Festival & Event
Buffalo Racing
You could be forgiven for thinking that a domesticated buffalo is not built for sprinting, but in Chonburi town, the gateway to resorts along the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, farmers have managed to tweak a turn of speed from these working animals that is nothing short of amazing.
The annual Buffalo races, 13 October, are a hotly contested series of sprints across on an open space in front of the town’s municipal offices.
Tourists and the town’s residents turn out for these amazing races that have been featured in the past on CNN and the BBC as a must-see event.
The races are taken very seriously by the owners of the buffaloes. Prizes for the first nose past the finishing line guarantee owners go to considerable lengths to ensure their buffaloes are in tip-top condition.
Clouds of dust rise as these hefty animals pound down the short course at an alarming speed, reminiscent of a stampede. The crowd roars in support of the favourites and the atmosphere is as an enthralling as watching thoroughbred race horses.
Admittedly, mites slower than a race horse, but the buffaloes are no slouches when it comes to making a short dash for glory.
Although this day of fun and competition would succeed with just the buffaloes as the celebrities, there are other activities to make it a worthwhile outing for families.
A fair with food stalls and handicrafts appeals to visitors who love authentic Thai food, snacks and sweets. Then there are the rides for children, concerts of folk music and, of course, a beauty contest where the prize is the honour of being declared Miss Buffalo.
Not exactly the most adhering of titles for an aspiring beauty queen, but it does not seem to deter contestants from seeking the limelight of the catwalk.
Here is a festival that provides photo opportunities to capture an unusual adaptation of the 100-metre dash. Well worth seeing, is always the conclusion of those who make the effort to travel to Chonburi.
If the more traditional version of four-legged races is more appealing then the venue should be the Horse Show, 23 October at the Sanctuary of Truth, also in Chonburi province, on the outskirts of Pattaya The show is organised to commemorate the reign of King Rama V, the Great, on a day set aside as a national holiday to honour a ruler who initiated many of the developments that ultimately encouraged the economic and social transformation of the nation.
Bangkok is home to a number of running competitions including the now famous Bangkok Marathon, the race up the staircase of the landmark high-rise hotel, the Banyan Tree, to its restaurant aptly named Vertigo and the annual Midnight Run, scheduled for 11 October.
The creation of an enterprising hotelier who managed the Amari Watergate in the late 90s and was also a seasoned marathoner, the Midnight Run is not as strange as it might first appear.
As all enthusiastic runners know running in the tropics is also a race against the sun. The window of opportunity to complete a race in an acceptable time in humid Bangkok shrinks fast as heat and humidity build up by mid-morning.
The obvious answer for the Amari Watergate general manager was to create a run that started and finished before sunrise, hence the popularity of the Amari Watergate and BMW Midnight Run that attracts over 1,000 participants.
Now in its 11th year, the run follows an interesting route through downtown Bangkok, around the entertainment and business districts.
The competition is divided into two categories; six and 12 kilometres, the races produce fast times, often resulting in some personal best times. It is also an excellent build up race for the Bangkok International Marathon later in the year.
It could be considered the season opener for local sports events, organised during the cooler months of the year.
Date : 23 September – 2 October, 2008
Venue : Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan and Suan Somdej Phra Sinagarindra 84
(Thung Tha Lat Park), Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Features a large and splendorous event of Nakhon Si Thammarat,
experience the spectacular procession on 28 September, 2008,
from Sanam Na Mueang to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan.
Purchase various local products on sale and enjoy various forms of entertainment.
For further information, please contact:
TAT Nakhon Si Thammarat Office Tel. 66 (0) 7534 6515-6
Date : 11-15 Octorber 2008
Venue : Mekong River, Nong Khai
Participate in the “Tak Bat Thevo” alms-giving activity in the morning of Ok Phansa Day (The End of Buddhist Lent), while in the evening see the procession for the Naga, cultural performances, as well as the amazing phenomenon of Naga fireballs at night. Witness also the long boat competition for Ok Phansa Day and taste delicious dishes along food streets.
Contact:
TAT Northeastern Office : Region 5, Tel : 66 (0) 4232 5406-7
Nong Khai Provincial Administration Office, Tel : 66 (0) 4242 0323
Website : www.tourismthailand.org
Tak Bat Devo Festival
Date : 15 October 2008
Venue : Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri, Uthai Thani Province
The traditional of "Tak Bat Devo" was derived from the word "Devorohana" which means the return of Lord Buddha from Heaven to Earth. According to a Buddhist myth, after Lord Buddha had proclaimed his doctrines and sermoned his father and relatives, he recollected his mother who died after giving birth to him and was born again in Heaven.
In hie 7th lent’ he went up to heaven to deliver a sermon to his mother the entire period of the Rains Retreat (3 months). At the end of the Rains Retreat (Ok Phansa Day) which falls on the first day of the wanning moon of the eleventh lunar month, Lord Buddha then returned to earth and was greeted by a crawd of hid disciples and Buddhist believers who were waiting to offer him food.
To commemorate this event at the end of the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat, Uthai Thani Buddhist believers proudly organize the "Tak Bat Devo" Festival as ana annual tradition at Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri at the top of Sakaekrang mountain. Almost being the only festival in Thailand with the same atmosphere as in the Buddhist myth. It attracts the large inf;ux of believers from all over the country to participate.
In addition, there are still more local art, culture and tradition, and various tourist attractions in Uthai Thani waiting for visitors to experience.
Information :
Uthai Thani Municipality Office, Tel. +66 (0) 5651 2005
Date : 8 - 14 October 2008
Venue : Sanam Ming Mueang, Suan Somdej Phra Srinagarindra, Sakon Nakhon
One of the biggest events in the Ok Phansa Day (The end of Buddhist Lent), the assemble of the wonderful wax castles which are created from the talent artists in the province. Experience the magnificent Wax Castle Procession and feast your eyes on the wonderful tradition of Sakon Nakhon people.
Contact :
TAT Northeastern Office: Region 4 (Nakhon Phanom)
Tel : 66 (0) 4251 3490-1
Website : www.tourismthailand.org
Sart Thai & Banana Festival
Date : 25 September - 5 October 2008
Venue : Lan pho, in front of Kamphaengphet City Hall
Join Kamphaengphet Banana contest, Krayasart Rice cooking contest, and OTOP fair.
Information :
Kamphaengphet Provincial Administrative Office, Tel. +66 (0) 5570 5007
Kamphaengphet Tourism and Recreation Center, Tel. +66 (0) 5571 4029
Date : 29 September – 7 October 2008
Venue : Various Chinese shrines, Mueang District, Phuket
The Thai-Chinese in Phuket have long passed on the vegetarian festival to purify mind and soul by refraining from meat consumption and meditating. Symbolising the presence of the deities throughout the festival are 9 lanterns lit up and placed aloft on Ko Teng poles. On the 6th day of the festival, there will be religious processions and incredible displays of face-and-body piercing. On the last day, there will be a “Koi Han” ceremony to exorcize ill fortune and a farewell ceremony for the deities at night.
Contact:
TAT Southern Office : Region 4, Tel : 0 7621 7138, 0 7621 2213
Website : www.tourismthailand.org
Bangkok’s 10th International festival of Dance & Music
Date : September 15 - October 13, 2008
Venue : Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok
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Ticket prices : from Bt 400 - Bt 4,000
Ticket reservation:
• Thai Ticket Major Call Center Tel:
• Thai Ticket Major Booth at Central Ladpao, Chidlom, Bangna, Pin Klao, Ramkhamheng B2S Central World and Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre
• Book online www.thaiticketmajor.com
Evening performances 7:30pm Afternoon performances 2:30 pm
For more information call : International Cultural Promotions
www.bangkokfestivals.com
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FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
Monday, 15th September 2008
Requiem, specially composed in the memory of H.R.H Princess Galyani
By Russian Symphony Orchestra, Russia
Tuesday,16th September & Thursday, 18th September 2008
Aida, four-act opera
By Russian Bashkir State Opera Theatre
Friday, 19th September 2008
Raymonda, two-act ballet
World Premiere on Rudolf Nureyev’s Anniversary
By Russian Bashkir State Ballet Theatre
Saturday, 20th September & Sunday, 21st September 2008
Nutcracker, two-act ballet
By Russian Bashkir State Ballet Theatre
Monday, 22nd September 2008
Symphony Concert
By Russian Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday, 24th September & Thursday, 25th September 2008
Winds In The Void, a ballet
By Zurich Ballet
Saturday, 27th September 2008
Introdans, The Netherlands
Presented by The Netherlands Embassy and ING Life Limited
Wednesday, 1st October 2008
Korean Fantasy
By National Theatre of Korea
Presented by the Korean Embassy and Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism
in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations with Thailand.
Friday, 3rd October & Saturday, 4th October 2008
Paul Taylor Contemporary Dance Company from New York
Presented by the Embassy of the United States of America in celebration of the 175th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Thailand
Monday, 6th October 2008
First Part: Lua Hadar and Twist Jazz Band from San Francisco
Second Part: James Morrison and the Group from Australia
Wednesday, 8th October & Thursday, 9th October 2008
Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras from Spain
Presented by the Embassy of Spain and Amadeus
Saturday,11th October 2008
‘Sankriti’ Classical Dances of India
Presented by the Embassy of India
Sunday, 12th October 2008
First Part: G-Strings from Germany
Second Part: Bconnected Jazz Band from Switzerland
Presented by the Goethe-Institut and Nivea
Monday, 13th October 2008
Inaki Urlezaga Group from Argentina
Presented by the Embassy of Argentina
Date : 9 – 15 Octorber 2008
Venue : Mekong River, Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom
Contact :
TAT Northeastern Office : Region 4, Tel. : 66 (0) 4251 3490-1
Nakhon Phanom Provincial Administration Office,
Tel. : 66 (0) 4251 1287, 66 (0) 4251 1574
www.tourismthailand.org
Itinerary |
Date: Saturday 25 October, 2008
Location: Thailand : Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai
Visit Chiang Saen : where the glorious of the Lanna civilization shined itself among the wonderful scenery of the Golden Triangle (Thailand – Loas – Myanmar)
07.00 – 15.00 hrs. - Registration, at leisure
18.00 hrs. - Indulge your evening with the “Kan Tok”: the Northern Style of dinner in the opening ceremony of Chulakathin making merit at Wat Phra That Pha - ngao
- At leisure
Date: Sunday 26 October, 2008
Location / Route : Thailand : Chiang Saen – Chiang Khong
Distance: 67 Km./Along the River Bank
08.30 hrs. - The Opening Ceremony of the International Mountain Bike Touring: Tour of Mekong 2008 at Wat Phra That Pha-ngao and proceed to Amphoe Chiang Khong
12.00 hrs. - Lunch
14.00 hrs. - Take a deep breath while cycling along the Mekong River, head to Amphoe Chiang Khong. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that is filled with the numbers of orange as well as the tranquility of the Mekong River. Visit the Preservation and Breeding Pla Buek (The giant Catfish of the Mekong River) the only one office where take responsibility in breeding Pla Buek and experience the well-known hand woven, the masterpiece of “Tai Lue” Tribe at Ban hat Bai, Amphoe Chiang Khong
15.00 hrs. - Arrive Chiang Khong, spend your leisure among the embrace of nature.
Date: Monday 27 October, 2008
Location / Route: Start from Chiang Khong, Thailand to Loas PDR, visit Muang Huai Sai (Bo Kaeo Province), Muang Wiang Phuka (Luang Namtha Province)
Distance: 120 km. /Hills
06.00 hrs. - Time to say “Good Morning” and stop your fasting!
Recharge your energy and be ready to warm up!
(Dress Code: the fabulous project’s uniform)
08.00 hrs. - Immigration Procedure, cross the Mekong: the International River to the gateway to Laos PDR that is on the Northern Region of Thailand: Muang Huai Sai, where its city is located on the bank of the Mekong River.
08.30 hrs. - Riding on the Route No. R3 to Muang Wiang Phuka, that its age is around the corner of Chiang Saen, Thailand where the Lignite’s mine is located.
12.00 hrs. - Enjoy lunch along the way and among the natural touch.
18.00 hrs. - Arrive to Muang Wiang Phuka (stay overnight at Ruan Phak Thong Me Xai) and enjoy your first dinner in Laos.
Date: Tuesday 28 October 2008
Location / Route: Laos PDR, Wiang Phuka – Luang Namtha
Distance: 60 km. /Hills
07.00 hrs. - Good Morning Laos! Enjoy your breakfast and warm up!
08.00 hrs. - On your bike and Get set? Let’s go to Muang Luang Namtha, the northern most of Laos and the gateway to China and experience the various tribes that live together!
13.00 hrs. - Arrive to Luang Namtha and stay overnight at Chok Chai Thon Resort.
18.00 hrs. - Dinner and participate in the welcome ceremony of the Luang Namtha Province. The Troupe delivers some cloth, useful stuff to the Governor to provide to its people.
Date: Wednesday 29 October, 2008
Location / Route: Luang Namtha - Ban Nateoi – Bo Ten Border, China – Muang La
Distance: 115 Km. / Flat road and hills
06.00 hrs. - Breakfast and warm up
07.00 hrs. - Leaving Luang Namtha to Ban Nateoi, Bo Ten Border and proceed to Immigration procedure. (54 km.)
13.00 hrs. - Lunch at Bo Ten
17.00 hrs. - Riding together as the caravan, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
(Muang La is the special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, located on the migration path of the Thai Lue tribe to Thailand), Stay overnight at Jin Xiu Hotel
Date: Thursday 30 October, 2008
Route / Location: Muang La – Chiang Klang Village, The People’s Republic of China
Distance: 77 km. /Hills
06.00 hrs. - Enjoy the Tai Lue style breakfast and warm up
07.00 hrs. - Ahead to the Forest Preservation Area, experience the wonderful scenery of the town on the hill top as well as challenge yourself with the riding up and free wheeling down hill 77 km., 1,200 meters above sea level.
12.00 hrs. - Rest and lunch along the way (at the top of the second hill.
16.00 hrs. - Arrive to Chiang Klang Village, experience the way of life of the Tai Lue tribe, stay overnight in the wooden house, antique style in the ancient village of the Tai Lue among the Rubber and Banana field.
18.00 hrs. - Spend your wonderful moment of dinner with the Tai Lue’s style as well as feast your eyes on the cultural performances. (The troupe will donate some money for public use of the village.)
Date: Friday 31 October, 2008
Route / Location : Chiang Klang Village – Chiang Roong (Jinghong), The People’s Republic of China
Distance: 90 km. /Hills
07.00 hrs. - Breakfast and warm up! (Dress Code: the fabulous uniform!)
08.00 hrs. - Riding to Chiang Roong (Jing hong): the city of peacock, located in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous prefecture province and has the long term and closely relationship with Thailand.
12.00 hrs. - Enjoy lunch.
17.00 hrs. - Arrive to Chiang Roong (Jing hong), cross the bridge over the Mekong River and relax / at leisure.
Date: Saturday 1 November 2008
08.00 – 11.00 hrs. - Participate in the 1st Mountain Bike Competition at Jing hong
Remarks: - The tour optional program is available for the riders if you don’t join the competition.
- Visit the Tai Lue Temple as well as enjoy the Tai Lue Cultural Performances
Date: Sunday 2 November 2008
Route: Chiang Roong (Jinghong) Pier to Chiang Saen, Chiang Rai, Thailand (by boat)
(10 hrs aprroximately)
07.00 hrs. - Breakfast and be ready to cruise from Chiang Roong Pier.
12.00 hrs. - Lunch on the boat
18.00 hrs. - Arrive Chiang Saen Pier, Chiang Rai safely
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Remarks: The programme is subject to change without notice. We will try the best to inform you as soon as possible.
For more information : eventsplandiv@gmail.com
Bathing Buddha Ceremony
Date : 27 September - 1 October 2008
Venue : Phetchabun City Hall, in front of Traipoom Temple and Botchanamarn Temple
The procession of Phetchabun’s Buddha image called Praputtamahathammaracha heads to be bathed in the Pasak River.
Information :
Phetchabun’s Public Relations Center, Tel.
TAT, Phitsanulok Office, Tel. +66 (0) 5525 2742-3
Naga Fireball Festival in Nong Khai, 10 to 16 October
It remains a mystery that never ceases to puzzle both visitors and locals alike. Just what is the origin and nature of the fireballs that fly from the surface of the Mekong River high into the night sky for all to see?
Locals swear there is absolutely no doubt at all about the origin of the fireballs. Naga, the serpent reportedly dwelling in the murky currents of this mighty river, propels fireballs skyward, probably to remind villagers to treat this life-giving river with respect.
Of course, there are detractors, researchers who have spent years of study attempting to explain away the fireball phenomenon, all to no avail.
Some say it is an elaborate hoax, but the only way to find out is to travel to Nong Khai and check out river scene and the carnivals that villagers organise to celebrate the now famous legendary serpent.
Festivities run from 10 to 16 October, along the Mekong River bank, in Phon Pisai district in Nong Khai province. There are also corresponding celebrations on the Lao side of the river and no shortage of theories on whether Thailand’s neighbours, on the opposite bank, may know more than they are admitting on what causes the spectacle.
But there is no denying the fact that there is something almost mystical that causes the fireballs to erupt from the surface of the river, and villagers are taking no chances, hence the religious activities at various temples in the district to appease the Naga.
Visitors can participate in a traditional “Tak Bat Thevo” ceremony, or the early morning alms giving to monks. It involves offering sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves, presented on the important final days of the three-month Buddhist Lent.
In the evenings, during the festival week, people gather at the river bank for the Naga procession and cultural performance that reflect the rural village traditions of the northeast region.
If all goes to plan the highlight of the trip will be the amazing sight of the Naga fireballs erupting into the sky, a phenomenon that is very likely to prompt some light hearted banter and arguments at riverside food stalls over glasses of ale or the local rice whisky on their origin.
The most convenient way to reach Nong Khai is to take one of the many daily flights offered from Bangkok to Udon Thani, either on the national airline Thai Airways International, or one of the low-cost airlines. The flight takes 50 minutes and from Udon Thani, mini buses offer a 40 minute transfer to Nong Khai. An alternative is to take the rail service that runs every evening from Bangkok to Nong Khai.
Phang-nga Vegetarian Festival
Date : 29 September - 7 October, 2008
Venue : Chinese shrines in Phang-nga
Join the annual meritorious festival. Observe religious precepts and eat vegetables for 9 consecutive days and nights.
Special Activity :
Enjoy a delicious buffet of 129 vegetarian dishes at 9 Baht in the "Im Bun In Che" Vegetarian Fair on the grounds of the Talat Yai Market in the Municipality of Takua pa, Phang-nga on 6th October,2008 from 6.00 p.m. onwards
For more information :
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Krabi Office, Tel. +66 (0) 7562 2163
Krabi Vegetarian Festival
Date : 29 September - 7 October 2008
Venue : Krabi City Pillar Shrine (Opposite Krabi Provincial Hall)
Participate in 9 days/9 nights of vegetarian festivities to purify the body and mind ; as well as, observe the local beliefs of the people as displayed in the procession to 47 shrines to request for good luck for Krabi city, the only one of its kind in Thailand on 2nd October 2008, as from 12.00 - 17.00 Hrs.
For more information :
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Krabi Office, Tel. +66 (0) 7562 2163
1 Sep 2007 - 31 Oct 2008
Week of the Rafting at Kaeng Hin Phloeng Held during September to October every year at Khao Yai National Park Ranger Unit 9, Na Di, the competition in white rafting is organized at economy price but enjoyable and exciting.
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