Aka Hill Tribes Mini Light and Sound Presentation Date : Saturday 10 January / 14 Febuary / 14 March /11 April 2009 Venue : Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan, Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai province hosts its annual light and sound show that presents insights into the culture and daily life of the Aka hill tribes, resident in hilltop villages in Mae Chan District.
First introduced in 1999, the show is now staged once a month during the tourist high season from January to April.
This month, the show will be presented, 10 January, 14 Febuary, 14 March and then finally on 11 April, at the Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan.
Aka hill tribe villagers perform at the centre demonstrating authentic renderings of their culture and lifestyle to visitors. There are also handicrafts on display.
The centre is also considering the introduction of home-stay accommodation that will focus on international tourists to encourage community-based tourism. It will allow visitors, who are interested in Aka traditions, to study the village up close with village elders providing instruction and insights into cottage industry and cultural activities.
The light and sound show is presented in both Thai and English, and runs from 1730 to 1930. Tickets cost Bt150 per person and the show with dinner is priced at Bt300 per person.
For more information, please call
TAT Chiang Rai Office Tel. 66 (0) 5374 4674-5, 66 (0) 5371 7433
Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 Tel. 66 (0) 5391 4471
Chiangmai Bike Week (CMBW) 2008 Date : December 6-7, 2008 Venue : Sirinart Garden Hotel, Chiang Mai Open for Public 9.00 - 16.00 everyday
North Comets MC is Celebrating our 10 Year Anniversary
2008 Theme Old School Choppers, and Antique Bikes from all over the World
Coming this year will be the largest Event EVER over 6,500 sq m of display area. This years display of the Newest Models of Big Bikes from Kawasaki, BMW, Yamaha, Triumph, Harley Davidson, KTM.
Loi Krathong Festival: the Delightful Co... Loi Krathong Festival: the Delightful Color of Streams Dates: 9-12 November, 2008 Venue: Banks of the Chao Phraya River (Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon Bridge), Bangkok
Highlights: Enjoy viewing the illuminated float procession to win the prize more than 1,500,000 Baht during 8-12 November, 2008, 19.30-22.00 hrs. along the banks of Chao Phraya River: Krung Thep Bridge – Krung Thon Bridge Experience an amazing atmosphere of the Loi Krathong Festival of the Rattanakosin style during 18:30 – 21:30 hrs. at Santi Chaiphrakan Fort, Bangkok. The illuminated float procession will be best viewed from this area. Also, you will be entertained by the country’s most unique cultural performances apart from experiencing the old market atmosphere, mouth watering array of food as well as participating in the event of the 9 Sacred Places.
For more informations, please visit: www.loikrathong.net , call 1672 or Events Planning Division, TAT Tel. 66 (0) 2250 5500 ext 3470-3474
Yi Peng Festival
Yi Peng Festival Date : 11 - 13 November 2008 Venue : Tha Phae Gate, banks of Ping River, Chiang Mai Municipal Office, Chiang Mai
HIghlights : An amazing procession of hanging lanterns, Krathong design contest, Miss Yi Peng beauty contest, light and sound presentation in Ping River, the ancient Thai Lanna Krathong activities, local cultural performances, and local handicrafts market in Lanna style.
Loi Krathong Sai Festival Date : 8 - 12 November 2008 Venue : Banks of Ping River,Tak
Highlights : An exceptional opportunity for you to experience the atmosphere of joining the Krathong Sai (floating coconut-shell krathong in line) contest, in order to win His Majesty the King’s trophy. Other remarkable activities will include the floating lanterns of the Royal Family, the procession of the Royal Krathong and lantern, the illumination of Krathong Sai, light and sound presentation, fireworks, water curtain presentation in “The Legend of Krathong Sai”, the longest Krathong Sai, local cultural shows, food and OTOP products. On Saturday 8th November 2008 at 18.00 hr. The Parades of invitation His Majesty the Royal lamps, Royal Krathong, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup, and 15 teams of Krathong Sai parades. Opening ceremony of competition on Floating Krathong Sai with A Thousand lights at Mae Ping River Centre Stage. On Sunday 9 - Wednesday 12 November 2008 Compitition on floating Krathong Sai with a thousand lights to be awarded His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Cup 4 teams each night.
Wan Lai Festival The heat in Thailand intensifies once the month of April comes. People of old were wise enough to initiate the Songkran festival to cool themselves off from the heat and celebrate it as the Thai New Year. In the central region, the festival is usually held on the 13th, l4th and 15th of April while in the East there is a difference as the water throwing activities commence on the l6th or 17th, 18th or 19th known as "Wan Lai" (Flowing Day). Pattaya City holds its Wan Lai festival annually on April 19th with activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and the fun of dowsing and another with water, a time for Thais and foreigners alike.
Pattaya Festival usually held at the middle of April to promote tourism and Pattaya's reputation. Floral floats are paraded along the streets. The Miss Pattaya Beauty contest is held as well as traditional aquatic sports competitions and construction of sand castles. A spectacular fireworks display takes place on the beach and fire crackers are also set off. Simultaneously, there are arts and cultural performances, exhibitions and souvenirs for sale,
Chonburi Buffalo Races is held in Chon Buri during October every year. The water buffalo is one of the mainstays in the life of a Thai farmer, but in this annual event it is put to more amusing uses than ploughing the local fields, such as buffalo races and contests pitting buffalo and man. Beauty contests add to the fun a festival that attracts crowds from nearby seaside resorts.
[ Chanthaburi Fruit Fair ] This annual fair is held in the provincial capital, usually during the middle of May, to celebrate the abundance of such local fruits as rambutan, durian, mangosteen and zalacca, then at their peak of succulent ripeness. Besides stalls selling the produce of surrounding orchard, there are cultural show and exhibitions of provincial handicrafts.
[ Chak Phra Bat ] This is another traditional event which is held during the Songkran Festival in April at Wat Taphon Yai in Khlung district. A fair established more than a century ago, it involves paying respects to the elderly by sprinkling scented water over their hands, and the exciting tug of war by carts.
[ Don Chedi Memorial Fair ] This annual fair is held for 7 days to commemorate the historic event at Don Chedi in 1592 that led to the liberation of the kingdom from foreign occupation. The celebration commences on the 25th of January, which is regarded as the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day, with historical exhibitions and outdoor entertainment.
Activities include a light and sound show of the elephant fight, a Don Chedi Beauty Pageant (with contestants in period costume), a fair of both government and private organizations, and other stage performances.
[ Khai Bang Rachan Hero Day ] Is usually held between February 4-6 at the Khai Bang Rachan Park. Activities include homage rituals to pay homage to the sculpture of Phra Achan Thammachot, historical about the heroes of Bang Rachan accompanied by Light and Sound Presentation, together with local entertainment and exhibition of Sing Buri's products.
[ Sing Buri Fish-Eating and Red Cross Fair ] Being close to many natural water ways, Sing Buri is well known for abundant fish particularly the Mae La catfish. The province is also where the Khrua Hua Pa recipe originated. The fair features some of Song Buris best culinary creation, usually held in late December each year.
[ Traditional Boat Race ] Is held yearly in September on the Chao Phraya River in front of the old town hall. This exciting and colourful event attracts entries from many provinces viewing for the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Trophy.
[ Phra Phutthabat Homage-paying Festival ] Stems from the time when Lord Buddha's Footprint was found in the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. The mondop was built to cover the footprint. At present, the footprint is situated at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Tambon Khun Khon. A large number of Thais and foreigners come to Phra Phutthabat during the event. The event is held twice a year: from the first day till the fifteenth day of the waxing moon in the third month of the lunar calendar totaling 15 days; and from the eighth day until the fifteenth day of the waxing moon in the fourth month of the lunar calendar for 8 days.
[ Hae Phra Khiao Kaeo ] Or Celebrations of Lord Buddha's Tooth. Buddhists believe that Phra Khiao Kaeo is the tooth of Lord Buddha. The festival is held on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth month of the lunar calendar. The people of Amphoe Phra Phutthabat will present the tooth that is to be taken from Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan Museum and bear it in a procession around the town. They believe that if the procession is held, they will live in wealth and happiness.
[ Chao Phor Khao Tok Festival ] Or Chao Pho Khao Tok Procession is an annual festival. The event features the supernatural power performances of Chao Pho Khao Tok and walking on fire, Lo Ko dragon parade, and Chinese opera. Mostly Chinese people, especially the pupils of Chao Pho Khao Tok, will come to join the festival. The event is held from the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth month of the lunar calendar for 4 days at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan in Phra Phutthabat district.
[ Tak Bat Dok Mai ] The Food Offering Festival, is an important event of Phra Phutthabat district. This impressive merit-making ceremony is held to coincide with the start of the annual three-month Buddhist Lent (around June-July) when Buddhist monks must stay in their temples. In the morning, the people will offer food and candles to Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Tambon Khun Khon, Phra Phutthabat district. They will go to collect a kind of flower called The Flower of Buddhist Lent, to offer to the monks for merit. The herb-like flower has yellow or white colors and is found at a hillside only during the Buddhist Lent period in Saraburi. While the monks come along the passage to bring the flowers to pay homage to Lord Buddha's Footprint, people will wait at the stairs with a bowl of clean water floating Mimusops. They will pour the water onto the feet of the monks and the novices as a means of cleaning ones mind.
[ Songkran Song Nam Sao Nang Takian Wat Sung ] Is held annually on April 23 in front of Wat Sung's chapel, Sao Hai district. People perform merit making by pouring water to the elders and to Nang Takian pillar.
[ Pa Sak Boat Racing Festival ] Is a major annual regatta that takes place in front of Sao Hai district offices pier on the last Saturday or Sunday of September. Famous boats from all over the country join in the race. This festival preserves local tradition.
[ Kam Fa Festival ] Is held on the second day of the waxing moon in the third month of the lunar calendar. The festival features folk entertainments and activities including a pitch and toss game, cockfighting, toasting rice in bamboo, etc. On the third day of waxing moon in the third month of the lunar calendar, people perform merit making and attend sermons, cook and tell stories about ancestors. The festival takes place annually at Tambon Phai Lio, Don Phut district.
[ King Rama II Memorial Park Fair ] Is held in early February each year at King Rama II Memorial Park, Amphoe Amphawa. There are shows, demonstrations of traditional Thai dessert making, folk entertainment, out-door Khon performance, handicrafts and a variety of local products.
[ Annual Longboat Racing ] Is held during the Loy Krathong Festival in November at Wat Rat Peng, Amphoe Mueang Samut Songkhram.
[ Lychee Day Fair ] Is held in early April at Amphoe Amphawa (takes place in some years, depending on the quantity of lychees).
[ Songnam Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem and Worship Fair ] Is held in April 13th 19th at Wat Phet Samut Worawihan, Amphoe Muang Samut Songkhram. During the fair, the general public gets to bathe (by sprinkling scented water) Luang Pho Wat Ban Laem Buddha image as a way of merit making.
[ Tawanron at Don Hoi Lot Fair and Kradan Len Racing Contest ] The fair and contest are held during the month of May every year, at Chu Chee Village, Moo 4 Tambon Bangjakreng, Amphoe Muang Samut Songkhram.
[ Don Chedi Memorial Fair ] □ January In 1592 at Don Chedi, King Naresuan the Great won a famous duel on elephant with the leader of an enemy force. This fair commemorates the momentous event with historical exhibitions, outdoor entertainment, and the high spirits characteristic of all Thai festivals.
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.
Midnight run in Bangkok 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.
The 10th Lunar Month Making Merit 2008 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
The End of the Buddhist Lent Festival 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 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.
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 Sart Thai & Banana Festival Date : 25 September - 5 October 2008 Venue : Lan pho, in front of Kamphaengphet City Hall
Information : Kamphaengphet Provincial Administrative Office, Tel. +66 (0) 5570 5007 Kamphaengphet Tourism and Recreation Center, Tel. +66 (0) 5571 4029
Phuket Vegetarian Festival 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...
Bangkok’s 10th International festival of Dance & Music Date : September 15 - October 13, 2008 Venue : Thailand Cultural Centre, Bangkok
Ticket prices : from Bt 400 - Bt 4,000 Ticket reservation: • Thai Ticket Major Call Center Tel: +66 2262 3456 • Thai Ticket Major Booth at Central Ladpao, Chidlom, Bangna, Pin Klao, Ramkhamheng B2S Central World and Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre • Book online www.thaiticketmajor.com
For more information call : International Cultural Promotions + 662 204 2394 www.bangkokfestivals.com
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
The Illuminated Boat Procession
Date : 9 – 15 Octorber 2008 Venue : Mekong River, Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom
This festival was originally aimed at payings respect to the Lord Buddha. Then the competition of the illuminated boat processions was organised to add colour to the event. An invitation is delivered to the public and private sectors, including temples,to participate in the competition. The illuminated boats lined up in the middle of the Mekong River create an impressive scene for viewers.
Itinerary International Mountain Bike Touring: Tour of Mekong 2008 (For the Opening Season of the Chiang Rai Tourism) Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong - Huai Sai - Wiang Phuka - Luang Namtha - Muang La - Chiang Roong - Chiang Saen 26 October - 2 November, 2008 Thailand - Loas PDR - The People’s Republic of China ---------------------------------------------------
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
**************************************** Remarks: The programme is subject to change without notice. We will try the best to inform you as soon as possible.
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. +66 (0) 5672 1733 TAT, Phitsanulok Office, Tel. +66 (0) 5525 2742-3
Naga Fireball Festival in Nong Khai
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
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
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
Week of the Rafting at Kaeng Hin Phloeng 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.
Wan Lai Festival 
Pattaya City holds its Wan Lai festival annually on April 19th with activities such as water pouring for the elders, processions and the fun of dowsing and another with water, a time for Thais and foreigners alike.
This annual fair is held in the provincial capital, usually during the middle of May, to celebrate the abundance of such local fruits as rambutan, durian, mangosteen and zalacca, then at their peak of succulent ripeness. Besides stalls selling the produce of surrounding orchard, there are cultural show and exhibitions of provincial handicrafts.
This annual fair is held for 7 days to commemorate the historic event at Don Chedi in 1592 that led to the liberation of the kingdom from foreign occupation. The celebration commences on the 25th of January, which is regarded as the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day, with historical exhibitions and outdoor entertainment.
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