Tag Archives: bangkok

Maka Bucha – Marking Holy Sangha Day in Bangkok

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Due to take place on the 25th of February 2013, Thailand’s Maka Bucha Festival is an annual religious festival of truly grand proportions. Marked on the full moon of the third lunar month this auspicious religious event commemorates the birth of the Buddhist order of monks and is also known as Sangha Day in other Buddhist nations across Asia. A red letter day in the Buddhist calendar the yearly festival celebrates the founding of the Buddhist monastic order collectively known as the Sangha and the hallowed day on which it was established.

Religious scripture dates the event nine months following the enlightenment of Lord Buddha when a record 1250 monks gathered in one location to spontaneously chant a sermon in his lordship’s honour. This is the occasion on which the fundamental tenants of the Buddhist priesthood are believed to have been set up and as the Sangha is considered one of the Three Triple Jems of the religion ( Buddha, Damma, Sangha) this event is marked with great veneration around the country by Buddhist devotees.

Declared a public holiday in the country and in neighbouring nations such as Laos and Cambodia, Maka Bucha Day observances in Thailand commence at sunset when temples around the country welcome pilgrims who come to perform religious rituals and engage in prayer. Listening to the preaching of the Dhamma and making donations are just some of the meritorious activities performed at the temple while the Five Precepts of the faith are also preserved during the sacred day by abstaining from sinful activities and drinking alcohol.

After making offerings and taking part in spiritual customs the pilgrims join the candlelight procession that gathers near the temple’s ordinance hall (called Ubosot in the local language) or the pagoda. The best places to witness Maka Bucha Day observances in the Thai capital are the Marble Temple (Wat Benjamabopit) and the Golden Mount Temple where priests from the Wat Saket Temple head the procession towards the mount. The candlelight parades are known as Vein Tien in Thailand.

Travellers in search of luxurious hotels Bangkok ranks among its finest rests should look no further than the stylish Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. Offering guests a breathtaking location in the Thai capital this Bangkok hotel pulls out all the stops when it comes to luxury vacations in the land of smiles.

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Easter in Bangkok – The Chocoholics Paradise

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Although predominantly a Western tradition, Easter is celebrated in a big way in Bangkok as well. It is not so much the religious concept than the multitude of Easter traditions that are incorporated into this nation. And who doesn’t like the fanciful eggs and bunnies all part of the festive season? This portrayed in chocolates gives one the ultimate essence of festivities.

So what is behind the eggs and the rabbits? Unlike what many tend to believe Easter is not originally a Christian concept. It goes far back to the Pagan time when the universe resonated with a series of mysterious forces. Winter was dark and sterile but when spring began to dawn, the earth blossomed back to life and fertility prospered once again. The Goddess responsible for Spring, Dawn and Fertility is named Eostre and that explains the origin of the name and the best animal to portray fertility is of course the rabbit and that explains the symbol. The Eggs, however in addition to symbolizing fertility stretches a bit deeper as food for the Gods and goes back to ancient Greece when duck and goose eggs were colored red and offered to the Gods and Goddesses. The red was to symbolize the blood of life.

Today the rather interesting past of Easter is overthrown by the color, the fun and of the chocolates. In Bangkok the chocolates during Easter are simply to die for. Shaped as bunnies, eggs and other Easter symbols the flavor and richness of these Chocó – delicacies almost feel as if it contains the essence of heaven itself. So enjoy the stories, the treats and the fun of Easter in Bangkok a city in the east that brings to life Western traditions in richness like no other.

Bangkok is a city that is festive in so many ways. It overflows with food and goodies giving you the ultimate essence of the Thai treat and Thai shopping both of which are famed around the world. After enjoying all that this city has to offer, come home to the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. These luxury hotels stand out from the rest as the finest luxury hotel resorts chain that will make you crave to come back here again and again.

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Uncover Modern and Classical Thai Dance at Bangkok’s Iconic Patravadi Theatre

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Quietly nestled on the Chao Phraya riverside in view of the Grand Palace’s shimmering rooftops and the towering cityscape of the Thai capital lies a dance theatre that is redefining pre-conceived notions on traditional art forms and pushing the envelope with avant-garde performances.  Founded nearly 20 years ago by iconic Thai actress Patravadi Mejudhon the Patravadi Theatre has become one of the country’s foremost institutions in the field of dance and performance art.  A visionary artist in her own right the award-winning Patravadi Mejudhon who is both a renowned theatre director and playwright conceived of a performance art venue with the complementary purposes of education and performance which were fulfilled in 1992 with the patronage of aspiring performing artists who would be its key stakeholders.
Occupying a stunning location well-suited for a performance art space the venue overlooks the Wat Phra Kaew temple and other iconic landmarks in the area and is an iconic institution for the viewing and learning of traditional Thai dance forms in its own right. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the performances of the Patravadi Theatre’s students on weekends when local dance lovers and patrons mingle with curious tourists eager to discover the finer points of the centuries old dance school with its elaborate costumes and subtle hand gestures. Drummers and Thai acrobats are also part and parcel of these dinner shows where exuberant students unleash their creativity in a spectacle of movement and music.

Home to a spacious rehearsal hall the students engaging in Thai dance forms both ancient and new age can be seen practicing their steps to the beat of traditional instruments.  A restaurant is also on-site for spectators to indulge in a snack after a show while a gift shop is also nearby for those who wish to pick up a reminder of their first encounter with Thai dance forms.

Visitors in search of stylish Bangkok serviced apartments in one of the trendiest zip codes of the Thai capital should look to the Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok for all their accommodation needs.  Offering guests a resplendent living space furnished to perfection this is one serviced apartment Bangkok ranks among its most luxurious rests for business travellers and holidaymakers.

Thai Silk Ban Khrua

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It is a little known fact that the world famous Jim Thompson’s Thai silk is made at the Ban Krua Community.  Located at Ratchatewi this muslim village is home to many skilled Thai silk weavers. The company of Jim Thompson was started in 1948. The hospitable people in Ban Khrua warmly welcome visitors and share the story of their community including the experience with Jim Thompson. These people have developed their skill of making silk cloth for sale with the help of Jim.

This high-quality silk cloth is created to appeal to mostly international shoppers. While visiting this part of the world, travellers can take part in a Bangkok cruise tour which presents the ideal opportunity for sightseeing. Some of the finest Bangkok Cruises are offered by Anantara Bangkok Cruises Thailand.

Nightclubs Guide to Bangkok!

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The energetic nightlife scene in Bangkok offers plenty of thrills for die hard clubbing enthusiasts who have a wide range of eclectic clubs to choose from. One of the best areas to party at night is RCA, a special nightlife zone that is home to clubs that host international DJs and live concerts. 808, Overtone Music Cave, Inch and Route 66 are among the popular clubs in the area. Those planning a club hopping tour of the city can also head to such nightlife hotspots as Q Bar and Bed Supperclub in Sukhumvit, while not to be missed are Khao San Road’s Café Democ, Lava and Immortal.
Those in search of a centrally located serviced apartment Bangkok from which to explore the capital’s nightlife can stay at Anantara Baan Rajprasong Bangkok. Each of these Bangkok serviced apartments come with contemporary comforts and conveniences and offer easy access to the city’s business and leisure hubs.

Bangkok Nightlife – Party Rocking Till the Break of Dawn!

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When the sun goes down on Bangkok, the Thai capital comes alive as its many night time entertainment centres and dining venues come alive and offer a truly energetic nightlife experience. One area popular for its lively nightlife is Khao San Road which is home to an eclectic mix of bars, eateries and roadside vendors. Ratchadapisek or RCA is an area popular with the younger crowd looking to enjoy a modern clubbing experience, while Ratchaprasong is also a famous haunt amongst partygoers. Chidlom is a more upscale area where one can find elegant wine bars and restaurants. Travellers interested in seeing the city in a whole new perspective can enjoy Bangkok cruises such as those offered by Anantara Bangkok Cruises Thailand. This Bangkok cruise tour offers luxurious accommodation and journeys to famous city landmarks.

Siam Niramit – A Cultural Show Spectacular!

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Featuring over 100 actors, dancers and performers, the Siam Niramit is truly a show spectacular that takes you on an incredible journey through the country’s rich arts and cultural heritage. A winner of the Thailand Tourism Awards’ “2010 Award for Excellence” and holding a Guinness World Record for its massive stage, Siam Niramit utilises advanced lighting and intricate set design to transport the audience back in time. Act 1 feature such aspects as “The Ancient Kingdom of Lanna” and “Ayutthaya, the Mighty Capital”, while Act 2 focuses on traditional beliefs. The final act showcases some of the popular and prominent festivals in the country. Travellers to the Thai capital in search of 5 star hotels in Bangkok from which to explore the city can stay at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Thailand. This Bangkok resort enjoys an idyllic location along the Chao Phraya River’s west bank and offers the very best in contemporary comforts.

Cinemas and Modern Cineplexes in Bangkok – Enjoying Movie Magic!

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The magic of movies is something that can be enjoyed by the whole family and the cinemas and modern cineplexes in Bangkok lets you enjoy all the latest Hollywood blockbusters. The city’s gigantic shopping malls house many of these cinemas such as the MBK Mall and Siam Paragon which features Paragon Cineplex and the country’s sole IMAX theatre. Major Hollywood, Apex and Thana Cineplex are among the other venues where one can watch theatrical releases. Those planning a family holiday and looking for luxury hotels Bangkok can stay at Anantara Bangkok Sathorn. This centrally located Bangkok hotel makes an ideal base from which to explore the city.

Enjoying Dragon Dancing in Bangkok!

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Dragon Dancing is a traditional art form that is widely performed during the Chinese New year. Those visiting Bangkok during the New Year can witness such performances in the Chinatown area of the city which comes alive with a variety of cultural performances. Believed to keep evil spirits away, this unique cultural dance involves dragon costumes of varying sizes that have human controllers who bring the ‘dragons’ to life with a variety of lively movements and acrobatics. Those looking for 5 star hotels in Bangkok from which to experience the sights and sounds of the city can stay at Anantara Bangkok Riverside Thailand. Ideally located along the Chao Phraya River banks, it is one of the best Bangkok resort and makes an ideal base from which to explore the capital.

Fascinating Traditional Music of Thailand

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Owing to its strategic position on trade routes in a location where India and China converge, Thailand’s traditional music shows influences from other musical styles including those of Africa, Persia, Rome and Greece. In Thai traditional music one finds instruments derived from areas as far-flung as Persia, China, India and Indonesia. However Thai traditional music remains unique; the most popular styles are luk thung and mor lam.

The affluent visitor in search of 5 star hotels in Bangkok will be pleased with the Anantara Bangkok Riverside, Thailand. Counted amongst the outstanding Bangkok resort this fine rest provides sumptuous accommodations and impeccable service.