional dragon dance. The market continues on Jan. 18 and 19 from 11am to 8pm. More than 15 vendors will take part in this year’s bazaar. Special Metropole Tet hampers with luxury and gourmet items will be available for sale at the market and at L’Epicerie du Metropole from Jan. 6 onwards.
The hotel will host a cooking competition at the market at 5pm each day. On Jan. 17, contestants will vie to see who can create the most delicious “Chung cake” (a traditional Vietnamese rice cake) while Jan. 18 will witness a battle of banh cuon, and Jan. 19 will determine who is able to produce the tastiest spring rolls. Winners will receive a voucher for a complimentary homemade cake from L’Epicerie du Metropole.
A Vietnamese floral specialist from local boutique Liti Florist will host a flower workshop from 2pm to 4pm on Jan. 18.
An exclusive six-course Tet 2020 Gala Dinner at Spices Garden will be served on Jan. 24 featuring grilled oysters with shallots and roasted peanuts; blue prawn in a mild coconut soup; fresh yellow bamboo and beef salad; braised chinh fish with green banana; grilled pigeon and foie gras; and banana fritter, traditional Tet candied fruits and vanilla ice cream. The gala dinner is priced at 2.5 million VND.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Discovering A Lifestyle Destination
Discover the newest landmark in Bangkok through the launch of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store, a true lifestyle destination for discerning travelers. The grand opening of the Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store in One Bangkok's new retail zone, The Storeys, marks a significant milestone for both the iconic brand and this landmark destination in Bangkok. Spanning an impressive 550 sq.m. with a distinctive duplex design, the Lifestyle Store offers a refined blend of elegance and cultural touch. Its stylish, contemporary layout creates an experiential shopping journey, combining retail, dining, and cultural heritage. The spectacular event started with the arrivals of guests, including top executives from One Bangkok, Thai Airways, Central Group, Siam Piwat, EmQuartier, and top luxury hotels. Dignitaries such as Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and ambassadors from the United States, France, and Germany also attended, as well as representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The event was further elevated by the presence of notable Thai celebrities, including Anntonia Porsild, 1st Runner-Up of Miss Universe 2023, Kamonwarai ‘Pailiu’ Prajakrattanakul, and actors from Studio Wabi Sabi — Katsamonnat ‘Earth’ Namwirote, Tharathorn 'Oat' Phumpothingam, Methaphat ‘Tonliew’ Chimkul, and Saranvut ‘Pie’ Nittayasuthi. The elegant yet contemporary fashion show, titled Bangkok Dreaming, embodied the essence of the brand in high style. Showcasing a collection of 42 captivating looks, the runway featured renowned Thai models, including Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott-Kemmis, Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtan’ Suansane, Miss Universe Thailand 2015 Aniporn ‘Nat’ Chalermburanawong, and top models Cindy Sirinya Bishop and Apasiri Nitibhon. The styling reflected a journey through contemporary Thai lifestyles, with casualwear inspired by quintessential Thai settings, from tranquil beaches to the vibrant streets of Yaowarat’s Chinatown. The event also marked the launch of the AQUASILK collection, the brand’s debut in men’s swimwear. At the launch event, guests explored an extensive range of Jim Thompson products, savored delicious Thai bites from Jim’s Terrace – the brand’s first integrated F&B outlet – and enjoyed the Silk Exhibition, which showcases the rich history and craftsmanship of Jim Thompson’s renowned silk products. Jim Thompson Lifestyle Store is located at One Bangkok, G Floor, The Storeys.
By Lifestyle+Travel
Joyous Time
The holiday season is even more joyful when celebrated through meaningful collaboration. For the first time, The St. Regis Bangkok has teamed up with local textile artist Rungploy Lorpaitoon to bring festive touches to the St. Regis Bangkok Festive Hampers and ornaments around the hotel this season. The magical atmosphere of the festive season is enhanced by bespoke decorations, such as the “bubble memory” ornaments designed by Rungploy, and the uniquely artistic Christmas tree centerpiece. Beyond decorations, Rungploy has also designed the interiors of the festive hampers, adorned with twelve handmade bubble memories symbolizing each month of the year, along with purple fabric to enhance their elegance. Guests are encouraged to reflect on the past year and cherish these moments of love through the bubble memories. Each hamper is crafted to embody the art of giving. The St. Regis Bangkok Classic Hamper is filled with a curated selection of Italian-inspired holiday delicacies, including Italian biscotti, homemade traditional panettone (yeast-free, made over three days), mixed fruit jelly, chocolate Santa, The St. Regis macarons, chocolate truffles, mixed nut tart, locally sourced Chonburi 70.5% chocolate bar, amaretti cookies, mini “Torroncini” nougat, imported premium apple compote, imported “Morra Tartufi” white truffle oil (a highlight of Winter in Italy), and The St. Regis Blend Tea. The St. Regis Bangkok Luxury Hamper includes all of this plus a bottle of Prosecco Follador, IGT, Italy. The St. Regis Bangkok hampers are available daily at The Lounge from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Early bird pricing is available from December 1-15, 2024. Advance reservations of at least 3-7 days are required. The St. Regis Bangkok Classic Hamper – THB 7,200 net, with an early bird price of THB 6,500 net. The St. Regis Bangkok Luxury Hamper (includes Prosecco Follador, IGT, Italy) – THB 8,500 net, with an early bird price of THB 7,500 net. The St. Regis Bangkok www.stregisbangkok.com
By Lifestyle+Travel
Michelin-Star Dining Residency at Biscotti, Anantara Siam!
From 6 November to 30 December 2024, Biscotti at Anantara Siam proudly hosts Michelin-starred Chef Cristina Bowerman from Rome’s renowned Glass Hostaria. With both à la carte options and 3- and 5-course tasting menus, diners can indulge in signature dishes like "Liquid Parmigiano Reggiano Stuffed Ravioli with Butter and Seasonal Truffle" – a Glass Hostaria classic for over 13 years. Other highlights include "Almost A Pizza", a creamy celery root “pizza” with pomegranate molasses, and "Amberjack Sashimi" infused with red beet juice and miso. Conclude this culinary journey with Chef Bowerman’s twist on tiramisu, served in a stunning chocolate sphere, alcohol-free for all to enjoy. With one Michelin star and Three Forks from Gambero Rosso, Glass Hostaria is a must-try for lovers of contemporary Italian cuisine. Don’t miss this exclusive dining experience! ⏰️ Lunch: Mon-Sat (12:00pm - 2:30pm) ⏰️ Dinner: Mon-Sun (6:00pm - 10:30pm) 📞 Call 02 431 9497 📌 Biscotti, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel