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

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

Patpong Night Market

After recently cleaning up its act, Patpong's become one of the 'must' night shopping destinations for avid shoppers. The place is always busy and chaotic with all the commotion from the GO-GO bars nearby and lots of foreign tourists. This market in Bangkok's notorious nightlife district is often the first and easiest stop for many tourists just arriving to Bangkok, whilst lodging at one of several mid-to-upper-end hotels in Silom. Be warned though, the quality and prices of most items sold are about as real and trustworthy as the girls shaking their wares in go-go bars flanking the area. Both market and go-go bars seem to complement each other well, but remember not to be fooled by first impressions, and to bargain hard.

How to get there: Coming from BTS Siam station, depart at Sala Daeng station and exit down one of the right-hand stairs. Follow the increasing trail of vendors along the sidewalk, and after five minutes, you'll know you're there.
Items at market: Cheap 'brand-name' items, CD's, souvenirs, T-shirts, etc
Open: 18:00 - around 01:00 (every day)
source form http://www.bangkok.com/