Pai Reggae Music Festival 2009

Pai Reggae Music Festival 2009
Date : 24 - 25 January, 2009

Venue : Pai Tree House Resort ,Pai, Mae Hong Sorn

An unusual music festival is scheduled in the far north western province of Mae Hong Son, 24 to 25 February. The tiny village of Pai, a favourite destination with travellers who are eager to exchange their worries and work stress for a peaceful laid-back vacation, is not your standard venue for a Reggae music festival. Surrounded misty mountains Pai is better known for its idyllic environment and natural beauty where you can enjoy a simple guesthouse scene, treks to hill tribe villages and white-water rafting.Now Pai is also the venue for the annual Reggae Musical Festival hosted at the quaint Pai Tree House. Here Reggae musicians from Pai and neighbouring districts will entertain visitors and locals just for the fun of playing their favourite music for friends and visitors alike.

Welcome to Reggae Music Festival 2009

"GREEN WORLD PAI SEASON"The concept and theme behind this year Pai Reggae Festival is Global Warming. We want to make everyone aware that it is a problem that won’t go away. Everybody needs to make some effort, never mind how big or small. We want to spread the word to the world that Pai is a place to put on your holiday agenda, visit us, visit a place some call heaven, any time of the year. We join together with tour companies and travel agents and welcome their support for the party of the year. Set on 24-25 January 2009 at Pai Tree House Resort (Public area, Nong Krating Domain, Vieng Nei , Pai Mae Hong Sorn) Free!! Member card in which you in green season (June-Aug) will get free Shuttle bus and 25-50 % discount on room and adventure.

Pai Maehongson Thailand Reggae Festival 24-25 Jan 2009 # 4Ticket price 390 Baht/day and receive premium gift at the event.• Receive 1 Drink Free!• VCD Pai Maehongson Reggae Festival 2008• CD’s UTOPAI• Premium Postcard 2009• Premium Handbill 2009• Get discount 40 % for book shop at this event and BANANA WORLD FESTIVAL• Special!!..2 in 1 of ticket (Pai Maehongson Thailand Reggae Festival &BANANA WORLD FESTIVAL)- Ticket of Pai Maehongson Thailand Reggae Festival - Get discount 20-50 % for booking at resort and adventure activity in “GREEN SEASON 90 DAYS” JUNE-JULY-AUGUST- Ticket of GREEN WORLD SEASON & BANANA WORLD FESTIVAL Since 3-7 JUNE 2009

1. Green Season Card Credit able to use on Green season only.

2. Member settle from 1 June 2009 – 30 September 2009
Online Booking www.thaiticketmajor.comCall Center 02-262-3456 Due to 17 Jan 09

For more information call

• Pai Arts Club : 081-4931246

• Tourism Pai 053 699 935

• Travel Police 115 ,1699 , 053 611 812

• Pai Police Station 053 699 218 http://paireggaefest.com/

Aka Hill Tribes Mini Light and Sound Presentation

Aka Hill Tribes Mini Light and Sound Presentation

Date : Saturday 10 January / 14 Febuary / 14 March /11 April 2009

Venue : Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan, Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai province hosts its annual light and sound show that presents insights into the culture and daily life of the Aka hill tribes, resident in hilltop villages in Mae Chan District. First introduced in 1999, the show is now staged once a month during the tourist high season from January to April.
This month, the show will be presented, 10 January, 14 Febuary, 14 March and then finally on 11 April, at the Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12 on the Doi Mae Salong road in Pa Sang Sub-district of Mae Chan.

Aka hill tribe villagers perform at the centre demonstrating authentic renderings of their culture and lifestyle to visitors. There are also handicrafts on display. The centre is also considering the introduction of home-stay accommodation that will focus on international tourists to encourage community-based tourism. It will allow visitors, who are interested in Aka traditions, to study the village up close with village elders providing instruction and insights into cottage industry and cultural activities.
The light and sound show is presented in both Thai and English, and runs from 1730 to 1930. Tickets cost Bt150 per person and the show with dinner is priced at Bt300 per person.

For more information, please call

TAT Chiang Rai OfficeTel. 66 (0) 5374 4674-5, 66 (0) 5371 7433

Chiang Rai Social Development Centre 12Tel. 66 (0) 5391 4471

Ringing in the New Year (Thailand Countdown 2009)

Ringing in the New Year

Thailand rolls out the red carpet for visitors during the festive season.

As Thailand’s travel industry embarks on the road to recovery after Bangkok’s airports were closed for 10 days, late November and early December, the focus is now on welcoming tourists back for the festive season that begins in earnest on Christmas Eve, 24 December, and continues though the New Year celebrations to 2 January.
Thailand remains a safe and hospitable destination and there is every reason for visitors to return now and enjoy a festive season that will be both enjoyable and value for money.
Hotels and travel companies are rolling out the red carpet offering discounts on rooms and other incentives to demonstrate to visitors that it is business as usual.
So where should we take time out to enjoy the New Year festivities? Try your favourite destination, or perhaps you are thinking of a change of scenery this year, travelling to Thailand’s pretty northern hill country instead of its southern tropical beaches.

The truth is travellers are welcome to join the fun of the New Year countdown just about anywhere in Thailand.

Every provincial town celebrates the New Year with gusto, arranging concerts and food fairs, usually in the town square or on a river embankment. Some will splurge on firework displays comedy acts or beauty contests. But as the clock strikes 12 midnight, a sea of flickering candles will illuminate the scene as villagers and town folk around the country sing the national and royal anthems to ring in the New Year.
If northern climes appeal -- hilly landscapes and cool evening temperatures -- then an adventurous traveller might find they are counting down the seconds to the New Year in tiny Loei, a provincial town noted for its cool season charm, impressive mountain scenery and delightful resorts and even a vineyard.
Way off the beaten track for most tourists, Loei province is a favourite with Thai travellers who love the outdoors – trail walks through a hill-top national park, or simply taking sightseeing trips to chill out at small resorts on the banks of the Mekong River. They will also discover a province that still reflects traditional Thai values; where visitors can participate in simple, but heart warming New Year celebrations.Yet the description is true of most towns in the north and northeast provinces, some adjacent to the Mekong River that separates Thailand from Laos. Similar celebrations echo over the water as citizens welcome the New Year in Chiang Saen near Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, Nakhon Panom and Mukdahan, all popular Mekong River destinations.Mukdahan is where a new bridge spans the wide river linking it to the small town of Savannakhet in Laos. Considered a gateway town, travellers can begin their tour of Laos and Vietnam here. A 150 -km trip across Laos on a modern surfaced highway will bring them in central Vietnam in striking distance of popular destinations such as Hue and Danang.

Mukdahan Countdown’s celebrations reflect a three country theme (Thailand, Laos and Vietnam) as the gateway town celebrates 31 December to 1 January 2009, at dam close to town’s centre and along Mekong River embankment. Classical and folk dance troupes from the three countries perform in both Mukdahan and Suvanakhet, in Laos. The bridge, always an impressive sight for visitors is illuminated as are all public buildings on both sides of the river. Food stalls line the town’s embankment, which is also a venue for musical concerts. Ultimately, the focus turns to the river for the countdown light and sound presentations and firework displays launched from pontoons floating on the river. (http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5505.html)

Also in the Northeast, Ubon Ratchathani celebrates the New Year Countdown in front of its City Hall with a classical music show by local artists and merit making ceremonies. There are daily flights and a rail service from Bangkok and three to four-star hotels catering to international tourists. (http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5504.html)

The north’s most popular destination, Chiang Mai, celebrates New Year mainly around the old city’s Phae road and at Tha Phae gate. There will be live concerts and countdown party on the road which will be closed to traffic (http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5500.html)

Bangkok 2009 Countdown Party will focus on the downtown district Ploenchit-Ratchaprasong-Pathumwan area close to the Skytrain main station. Visitors can easily commute to the main venue, next to Central World, by skytrain from hotels along Sukhumvit Road and areas around Silom Road. It will packed out, a capacity crowd of New Year revellers who will be enjoying the short cool season at beer gardens, while enjoying the live stage concerts all along the popular Ratchaprasong shopping and entertainment strip. (http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5545.html) (http://www.handsbangkokcountdown.com/)

At the east coast resort of Pattaya, the countdown celebrations focus on a small strip of real estate at the southern end of the bay. Known as the Bali Hai Cape habour it will be transformed by thousands of street lights and decorations, for continuous live concerts by singers leading up to the midnight firework display. (http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5501.html)

On the Gulf of Thailand side of the southern peninsular, Hat Yai celebrates what it calls the Night Paradise Countdown 2009. Streets will be illuminated with festive lights and decorations at two venues -- Thammanun Intersection in front of Khao Tom Nai Yao shop for popular band concerts and also in front of Wat Chin Niphat Uthit 3 Road. The opening ceremony will be held on the afternoon of 31 December with a carnival followed by the Countdown Celebrations. (http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5502.html)

On the Andaman Sea coast, the island of Phuket will celebrate a “Colourful Phuket Countdown 2009” starting early on 25 December and continuing nightly to 31 December, at Surin Traffic Circle (Clock Town), from 1830 to 2400. A “Seafood Fest” is the main highlight, where visitors will be entertained by traditional dances, dance contests, concerts, and finally the fun of the countdown to the New Year with an impressive fireworks display. (http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5501.html)

Another Areas

Nakhon Ratchasima : http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5543.htmlSuphan Buri : http://www.tourismthailand.org/festival-event/content-5544.html

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya World Heritage Fair

Date : 12 - 21 December 2008
Venue : Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Histirical Park, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya was once the glorious capital of Thailand. It was also a centre of trade and government, and possessed a long period of prosperity. Be amazed by the light-and-sound show, the exhibitions on Ayutthaya as a World Heritage Site, as well as the cultural performances. Having fun shopping for a variety of OTOP product is another activity.

Contact:
- TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
Tel : 66 (0) 3524 6076-7, 66 (0) 3532 2730-1
- Provincial Public Relations Office, Tel. : 66 (0) 3533 6550
Website : www.tourismthailand.org

International Street Show in Bangkok

International Street Show in Bangkok

Date : 19th - 21st December, 2008 at 3 p.m. - 9p.m.

Venue : Lumpini Park, Bangkok

At Lumpini Park from December 19-21, 2008, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Workpoint Entertainment Public Company Limited together with Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Beauti Drink product, our main sponsor, proudly present "Festival of Happiness" to be a ’Gift’ for Thai and also our beloved tourists for Happy New Year season. There will be 40 national and international group performers joining the session for free entrance. And this will be the first time in Southeast Asia! From this year on, the event will be annual in every 3rd week of December. We aim "International Street Show in Bangkok" for world famous festival within 3 years from 2008.

For more information :

http://www.bangkokstreetshow.com/

Bang Fai Phaya Nak (Naga Fireball)

Bang Fai Phaya Nak (Naga Fireball)
This extraordinary miracle always occurs at the beginning of the full moon night in the eleventh lunar month (End of Buddhist Lent). It can be seen along the Mekong River in the districts of Mueang, Phon Phisai, Pak Khat, Bung Kan, Tha Bo, Si Chiang Mai and Sangkhom. Bang Fai Phaya Nak is a term used for red and pinkish fire balls, which according to belief, belong to Phaya Nak or the great serpent of the underwater world. On the day marking the End of Buddhist Lent, a great number of people come to witness this phenomenon.

Naga Fireball Festival in Nong Khai
It remains a mystery that never ceases to puzzle both visitors and locals alike. Just what is the origin and nature of the fireballs that fly from the surface of the Mekong River high into the night sky for all to see?Locals swear there is absolutely no doubt at all about the origin of the fireballs. Naga, the serpent reportedly dwelling in the murky currents of this mighty river, propels fireballs skyward, probably to remind villagers to treat this life-giving river with respect.Of course, there are detractors, researchers who have spent years of study attempting to explain away the fireball phenomenon, all to no avail.Some say it is an elaborate hoax, but the only way to find out is to travel to Nong Khai and check out river scene and the carnivals that villagers organise to celebrate the now famous legendary serpent.Festivities run from 10 to 16 October, along the Mekong River bank, in Phon Pisai district in Nong Khai province. There are also corresponding celebrations on the Lao side of the river and no shortage of theories on whether Thailand’s neighbours, on the opposite bank, may know more than they are admitting on what causes the spectacle.But there is no denying the fact that there is something almost mystical that causes the fireballs to erupt from the surface of the river, and villagers are taking no chances, hence the religious activities at various temples in the district to appease the Naga.Visitors can participate in a traditional "Tak Bat Thevo" ceremony, or the early morning alms giving to monks. It involves offering sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves, presented on the important final days of the three-month Buddhist Lent.In the evenings, during the festival week, people gather at the river bank for the Naga procession and cultural performance that reflect the rural village traditions of the northeast region.If all goes to plan the highlight of the trip will be the amazing sight of the Naga fireballs erupting into the sky, a phenomenon that is very likely to prompt some light hearted banter and arguments at riverside food stalls over glasses of ale or the local rice whisky on their origin. The most convenient way to reach Nong Khai is to take one of the many daily flights offered from Bangkok to Udon Thani, either on the national airline Thai Airways International, or one of the low-cost airlines. The flight takes 50 minutes and from Udon Thani, mini buses offer a 40 minute transfer to Nong Khai. An alternative is to take the rail service that runs every evening from Bangkok to Nong Khai.

Contact :
TAT Udon Thani, Tel. : 66 (0) 4232 5406-7
Nong Khai Provincial Administration Office, Tel. : 66 (0) 4242 0323
Website : www.tourismthailand.org
E-mail : tatudon@tat.or.th