Sticky heat, hot beats, liquor, food, markets, pools, exhibits, sun and fashion… Thailand has won over my soul!

This week I was privileged to spend five days in Bangkok in the lead up to Smirnoff’s Nightlife Exchange Project taking place around the globe this weekend. And let me tell you this: It’s been less than 24 hours and I’m finding it so hard to have left such an attractive, down-to-Earth city.

Although Thailand is known as a relaxing retreat, it oozes style and creativity beyond expectation. I discovered a bunch of neat places and met talented, kind-hearted people who have made an impact on my definition of nightlife culture and fun. So, if ever you adventure to Thailand, I urge you to hit these up:

Blue Velvet

Ah-mazing! I had an absolute ball at this little Victorian-inspired hotspot. It’s actually a re-vamped castle/dungeon which features impressive wine glasses suspended from the bar’s ceiling. The entrance even welcomes you with a complete moat and draw bridge. Thanks to everyone for making this my best night out in Thailand… hands down! 

Breeze Resturant

If you desire to eat lavish seafood and see a stunning cityscape view of Bangkok from level 52 of the State Tower, then pencil this restaurant into your schedule. The angus steak served with fried rice was my memorable dish while watching the town’s pretty firework celebrations.

Shangri-La Hotel

Talk about living it up a la Gossip Girl. Bangkok’s Shangri-La is serious territory for partying and winding down. The best of both worlds I say! I rocked a glorious daily routine: nightlife dinners and bar drinking, four hours sleep, eating a stunning buffet breakfast; followed by writing by the pool, drinking a juice mocktail which “detoxifies your kidneys and liver”, then continuing our city explorations. Too bad I did not find Chuck Bass at Shangri-La.

SuperrZaaap!!

Located in Bangkok’s Siam Square, the SuperrZaaap!! store is a trendy resource for humble fashion hipsters. It stocks everything from it’s very own funky tee line to jeans, shades and accessories. Overall, founders Sarila and Piper are an unmessible creative team to reckon with; having expanded their brand to encompass marketing and promotions, event management and even DJing. Piper (AKA: DJ SuperSonic) spins some fun drum n bass and retro funk. This joint is bound to go global… just you watch!

Spirits: Creativities from Beyond

Thai natives are fascinated by Asian spiritual paradigms, so it’s only natural that they weave traditional beliefs into their art and daily culture. This exhibit in particular was quite a gruesome, gory yet enticing display of ghosts and the afterlife-inspired artworks which make you question if the spirit world is in fact real or just an imaginative superstition. Find it at the Creative and Design Centre on level 6 of Bangkok’s Emporium Shopping Complex.

View the remaining gallery snaps below x.