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CHIANGMAI SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2009

Tuesday, April 7, 2009 Category : , , 0


The Songkran Festival lasts for several days and is a traditional celebration that welcomes in the Thai New Year. It is one of the biggest and brightest celebrations in Thailand making it a great time to visit the country to participate in this fun and friendly event.

On the first day it is traditional for Thais to clean their house in preparation for the year ahead. The following day is given over to the preparation of food and special meals to be consumed over the coming days. The third day is the start of the Thai New Year.

On the third day, it is marked by religious ceremonies which usually take place early in the morning. Come the afternoon, it's time for the water fights which rage through the streets during which everybody, including tourists, are targets. The day is celebrated all over the country with various special events and attractions.

A popular town with tourists, Chiang Mai is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of this unique festival. The whole town gets involved in the celebrations with beauty pageants, feasts, parades, ceremonies and, of course, a huge water fight.

For more information :

Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office (Tourist Info)
105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road
Amphoe Mueang
Chiang Mai 50000
Thailand

Tel +66 53 248 604.

SONGKRAN FESTIVAL : WHAT DOES IT MEAN ?

Sunday, April 5, 2009 Category : , , , 0


The Meaning of Songkran Festival in Thailand

Songkran is the Thai traditional New Year and an occasion for family reunion. At this time, people from the rural areas who are working in the city usually return home to celebrate the festival. Thus, when the time comes, Bangkok temporarily turns into a deserted city.


The festival falls on April 13 and the annual celebration is held throughout the kingdom. In fact, “Songkran” is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the “Water Festival” as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.

This Thai traditional New Year begins with early morning merit-making offering food to Buddhist monks and releasing caged birds to fly freely into the sky. During this auspicious occasion, any animals kept will be set free. Paying homage to one’s ancestors is an important part of the day. People will pay their respects to the elders by pouring scented water over the palms of their hands. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity.

In the afternoon, after performing a bathing rite for Buddha images and the monks, the celebrants both young and old, joyfully splash water on each other.

The most-talked about celebration takes place in the northern province of Chiang Mai where Songkran is celebrated from April 13 to 15. During this period, people from all parts of the country flock there to enjoy the water festival, to watch the Miss Songkran Contest and the beautiful parades.
In Bangkok, the Buddha image “Buddhasihing” is brought out from the National Museum for people to sprinkle lustral water at Sanam Luang opposite the Grand Palace.

THAILAND GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2009

Tuesday, March 31, 2009 Category : , , , 0


Songkran Festival is well known among tourists who visit Thailand in April, which is the hottest month. It is a must for everyone to join this festival. What they do during this long holiday is splashing clean water (sometime with a few drop of Thai perfume) to each other to reduce the heat of the summer air. For Thais, Songkran is more than the water splashing festival; it is Thailand’s former New Year day. So, we take this holiday as an opportunity to make merit at the temples and visit our respective relatives. Songkran Celebrations will be held throughout the country. If you’re ready to get wet, take a look on the following schedule and find the place to enjoy the festival.



BANGKOK GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL



Date: 10-15 April 2009
Venue: The 9 Royal Temples and around the Rattanakosin Island





Songkran Celebrations of the 4 Regions


Bathing Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows and various forms of entertainment, opening ceremony at Temple of the Reclining Buddha 10 April from 18.00-21.00 hrs


Paying worship at the 9 nine royal temples around the Rattanakosin Island
10-15 April 2009 (9.00-18.00 hrs)

Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), Wat Suthat, Wat Saket, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Chanasongkram, Wat Rakang, Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng), and Wat Kalayanamitr

Water splashing in traditional Thai dress (Khao San Road)
4-15 April 2009 (17.00-18.00 hrs)

Banglamphu Community Songkran Activities at Santi Chaiprakarn Park, Phra Athit Road
11-13 April 2009





For more information, please contact :


The Events Planning Division, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)


Tel. +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 3470-3



TAT Call Centre 1672

Thailand Straw Birds Fair & Red Cross Fair

Monday, February 2, 2009 Category : , , , , , 0

6-15 February 2009
Venue: In front of Chai Nat Administration Hall and at Riang Hin Dam, Muang County, Chai Nat (194 km north of Bangkok)



Straw birds fair of Chai Nat is held annually in February. In the fair, tourists will witness the fantastically decorated floats of large, brightly coloured straw birds, which will join in a contest later.

There will be many other activities like students’ performances on stage to entertain visitors, exhibitions and booths from government officers and private sections, OTOP booths and stalls selling 5-star local products and food, and much more on entertainment programmes.

In addition, Chai Nat Bird Parks, situated nearby keeping more than 100 species of birds and fishes, is worth visiting.


ABOUT CHAI NAT

Chai Nat is located in the central of Thailand. In the south of formerly Chai Nat, there is a dam impounds the Chao Phraya river for flood control and to divert water into the country's largest irrigation system. The dam, part of the Greater Chao Phraya Project, was finished in 1957 and was the first dam constructed in Thailand.

CHAI NAT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

1. Chai Nat Bird Garden or Suan Nok Chai Nat

This place is the most famous traveling place in Chai Nat. It is the biggest Bird park in Asia. There are many bird species here, This garden is open from 8 AM – 5 PM

2. Chainatmunee National Museum

It is in area of Wat PhrabharomThatviharn. The museum is a two storey building. The second floor was the place for the Buddha from Tarawadee time till present. The first floor is for the Sankalok Buddha, ornaments, and ancient tools.

3. Wat ThammaMulviharn

The main temple of Chainat since Ayudhaya time. This temple was located at Thammamul hill slope, on the bank of Chaophraya river.

4. Chaophraya Dam

There are ten thousand teals here in January. The viewpoints here attract visiting travelers.

Chiang Mai Flower Festival 2009

Thursday, January 22, 2009 Category : , , , , , 0


6-8 February 2009

Venue: In the provincial town of Chiang Mai at Nong Buak Had Park


Chiang Mai is famous for its variety of valley flowers. Most of them bloom early in the year from January to February, which is regarded as the most beautiful period of Chiang Mai. The celebratory atmosphere and the tradition of the locals who have enjoyed floral beauty since ancient times are why the grand Flower Festival is organised here annually since 1977.

The most interesting highlight of the Flower Festival is the part of many flower floats decorated with a beautiful array of floral species. Each flower, with its shade of colour is carefully selected and positioned on the float to form fine patterns, words and pictures. The beauty of the flowers combined with the creative ingenuity of their arrangement make each float a work of art requiring time-consuming attention from its creators. All floats will start at Chiang Mai Train Station.

A second highlight of the Flower Festival is the beauty of the contestants that sit atop the flower floats. Each contestant wears a different local Northern costume, giving visitors and locals alike rare opportunities to witness the traditional local dresses.
Besides the parade, the Flower Festival also features a display of agricultural products, an exhibition and a contest of several species of flowers such as roses, orchids, carnations, lilies, China asters etc., a flower arrangement exhibition and competition, decorative plants, and mini garden landscaping. In addition, for all those with green fingers, there is a large variety of gardening equipment as well as various kinds of flowering and decorative plants for sale at more than economical prices.

For more information, please contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Chiang Mai Office
Tel: 0 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607

Thailand Beautiful Flower Festival 2007

Monday, November 19, 2007 Category : , , , , , , , , 0


28 December 2007 - 6 January 2008
Venue: Hat Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Town, Chiang Rai Province (785 km north of Bangkok)

Chiang Rai, with its mountainous scenery, beautiful flowers and fresh air, especially in the cool season, is a recommended place for recreation. Since Chiang Rai Province is about to arrange Chiang Rai Beautiful Flower Festival 2007, you are invited to this impressive fair.
The 4th Chiang Rai Beautiful Flower Festival 2007 is scheduled to be held from 8 to 16 December 2007 at Hat Chiang Rai in Chiang Rai Town. The festival will be organized to develop Chiang Rai Province as a producing area of quality flowers and ornamental plants as well as to promote tourism of Chiang Rai Province.

During the festival there are many activities including: - The flower and ornamental plant contest- The orchid and orchid garden contest- Miss Thin Thai Ngam beauty contest- Parade of floral floats- Agricultural produce fair- OTOP trading

For more information, please contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 2
Tel: +66 (0) 5371 7433, 5374 4674 to 5

The Loi Krathong Festival, Thailand Nationwide

Monday, November 5, 2007 Category : , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

The Loi Krathong Festival is the most romantic festival in Thailand, especially in modern times. Almost without exception, young lovers will go out in pairs to spend the evening together, floating krathong (vessels with flowers, lit candles and joss sticks) and saying silent prayers. The festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand with different unique characteristics of festivities. Enjoy the festivities at any site convenient to you!


Bangkok : The Royal Rattanakosin Loi Krathong Festival
21-24 November 2007
Venue: Rama VIII Bridge and citywide along the Chao Phraya River

Experience the simulated “Chong Priang Lod Chud Loi Khom” ceremony, the royal ritual to make the offering of light to the three deities of Brahmanism; namely, Brahma, Siva, and Vishnu (Narayana) or collectively called “Devamurti”. Take part in many other activities such as traditional games and launching krathong, various contests and competitions like krathong competition and Rattanakosin style attire contest.

For more information, please contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 # 3489
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511
For event information, please call 1672

Ayutthaya : Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival
23-25 November 2007
Venue: Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre

Highlights: Nang Noppamat pageant, Nang Nopphamat processions, Thai food fair, vocational product sales, floating market, firework and floating lanterns and long boat races.

For more information, please contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Office: Region 6
Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076-7
Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre
Tel: +66 (0) 3536 6252-3

Sukhothai : Loi Krathong and Candle Festival
21-25 November 2007
Venue: Sukhothai Historical Park

In this festival, you will watch the Nang Nopphamat procession, exhibitions, lighting of lanterns at the historical site, a krathong launching and firework displays over all waterways and a krathong competition. Enjoy highlight festivities of candle lighting and the light and sound presentation with cultural dances and other interesting activities.
For information, please contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 5525 2742-3

Chiang Mai : Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival
22-25 November 2007
Venue: Chiang Mai Municipality Office and citywide

Come and experience another form of Loi Krathong festival, in Lanna Thai style. This festival creates a mesmerising sight, with a unique ritual of launching Lanna-style hot air balloons, which is believed by locals to rid them of their troubles. Enjoy different festivities, including the Tho Phae contest, boat race in the Ping River, small and giant krathong contests, and beauty contests.

The impressive ancient Lanna tradition will be celebrated throughout the city. Visitors are invited to join special activities such as Loi Sa Pao, a merit making dedicated to the dead; Phang Prathip, lighting small lanterns in an equal number of your age to live long and prosperous life; Lantern floating to release all sickness and bad fortune; and Tan Khom, lighting an octagonal lantern before bringing it to a temple where the monks will give a sermon all day and night.

This year, locals and tourists can bring their lanterns and hang them on the trees prepared by Chiang Mai Municipality to bless His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 80th Birthday Anniversary.

For more information, please contact:
Tourism Authority of Thailand Northern Office: Region 1
Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, +66 (0) 5324 8607
PR Division Chiang Mai Municipality
Tel: +66 (0) 5325 9094, +66 (0) 5325 9097

See also :

Loi Krathong: The Festival of Light 2007, Thailand

Thursday, October 25, 2007 Category : , , , , , , , , , 0

24 November 2007

Venue: Nationwide Happened to be in Thailand in November, you will experience the most spectacular Loi Krathong Festival. The festival is a tradition has been observed for no less than 700 years since the Sukhothai period (1238-1438), in the reign of King Phra Ruang (1347-circa 1374). It is traditionally performed on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, which falls on 24 November this year.

The word loi means to float and krathong means a receptacle traditionally made of banana leave for holding small items of food, flowers, and other offerings in a religious ceremony. So, loi krathong simply means to float such vessels (with flowers, lit candles and joss sticks) on water. This is done either as thanksgiving and worship to the Goddess of Water or as a kind of homage paying to the legendary footprint the Buddha left on the bank of the River Narmada in India.
The Loi Krathong Festival is the most romantic festival in Thailand, especially in modern times. Almost without exception, young lovers will go out in pairs to spend the evening together, floating krathong and saying silent prayers. The festival is celebrated nationwide in Thailand with different unique characteristics of festivities. Enjoy the festivities at any site convenient to you!

Major venues are Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Chachoengsao, and Samut Prakan.

**Important**
Event dates and programme details are subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel

Thailand Coming Event : Surin Elephant Round-Up

Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Category : , , , , , , , , , 0

17-18 November 2007

Venue: The Elephant Stadium, Kotchasan Road, Surin Province
The world-renowned Surin Elephant Round-up, was first held in 1960 in Surin Province of the Northeast, a province with the largest number of elephants in Thailand and is known as the home of elephants, with the objective to promote provincial tourism. The event was an instant success. Since then it has drawn large audiences of Thais and foreign visitors every year. The popular spectacle features elephant round-up, showing how to capture wild elephants and tame them for work.

See with your own eyes how the mahouts control such a large creature which can weigh up to three tons. Other exciting and amusing items include elephant races, a tug-of-war between one elephant and a group of strong men, and an elephant football match in which a really big soccer is played by giant-sized players. The highlight of the programme that visitors should not miss is the colourful parade of battle elephants reminiscent of the battlefield in ancient times.

The Surin Elephant Round-up is usually scheduled for the second or third weekend of November, which falls on 17-18 November this year when the weather is dry and cool. If you don’t have time or are not convenient to go to witness the greatness of this world famous event, you can still have a great time watching elephant shows at your convenience at many places. Some of them are named here: Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo on the outskirts of Bangkok, Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm & Zoo in Samut Prakan Province, Sriracha Tiger Zoo and Nong Nooch Tropical Garden & Resort in Chon Buri and Phuket Zoo in Phuket.

At these places, you will be impressed by the loveliness of the jumbos and amazed by their intelligence demonstrated by their various performances, ranging from dancing to playing football. If you happen to be in Thailand during 17-18 November and are planning for a recreational activity, the festival is recommended.
This year an “Elephant Round-Up Tour by Train” is organized on 16 – 18 November at 3,970 Baht per person. Apart from the fascinating shows, the package includes silk weaving village and Phanom Rung Historical Park tours.
The train schedule is as follows:
Fri 16 - Depart from BKK’s Hua Lamphong station at 20.30 hrs
Sat 17 - Arrive in Surin Province at 04.30 hrs
- Leave Buriram Province at 21.40 hrs
Sun 18
- Return to BKK at 05.50 hrs

For more information, please contact :
Surin Provincial Office
Tel: +66 (0) 4451 2039
Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA)
Tel: +66 (0) 2237 6046 to 8

Thailand's Coming Event : Nagas’ Fireballs Festival 2007

Sunday, October 21, 2007 Category : , , , , , , , , 0

22-28 October 2007
Venue: Along the Mekong River in Phonphisai, Nong Khai Province (615 km northeast of Bangkok)

Nagas’ Fireballs 2007: The End of the Buddhist Lent Festival

The fireballs emerging from the Mekong River and shooting up into the sky about 50-100 metres high before vanishing into thin air, is an unexplainable phenomenon that happens annually on the evening of the full moon of the 11th lunar month. This year it falls on 26 October.

The reddish-pink elliptical fireballs are believed to belong to the Nagas who live beneath the waters of the Mekong River. During the period of the end of the Buddhist lent each year a flock of tourists travel to Nong Khai Province to witness this eerie phenomenon.

Activities to be held in the period are as follows:

- Thevorohana merit making- A ritual of worshipping the Nagas

- A procession in celebration of the end of the Buddhist lent

- Thai-Laos royal trophy long-boat races

- Light and sound show “The legend of the Nagas”

- Food fair


For more information, please contact:
Nong Khai Municipality
+66 (0) 4242 1017
The Tourism Authority of Thailand
Northeastern Office Region 5
+66 (0) 4232 5406-7

The Grand Rehearsals of the Royal Kathin Procession 2007

Saturday, October 20, 2007 Category : , , , , , , , , , 0


26 and 29 October 2007
Venue: Along the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok

The Grand Rehearsals of the Royal Kathin Procession to present the monastic robes to the monks are scheduled to be held on 26 and 29 October 2007. The magnificent fleet of 52 barges with altogether 2,082 oarsmen is set to sail down the Chao Phraya River, starting from Wasukri Royal Landing Place at 15.30 hrs, passing the Royal Navy Convention Hall around 16.00 hrs, and ending at the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) at 17.00 hrs.

This is a rare opportunity for Bangkokians and visitors from the provinces and foreign countries to view the most splendid waterborne pageantry similar to the Extravagant Royal Barge Procession performed on 12 June 2006.

People can view the Barge Procession en route along both sides of the River. On this occasion, the Royal Navy Convention Hall also provides seating areas to view this spectacular event. Tickets are available as follows:

- 30,000 Baht per table (10 seats) with set menu Location: the 3rd floor, Chumphonkhetudomsak Building
- 3,000 Baht per seat with set menu Location: the 2nd floor, Chumphonkhetudomsak Building
- 1,200 Baht per seat with snack box Location: on a grandstand in front of Chumphonkhetudomsak Building
** Please note that on the Royal Ceremony of the Kathin Procession these areas are not open to public **

For more details and reservations, please contact
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel. +66 (0) 2652 8319 to 20
+66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 2115 to 9

Beeswax Castle Festival : Sakon Nakhon, Thailand

Thursday, October 18, 2007 Category : , , , , , 0


22 - 26 October 2007
Venue: Suan Phrasi Nakharin and Sanam Ming Muang,
Sakon Nakhon province

This impressive festival is held in Sakon Nakhon, a northeastern province of Thailand, in celebration of the end of the annual Buddhist Lent (known in Thai as Ok Phansa). It is held on the full moon day of the 11th lunar month, which falls on 26 October this year. But the festival will last from 22 to 26 October.

According to the legend, when Khmers governed Nonghan town (Sakon Nakhon at present), King Suwanphingkharat ordered his royal servants to make beeswax castles on the occasion of Ok Phansa Day to be carried in the procession and then dedicated to Choeng Chum Temple (now Phra That Choeng Chum Woramahawihan Temple). Since that time, the Beeswax Castle Festival has been held as a traditional event annually.

A beeswax castle is made of the trunk of a banana plant, which is cut into the shape of a castle and decorated with beeswax flowers. Apart from beeswax castles, the procession also includes ensembles of musicians playing gamelans, gongs, and drums, as well as groups of men and women each carrying a tray with saffron robes and useful articles for monks on it. After walking in procession round the temple 3 times, they present the wax castles to the chedi containing the Buddha’s relics.

Nowadays, the wax castles are more beautifully decorated with a greater variety of patterns than the past. The processions are also more colourful and include cars instead of carts, which were used in former times.

Apart from the exquisite procession (25 Oct) and long-boat races (22 Oct), the festival features a bunch of interesting activities such as light & sound show in honour of HM the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary, Sakon Nakhon’s delicious food fair, Phalaeng dinner, beeswax castle making demonstration, and much more.


For more information, please contact
Tourism Authority of Thailand Northeastern Office Region: 4
Tel: +66 (0) 4251 3490 to 2

Thailand Coming Event : Illuminated Boat Procession

Friday, October 12, 2007 Category : , , , 0


20-26 October 2007
Venue: The Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand

The Illuminated Boat Procession is held annually on the evening of Ok Phansa day (the end of Rains Retreat) on the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom province. This year, it falls on 26 October but the festival period starts from 20 to 26 October 2007. It is a marvelous and resplendent event of the northeastern part of Thailand.

As night falls, the majestic 'fire boat', elaborately adorned with flowers, incense sticks, candles and lanterns and each bearing an assortment of ritual offerings, are set alight and floated down the Mekong River. Against the darkness of the moonlit night, the sight of flickering light from candles and lanterns on magnificent 'fire boat' drifting downstream on the Mekong River, is both mesmerising and awe-inspiring. It is this enchanting spectacle that has given the water-borne procession its very name, Lai Rua Fai, which literally means to set afloat a 'fire boat'.

The event is regarded as an act of worship to the Lord Buddha on the occasion on his coming back to the world after preaching to his mother in heaven. People will illuminated their boats to show their respect. Originally, the boat used to be illuminated was made of bamboo or banana trunks, being adrift on the river with bright colourful lights. At present, the boat is made of wood in a large size and more beautifully decorated than before. If you have a chance to witness the event, you will never forget the impressive sights.

Interesting Activities
- The Illuminated Boat Procession (26 Oct)

- Beauty Contest (21 Oct)- Illuminated Boat Shows from Thailand-Laos-Vietnam

- International Long-Boat Races

- Light & Sound Show in honour of His Majesty the King

- Cultural Performances- Walking Street & Indigenous Food Festival

- Traditional Dance to venerate Phanom Stupa (26 Oct)

- Food Offering to Buddhist monks (27 Oct)


For more information, please contact :
Northeastern Office: Region 4
Tel: +66 (0) 4251 1490 to 2

Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month

Friday, October 5, 2007 Category : , , , , , 0

5 – 14 October 2007
Venue: Nakhon Si Thammarat City Hall, Wat Phra Mahathat, and Suan Phrasi Nakharin 84 (Thung Tha Lat), Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

The festival of the Tenth Lunar Month or known in Thai as Sat Duan Sip is a traditional merit-making festival of Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The event is generally observed during the fifteenth day of the waning moon period in the tenth lunar month. This year, the celebration is scheduled to be held from 5 to 14 October at Nakhon Si Thammarat City Hall, Wat Phra Mahathat, and Suan Phrasi Nakharin 84 (Thung Tha Lat), Nakhon Si Thammarat province.

Besides traditional festivities to be held, visitors will be able to enjoy a range of shows and exhibitions of art and culture, shop a variety of local products, and witness the light-and-sound presentation with spectacular special effects of musical fountains, laser and colourful fireworks while enjoying local delicacies of Nakhon Si Thammarat as a dinner.

According to Thai belief, spirits of ancestors will be allowed to visit the earth from the first to the last day of the waning moon in the tenth lunar month. Some spirits who have spent their lives after death in hell will have a chance to enjoy food offered by their ascendants or relatives who make merit during this festival.

So, the main feature of the festival is food offering to monks at the monasteries. Local inhabitants will arrange and decorate their food containers called map which has no definite shapes but maybe bamboo baskets, or silver trays, or something else. Whatever their forms, the vessels will be beautifully decorated with colourful flowers in different shapes. Each map carries a large variety of things, such as dried food, sweets, fruits and the daily necessities for monks. But in each map, there must be 5 kinds of sweets which seem to be symbols of the Sat Duan Sip festival – khanom kong, khanom la, khanom phong, khanom ba, and khanom disam. Then, people will carry the prepared maps to the monasteries in colourful and joyous processions.

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For more information, please contact Tourism Authority of Thailand Southern Office: Region 2Tel: +66 (0) 7534 6515 to 6Fax: +66 (0) 7534 6517

Buffalo Racing Festival at Chonburi

Monday, October 1, 2007 Category : , , , , , 0

6 October 2007
Venue: The City Hall, Chonburi Province, Thailand




Buffalo Racing is a spectacular festival in Thailand that is unknown to most foreigners and even some Thais, because of its inadequate promotion. But it is so exciting, joyful and unique that is really worth seeing. Locally called Ngan Wing Khuai, the festival is annually held only in Chon Buri province. This year, it is held on 6 October in front of the Chon Buri City Hall, which is only an hour's drive from Bangkok or 45 minutes drive from Pattaya City.

When this festival began is uncertain, but according to records, it must have been observed for at least 70 years from the reign of King Rama VI who once saw it. The origin of the festival is as follows. In former times, buffaloes which were useful for farming were rarely found in Chon Buri. So the farmers in this province had to buy the beasts from other farmers who brought them from the Northeastern region for sale after the harvest.

In view of the high value of the beasts and their usefulness and rarity, the Chon Buri farmers competed with each other in raising buffaloes in their home province. During the buying and selling of the beasts, a kind of fun fair, featuring buffalo races, buffaloes' health contest, a contest of decorated buffaloes and a farmers' sweetheart contest, was held to coincide with the celebrations of the harvest season. These activities were observed annually until it became a tradition.

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For more information, please contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Office: Region 3
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, +66 (0) 3842 8750
Fax: +66 (0) 3842 9113

The Municipality of Chon Buri Province
Tel: +66 (0) 3828 5436
Fax: +66 (0) 3828 7035

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