Chiang Mai Songkran Festival

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival
Date : April 12 - 15, 2009
Venue : All around Chiang Mai

Featuring Lanna Thai New Year celebrations and festivities at temples, the city gates and around the city moat throughout the northern capital of Chiang Mai

One of the best places to experience Songkran is in Chiang Mai, where it is celebrated on a grand scale with a flavour uniquely and entirely its own, attracting visitors from far and wide.
This year, Songkran Thai New Year festivities scheduled for April 13-15, will be held at temples, in the vicinity of the city’s gates and around the city moat.

Devout Buddhists visit the temple for merit-making and to listen to sermons. Lustral water is sprinkled on sacred Buddha images, such as the Phra Buddha Sihing image, and also poured over the hands of monks in a gesture of reverence. Donations are also made to the temple. Enjoy traditional Thai cultural performances held in the temple ground.

One of the highlights of the festival is the 'Songkran Beauty Queen Procession' that takes place on Songkran Day itself - April 13. Meanwhile, many other events leading up to the main attraction are spread over several days and it is here that the visitor gets to see various aspects of Chiang Mai, first hand, — its culture, cuisine, arts and crafts, as well as the friendly people.

Activities
Phra Buddha Sihing procession
Buddha images bathing ritual
Merit-making activities and presentation of offerings to Buddhist monks
‘Rot nam dum hua’ bathing rituals as a gesture of respect to elderly relatives and other respected individuals
Lanna Thai cultural performances and folk games
Sand-stupa building contest
Songkran water-splashing around the ancient city moat
Chiang Mai Culture Street
International Food Festival

Contact information:
TAT Chiang Mai Office Tel : +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607
E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th
Website : www.songkran.net

Credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/chiangmai-50-6284-1.html

Phuket Film Festival

Phuket Film Festival to Turn the Spotlight on Taiwanese Film

Bangkok, Thailand March 17, 2009: The Phuket Film Festival is proud to announce a Spotlight on Taiwanese Film will take place during the 2nd edition of the Festival which will run June 4 - 11 2009 at the Coliseum Theaters in Phuket Town, on the beautiful international resort destination of Phuket, Thailand.

The 2009 edition of the Festival will screen over 40 award winning movies from 17 countries.

Supporting the Academy Award nominated and other award winning Taiwanese films will be directors, producers, actors and actresses traveling to the Festival from Taiwan. They will join other Festival VIPs on a special tour of the island to raise awareness of Phuket as a world-class film location providing a comprehensive range of international class production services.

Attending will be:

Keeping Watch – Fen Fen Cheng
The Most Distant Course – Liin Jing-Jie
Island Etude – En Chen
Sumimasen Love - Lin Yu-Hsien
Step by Step – Kuo Chen – ti

Producers Patrick Mao Huang and James Liu will also attend the Festival.

A number of "stars" from Taiwan will also attend the Festival in support of the "Spotlight". Talent are still being confirmed however the Festival has learned Joseph Chang and Jani Tsai will probably attend as well as Asian superstar Chie Tanaka who will be awarded the Festival's Asian Talent of the Year Award. Huai-Jhong Wu has also been confirmed to attend.

The Spotlight on Taiwanese Film is being held in line with the Festival's goal to "diversify cultural activities "on Phuket and to mark the growth of the Taiwanese film industry for film lovers around the world.

The "Spotlight" also supports the recent Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) "Two Islands, One Culture" promotional campaign held to stimulate travel between the two islands of Taiwan and Phuket.

A gala reception will be hosted by the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Thailand on Friday June 5, 2009

For additional information contact Press Division: prdivision@gmail.com http://www.phuketfilmfestival.asia

Credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org/news/content-1852.html

Khao Yai Wine Region – wine appreciation tour 2009

Wine Appreciation Tour at “ Khao Yai Wine Region – wine appreciation tour 2009” is offered for wine lovers at any level of expertise and nature lovers to be in touch with the wonderful wine country and the beauty of the Vineyards and Wineries.

You will enjoy the soft adventure tour with charming nature of Khao Yai Region. Taste the wines at wineries of up coming world class from Thailand’s premier wine region (Village Farm Winery, GranMonté Estate, and PB Valley Khao Yai Winery).

This exclusive program will be held on April 25th – 26th 2009, for two days and one night trip with a special tour price at 4,500- baht net per person (including transportation, accommodation, meals and tour guide.)

The wonderful and enchanted trip of three Vineyards will be in your memory forever…

For more information, please contact PR Department of PB Partners Group of Companies or Sales Department: Tel: 02-262-0030 ext. 107, 283,109,118, and reservation, please contact Khun Bow, Tel: 081-877-3711

Credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org

MAIDEN CALL OF QUEEN MARY 2 IN THAILAND AT LAEM CHABANG PORT ON 12 MARCH 2009

Thailand warmly welcomed Queen Mary 2, the largest cruise liner of the Cunard Line, as she made her maiden call to Thailand at Laem Chabang Port on March 12, 2009, as part of her World Cruise. She is the biggest ship to call at Thailand’s eastern deep sea port.

Queen Mary 2, with her gross tonnage of 151,400 and capacity of carrying 2,600 passengers and 1,300 crew members, was once the largest ship in the world when she first debuted in 2004. Built on a huge budget of over 800 million US dollars, Queen Mary 2 was praised as the true heir of timeless elegance and legacy of the “Great Cunard Liners of Legend” with its history dating back over 150 years. This sophisticated ocean liner also boasts the most modern luxuries and amenities, ranging from the pampering services of the only Canyon Ranch Spa Club on the sea to the fascinating Cultural Enrichment Programme led by distinguished experts. Each cabin is equipped with the internet and computer system to advise passengers of the daily on-board attractions and menus.

Regale International Travel Co. Ltd., as the General Sales Agent and Tour Handling Agent of Cunard Line, had the great pleasure of looking after the prestigious passengers of this legacy ocean liner during her call in Thailand. Passengers were offered a selection of tour programmes featuring Bangkok and Pattaya from which passengers were able to choose. For example, Bangkok in a Day, Grand Palace and Shopping, Treasures of the Kingdom, Pattaya Local Lifestyle, Tropical Garden, Sanctuary of Truth, etc.

The fact that Queen Mary 2 chose to call in Thailand as part of her World Tour reaffirms Thailand’s credibility as a world-renowned tourist destination. Thailand’s great potential lie in its natural beauty and a great variety of tourist attractions, rich history, culture and traditions, friendly yet professional hospitality and services, and famous cuisine. All these qualities about Thailand will definitely be echoed by the passengers of Queen Mary 2 at the end of their stay in Thailand.

The scheduled Queen Mary 2’s call at Laem Chabang Port on 12 March 2009 will be followed by the call of Queen Victoria, another great ocean liner in the Cunard line on 16 March 2009. Cunard has also released its World Cruise itinerary for 2010, which includes Queen Mary 2’s calls at two ports in Thailand, in Laem Chabang and Phuket, and Queen Victoria’s calls at three ports in Thailand, in Laem Chabang, Phuket and Samui. These developments reflect the growth of the tourism industry in Thailand and the Asian region.

Regale International Travel sees many benefits and advantages in having overseas cruise liners making calls in Thailand. The country will be able to make the most of opportunities to launch aggressive public relations campaigns to boost tourism. The calls will also create jobs and generate significant income for tour operators and the hotel business. Seeing this, Regale International Travel embarked on capacity building to ensure that staff and counterparts are capable of handling the operation and are ready to receive a large number of on-call cruise passengers, which is likely to increase in the coming years.

For further information about Cunard Line and its fleet of ocean liners, please visit www.cunard.com, or contact its General Sales Agent in Thailand:
Regale International Travel Co., Ltd.
Tel: 02-635 2450-69 Ext. 504, 508
Fax: 02-635 0174
E-mail: gsa@regaleintl.com

Credit : http://www.tatnews.org/tourism_news/detail.asp?id=4260

Songkran Music Festival

Songkran Music Festival
Date : 14^th April 09
Venue : Lake View Dance Arena, Koh Samui, Surat Thani

14th April 09. Lake View Dance Arena, Koh Samui. The very 1st Songkran International Dance Music Festival ever. Be there!!!

This Songkran, come and Join 5,000 ravers at the largest outdoor venue in South East Asia.

Featuring DJ Judge Jules, other DJs’ on the night will include Graham Gold, Gary Gecko, Asambai, Simon Solo, Adam Matson, David Sambor and DJ A.

Alongside inflatable water pools, foam machines and a waterproof VIP area, Revellers can also enjoy traditional Thai and European food, plus a fun cabaret and casino.

Kicking off at 6pm and ending at 6am the following day, guests are guaranteed 12 hours of the finest non-stop music and entertainment. And with tickets at just 400 Baht in advance, the best money you could spend this Songkran.
See you there!!!

Ticket, Travel and Hotel Package is also available.
See www.totalreservation.com for more information.
Or call (66)2- 833- 5555 / (66)86 - 046- 0240

Credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Songkran Festival in Bangkok

Songkran Festival in Bangkok
Date : 10 - 15 April, 2009 (Every year)
Venue : At The 9 Sacred Places and Rattanakosin Square, Bangkok

Experience the demonstration of the Songkran Festival in 4 regions at Wat Pho as well as enjoy demonstrstions of Thai food and local desserts, feast your eyes on cultural performances.

Moreover, in the Songkran Festival, TAT would like to invite you to dress Thai attire, visit and participate in the event of "the 9 Sacred Places ". the 9 royal temples in the Rattanakosin Square. To experience the wonderful treasure and enjoy the Songkran Festival in authentic Thai syle.

Wat Phra Kaeo
Motto : Endless Wealth and Prosperity
Visit Wat Phra Kaeo and pay homage to the Emerald Buddha as well as experience the wonderful Royal Palace.

Wat Pho
Motto : Calmness is Happiness
Experince the demonstration of Songkran Festival in 4 regions, enjoy folk plays Thai food and local dessert. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image.

Wat Bowonniwet
Motto : Receive the Good Things in Life
Featuring Songkran Festival in Central Region, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, splash cooling water with elephants and experience ancient Thai bazaar.

Wat Saket
Motto : Create Auspicious Vision
Pour some Thai scented water on Buddha relics, Buddha image and monks. Create a sand pagoda and splash!

Wat Suthat
Motto : Enlarge Your Visions and Charm the People
Experience Songkran Festival in Southern style, and its rituals, pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and monks as well as enjoy cultural performances.

Wat Chanasongkram
Motto : Conquer All Obstacles
Featuring Songkran Festival in the Raman style, feast your eyes on the demonstation of Raman culture and hoe to play Songkran in its way. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image, and monks as well.

Wat Kanlayanamit
Motto : Bon Voyage and Have Good Company
Let's enjoy Songkran along the river, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, and experience cultural performances.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Motto : Have a Prosperous Life
Featuring Songkran at Bangkok, pour some Thai scented water on Buddha image and monks, and enjoy various forms of entertainment.

Wat Rakhang
Motto : To Be Admired and Loved
Offering alms to monks, pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and monks and experience cultural performances.

Songkran at Sanam Luang, Suan Santi Chai Prakhan (Phra Sumeru Fortress) Bang Lumphu Square and Khaosan Road.
Date : 11 - 15 April 2009
Featuring the Light and Sound Presentation at Sanum Luang, the Beauty Pageant, Miss Songkran Wisut Krasat and Miss Songkran International on Khaosan Road.
11 April, 2009
08.30 hrs. - Featuring the Buddha image procession from Wisut Krasat Junction to Suan Santi Chai Prakhan. (Phra Sumeru Fortress)
12 April, 2009
07.00 hrs. - Experience the procession of Phra Phuttha Sihing from National Museum to Sanam Luang.
10.00 hrs. - Featuring the Buddha image Procession from Wat Bawonniwet to Suan Santi Chai Prakhan (Phra Sueru Fortress) and pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image.
13 April, 2009
07.00 hrs. - Experience the wonderful procession of Buddha image and beautiful float in Bang Lamphu Square.

For more information :
Bangkokn Tourist Division, Tel. 0 2225 7612-4
TAT CAll Center 1672
www.songkran.net

Credit: http://www.tourismthailand.org

Phuket International Cricket Sixes 2009

Anyone for cricketω

A fast forward version of cricket showcases at the annual Phuket Sixes, 15 to 19 April.

Cricket is not exactly a sport that we would associate with Phuket, but a mini-version, fast and furious, is now a fixture on the resort island’s annual calendar.

Phuket Cricket Sixes 2009 will see approximately 26 cricket teams compete for honours on the grass at Karon beach’s stadium, 15 to 19 April.
Three days of cricket will eliminate club teams for a final battle at the stumps to claim a charity trophy.

Launched in 2004, the tournament attracts club teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Borneo, Bahrain, Australia and the UK.
Calcutta Cricket & Football Club, from India won the trophy last year.

According to the event’s website (www.phuketsixes.com) “sixes cricket is an hybrid version of the game resulting in a fast and furious pace with just five overs (30 balls) per innings and six players per team. Matches take just 45 minutes to complete.”

The annual event has gained endorsement from the Asia Cricket Council and local sponsorship from Phuket’s business community, including the Hilton Arcadia and the Green Man Pub, venues for two of the official parties during the four-day event.

On the side, there are charity events, such as a beach cricket tournament, to raise funds for Child Watch, an organisation that assists children from broken homes or with abusive parents.

Tourism Authority of Thailand backs the event, believing it will draw cricketers and their families to Phuket for a holiday, while emphasising the island’s role as sports tourism venue.
Phuket already hosts a popular international marathon and triathlon that attracts more than 2,000 participants.

For more information :
www.phuketsixes.com

Credit : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Sawasdee Thailand

Welcome To Thailand

This blog you will get infomation about Thai trips.

I hope to good for you.