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_files\icon01(1).gif) Tourist Attractions |
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 Tour Destinations |
Special Interests |
Festivals
and Annual Events |
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| Tour Destinations |
>>The Central
Region
 Geographically, the Central Region extends from rugged western
mountains bordering Burma to the north-east plateau to the
east; extends north- wards 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
Khirikhan where Thailand is compressed to its narrowest point,
some so 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-ln, Ayutthaya,
Saraburi, Lopburi and, most important of all, Bangkok, Thailand's
capital and major point-of-entry.
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>>Bangkok
Briefly, Bangkok's major tourism attractions include the
fabulous Wat Phra Keo (Emerald Buddha Chapel) and Grand Palace
complex; Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn); Wat Pho (Temple of the
Reclining Buddha): Wat Saket (Golden Mount): Wat Benchamabophit
(Marble Temple); Wirnan Mek 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 krauts 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 cuisine;
and a liberated, almost legendary night-life.
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>>Beyond
Bangkok
The Rose Garden,
a riverside tropical park/ country club one hour west of Bangkok,
boasts an ]s-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 380-foot high Phra Pathom Chedi,
which marks the spot where Buddhism was introduced, some 2,300
years ago, to the Thailand to-be. Damnoensaduak, no minutes
south of Nakhon Pathom, is Thailand's most vibrant floating
market where farmers congregate on canals each morning in
produce-laden boats. Kanchanaburi, 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 inhabited
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 l350 to
1767. Magnificent ruins of temples, palaces and crumbling
fortesses provide eloquent testimony of the former capital's
splendour. Wat Panan Choeng, Wat Si San Phet, Wat Mahathat,
Wat Ratchaburana, Phu Khao Thong and the Chao Sam Phraya National
Museurn 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 laoos as a summer retreat. Major ruins
include the Khmer Phra Prang Sam Yot, the Hindu San Phra Kan,
and Wat Phra Si Mahathat. Phetchaburi, l20 kilometres south-west
of Bangkok, is well known for exotic sweets, the Buddha-filled
Khao Luang Caves, the hilltop Phra Nakhom 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, 173 kilornetres southwest of Bangkok, has a popular
beach-side resort hotel and public beach. Hua Hin, 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 beach-side Khao Chong Krachok (Mirror Mountain)
which supports a small pagoda and a resident monkey tribe.
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>>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 civilisation where,
several centuries ago, small independent kingdoms held away.
In 1238, the aptly named Sukhothai ('Dawn of Happiness') become
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 el- ephants, 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 so 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 Satchanalai, 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 horse-drawn carriages
rernain 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, 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 rnountain scenery, distinctive
festivals and handicrafts, and several formerly itinerant
hill tribes of Tibeto-Burman orgin. 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 foot-summit, passing
the beautiful and popular Mae Klang, Wachirathan and Siriphum
waterfalls. Mae Hong Son, a 35-minute flight north-west 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,
north-east 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 high-altitude 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.
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>>The North
East
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 Yai National Park, north-east of Saraburi and some zoo
kilometres from Bangkok, covers parts of four provinces at
an average elevation of 800 metres. Khao Yai is some 540,00
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 north-east of Bangkok, is
the gateway to I-San. 56 kilometres to the north-east of the
provincial capital lies Phimai, site of an 11th-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 200 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 Chiangmai 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 home-made 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.
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>>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 Thai-Kampuchean
border. Many popular resorts, including Pattaya, Asia's premier
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 south-east of Bangkok,
is the capital's nearest resort. A cool palm-lined promenade
separates Bangsaen's long crescent beach from sea-front bungalows,
a water amusement park and a modern hotel. Khao Khiao Open
Zoo, 15 kilometres inland from Bang Phra, occupies a 1200-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, 147 kilometres
south-east 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
night-life comprise Pattaya's main attractions. 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, 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.
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>>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 Thai-Malaysian 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 Koh Tao. Ranong,
to the south-west, 568 kilometres from Bangkok, has a Hot
Spa Health Resort draving water from Thailand's sole potable
Geo-Thermal Mineral Water Spring. Surat Thani, is best known
for the beautiful Koh 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 Thammarat, 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. Songkhla, 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 hand-painted, 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 night-life.
Hat Yai, 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 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, 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.
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| Special Interests |
>>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), Wat Pak Nam, Wat Chonprathan Rangsit, Wat Phrathammakai
and Banglamphu's Wat Bowon Nivet where English language instruction
is available.
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>>Elephant
Training
The recently
opened 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.
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>>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 have distinctive dialects, costumes and customs.
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>>Orchid
Farms
Several establishments in the suburbs of Bangkok, and in
Chiang Mai and Chonburi province welcome visitors who may
wish to admire, purchase or learn more about these fabled
blooms.
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>>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.
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>>Wildlife
Sanctuaries / National Parks
Thailand has some so 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 north-east 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 hornbills 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 scuba-diving.
Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province is extremely
popular. The mountainside forest setting contains the seven-tiered
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 Songkhla 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 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.
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>>Thai Fruits
Thai fruits - - including mangoes, mangosteens, durians,
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
corne mangoes, lyches, pineapples, durians and mangosteens.
From July on, longans will ripen, and also langsats, jujubes,
passionfruits, pomeloes, rambutans, sugar apples and again
tangerines, grapes, water- melons. bananas, coconuts, guavas
and papayas are available throughout 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.
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>>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 kingdorn'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 PaviIion in the Grand Palace: in
the Oriental Plaza shopping centre; in the shopping arcade
of the Hilton International Bangkok Hotel; in the compound
of Wimanmek 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 ikat designs
known in Thai as rnat-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.
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| Festivals and Annual Events |
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:
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>>Makha
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 candles in homage
to the Buddha, his teaching and his disciples.
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>>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
beach-side 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.
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>>Rocket
Festival
The second weekend
of May, and best seen in Yasothon, north-east 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.
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>>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 Makha
Puja,
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>>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 Nation-wide celebrations find particular focus in
Bangkok where government buildings are decorated and illuminated
at night with coloured lights.
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>>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.
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>>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.
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>>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 Pathurnthani.
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>>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 lotus-shaped 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.
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>>Elephant
Round-Up
Third weekend
of November, Surin, north-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-honoured wild elephant hunts, demonstrations
of intelligence, strength, gentility and obedience, and the
spectacular re-enactment of a medieval war elephant parade.
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>>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
II vintage steam locomotives number among other attractions.
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>>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.
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