Go and spend some time by the river, in the heart of the urban jungle, during the 16th Annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament. Building on last year’s success, not only will there be an abundance of trunk-to-trunk action on the field, but also a jam-packed weekend of live music, food, and parties at the Riverside Festival.
Thai Food Village
March, Thursday 8 to Sunday 11, 2018: Check ticket for daily opening times
For the first time, 14 celebrated chefs and renowned restaurants from Bangkok and beyond were invited to serve up their signature Thai dish at the Thai Food Village. Expect an array of quintessentially Thai culinary delights from the likes of Iron Chefs and revered Bangkok restaurants, wash it down with a cup of locally grown and roasted coffee, or sip on an indulgent artisan cocktail made with Thai ingredients. The Thai Food Village will be a plastic-free zone, with a firm ban on plastic straws and cups, as well as and the adoption of compostable packaging.
Performers
March, Thursday 8 to Sunday 11, 2018: Check the website below for show times
Live music will form the backdrop of the weekend, with an array of performances and mini-concert sets punctuating the polo tournament. Folky popstar Singto Numchok will rock the crowd on Friday night; on Saturday evening there will be dancing to electro DJ beats and the funky sounds of Rhythm Nation Band, and on Sunday morning Chai and The Blues Maniacs will supply soothing Jazz tunes.
Eating
March, Thursday 8 to Sunday 11, 2018
This year’s offerings promise to be bigger and better than ever with an array of pop up restaurants from some of Bangkok’s best-loved eateries. Take your taste buds on a whistle-stop global tour with delicacies including teppanyaki showmanship from Benihana and international home comforts served up by Kuppa. Be sure not to miss the Sunset Pasta Party from Pasta Go-Go & Rumma Pasta at the Piazza Italia tent; dough maestros Pizza Massilia will also be there. Alternatively, bag yourself a shady table pitch-side and sip on a cold one at the laid-back BBQ & Beer Gardens.
After Dark
March, Thursday 8 to Sunday 11, 2018: Various opening times
An air of well-heeled chic will be delivered pitch-side by ATTITUDE Rooftop Bar and its Champagne party, whilst Sukhumvit’s favorite Sing Sing Theatre will be entertaining the discerningly debauched with an as yet undisclosed themed club tent. Aperol will be concocting their unmistakable orange aperitifs whilst Chilean Casillero del Diablo will be serving devilishly good premium wines all weekend long. Johnnie Walker will be pulling out all the stops with an epic Safari theme… this one is full of surprises for you to explore!
Riverside Elephant Yoga with Absolute Yoga
March, Sunday 11, 2018: 6:40 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Early on Sunday morning, when the elephants are only just stirring, a hive of activity will be buzzing on the polo pitch. Boutique workout mavericks Absolute Yoga will bring three of their finest instructors for the inaugural Riverside Yoga event. Hundreds of yogis of all ages, sizes, and abilities will be limbering up for a rejuvenating workout next to the river, before feeding the elephants breakfast and enjoying the closing tournament matches. Get practicing your Elephant’s Trunk pose!
Cultural Opening Ceremony
March, Thursday 8, 2018: 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
A firm favorite weekend highlight is the spectacular opening ceremony. Graceful traditional Thai dancers will officially open the weekend, following cultural blessings from a local Buddhist monk, a revered Hindu Brahmin and, finally, the last remaining Elephant Spirit Man in Thailand. This stunning celebration of Thai culture and history reflects the inclusive nature of the weekend and is certainly not to be missed.
Kids’ Fun
March, Thursday 8 to Sunday 11, 2018
The Riverside Festival truly has something for everyone, with magical entertainment at the Ripley’s Believe it or Not tent. Mini muses can try their hand at ceramic painting in the Elephant Parade tent, or expand their knowledge and appreciation for Thailand’s national animal at the Elephant Foundation tent.
Luxury Prizes and Extravagant Holidays 
March, Thursday 8 to Sunday 11, 2018: At the Charity Prize Drawer Tent
All weekend long guests will have the chance to win one of 10,000 incredible prizes from the event’s partners and sponsors. This year’s highlights include trips to the Maldives and the winner of the famous annual Best Dressed Award on Ladies Day, will win a four-night stay at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar with flights courtesy of Oman Air.
More info: www.anantara.com, www.anantaraelephantpolo.com
