Through out the next 12 months, there are so many great things going on outside of Bangkok. All you need is a good excuse and a bit of planing—that's why we're telling you now. Take advantage of the travel opportunities these events offer—2008 is just around the corner.
Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankamphaeng Handicraft Festival
See the renowned Bo Sang parasols painted by mae ying in traditional dresses. A lively fair with Northen crafts, food and performances lines the main street of Baan Bo Sang and offers a chance to sample a real khan tok meal—naamprik ong, kaeng hunglay, caab muu—cooked up by the locals.
When & Where: January 18-20. At Baan Bo Sang village, five kilometers from Chiang Mai City. Call 053-338-324 for more information.
Insider tips: Don’t miss the opening ceremony on the first day where Baan Bo Sang villagers dressed up in Lanna style parade under their Bo Sang
parasoles.
Also check out: If you stay in town over the weekend, don’t miss the Sunday Walking Street (5pm-midnight, around Klang Vieng Junction), which offers hoards of local handicrafts as well as hip local designer products and kicks the Night Market's ass.
Recommended: Banilah (11 Sotesueksa Rd., Changpheuk, Muang, Chiang Mai, 053-223-638) is a stylish guesthouse that mixes modern décor with Lanna touches. The service is friendly, and they offer internet access in every room for free. Rooms with fan start at B300, while the air-con ones start at B500.
Nakorn Sawan Chinese New Year
The 12-day full throttle celebration features performances—Chinese operas, Choa Po Chao Mae Paknaam Pho processions, acrobatics—and a beautiful lantern festival.
When & Where: February 7. Sawan Park, Khosee Road., Nakorn Sawan.
Insider tips: The dragon processions take to the streets twice a day, in the early morning and at night. The night one is much better as the dragons will be alight with bright lanterns as they circle Paknam Pho Market.
Also check out: The largest fresh water lake in Thailand, Bung Borapet is full of migratory birds from January to March. Good for bird watchers, not so good for those who are afraid of H5N1.
Recommended: The Public Relations Department of Nakorn Sawan province says The Beverly Hill Park (156/4 M00 13 Amarin Withi Rd., Tambon Wat Sai, 056-336-809/10, 056-216-394/-6) is a new up and coming accommodation. At least the name is hilarious and it’s close to the starting point of the dragon processions. Rooms are B500-900.
Pattaya Music Festival
Inter, local, indie and mass market bands hit the stages on the beach. Along the way, booths sell food and local products.
When & Where: March. Pattaya City, Pattaya.
Insider tips: Get a helmet, as you never know when someone will start throwing beer bottles. And bring a fully packed backpack with sleeping bag and baked beans. Once you get there, you’re not going anywhere until the party is over.
Also check out: Seksan Thongpaiyuth, a local hotelier, loves to go for fried chicken and somtam in front of Wat Phra Yai (Phra Tamnak Rd.), which is popular among the locals. Prices start at B30 for somtam, while fried chicken is B60.
Recommended: Seksan suggests Bella Villa (8/82 Moo 6 Pattaya 3rd Rd., 038-415-410/-3), a contemporary boutique hotel. A studio room is B1,000. Or check out the truely tucked away Rabbit Resort (038-251-730/-2, 038-303-303/4, www.rabbitresort.com) for a serene stay in thier charming Thai houses.
Wan Lai
Songkran ain’t over until Pattaya says so. For extended water fun head east where pickup trucks running high on H2O engage in a last man or woman standing showdown.
When & Where: April 19. Pattaya.
Insider tips: Lots of topless farangs, Thai males and spaghetti-top girls can make the scene either unsightly or vaguely arousing. Head to Bang Saen, to be free of foreign tourists; otherwise there’s plenty of “international atmosphere” on Pattaya beach. At Jomtien, the silver foxes of the West battle it out with the kind of restraint that the years alone can bring to men.
Also check out: This is your chance to drop in at the bar and restaurant Mantra (038-429-591, www.mantra-pattaya.com), whose reputation has travelled all the way to the ears of Bangkokians.
Recommended: Seksan also recommends the luxurious LK MetroPole Hotel (33/35 Moo 10, Pattaya 2nd Rd., 038-428-100) as it is all about European finesse and spacious rooms, which are B2,500-15,000 a night.
Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival
The ritual that marks harvest season has turned into a fun competition of rocket shooting along with a good dose of local culture.
When & Where: The second weekend of May. Cheang Sanit Road, Yasothorn Municiple Office, Yasothorn.
Insider tips: Don’t miss Palaeng, an Isaan khantok-style meal where guests sit on a mat to eat Isaan jaew nung plaa (steamed fish with jeaw sauce) and laab.
Also check out: Tud Ting (in front of the Provincial Electricity Authority Office, 045-721-000) is a local favorite. Even though the atmosphere is blah, the air-con restaurant serves very saab Thai and Isaan dishes. B60-200.
Recommended: TAT Northeastern suggests you head to JP Emerald Hotel (36 Prapa Rd., Muang, Yasothorn, 045-724-848/-55) for a view of the Chee River. Rooms are around B1,000.
Blooming Krachiao Flower Festival
Fields of pink krachiao flowers, the so-called Siamese Tulip, stretch out as far as the eye can see, while mountains serve as the backdrop. If you've got a new camera, take it here for a test drive.
When & Where: During June to August. Pa Hing Ngam National Park, Chaiyaphum.
Insider tips: At the parking space, there are local products and food for sale, but once you walk up to the krachiao field, there’s nothing. So make sure you pack your own picnic set complete with snacks and drinks.
Also check out: Once you are there, Pa Hin Ngam Rock garden is not far away. There’s even a song taew service that takes you there for B10. There, you can exercise your imagination by guessing what the weathered sandstones resemble.
Recommended: Baan Rai Ing Doi (08-9123-3223, 08-9814-9429) is just one kilometer from the krachiao field, and despite its baan baan decoration, the surrounding scenery makes the rusticity of the interior worthwhile. A room for two with breakfast and dinner is B1,800.
Hua Hin Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers gather at Hua Hin beach to be dazzled by inter and local musicians.
When & Where: June. Hua Hin Beach.
Insider tips: Go to the venue during the day and you might get to see the artists while they rehearse—first class seats and no fussy drunkards.
Also check out: Try Go-Ti (opposite the night market, Petchkasem Rd., 032-516-516) for some old-fashioned Thai dishes.
Recommended: Kaban Tamor Resort’s (02-279-4551, www.kabantamor.com) chalets are in the refined Mediterranean style, while the spa is just as nice. A room starts at B6,500 through January 10 and goes down to B5,500 afterward.
Phi Ta Kon Festival
During this three-day-long festival, villagers dress up and wear masks made of sticky rice husks to imitate spirits.
When & Where: July 4-6. Dai Sai District, Loei.
Insider tips: In Dan Sai, they prepare the masks and costumes around two weeks before the event, and you can go see the villagers make them.
Also check out: Pisanu Sorasing, a student at Rajabhat Loei, says the maproa kaew at Amphur Chiang Kan is a must.
Recommended: Pisanu recommends Loei Palace Hotel (167/4 Chareonrat Rd., Muang, Loei, 042-812-668), part of the Amari group, in the heart of the city.
Tak Bat Dokmai
As the monks walk down from the temple, on the first day of Bhuddist Lent, villagers line the streets to offer food, candles and dok khao pansa (flowers) to them.
When & Where: July. Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamaha Wihan, Phra Phutthabat, Saraburi.
Insider tips: Food and flowers are for sale in the area, so no need to prepare anything, except maybe a hat. Get ready to be blown away by how amazingly fast the monks walk and how rapidly the villages hand out their alms. Start training now if you plan on keeping up.
Also check out: Nud Chanchala (Saraburi Train Station, Muang, Saraburi, 036-313-730. Open daily 11am-10pm) offers great Thai dishes and locally interpreted inter dishes. The atmosphere is nice, especially in the evening. Starting from B50.
Recommended: Saraburi Inn (Mitraphab Rd., 036-218-888, www.saraburiresort.com) is one option among the very few nice hotels in this province. B800-2,400.
Vegetarian Festival
What: Gory processions departing from Phuket’s Chinese temples. Watch believers fall into trances and slice their cheeks open to stick the most improbable objects through them, and litter-bearers carrying ancient idols through storms of firecrackers.
When & Where: The exact 2008 dates for the 10-day-long vegetarian festival haven’t been anounced yet, but it’s in October. Check back on www.phuketvegetarian.com.
Insider tips: Get yourself a full schedule of the processions, a map (the above website has the schedule and many restaurants have free tourist maps), and get to the temples before the procession starts to see the rituals that call spirits into the bodies of the mediums. The procession leaving from the Kata Shrine is our favorite walk as it is located outside of the city.
Also check out: Indulge in fake chicken, fake beef and fake you-name-it at the vegetarian food stalls lining Phuket Road, on the way to Saphan Hin.
Recommended: Experience colonial-style shophouses, the signature architecture of Phuket’s old town, at The Taste Phuket (16-18 Rassada Rd., Talad Nua, 076-222-812, www.thetastephuket.com). This 12-room bed & breakfast hotel is super chic and a room starts at just B2,500.
Lai Rue Fai Festival
A procession of richly decorated and illuminated boats light up the Mekhong River.
When & Where: October, the end of Buddhist Lent Day. Mekhong River, Nakorn Panom.
Insider tips: Seats are free but you might need to go early to find a good spot.
Also check out: When you go to Isaan, you can’t miss kai krata (pan-fried egg), a popular breakfast among the locals. Try kai krata and stuffed Vietnam bread at Porntep (opposite Srithep Hotel, Srithep Rd.).
Recommended: Overlooking Khong River, the high end Nakorn Panom River View Hotel (9 Nakhonphanom-Thatphanom Rd., Muang) offers rooms for around B1,250.
Nong Kai Fire Balls
The debate over whether the phenomenon is man-made, natural or magical rages on as loads of people continue to book their seats by the river to see fire balls rising from the Khong’s inky waters.
When & Where: October, Khong River, Nong Kai.
Insider tips: Up there, when it rains it pours; all hell breaks loose actually. Take an umbrella and prepare a plastic bag for your mobile phone as it’s difficult to find cover.
Also check out: Le Khong (near the old train station, Kaew Worawut Road.) is newly open and has created quite a buzz among the locals. The luxurious restaurant is well-known for its fish dishes as it cooks with catches from the Khong River.
Recommended: If you want a rustic life, go to Isan Guest House (08-1507-2202), located in a stunning wooden house.
Dok Bua Tong Blooming Festival
People go there for the picturebook scene of the yellow buatong flowers in full bloom. Driving up windy mountain roads (time to buy that Harley or convertible) with buatongs stretching out on both sides is a must.
When & Where: November to December. 93 kilometers from Mae Hong Son’s town, Doi Mae U-kor, Mae Hong Son.
Insider tips: While people drive their way up, a bicycle can be a sportier alternative. Try at least to rent a motorcycle to experience the winter breeze full on.
Also check out: At nighttime, in town, Khun Lumprapas Road transforms into a walking street (6:30-11pm) with local food and products. The highlight for tourists are the hilltribe people who walk the street selling their handicrafts.
Recommended: The eco-friendly Fern Resort is hidden in a valley outside of the town. Their Shan-style houses are surrounded by the forest and rice fields. And yet, they have air-con, a swimming pool, TVs in the rooms, and offer free transfer to and from the airport and Mae Hong Son’s town. A house is B2,000-2,500. Or you can camp among the yellow and green; tents for rent are B300/2 persons. If you bring your own, it’s free!
Surin Elephant Festival
Trained elephants and their proud mahouts narrate the story of Thai elephants, from wilderness, to war, to the present.
When & Where: November. Srinarong Stadium, Surin.
Insider tips: Also go to Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village if you want to know how they raise and train elephants according to centuries-old traditions.
Also check out: Chong Chom Market (Dan Pattana Village, Amphur Dan) is a trade center on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. And if you love rattan baskets or other handmade furniture, you won’t be disappointed.
Recommended: The new Surin Majestic Hotel (99 Chitbamrung Rd., Muang, Surin, 044-713-980/-3) is nice and clean, but no frills. Rooms start at B800.
Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival
Thousands of yi peng lanterns are released to light up the sky instead of the more familiar floating kratongs.
When & Where: November. Chiang Mai.
Insider tips: The locals start the celebration a few days before Loy Kratong. Even a full week before, there are already lanterns for sale along the streets. Go there a couple days before the auspicious day and you’ll be luckier finding rooms and air tickets.
Also check out: Talaad Tanin, a.k.a. Talaad Siriwattana (in a soi opposite Thai Farmer Bank’s Changphuek branch, Changphuek Road), is a hidden treasure where you can buy made-to-order naamprik num at Naamprik Rosded Taamsung for B10 and yummy kab muu at Kab Muu Mae Malee for B180 per kilo.
Recommended: Yesterday (24 Nimmanhaemin Rd., Sutep, Muang, Chiang Mai, 053-213-809, www.yesterday.com) sits in the middle of chic Nimmanhaemin Road. Housed in a colonial building that was once a kindergarten school, it combines the class of a bygone era with modern facilities. A superior room is B1,800; a villa is B4,500.
River Kwai Bridge Week
Light and sound performance narrating the history of the bridge and how it was blown up during WWII. Set at the rebuilt River Kwai Bridge, the audience is seated by the river during the one-and-a-half-hour show. Around the area is a fair, music, exhibition and food sales.
When & Where: Late November to early December. River Kwai, Kanchanaburi.
Insider tips: Even though the weather is cool at nighttime, it is no help when you are crammed together with another thousand people. Bring a fan and a hanky to wipe yours sweat.
Also check out: On River Kwai Noi, it’s another world from the busy River Kwai Bridge Week. Here, you’ll find River Kwai Jungle Rafts where guests stay in a nice raft by the shore. No electricity means the only entertainment is trekking in the forest and making friends with the Mon people living nearby. For more information, go to www.riverkwaijunglerafts.com or ask your travel agent.
Recommended: Go all the way to the Great Lake Resort (92 Moo 5 Tha Kradan, Si Sawat, 02-437-0085, 02-437-2987, 02-437-5491, www.greatlakeresort.com) where the view of Srinakarindra Dam is stunning. There you can choose to stay in a raft-house, Chinese merchant boat house, or ordinary house. Rooms are clean and are around B1,700 a night.
How To: Get a Bed During High Season
Pornthip Yoskittiphat, PR-Communications Coordinator-Asia of the Accor Hotel chain, gives us some ideas on how to find a room during the festive season.
The sooner the better. It’s better to book the room in advance, but a week may not do the trick. You have to give it at least two or three months before the actual festival to book the room.
Face to Face. Walking in with high hopes for a spare room can reap rewards as some guests don’t show up. Try crying and begging for the staff to let you wait in the lobby for a lucky break.
Choose your moment. The best time to check for a cancellation is between noon and 2pm. It is during that time that the reservation department will cut out all those bookings that haven’t shown up. Keep the phone numbers of the hotels you're interested in handy, and come 2pm, dial away.
Cyber Force. Internet booking gets you discount prices but also last-minute deals (see Last Minute Helpers below). Also, as some of these rooms are pre-booked, a hotel might tell you it is full and actually still have rooms online.
Go to the right people. If you’ve been turned down at a hotel by the front desk, don’t ask them for another hotel suggestion. They don’t know, they don’t care, and they’re obviously busy since they’re fully booked. Go to the concierge and ask him for some tips. Those guys usually aim to please, and they know absolutely everything in their town.
bk asks: What is your favorite Thai festival?
Guillaume Moulin, 35, business development manager
I like how the Pattaya Music Festival mixes the resort style of Pattaya and music. I also enjoy looking at the girls there!
Srichitra Prasertvithayakarn, 34, corporate and marketing communications
My favorite one is the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival. It’s beautiful to see candles light up the sky at the nicest period of the year. And you get to make a wish for the New Year.
Photchaman Mameedum, 33, art director
I think Chiang Mai is the place to celebrate Songkran. It’s a big festival there and always a lot of fun! You have to celebrate Songkran there at least once in your lifetime.
Waralak Chuithai, 32, salsa dancer
I’m originally from Nakorn Sawan, so I love the Chinese New Year Festival there most. We have contests like the biggest dragon or the biggest khanom kheng (Chinese pastry).
Fix, 35, designer
I like to listen to music on the beach and I love the beach, so the Hua Hin Jazz Music Festival is my favorite.
Jakkaphol Phengpan, 32, senior art director
The Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival because there’s no other place to see such beautiful lights and girls as there.
Bumnetpong Parhonveralerd, 31, producer
The Chinese New Year Festival in Nakorn Sawan. I love taking pictures and this colorful festival is great for photographers.
Around Asia
Singapore
Zouk Out
Singapore’s top music event draws local DJs and bands as well as international acts, all on the artificial beach of Silosa. Every year Zouk Out attracts more and more music and party lovers from all over Asia—and Bangkok is no exception! This year will be its 8th anniversary. Check out Singapore’s landmark bar Zouk pre and after the events for more music and booze. Happening in December, keep your eyes on www.zoukout.com.
Womad
Outdoor music and performing artists, from traditional to cutting edge acts. The event also highlights music workshops and gastronomic delights from around the world. www.womadinsingapore.com.
China
Harbin Ice Festival
Starting on January 5 and continuing for a month, this chilly festival happens in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, where ice and snow in January are to be expected. So people gather to see world-class ice and snow sculptures and the famouse ice lanterns. http://old.cnta.gov.cn/lyen/festival/season/winter.htm.
India
Diwali Festival
Throughout India, and Hindi communities throughout the world, the festival of light is celebrated in late October to November for five days. Spring cleaning, oil bathing, house adornment, card playing, celebrations and fireworks are all in order. In 2008, it falls on Oct 28. www.diwalifestival.org.
Japan
Cherry Blossom Festival
You’ve seen the pictures, haven’t you? A sea of white or pink blossoms, swaying gently in the spring breeze. But here’s the bad news: the fragile flowers fall off the trees within a week of their appearance. To coordinate your flights with the whims of nature, log on to www.jnto.go.jp for a guesstimate of when spring will kick off in Japan in 2008 (around March, usually).
Shanghai
Shanghai Biennale
The annual event runs for two months and includes arts and film screenings. This is one of China’s biggest contemporary art festivals with artists from around the world. Take a look at the increase in prices for Chinese art over the past years and you’ll see this trip could pay off handsomely. www.shanghaibiennal.com.
Dragon Boat Festival
Happening on May 5, this traditional event has lasted more than 2,000 years to commemorate the poet Qu Yuan. There are various activities in different regions but the highlight is the dragon boat racing. Oh, and Dragon Boat racers are hot.
Last-Minute Helpers
A festival is coming and you still don’t have a clue how to get there and where to stay? Check these out.
www.lastminute.com: Hotels, flights and packages around the world.
www.morethaihotel.com: Good deals on accommodations in Thailand, ranging from high-end hotel to rustic stays.
www.4utrip.com: The website is in Thai and specializes in tours both domestic and international.
www.heavennicetrip.com: This website is quite new but the people behind it have an in-depth knowledge of the Northern and the Isaan regions of Thailand.
www.noomsaotours.com: A long-running travel agent based here.
www.asiarooms.com: More good deals on hotels.
