Gear up for the upcoming festivals and events around Thailand

This annual event, Butterfly Watching will take place at Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Muang Thong Thani from June 3 to 7 which will bring together wealth of sales and marketing. The showcase is divided into different zones, among them are Gourmet Tourism, Rustic Thailand, Health & Spa, Adventure and Eco Tourism.

The annual “Amari Watergate Hotel & BMW Thailand Charity Midnight Run” will kick off at midnight at Amari Watergate Hotel on Phetchaburi Road and continue through the city’s streets. Southeast Asia’s unofficial nightlife capital, will host the Charity Midnight Run on October 10, and the good news is that you don’t have to be the fastest to have fun.

The rainy season is here, and it’s about time to swap your summer sandals for hiking shoes. The butterfly watching season in Sa Kaew coincides with the fruit picking season in the eastern provinces, so don’t forget to stop off on your way back and stock up with your favorites. Pangsida National Park in Sa Kaew, beckons the butterfly-watchers to pitch up their tents in the park, more than 400 butterfly species can easily be captured for posterity even with the camera.

Thailand – The City’s Most Popular Western Restaurant

The most popular restaurant for western food in Bangkok is, The Bourbon street. It is probably the most popular restaurant in Bangkok with expats and tourists. It lies on Sukhumvit in downtown Bangkok. Its best thing about the restaurant is the ambience and the atmosphere which gives a cozy and friendly feeling, with burnt orange walls, very comfy rattan and leather fabulous furniture and subdued lighting. They also have a pretty area outside stocked full of huge leafy plants, where you can wait if your table isn’t ready. This is a perfect place to have western food and mind relaxation with its atmosphere. Its bar area is comparatively nice, where you can really hang out.

Thailand’s Bourbon street is really unbelievable, and just not worth missing. Bourbon Street is American owned and operated (a rarity in Thailand) and serves authentic Cajun, Creole and Mexican food in a very cool atmosphere. Food arrives quite quickly, it’s still piping hot. Bourbon Street is also always packed full of people every time for its goodness and delicious food. Even the staffs are the most efficient staffs of any other restaurant. They are so friendly and sweet, which is actually a given in Thailand but that doesn’t usually come with efficiency too!

‘Shop Full Blast’ from Best Western International

Now you have a special package to have a shopping spree in the top tourist destinations of Thailand including Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai from the world’s largest hotel chain, Best Western International (BWI). The “Shop Full Blast” promotion features a special rate as low as US$66 for a three-day/two-night stay in any participating Best Western hotels and is available until February 28, 2009.

The package includes: three day/two-night accommodations for 2 persons; welcome drink upon arrival; one hour Thai massage for 2 persons; and a free shuttle bus service to downtown. Guests can also enjoy a privileged 10 % discount coupon for shopping at the King Power Downtown Duty Free Mall located on Sri Ayuthaya-Rangnam Road in Bangkok.

For a stay in the Best Western Mayfair Suites, package rate is at US$120.  The new hotel is located within close proximity to Bangkok’s leading shopping centers: Gaysorn Plaza, Central World Plaza and Pratunam.

In Pattaya, Best Western Bella Villa Cabana Hotel and Best Western Pattaya Hotel offer US$169 package rate for an option to choose from its varied room accommodations: deluxe, deluxe ocean view or the poolside room.

At Chiang Mai, Best Western presents an attractive package rate of US$66 for superior room accommodations.

Now all information on Thailand just a mouse-click away

Now, accessing any information about Thai culture, history, art, tourism and academic research is just a mouse click away for the National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (Nectec) has completed “Digitised Thailand,” a project that marks the collaboration of several organisations.

The project has developed Thailand’s national digital archives by collecting and transforming all physical data scattered around the nation into digital form and allowing people at all levels to gain access to an enormous wealth of knowledge at any time and from anywhere over the Internet.

“The content goes beyond what have seen in video or audio content and Nectec will not cover the entertainment area, but will focus on knowledge-based content,” Nectec director Dr Pansak Siriruchatapong said.

The three-year project, which will be run from now until 2010, will start by collecting Thai-based data available on the Internet and will put it into the archive which concentrates on mainly five spheres of Thailand, namely, knowledge, language, culture, history and tribes. Apart from this, Nectec has also developed an encyclopaedia and dictionaries such as Thai-Japanese, Thai-Lanna and Thai-Malayoo so far.

In addition, Nectec has conducted pilot projects to develop digital content, starting by collecting data and knowledge related to Thai herbs under a project called “Knowledge Unifying Initiator for Herbal Information” (KUIHerb). This will be a herbal information resource that includes information about local medicines, photos, videos, medicine recipes and prescriptions and information about poisonous substances.

Dr Virach said, “We hope that once Thai-based data is converted and put into the digital archive, the country will have an enormous database that can be developed into sustainable knowledge and this will be invaluable information source, which will not only stimulate Thais to improve their self-learning but preserve Thai culture and offer new opportunities for business development.”

Get wooed at Bangkok’s Fashion & Leather Fair

The Thai capital is fast becoming the pulse of the newer generation and in this effort to brand Bangkok as the “ASEAN Fashion Center”, the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) under the Ministry of Commerce is planning to draw attention to the Thai fashion and leather industry by showcasing the “23rd Bangkok International Fashion Fair and 21st Bangkok International Leather Fair 2008″ (BIFF & BIL 2008).”

To be held from the 27th to 31st of August 2008, this fashion & leather extravaganza, is expected to get bigger and better this year with its foremost regional sourcing and networking platform for both local and overseas fashion trade professionals. Being held at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Center (BITEC) Bangna, it is going to be a treat for the fashion connoisseurs to eye some of the magnificent range of services including design, manufacture and merchandise, with emphasis on a strategy of value-added performance in every segment of the fashion and leather industries alike.

BIFF and BIL is unique in its activities. More than 40 amateur designers (with less than 8 years of experience) and 10 designers (with their own brands) from countries like India, Australia, Mexico, Japan and Spain, will showcase their stunning collections. Some of the other attractions of the event will be

* Resort Wear : summer and travel wear.
* BKK SMITH : acknowledging new wave jewellery designers and entrepreneurs.
* Bag &Totes : leather bags made for party, leisure and work.
* Material &Tanning: Leather Materials & Tannery for fashion & lifestyle products
* Exotic Asia : Crafted Textile & Clothing in Asian Styles

Last but not least, BIFF & BIL 2008 will also be the platform for the Asia Fashion Federation Conference 2008 under the theme “Today Asian Fashion Lifestyle”. Participating will be some 200 representatives of the five member countries of the Asia Fashion Federation: China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand. With more than 850 booths and 550 companies, and free entry (except on trade days), the entire show is certainly going to be Thailand’s most exciting trade and fashion experience and a must for all committed to some serious fashion.

Duty free shopping at the Bangkok airport!

What would you do if you are halting at the Suwarnabhumi airport for a few hours? Well, what else but duty free shopping! The capital as well as the largest city in Thailand, Bangkok is one of the Asia’s biggest shopper’s paradise and its airport is no different. Here you can get anything and everything literally under one roof…. from liquor, tobacco, perfume, cosmetics, fashion, watches, pens, lighters, accessories and costume jewelry, skincare and aromatherapy and toys to electronics and confectionery. Whats more is that there are many luxury brand outlets too on the fourth level of the magnificent airport. Burberry, Bvlgari, Cartier, Coach, Dior, Dunhill, Hugo Boss, Mont Blanc and Swarovski are few of the brands out there to woo you.

Perfumes: the long walk shopping street makes it easy to browse and choose from the various brands of perfumes available! Some of the brands you can get here are Victor & Rolf, La Prairie, Acca Kappa, Agent Provocateur, Bond No. 9, Dr. Brant, Organic Pharmacy and PureLogicol.

Liquor: the wide range of wines and liquors, is particularly famous. There is an extensive array of spirits from all across the globe for the taste connoisseurs. In fact the rates here are almost 50% less than the Bangkok shop rates.

Fashion: the newest fashion awaits you at the Suwarnabhumi airport. From labels like Benetton, Victorinox and Samsonite to LeSportSac, you get a multitude of options to buy from! Do check out the prices before losing your wallet over them.

The list to shopping at the Bangkok airport seems endless. Even a whole day might be too little for shopaholics. All you have to do is carry a lot of money and indulge in some serious duty free shopping but do not miss your flight in the bargain!

Thailand – What they love and what they dont

Before hitting an unknown country like Thailand, it would be wise to know what the routine practice of that place is and what you should not do to avoid getting into trouble. Here we give you the dos and donts that will make your journey smooth and trouble-free. Thought the list is endless, these tips will be a lot of help especially to the first timers.

DOS:

* Firstly do learn a few Thai words to greet the locals. They consider it polite and it will also help you communicate well. Words like “Swadee Khrap” [hello] are always a delight to hear!
* Wear yellow T-Shirt on Monday and Friday. Thai people have great love for the king and the royal family. Thai people pay tribute to his majesty by wearing yellow T-Shirt on Monday and Friday. Make sure you wear one.
*  In the theatre, the audience will stand up to show respect to the king, so do stand up and shower that respect.
* Do pay tips to waiters. It’s a custom here more than a passing gesture!
* Always be cautious. There are notorious people round eager to cheat the tourists of their money!

DONTS

* Don’t litter the streets. It’s illegal and punishable under the law. You may end up paying 2000 Bahts!
* Similarly even smoking in public areas is considered an offense. Look out for smoking zones to do that.
* Don’t wear objectionable clothes like bikini tops, short skirts or hot pants in sacred areas like the Temples or religious shrines. You may be outrightly denied entry for being barely clad.
* Criticism of the king and royal family is not just frowned upon in Thailand; it is against the law – a punishable offence that is taken very seriously.
* Do not engage in purchase of wild animals whether protected or not. Aside from the moral issues, punishments are very harsh.
* Thais do not shake hands; they ‘wai’ – a gesture made by placing your hands together in front of your face a bowing a little. Generally, you should not wai to a child and a younger person should wai an older person first.
* Public Display Affection are frowned upon. It is rude to make out in public. So be careful before showering your love to your beloved on the streets of Thailand.

Bangkok’s China town market

A walk down Bangkok’s most popular china town district and you will fall in love with the vivid picture it portrays. Chinese merchants had moved into this area of Thailand’s capital around 1780 and since then, this place has had a special significance of its own.

Once you enter the Chinatown, narrow lanes and congested streets welcome you. The typical faces of the shop owners and residents here will make you believe that you are actually walking in a street of china! More so because not many people here are well versed in English and conversing therefore becomes quite impossible.

Perhaps the only tourist attraction here is the Wat Traimit or the temple of Golden Buddha. But if you cannot do without buying some souveniers, then try out the markets here.

The Thieves market is great for authentic Chinese artifacts. The constricted Sempang Lane is an overcrowded sight but very good for textile and clothing. The Yaowarat is perhaps the most famous and busiest streets of china town and the uncountable dazzling gold shops here are a must visit….and if you get tired after a day long walk down the Chinatown, then don’t miss the DimSum, the Bird Nest soup and other peculiar Chinese cuisine at the numerous restaurants here.

Bangkok Floating Market

A number of narrow canals jammed with small wooden boats with vendors in large straw hats paddling happily and peddling fresh fruit and vegetables, hot noodles and cold drinks, spices and souvenirs, just as they’ve done for centuries- Yes, that is Bangkok’s most infamous Floating Market, perhaps one of the most visited tourist sites around Bangkok. The original Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak, is located 110 kilometres from Bangkok in Ratchaburi province. Though, numerous other floating markets have cropped up owing to the popularity of this one.

Getting to the Floating Market takes between one and a half to over two hours from Bangkok depending on traffic conditions. There are mobile food stores selling anything from fruit, Som Tam, barbequed chicken, and other delicacies moving around the canals. Most people visiting the Floating Market are foreigners and Thai tourists, but it does offer visitors an excellent opportunity to see something different and take some great pictures of what is a true Thai icon.

Our travel tip to floating market would be that you organize a tour to enjoy the Floating Market and make sure that it is in fact the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and not any other. The tour to Floating Market generally starts around 6:30 in the morning and may include side trips to the Sugar House, a visit to the Teakwood Handicraft Center, or a visit to the Rose Garden. Whatever be your schedule, a trip to the floating market is a must because it is so very unique feature of Thailand.

The Thailand Grand Sale

If it is shopping that turns you on, then this is the best time for you to plan your trip to the Thailand which gets transformed into a shopper’s paradise for a full three month stretch with its Grand Sale. During this annual three-month shopping extravaganza, Thailand offers a diverse selection of quality products and services, special discounts of 10 – 70 per cent and promotional offers being extended by participating department stores, shopping complexes and retail outlets along designated ‘Shopping Streets’ in Bangkok and the popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Hat Yai. In addition to discounts, there are also special promotional offers like free gifts, gift vouchers and lucky draws by the retail and service outlets. This year the Thailand Annual Grand Sale is from 1 June to 31 August, 2008. So, what are you waiting for? Get your bags packed before you miss the opportunity.

Phuket – Month wise events and festivals at a glance

Phuket is undoubtedly a happening place in Thailand – always on celebration, be it the traditional Thai festivals or wet, wild and bizarre celebrations. With Phuket, you will never have to wonder what to do and what is on… With a variety of tournaments and festivals each year featuring international competitors in surfing, volleyball, rugby, jazz and blues festivals, boat shows, art exhibits, there is always enough to keep you as busy as you want to be.

January

January is happening with colorful and lively New Year celebrations with decorations and fireworks as well as shows all the month round.

February

The large Chinese population of the island celebrates its new year this month. The Chinese shrines are decorated and there are food festivals, and again fireworks and decorations. Also Phang Nga Bay Sailing Regatta falls in this month.

March

March 13 is the commemoration of an important historical event in Phuket history, when two sisters led the defense of Phuket against Burmese invaders in 1785.
The Phuket Gay Pride Festival, comprising of lively parties and events for gay locals and visitors, is held here at the end of March and beginning of April. This flamboyant festival began in 1999 and has grown each year as word spreads. Ao Yon Sailing Event also often takes place at the end of March.

April

Songkran, the wet and wild Thai New year celebration is held in April. On this day the baby sea turtles are released on many beaches throughout Thailand.

May

The Phuket International 10s Rugby Tournament is held each year in May at Karon beach.

June/July

The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale is held for two full months and features deep discounts at hundreds of shops throughout the island with special discounts on goods made in Thailand. Phuket Race Week in late July is a week full of international-standard yacht racing. Parties every night are open to all.

August

There is the three-day Kata Surfing Contest in April. The Por Tor Festival is a 15-day festival celebrated at the Chinese shrines on the island. Chinese make offerings to the spirits of the dead who are released from the underworld during this time. Cakes in the shape of turtles are a popular offering.

October

The Vegetarian Festival, held over nine days in October, is the largest and most colorful of all the year’s festivals. This celebration features daily processions at the many Chinese shrines throughout the city and features vegetarian food and ancient rituals by devotees.

November

The first week of November holds the annual Phuket Carnival with parades, activities, and nightly entertainment light up Patong. The festival of Loy Krathong is held on the full moon night in November. Thai people send their bad luck out on lotus-shaped floats (krathongs) made from banana tree trunks and leaves and decorated with flowers, candles, and joss sticks.

December

On December 5, the island celebrates the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, an international sailing event that attracts the world’s best yachtsmen, is held the week of December 5. The party scene is in high gear every night after the races.

With this annual calendar at your help, you will definitely be able to plan your trip to Phuket in a better way.

Chiang Mai – The northern capital of Thailand

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern capital. Though it is Thailand’s second largest city, it has a population of just a quarter of a million compared to the population of more than 6 million in Bangkok. It is a pleasant and vibrant city, which has more than 300 temples in which some Burmese architectural influence can be seen. It is particularly nice to bicycle around. Devoid of fast-paced discos, high-end retail shops and warm, soupy beaches, the city instead offers a different variety of treasures; culture and landscape rich in history, tradition, and spirituality.

The city prides itself in 300 centuries-old stone and teak temples which are vestiges of ancient civilizations and the long-ago Lanna Kingdom. Chiang Mai’s oldest temple is Wat Chiang Man which dates back to 1296 and is known for its two Buddha images, one made of the stone and the other made from crystal. Almost as old, Wat Phra Singh in the centre of town contains a 1,500 year old Buddha image and another wat, Wat Chedi Luang, holds the ruins of a huge chedi or stupa that collapsed in an earthquake in 1545.

The Chiang Mai National Museum has an extensive collection of Buddha images and northern Thai handicrafts. Another museum is the Tribal Museum which houses a good display of hill tribe textiles, jewelery, musical instruments, weapons and other artefacts. Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center takes the visitor on an engaging journey in the past. The Three Kings Monument, situated right in front of the building, commemorates the three kings of the thirteenth century. The kings selected the site for the ‘new city’ of Chiang Mai. The Night Bazaar keeps Chiang Mai’s centre busy after hours, and there is plenty of late shopping and eating.

Around 15km east of Chiang Mai is Bo Sang, also known as the Umbrella Village, where handmade paper umbrellas and many other hill tribe handicrafts are sold. Also worth seeing is the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre where attractions include elephant rides, elephant bathing and an elephant exhibition. Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, is set in a large national park offering some pleasant walks among the mountain scenery of forests and waterfalls and a popular site for birdwatchers.

So, if you are to explore Thailand to its fullest, just do not forget to include this wonderful historic city in your itenary.

‘Siam Paragon’ – Jewel of Asia

Popularly called the ‘Jewel of Asia’, located next to Siam Centre, Pathumwan, this multi-storeyed mall at Bangkok is a shopaholic’s paradise… With a modern, sleek and pleasing look, air-conditioned ‘Siam Paragon’ is an upmarket, five-storey colossus with 500,000 square metres of retail space and incorporates everything from shops, food court, amusement to accommodation. It is easily accessible via the city’s modern and efficient Skytrain (BTS) system.

From a sporty yellow Ferrari to a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes straight from the set of Sex and the City, priding itself in the world’s top-notch designer names like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Versace, Burberry and Hermes, the mall is home to more than 250 famed international and local luxury brands. Floors are divided into Luxury Living, Fashion Venue, Lifestyle & Leisure, Living & Technology, IT & Paragon Passage, and Explorium & Global Entertainment.

Siam’s Food Hall covers a good half of the mall’s huge ground floor and is divided into three different zones: Food Hall Food Court, Food Hall Gallery, and Food Hall Take Home. The there is the world-class aquarium, Siam Ocean World on the basement floor. Proclaiming to be the biggest aquarium in Asia – it offers seven sections: Weird and Wonderful, Deep Reef, Living Ocean, Rain Forest, Rocky Shore, Open Ocean and Sea Jellies. Entertainment complex on the top floor is home to a world-class cinema and other features that will delight young or old.

Siam Paragon being the one giant market of its type, our tip would be to slip into comfortable shoes before slipping into its complex. Since you are easily prone to get lost in this spacious complex, it is advisable to get your hands on a map from the information desk on the ground level before you start your shopping excursion or exploration. Since, most of the goods here boast of a high price tag, so remember to take your credit card along. Bargains on some things abound during end-of-season sales, which happens to be once a month at least.

To end up, you cannot boast of a complete shopping experience at Bangkok without shopping at ‘Siam Paragon’.

Happening events in Thailand!

The spirited and lively cities of Thailand have played host to diverse kinds of events every year and this time too it’s no different. The coming months of the year will see Thailand hosting an array of shows and events which have been long awaited by one and all throughout the year!

With events like the Marathon. Sea food festivals and candle carving competitions, there is much more than you could have expected out of the people of Thailand! In fact, at some of the world famous shows, people from all across the globe are enthusiastic to join in.

The “Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2008” which began on the 1st of june, will go on till the 31st of august 2008. here tourists will enjoy an alluring discount of 5-70% in selected outlets across the country. Other attractions include a chance to win an all expense paid holiday in Thailand, if you happen to spend 500bahts or more with your Visa card!

Starting on the 15th of june,2008 the Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2008, which is expected to attract more than 1500 particapants from across 40 countries, will include a 42km marathon, a half marathon and a 5km walk down some of the scenic beaches of Thailand.

Come the 1st of July, and the Ubon Rathchathani candle and International Candle Carving Festival will commence along with the alms-giving for Asalha Puja and the Khao Phansa Buddhist ceremony.

The Phi Ta Khon is an utterly unique celebration during the Bun Luang Festival, the biggest yearly merit-making ceremony of entertainment. Starting on the 4rth of july, this 3 day long event will feature participants parading down the streets in the most colourful clothes, masks and props.

By now you must have understood that Thailand is a land of mixed cultures….and to get a sneek peek and the post event review of the events of Thailand……..you now know where to look right? So stay hooked!