 Tour
Destinations |
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The
Central Region
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Geographically,
the Central Region extends from rugged western mountains bordering
Burma to the northeast plateau to the east" extends northwards
to Nakhon Sawan where the Ping, Wang, Nan and Yom rivers unite
to form the Chao Phraya River (River of Kings) which flows southwards
to dissect Bangkok before entering the Gulf of Thailand; and
southwards to Prachuap Khiri Khan where Thailand is compressed
to its narrowest point, some 60 kilometres wide between western
mountains and the Thai Gulf. |
The
Chao Phraya River largely irrigates the Central Plain, one of
the world's major rice and fruit-growing areas, and sustains
an intricate network of canals that irrigate bountiful orchards
and market gardens; host vibrant floating markets-, and support
a unique, waterborne way of life.
The Central Region is extremely rich in historical sites. These
include Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, Bang Pa-In, Ayutthaya,
Saraburi, Lop Buri and, most important of all, Bangkok, Thailand's
capital and major point-of-entry.
Bangkok (click for more travel information)
Briefly, Bangkok's major tourism attractions include the fabulous
Wat Phra Kaeo (Emerald Buddha Chapel) and Grand Palace complex;
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn),- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining
Buddha),- Wat Saket (Golden Mount); Wat Benchannabophit (Marble
Temple),Vimanmek Palace, favourite residence of King Chulalongkorn
(1868-1910) and the world's largest golden teak building-, the
fabulous royal barges-, the Pasteur Institute's Snake Farm
where poisonous snakes are fed
daily and venom is "milked" from cobras and kraits to make invaluable
serum-, Jim Thompson's House Museum which contains a superb
collection of Asian objets d'art,- Suan Pakkand Palace's lacquer
pavilion which is decorated with medieval gold leaf murals;
the world's largest Crocodile Farm; a 200-acre open air museum
called the Ancient City,- entertainment and recreational complexes
such as Siam Water Park, Safari World, King Rama IX Park and
Dusit Zoo-, unrivalled shopping opportunities for some of the
world's most admired handicrafts,- exceptionally fine dining
in gourmet restaurants featuring the world's favourite cuisines-,
and a liberated, almost legendary nightlife.
Beyond Bangkok
The Rose Garden, a riverside tropical park/ country club one
hour west of Bangkok, boasts an 18-hole championship golf course,
fine accommodation and a Thai Village where daily shows feature
traditional activities such as folk dancing, the Thai wedding
ceremony, a Buddhist ordination and elephants at work.
 Nakhon
Pathom, 30 minutes further west (60 kilometres
from Bangkok), hosts the world's tallest Buddhist monument,
the 380foot high Phra Pathom Chedi, which marks the spot where
Buddhism was introduced, some 2,300 years ago, to the Thailand-to-be.
Damnoensaduak, 40
mintes south of Nakhon Pathom, is Thailand's most vibrant floating
market where farmers congregate on canals each morning in produce-laden
boats.
Kanchanaburi (click for more
travel information)
Some 130 kilometres west of Bangkok, is famous for the "Bridge
Over The River Kwai", an Allied war cemetery, and
surrounding countryside characterised by waterfalls, broad fertile
valleys and caves once ingabited by Neolithic man. The Saiyok
Noi,SaiyoK Yai, Erawan and Huai Khamin Waterfalls and 12th-century
Khmer Prasat Muang Sing are especially worth visiting.
Ayutthaya,
some 70 kilometres upstream from Bangkok, was the Siamese capital
from 1350 to 1767. Magnificent ruins of temples, palaces and
crumbling fortesses provide eloquent testimony of the former
capitalOs splenclour. Wat Panan Choeng, Wat Si San Phet, Wat
Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, Phu Khao Thong and the Chao Sam
Phraya National Museum should not be missed.
Bang Pa-In
palace, just south
of Ayutthaya, was the summer residence of early Chakri kings.
The local Wat Niwet Thamaprawat is one of Thailand's most unusual
Buddhist temples, the chapel resembling an English Gothic church.
 Phra
Buddha Bat, Shrine of the Buddha's Footprint,
is just north of Saraburi, some 110 kilometres north of Bangkok.
The Buddha's Footprint was discovered accidentally some 350
years ago when a deer hunter found that a pool of water in the
shape of an enlarged human foot had curative powers.
Lop
Buri, an ancient city dating from the 9th
century, and some 150 kilometres north of Bangkok, contains
Hindu and Khmer ruins and the imposing Ramratchaniwet Palace
built by Ayutthaya's King Narai during the 1600s as a summer
retreat. Major ruins include the Khmer Phra Prang Sam Yot, the
Hindu San Phra Kan, and Wat Phra Si Mahathat.
Phetchaburi,
120 kilometres southwest of Bangkok, is well known for exotic
sweets, the Buddha-filled Khao Luang Caves, the hilltop Phra
Nakhon Khiri palace, the lovely Wat Suwanaram with its Ayutthayan
meeting hall, murals and scriptural repository, and the mountainous,
scenically arresting Kaeng Krachan, Thailand's largest national
park.
Cha Am (click for more
travel information)
773 kliometres southwest of Bangkok, has a popular beachside
resort hotel and public beach.
Hua Hin (click for more travel
information)
198 kilometres from Bangkok, is Thailand's oldest beach resort
and has been the Thai royal family's summer residence since
the 1920s. A genteel Edwardian ambience characterises a resort
with a fine beach, excellent accommodation and opportunities
for swimming, sailing, riding, windsurfing, waterskiing, parasailing,
snorkelling, fishing, playing tennis and golf.
Sam Roi Yot National Park,
one hour south of Hua Hin, occupies some 60 square kilometres
of coastal land.
Prachuap
Khiri Khan, some 280 kilometres from Bangkok,
is a fishing town with a scenic bay and the beachside Khao Chong
Krachok (Mirror Mountain) which supports a small pagoda and
a resident monkey tribe.
The
North
Bordered by Burma and Laos, characterised by forested mountains
- - lower extremities of Himalayan foothills - - and fertile
river valleys, northern Thailand encompasses part of the fabled
Golden Triangle and was the cradle of Thai civilization where,
several centuries ago, small independent kingdoms held away.
In 1238, the aptly named Sukhothai ("Dawn of Happiness") became
the first truly independent Thai kingdom where the Thai alphabet
was created and nascent art forms developed.
Diverse elements, including crisp mountain scenery, exotic hill
tribes, forests worked by elephants, colourful festivals, invigorating
Cool Season weather, ancient cities, exquisite northern Thai
and Burmese style temples, and friendly people contribute to
northern Thailand's enduring charm.
Sukhothai,
427 kilometres north of Bangkok, is notable for massive sentinel
stone Buddha images that preside over ruins within the old city
walls. The largest temple, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Si Chum, with
its massive seated Buddha measuring some 11 metres from knee
to knee, merit special attention.
Phitsanulok,
some 60 kilometres south of Sukhothai, is famous as the site
of the riverside Wat Phra Si Rattana Maha That which enshrines
the venerated Phra Buddha Chinarat, cast in 1357, and commonly
regarded as Thailand's most beautiful Buddha image.
Si Satchanallai,
55 kilometres north of Sukhothai, was the ancient seat of Sukhothai's
viceroys, and is noted for several magnificent ruins, including
Wat Chang Lom and Wat Chedi Chet Thaeo.
Lampang,
600 kilometres north of Bangkok, is the sole provincial Thai
capital where horsedrawn carriages remain in daily use. Lampang
is noted for several Burmese-style temples, including Wat Phra
Kaeo Don Tao and Wat Si Chum, the magnificent Wat Lampang Luang,
and a Thai Elephant Conservation Centre.
Lamphun,
670 kilometres from Bangkok, is famed for beautiful women, bountiful
orchards and the stunning Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a classic
example of northern religious architecture.
Chiang Mai (click for more travel
information)
The principal northern city, some 700 kilometres north of Bangkok,
was founded in 1296 and is located in a fertile valley some
1,000 feet above sea level.
 Chiang Mai is famous
for beautiful women, historic temples dating from the 1300s,
crisp mountain scenery, distinctive festivals and handicrafts,
and several formerly itinerant hill tribes of Tibeto-Burman
origin.
Wat Phra Sing, Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Suan Dok,
Wat Ku Tao and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep merit visits.
The Bor Sang-San Kampaeng area is particularly rich in cottage
industries which produce handicrafts such as parasols, silks,
cottons , jewellery, woodcarvings, silverware, ceramics and
lacquerware.
Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, lies to the west.
A 90 kilometre drive from Chiang Mai brings the visitor to the
8,514 footsummit, passing the beautiful and popular Mae Klang,
Wachirathan and Siriphurn waterfalls.
Mae Hong Son (click for more
travel information)
A 35-minute flight northwest of Chiang Mai, is the tiniest and
most isolated northern provincial capital, nestling in a valley
surrounded by mountains containing several hill tribes and Burmese
style temples.
Chiang Rai (click for more
travel information)
Northeast of Chiang Mai, and 785 kilometres from Bangkok, lies
in the very heart of the Golden Triangle and is particularly
famed for majestic mountains and many highaltitude hilltribe
villages. Popular attractions include Chiang Saen, an ancient
capital facing Laos across the Mekong River, and the mountaintop
Wat Phra That Doi Tung which commands a spectacular view of
surrounding mountains , and several Akha hilltribe villages.
Nan,
some 790 kilometres from Bangkok, is the site of famous annual
boat races, and several historic temples, including Wat Chang
Kham, Wat Chae Haeng, Wat Phra That Khao Noi and Wat Phumin
with its undulating Naga balustrades and famous murals.
The
Northeast
Known by Thais as I-San, the sprawling Northeast Plateau is
bordered to the north and east by the Mekong River and Laos,
and to the south largely by Kampuchea.
The Northeast is a distinctive region thanks to a topography
of lovely forested mountains and national parks and rolling
farmland-, to its colourful inhabitants who speak their own
melodious dialect, have a delicious highly spiced cuisine, and
a hospitable, vibrant and
oftentimes boisterous folk culture; and because of archaeologically
significant excavations and shrines - - such as Ban Chiang where
the world's oldest Bronze Age civilisation flourished some 5,600
years ago,- and venerable prasat hin (stone castle) temples,
legacy of I-San's former importance to the Angkor-centred Khmer
empire.
 Khao Yaii National Park, northeast of Saraburi and some 200 kilometres
from Bangkok, covers parts of four provinces at an average elevation
of 800 metres. Khao Yai is some 540,000 acres in area, has a
highest peak of 1,351 metres and contains within its rain forests
and high grasslands numerous species of protected wildlife,
such as deer, bears, tigers, elephants, giant hornbills, sunbirds
and silver pheasants. The park is laced with hiking trails,
and has 10 rapids and waterfalls.
Nakhon
Ratchasima, 259
kilometres northeast of Bangkok, is the gateway to I-San. 56
kilometres to the northeast of provincial capital lies Phimai,
site of an 11 th-century prasat hin temple, one of the loveliest
examples of classical Khmer architecture found outside Kampuchea.
The complex occupies land within boundary walls measuring 250
x 280 metres and was sufficiently important to have been connected
by road with Angkor.
 Other major I-San attractions include Khon
Kaen, a university town some 450 kilometres
from Bangkok in I-San's geographic centre and famous for its
Mat Mi silk; Loei province's Phu Kra Dung National
Park, a crisply beautiful forested plateau between 1,000 and
1,350 metres where night-time temperatures sometimes drop to
near freezing point, and the Kaeng Khut Khu rapids at Chiang
Khan; the scenic Si Chiang Mai to Nongkhai road which largely
parallels the Mekong River; Udon
Thani's Ban Chiang village and museum which
house priceless Bronze Age jewellery and pottery excavated from
local burial mounds; Nakhon
Phanom's Phra That Phanom, the most revered
Northeast shrine, the spire of which dates from the 9th century;
Ubon
Ratchathani, 629 kilometres from Bangkok,
which introduces the annual Buddhist Rains Retreat with a lovely
Candle Festival, and the pre-historical rock paintings at Pha
Taem in Khong Chiam district near the Mekong River; Yasothon,
where, each summer, massive homemade rockets are ceremoniously
fired into the air to "ensure" bountiful rains; Surin, where
an annual Elephant Round-Up each November attracts visitors
from all over the world; and Buri
Ram's Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, a lovely hilltop
Khmer sanctuary once connected by road with Angkor.
The
East Coast
Beyond Bangkok, from the estuary of the Chao Phraya River, the
East Coast unfolds in a series of bays and beaches to the ThaiKampuchean
border. Many popular resorts, including Pattaya , Asia's permier beach resort,
occupy a coast characterised by cliff-hidden bays, palm-fringed
beaches, innumerable fishing communities, lovely islands and
largely tranquil Gulf waters. The region is rich in natural
resources, including rubber, rice, fishing, orchards and gemstones,
and scenically arresting with several national parks containing
waterfalls, virgin forest and uninhabited, remote islands.
Bangsaen,
100 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, is the capital's nearest
resort. A cool palm-lined promenade separates Bangsaen's long
crescent beach from seafront bungalows, a water amusement park
and a modern hotel.
Khao Khiao
Open Zoo, 15 kilometres
inland from Bang Phra, occupies a 1 200-acre hillside setting.
Favourite Asian, African and European mammals occupy spacious
enclosures. Thailand's most spectacular aviary, nestling against
a forested hillside, contains several rare Asian species.
Si Racha, 15 minutes
further down the coast from Bang Phra, is a fishing community
famed for a delicious, tangy sauce and excellent seafood.
Pattaya (click for more travel
information)
147 kilomatres southeast of Bangkok, is Thailand's "Riviera"
and internationally famous beach resort. All manner of watersports,
motor-racing, offshore coral islands, luxury accommodation and
a vibrant nightlife comprise Pattaya's main attractions. |
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Bang
Sare,
fishing village, from where game fishermen seek marlin, sharks,
king mackerel, tura and other Gulf denizens, and Sattahip, lie
within 30 minutes to the south.
Rayong (click for more travel
information)
Rayong is best known for its Ban Phe fishing village and the
narrow, 6-kilometre long Samet island. Ko Samet has some 15
bays and lovely beaches, Coral reefs and limpid waters ideal
for swimming. snorkelling, scuba-diving and fishing are found
on the island's east coast.
Chanthaburi,
is famous for historic sites, Thailand's largest Christian church,
locally mined star sapphires, bountiful orchards and the Khao
Khitchakut and Namtok Phlui national parks which contain attractive
waterfalls.
Trat,
the province bordering Kampuchea, is best known for the 52-island
Ko
Chang Marine National Park which is dominated by Thailand's
second largest island.
The
South
Lush tropical islands, dazzling palm-fringed beaches, coral
reefs teeming with colourful marine life, picturesque fishing
villages with distinctive hand-painted boats, remote national
parks, forested mountains, waterfalls, historic cities, ubiquitous
rubber estates, scenic wildlife sanctuaries, the juxtaposition
of temples and mosques clearly define the region's visual appeal.
Geographically, southern Thailand extends through the Kra Isthmus
from Chumphon, 460 kilometres south of Bangkok, to the ThaiMalaysian
border, and is bordered in the east by the Gulf of Thailand,
to the west by the Indian Ocean.
Chumphon
has several lovely beaches, birds' nest islands and excellent
scuba diving waters, particularly around Ko Tao.
Ranong,
to the southwest, 568 kilometres from Bangkok, has a Hot Spa
Health Resort drawing water from Thailand's sole potable Geo-Thermal
Mineral Water Spring.
Surat
Thani, is best known for the beautiful Ko
Samui, Thailand's third largest island, 268 nautical miles south
of Bangkok, and jewel of a sparkling archipelago that contains
the lovely Angthong (Golden Bowl) Marine National Park.
Nakhon
Si Tharnmarat,
780 kilometres south of Bangkok, is an ancient city, home of
the historically important Wat Phra Maha That, and is the major
centre of southern Thai handicrafts such as black and gold neilloware,
yan lipao basketry and intricate shadow-play figures.
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Songkhla
(click
for more travel information)
950 kilometres from Bangkok, a medieval pirate strong-hold,
is a historic, albeit sleepy town with a thriving fishing community
and the lovely Samila beach. The Great Songkhla Lake hosts the
520-square-kilometre Khu Khut Waterfowl Park, home to some 140
species. |
Pattani,
some 100 kilometres further south, has Thailand's most beautiful
mosque and innumerable fishing communities with handpainted,
lavishly decorated boats.
Narathiwat, further
south, bordering Malaysia, is noted for its Ba Cho Waterfall,
a massive seated golden Buddha at Wat Khao Kong, and the border
town of Sungai Golok with its liberated nightlife.
Hat Yai (click for more travel
information)
933 kilometres from Bangkok, is southern Thailand's principal
commercial, communications and entertainment centre and regularly
attracts visitors from nearby Malaysia.
Phatthalung,
some 95 kilometres north of Hat Yai, has the Talay Noi Nok Nam
bird sanctuary at the northwestern end of the Songkhla Great
Lake.
Trang's
Khao Chong Nature Reserve, some 65 kilometres further west,
contains one of southern Thailand, sloveliest waterfalls.
Krabi's (click for more travel
information)
Major attractions are the beautiful Phi Phi islands, the 75-million-year-old
Susan Hoi shell graveyard, one of the only three in the world, and
the sweeping Noppharat Beach.
Phang
Nga's major attraction is the eerily beautiful
Phang Nga Bay where verdant limestone islands, honeycombed with
caves and aquatic grottoes, soar perpendicularly to heights
of 300 metres and more from almost perpetually calm waters.
 Phuket (click for more travel
information)
862 kilometres from Bangkok, is Thailand's largest island
(the approximate size of Singapore). Phuket is a resort of international
stature, is blessed with a wide variety of magnificent beaches,
hidden coves and secluded bays, and has probably the best seafood
in Thailand.
| Special
Interests |
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Buddhist
Meditation
Suan Mok, a 120-acre
forest temple in Chaiya district, Surat Thani province, some 580
kilometres south of Bangkok, attracts and accepts meditators from
all over the world. Meditation opportunities are also found in Bangkok,
particularly at Wat Mahathat (facing Sanam Luang), \A/at Pak Nam,
Wat Chonprathan Rangsit, Wat Phrathammakai and Banglamphu's Wat
Bowon Nivet where English-language instruction is available.
Elephant Training
Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, 28 kilometres outside Lampang
on the main highway to Chiang Mai, has replaced the former Elephant
Training School at Ngao. Logging training sessions for young elephants
are held daily at 9.00 AM in an attractive forest setting, and visitors
are welcome.
Jungle Treks
Most popularly originating from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, these
2-6 day treks take visitors through forested mountains and high
meadows in what are, actually, the lower extremities of Himalayan
foothills. Major attractions are remote hilltribe villages. Mountains
surrounding Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai host seven major, once-itinerant
hill tribes of Tibeto-Burman origin - - the Meo, Lisu, Lahu, Yao,
Akha, Lawa and Karen. Each has distinctive dialects, costumes and
customs.
Orchid
Farms
Several establishments in the suburbs of Bangkok, and in Chiang
Mai and Chon Buri province welcome visitors who may wish to
admire, purchase or learn more about these fabled blooms. |
|
Traditional
Thai Massage
Courses are taught principally in Bangkok's Wat Pho, "home"
of traditional Thai massage. Thai massage is also offered in
Wat Mahathat and Wat Parinayok, both in Bangkok.
Wildlife
Sanctuaries National Parks
Thailand has some 50 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
covering more than 25,000 square kilometres. Evenly spread throughout
the kingdom, such places afford nature lovers opportunities
to enjoy Thai flora and fauna in unspoiled surroundings. The
most popular in
terms of convenient accessibility and immediately visible attractions
are as follows:
Khao Yai National Park
lies some 200 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, covers more than
540,000 acres, has an average elevation of 800 metres and a
highest peak of 1,351 metres. The park supports elephants, tigers,
bears, giant hombills and other protected wildlife, countless
species of wild flowers, trees and spectacular waterfalls.
Doi
Inthanon National Park
in Chiang Mai province covers Thailand's highest mountain (2,565
metres). Forest above 1,800 metres is covered with lichens and
wild orchids while at lower levels several lovely waterfalls
share the mountainside with Meo and Karen hilltribe villages.
Ko
Samet in Rayong
province is the focal point of a Marine National Park. The narrow,
6 kilometre long island numbers among Thailand's most beautiful
islands and is fringed by splendid beaches, dazzling coral reefs
and limpid waters ideal for snorkelling and scubadiving.
Erawan National
Park in Kanchanaburi
province is extremely popular. The mountainside forest setting
contains the seventiered Erawan Waterfall, widely regarded as
one of Thailand's loveliest cascades.
Sam Roi Yot National Park
in Prachuap Khiri Khan province provided major settings for
the award-winning movie The Killing Fields. A multi-peaked,
thinly forested limestone mass rises majestically from coastal
marshes that host numerous waterfowl species. Caves, islands,
fine beaches and frequently seen wildlife comprise major attractions.
Khu Khut Waterfowl Park
in Songkhla province occupies 520 square kilometres of the Great
SongkhIa Lake and hosts some 140 resident and migratory species.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
in Phang Nga province featured prominently in the James Bond
movie The Man With The Golden Gun. Verdant limestone islands,
honeycombed with caves and aquatic grottoes, soar perpendicularly
from almost perpetually calm waters. Major attractions include
prehistoric rock paintings and a stilted Muslim fishing village.
Tarutao Marine National Park
in Satun province, 31 kilometres off the southern Thai coast
near the Thai-Malaysian Indian Ocean maritime border, is a 51
-island cluster covering some 1,400 square kilometres, and offers
some of Southeast Asia's best scuba-diving waters.
Ko Samui (click
for more travel information) and Ang Thong Marine
National Park, covering an area of over 250 square kilometres,
is located in Surat Thani province and composed of various islands
noted for silvery sand and colourful coral reefs. Access to
the islands can be made either from Ban Don, Surat Thani or
Don Sak in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Thai
fruits - - including mangoes, mangosteens, clurians, pineapples,
watermelons, papayas, rambutans, longans, lyches, tamarinds, pomegranates,
palm fruits, oranges, pomeloes, jackfruits and more than 20 kinds
of bananas- - are available all year round.
 |
From
January to April, grapes, jackfruits, java apples, tangerines,
watermelons and pomegranates are in season. Next come mangoes,
lyches, pineapples, clurians and mangosteens.
From July on, longans will ripen, and also langsats, jujubes,
passionfruits, pomeloes, rambutans, sugar apples and again tangerines,
grapes, watermelons, bananas, coconuts, guavas and papayas are
available thoughout the year. |
Some
harvests are celebrated in style, with colourful festivals, sometimes
featuring a pageant of local beauties.
In early April, the Paet Riu Mango Festival is organized in Chachoengsao.
Probably the most popular and typical of Thai fruits, the mango
deserves this honour.
In May, Songkhla promotes its fruits with a bazaar, fruit carving
demonstrations and a Miss Southern Thailand Pageant.
In June, Chanthaburi exhibits delicious provincial fruits, including
the king of them all, the exquisitely delicious durian.
In September, to honour pomeloes, a fruit and floral float procession
is held in Nakhon Pathom, near Bangkok.
| Arts
and Crafts |
|
During
1976, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit established the Foundation for the
Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, popularly
known as SUPPORT, with the object of giving rural Thais alternative
sources of income and also of reviving some of the kingdom's traditional
crafts. The result has been a variety of beautiful items available
in Thailand through a chain of outlets called Chitrlada Shops.
Five
Chitrlada Shops are located in Bangkok.on the ground floor of
the Decorations Pavilion in the Grand Palace; in the Oriental
Plaza shopping centre,- in the shopping arcade of the Hilton
International Bangkok Hotel; in the compound of Vimanmek Mansion;
and at Don Muang International Airport. Others can be found
at the Rose Garden in Nakhon Pathom province, in South Pattaya,and
at the Chiang Mai Airport.
|
|
Among
the SUPPORT products to be found in these shops are handwoven silks
from the Northeast, particularly in subtle designs known in Thai
as mat-mi; elegant yan liphao handbags, made from a vine that grows
in southern Thailand and often adorned with gold fittings; jewellery
in distinctive designs; supple Thai cotton in classic patterns;.
T-shirts with motifs designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn; and numerous moderately-priced souvenirs. All
funds raised from the sale of these crafts go to the SUPPORT project.
Thais are fun-loving, sentimental people
and annual festivals, both commemorative and celebrative, play important
roles in Thai life.
Many Thai festivals are joyful, colourful events that invite visitors'
participation. Others feature solemn, eminently photogenic ceremonial.
Whatever their character, whether dazzling processions, Buddhist
devotion, uninhibited merriment or exotic ritual, each affords the
visitor pleasant memories and insights into the cultural heritage
that makes Thailand Asia's most exotic country.
Most festivals are connected either with Buddhism, the annual rice-farming
cycle, or commemorations honouring Thai kings. Some occur on fixed
dates. Others, particularly those associated with Buddhism, are
determined by the lunar calendar. Many merit national holidays.
Chronologically, Thailand's major festivals, and events, are as
follows:
Magha Puja
Full-moon day, February National holiday This commemorates the occasion
when 1,250 disciples spontaneously gathered to hear the Buddha preach.
Merit-making, such as offering food to monks, and freeing captive
birds and fishes, is interspersed with sermons throughout the day.
After sunset, Buddhist monks lead the laity in a lovely triple candlelit
circumambulation of Buddhist chapels throughout the kingdom. Each
person silently carries flowers, glowing incense and lighted candies
in homage to the Buddha, his teaching and his disciples.
Flower Festival
Usually early February
At Chiang Mai,700 kilometres north of Bangkok. This annual event
features displays, floral floats, and beauty contests when the province's
temperate and tropical flowers are in full bloom.
Pattaya Festival
Early April
Thailand's premier beach resort celebrates with beauty parades,
floral floats, and special events. Highlights include a spectacular
beachside firework display.
Songkran Festival
April 13 - 15
National holiday, April 12 - 14
Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year and is celebrated with
special elan in Chiang Mai where because it occurs during a time
of relative leisure, it becomes a 3-5 day carousel of religious
merit-making, pilgrimages, beauty parades, dancing and uninhibited,
good-natured water throwing.
Songkran Festival, Amphoe Phra Pradaeng
The second week of April
The Mon community of Phra Pradaeng district, Samut Prakan province,
just south of Bangkok, celebrates Songkran with similar festivities.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Usually early May, at Bangkok's Sanam Luang
This ceremony marks official commencement of the annual rice-planting
cycle. Presided over by His Majesty the King, elaborate Brahman
ritual and ceremonial combine to provide predictions concerning
the forthcoming rice crop.
Rocket Festival
The second weekend of May, and best seen in Yasothon, northeast
Thailand. Prior to the annual monsoons, Northeast villagers construct
gigantic rockets to fire into the sky to "ensure" plentiful rain
during the forthcoming rice season. The Rocket Festival is traditionally
a period for letting off steam before ardous field work begins in
earnest, and features beauty parades, folk dances, ribald and high-spirited
revelry before the rockets are ceremoniously launched.
Visakha
Puja
Full Moon day, May
National holiday
Visakha Puja is the holiest of all Buddhist holy days, and marks
the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death. Merit-making and ceremonial
are identical to Magha Puja.
Fruits Fairs Countrywide
 |
These annual fairs feature delicious provincial fruits-including
rambutan, durian, jackfruits and pomeloes, and feature cultural
displays, exhibitions and folk art.
Major provinces that celebrate fruits fairs include Rayong,
Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao and Hat Yai in Songkhla. |
H.M.
the Queen's Birthday
August 12
National holiday
Nationwide celebrations find particular focus in Bangkok where
government buildings are decorated and illuminated at night
with colcured lights.
Ok Phansa & Thot Kathin
During October
Ok Phansa celebrates the end of the Rains Retreat and introduces
the Kathin period when, throughout Thailand, the Buddhist laity
present monks with new robes and other items
deemed necessary for the monkhood's upkeep during the forthcoming
monastic year.
Vegetarian Festival
During October
Phuket islanders of Chinese ancestry commit themselves to a
vegetarian diet for nine days. The festival's first day features
a parade of white-clothed devotees and several ascetic displays.
Boat Races
October
The Kathin period marks the official end of the Rains Season
and is the time for country fairs, many of which feature regattas.
Nan, 790 kilometres north of Bangkok,has famous boat races.
Other noteworthy regattas are held in Surat Thani, Phichit,
Nakhon Phanom and Pathum Thani.
Loi Krathong
Full-moon night of November
This is Thailand's loveliest festival when under the full moon,
Thais float away onto rivers and waterways, Krathongs, small
lotusshaped banana-leaf boats containing a lighted candle, glowing
incense, a flower and small coin to honour, it is believed,
the water spirits, and to wash away the previous year's sins.
Elephant Round-Up
Third weekend of November, Surin, nort east Thailand
Some 100 elephants participate in this popular event. Between
folk dances and traditional cultural performances, these versatile
behemoths star in displays of time-honcured wild elephant hunts,
demonstrations of intelligence, strength, gentility and obedience,
and the spectacular re-enactment of a medieval war elephant
parade.
River Kwai Bridge Week
Late November, early December, Kanchanaburi, western Thailand
Features a thrilling son et lumiere show at the world-famous
bridge. Archaeological and historical exhibitions, sparkling
folk culture performances and rides on trains hauled by World
War 11 vintage steam locomotives number among other attractions.
H.M. the King's Birthday
December 5
National Holiday
On December 3, the elite Royal Guards swear anew their allegiance
to His Majesty King Bhumibol in a colourful and stirring ceremony
in Bangkok's Royal Plaza.
On December 5, festivities occur throughout Thailand. Customarily,
government buildings and houses are decorated with spectacular
illuminations at night. Night-time Bangkok, particularly in
the Ratchadamnoen Avenue and Grand Palace area, becomes a floodlit
fairyland of coloured lights.
Small and individually
owned, their charms are spread by word of mouth. The resorts
are distinct in design and location and some are more challenging
to reach than others. |
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