The holidays are finally here! If jetting off to a popular holiday spot isn’t on your itinerary, don’t fret—staying in Bangkok this season has so much more to offer, thanks to the opening of ICONSIAM. Promising “the first” of all experiences in every facet of lifestyle, Bangkok’s latest iconic shopping destination has a lot in store for those who venture to its Charoen Nakorn base. With Christmas trees stretching over 400 metres along the Chao Phraya, iconic multimedia water features and even an eco-friendly fireworks extravaganza, ICONSIAM welcomes both tourists and locals alike to join in on the stellar festivities. If you’re on the hunt for an exciting new spot in Bangkok to toast the new year, look no further than across the river. Here’s a lowdown on what to expect from ICONSIAM’s festive activities this year, and why you definitely shouldn’t miss them.
Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019
Expected to be a New Year Celebration at a completely new scale of grandeur, this year’s ‘Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019’ at ICONSIAM brings with it an array of spectacular highlights along the riverside. Following a theme of ‘The River of Prosperity’, the event sees a collaboration of moguls from both public and private sectors, including the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
At the centre of the mind-blowing affair is a firework extravaganza, made using Thai sticker rice—an innovation that is both eco-friendly and reflects the rich history of the Chao Phraya River. Lasting five minutes, the fireworks display will see five acts, taking place along the river from five different locations. Not only will the show be kind to Mother Nature, but it will also be the longest and most grand display of fireworks ever held along the river, encompassing even the cluster of luxury river-side hotels—cue names such as the Peninsula Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, and the Royal Orchid Sheraton. It is anticipated that the show will be seen by over a million people within the two kilometre area, so be sure
to head there early and pick the best viewpoint—your Instagram feed will thank you for it later.
The fireworks will be followed by a spectacular and elegant ‘Khon’ performance—recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage. With a great number of performers, and composed with great attention to detail, the magnificent performance will allude to classical dances, warrior costumes and weapons found in Thai culture.
The countdown sees numerous businesses, hotels and industry magnates from both sides of the river joining hands to turn the Chao Phraya River into one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. Really taking the go-global ideal to heart, the event will also see entertainment provide by talented artists from both the local and global scene. A breathtaking combination of innovation-meets-culture, the Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019 at ICONSIAM provides the best spot for you to spend the remaining moments of 2018, and welcome a year of new beginnings.
The Amazing Thailand Countdown 2019 by TAT at ICONSIAM will take place on the bank of the Chao Phraya River on December 31, 2018, from 6pm
Bangkok Illumination
Those looking for a good spot to take snag those festive social media snaps, ICONSIAM’s ‘Bangkok Illumination’ has got you more than covered. Combining cutting-edge and innovative spectacle with patterns and forms borrowed from Thai traditional art, Bangkok Illumination promotes the remarkable local arts and culture scene to Thai and foreign visitors alike during the festive season.
The spectacle includes the longest line of Christmas trees, stretching over 400 meters along the river. They aren’t just any regular Christmas trees either—the sparkling spectacle borrows imagery and symbolism from Thai culture. Symbolising life and river worship, the ‘Lotus’ was reinterpreted in the trees, while ‘Bai Sri’ was used to represent gift-giving. Another highlight is Thailand’s first ever illuminated, multimedia floor map—the ‘Magic Carpet Bangkok’, by Miguel Chevalier. Renowned for pioneering digital and virtual arts, Chevalier incorporates Thai patterns and forms into his
multimedia presentation. With advanced lighting technology projected onto a vast area, guests can literally step into Chevalier’s virtual world.
Miguel Chevalier’s Magic Carpet will be on display on December 27, 2018, and from January 5 – 31, 2019. Throughout eight weeks, there will be a variety of performances held at 6pm and 8pm, every weekend in rotation. On January 12, a range of fun awaits children who comes to celebrate the National Children’s Day at ICONSIAM.
Iconic Multimedia Water Features
Those visiting ICONSIAM this festive season can prepare to be blown away by the longest water spectacle ever to exist in Southeast Asia. Stretching over 400 metres along the riverside, it features special nozzles with enough power to project water up to 35 metres high. Those looking for a spot to enjoy the city’s rare cool days, and get those envy-inducing festive photos should put this attraction on their itinerary.
For the holiday season, a series of contemporary performances will be held in the near vicinity of the breathtaking fountains, including an appearance by Stilt Walker. After marvelling at the entertainment and innovation, guests can also soak up the charm of Bangkok during this time of joy and cheer from the terrace on the 6th floor. The area also houses a plethora of Bangkok’s most popular dining destinations—cue names such as HOBS and Fallabella.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the biggest countdown in Bangkok this year. For more information, visit iconsiam.com.
The post Why Iconsiam Should Be Top On Your Festive Itinerary This Holiday Season appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.