JiBiru Japanese Craft Beer Bar

It’s a simple set-up, but the reason we come here has everything to do with the exclusive brews you can’t find elsewhere such as the Shiga Kogen.

Prelude

A terrific alternative to Ku Dé Ta, Prelude’s got a great view of Marina Bay and cool summer cocktails. Arrive early for the choicest seating.

Privé Waterfront Bar

This sleek gastrobar on the waterfront is a fab spot to wile away a cool evening. They even offer DIY cocktails, for those (literally) looking to shake things up.

Tanjong Beach Club

Destination central for beautiful people looking for a dose of luxe living by the sea. We’re suckers for their day beds (just be sure to reserve yours in advance).

Wild Oats

Housed in a colonial mansion on Emily Hill with rattan chairs and a sprawling garden, Wild Oats is ideal for lounging to a soundtrack of laidback house grooves.

In case you haven’t noticed, summer is officially here. Yes, we’re in tropical Singapore, but it’s been even more scorching than usual. That said, don’t be a wuss and let the heat deter you from going outside. There are heaps of exciting events happening in the next few weeks, with everything from open air concerts and nature walks, to bikeathons and movie screenings, as well as beach parties and booze fests, so go check them out now.

1. Hit up them beach parties
One of summer’s greatest highlights is the beach, and more accurately, the skimpily-clad bikini babes and buff bods on display. You’ll find those in abundance at Tanjong Beach Club’s debauched Full Steam Ahead - Summer Showdown bash on June 2, from 4pm, complete with a thinly veiled excuse to celebrate the full moon and spunky electro dance, house and trance mashups by The Steam Team.

Have a model fetish? Then Azzura’s weekly Models Beach Party might be right up your alley. Resident DJs Haan, Amara and Gaijin keep it pumping with R&B grooves from 6pm every Sunday.

Check out other Great Outdoor Bars in Singapore.

2. Check out Singapore’s only Farmers’ Market
If you’ve yet to make a trip down, we suggest you get on that pronto. A farmers’ market blooms on the first and third Saturday of every month at The Pantry in Loewen Gardens, offering up a range of fresh, organic produce, gourmet meats, cheese and wine, and even home baked goodies to indulge your epicurean tendencies. The next one rolls around on June 2 from 8:30am-2pm. Make a stop here for supplies to fill up your picnic basket with!

Don't know what to get? Check out our list of Things to Buy for the the Perfect Picnic.

3. Take part in a shootout
Sharpen your photography skills and learn new techniques with Baobab Photography’s three-hour Marina Bay Sunset Shootout course. Meet like-minded photo enthusiasts, get guidance from an expert as you walk and snap shots of the Esplanade, Merlion and Marina Bay Sands. The course is held on June 14, 6pm and costs a cool 100 bucks. Don’t forget to bring your DSLR.

4. Run for a good cause
Do something good for yourself and the community with these two running events as money raised goes to charity. Stretch your legs out at Jurong Lake Run, featuring a scenic route of lush greenery with highlights such as Jurong Lake Park, as well as cultural landmarks including Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden on July 8 at 7:30am. Take it easy with a 3km run or push yourself with a more full-on 6km or 10km race. There are even cash prizes to be won.

If you’re after something a little more challenging (and want a little more time to prep), give Race against Cancer a go. There are competitive 10km or 15km runs, as well as a non-competitive 5km Fun Run. Race starts at 7am on July 22 at Angsana Green in East Coast Park.

5. Paddle in the Dragon Boat Festival
Don’t just be witness to the fervent rowing and loud drumming, be part of the excitement as you race down Bedok Reservoir towards the finish line. Plus, you’ll earn yourself some crazy guns in the training process. The races are from June 30 to July 1, visit the Singapore Dragon Boat Association website to register.

6. Experience Ballet Under The Stars
The annual outdoor ballet event by Singapore Dance Theatre, Ballet Under the Stars (or BUTS as it’s affectionately known to fans), is back again. It takes place at Fort Canning Park this year from July 20-22, showcasing classical and contemporary ballet performances including the world premiere of Organ Concerto by Nils Christe. Great date idea, if we ever saw one. Doors open at 5pm for picnic-goers (check out our perfect picnic kit), with performances starting at 7:30pm.

7. Rock out at Baybeats
Back for its 10th installment, Baybeats is a showcase of over 30 local and regional bands from Japan, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong. This year’s line-up will see local talent like rock act Cashew Chemists and alternative folk band Pep Talk, joined by Korean ska band Copy Machine and Malaysia’s Love Me Butch. Baybeats takes place at several venues at the Esplanade from June 29 through July 1.

8. Celebrate classical music
Make a date with Tünde Krasznai, an internationally-acclaimed Hungarian pianist, who will be performing Chopin at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage in the Botanic Gardens on June 2, from 6:30pm. For more info, visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens website.

Just a week after is Opera in the Park, a result of the combined efforts of The Singapore Lyric Opera’s orchestra, opera chorus, youth choir and children’s choir. Enjoy some picnicking under the stars while taking in pieces like ‘The Barber of Seville’ by Rossini, as well as other pieces by greats including Mozart, Dvorak, and Puccini. The opera starts at 6pm on June 9, also at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. For more info, visit the Singapore Opera website.

9. Camp out at St. Johns Island
Take an overnight trip to St. Johns Island, just off the southern coast of Singapore, on June 9-10. Organized by Nature Society Singapore and Singapore’s Adventurer’s Club, the excursion features an educational nature and tidal walk. We say, bring your friends, lots of beer and have a barbeque to make full use of this quick getaway from the city. Visit the Nature Society Singapore website for more info.

10. Dance the Zumba
For those who’ve yet to give Zumba a go, 180 FitStyle @ The Singapore Flyer - Sky Deck is the ideal excuse. Go ahead and try a new fitness routine as LifeSparks hosts a mass Zumba Fitness Dance Workout on June 22, from 6:30-9:30pm. It’s being held right underneath the Singapore Flyer, so you’ll get to watch the sunset as Australian Instructor Cassie Blazer leads you through the steps. Email Lifesparks for more info.

11. Do the Green Trail
Want to really immerse yourself in nature? Then be sure to check out NDP’s LovingSG Green Trail that launches come July. It’s like a treasure hunt with 10 checkpoints (you stand a chance to win some cool prizes if you finish it within two weeks). Check out the NDP website for more info.

12. Speed down the Paya Lebar Airbase
Before you’re tempted to dismiss the National Runway Cycling and Skating event as just another one of those crazy fitness things, take note that this annual event’s on June 17 is the only day of the year that the usually out-of-bounds Paya Lebar Airbase is opened and cleared just to make way for racing enthusiasts to compete in a 45km bicycle route or a 30km skating contest. Event starts at 8am.

13. Get boozed up at Beerfest
Whether you’re a serious brew guzzler or a light beer-drinker, the sheer variety of offerings at this roaring four-day outdoor affair are sure to impress. They’ve added over 50 new tipples to the already illustrious list including local Jungle Beer’s American IPA and Schneider Weisse Aventinus Eisbock from Germany, bringing the grand total to a whopping 350 labels. Go with a group of friends and have a great time scarfing down beers, while tribute bands like Hell’s Belles and Blues Brothers provide the live entertainment. Prep starts now as the festival runs from June 7-10 at the Marina Promenade. Log on to the official Beerfest Asia website for more info.

14. Catch the opening of Gardens by the Bay
Certainly one of the most anticipated events of 2012. The inauguration of the Bay South Garden kicks off with a Jason Mraz concert on June 29, followed by a performance by Corrine May on June 30. The Supertree Light and Sound Show happens twice nightly from July 2. The festivities begin on June 29 and run through July 8 at Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive.

15. Watch a film screening
National Geographic fans take note. View some of the most amazing scenes of life beneath the waves through the Californian kelp forests, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Roca Partida Island off the coast of Mexico as WWF screens OCEANWORLD on June 9, 7:30pm at Dalbergia Green in East Coast Park. See the WWF website or details.

If your tastes veer towards more mainstream stuff like X-Men First Class and Transformers, then MovieMob’s a good option. The crew sets up secret fortnightly film screenings flashmob style with drive-in and non-drive-in nights, you even get to vote for what you’d like to see on their site and register to be notified a week in advance.

HDR Camera
With three shots in one snap, this app allows you to preen and pose for three different expressions—or stay still and get the clearest shot. Adding to the fun are three custom adjustments that allow you to edit your photos with warm and soft vintage colors. And if that’s not enough, this app lets you further enhance your photos by adjusting color vividness, exposure, contrast and such, for that bronzed goddess look you’ve been dying to achieve.

Little Photo
Don’t be fooled by the name—this one packs a big punch. Despite having over 70 filters (gasp!) with three more additions early last month (Mental Fire, D-229 and Rolling), there’s as much quality as quantity. Handy tools like bokeh allow you to blur parts of a photo in greater detail than the typical Instagram tilt shift function. Also, we really like the “half apply” feature that lets you control the intensity of the photo filter you’ve selected. Now how cool is that?

Lomo Camera
This snappy app features six filters: lomo, rusty, polaroid, paper, dreams (very psychedelic) and film. While the filters are nothing monumental, this app does let you take self-portrait shots (unlike Instagram for Android). But what’s the point of a great shot if you can only keep it to yourself? This app allows you to share your photos instantly on Facebook and Twitter.

Magic Hour
Featuring 40 preset filters and 20 frames and vignettes to start with, this nifty little app lords over Instagram with the ability to change focus both within and outside the tilt shift area. Other cool tools include customizing your own filters by layering presets, and downloading and sharing unlimited filters from Filter Market. And that’s not all. The best part is its ability to adjust the intensity of almost everything—from contrast to vignettes and even textures!

Pudding Camera
To say this app has a nice appearance would be an understatement. It also offers a variety of stunning filters and effects that clearly rival Instagram. Choose from eight camera styles: basic, snap, panorama, fantasy, motion 2×2, motion x4, fish-eye and triplex. What’s more, filters such as vignette, dazzle and vintage brown will give you photos so beautiful you’ll start thinking about going pro.

For chinoiserie…

Dragon Bar

The fabulously decorated Dragon Bar looks like an exotic dive smack-dab in the middle of 1970s London Chinatown. Swirling dragons and Chinese lanterns rest underneath a theatrically pink sunset sky, and there’s a beautiful terrace with colonial architecture overlooking tropical palms in the Hullett House garden. Hand-painted murals of Hong Kong conjure up bygone images of the city’s roots as a late 19th-century colonial outpost.
Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0101.

For live music…

Dada Bar + Lounge

An homage to the Dadaist cultural movement of the early 20th century, this bar is chock-full of contrasting patterns, fabrics and shapes. Luckily, the musical groups that perform almost daily at Dada aren’t as into dissonance as the artists of that era were. On Mondays there’s rock ‘n roll (6pm-8pm); Wednesdays a pianist plays old favorites (5pm-8pm); jazz sets the mood on Fridays (10:45pm-1am); Saturday is for soul (10pm-1am); and Sundays Grammy nominee Howard McCrary coaches up-and-coming singers (3pm-5pm, HK$250).
2/F, The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3763-8778.

For alfresco greenery…

The Backyard

You won’t believe you’re in Mong Kok. Lounge lazily on an oversized beanbag on a gorgeous terrace, sip champagne and munch on moreish spicy chorizo pizza, all while listening to bossa nova and the relaxing tinkling sound of running water. The Backyard is a 6,000-square-foot outdoor paradise with sweet scented mango trees, chill-out music and a waterfall.
L/4, Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai St., Mong Kok, 3552-3250.

For wine…

Riedel Room

Named for the Austrian company that makes high-end crystal stemware, this chic, cozy enclave offers oenophiles a walk-in cellar as well as a wide selection (over 200 bottles!) of wine as well as vintage and other champagnes. It’s actually the first Riedel Room in the world—Riedel’s gourmet glasses and decanters are remarkably pretty instruments that are designed to dramatically alter your perception and enjoyment of your drink.
JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2841-3836.

For whiskey…

Angel’s Share

Hidden two floors above Hollywood Road lies this unique drinking loft, specifically designed for whiskey lovers. Raw finish concrete walls and exposed brick give the bar an underground feel, while the plush leather couches and soft furnishings are cozy and easy on the eyes, especially after a sip too many of a fine scotch. From Scotland, Ireland, America and Japan (and everywhere in between), there is enough aged golden liquid here to suit even the most discerning of single malt drinkers.
2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2805-8388.

Essentials

GETTING THERE

Cathay Pacific (www.cathaypacific.com/th), Air Asia (www.airasia.com) and Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.co.th) operate flights from Bangkok to Hong Kong daily.
HK$1 = B4

Hong Kong’s mixology talents

Who: Antonio Lao

Where: Quinary, 56-58 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2851-3223.
The cocktail expert Antonio Lai, who launched an innovative drinks menu at FINDS, a bar and restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, has just opened his new bar, Quinary, which has a roster of newly created molecular cocktails that, as the bar’s name suggests, engage all five senses. Lai manipulates the physical and chemical properties of his drinks using the scientific equipment and techniques of molecular gastronomy. The drinks menu contains 10 innovative cocktails, including a monthly special. The must-try is Lai’s signature Earl Grey Caviar Martini (HK$120, pictured), a vodka-based drink blended with elderflower syrup and apple juice, completed with little spheres of earl grey “caviar” floating inside and a beautiful foam atop the mixture.

Who: Masayuki Uchida

Where: Butler, 5/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2724-3828.
Despite being literally tiny, seating 20 people at the most, and the prices a bit startling (there’s a cover charge of HK$30 and a minimum charge of HK$200 per person), Butler is worth the trip because of Uchida’s commitment to perfectly crafted, individually tailored drinks and impeccable service. Butler’s menu is extensive—you’ll find everything from tequila to beer to expensive Japanese whiskey—but don’t limit yourself to its itemized listings. Uchida encourages people to order off the menu. He says he knows 3,000 cocktail recipes by heart, and is willing to create and modify drinks to suit any customer’s taste. He recommends his Hong Kong Skyball, made with thyme-infused vodka, lemon or lime, soda or tonic and a dash of Grand Marnier.

Khon Hang KwamRak (People of Love), by Munin Saiprasart. B165

The book: It explores three phases of love—meeting at first, the relationship and breaking up—through three different city-living couples. Despite the broken hearts, it’s also a call to keep faith in love but it can get pretty cheesy and clichéd.
The artist: He’s got a bachelor’s degree in architecture but Munin black-and-white drawings are mostly concerned with family and love. Munin has also touched on a hot political topic, muslims in the South, in Munin Cartoon No.1. manin289.exteen.com

Wan Tee RooSuek Dee Dee (Another Fine Day), by GPEN. B230

The story: A collection of 10 unrelated narratives turning shorts scenes from everyday life into moving tableaux, from a celebration of swimming to a mortician bidding farewell to the body he’s been working on. It’s impossible not to connect with the simple, but powerful characterizations.
The artist: GPEN’s name comes from a type of nib pen, even though he now uses a tablet. Wan Tee RooSuek Dee Dee is his first published book. comicbook.exteen.com

Stories of Bobby Swingers—Now It’s Time to Swing, by Songsin Tiewsomboon. B295

The story: Who the hell is Bobby Swingers? His life is told from different angles, from punk bands to bohemians. And a Bobby Swingers’s CD is included inside.
The artist: His first big hit, the Bean Sprout & Firehead series, introduced a new style of darker graphic novel to Thai fans. Songsin now works as chief editor for various graphic books at Fullstop Publishing. songsin.exteen.com

Ruang A Rai (What Story?), By Trairong Parsitipon. B175

The story: This Trairong Parsitipon collection, presented as three vertical strips, pokes fun at Thai society, from leaked sex clips to superstitious taxi drivers, planking and mobile phone addiction.
The artists: A blogger famed for his character “Vase Head” or “HJK,” Trairong is not afraid of making himself the butt of the joke in his stories. horjorgor.exteen.com

Hong Tangmo Seek Tee Ha (Watermelon Head 5), by Ongari ChaiChanCheep. B235

The story: Hong Tangmo is one of the oldest modern cartoon characters in Thailand. Through his travels upcountry, Hong Tangmo ends up having to cross language and cultural barriers. But his adventures also tend to serve as metaphors for whatever political issue is ailing the country at that particular time.
The artist: Ongari (aka Toto the Hero) achieved lasting fame for Moo Bin Dai (Pig Wants to Fly). myhead.exteen.com

Blanco 3 (Ching Cha) by Wisut Ponnimit. B225

The book: The previous two installments’ mysteries will finally be revealed in this last book of the Ching Cha series, which tell the story of a young woman tracking down her long-lost parents. Beyond the plot twists and pastel-colored drawings, Ching Cha is also a philosophical journey which tells us to let go of our past.
The artist: A famous Copic-pen cartoonist, Wisut Ponnimit’s reputation extends to Japan where Hesheit was published by famous Japanese publishing house Katch, before running in Thai magazine A Day. Blanco was his first full-length book, put out by prominent comic book publishers Shinchousha, where he used to work. web.mac.com/wisut

Apex Medi Spa

There’s more to Thonglor than clubbing, crowded wine bistros and fancy restaurants. Situated behind Eight Thonglor in Thonglor Soi 8, the newly opened Apex Medi Spa manages to block out the city with its wooden screens and soothing water running down panes of glass. It’s warm and quiet, with just enough touches of white to look “medi” as well as “spa.” The treatments include a lot of expensive products meant to rejuvenate your cells, from gold fusion therapy to caviar masks and infrared beds. Prices start from B5,000 for facial treatments but the drain-massage treatment is B2,500 for 30 minutes, if you’re just looking to quickly relax your calves and thighs before a night out in Thonglor.
Behind Ei8ht Thonglor Complex, Thonglor Soi 8, Sukhumvit Rd., 080-500-0123. www.apexprofoundbeauty.com

Oasis Spa Sukhumvit 51

Hidden away in a bohemian house surrounded by a lush tropical garden, this is another blissfully tranquil spot in the heart of downtown Bangkok. The seven private rooms are decked out with oriental details and equipped with Jacuzzi and herbal steam baths. Get pampered with their 90-minute Northern-Thai-inspired treatment (The Voyage of Golden Lanna, B5,900).
Sukhumvit 51, 88 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-262-2122. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.oasisspa.net

So SPA

The newly-opened Sofitel So Bangkok has just unveiled its exclusive sanctuary, So SPA. Perched on the 11th floor and overlooking Bangkok’s green oasis, Lumpini Park, the spa’s design manages to draw in that leafy ambiance and translate it into the Himmapan Forest from Thai mythology thanks to a 600-sq-meter space with plenty of wood, dark colors and a soothing water feature. Its introductory signature treatment, the Serenity of Five Elements (B3,400), features 90 minutes of oil massage and herbal compresses.
11/F, Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. Open 10am-10pm. MRT Lumphini.

Okura Spa

Hidden away on the 25th floor of the new luxury Japanese-chain hotel, The Okura Bangkok, is the Okura Spa. Set in a contemporary oriental space, five private treatment rooms are hidden along a dimly-lit walkway. The highlight is theOkura Take Relief bamboo massage where therapists roll a warm bamboo pole over your muscles to release stress before a soak in big bathtub (B3,600).
25/F, The Okura Prestige Bangkok, Ploenchit Rd., 02-687-9000. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Ploenchit.

Kiriya Spa (The Lit)

There’s an immediately calming effect walking into this dim, cavern-like and voluptuously curved space designed by Vaslab. All the treatments have been inspired by Thailand’s four main regions. The Southern treatment, for example, starts with a strong, slow massage inspired by the local Nora dance and performed with hot seashells. It’s followed by another massage technique inspired by a dance, the Hooloo Vahi, which focuses on blood circulation (130 min, B3,600). Come before 2pm for 40% off all treatments.
The Lit. 36/1 Soi Kasemsan 1, 02-612-3456. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS National Stadium.

Trip Organizer

Trip It

A favorite of ours for a few years now, Trip It offers a simple way to keep all your travel plans close at hand. Not only does it convert your airline and hotel bookings into itineraries that can be synchronized with all gadgets, it also lets you share your schedule with your friends, family and colleagues.

Navigation

Google Maps

An obvious pick, Google Maps is what most smartphone map apps kick to automatically (no need to install it). The downside is that you need an internet connection for it to work. Our tip: use Google street view to really map out your itinerary at home. In Japan, where we can’t read most signs, it can be a real life-saver.

Guide

Foursquare

Sure, you can check-in to places just to collect points and badges, or use the hyper-local updates to take tracking the whereabouts of your friends to stalkerish levels, but Foursquare has also turned into a treasure trove of recommendations and tips about nearby attractions, dining options, restaurant specials and more.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor’s mobile app is a bit different from the web edition. Its “Near Me Now” function lets you seek out nearby places to eat, stay and visit. But the huge database of reviews, maps and other helpful tidbits are all carried over, so you can get access to the most up-to-date information.

Wikitude

Our pick as far as augmented reality apps go, Wikitude lets you explore your immediate surroundings simply by turning your smartphone’s camera on and holding it up to the object of your curiosity. Within moments, a brief description of the place and other interactive content will flash up on your screen.

Foodspotting

Urbanspoon and Yelp might be popular in North America, but we prefer Foodspotting as a more global option for finding and recommending our favorite dishes. Billing itself as a visual guide to good food, this app encourages users to look beyond the restaurants and focus only on particular dishes through bite-sized reviews and photos.

NEW> Happy Hour Finder

Call us lame for advertising our own product, but we’ve slaved away at this location-based app so that you can effortlessly keep track of all the best happy hour deals and find the closest bars in Bangkok, KL, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Never go thirsty again.

NEW> The Ritz-Carlton

The best feature of this five-star-hotel app is the Concierge Tip which recommends things to do and see in the vicinity of Ritz-Carlton hotels worldwide, even if you’re not staying with them.

NEW> Around Me

Like some sort of sixth sense, this app helps you discover everything around you, from cafes and bars to banks and movie theaters. You can even make restaurant reservations, too.

Entertainment

W Hotels Worldwide

This app grants you access to the latest deals and offers a booking engine with W Hotels all over the world. But what sets it apart from other such chain hotel apps is the W Music section which offers a range of hip mixes curated by W-appointed DJs. They’re categorized into spaces and vibes—living room, retreat, wet deck and after dark, for instance—so that you can easily select a soundtrack to fit your mood.

Utilities

XE Currency

Not new, but still essential. We think XE is the best currency converter app doing the rounds, thanks to its friendly interface, multi-currency home screen and real-time currency updates.

Wi-Fi Finder

A must for every smartphone user, this location-based app does just what its name suggests: helps you track down the nearest Wi-Fi hotspots. The cost-conscious traveler will be pleased to note that Wi-Fi Finder is highly adept at determining which connections are free for public use.

iTranslate

This popular translator app for iPhone can translate words, phrases and sentences into more than 50 languages, and is now available for Android. iTranslate supports text and voice input, so you’ve no excuses for not learning at least a few lines of the local lingo.

Translator by Bing

The Windows Phone’s answer to language translation. Take a picture of any text and the app will automatically read and translate it into the designated languages. The downside is that only a small number of languages are supported so far, including English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and simplified Chinese.

Google Goggles

Goggles lets you search the web just by taking photos. Not only does it provide translations, the app allows you to scan barcodes (we tried using a Black Label bottle), book covers, even tourist landmarks and paintings. The laziest guide to everything ever.

Toilet/Bathroom Finder
Have2p

Sooner or later, every traveler experiences the pain of needing to pee but has no idea where to go. Toilet/Bathroom Finder and Have2p work in the same way to ensure you’re always prepared to answer the call of nature. The Android app claims to have the biggest restroom database with more than 60,000 locations worldwide but the iPhone app also features reviews from users, too.

Airlines

Air Asia

Now that Air Asia charges a check-in fee at its airport counters, it’s worthwhile having this app on your smartphone to save yourself a few baht (and also the hassle of queuing up). Once you check-in via the app, you’ll receive a QR barcode, which you scan to print out the boarding pass at the airport. Then all you have to do is drop your belongings at the baggage drop-off counters—although unfortunately these usually involve a queue.

Nok Air

The Nok Air app lets you buy tickets, check flight times, and, most importantly, check-in ahead of your flights. But what’s really great is that you don’t need to scan your barcode to print the boarding pass or visit the counters; you can just show up at the gate and present the e-boarding pass in your smartphone.

Wiwat “Nathan” Patcharinsak

(34, marketing supervisor)

Your fashion icon: Miss J. Alexander.
Your favorite brand name: Tube Gallery.
Where do you shop? From Siam to Platinum to street vendors… basically everywhere I can.
Most important daily item: Sunglasses.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Lip balm.
How did you look 10 years ago? Hopefully I haven’t changed too much—and of course I’m still dressing like it’s my last day on earth.
Stupidest trend: No such thing. But not every trend fits every one.
Three things on your wishlist: You are killing me—three is not enough! But for now it’s a new bag, shoes and sunglasses.
Describe yourself in three words: I am beautiful.

DAY : Shirt from Uniqlo / Green pants from Zara / Canvas bag, Playhound / Happy socks from Uncensor

NIGHT:  T-shirt from Tube Gallery /  Silver heart-shaped ring, Swatch / Leather clutch, Zara for Men /  Brown leather boots, XXI Forever

Piyavipa “Ub-ib” Indradat

(24, senior brand marketing officer)

Your fashion icon: Kate Lanphear.
Your favorite brand name: Givenchy.
Where do you normally shop? Siam Paragon and Talad Rod Fai.
Most important daily item: My white skull ring by Muddler.
Beauty products you can’t live without: Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner.
How did you look 10 years ago? Short bob hairdo with a punk vibe.
Stupidest trend: Gigantic head pieces that don’t match anything you’re wearing.
Three things on your wishlist: All black classic Chanel, mustache Converse, and a boyfriend.
Describe yourself in three words: Sophisticated Glam Rock.
Favorite fashion blog or website: Jakandjil.com

DRESS: Tiger-printed top, Topshop / Shoes from Prada / Watch from Bulgari and rings from Disaya and Muddler

Pacharanant “Gam” Kosolsombatnont

(23, account executive)

Your fashion icon: I don’t have any particular style icon. I just admire people who know how to make age and place appropriate clothing choices.
Your favorite brand names: Chloe, ACNE, MSGM, Agent Provocateur.
Where do you shop? I shop wherever I find pretty clothes. So, I go to certain places for specific items, from my grandma’s closet to my mom’s, J.J. market, backyard sales, designer shops and eBay.
Most important daily items: Cell phone, vintage hat and a sugar rush.
Beauty products you can’t live without: Hair roll, sweet smelling lotion, eyeliner.
Stupidest trend: Nicki Minaj’s taste and style.
Three things on your wishlist: A color-block raincoat, a diamond, French Sole ballet flats.
Describe yourself in three words: Curvy, vivacious, and sagacious.
Favorite fashion blogs or websites:  Wardrobeministry, Jak&Jil, Brownsfashion, Chictopia, StyleBubble, Lust and Found.

DRESS: Vintage dress from her mom’s wardrobe / Watch from Gucci / Vintage hat from His&Her / Vintage necklace / Top from Zara

Siripan “AOM” Saengchan

(27, marketing manager at Trasher Bangkok, freelance writer)

Your fashion icon: Alexa Chung.
Where do you shop? Flea markets (Siam/Klong Lhod/Wanglang), Im Garten by Typhoon in Siam Square, department stores and online.
Most essential daily item: Red lipstick.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Eyeliner.
How did you look 10 years ago? Energetic, restless and normal.
Stupidest trend: No comment—your trend might not be my trend. 
Three things on your wishlist: Live on an island, travel without worrying about money and shop without looking at the price tag.
Describe yourself in three words: I AM NORMAL!

DRESS: Red pants from Wang Lang

Monton “Tonhom” Panpinit

(33, nude photographer)

Your fashion icon: Elvis Presley. 
Your favorite brand name: I’m not that into brand names but when I need to buy a new pair of jeans, Levi’s is the first name that springs to mind. It’s the same with Converse for shoes.  
Where do you shop? Chatuchak Weekend Market and Talad Rodfai.
Daily item you can’t live without:  My turquoise necklace, which I haven’t taken off for 8 years, and my amber ring.  
Stupidest trend: Krean-kids—he high-school skinheads who dress like their idol without thinking about whether it really suits them. 
Three things on your wishlist: A new unique pair of glasses, brown leather high platform shoes and a Sakura printed shirt.
Define yourself in three words: Extremely self identified.
How did you look 10 years ago? I think I dressed up a lot more: afro hair with colorful shirts and pants.

Dress: Vintage shirt from Wang Lang / Vintage amber ring

Tada “Tao” Tongthawornsuwan

(24, fashion advisor)

Your fashion icon: Anna Dello Russo. 
Your favorite brand name: Jeremy Scott and Moschino.
Where do you shop? Wang Lang Secondhand Market, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Sam Peng.
Your most important daily item: Sunglasses.
Beauty products you can’t live without: Concealer and sunblock. 
How did you look 10 years ago? Nerdy. Remember those colorful Bodyglove t-shirts? That was me. 
Stupidest trend: Baggy pants. I just don’t understand why guys love showing their boxers.  
Three things on your wishlist: Christian Louboutin Rollerball Spikes Loafers Nude, Antidote Perfume by Viktor & Rolf and Tom Ford Felix Sunglasses. 
Define yourself in three words: Acid, Feasible and Stylish.

DRESS: Vintage T-shirt from Wang Lang, sandle from Chaps / DIY denim shirt / Leather belt from Mob F

GET YOURS AT: 

Zara. 1/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.,
XXI Forever. 2/F Central World, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd.
Tube Gallery. 3/F, Siam Center Rama 1 Rd. 
Swatch. 1/F, Siam Center Rama 1 Rd.
Uniqlo. 3/F Central World, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd.
Playhound. 1/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.,
Uncensor. 2/F Central World, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd.
Topshop. 1/F Central World, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd.
Prada. 1/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.,
Bvlgari. M/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.,
Disaya. 1/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.,
Gucci. M/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd.,
His&Her. Chatuchuk Market Section 5 Soi 1.
Chaps. 1/F, Siam Center Rama 1 Rd.
Mob F. 4/F, Siam Center Rama 1 Rd.

Asiatique the Riverfront

The Numbers:

1,500 shops, over 48,000 square meters, over 500 fashion boutiques, 40 restaurants, parking for 2,000 cars.

Décor:

The whole place comes across as a mix between Palio and Chocolate Ville with its outdoor circulation and faux retro architecture. The shops are housed in ten huge warehouses, split into a series of smaller alleyways that give the feel of a giant covered market. There are also lots of theme-park-esque features like old trams and 50s cars for the obligatory photo shoots. And did we mention the views of the Chao Phraya River?

Top Shops:

Most of the shops seem to take their cue from the now defunct Suan Lum Night Bazaar. However, like Suan Lum, there is the occasional gem that will appeal to Bangkokians. Graphtees (Warehouse 7, 086-895-8044) do affordable graphic print tees (from B290) and preppy leather and canvas bags (from B1,490). Or you can check out the colorful Propaganda-style home décor items on offer at Qualy (Warehouse 8, 02-689-8591. www.facebook.com/qualydesign). Minalmalistix (Warehouse 2, 081-689-2475. www.facebook.com/minalmalistix), a handmade shoes shop that does everything from canvas slip-ons to sneakers in ethnic patterns, has some bargains starting from B550.

Food & Drink:

There are over 40 restaurants to choose from, with quite a heavy focus on Japanese and Chinese options, though not too many chains. Apart from the obligatory Japanese offerings, we recommend you grab a few drinks and soak up the riverside atmosphere at 9E (Warehouse 9), an industrial looking bar that serves cocktails for a mere B79 (and also sells modern-minimal furniture). Alternatively you can try the beer selection at Irish pub Flann O’ Brien (Warehouse 10), which has a range of imported brews from B100-250. Or grab a seat and end your day at Checkmate (Warehouse 1, 02-108-4704. www.facebook.com/Checkmate.BarBistro), a modern-industrial fusion eatery that does dishes like foie gras holy basil (B450) and wine by the glass from B230.

Cultural Alternatives:

This place is clearly very tourist-friendly, which explains why there’s no cinema. Instead your entertainment comes from the Joe Louis Thai Puppet Theater and the soon to be opened Calypso Cabaret show.

Mega Bangna

The Numbers:

800 shops, 400,000 sq meters, 200 fashion boutiques, 100 restaurants, parking for 8,000 cars.

Décor:

Apart from the pavilion at the main entrance, the rest of the exterior really does look like a giant (we mean really giant) concrete box dropped into the middle of a field. Inside it’s all about lots of light and space. There’s not much going on, but you could call that minimalism at its best.

Top Shops:

While this is clearly high street brand name central there are a couple of unique stores worth hunting out. The branch of gentlemen’s shirt expert Meticulous Maison (1/F, Fashion zone) stands out as the first to house a built-in bar, so pick a shirt (from B2,440) and knock back a shot. Workshop by AIIZ (1/F, Fashion zone) is a multi-label store that features clothing and accessories from young Thai designers like Labyrinth and Good’Gust. It’s also home to the biggest Zara (1/F, Fashion zone) in Thailand and potpourri guru Karma Kamet (1/F, Fashion zone), while footwear brands Havaianas and Dr. Martens (1/F, Fashion zone) have both opened their first Thai stores here. Of course, don’t forget home décor paradise IKEA is right next door.

Food & Drink:

Mega Bangna means business, with over 100 restaurants. Although most are chains like MK, Pepper Lunch, Shabushi and Food Republic, there are some hipper choices. There’s the latest branch of the gourmet Bangkok Burger (1/F, Food Zone), while Japanese fusion restaurant Blue Ocean Sushi (1/F, Food Zone) does fusion-style sets starting from B200. Other highlights include a new branch of London’s Four Seasons Restaurant (1/F, Food zone, soon to be opened), whose Paragon branch we recently gave four stars for its roast duck. Or stump for the yakiniku buffet at Gyu Grill (1/F, Food zone) which starts from B329.

Cultural Alternatives:

Mega Cineplex (2/F, Lifestyle zone) offers 15 screens, promises better 3D and the latest sound systems (and a massive Blue-O Rhythm & Bowl next door). There’s also a 1,000-sq-meter Sub-Zero ice skating rink, twice the size of the one at CentralWorld.

The Winner: Mega Bangna doesn’t really offer anything you can’t get at Paragon or Central (apart from Ikea). Asiatique, on the other hand, is a unique offering with a riverside location. It’s lack of cinema and it’s opening hours from 5pm-midnight make it unlikely to ever become as popular as Mega Bangna, but it gets our vote.

Essentials

Asiatique the Riverfront. 2194 Charoenkrung Soi 76, Charoenkrung Rd., open daily 5pm-midnight. 02-108-4488. Free boat shuttle service from BTS Saphan Taksin.
Mega Bangna. 39 Moo 6, Bangna Trad Km.8, Bangna Trad Rd., open daily from 10am-10pm. 02-105-1000.

Authors’ Lounge

The teas are from the famed Mariage Freres of the Marais district in Paris. Their high tea set (B1,200) comes with your choice of tea (or coffee), scones, cakes and sandwiches. But most people just come for the beautiful architecture.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, 48 Oriental Avenue, Charoenkrung 
Soi 40, 02-659-9000

Agalico

Yearning for a spot of British style? With their all-white tearoom, leafy garden, graceful glass gazebo and a selection of teas (B120-140), Agalico has long been a high tea favorite. It also acts as a showroom for furniture and decorative items, so your cup of tea could end up costing you a whole lot more. 
20 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-5857 ext. 111. Open Fri-Sat, 10am-6pm. 
www.agalico.co.th

Vieng Joom On

This famous café from Chiang Mai recently opened a branch in Bangkok, featuring the same Moroccan style as its northern sister. They serves up different mixes of teas from around the world. Try the signature, Vieng Joom On Tea, a wonderfully fragrant mix of black tea, rose petals, white tea, clover, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper and plum (B150/pot; B390 with scones, B650 as a high tea set).
93/332, The Emporio Place, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-160-4342. www.vjoteahouse.com

Let Them Eat Cake

Run by the same people as W by Wanlamun, another Chiang Mai dessert eatery, Let Them Eat Cake serves up homemade pastries and sweets that wouldn’t be too out of place in a French patisserie. Their top of the line treats include the St. Honore Rose-Framboise (B175), dôme au chocolat (B130) and éclair à la vanille (B160). And the stylish new bistro has outdoor seating so you can enjoy your bakery selection with a cup of Fauchon tea, a 125-year-old brand that now makes funky flavors like wild strawberry and chocolate. Or just opt for the rich and flavorful chocolat chaud made with dark Valrhona chocolate from France (B180).
G/F, Mille-Malle, Sukhumvit Soi 20, Bangkok, 02-663-4667. Open daily 10am-midnight

Double Dogs

Situated in a shophouse in Yaowarat, this family business has been renovated into a small minimal café by its young owners. Teas here are from many different countries like Japan, Sri Lanka and China. They recommend their Chinese teas (B80-B240/pot) or matcha powder tea (B130)—the owners claim it takes an hour to grind five grams of this very special green tea! They also make their own blends, like apple and bergamot (from B45) or natural milk tea with no artificial colors added (so don’t expect the usual orangey cha nom).
406 Yaowarat Rd., Bangkok, 086-329-3075. Open Tue-Sun 11am-10pm

TWG Tea Salon & Boutique

Finally, luxurious Singaporean tea purveyors TWG have landed at Emporium. The tea menu is categorized into different regions with more than 450 varieties to choose from. Otherwise start your tea lesson with their signature Silvermoon (green tea, mixed berries and vanilla, B250) before graduating to iced South African red tea (B250). The afternoon tea set starts from B370: sit near the bar, where you can ogle the bartenders sipping from every pot before they’re rolled out.
G/F, The Emporium Shopping Complex, 622 Sukhumvit Rd., Bangkok, 02-259-9510

Salon du Thé

Located in a hundred-year-old house, this newly opened museum also contains a little tea house on the terrace, surrounded by an impeccably-landscaped Thai-meets-Zen-style garden. The teas here are from the renowned florist Sakul Intakul’s own collection, and hail from many countries around the world. Try some of his personal recipes, like the Kashmiri Spiced Milk Tea (vanilla, cinnamon, cardamom, B120) and Love Pekoe Rose Tea (Assam black tea, Indian ‘hundred leaf’ pink rose petals, B120). Afternoon tea sets are B240 and come with six Asian snacks like tua pap (rice crepe stuffed with mung bean), green tea daifuku and kanom tom (glutinous rice stuffed with coconut).
The Museum of Floral Culture, 315 Soi Ongkarak 13, Samsen Soi 28, Bangkok, 02-669-3633. Open Tue-Sun 11am-6pm