Things to do in Bangkok this weekend

Van Gogh Alive has opened in Bangkok, offering Bangkokians chance to immerse themselves in the art of Vincent van Gogh—virtually. Ogle the Dutch artist’s The Starry Night or his many self-portraits in Van Gogh Alive, a popular virtual reality exhibition that has been touring the world for almost a year. Some of Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous paintings have come to life with the help of immersive digital mapping technology and sensory music designed specifically for the show. Many of you may have gotten a glimpse of the experience from an episode of Emily in Paris (although that was from another exhibit of the same kind). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Bangkok (@timeoutbangkok)   The exhibition finds a home in Bangkok on the sixth floor of ICONSIAM, and will run from 30 March to 31 July, dates that encompass Van Gogh’s birth and death anniversaries on 30 March and 29 July, respectively. Ticket prices range from B690 to B1,490.

The 1,890-square-meter CentralWorld Live event hall will be transformed into a fantastical place showcasing 10 of Studio Ghibli’s most iconic movies. Get the chance to interact (or pose, at least) with installations that depict familiar elements from the studio’s movies, such as the greenery of Totoro Forest from My Neighbor Totoro, and Laputa, the massive floating structure from Castle in the Sky (the latest addition to the traveling exhibition will be making its debut in Thailand).  You can also jump on a train with Kaonashi from Spirited Away and hang out at Osono’s bread shop from Kiki’s Delivery Service. The 10 Studio Ghibli films to be featured at the show are:  My Neighbor Totoro Howl’s Moving Castle Spirited Away KiKi’s Delivery Service Princess Momonoke Castle in the Sky Porco Rosso Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea Pom Poko

You may have noticed that Asiatique is slowly undergoing a revamp. Premium steakhouse Crystal Grill, which features tables in small glasshouses, has opened, as well as a new outpost of Siam Tea Room.  But what’s really generating excitement is the arrival of Disney 100 Village, Thailand’s very first Disney-backed destination. From what we know, the attraction will feel like a mini Disney-themed playground, complete with a lifestyle and shopping zone, exhibitions, fun spaces, and photo spots. You’ll get to shop for character merchandise (from Frozen dolls to Ironman action figures) have fun at dedicated zones inspired by the studio’s animated films (we heard it will have a 2,000-square-meter Frozen exhibit), explore the Disney Princesses Garden, and rub shoulders with your favorite Disney characters.   Disney 100 Village will be open from 24 March to 31 July. All-zone tickets (from B1,669) are now available on Thai Ticket Major. 

Japanese MMA star Kota Miura will once again return to Rajadamnern Stadium this Saturday, July 1st. This time, he will fight in an adrenaline-raving match against rising Thai street fighter, Joker Fight Club. You will witness electrifying kicks exchanged between the well-bred aspiring Japanese star and the Thai fighter who has risen from rags, driven by a relentless and nothing-to-lose mentality. It will certainly be a match to remember. The RWS night will also feature a fight between last year's RWS 154lbs runner-up, Yodwicha Por. Boonsit, and Petchmorakot Petchyindee. Deejays will spin hot tunes to amp up the night, and you will have the opportunity to see popular Thai hip-hop artist Youngohm perform to cap it all off.

Ice Magic is an indoor snow park that first opened in Beijing in 2008 and became an annual extravaganza. The Bangkok outpost is be housed in an 11.5-meter-tall tent that covers an area of 3,000 square meters. You’ll surely be overwhelmed by a gigantic snow mountain, an 80-meter-long ski track, a skiing and snowboarding zone, 148-long ice slides (said to be some of the world’s longest), and an exhibition of sculptures by winning ice artists from the Harbin Ice Festival.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Bangkok (@timeoutbangkok)

One of central Bangkok’s nicest parks has become even more attractive as it hosts new art installations and a lot of workshops as part of Unfolding Bangkok, a series of state-backed events that’s aimed at showcasing the many dimensions of the city through art of various kinds.  The latest to be revealed is Unfolding Bangkok: Greeting Benchakitti. Curator Angkrit Ajchariyasophon has invited five prominent local artists to create meaningful, site-specific sculptures that parkgoers can enjoy and immerse themselves in.  There is also a light and 3D projection mapping show at Hua Lam Phong station.