The 16th Annual King’s Cup Elephant Polo tournament will take place 8-11th March 2018 near Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river in the heart of the urban jungle. Building on the unprecedented success of last year, not only will there be an abundance of trunk to trunk action on the field, but a jam-packed weekend of live music, tantalizing food and parties galore awaits off the pitch at the Riverside Festival.

Thai Food Village

For the first time, we have invited 14 celebrated chefs and renowned restaurants from Bangkok and beyond 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 & roasted coffee or sip on an indulgent artisan cocktail made with Thai ingredients. We are also pleased to announce that the Thai Food Village will be a plastic free zone, with a firm ban on plastic straws and cups and the adoption of com-postable packaging. 

Thurs-Sun: check ticket for daily opening timesPerformers

Live music will form the backdrop of the weekend with an array of performances and mini con-certs punctuating the Polo Tournament. Folky popstar, Singto Numchok will rock the crowd on Friday night, on Saturday evening we’ll be dancing to electro DJ beats and the funky sounds of Rhythm Nation Band whilst come Sunday morning, Chai and The Blues Maniacs will supply some much needed soothing Jazz tunes.  

Thurs-Sun: check website for show timesEating

This year’s offerings promise to be bigger and better than ever with an array of pop up restau-rants 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. 

Thurs-SunAfter Dark

An air of well-heeled chic will be delivered pitch-side by ATTITUDE Rooftop Bar who are serving up a champagne party; whilst Sukhumvit favourite 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!

Thurs-Sun: various opening times

Riverside Elephant Yoga with Absolute Yoga

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 are bringing 3 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!

Sunday: 6.40-8:30am

Cultural Opening Ceremony

A firm favourite 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.  

Thurs: 8am-11:30am

Kids’ Fun

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.

Thurs-Sun

Luxury Prizes and Extravagant Holidays

All weekend long guests will have the chance to win one of 10,000 incredible prizes from our many 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 4 night stay at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar with flights courtesy of Oman Air.

Thurs-Sun at the Charity Prize Drawer Tent

For more information visit www.anantara.com and www.anantaraelephantpolo.com