A traveller to Thailand can explore its many aspects and among these its distinctive culture takes prominence. When selecting a Bangkok hotel or more specifically a Sukhumvit hotel to be based at, Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok is an excellent choice. To catch an insight in to the rich local heritage witness some of the cultural shows in the country. On the top of this list is a world-class cultural performance known as Siam Niramit featuring numerous performers in vibrant costumes. The cultural shows at places such as Aksra Theatre, Sampran Riverside and national Theatre are also quite popular.
Tag Archives: Thailand
Songkran festival – Splash the sins away
Although New Year was traditionally celebrated at the beginning of the year in 1888, April now marks the beginning of the year in Thailand since 1940s. Initially adopted from an Indian Festival this festival has been celebrated for centuries. The most colourful celebrations are held in Chiang Mai, where celebrations go on for about 6 days. It’s a great time for Tourists to bask in the sun along with the locals celebrating the festivities and associating local culture.
Most Buddhists visit monasteries and give food to the monks, cleanse Buddha images and with fragrant water, praying for good luck and prosperity during the dawning new year. Colourfully decorated sand sculptures are also a common site in monasteries. Much to the disappointment of traditional Thailanders, the emphasis has shifted to a more pleasurable aspect from the spiritual aspect of the festival.
Good Cheer follows throughout the streets as people throw water on one another and indulge in various religious activities. The water is meant as a way of washing all the sins away. Pageants and festivities crowd the streets making it a great time to travel to this amazingly colourful country. The festival is celebrated in different parts of Thailand in much the same way. Phuket is an exotic location in Thailand, popular among many travellers to the east, for its blend of culture, natural beauty and as an adventurous getaway. Retreats in Thailand celebrate the Songkran festival by decorating the atmosphere beautifully and celebrating with food and good cheer.
A famous Boutique Hotel in Phuket is the Tanyapura, Among other Retreats in Thailand this heavenly hotel has a charm of its own. This cosy hotel in Phuket offers mouth watering delicacies and amazing service standard within its elegantly and practically decorated premise. Providing a great base to enjoy the wonders of this tropical area from, this hotel offers star class service standards at a reasonable price. What more would you want from a holiday but to be a part of the fun, the frolic with its people and to enjoy the beauty of such exotic surroundings. All this and more can be experienced when you to travel to amazing Thailand.
Weddings in Hua Hin – A Magical Experience
If you want to experience paradise on earth visit Hua Hin, one of the oldest towns that Thailand has. Hua Hin is absolutely beautiful and is known by many both locally and internationally as one of the most romantic destinations to host a wedding.
Hua Hin is a very small town. The town having a population of only around 70,000 gives it an authentic and un-spoilt charm. Way back in history Hua Hins unique beauty and serene ambience was recognized by royalty. King Prajadhipok somewhere in the early 1900 built his summer citadel in Hua Hin and named it the ‘Wang Klai Kang Won’ which is translated to ‘Far from Worries’; a perfect description to the tranquility one feels in Hua Hin. Whoever stayed in it, fell in love with it and hence it earned the reputation of love; a place, rather a paradise where one can celebrate the marital commitment of love. Lately having weddings in Hua Hin has become a trend. People from all around the world fly over to this quaint little town in Thailand to exchange their vows and celebrate the bonds of matrimony. Weddings in Hua Hin are like marrying in fairy land. The backdrop of nature is so blissful and the soothing ambience gives one the perfect foundation to a lifelong commitment in love. Hua Hins popularity gave rise to some of the most exotic hotels and resorts within the five mile immaculate beach. This gives couples the added advantage of luxurious banquet halls if you are more interested in a royal setting. The resorts also make a perfect honeymoon destination. After exchanging your vows at the hall or the perfect beachside, check into one of the resorts and experience the magic of love, luxury and comfort all in a single location.
Among the many magnificent Hua Hin hotels the Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort tops the charts. The setting in this resort is simply unmatched. It is exquisite, luxurious and perfect for romance. Guests at Anantara fall in love with the place as it stands proudly as the finest of all Beach Hotels Hua Hin Thailand has.
Chao Le Boat Floating Festival: Enjoy the Festivity of Beautiful Thailand
Thailand’s calendar is speckled with festivals and holidays of religious and cultural importance. While some are observed through the entire country, regional ethic groups celebrate their own festivals in their home towns. These unique festivals are attracting crowds that travel across the globe just to glimpse these foreign traditions.
The Moken or Sea Gypsies are of an Austronesian ethnicity and live mainly in the islands off the west coast of Thailand. For the Thai, they are known as the Chao Le or ‘people of the sea’. They follow a nomadic tribal way of life that is mainly based on the sea. Accumulated through countless generations, their knowledge of the surrounding Andaman Seas is quite profound. In fact due to generations of diving and swimming in the sea, they have developed a visual focus that allows them to see better underwater. After finding food by means of fishing and foraging, the excess is sold to mainland or island markets to trade for other necessities. Traditional wooden boats called ‘kabang’ are sometimes used for housing as well as hunting and are greatly valued and preserved by the Chao Le.
As seafarers, the Chao Le has used Phuket islands for centuries and is known as the oldest inhabitants of the islands. Their own deities of the seas are honoured each June and November in the Loi Reua Festival. Three days of celebration bring all the Chao Le in the region to their permanent settlements around Phuket, like Koh Sireh, Rawai and Sapam. Similar in style to the Thai festival of Loy Krathong, festivities take place throughout the day. During the last night, models of their traditional boats are decorated with garlands of flowers and candles. Little wooden dolls filled with bits of hair and nail clippings of the people who are praying for protection are put into the boats and floated off into the sea. Hoping to drive away the evil and bring in good luck, the famous Chao Le dance of Ram Rong Ngeng is performed around the vessels before setting them adrift.
Use your stay at a Phuket beach resort to experience the island in a unique way. The Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand joins the heritage of the island culture with modern luxuries. It is this combination that makes your stay at this Phuket resort a memorable one.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival – A Grand Inauguration of the season of Tourism
Every year Krabi soars with life at the Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival. A cultural treat, this festival ornaments the city in a tasteful traditional sense. Krabi as it is makes the pinnacle of tourist attractions in Thailand. The beauty this little town boasts of is too much for words and every year hundreds of enthusiastic holiday makers fly to Thailand to bask in the breathtaking ambience of beautiful Krabi.
The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival has earned a name of popularity in Krabi. It is not just an artistic occasion; it is an insight into the origins and roots of Thailand. Krabi has a primary Indian influence. The Boek Fa Andaman has the charm and essence of Indian festivals that is exhibited in the color, style and magnificence, typical in Indian functions. Krabis Indian influence can also be widely seen in the culture and social life of the Krabi’s, their special occasions are always glittering with color and the above quoted festival is no exception. It is a festival that is adorned by Indian richness which is exhibited by a number of parades, cultural performances and musical shows. There are also a number of sea kayak competitions, boat races and local product sales in the festival. All in all the Festival is Krabi’s way of inaugurating the tourist season in the area and greeting its plethora of tourists.
The Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival is literally translated as the opening of the Andaman Sea. By opening it means welcoming and hence the festival shows a keen enthusiasm on serving its tourists. To enjoy the beautiful Krabi Boek Andaman try booking your holiday somewhere during the month of November for the festival is an annual event that takes place between the 16th and 18th of November.
After you are welcomed into the Krabi world you will be keen on thoroughly touring the city surroundings. While visiting the city, stay at the Anantara Si Kao Thailand. This Trang Resort is by far everybody’s favorite. Living up to the Anantara name and class, the luxury you experience here is unmatched making it the finest of all Krabi Resorts.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
Pay homage to spirits of the water-Loy Kratong
Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort is one of the world renowned hotels located in the beach front of the amazing city Hua Hin. With the luxury accommodation facilities available this hotels is among the top of Hua Hin Hotels. Even though there is a wide range of Beach Hotels Hua Hin Thailand, this hotel offers more unique services and facilities to their guests who are on leisure trips or even business trips.
If you are visiting Hua Hin during the month of November, taking part in the Loi Krathong festival is a must. Loi Krathong or the Floating Crown festival is annually celebrated to pay respect to the goddess of the waters. A raft with a diameter of hand span is floated down the river; usually these are made out of the banana trunk. In order to protect the environment bread rafts have been introduced. These rafts are lit with candles and when all float down the river it creates a magical atmosphere to all the viewers.
Apart from thanking the goddess of water it is said that the candle respects the Buddha with light, floating the raft or Krathong symbolizes letting go of all one’s hate, rage, and befoulments.
Noppamas Queen Contests is a beauty contests that accompanies the festival which includes vibrant colours and such adding value to the already glamorous Loi Krathong festival.
Phuket FantaSea – A Fun and Frolic Fantasy
Thailand is renowned for shopping, tourism and entertainment and these coveted titles have been won mainly due to the numerous shopping complexes, theme parks and amusement centres that are located around the country. Phuket, is a sparkling string of thirty three islands that dazzle the horizons of the Thai mainland. It has butterfly gardens, orchid gardens, aquariums, charter boat services, mini golf courses, wildlife sanctuaries, rain forests and amusement parks, making it a vacationer’s paradise.
Young or old, energetic or laid back, everyone has something to do to while away their time at Phuket Islands and one venue that brings all these people together is the ‘Phuket FantaSea’. Tourists usually can’t decide whether to start at the tempting restaurants, the alluring shopping centres or the fun filled amusement park. The restaurants serve international cuisine with special food items for vegans and vegetarians. The menus adapt to seasonal changes and diners can choose from a range of fresh seafood that the chef cooks to each person’s specification. The shopping village is a good place to bag some trinkets, bright beach ware, chunky jewellery and clothes with a localized twist. However, the most precious memento that you should make sure to take back with you is the photograph taken with all the family members dressed in vivid Thai attire.
The cultural theme park itself is the biggest crowd puller; the carnival like atmosphere sets the stage for the street shows, theatrical displays, tiger feeding, elephant rides, safari walks and firework displays. The vibrant hues of the mascots, the traditional Thai costume clad dames and the live music performances add to the vitality of the environment. The focal point of Phuket FantaSea is the skit put together by a host of elephants, tigers, roosters, goats and water buffalos. People chip in with traditional dance performances to give the audiences a feel of true Thai culture and rituals.
A boutique hotel in Phuket will charm and calm your nerves which are enticed and provoked by the glamour of the fun activities. Thanyapura is an exceptional sports hotel Phuket has to offer, revitalizing its guests who seek leisure.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
Enjoying Chinese New Year Celebrations in Taiwan
One of the most important festivals for Chinese the world over including in Taiwan is the Chinese New Year. Those visiting the country and in search of hotels in Taichung from which to experience the festivities can stay at Millennium Vee Hotel Taichung. This modern Taichung hotel also offers special New Year promotions to help you enjoy your stay all the more. Spanning a total of 15 days, this annual event is marked by a variety of celebrations including family meals, the exchanging of gifts between loved ones, the lighting of firecrackers and the sharing of delectable cuisine. You can also indulge in some shopping at New Year markets in Huayin Street and Dihua Street, while not to be missed is the fascinating Lantern Festival which takes place on the last day of the festival.
Marilyn Band Exhibition Phuket – For All Art Lovers
Phuket, at one time known as Thalang, is Thailand’s biggest island, measuring at least fifty kilometres in length and a little less than half that at its widest points. The island is situated off Thailand’s southern tip and is connected to the mainland by a pair of bridges. Phuket’s main claim to fame is its gorgeous beaches. The island’s white sandy beaches in combination with the silvery waters of the Andaman Sea make it a much loved holiday destination. It is the ideal place to try out a range of water related activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, parasailing, kayaking, surfing and jet skiing. However, Phuket also offers a number of activities outside of the beach too.
Tourists who want to take a day off from the beach and explore Phuket will find an incredible number of things to do. From visiting the island’s various temples to getting cosy with crocodiles at the famed Crocodile Farm along Chana Charoen Road, tourists will never have a dull day. Those with an appreciation for art should also consider taking some time to visit one of Phuket’s most famous artists, Marilyn Band.
Born in Belfast, Marilyn Band spent quite some time exploring Asia with her husband before settling in Phuket to paint. Currently she divides her time between painting and exploring the seas on her yacht. Her paintings have been put on display not just in Thailand but in other parts of the world as well. Band’s works are heavily influenced by her travels and are generally done in water colours. Art lovers visiting Phuket should definitely not pass up the opportunity to see her work on display.
Phuket is the ideal vacation choice for those from the city looking for a change in scenery. While public transport on the island may not be exceptional, one can get around the beach island without too much hassle. Choosing a Phuket resort can be difficult as there are so many good options available. Those looking for a Patong beach resort can try Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. The Patong area is known for its excellent beaches and its vibrant night scene making it most tourists’ primary choice.
Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.
Festivals in Phuket – Adding excitement
For the ultimate holiday experience, select a Phuket beach resort such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand, an ideally located Phuket resort. When in the region there are various things to do and events to enjoy, especially local festivals. One of the most unique festivals in the island is the Vegetarian Festival. Phuket Seafood Festival where local culinary experts showcase their skills and the Chinese New Year are also popular events. However a prominent event you will get to experience here is the Songkran Festival. Bringing an array of entertainment options is the Phuket Old Town Festival whilst Wat Chalong Fair which coincides with the Chinese New Year brings shopping opportunities, entertainment and more.