Nong Khai Great Balls Of Fire

Nong Khai Great Balls Of Fire

The end of Buddhist Lent means thousand of people are heading to the bank of the Mekong River in Nong khai to behold the Bung Fai Phayanak shooting from the depths of the Mekong up into the starry night. The legend is that the balls of fire are shot by the Naga, who is paying homage to the Buddha with his pyrotechnics. The main event takes place on Oct 12 but a week-long celebration starts from Oct 9 around Nong Khai municipality, featuring long-tail boat races, a beeswax sculpture competition and light and sound performances.

Nong Khai is essentially a border town with the typical traffic associated with such locations. Tourism consists mainly of short stopovers by people traveling to and from Laos. The main thoroughfare is mainly populated by hardware stores, banks and gold shops. A large, busy Indo-china market thrives in the city center along the riverside. Visitors are catered for by a wide selection of hostelries from budget guest houses to international hotels and thriving evening entertainment.

Nong Khai is connected to Laos via the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which permits direct traffic to Vientiane via road and rail (in the latter case, via Thanaleng Railway Station).

Get there early to snag a spot with a view as the event is always packed. More information at TAT Udon Thani Office at 042-325-406/7 or tatudon@tat.or.th

Surin Elephant Show

Surin Elephant Show On 18 – 21 November 2011

Surin Elephant Show

Surin Elephant Round-up,Surin Elephant Show usually takes place on the third weekend of November in Surin province, Isan, Thailand. It is of recent origin, first held in 1960. The people of Surin were traditionally excellent at capturing elephants in Cambodia, then training them as working animals.

The majestic Thai elephant has long been a central element in Thai culture and has held a respected place in Thai history. A symbol of power and grace, the elephant was revered by the ancient kings.

Elephants have been prominently featured in Thai legend, literature, art and architecture, and during the reign of King Rama II, an image of the auspicious elephant, symbolic of the King, was featured on the flag.

In daily life, as man and elephant depend on each other, the elephant is treated as part of the ‘family’. The everyday life of the Thai elephant and its keeper is the central theme of the world-famous Surin elephant round-up held annually.

The Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village in Surin Province is the home of the Kui, who, for centuries, have tended to and trained elephants for use throughout Thailand. These handlers have great respect for their elephants.

The majority of elephant owners and mahouts in Thailand today are descendants of the “Kui” tribe (or “Suay” in Thai). They are thought to have migrated from Cambodia to settle largely in the northeastern provinces near the Cambodian border. Known for their expertise in capturing, domesticating and training wild elephants, the life-long relationship of the mahout with his elephant is an integral element of Kui culture, tradition and the way of life. The elephant is his companion and a family member.Surin elephant show.

The Surin Elephant Show has been organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand since 1960 and has been well-received internationally.

Booking Hotels in Surin !

- Hotels in Surin

Contact information:

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Surin Office

Tel: +66 (0) 4451 4447-8, (0) 4451 8529

Fax: +66 (0) 4451 8530

CHANTABURI KING OF FRUIT

CHANTABURI King of Fruit

We’re on the fence about durian, but if you adore it, then do travel to Chanta¬buri during May 7-15 and you’ll be sur¬rounded by the alleged king of fruit, at the World Durian Festival. Famed as one of the provinces that produces the best tasting durians, Chantaburi’s festival is set around King Taksin Park, featuring durians from local farmers for sale as well as a durian competition, cultural performances and local food fair. More information at TAT Chantaburi Office 039-312-277, 039-302¬663 ext. 34715.

YASOTHON SKY ROCKET

YASOTHON Sky Rocket

For years, Yasothon locals have been firing handmade rockets sky¬ward to pray to Phaya Than for rain during the Bun Bang Fai Festival. This year the celebration takes place May 9-15. Highlights are cultural performances and parades around town on May 14 and a local rocket competition at Phaya Tan Park on May 15. Bring a helmet if you’re worried rockets will fall onto your head. For more information, contact the Yasothon Municipal Office, 045-720-951 ext. 306 or TAT 045-243¬770. Planning a trip? See this page for Yasothon essentials.

Songkran Festival from around the kingdom

Songkran festival, A selection of interesting Thai New Year celebrations from around the kingdom.

SI SATCHANALAI SONGKRAN FESTIVAL Celebrate Songkran the traditional way in Sukhothai, at a ceremony of pouring scented water onto the hands of elders as a gesture of respect. Locals will dress up in Thai costumes to complete the sense of going back in time.(Through Apr 19.Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukothai, 055-611-196)

SONGKRAN – THE WATER FESTIVAL ON THE BEACH.

Head to Patong beach or Soi Bangla in Phuket for a no holds barred water war. A more serene procession of a scared Buddha image around the streets of Patong Beach is an opportunity for people to bathe it for an auspicious start to the Thai New Year. (Apr 10-13, various venues, Phuket. 076 – 211 – 036 )

AYUTTHAYA SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

Observe traditional merit – making rituals before attending a Miss Songkran beauty contest, or a grand procession to appreciate modern ways of celebrating the festival. Elephants from the province ‘s famous kraal will also hose down visitors with their trunks. (Apr 13 , various venues, Ayutthaya, 035 – 246 – 076 -7 )

KOH SICHANG SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

Witness a rare courtship ritual on Koh Khaam Yai in which men invite eligible single ladies to join them for water – splashing in the sea. The women will later consent to joining the men in a ramwong (traditional circle dance).(Apr 13 – 18, Koh Sichang and Koh Khaam Yai, Chon Buri, 038 – 423 -990 )

Samui Marathon Music

This month ushers two big events on Samui Island. The first is the inaugural Samui Mar-athon, organized by Bangkok Airways and taking place on Sep 19. You can sign up to take part in various age categories, from student to over 60, and opt to run either a full, half or quarter marathon. The application fee is B300-700 before Sep 17 and B300-800 on Sep 18. More information and registration at 02-265-5678 ext. 5669/8709

later, music takes center stage with the return of the Samui Jazz Festival 2010. This year’s event will feature free jazz concerts on 11 stages spread around the island at Bo Phut (Sep 25, 28), Chaweng (Sep 26, 29) and Lamai (Sep 27, 30) beaches. The 42 shows will feature Thai and international jazz talents like Mete Erke, Eddie C, Roos jonker and the Nontri Orchestra Winds.