Tag Archives: Events and Festivals

Thailand’s Answer To Spanish Bull Fighting- Buffalo Fighting Shows!

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One of the most well known and popular things to do in Koh Samui is to attend a buffalo fighting show.  Though not as spirited as the high energy drama associated with such spectacles as bull fighting that takes place in Spain and many Lain American countries, this still attracts massive crowds nevertheless. Some say that in the world of buffaloes, this is similar to arm wrestling!

In this instance what takes place is that two male buffaloes come to the ring and lock their horns and push each other trying to gain dominance. Once they are bored, they simply walk away unlike the Spanish version of bull fighting where the animals are ultimately killed. Buffalo fighting events usually take place during Songkran, which is Thai New Year or on Ney Year’s Day.

Ban Makham, Nathon Town and Ban Saket are the usual stadiums where these fights are held and the events are announced by way of colorful posters put up in the vicinity informing one when the event is going to take place. Otherwise there are no set dates for the event. It also involves a lot of rituals and invoking of blessings and it is both vibrant and colorful with the animals being garlanded and decorated with flowers and other paraphernalia. Holy water is sprinkled on the ground as well as the contestants prior to the occasion.

There are two rounds of fighting both in the morning and in the evening and in the time in between people enjoy the good food and drink on offer. Once the fights are over and the winning buffalo is named the owner gets a large amount of prize money and the buffalo itself becomes a prized possession. There are bets placed during the event which offers a truly unique and lively atmosphere in which to witness this kind of sport. These events can be attended for those staying at a Koh Samui resort. Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa Koh Samui, is a Chaweng hotel that makes an ideally located base from which to explore the region and its many beaches, attractions and sporting activities.

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.

Phuket Fantasea show – be razzled, dazzled and completely blown away!

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The Phuket’s Fantasea is a live performance that features a cast of about hundred including trapeze artists, trained elephants, dancers, actors and other exotic performing animals. The plot of the show is an amalgamation of both traditional folktale and fantasy. The Fantasea also hosts one of Asia’s biggest buffets within a theme park of offering carnival rides, games and scrumptious food stands. A night of lights, colour and over the top costumes the Phuket Fantasea is a spectacular extravaganza not to be missed. Looking for a great Phuket Resort? Then Millennium Patong Phuket is the ideal choice for you. A lavish and hospitable selection among various lodging options in Bangkok, this hotel is considered a finer Patong Beach Resort among the many available to you. Providing impeccable amenities together with superior service it will make your holiday a truly memorable one.

International Fireworks Display Contest, a mesmeric spectacle

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The Macau International Fireworks Display Contest is a captivating occasion for local residents and the numerous visitors who take the opportunity to observe this enthralling event. It is now recognized as one of the best of its kind in the world, with teams from around the world competing in the event. Traditionally the firecracker industry was one of the mainstays in Macau, and the fireworks contest is considered to be a representation of the significance of fireworks to the people of Macau. When selecting amongst luxury hotels Macau, an obvious choice is the Galaxy Macau Resort Hotel, one of the superior Macau hotels providing outstanding rooms and impeccable service.

Exciting Raggamuffin Festival

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The renowned Raggamuffin music festival in Rotorua is undoubtedly one of the premier events of its kind in the region. Featuring a sensational combination of reggae music along with elements of hip-hop, soul and funk this is one festival the music lover will never want to miss. Renowned New Zealand and international artists such as UB40, Arrested Development, Big Mountain, Billy Ocean, Marvin Priest, House of Shem, Chad Chambers, Three Houses Down and many more will be featured at the event in 2012.

When considering Rotorua hotel accommodation an outstanding choice would be the Millennium Hotel Rotorua. This excellent Rotorua hotel provides well-furnished rooms and impeccable service assuring a pleasant stay.

River HongBao – the river of charms

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‘Hong Bao’ in Chinese means red packet and as most people know, the color red in Chinese context means a sign of good luck. That is why many people living in Singapore celebrate the New Year in River Hong Bao, to usher in good luck while welcoming the arrival of yet another year. Many visitors can see the glorious lanterns generally depicting beautiful pictures, especially of Chinese characters and zodiac signs. To add more color to the festival there will be many river shops open, but even if you don’t do any shopping the atmosphere and the fireworks will keep anyone drenched in the fun! If you are looking for the best Singapore hotel rates, an ideal choice would be Studio M Hotel Singapore. Being a star class Hotel in Singapore, it will surely exceed all your holiday expectations.

The Thai Beer Festival: Thailand’s ‘November-fest’

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Popular for its exciting array of food and beverages, Thailand is home to many fun-filled food festivals. One of the largest and most popular festivals celebrated in Bangkok each year is the Thai Beer Festival. Similar to the famous Oktoberfest celebrations held in Germany every year, the Thai Beer Festival is a way for Thai breweries to promote their products and beer-lovers to binge on some of world’s finest beers.
The Thai Beer Festival is celebrated with the setting up of many beer gardens around Bangkok. The largest and fanciest beer garden is found in front of the World Trade Centre at the Rajprasong Intersection. The festival is unique in its duration, commencing in the month of November and stretching on to mid-January. In this time period, local beer-lovers, expatriates and tourists visit the many beer gardens set up each weekend in some of Thailand’s most commercial areas. Also available at the Beer Festival are many mouth-watering and exotic Thai dishes. Barbecued meat and roast pork dishes are amongst some of the most popular attractions at this festival. A variety of music performances, from pop to jazz, are also featured at the beer gardens.
The annual Thai Beer Festival is indeed a time for all those in Thailand at the time to stay warm and have a good time during the monsoon season. The highlight of the event, the wide assortment of beer, come from some the best breweries and beer producers in Thailand and across the world. The average price of a pitcher of beer is relatively inexpensive, costing around 80-100 Baht. In order to promote their brands, beer producers often make value deals and special offers for beer at the festival. Some brands available at the festival include Singha, Heineken, Asahi and Beer Chang. Other well known beer gardens are set up at places such as the Discovery Centre on Siam Square, as SCB Park Plaza at Ratchayothin, The Mall Bangkapi, and Tesco Lotus Bangna.
Visitors to Thailand can take part in this fun-filled beer festival on any weekend from November to January. Accommodation at many Bangkok serviced apartments is comfortable and affordable. Those who wish to go to the largest beer garden in at the Central World Plaza can stay in a serviced apartment Bangkok, such as those in the plush Anantara Baan Rajprasong, Bangkok. Just a few minutes away from the beer garden, visitors can stay up all night, indulging in the best beer and food.

Kecak Dance – A Soulful Performance Narrating a Legendary Story

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A type of Balinese music drama and dance, Kecak Dance began in the 1930s. The soul of Balinese is reflected by woodcarving, painting and dancing. One of the most famous Balinese dances, the uniqueness of this dance is the use of no musical accompaniment. A chanting ‘monkey’ chorus produces the rhythm of the dance.
Performed mainly by men, this dance is also referred to as the Ramayana Monkey Chant. The dance involves a circle of over 100 performers dressed in checked cloth, throwing their arms up and chanting “cak”, as a depiction of a battle from the Ramayana.
Ramayana is an Indian story revolving around Rama, a warrior and a rightful heir to the throne of Ayodya. He and his wife Sita are exiled to a faraway desert, where an evil king falls in love with Sita and sends a golden deer to lure away Rama. Once Sita is captured, Rama has to round up his armies to defeat the evil king and his armies, in order to rescue Sita. Kecak Dance performs this story quite impressively.
Having roots in an exorcism dance called Sanghyang, these traditional dances are performed on Hindu holidays in particular. The performers dressed in checked clothes are both the choir and suppliers of music for the story. The series of their continuous vocal chants change according to the mood of the actors. These men in the circle actively add to the performance’s allure by waving their arms to replicate fire and relocate themselves encircling the stage to symbolize wind as the story develops. The voices of the storytellers can be heard distinctly amongst the swaying masses.
However it was Walter Spies, a German musician and painter living in Bali, who became very interested in this dance and managed to recreate it into a drama. It was his idea to base it on the story of Ramayana.
Anantara Bali Uluwatu presents the ideal choice for travellers in search of ideally located Uluwatu hotels. A haven of modern design and rugged natural beauty, the luxurious Bali villas offered by this exceptional resort are set amidst breathtaking vistas.

Spinning and twirling, let the Golden Dragon Dance mesmerise you

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On the northeast side of Tokyo lies a small sea side village known as Asakusa. This village was established in the 7th century. The story goes that two fishermen out at sea one day found not fish but a small golden statue in their fishing nets. This Buddhist statue was that of the deity Kannon. Kannon was revered as a deity of compassion.

On this auspicious day which was the 18th of March 628, a Golden Dragon appeared above the village in the sky to mark the finding of this statue.

Dragons are popular among Asian nations, and unlike their Western counterparts are usually serpentine in appearance, wingless, and comparatively benevolent. Of these the golden ones are a rare breed and are not seen easily as they are invisible.

The appearance of this Golden Dragon in the village of Asakusa, together with the finding of the golden statue catapulted this village to fame. The enshrined statue in the Sensoji Temple grew in importance and popularity whilst becoming a famous pilgrim’s spot.

Thereafter every year, a special Golden Dragon Dance is held to commemorate the visitation of the original dragon nearly 1300 years ago. This dance dragon weighs only 75 kilos and is around 15 meters in length, whereas its live counterpart was thought to be over 30 meters long.

The dragon dances thrice before it disappears from public view until the next year. This dragon is held up on poles and is manoeuvred by 8 men. Whilst the dragon dances, ladies attired as geishas use traditional instruments to play music.

Visitors to Tokyo during this period should not pass up the opportunity to be a part of this interesting Golden Dragon Dance Festival, as it is truly a memorable experience. If the visitor is looking for a Tokyo serviced apartment from which to base themselves, then the Citadines Tokyo Shinjuku features some of the finest service apartments Tokyo has to offer.

Wakeboarding fun at Chiang Rai

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Studded with ancient temples and wondrous cultural attractions, Thailand is a land like no other. Boasting gorgeous beaches and alluring patches of lush greenery, this tropical paradise is blessed in more ways than one.

It is hard to believe that a leisure park dedicated to the sport of wakeboarding exists on a large number of hectares in the heart of Northern Thailand. Situated in Chiang Rai, Planete Wakeboard is open for pros as well as novices who want to try their hand at the exhilarating sport. In fact, the sophisticated wave making machines provide the perfect wave for wakeboarding and wakesurfing, which is becoming quite the popular sport.

Planete Wakeboard’s location is unique, being central to the borders of Laos, China and Vietnam. It is merely 15Kilometres away from the Chiang Rai International Airport. When arriving at the leisure park, the Huaisak Reservoir serves as a beautiful setting amidst all the sporting activities and is ideal for a vacation of adventure as well as a relaxing holiday.

There is also a food court, restaurant and a bar to accommodate visitors to Planete Wakeboard. A large natural pool and a video games arcade provide entertainment for the kids during the stay. Along the pool is a space for water sports such as volleyball with readily available equipment.

There is also an area for sports such as basketball, ping pong and even shooting. The man made beach area with swaying coconut trees is also a treat to experience as you feel right at a beach resort though in the middle of Northern Thailand. There are also extensive gardens with beautiful landscaping. Visitors usually sit by the gardens to take in the surroundings and to experience quality family time.

When looking for Chiang Rai resorts during your stay in the region, only one spectacular hotel comes to mind. Part of the prestigious Golden Triangle hotels, the Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand is set in lush surroundings and overlooks the Thai countryside as well as elephant land. Taste the unique Lanna cuisine and immerse in the unique culture and hospitality which will be an experience never to be forgotten.