What’s On in Bangkok in November 2015

Written by Team Expique
Published: October 30, 2015

There is always something to do in Bangkok – hunt down the latest goings-on with our what’s-on guide. Know of another event taking place that you want to share? Let us know in the comments!

Book Expo Thailand 2015: until 01 November

Bangkok’s enormous book fair continues until 01 November at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. While most books on sale are in Thai, there are still a fair number available in English, including a wide selection of English-language children’s books. The fair is likely to be even busier in its final days than it has been so far, meaning it’s best to arrive by public transport. Daily, 10am-9pm; Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (MRT Queen Sirikit); www.qsncc.co.th.

Spirit of Sanam Luang: until 15 November

The Spirit of Sanam Luang - photo by Cherdwood Sakolaya

Award-winning Thai photogeapher Cherdwood Sakolaya’s exhibition of life at Sanam Luang continues at Soy Sauce Factory art gallery. The collection showcases life at the ceremonial and recreation ground, in the city’s old town and just a stone’s throw from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, over the past decades. Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm; Charoenkrung Soi 24 (MRT Hualamphong); www.bit.ly/spiritofsanamluang.

Loy Krathong: 25 November

Loy Krathong at Saphan Taksin - photo by Chris Wotton

This year’s Loy Krathong festival falls on 25 November, and as ever you can expect waterways across Bangkok – and throughout Thailand – to be lined with floating rafts made of everything from bread to banana leaves. Thais fill these rafts with scented flowers, a candle and often some small coins, nail clippings and pieces of hair; the act of floating away the raft is hoped to see off past bad deeds and usher in good fortune. The festival is also a romantic time for couples, while in Chiang Mai the unrelated but popular lantern release at Mae Jo University takes places shortly beforehand. River boat piers around Bangkok will be busy on the evening of Loy Krathong; Saphan Taksin is a particularly popular spot to launch a krathong, as is the lake in Lumpini Park. Stay tuned for details of Expique events to coincide with Loy Krathong.

Ploenchit Fair: 28 November

Ploenchit Fair in Bangkok - photo by BCTFN

Long since held not in Phloen Chit, where it previously took place in the grounds of the British Embassy, but now at Bangkok Patana school out in Bearing, the annual Ploenchit Fair is a British community event that raises money for Thai charities helping the underprivileged. Expect a day of food, drink, rides and attractions, and plenty to both buy and win. A free shuttle bus operates from Bang Na BTS station. 10am-9pm; adults 150 baht, children 50 baht; Bangkok Patana School, 643 Sukhumvit Soi 105 (BTS Bang Na); www.bit.ly/ploenchitfairbangkok.

Silom Folks Market: 04-06 November

Silom Folks Market - photo by Silom Folks Market

Silom Folks Market returns at the Baan Silom outdoor shopping centre, with enough fashion and food stalls to fulfil your desire for retail therapy and keep your hunger in chec too. 10am-8pm; Silom Soi 19 (BTS Chong Nonsi);

Neilson Hays Book Sale: 14-15 November

The Neilson Hays library’s regular book sales return for one weekend; this popular event gets busy, and you can expect thousands of English-language books available, with prices starting from just 20 baht. 9.30am-4pm; 195 Surawong Road (BTS Sala Daeng/MRT Si Lom); www.bit.ly/neilsonhaysbooksale.

Wat Saket Temple Fair: 18-27 November

The annual temple fair at Wat Saket, better known as the home of the Golden Mount, will take over much of Ratchadamnoen Avenue and the surrounding Rattanakosin area. Get in early for a vantage spot with a view of the temple’s stupa being draped in a large sacred red cloth – by individuals suspended at height without safety harnesses, of course – after this has been paraded through the streets of Bangkok’s old town. This spectacle aside, expect all the fun of the fair with rides, food stalls, and plenty of opportunities to make merit. The atmosphere is eclectic, but the area also gets very busy, and the streets are likely to be packed. The temple fair lasts for ten days starting on 18 November – things really get going in the late afternoon, but the opening parade kicks off at around 6am on the first day. Boriphat Road (Phan Fah canal boat pier).

River Festival 2015: 21-25 November

Bangkok’s annual River Festival returns as a celebration of the city’s waterside heritage, with events and activities taking place at a range of temples along the Chaophraya, including Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Kalaya and Wat Prayoon, as well as at Tha Maharaj, Asiatique the Riverfront, and Yodpiman River Walk (close to Pak Khlong Talat flower market). Free shuttle boats provide transportation between the sights during the festival, which runs from 21 to 25 November.

How will you be spending your time in November in Bangkok? Let us know in the comments!

Photos by Keng Susumpow; Cherdwood Sakolaya; Chris Wotton; BCTFN; Silom Folks Market; oatsy40; Chris Brown; Michael Saechang.

Categories: What’s On