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Tourist Attractions
The Central Region
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
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
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
773 kliometres southwest of Bangkok, has a popular beachside
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 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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 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
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.
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), \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 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
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.
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:
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
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