Our 10 most-read stories this year (plus, the ones we most loved writing)

We published over 2000 stories this year on Lifestyle Asia Thailand, but some rise above the rest. Here are the 10 most popular stories you loved reading this year, as well as the 5 stories we most loved writing — and why.

Editorial meetings at Lifestyle Asia don’t just come highly caffeinated. Every week of the year, we sit together to plan stories that are engaging, responsive to trends, and in line with our core values. We take the time to identify who or what is causing buzz at any given moment, and how we can approach these topics in a creative way.

The result is an exciting plethora of articles that span local events and global lifestyle happenings. We conducted interviews with industry heavyweights and new-gen leaders, we put together round-ups for your most highly anticipated occasions, and we milked the content out of Moo Deng, when she went viral for weeks on end.

In our yearly recap, we bring you the 10 most-read stories on our platform this 2024. Once again, you loved food and drink stories, and finding out where to spend your evenings. New this year, there was also a huge interest in art toys (do you even Labubu?), as well as the growing number of concerts in Bangkok.

Beyond our most popular stories, each author also included a story they loved writing, and an explanation behind his or her working process. In a world where ChatGPT only gets more powerful, we thought our readers might enjoy the authentic voices behind these pieces, too.

From an iPhone for a hippo and a bar to suit your heartbreak, here are the 10 most popular stories on Lifestyle Asia Thailand this year, along with the stories we most loved writing. As usual, we didn’t include monthly or weekly columns in this ranking, and only pieces written by the local team are featured.

[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Pop Mart]

Most popular stories: The articles you loved reading this year

Coldplay Bangkok: How did Thailand fare on the LED wristband return ranking?

“A sky of stars (and fireworks and confetti and inflatable planets) lit up Bangkok city this past weekend, as Coldplay filled Rajamangala stadium with music and magic as part of their ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour. Now, as diehard fans will know, a fresh question arises: how did Thailand fare on the LED wristband return rate ranking? Were we all good and abiding fans, dutifully returning our Coldplay bracelets at the end of the concert? You may be surprised.”

Okay, what the heck is Labubu?

“It seems that a certain fuzzy and mischievous character has once again taken Thailand by storm. After the hype of seeing K-pop idol Lisa clutch one in her arms, Labubu is trending once more after a brief tour here in Bangkok to promote Chinese tourism. But for those of us not in the know, it may be surprising and confusing as to who or what Labubu is and why it’s become so popular. If you’ve got questions, these are hopefully the answers you’ve been looking for.”

Concerts in Bangkok we’re looking forward to in 2024

“Check your wallets and start saving money. These are the concerts in Bangkok we’re looking forward to in 2024.”

20 of the best breakfast spots in Bangkok

“These best breakfast spots in Bangkok serve the best breakfast foods that we all crave over and over again — think pancakes, eggs Benedict, breakfast biscuits, and so much more. Scroll to see which one you should head to next for a satisfying morning bite about town.”

15 work-friendly cafes for working, studying, or daydreaming

“We originally published this story back when working from the office was still a distant reality, as we had just escaped the shackles of Covid-19 lockdown, and yet our offices were still considered a health hazard. This is when we discovered work-friendly cafes: coffeeshops across Bangkok that offered an amiable ambience for finishing that report, taking those notes, or finally starting that novel.”

The best casual Thai restaurants in Bangkok to recommend to visiting friends

“Now that more and more of your friends are heading back to visit Bangkok again, it’s likely they’ll come to you, the budding local, for restaurant recommendations. Here are some of the best, most reliable, fail-safe, and authentic Thai restaurants in Bangkok.”

Moo Deng has her own livestream. Here’s how to watch.

“The world has been enamoured by the antics of the smol pygmy hippo of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, giving us a little respite from all the troubles and crises all around us. Well, kind of. The cute little hippo made rounds around the world for a completely different thing recently: correctly predicting that Donald Trump would be back in the White House. Despite this, the aptly and deliciously named Moo Deng still remains beloved all over the globe but the little hippo is just getting started. The zoo has started welcoming an influx of visitors all wanting to visit the viral hippo but fans around the world now have a new way of staying updated with all of Moo Deng’s hijinks: by watching her 24/7 live stream.”

How to make the Cry Baby Noodles from Netflix’s ‘Hunger’ at home

“There were many dishes on Netflix’s Hunger that raised eyebrows. The Thai film that quickly became Netflix’s most-watched across the region, follows the rise of a street food chef who becomes seduced by the world of fine dining. Young Aoy follows in the foot steps of the notorious Chef Paul, who plays into an exaggerated ego-centric chef stereotype, and does things like feeding his diners meat off an actual cow carcass.

And yet, beyond all the blood-splattered plates and tap water consommé, there is one dish in the film that stands out from all the rest: Cry Baby Noodles, or Pad Ngor Ngae.”

Emsphere guide: What to do, where to eat, what to drink

“Despite the traffic it brings to the already bustling Sukhumvit, Emsphere really proved itself to be more than just another mall with food here and there, with some “lifestyle brand” stores. It’s a hub of restaurants, a nightlife destination, a luxury mall, and more, all rolled up in one big building. If you find yourself spoiled for choice, we have a handy Emsphere guide on where to start.”

Best crab omelette spots to try in Bangkok, apart from Jay Fai

“Ideal for any occasion, many seek out to try a Thai crab omelette when in Bangkok. It’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and there are delicious chunks of perfectly-cooked crab meat found throughout the dish — one mouthful feels like a foodgasm.

Look, we love Jay Fai. Lovely woman, can’t get enough of the gal. But sometimes we want to grab a good crab omelette in Bangkok without the long wait, and we know where to get a fix for that.”

Most beloved stories: The articles we loved writing this year

The Best Bars to Break Up with Somebody

I try to put myself into articles that I write, and this one is the perfect showcase of my knowledge of the bar scene, but also creative humour that needs to hit just right or it will seem like it’s trying too hard. The Best Bars to Break Up with Somebody initially was going to be actual places perfect to break up in, but as I kept writing, any bar seemed perfect to break up with somebody if you’re already at that stage of the relationship. So, I filled it with jokes, references, and more, and it became an easily-sharable piece. It would also be hilarious if people actually break up at these places, though.
—KV, Content Writer

The best iPhone 16 for you according to your ‘Mood’ Deng

One slow day in the office as I was feigning thinking of the next words to write for my article when really I was thinking of lunch, my boss turned to me and issued me an order—nay, a challenge. With chaos in her eyes, possibly the effect of the strong black coffee she buys from our favourite coffee truck downstairs, she said, “You can write a piece about which iPhone suits someone best according to which Moo Deng they relate to the most.”
The idea? Splendid. The challenge? Accepted. Moo Deng? Moist.
Thus was born perhaps the most hard-hitting piece of journalism I have ever written in the span of my seven-year career, only next to the infamous “Burger King Real Cheeseburger” piece.
—ES, Senior Writer

Are we really surprised by the Bangkok restaurants on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024?

I still remember the night I wrote this story, driven by an almost forceful fire to pen my thoughts. Using Oppenheimer and Barbie as a comparison, this op-ed questioned the motive of food and drink awards in Asia, putting Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants under a critical lens. It was risky to write, but it was rewarding to see and hear an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from industry friends (and strangers) across Asia. It wasn’t meant to be hateful and it isn’t hateful, but the trend continued into 2024, with many people coming out of the woodwork to question the integrity of F&B rankings across the continent. The story reminded me that we need to use our platform more effectively, and that we have some wonderful and supportive readers out there. I say this almost every year, but it really means a lot to writers when you take the time to compliment their work, or merely start a conversation with them about it.
—LG, Creative Content Director

The BookTok guide to Romantasy (plus recommendations)

Q&A: André Fu on creating a genuine vision for Dusit Thani Bangkok

Although I’m unsure what my favourite story this year was, if I had to choose, my proudest piece would definitely be the Q&A with André Fu. Meeting such an incredible architect was beyond inspiring because he’s truly a genius at what he does. The way he observes, thinks, creates, articulates; when I was in the room I was just in awe.
As for the creation of the new Dusit Thani Bangkok, being able to learn about how he merges Thai heritage with contemporary design, like keeping the traditional pillars in the main lobby, was such a thoughtful detail because who would have known that it would work so beautifully? One thing he said that really stuck with me (and has totally changed how I see hotels) is that a good room always has a dedicated space for your luggage the moment you walk in. It’s such a simple idea, but it makes all the difference.
—TC, Content Writer