A million points of light

KNOWN FOR dazzling residents and visitors with its fabulous lights and festive decorations, Bangkok’s downtown Ratchaprasong area has outdone itself this year, covering 21 buildings with a sparkling facade costing some Bt250 million to ensure the district is the place to be throughout the celebrations. 
A great way to enjoy the millions of lights is over drinks and dinner. Here’s our pick of the nine best spots to revel in the joyful ambience. 

 Pirate Chamber

If you love a bit of mystery, Pirate Chamber is the place for you. Located on the third floor of Maneeya Centre, Pirate Chamber offers a bird’s eye view of the Ratchaprasong district. Here, diners can see the decorations in front of Maneeya Centre and Amarin Plaza, all the way to Gaysorn Village. Signature dishes include Watermelon Nigiri and Foie Gras Roll topped with tai fish, salmon roe and caviar, Rigatoni Lobster Bouillabaisse, and Australian Striploin Steak with Poached Egg and Truffle Hollandaise. It’s accessible from BTS Chidlom station. 

Beer Republic

Almost directly opposite is the newly opened Beer Republic at Holiday Inn where you can drink and dine with a view of Amarin Plaza’s gigantic balloon. Here, you can see retro decorations inspired by European factories in the Industrial Era in a space marked by a high ceiling and black-and-white decor. Premium beers from around the world are on offer and can be enjoyed with Thai and European favourites like the Yard Flat Bread and Slow Cooked BBQ Ribs.

Theo Mio

British celebrity chef Theo Randall will present his authentic Italian dishes at Theo Mio located at InterContinental Bangkok. Turquoise umbrellas and blue padded chairs add a Sicilian vibe to the restaurant, with dazzling lights providing a fairytale feel. Dishes not to miss are Selezione di Antipasti, a selection of antipasti with burrata cheese, parma ham, and grilled vegetables; Controfilleto di Manzo, char-grilled beef sirloin with wild rocket, Parmesan, fresh red chilli, balsamic vinegar and parsley and a range of desserts that include tiramisu, panna cotta, almond tart and mini doughnuts served with lemon custard sauce. 

 Burger and Lobster

The next spot comes all the way from London - the first Burger & Lobster in Thailand. Located on G floor of Gaysorn Village, it is decorated in modern English style and diners can indulge in its legendary juicy lobster with an atmosphere that recalls the London ambience while large glass window allows a view of festive lights outside. Try Combo for One, the restaurant’s signature menu, which includes a large lobster grilled or steamed, served with lemon sauce and garlic better, and a juicy burger. Sip on a romantic cocktail like Over the Moon, made with Beefeater gin, strawberry, Pimms, rose, cucumber, lemon and fizz.

1823 Tea Lounge by Ronnefeldt

Ideal for tea lovers is 1823 Tea Lounge by Ronnefeldt on the first floor of Gaysorn Village where you can sip a cup of tea and be mesmerised by the beautiful lights at Gaysorn Village, Amarin Plaza and the Erawan Shrine. This is first and only tea lounge by the German premium tea brand, which was established in 1823 in Frankfurt. The tea lounge offers diners more than 70 distinct flavours together with afternoon tea sets, all-day light meals, pastries and an extensive drink list. Try Pomelo Salad made with pomelo, green tea leaves and salmon and Tea Roasted Chicken Rice with exclusive tea blend Bangkok Blend for which Oolong is blended with tropical flavours of papaya and pineapple, or Cherry Wonderland black tea with cherry, peach, and apple. 

Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar

Up on the second floor of Gaysorn Village is Riedel Wine Bar & Cellar offering more than 200 labels and state-of-the-art wine dispensers that allow for a comprehensive tasting experience along with tempting Mediterranean tapas. The outdoor terrace comes highly recommended as it provides an exclusive and romantic view of Ratchaprasong, as well as a full view of Magnolias Rajdamri Boulevard’s 3D mapping projection and CentralWorld’s Christmas decorations.
The showroom-cum-wine bar is the German crystal glassware brand’s first concept store. The highlight is the wine dispenser corner where there are 40 artisanal wines by the glass. Guests are given a personal card to enjoy a wide selection of wine by glass at the wine dispensers. Insert your card and select your preferred wine in one of three pours – 30ml for taste option, 75 and 150ml – with prices ranging from just Bt60 a glass to Bt2,500. A row of Riedel glassware is arranged to match the character and body of each wine. For food, try Iberico Pork Pluma, Grilled Scallops and Apple, and the restaurant’s signature Stracciatella. 

Gaysorn Urban Resort 

Gaysorn Urban Resort on 19th floor of Gaysorn Tower provides the best view of festive decorations in the area at its Outdoor Greenery Sky Garden. There is also the glass-wrapped Gaysorn Crystal Box, a function room, which can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a breathtaking 270-degree view of Bangkok. This top floor is a newly opened place ideal for ringing in the New Year. Tickets are now available for the countdown. Email [email protected] for more information. 

Beer garden at CentralWorld

Beer garden at CentralWorld is back in time for the festive fun and as ever has plenty of upbeat music. Make sure your phone and camera are fully charged because it’s hard to resist taking photos with Christmas lights, Santa Claus, reindeers, and many other decorations. From here, you can see a panoramic view of Gaysorn Village and Amarin Plaza as well as the 3D mapping projection at Magnolias Rajdamri Boulevard.

BAR9 Beer Garden

A few steps further is BAR9 Beer Garden rooftop bar at Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam. It is an exclusive spot, a hideaway from the urban chaos outside. Here, you can dine under the stars with a panoramic view of Pratunam, the Ratchaprasong Walk, CentralWorld’s festive decorations, and 3D mapping projection at Magnolias Rajdamri Boulevard. Try BAR9 Burger in a squid ink bun and sip on Blue Cloud, its signature cocktail made with coconut water and coconut pulp.