Many festivals in Thailand mark an important event in the history of the nation or a cultural highlight, such as a birthday of royalty or the dawn of a new year. The annual Thao Thepkasattri – Thao Sri Suntorn Festival which is celebrated in Phuket is no exception. This particular event commemorates the heroic deeds of two local sisters, Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn (also identified by the names Khunying Chan and Khunying Muk). According to local legend these two heroines rallied the local forces at a time when the island of Phuket was besieged by Burmese invaders. These events took place more than two centuries ago, but even today are fervently celebrated by the local residents. The local city organizes many attractive celebrations …

Floating away like colorful dreams across the March skies of the paradise island, will be hot air balloons of many colors and shapes during a happy festive time. While those below view the spectacular sight enraptured, the ones on high will be speechless at the vista spread beneath their feet. The Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival in Sri Lanka, will come alive in its vibrant form in the month of March, when the weather is fine and the sun shines bright all day. The event, which is organized by Air Magic, which is a leading hot air ballooning company in Sri Lanka, will last for 10 fun-filled days in Colombo, and is visited by many enthusiasts from all across the world. Close to 40 participants …

The Dragon Boat Festival in Singapore is a spectacular annual event which is conducted at the Bedok Reservoir located in the environs of the city. At this much looked forward to event you will be able to see dragon boat crews hailing from many different parts of the globe vying for supremacy in this prestigious and keenly contested competition. In this demanding sport, teams of 22 strong and powerful rowers strain every sinew to help their teams to achieve victory. This unique and enthralling sport has its origins in imperial China in ancient times. Like many activities in this part of the world, dragon boating inherits a rich historical heritage. The legend goes that there was once a great minister and poet, Qu Yuan, who …

Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly one of the most marvelous emirates of UAE that has something for everyone from fantastic shopping to excellent entertainment. At present, Abu Dhabi is not only a great city but also the center where west meets east. Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination for holidays as it offers daring adventures as well as laid back, relaxing activities. If you are a water sport lover, you would not want to miss the amazing UAE Jet Ski race that happens in Abu Dhabi annually. It is a competition organized by the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club which was established in the year 1993, in order to put a solid foundation to power boat racing in Abu Dhabi. This amazing Jet Ski event …

The mountainous nation of Bhutan offers many attractions for the visitor and there is no better time to visit this fascinating country than during the much anticipated Takin Festival. The festival is named after the Takin, a unique animal which has the distinction of being the national animal of Bhutan. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, grazing placidly in the grasslands. These animals, unmistakable and surprisingly agile, thrive in the mountain environment. The festival is held in the locality of Gasa within the Jigme Dorji National Park which is counted amongst the largest natural sanctuaries in the nation. This part of the country is beautiful and picturesque, offering sensational panoramas of pristine scenic vistas. This lovely natural …

Shanghai’s largest Buddhist Temple, the Longhua Temple, bursts into a bright flurry of festivity, joy, and colour during the third lunar month (April) of each year. If you are visiting the country or the city, witness this air of festivity permeate everything from your flight to stylish serviced apartments Shanghai has to offer all visitors, such as those at the Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai which makes for some excellent accommodation Shanghai. Accompanying the vibrant peach blossoms which burst into life during the spring season, the Longhua Temple emerges with its festival best witness by the colourful lights that decorate the temple interior and exterior, lending the site an enchanting air. Coupled with the enthralling tinkling of the bells, the whole site blooms into a sacred spectacle that …

Set to take place on the 9th of January 2014, Dubai World Cup Carnival is a vibrant celebration offering 11 race meetings which will lead up to its concluding event, Dubai World Cup. Find an ideally located Palm Jumeirah hotel such as Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa for your needs of accommodation in Dubai. Marking the eleventh edition of the event, the carnival has a concept which was created with the intention of increasing the success and growth of the sport in Dubai and the UAE. Having served as a major platform for progressive horses to break into Dubai World Cup races, this pioneering festival has long been drawing major stars in the world of racing. Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes …

The demand for luxury goods has simply exploded in Abu Dhabi and the region, and the 2014 Luxury Gift Show aims to bring together some of the prime picks of luxurious brands from all major cities such as London, Milan, Paris, and New York. Whilst you are here, ensure you pick one of the five star Abu Dhabi hotels to host your stay, and the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is famed as an excellent choice of the luxury hotels Abu Dhabi features for its visitors. If you happen to find yourself in the city during the middle of March 2014, the splendid 2014 Luxury Gift Show, unfolding during the 13th-17th at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is a must-visit event, …

One of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Miao and Li ethnic communities of Sanya is the Chinese Valentine’s Day, which falls on March 3, according to the lunar calendar. Witness and participate in the festivities of this famous event, made all the more enjoyable when residing at a luxury hotel in Yunnan such as the Anantara Xishuangbanna. With gracious hospitality and elegant interiors, you will be able to enjoy your time at this quality hotel Yunnan has to offer in the region. Single young people and couples who are unmarried eagerly look forward to the Chinese Valentine’s Day, which is when they will be able to focus their energies on finding a partner, or declare their love for each other. The most populous …

The home of Tamil cinema and the ‘Gateway to the South’, the city of Chennai is one place you just have to come over to. With a range of places to visit, Chennai is an alluring cosmopolitan that will entice beyond your wildest dreams. The festivals of the area that pay tribute to its rich culture is a time of merrymaking colour and joy for all those fortunate enough to be a part of them. A Chennai serviced apartment will be a good choice of accommodation when in the city. Somerset Greenways Chennai which affords serviced apartments Chennai has to offer should be thought of when examining the numerous choices on offer. Karthikai Deepam which is celebrated on a full moon day between November and …