Tag Archives: bangkok

A Cheerful Christmas in Bangkok City – Festive Cheer in the City of Angels

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Planning to head to Bangkok this Christmas and wondering if the Thai capital will have a festive Christmassy cheer? The answer is a resounding “YES”! Here are some of the activities you can look forward to enjoying.

Catch the Special Christmas Trees & Lights

The city gets a Christmas makeover during the season and you can look forward to seeing a great many Christmas trees, lights and festive décor. Ratchadamri Road home to hotels the likes of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel is a great place to see such decorations as are popular malls which include CentralWorld Square, Siam Paragon, MBK and Siam Discovery.

The Christmas Tree, Bell, Decorate A Christmas Tree

Visit the Festive Christmas Markets

During the season, you will also find colourful Christmas markets being set up, each offering lots of shopping opportunities. Highlights in the past include the German Christmas Market and the Great Gatsby Christmas Market, easy to reach if you are staying at a Siam hotel in Bangkok.

Wining and Dining

There is much fun to be had with loved ones in Bangkok during this time; hotels have special Christmas dinners and activities, while areas like Khao San Road and Thonglor feature bars that offer yuletide deals on drinks as well.

Wine, Glass, Alcohol, Glass Of Wine, Drink, Beverage

Reflecting on the True Meaning

Those looking to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas can look to visit one of the churches in Bangkok. The Holy Redeemer Church and the Anglican Christ Church are amongst the churches in the city which offer English services too.

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Iloilo Wanderer, Holy Redeemer Church Bangkok, CC BY-SA 4.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

The Chinese New Year in Bangkok – Celebrating New Beginnings

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Celebrated with much pomp and pageantry, the Chinese New Year is an important cultural event that takes place not just in China, but in cities around the world which are home to a Chinese community such as Bangkok.

Chinese New Year in Bangkok

The Chinese New Year is celebrated by various communities in Bangkok and most of these celebrations take place in and around Chinatown. The festivities truly commence with Dragon Parades which are significantly longer than what most have seen before.

Chinatown in Bangkok

Bangkok’s Chinatown, the enclave of people from China in Bangkok, is a major tourist attraction in this city for it is known to be one of the oldest areas. As a result of its history, prices of land in the area are considered to be some of the highest in Bangkok. Chinatown is a riot of colours, scents and sights with a myriad of street-side stalls, restaurants and shops selling an array of items ranging from food to gold.

Where to Enjoy the New Year

If you are visiting Bangkok during the Chinese New Year these celebrations should not be missed.Visitors can look forward to seeing during this time include dragon dancers, lavish banquets, parades, acrobatics, the lighting of firecrackers & fireworks and the decorating of streets and shops. If you are looking for a Siam hotel in Bangkok which offers easy access to Bangkok’s Chinatown, consider staying at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

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Image Credit: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, Joanna James ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought. Her interests include Politics, law and Philosophy. Google+

What is Loy Krathong? – Discover a Fascinating International Celebration

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Out of the many festivals and celebrations celebrated throughout the world, Loy Krathong is among the most colourful, and anyone would be dazzled by the cultural celebrations associated with it.

Loy Krathong Explained

The name of this festival translates as ‘to float a basket’, and is celebrated in Thailand as well as other nations with significant southwestern Tai cultures. This celebration actually takes place under many different names as well, such as Full-Moon Poya in Sri Lanka, and Bon Om Touk in Cambodia.

Jonathan144, LoyKrathong2014, CC BY-SA 4.0

What Happens During Loy Krathong?

The iconic concept involves krathongs, which are small boats which are crafted out a variety of materials, usually natural, and then released into the river.

 

Loy Krathong at Asiatique

If you happen to be in Bangkok, one of the best places to experience Loy Kratong Festival would be along Asiatique, the famous riverfront night-market. It is a very central location, close to many hotels, resorts and serviced suites in Bangkok along the likes of Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok.

Yi Peng

Interestingly, this coincides with another festival that takes place predominantly in Northern Thailand called Yi Peng where sky lanterns are launched into the air. These lanterns are made from very thin materials such as rice paper.

 

Chiang Mai, Day Light, Festival

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Thailand’s Royal Barge Procession – Experience an 800-year-old Phenomenon

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Thailand is a nation that is full of all kinds of colourful festivities and celebrations. One particular occurrence that will definitely take your breath away is the Royal Barge Procession.

File:Royal Boating Ceremony, Bangkok, Thailand 20121106-551 5399.jpg

Pornrapee 2560, Royal Boating Ceremony, Bangkok, Thailand 20121106-551 5399, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Beginning

It is not entirely clear when the first royal barge procession took place, but it is widely believed to have been sometime in the 14th century during the Ayutthaya Period. There are many accounts from foreign visitors during this time of grand processions featuring ‘200 boats’.

Modern Processions

There is no concrete date when these processions take place, but are instead used to mark special ceremonies and occurrences. During the reign of the late King Rama IX, a total of 16 royal barge processions were conducted.

Major and Minor Processions

Depending on the occasion, the scale of the procession would change. Major processions are arranged into five rows while minor processions are much smaller in scale and feature less variety where barges are concerned as well.

Route

The procession goes along the Chao Phraya River, commencing from the Wasukri Royal Landing Place and concluding at Wat Arun. This route is quite popular with Bangkok cruises and if you arrange one from an entity such as Anantara Cruises during the time of the procession, it’ll be an experience you won’t forget.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Festivals in Bangkok – What is your Favourite Bangkok Festival?

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There is a host of festivals and events that are popularly celebrated by the residents of Bangkok. Given below are some of the most fervently celebrated occasions in this city

Chinese New Year

This joyously celebrated festival is particularly important to residents of Chinese descent. Bangkok’s Chinatown, the locality of Yaowaraj comes vibrantly alive with dragon dances, innumerable firecrackers and a joyous festive ambience.

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User: (WT-shared) Jpatokal at wts wikivoyage, Singapore CNY Tinsel, CC BY-SA 4.0

Loy Krathong

This unique and distinctive festival is an occasion that is important to Thais. This significant event usually falls in November on a full moon night, when innumerable Thais make their way to rivers, canals and lakes in order to release pretty little rafts created in the shape of a lotus flower. Visitors can stay in Bangkok luxury hotels the likes of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel to get the best out of their vacation.

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John Shedrick, Loi Krathong 2010 John Shedrick, CC BY 2.0

Songkran Festival

Celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April each year, this vibrant festival is an occasion for young Thais to engage in good-natured water fights and street revelries. Many Bangkok residents return to their hometowns at this time of the year.

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Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas , Chiang-Mai Thailand Songkran-Festival-2017-03, CC BY-SA 4.0

Vegetarian Festival

The well-known Vegetarian Festival is a popular event that is much anticipated by many Thais. This festival is of Chinese origin and therefore Chinatown is the focus of the festivities. At this time you will find a host of makeshift stalls selling strictly vegan meals, whilst many regular restaurants also take the opportunity to participate in this event.

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Electrostatico from Spain, Vegetarian Festival, CC BY-SA 2.0

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Wai Kru Festival in Thailand – A Fascinating Spiritual Journey

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An event of profound religious and spiritual significance, the Wai Kru Festival or the Sak Yant Festival claims to bring physical and spiritual protection by way of the many exotic Sak Yant tattoos.

What is the Wai Kru Festival?

An intense experience and one of the famous festivals in Bangkok, the Wai Kru Festival is also known as the Sak Yant Festival. The Wai Kru Festival is not to be confused with the traditional phrase “Wai Kru” that is part of a ritual where students pay gratitude to their teachers.

Tattooing the Devotees

Over 10,000 Buddhist devotees gather at the Wat Bang Phra (temple) in Thailand for the Wai Kru Festival. The tattooists or the monks at the temple draw protective tattoos on the devotees with a single long needle about 18 inches long and 4 millimetres in width. Popular designs include tigers, monkeys and ancient Cambodian script.

Highlights of the Event

Some devotees with protective tattoos are said to enter trances or become possessed by the spirits. The sight of the tattooed devotees acting out the traits of the animals inked on to their bodies is a fascinating experience for visitors. Those on the lookout for such intriguing experiences on their vacation can consider an online Bangkok travel guide or blogs with information on such events such as Travel Bangkok Now.

Aftermath of the Trance

The common belief states that the Sak Yant tattoos are powerful and protect those who wear them from illness and death. The devotees are advised not to consume alcohol if they wish the powers to be effective.

Every March, the Wat Bang Phra temple of Nakhom Pathom, #Thailand, becomes the scene of a powerful celebration, known as the Wat Bang Phra Tattoo Festival. While in most western countries #tattoos are viewed as an art form, in #Thailand, a country with a culture deeply rooted in #spirituality, tattoos are considered more than just skin deep artworks. The traditional Thai tattoos, known as “#SakYant”, are believed to have #magical powers, and people get them done at #temples, for protection against evil #spirits, and as good luck charms. Many members of Thai police, #army, and the underworld think some tattoos have the power to stop bullets and blades from piercing their skin. Each year, tattooed devotees come to #WatBangPhra #temple, a place famous for its tattoo #masters, to pay their respects to the art of Sak Yant, in a special ceremony known as #WaiKhru. Attended by tens of thousands of people, the event becomes quite a spectacle when the #animalspirit possessions begin. #WaiKruFestival – a time for devotees to come back and “re-charge” their #tattoo's magical attributes, and for new ones to be done. One of the many reasons Great Spirit has sent me here. #HigherVibes #HigherVibes2012

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Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+

The 18th World Gourmet Festival – A Taste of Culinary Heaven

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Known as the city of Angels, Bangkok, the capital of the beautiful country Thailand has attained many great heights in the global culinary stage this year. To add to this, the city will be hosting the 18th World Gourmet Festival this year as well.

Image result for 18th World Gourmet Festival anantara

Image Credit: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

All about the festival

This event gathers high-end chefs in the world that belong to different countries such as Australia to Portugal to Japan and much more. From the first time the festival started until today, this has become one of the most extravagant gastronomic events that take places in the world.

What to expect

Michelin star chefs and other experts in food and wine makers get together during this eventful time and prepare mouth-watering cuisine where you could experience a flavour explosion in everything you taste. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel that is one of the Sukhumvit Hotels in Bangkok will be hosting the event this year.

Mark your calendar

If you are planning to visit Bangkok, the best time would be early September, because the 18th World Gourmet Festival will also be taking place during this time. Exactly between the 4th to the 10th of September.

Reservations

Before attending the festival, reservations should be done online. All details of when each and every chef that will be cooking and the times can be checked from the official World Gourmet Festival website.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Upcoming Moon Festival in Bangkok – Party All Night Long…

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Bangkok city, famous for being most alive at the night time attracts many tourists from all over the world.

Plan ahead

During the festival season, Thai hotels get quite busy, so it is better to secure your booking as early as possible. If you would rather stay at a service apartment in Bangkok, there are plenty of popular options like Anantara Baan Rajprasong. Coming up is the most awaited festival of all seasons, the Moon Festival, so this is a very good time to plan your visit to Bangkok.

 

History

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Per Meistrup, Full-Moon-Party-2015 wDSC03089, CC BY-SA 4.0

Even though this festival has originated in China, it has moved to a different phase in Bangkok. Story goes that in 1985 a small group of travellers who were inspired by the beauty of the moon in Koh Phangan had arranged an all night long beach party which later developed to the major bash known as the ‘Full Moon Party’.

The party

Every month a crowd of about 10,000 – 30,000 comes to enjoy the most happening beach festival with dance, music, food, and drinks. The glamorous fireworks make most of the party atmosphere, while the fire eaters thrill the crowd with their skillful performances.

Developments

This has gained so much fame among tourists that even variants like ‘Half Moon’ and ‘Quarter Moon’ parties were on the rise during the early days. But the government had banned all celebrations apart from the Full Moon Festival considering the noise pollution and severe damage it caused to the routine lives of Islanders.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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Chumphon Marine Festival – The Incredible Chumphon Marine Festival

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If you have heard of Thailand you will be aware that this nation has some of the most unique and astonishing festivals in the world, such as the city-wide water-fight that is referred to as the Songkran festival. The Chumphon Marine festival is an equally incredible concept and is definitely something that should not be missed if you happen to be here during the season. There’s many a Sathorn Bangkok hotel to choose from in the nearby area such as the Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel.

The goal of the festival is to promote marine tourism while also carrying out some seriously eco-friendly activities in the process. One of the most incredible highlights of the 2016 festival were the sand-related art that was featuring ranging from incredibly breathtaking drawings to sand sculptures of various icons that are relevant to the ten ASEAN countries as well as the Chumphon province itself.

There are many mini-festivals that take place during the course of this larger parent festival. If you enjoy seafood, there’s a massive seafood festival that takes place as part of the Chumpon Marine Festival where you can feast on a variety of seafood dishes prepared according to a range of styles. There’s even a kite-festival that happens which is sure to be a sight to behold.

The most remarkable activities are the ones that positively impact the marine environment. Not only does the festival result in large-scale beach clean-ups, but it organises operations involving divers who rid the ocean depths of garbage, since Chumphon is considered one of the best diving spots in Thailand. During the festival, rare and endangered marine creatures are also released back into the ocean in order to boost their numbers. These usually mark the end of conservation projects to breed certain species.

So if you’re in Thailand during this time, be sure to experience the astonishingly positive Chumphon Marine Festival.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Business Events in Bangkok- Where doing business is a pleasure

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Thailand blends ancient with modern and tradition with innovation, strikes the perfect balance. From dazzling destinations, to world-class venues, to accessibility and hospitality that are second to none, it’s no wonder more organizations than ever are holding many business events in Thailand, where doing business is a pleasure. Thailand’s location in the heart of Asia, with hundreds of flights per day from all corners of the globe, makes it as simple as getting on a plane. Thailand’s not just the geographical center of Asia, it’s quickly evolving into Asia’s premier business hub. From the way they lead dozens of global industries, to their quickly developing markets, to their commitment to world-class MICE events. There are many luxury hotels and resorts that are perfect for business travelers, however Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas is one of the best hotels in Thailand, that is ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Anantra Hotels and Resorts offer world class services and is an icon for impeccable hospitality. They also offer elegant and spacious accommodation, which offer beautiful, scenic views for the guests. The cuisine offered at the hotel is simply divine, and there is a wide variety of delectable food prepared by world class chefs.

Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) is one of Thailand’s leading exhibition and convention venues. The center offers a range of technologically advanced facilities to accommodate exhibitions, conventions, conferences, special events, and seminars. The center can cater for as few as 30 people or as many as 100,000 visitors a day. Named after the current queen of Thailand, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center is Thailand’s premier exhibition and conference center. The center has been built with a view to catering for national and international events and has played host to some of the biggest events ever to take place in Thailand.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+