Swissotel Nai Lert Park Bangkok Activities this week

Kaki, the Pacific Oyster Festival at Genji Japanese Restaurant

This month, treat yourself and a loved one to Japanese Kaki Oysters amidst the stunning elegance of Genji the Japanese Restaurant at Nai Lert Park Bangkok, a Raffles International Hotel. Experience the delicate flavors of fresh oysters, specially created the sumptuous menus by our master chef to fancy you throughout March. Variety menus selection; such as Nama Kaki, Kaki Bacon, Kaki Furai, Kaki Dengaku, Kaki Nabe, and Nabi Arima Sanshou and complete your amazed meal with our mouth-watering Japanese desserts of the restaurant.
Enjoy freshly pacific oysters in the park with us!
Sippin’away @Syn

Syn Bar, the Bangkok’s hippest bar at Nai Lert Park Bangkok, a Raffles International Hotel invites you to enjoy our unlimited drink promotion “‘Sippin’ Away”, with free flow on regular long drinks, including crushing, blending, shaking, stirring, floating or muddling of our homemade cocktails, Thai Beer and House Wine every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10.00 pm. Onwards only THB 950++ per person. Sip unlimited drinks in trendy bar and its cool surround, chic music ranges with your lover, friends, THB 1,500++ for 2 persons and THB 2,800++ for 4 persons.
Source from http://www.thailand4.com

Dazzle and Glamour 2008 Jewelry Event to Be Found First in Macao at the Grand Canal Shoppes

The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel had brought The Venetian Festival to Macao last year. The event was a huge success, which attracted thousands of local residents as well as international visitors who came to enjoy for themselves the authentic flavors, tastes and culture of Venice for the first time.

From January 18 to February 21 2008, The Venetian® Macao will present the art of exquisite jewelry at its Grand Canal Shoppes. You’re invited to witness dazzling jewelry parades and experience the precious collections showcased at world-renowned jewelry shops.

The world’s most expensive pen, which entered the Guinness Book in 2001, and the most splendid Paraiba Collection which worth tens of million HK dollars is to be exhibited during the Jewelry Event. On 19-20 January, 26-27 January and 2-3 February, a number of parades will be held in different locations at the Grand Canal Shoppes where models will wear some of the most outstanding pieces of jewelry of various international brands. The parades offer a glittering opportunity for guests who visit The Venetian Macao a preview of the most exclusive jewelry. Special discounts will be offered by individual jewelry shop, do not miss this opportunity.

Brands showcased during the Jewelry Event are namely: Franck Muller, Mikimoto, Piaget, Tiffany & Co. , Boucheron, Butani, Century, Charriol, Damiani, DiamondSA, Dily’s, Elov, Emphasis, Enzo, Hatta Fine Jewelry, Hearts on Fire, Just Gold/Just Diamond, Loang & Noi, Lukfook, Montblanc, Normana, O’Che 1867, Rich Jade, Roberto Coin, Shimansky, Tasaki, Valente, Zydo Italy, Caran d’Ache, Optica, Arté Madrid, Carat, Folli Follie, Grossé, Michele and Thomas Sabo.

ABOUT LAS VEGAS SANDS CORP.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) is one of the leading international developers of multi-use integrated resorts.

The Las Vegas, Nevada-based company owns and operates The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, The Palazzo Resort-Hotel-Casino, and the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas and The Venetian Macao Resort-Hotel and the Sands Macao in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Special Administrative Region of Macao. The company is currently constructing two additional integrated resorts: Sands Bethworks™ in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and The Marina Bay Sands™ in Singapore.

LVS is also creating the Cotai Strip™, a master-planned development of resort-casino properties in Macao. Additionally, the company is working with the Zhuhai Municipal People’s Government of the PRC to master-plan the development of a leisure resort and convention complex on Hengqin Island in the PRC.

For more information, please contact:

Tom Van Blarcom / Bew Chartvivatpornchai

TQPR (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

Tel. +662 260 5820 Ext. 119

Fax +662 260 5847-8

Email: bew@tqpr.com , tqprthai@tqpr.com
Source from http://www.thailand4.com/

Colorful Water – Loi krathong Great Festival

Colorful Water – Loi krathong Great Festival
21-24 November 2007

“Loi Krathong” is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which usually falls on some day in November. The floating of a ‘Krathong' – a banana–leaf cup – is intended to float away ill fortune as well as to express apologies to Khongkha or Ganga, the River Goddess. Some believe that the ritual is meant to worship the Buddha's footprint on the bank of the Narmada River, while others say that it is to pay respect to Phra Uppakhut, one of the Lord Buddha's great disciples.

The Loi Krathong Festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand, especially where there are rivers, canals or sources of water, with different unique characteristics.

This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has joint with Educational Institution and Thai Baot Association to present the Electric Float Procession from Taksin Bridge to Krungthon Bridge and the 12 lighten up buildings and historical sites along Chao Praya River during Loi Krathong Festival.

Highlight

Loi Krathong Festival : The Delightful Color of Streams
Bangkok

Date: 21 - 24 November 2007
Place:Banks of the Chao Phraya River (King Rama IX Bridge – Krung Thon Bridge), Bangkok

Activitie: Enjoy viewing the illuminated float procession to commemorate the celebrations on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary and the contest of Loi Krathong traditional boats, with more than 1,500,000 Baht prize money.  Admission free.

Remark:
Enjoy Light Up and nightlife tour throughout the month.

Loi Krathong and Candle Festival Sukhothai

Date:  22 - 24 November 2007
Place: Sukhothai Historical Park, Tambon Mueang Kao, Mueang District, Sukhothai
Activitie: You will be dazzled by the float procession of large krathong from 17 Northern provinces.  The procession will consist of  krathongs from government agencies, state enterprises, private sectors, and general public, including hanging lanterns, Krathong design contest, and Miss Noppamas Beauty Contest, light and sound presentation, firework displays, Sukhothai arts and culture performances, and the activity of “Dawn of happiness”.

Yi Peng Festival Chiang Mai

Date: 23 - 25 November 2007
Place:Tha Phae Gate, banks of the Ping River, Chiang Mai Municipal Office, Chiang Mai
Activitie: 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 FestivalTak

Date: 23 - 27 November 2007
Place: Banks of Ping River, Tak.
Activitie: 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.

Loi Krathong at 4 Corners of the Old City (Ayudhya)
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Date: 23-24 November 2007
Place: 4 corners of Ayudhya, i.e.  under Pridi - Thamrong Bridge; Pom Petch; in front of National Museum-Chandrakasem; and in front of Chedi Si Suriyothai.

Activitie: This is a memorable event for you to experience the contest of hanging lanterns, small-size Krathong contest, Miss Noppamas (international) beauty contest, Noppamas kids contest, singing contest, cultural performances, and OTOP products.

Royal Celebration Lantern Festival: the Color of the South
Songkhla

Date: November 23 – December 5 , 2007
Place: Bueng Si Phuwanat Park, Hat Yai District, Songkhla
Activitie: The most unique opportunity to experience the Royal Celebration Lantern on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary, December 5, 2007. The event will focus on Thai and international lanterns’ displays and exhibitions, and cultural performances.
For further details, please contact TAT Office, Southern Region, Area 2,
Tel: +66 7534 -6515 – 6

“Colorful Water – Loi Krathong Great Festival” Tassana Pirom Yard, at Naval Assembly, Royal Thai Navy, BKK Only 999 tourists per day available with only 1,200 baht ticket. Reservation : Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 2115-7

MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT TO www.loikrathong.net

Jim Thompson's House: The House that was the Talk of the Town

Jim Thompson House was the home of James H.W. Thompson, a self-made American entrepreneur and the founder of the world renowned Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company. The house consists of a complex of six traditional Thai-style houses, teak structures that were purchased from several owners and brought to the present location from various parts of Thailand. Construction of the Thai house was completed in 1959. With his natural flair for design and color, and driven by his single-minded dedication to reviving the craft, Thompson soon gained worldwide recognition for his success in rebuilding the industry, for generating international demand for Thai silk. For his invaluable contribution to the growth and development of the Thai Silk industry, Jim Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, a decoration bestowed upon foreigners for having rendered exceptional service to Thailand. Thompson's success story in Thailand has become one of the most popular postwar legends of Asia. During the Easter weekend in 1967, Thompson disappeared while on holiday with friends in Cameron Highlands, a northern Malaysian resort. There he set out for a walk in the surrounding jungle but never returned. An extensive and extended search failed to reveal any clues about his disappearance. Thus began the Jim Thompson legend. The current Jim Thompson House serves as a showcase of how he had lived while in Thailand. Originally trained as an architect, Thompson fell in love with the rustic design of the Thai House and built his own quarters in a similar style, although there is a distinct fusion of traditional American living as well. The museum is open from 0900-1700 (last guided tour starts at 1630 though) daily. The admission fee is 100 baht and you will need to join the guided tour as you are not allowed to freely wander within the house. They have some of the best guides around and the tour was a very pleasant as well as being enlightening. Do note that indoor photography is not allowed, as with shoes.

Information form  http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/6818a/

Erawan Shrine In Thailand

Those who have visited Thailand will admit that there are many facets to the spiritual Buddhist life in this beautiful country.        

      Hinduism and Animism have integrated themselves and are very much part and parcel of spiritualism in Thailand. This spiritualism has nothing to do with Buddhism but is embraced by all.

       A look around Bangkok will reveal many shrines in front of nearly all big buildings. These shrines are nothing but spirit houses to protect the building from any harm. Offerings of food and drinks are regularly made and Thai people pay homage and respect to the shrines while passing by.

       One such spirit house was built in the 1950s in front of the Erawan Hotel. It is known as "Erawan Shrine In Thailand". However, the shrine did nothing to protect while the hotel was being constructed. Many accidents occurred during the construction. So the people consulted some spiritual advisers who asked them to relocate the spirit house to its current location. The Erawan shrine was relocated and thereafter the construction went off smoothly with no accidents or mishaps.

       Story has it that an old lady prayed for help at the shrine since her business was not doing well. She promised to dance all the way to the shrine if her wish was granted. It so happened that the lady’s business started doing well and she kept her promise.

        Today, thousands of people visit the Erawan Shrine wishing for luck in business and love. They make small offerings while wishing and once their wish is granted, people return to the shrine with classical Thai dancers who perform before the shrine.

         Erawan Shrine is located at a busy intersection of Bangkok and the skytrain runs overhead in two different directions. The shrines is gilded and features four faces and four arms> Over the last decade or so, it has become busier with garland sellers lining the sidewalk close to the shrine.

        A visit to Erawan Shrine is well worth the time and it is located close to Chitlom skytrain station. After visiting the shrine, one can stop at the many shopping centers located in the vicinity.

Source http://www.thailandbuddy.com

Bangkok Pride Festival 2007 ( November 3 - 11, 2007)

Bangkok Pride Festival is a number of community events held throughout the year and culminating with a parade and a community day. Bangkok Pride Festival strives to engender a sense of community among the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans gender(GLBT) population in Thailand, and to empower everyone with a stronger sense of pride. Over the years, the Bangkok annual event has undergone organizational changes, resulting in a current focus on the long-held goal that the Bangkok events and parade be created by and for members of the Thai GLBT community, with support from gay and gay-friendly business and civil society sectors—Thai and foreigners alike.
History of Bangkok Pride Festival
Pride celebrations started in Thailand in the late 1990’s and were first organized by Khun Pakorn Pimton with the support of several Thai gay businesses. Under the name of Bangkok Gay Festival, they presented Thailand’s first gay pride parade in the Silom business district in 1999. This parade attracted representatives from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and other Asian, as well as Western, countries and subsequently led several other countries to follow with their own events. [Source from; pridefestival.org]

"72 HOURS AMAZING THAILAND" CAMPAIGN INTRODUCES VISITORS TO FRESH EXPERIENCES IN ONE OF THE REGION'S MOST POPULAR TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

Bangkok, October 11, 2007 — Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) together with MasterCard Worldwide announced the launch of "72 Hours Amazing Thailand" — a dedicated campaign presenting a host of exciting activities and special privileges exclusively for MasterCard cardholders visiting Thailand.

Mrs. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor for International Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand, said, "72 Hours Amazing Thailand offers a new way for tourists to explore the beauty of Thailand within 72 hours. The campaign introduces customized travel routes and activities for MasterCard cardholders, as well as showcases a collection of Thailand's newest and most stylish resorts and hotels, hip shopping destinations, luxurious pampering hideaways, chic dining outlets and top golf courses."

"We are targeting the 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign at the mass affluent consumer, aged over 25 years old, who enjoys traveling and experiencing new places which are in vogue in Bangkok and its surrounding areas," added Mrs. Rerngronasa.

After the success of the 'Unseen Paradise II: Stay in Style' campaign launched two years ago, TAT and MasterCard are once again jointly collaborating to launch this new campaign to offer MasterCard cardholders traveling to Thailand, exclusive benefits and privileges. As part of the campaign, an English language guidebook — "72 Hours Amazing Thailand" — will be produced for tourists.

According to the latest Masterlndex of Travel (H2 2007) by MasterCard Worldwide, Thailand is among the most preferred personal travel destination for Singaporeans.

Ms. Eileen Wee, Vice President and Country Manager for Thailand, MasterCard Worldwide said, "The 72 Hours Amazing Thailand campaign launched by Tourism Authority of Thailand enables visitors to fully enjoy and experience the natural beauty of Thailand, as well as the many attractive offerings and exceptional service that this tourism paradise has to offer to the sophisticated, style-conscious traveler of today. The campaign is an example of how Thailand constantly refreshes itself as a travel destination."

"Our collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand builds on our commitment to offer MasterCard cardholders priceless experiences, while allowing us to reinforce the ease and convenience of traveling with a MasterCard card," she added.

From September 2007 to the end of August 2008, customers making transactions with their MasterCard cards will receive up to 50% off their purchases at over 200 leading hotels and resorts, shopping centers, beauty and nail spas, fine dining restaurants, golf courses and retail outlets in Thailand, in addition to a range of other privileges.

The "72 Hours Amazing Thailand" campaign includes a selection of beautiful resorts and hotels in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, such as Dream Hotel in Bangkok — the city's only true haute couture hotel. Dream Hotel is part of Preferred Boutique, a collection of the world's most luxurious small hotels. Also on the list is the Putahracsa Hua Hin — Hua Hin's hippest urban-chic resort located amidst powdery white sand and tropical lush trees.

In addition to these luxury hotels, MasterCard cardholders can indulge in the best spa destinations such as S Medical Spa — one of only two medical spa retreats in the world with the Hydrotherapy 7 in 1 with Shirodhara — an integrated treatment that cares for the mind, body and soul. Services include purification programs, holistic massage and body work, hydrotherapy and full-day wellness programs. MasterCard cardholders also receive the VIP treatment at the Banyan Tree Spa at the Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok — the ideal sanctuary for physical and spiritual well-being.

The "72 Hours Amazing Thailand" English language guidebook is also on sale at various branches of Asia Books.

Photo Gallery
Please click to view and download

For details, please visit
Web site: www.thailand72hrsamazing.com and www.tourismthailand.org

Khaosan Road : A short road with the longest dream in the world

Khao San Road is a small street situated on Banglamphu, Bangkok, Thailand, not far from Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew just walk about 15 minutes. Khao San Road is most favourite for thai people and tourist. Khao San Road has a lot of thing to do. such as restaurant, pubs, bars, shopping guesthouse and hotels. It is a popular place for backpackers and tourists are drawn by some of the cheapest hotels and guesthouse in Thailand.
Khao San Road Attraction
A lot of backpackers and tourists use Khaosan road, Bangkok, Thailand as a base for going upcountry Thailand as there are many direct coaches from the street to practically all traveler destinations in Thailand, from Northern Thailand to Southern Thailand. Many tourists will also take advantage of the many travel agents for comparing prices and to arrange visas and transportation to deastinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket or Samui.
Khaosan People
Khaosan road Bangkok, Thailand has in recent years also become a popular hangout for local people, particularly artists and art students. Khaosan road has a lot of bars and pubs, where people of many countries meet and consult their travels.
It is one of Bangkok's most exciting roads, many people from around the world can be seen here. One Thai writer narrates the Khaosan road as "a short road that has the longest dream in the world." Khaosan road absolutely draws some strange characters.
Songkran Festival on Khaosan road
Khaosan road is one of Bangkok's center for bar hopping and partying, dancing and splashing water during Songkran festival on April 13 to April 15 each year. Songkran festival is the Thailand New year celebration and people run around in swimming shorts and play with water guns and water buckets so expect to get wet when you go on the street during this time. A lot of Thai people and foreigner stayed on Khaosan road area to enjoy this event as it is one of the most popular areas to come to. Beware of mobile phones, wallets or other valuable things that you carry with you. This way you will be able to fully enjoy this fantastic festival.

information form http://www.excelloz.com

Ambassador Hotel Bangkok

Ambassador Hotel Bangkok Description

A popular choice for the leisure traveller, the Ambassador Hotel Bangkok offers good value for money and a superb location in the heart of busy Sukumvit Road. Bangkoks legendary commercial district with its great shopping and entertainment venues is literally steps away. Within easy reach of the airport expressway, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and only two minutes walk from Nana Skytrain Station.
Rooms The rooms are comfortable and offer the necessary amenities to make your stay a pleasant one. The tower wing offers more modern rooms and a higher standard of accommodation. Exercise and SportThe Health Centre offers a gym including free weights, sauna, massage, Jacuzzi and whirlpool baths. Also available is a swimming pool, tennis courts and an outdoor jogging track. Transport Just outside is the Soi Nana BTS sky train station - five minutes walk away. Take a ride on the BTS and beat the traffic congestion.

Hotel Features

• Tennis
• Parking
• Laundry
• Spa
• Bar/Pub/Lounge
• Business Centre
• Room Service
• Shopping
• Airport Transfers
• Coffeeshop
• Swimming Pool
• Beauty Salon/Barber
• Restaurant
• Facilities for Disabled
• Conference Facilities
• Internet Access
• Fitness Centre
• Jacuzzi

About Sukhumvit:

Sukhumvit in many ways epitomizes modern Bangkok. Characterised by high rise apartments, air-conditioned shopping centres, stylish restaurants and a wide selection of entertainment venues. Linked to the main tourist and commercial areas by the new Skytrain (overhead rail system) the area is provides a good base for exploring the sights and sounds of Bangkok. Accommodation is also very good. Many of the hotels are new and offer excellent facilities, swimming pools and great views over the city.

Wat Benjamabophit , Bangkok

Wat Benjamabophit  (also spelled Wat Benchamabophit) is called the Marble Temple because of the white Carrara marble of which it is constructed. The Marble Temple is the most modern and one of the most beautiful of Bangkok's royal wats.

History
The Marble Temple was built in 1899 by Prince Narai, the half brother of Rama V. Thailand's present king spent his days as a monk here before his coronation. Today, Marble Temple is not only a magnificent Thai temple, but a seat of learning that appeals to Buddhist monks with intellectual yearnings.
Description
Unlike the older complexes, there's no truly monumental wihaan or chedi dominating the grounds. Walk inside the cloister, beyond the main bot, to view over 50 bronze Buddha images that represent styles from various Buddhist countries and regions.
Behind the cloister is a large Bodhi tree, bought from Bodhgaya, India as a gift for King Chulalongkorn.

Many smaller buildings reflect a melding of European religious designs (such as stained-glass windows) with traditional Thai religious architecture. Even the courtyards are paved with polished white marble.
This is an excellent place to watch religious festivals and processions. Unlike most other temples, monks do not go out seeking alms but are instead visited by merit-makers from 6am-7am.
During the early mornings, monks chant in the main chapel, sometimes so intensely that it seems as if the temple is going to lift off the ground.

Visitor Information
Names:     Wat Benjamabophit, Wat Benchamabophit, Marble Temple
Date:     1899
Location:     Si Ayutthaya Rd. (south of the Assembly Building near Chitralada Palace)
Phone:     2281-2501
Hours:     Daily 8am-5pm
Cost:     20B (50¢) admission
information http://www.sacred-destinations.com/