The crowd jump to their feet as local star Chulachak ‘Hugo’ Chakrabongse takes to the stage with a tip of his straw hat. “He was signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation record label and wrote Beyoncé’s song Disappear, which appeared on her I Am... Sasha Fierce album,” explains my friend, foreign correspondent and long-time Bangkok resident Philip Sherwell, as the Thai actor/model/musician works the crowd with his easy bluegrass beats. “Hugo’s also related to the royal family,” adds Philip.
Unlikely as it seems from this popstar performance, Hugo comes from the royal line of King Rama V, one of the most forward-thinking monarchs in Thailand’s history. It’s an attitude that’s worked its way down the generations, as Hugo’s mother, Narisa Chakrabongse, doesn’t just undertake royal duties, but is also an author, environmentalist, owner of publishing house River Books and organiser of the Bangkok Edge Festival, where I now sit happily tapping my toes. This ‘festival of ideas’ pops up every other February in the grounds of royal enclave Chakrabongse Villas (which is also a boutique hotel) and in the opulent Museum Siam, close to the Chao Phraya River.
It’s just one of dozens of festivals and creative events that populate Bangkok’s increasingly packed cultural calendar. There’s also Galleries’ Night, when venerable museums and galleries across the city throw open their doors after hours; Bangkok Art Biennale, which takes over the city for four months every other year and forged ahead in 2020 despite Covid-19.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Annette Arjoon-Martins
RAISED BY HER INDIGENOUS GRANDMOTHER IN GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA, ANNETTE BUILT A FEMALE DRONE UNIT TO MONITOR MANGROVES
The Amazon to the Andes
THIS AUTUMN, PADDINGTON HEADS TO PERU ON THE BIG SCREEN - FOLLOW IN HIS PAWPRINTS FOR AN EPIC FAMILY ADVENTURE
Serra de Tramuntana
MAJORCA'S MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGE IS EVERY BIT AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE ISLAND'S COASTLINE - AND YOU CAN HIKE STRAIGHT FROM YOUR HOTEL
CRAFTING PERFECTION
Carlsberg's old brewing district has been redeveloped, offering creative new ways to enjoy Copenhagen
HOTEL AWARDS 2024
IT'S BEEN AN EPIC YEAR FOR HOTEL OPENINGS, REVAMPS AND EXTENSIONS, AND WE'VE SCOURED THE GLOBE FOR THE BEST OF THEM. WHETHER YOU WANT TO TUNE INTO THE JUNGLE FROM A TREEHOUSE, SLEEP IN A PIECE OF HISTORY OR WATCH THE SUN SET OVER MOUNTAIN PEAKS FROM YOUR BED, YOU'RE GUARANTEED A MEMORABLE STAY FROM OUR WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP
MALDIVES
An archipelago of 1,192 coral islands and 26 turquoise atolls looping across the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is home to resorts that cater to every imaginable taste, from barefoot escapes to designer digs. The most convenient to reach are located in the South Malé, North Malé and Vaavu atolls, within speedboat distance of Velana International Airport, while more remote atolls are accessible by seaplane or domestic flight. With easy access to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa and Raa are especially popular. Those around the Equator, including Gaafu Alifu, offer a splendid sense of isolation, abundant marine life and brilliantly starry night skies.
TRANSYLVANIA
The central Romanian region of Dracula fame makes for an intriguing autumn break - sink your teeth into its crafts and culture after discovering its turreted castles.
Audio adventures
FROM OVERTOURISM TO HOW THE OLYMPIC GAMES AFFECTS HOST CITIES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST PODCASTS THAT EXPLORE THE WORLD
NICE
Historically a place where monarchs and aristocrats would escape the winter in favour of warm Mediterranean climes, this southern French city is at its best in the off season
BELFAST
In the Northern Irish capital, the healing and uniting powers of music and art are being used to reconcile the past, look to the future and bring communities together