PHUKET FILM FESTIVAL 2009

PHUKET FILM FESTIVAL 2009
June 4 - 11, 2009
Phuket Film Festival to Turn the Spotlight on Taiwanese Film
The Phuket Film Festival is proud to announce a Spotlight on Taiwanese Film will take place during the second edition of the festival which will run June 4 - 11 2009 at the Coliseum Theaters in Phuket Town, on the beautiful international resort destination of Phuket, Thailand.
The 2009 edition of the Festival will screen over 40 award winning movies from 17 countries.
Supporting the Academy Award nominated and other award winning Taiwanese films will be directors, producers, actors and actresses traveling to the Festival from Taiwan. They will join other Festival VIPs on a special tour of the island to raise awareness of Phuket as a world-class film location providing a comprehensive range of international class production services.
Attending will be:
Keeping Watch – Fen Fen Cheng
The Most Distant Course – Liin Jing-Jie
Island Etude – En Chen
Sumimasen Love - Lin Yu-Hsien
Step by Step – Kuo Chen – ti
Producers Patrick Mao Huang and James Liu will also attend the Festival.
A number of "stars" from Taiwan will also attend the Festival in support of the "Spotlight". Talent are still being confirmed however the Festival has learned Joseph Chang and Jani Tsai will probably attend as well as Asian superstar Chie Tanaka who will be awarded the Festival's Asian Talent of the Year Award. Huai-Jhong Wu has also been confirmed to attend.
The Spotlight on Taiwanese Film is being held in line with the Festival's goal to "diversify cultural activities" on Phuket and to mark the growth of the Taiwanese film industry for film lovers around the world.
The "Spotlight" also supports the recent Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) "Two Islands, One Culture" promotional campaign held to stimulate travel between the two islands of Taiwan and Phuket.
A gala reception will be hosted by the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Thailand on Friday June 5, 2009
Web site: www.phuketfilmfestival.asia

Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui, Thailand

Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui, Thailand
Announcing the Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui – the 8th Samui International Yacht Regatta Bangkok, Thailand. February 2, 2009 - The 8th Samui International Yacht Regatta, now with a new title sponsor and known as the Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui, will take place in Koh Samui from the 1st - 6th June .
A favourite amongst competitive and social sailors, the five day regatta is one of Asia’s leading sailing events and is also part of the Asian Yachting Grand Prix Championships. Registrations are already being received, with a full fleet expected from Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai and further a field.
In addition to the competitive sailing, the Sawadee.com Regatta is also about fun parties and is firmly established as a ‘must attend’ regatta on the international sailing circuit. Its headquarters will again be the Centara Grand Beach Resort, Samui, which has been the home of the regatta since its conception and that has now become synonymous with the event.
Callum Laing is the Chairman of the Regatta for the second year “Every year the regatta has gone from strength to strength and we’re really looking forward to a memorable 2009 event. In 2008 we welcomed over 300 participants from 10 countries and registrations received so far point toward the biggest Samui Regatta to date. The 2009 regatta will also provide great opportunities for individuals, families and groups to join one of the regatta spectator boats and see these races up close whilst enjoying the famous Thai hospitality”.
The Regatta will feature six classes, Racing, Premier Racing, IRC-1, Cruising, Sports Boats and Multihulls – ensuring that the on-water action is both competitive and fun to watch. In 2008, Ray Roberts and ‘Quantum Racing’ won the IRC-1 Class with Matt Allen and ‘Ichi Ban’ taking the IRC-2 honours. Kipsan Beck and ‘Pornstar’ lifted the trophy in the Sports Boats Class with Andrew Short and ‘Constanza’ securing the top Cruising Class placing. Radab Kanjanayanit and ‘Cedar Swan’ came in first in the Multihull Class.
The skipper receiving the most top placings on the eight regatta Asian circuit will also be crowned Asian Yachting Champion Skipper at the end of the sawadee.com Regatta. In 2008, it was Quantum Racing’s Ray Roberts that lifted the trophy and wore the coveted ‘Armani Blue Blazer’ that was presented at the fabulous prize giving dinner on the lawns of the Centara Grand Beach Resort at Chaweng Beach.
The 2009 regatta will also play host to the second running of the ‘Samui Junior Sailing Squadron Challenge’ – giving local children from the island the opportunity to be out on the water experiencing the excitement of competitive yacht racing. The challenge is led by John Stall – one of the original founders of the Samui Regatta in 2001. The regatta also provides on-going support to this initiative, contributing Thai Baht 5,000 every month to pay for sailing equipment.
Web Sawasdee Plc, one of Thailand’s leading inbound travel companies, is the new naming sponsor of the regatta for the next three years. Through www.sawadee.com and www.r24.org, the company provides online travel/tourism-related information along with a user-friendly booking system and a secure payment gateway.
Public tickets will be available for the legendary sailing parties that occur most evenings during the regatta and that will feature bands and DJ’s from around the world.
Koh Samui, rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches and coral reefs, is the perfect location for an international regatta that not only provides great sailing, but that also supports tourism on the island and helps raise the profile of Thailand as an idyllic and exciting vacation destination. The regatta provides the perfect blend of Thai charm and world-class sailing.
Images from the 2008 Samui International Yacht Regatta are available at: www.flickr.com/photos/sawadee-com-regatta-2009-samui
Media Contacts:
Citrus Public Relations or MobyElite Sports
Ian Grundy Siobhan Kennedy
ian.grundy@citrus-pr.com siobhan@mobyelite.com
Tel: +65 83226890 Tel: +66 (0) 8 60028458
About the Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui
The Sawadee.com Regatta 2009, Samui, is an annual event that takes place on the beautiful Thai island of Koh Samui. Now in its eighth year, this ‘Tropical Island Regatta’ has become one of the main events on the Asian sailing circuit and attracts an international fleet.
For further details see www.samuiregatta.com

Rayong Funkky Fruit Festival

Rayong Funkky Fruit Festival
Date : May 15th - 19th 2009
Venut : Rayong City
We welcome all to the brand new "Rayong Funky Fruit Festival"-a borderless celebration of heritage, nature & culture in this stunning province of Rayong. We celebrate Rayong's natural gifts with "StarFruit", an exhibition and promotion of Rayong's great agricultural tradition as well as "Rayong in Pictures". The heritage & peoples of Rayong are given new life in Live Poetry in the "Suntorn Pu Lives!" performances as well as "the Originals"-musical performance by artists from the original peoples of Thailand's East - the Khmers, the Tai, even the rare Chong peoples. To this festival of great food, culture and exhibition we add a full-blown Funky Fruit Musiq Festival featuring the Best of Thai Musiq & our own original World Musiq recipes...
Come join the Funk 'n Fun right here in Rayong. Call us at 0 2733 2709 for details or email us at toddeastwest@yahoo.com
for a full schedule of shows and activities, go to toddeastwest.com or call Jeep at 08 9666 1184
Funky Fruit & Culture-Rayong Rocks He!

Wat Pho (Wat Chetupon)

This large and extensive temple neighbours the Grand Palace on Thai Wang Road and houses the very impressive gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha which is some 46 metres long and 15 metres high. Its soles are inlaid with mother of pearl. The temple is regarded as the first centre of public education and is sometimes call Thailand's first university.
Once inside this complex you can't help to wonder what is the purpose of all these buildings. There are many reason behind that. Come and find out for yourself. Wat is the Thai Term meaning Religious Complex.
A view from one of the largest Chedis where there is an entrance. Chedi usually contain a relic of the Buddha or the ashes of a king or an important monk. The function is similiar to the pyramids in Egypt.
The large Wiharn (building that houses Buddha images) in this image houses the Reclining Buddha. The other name for Wat Pho is Wat Phra Chetuphon.
The Reclining Buddha and the mother of pearl. Other than the Buddha statue the walls surrounding it are covered with beautiful Thai paintings.
The head side of the Reclining Buddha. The Wiharn which houses the Reclining Buddha is a large building from the outside but when inside feels small. You know why now.
The Chedis are decorated chinese ceramic tiles. Very carefully detailed. There are 95Chedis in Wat Po.
Address:
2 Sanamchai Road Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200
Telephone: (662) 222-5910 226-2942 226-1743 225-9595
Fax: (662) 225-9779
Bus:1 3 6 9 12 25 32 43 44 47 48 53 60 82 91 123
Air-con Bus: 8 9 25 44 82 91 506 507 512
Pier:
1.Chao Phraya Express Boat Rajini (Pakkhlong Talat) Pier Tha Chang Pier Tha Tien Pier
2. Ferry: Rajini (Pakkhlong Tolat) Pier Tha Chang Pier Tha Tien Pier
Opening Hours:
Temple: Daily 8 am-5 pm Ubosot: Daily 8 am-5 pm
Admission Fee:
Foreigner 50 Bht

welcome to Kohchang

Koh Chang the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the nation's second largest island, after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 sq. kms., it features fine beaches, coral reefs, and plentiful marine life. It is also rich in natural resources, teeming with hills, forests, waterfalls and streams, the latter being an important source of freshwater. Dotting the island are many fruit orchards.Koh Chang
Most of the scenic beaches and bays are located on the western side, extending from the north to the south. They include Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From here, a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community located at the foot of the hill in the south.
To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated, and Ao Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is a road that cuts through to Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, care should be exercised while driving for the roads on Koh Chang are unpaved, with steep hills in some sections. The best places for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang Noi, and around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.
On Koh Chang itself are several accessible waterfalls. The Khlong Phlu waterfall is located 3 kms. from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes walk from the parking lot. The Khlong Nonsi waterfall is a 4-km. walk from the park headquarter, while the Khiriphet and Khlong Nung waterfalls are about 3 kms. from Ban Salakphet.
Second in size to Koh Chang, Koh Kut is located in the southernmost point in Trat territorial waters. A speedboat transport visitors to the island within one hour. The inhabitants grow rubber, coconut and other fruit-yielding plants, while others are fishermen. With scenic beaches shaded by rows of pines and coconut trees mostly located on the western shores, it is also blessed with rich mangroves.
There is plenty of Accommodation available on Koh Chang and most of the surrounding islands and ranges from 5 star hotels to simple bungalows.

Hua Hin Thailand

Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin)
The provincial capital is a fishing port with a superb location beside beautiful curving bays and amongst steep mountain outcrops. About 100 kilometres to the north of Prachuap Khiri Khan is Hua Hin, Thailand's first beach resort which is renowned for golf and spa. Between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan are Pran Buri with many boutique resorts and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park with soaring peaks, numerous caves and exotic bird life.
Hua Hin
281 kilometers south of Bangkok, Hua Hin, which literally means stone head in Thai, is the oldest beach resort of the country and is still very popular. Clean white sand, crystal clear water and a tranquil atmosphere has continued to attract tourists in search of peaceful and relaxing holidays.
The town was originally known as Ban Samoe Rieng, or Ban Laem Hin (Stony Point Village). The construction of a railway station in the city as part of the Southern Railroad in the reign of King Rama VI resulted in making Hua Hin stand out from many quite fishing villages. In addition, the construction of a Summer Palace of King Rama VII totally transformed the village into a high-society resort town for royalty. Even today, the Royal Family continues to reside at the Palace for part of the year.Hua Hin's consequence came with the opening of the Railway Hotel (known today as the Sofitel Central Hotel), an elegant Victorian-style resort hotel, and also the countrys first standard golf course. A cluster of royal and high-society residences gradually became more visible resulting in the transformation of the whole village into the first seaside resort of the country, where visitors could enjoy swimming, fishing, and golfing in the country's first standard golf course.Today, Hua Hin is a well-established beach destination with word-class facilities coupled with a true sense of Thai hospitality. Despite its expansive growth and development as a luxurious destination, the splendor of Hua Hin remains intact. Remaining content in itself, Thailand's oldest seaside resort has never sought international recognition. It has continued to provide a peaceful and relaxed sanctuary in a picturesque environment that comes with a true sense of historical identity.

Doi Pui tour

The Little Tour Guide of Doi Pui
Today we will take you to Doi Pui in Chiang Mai province, only a couple of kilometres from Doi Suthep, which is considered landmark of Chiang Mai. Doi Pui might not be as famous as Doi Suthep.
In this small village, there are a lot of wonderful things to do, such as sightseeing the beautiful pristine scenery, impressed with the hill tribe’s culture or listen to interesting stories from old people of the village. Since Doi Pui is located in the northern part of Thailand, where the weather is always cool, the agricultural products are their main income. In the past, most of the area was used to grow opium, the villagers were educated on how to earn a living according to the theory of sufficient economy (- a theory introduced by HRM King Rama IX, people will be able to stand on their legs and depend less on the outsiders. -) by doing agriculture or making handicrafts to replace opium growing.
Despite being a key tourist attraction in Chiang Mai, Doi Pui offers an insight into how the hill tribes live in Thailand. The villagers wear traditional Hmong clothes, sell traditional Hmong handicrafts, and live in traditional Hmong-style homes. With the unique tradition of the hill tribe villagers and the preserved way of life, the tourists who visit Doi Suthep often visit Doi Pui as well. It’s only 10 kilometers far from Doi Suthep. Upon our arrival at Doi Pui, one of the very first impressive things that catch our eyes is “The Little Guides of Doi Pui”
As we enter the Hmong village, we see these little guides running to greet us and two of them offer to be our guides. We ask about the price, and they say “Up to you, sir” That’s how we meet our tour guides.
The little guides are children in the local village; they volunteered to be members of “Doi Pui Little Guide Club”. As the number of tourists has been increasing recently, the local school created this club for their students to earn extra money. Their job is leading the tourists in a sightseeing trip throughout the village, to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and their charming culture.
Our journey starts at a shopping area. Many shops sell local products or hill crafts, such as tea, silver accessories, crossbow, etc. Suddenly catch our eyes is a shoe shop, selling colourful handmade shoes in Chinese style, only at 350 baht. Now I’ve got a souvenir for my girl. After that, we have a chance to chat with a hundred-year-old man, the oldest man in the village. Another must-see in this village is the garden that exhibits models of the hill tribe’s daily life in the old time, including the collection of wooden tools and the opium.
I’m sure you don’t want to miss this. We rent a native costume to wear as our tour guide’s recommendation. There are many type of costumes for you to choose including ornaments that match the costumes. Here, the silver ornaments infer to status of the wearer. We choose their formal costume to try on. Since the climate in Doi Pui is quite cool, all the native costumes are made from thick material to protect the cold breeze and to keep them warm.
As we experience the beauty of this village, we find some children interrupt the charming atmosphere by keep asking money from the tourists. However, it’s only a small detect comparing to the spectacular mountain views and breathtaking scenery as well as being able to experience the fascinating lifestyles of the Hmong hill tribe.
Finally, we hope that you have fun reading our story. Don’t forget to visit our website, to see where our next trip will be. See you soon!!

Don Kham Resort at Sangkhlaburi District

Don Kham Resort at Sangkhlaburi District
Today let us introduce you to a nice Resort, closed to Songkhalia river, called “Don Kham” resort. This resort is famous for the peaceful atmosphere and the magical sight of natural greenary, high mountains behind and Songkhalia river close by, this Don Kham Resort is an ideal place for your vacation.
Don Kham Resort is over 220 kilometers far from Kanchanaburi, located in Sangkhlaburi district. This town stands at the confluence of three water ways: Songkhalia, Bikli and Runtee.
There are a lot of activities for tourists to enjoy, such as rafting, visiting Luang Poh Uttama of Wat Mon, or Three Pagodas Pass. Also, you can enjoy the charming view of the Mon way of life. From morning to evening, they paddle boats in Songkhalia river to go to work or to catch fish. A famous dish of this town is “Pla-Soi-Dad-Deaw”, made from a local fish. Don’t forget to taste it.
At Don Kham resort, with the harmonious construction of the building and the nature, the tourists can admire the beauty of the town from their room balcony which is also a perfect spot for gazing the beautiful sunset. Besides, the design and decoration of the room also emphasize the atmosphere of the enchanting nature, such as the wooden head bed or the big clear glass window that gives a full view of Songkhalia River.
Moreover, they also have a rafting and elephant riding package with full accommodation for 1,500 baht/person only. The trip starts with the rafting and then elephant riding in the forest. For those who are in love with the nature, we’d bet that this true 100% natural trip will capture your heart.
Finally, with special thanks to the owner of Don Kham Resort for the information of the resort including the attractions in Sangkhlaburi district, we have a lot of photos of this fantastic town to show you. If you have a chance to travel to Kanchanaburi, don’t forget to visit Don Kham Resort.
See you on our next trip!!

A Royal Visits Thailand's Royal Phuket Marina

Britain's Princess Eugenie, daughter of the Duke & Duchess of York and granddaughter of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, was the latest in a line-up of high profile guests visiting Thailand's premier 'luxury lifestyle resort community' the Royal Phuket Marina over the recent Easter holiday weekend.
Pictured (second from left), the young princess was accompanied by four friends for lunch and a boat trip around Phuket's famous Phang Nga Bay which is renowned for its iconic James Bond Island which featured in the 'Man with the Golden Gun' with Roger Moore, as well as Phi Phi Island which appeared in the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Princess Eugenie and her friends were guests of marina developer Gulu Lalvani, a close friend of the British royal family. The tycoon founder of Binatone, the world's second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones, is partly based in London and features regularly on the Financial Times' annual Rich List.
Princess Eugenie, 19, is the second daughter of Prince Andrew,having completed her A-levels at Britain's prestigious Marlborough College.
Royal Phuket Marina is becoming a magnet for the world's celebrities and socialites looking to escape the limelight and enjoy the idyllic lifestyle of Phuket. Gulu Lalvani recently welcomed tennis star Martin Navratilova while his Christmas guest list included Hong Kong entrepreneur and Shanghai Tang founder Sir David Tang, Louis Vuitton CEO Yves Carcelle and Japanese designer Kenzo.
Located on Phuket's eastern seaboard overlooking scenic Phang Na Bay, Royal Phuket Marina is Thailand's first world-class luxury lifestyle community rivaling top marina resort communities in Europe and the Caribbean.
It was developed by tycoon Gulu Lalvani, the world's second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones, whose vision is to promote Phuket as a world class yachting hub in one of the world's most scenic and assessable locations.
Royal Phuket Marina has become a popular entertainment and lifestyle hub with open air restaurants and bars overlooking mega yachts moored in the Mediterranean-style marina.
Following the successful completion and sale of Phase I with its luxury condominiums and penthouses, Royal Phuket Marina has just completed its unique 'Aquaminium' penthouse apartments which come complete with their own integral boat berth as well as a series of ultra luxury private villas, also with private berths, which complete Phase II of the complex.
More than half of the Royal Phuket Marina development is devoted to leisure, shopping, recreation, and dining set amidst landscaped gardens overlooking the 350-berth marina.

PakWan Ban Restaurant

Pak Wan Ban Restaurant, The Supreme Addictive Restaurant on Kanchanaburi – Saiyok Waterfall Route
Pak Wan (- sweet leaf bush vegetable -) was known among local people for many years before getting more popular in both Thai and foriegn kitchen, until now it is sold in The Mall Department Store under the name “Pak Wan Ban Narubodin”. Today we will take you to taste the original recipe of Pak Wan at “Pak Wan Ban Restaurant”.
Located on the Kanchanaburi – Saiyok waterfall route, the origin of the famous Pak Wan starts from Pak Wan Seed from the Suan Chitralada project (- the royal project of King Rama IX, aiming to support the theory of sufficient economy-). Pak Wan Ban or full name “Sauropus androgynus merr” is a typical bush plant with leaf blade and branchlets green slender, easily grows in rainy season. It is a toxic free vegetable naturally and safe from any kind of insects.
Even though the restaurant isn’t located on the best spot, it is always full with customers. With its distinctive taste and good quality product, Pak Wan Ban has become the recommended dish of this restaurant. The most famous dish that you should not miss is “Pak Wan Ban Fai Daeng”. Recently they just opened their first branch in Bangkok at Rama II road.
Behind the restaurant is a large farm with over a hundred Rai (- unit of area; one rai is equal to 1,600 square meters -). Pak Wan Ban in this farm is sold to department stores while some are kept for this restaurant. The farm has been regularly checked to ensure the quality of the product; therefore, the freshness and the toxic-free are guaranteed.
Despite the similar name, Pak Wan Ban (House Pak Wan) is quite different to Pak Wan Pa (Wild Pak Wan) both in taste and color. Comparing to Pak Wan Pa, Pak Wan Ban is deeper in color and has chubby stem in. Both kinds have their own advantage. Pak Wan Ban is a good ingredient for fried dish, while Pan Wan Pa is suitable for curry, such as Pak Wan Pa curry with ant eggs, or dipping with tasty Nam Prick (- traditional Thai spicy sauce-).
As its name, Pak Wan Pa is found growing in the rich forest, especially in rock cranny. It can not be cultivated in the farm like Pak Wan Ban, that’s why Pak Wan Ban is now more popular than Pak Wan Pa, which is hard to find.
A must-order dish that we extremely recommend is “Pak Wan Fai Daeng” (- Pak Wan Ban stir with chili or oyster sauce -). Two thumbs up to this simple yet delightful taste!! But if you’d like to try something else, “Whisker Sheatfish with Curry Sauce” and “Spicy Fried Barking Deer” would be other delicious options. Some interesting fact is that Spicy Fried Barking Deer is made from calf meat, since the taste is very similar to the barking deer meat.
At the restaurant, you will be impressed by its cool and pleasant atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful greenery. The restaurant is decorated with wooden furnitures, such as coconut lamps,giving the fantastic feeling like dining in the middle of forest. With the greenery atmosphere and the distinctive taste of famous wild dishes, I bet you will fall in love with this restaurant like we did!!.
There are two ways to reach the restaurant; by private car and by train (at Kanchanaburi station – Nam Tok station or Death Railway), you can stop and buy many local fresh products from vendors along the way, such as salucca, rambutan and fresh mushroom (see more detail of Kanchanaburi – Saiyok route in our next story). Thus, you may ask the restaurant to cook it for you. If you go by train, you will experience another excitement (More details of the Death Railway route is available in this website). So, choose your style and enjoy!!

Amarin Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009

Amarin Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009
Amazing Thailand Adventure Race
Date : 9 May 2009
Venue : Chiang Mai
The second year of the Chiang Mai Challenge!
Disciplines include biking, running, kayaking and swimming. Race through the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai.
Backing the event are the Tourism Authority of Thailand and North Face, while the actual running of the event comes under sports activity specialist, Active Management Asia.
Another challenging 1 day race in the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series.
There are three signature events in the 2009 series. The season kicks off with the River Kwai Trophy in Kanchanaburi, followed by the inaugural Chiang Mai Challenge, 10 May and the second Bangkok Challenge, hosted in Nong Chok district, on the outskirts of the capital, this November.

5 Region Thai Travel Fest

"Thieo Thai Kruk Kruen, Setthakit Thai Kuek Khak" (Enjoy a wonderful travel in Thailand for the better Thai economy) is a newly domestic campaign that Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched to express an invitation to tourists to experience the wonderful country, visit the beautiful tourist attractions both natural and historical sites and participate in various kind of cultural activities and events. Moreover,it also stimulates economy through shopping the OTOP ; products of the Thai wisdom or tasting regional delicious food and fresh fruit.
In this connection, 5 Region Thai Travel Fest is organized to promote "the Best" of each region i.e. the outstanding tourist attractions as well as magnificent cultural performances. Furthermore, the consumer fair ; where special price of accommodation, package and spa from tourist private sectors, are avialable in the events of 5 Region Thai Travel Fest 2009, which is held in the major cities of each region :
5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ Season of The East
1 - 3 May, 2009
at Pattaya, Chon Buri
5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ Amazing Mythical I-san
17 - 19 July, 2009
at Thung Si Mueang, Ubon Ratchathani
5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ The Charming Serene North
13 July - 2 August 2009
at Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University, Phisanulok
5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ The Zestful Splendid South
21 - 23 August, 2009
at Suan Somdej Phra Si Nakarindra 84 (Thung Tha Lad Park), Nakhon Si Thammarat
5 Region Thai Travel Fest @ The Central Paradise
18 - 20 September, 2009
at The SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (Public Organization) - SACICT,
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
For more information, please call
- Tourist Hotline Tel. 1672
- Events Department, (Events Planning Division & Events Promotion Division)
Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext 3464-3468
- TAT offices nationwide
(N.B : The information is subject to change without prior notice. To ensure you will experience the wonderful event, kindly check before going, For more information, please call Tourist Hotline Tel. 1672 or Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext 3464-3468

Pattaya A great getaway

Just two hours from Bangkok is the beach resort of Pattaya-at once busy and quiet. Spend some time here and you'll discover that pattaya is really a great getaway. From a small fishing village to a major tourist resort, Pattaya has certainly changed colors. It got of a US base at nearby Sattahip. Now the resortcan lay claim to the same range of seaside attractions, the same diversity of recreations as this one. Food is great here, especially seafood which you have to try at a beachside restaurant for the sheer atmosphere. This seaside town also offers great international dining experience with restaurants catering to every taste, in every lane and by-lane. The beach is, of course, one of its main attractions. But those looking for peace and quiet could head for nearby Hat Jomtien and Wong Amat witch more than make up for the hustle and bustle of Pattaya.
Tours to nearby islands, beaches and sightseeing points abound. In addition there is a full-range of activities for sports enthusiasts-snorkeling, scuba diving, shooting, bowling and great golfing.
At night the city comes alive and is ablaze with lights. There is plenty to choose from-restaurants, beer bars, cabarets, pubs, discotheques and tranquil beaches (at night they are tranquil).
GETTING THERE
Pattaya is easily accessible from Bangkok by car taking only two hours along Bangna-Trad Highway via Bangna, Bang Pakong, Chonburi and Si Racha.
Eastern Bus Station at Sukhumvit Soi 63 (390-1230) has air-conditioned coaches leaving Bangkok every half hour from 5 am to 11 pm and retaining from Pattaya every half hour from 5am to 9 pm Bht 77 one way.
Hualamphong Train Station on Rama IV Rd (223-0341-8) has a daily train service departing Bangkok at 7am. The train departs Pattaya for Bangkok at 2:50 pm daily. Bht31 one way.
WHERE TO GO
Beaches. As beaches go there are several-from Na Klua to Jomtien. The most famous is the one bordering Pattaya Beach Road and is packed with hotels, restaurants, shopping plazas, and bars. Jomtien Beach is relatively quieter and offers windsurfing, jet skiing etc.
Coral islands. Close by are three small islands popular for the clear blue water, the largest of which is Hoh LAN. Motor boat trips to the island take 45 minutes, and often include viewing corals from glass bottomed boats, The other two islands are Ko Sak and Ko Khrok> also nearby are Ko Lin and Ko Phai
Elephant Kraal. At the Pattaya Elephant Village, entertaining demonstrations of elephant training, racing, and round-ups can be seen.
Mini Siam" The first miniature town in Southeast Asia, Mini Siam is at Km 143 on Sukhumvit Highway, Phra Pathom Chedi, Victory Moment, and Wat Phra Kaeo.
The Million Years stone Park&Pattaya Crocodile Farm, A magnificent natural garden. Forty acres of gigantic, grotesque stones Thai Bonsai over 200 years old and a zoo. Just 15 minutes from North Pattaya. 249347-9
Nong Mooch Tropical Garden. 20 minutes from Pattaya on Km 163 is this 500 acre park with Thai-style houses, orchid and cactus gardens, and a large artificial lake. If time permits, catch the daily cultural and elephant shows.
Phra Tamnak Hill. Phra Tamnak Hill is at the southern tip of the bay, and offers the most panoramic view of the curved Bay of Pattaya.
Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. A fantastic place for the family. It boasts over 300 fascinating exhibits including the SOS messages from the ill-fated Titanic. It also includes Motion Master, Moving Theatre, two motion picture cinemas plus a Lazer Tag game and a hitch bumper car ride, 3rd floor, Royal Garden Plaza. The entrance fee is Bht 150 for adults and Bht 100 for chidden. Open daily from 10 am till midnight.
Sriracha Tiger Zoo. The zoo has over 80 tigers besides other animals, Open daily 9.30 am - 6.30 pm. 341 Moo 3 Nongkham, Sriracha, Chonburi. 296556-8.
Snake Show. For a really thrilling and interesting experience, visit Pattaya's Snake Show. Pythons, cobras and kraits are on show. Open daily 8.00 am -9 pm. 10/20 Moo5, Soi Noenphapwan, Nongprue. 945-297-8
Tiffany's Show. Asia's most spectacular stand-in cabaret comes to life every night at Tiffany's Sixty transvestite dancers in stunning costumes and in memorable song and dance sequences perform with a touch of flair and comedy. Dailyashow time: 7 pm, 8:30 pm and 10 pm. North Pattaya, 2nd Road. Tel 429-642, 421-700-3
Shopping. Pattaya Beach road is jammed with several shops for beachwear, souvenirs, liquor, jewelry, silks, Thai handicrafts and just about everything else. Or you can shop at department stores and shopping plazas like Royal Garden Plaza, Central Shopping Center, Mike Shopping Mall, Lotus Supermarket and Big C.

Amazing Kayak Rally Family Aoluk Krabi

Amazing Kayak Rally Family Aoluk Krabi
Date : 3 May 2009
Venue : Ao Ko Ngam, Tambon Lamsak, Ampur Aoluk, Krabi
Krabi Province, in cooperation with Office of Tourism and Sports – Krabi Province, Aoluk District, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Krabi Office is going to co-organise “Amazing Kayak Rally Family Aoluk Krabi” on 3 May 2009 at Ao Ko Ngam, Krabi
Aoluk has variety of tourism destinations, such as cave, waterfall, national park, ancient mural painting, as well as marine tourist spots. Aoluk plans to organize “Amazing Kayak Rally Family Aoluk Krabi” with an objective to promote tourism destinations in the area through Kayak Rally. The competitors will have to pass by the area of long range limestone mountains lying in the Andaman Sea, with the pre-historic mural paintings. They will also be impressed with the beauty of Ao Ko Ngam, this activity will enhance good relationships among the family members.
The application limits to 50 teams, with application fee of 2,500 bath/team. The applicants will get t-shirt, cap, lunch and dinner.
For those who are interested, please contact
Ampur Aoluk, Tel. : +66 (0) 7568 1892
TAT Krabi Office, Tel. : +66 (0) 7562 2163
or please download the application form at www.tat.or.th/krabicenter

Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival

Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival
Date : 8 - 10 May 2009
Venue : Phaya Thaen Park, Mueang District, Yasothon
The underlying logic and science behind the famous rocket festival, scheduled for 8 to 10 May, in the unassuming northeast town of Yasothon, is not to be found in a chemistry laboratory.
While the rocket owners pack as much as 25 kg of black powder into plastic or bamboo pipes to give their homemade missiles take off, the blueprints for this exceptionally noisy festival are traced in the mystical skies ruled by gods. Approaching rain clouds signal the start of the rice planting season, but according to northeastern folklore the first raindrops fall only when the gods are in the mood for love. They need encouragement hence the importance of the Bun Bang Fai, or rocket festival, to stir the mythical community, resident in the heavens, to bless earth with fertility and rain.
One mother of all rockets shoots high into the sky possibly for a kilometre or more stimulating the gods to action. Its vapour trail and height is seen as an omen. The higher it goes, the more rain will fall on the northeast plateau bringing good fortune and a bumper rice harvest.
None of these lofty goals prevent Yasothon’s residents and thousands of visitors from the more earthly pleasures of merry making associated with their homemade rockets.
All sizes and shapes are built around a simple plastic or bamboo pipe packed solid with black powder and fuses. They can be up to 10 metres, or more, in length, as long as they are capable of powering into the skies at blast off. Anything short of that spectacle prompts a chorus of laughter from the crowd and even a few missiles of mud aimed at the head of the hapless rocket owner.
While the rockets compete, the crowd is entertained with comedy, often bawdy with a smattering of dirty jokes and raucous country music. It’s a genuine farming community excuse to have fun and get the planting season off to a good start.
Accidents are few and far between, but as the beer and rice whisky flows, missiles may stutter, wobble or even do some low flying antics over the tents and entertainment stages.
Rocket festivals are held throughout the region and in neighbouring Laos, but Yasothon residents, noted for their sense of humour, inspire an event that draws international visitors attracted by a hilarious three-day party. It embodies I-san’s ability to rise above the hardships of tilling the land.
Ironically, at any other time of the year, Yasothon is a sleepy northeast town that hardly warrants a second glance. Rarely visited by tourists, it is overshadowed by its neighbour Ubon Ratchathani, 98 km to the southeast. Considered the prime tourism gateway to the lower I-san region, Ubon Ratchathani’s airport is served by both the national airline, Thai Airways International, and low-cost airlines. It is possible to hire a car at the airport and drive northwest on Highway 23 to Yasothon.
The town’s hotels are full during this short festival and hotels will double their rates to cash in on the festival’s popularity. There are also hotels in Roi-et, 60 km northwest of Yasothon, while some visitors may decide to stay in Ubon and embark on a daytrip returning after sunset.
Contact :
TAT Ubon Ratchathani Office
Tel : 66 (0) 4524 3770-1, 66 (0) 4525 0714
Yasothon Municipality Office
Tel : 66 (0) 4571 1397 Ext. : 112

THAI FOODS

Thai food is known for its enthusiastic use of fresh (rather than dried) herbs and spices as well as fish sauce.
Thai food is popular in many Western countries especially in Australia, New Zealand, some countries in Europe such as the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, and Canada.
Instead of a single main course with side dishes found in Western cuisine, a Thai full meal typically consists of either a single dish or rice khao with many complementary dishes served concurrently.
Rice is a staple component of Thai cuisine, as it is of most Asian cuisines. The highly prized, sweet-smelling jasmine rice is indigenous to Thailand. This naturally aromatic long-grained rice grows in abundance in the verdant patchwork of paddy fields that blanket Thailand's central plains. Its aroma bears no resemblance to the sweet smell of jasmine blossoms, but like jasmine flowers, this rice is precious and fragrant, a small everyday delight. Steamed rice is accompanied by highly aromatic curries, stir-frys and other dishes, incorporating sometimes large quantities of chillies, lime juice and lemon grass. Curries, stir-frys and others may be poured onto the rice creating a single dish called khao rad gang , a popular meal when time is limited. Sticky rice khao neow is a unique variety of rice that contains an unusual balance of the starches present in all rice, causing it to cook up to a pleasing sticky texture. It is the daily bread of Laos and substitutes ordinary rice in rural Northern and Northeastern Thai cuisine, where Lao cultural influence is strong.
Noodles, known throughout parts of Southeast Asia by the Chinese name kwaytiow, are popular as well but usually come as a single dish, like the stir-fried Pad Thai or noodle soups. Many Chinese cuisine are adapted to suit Thai taste, such as khuaytiow rue, a sour and spicy rice noodle soup.
There is uniquely Thai dish called nam prik which refers to a chile sauce or paste. Each region has its own special versions. It is prepared by crushing together chillies with various ingredients such as garlic and shrimp paste using a mortar and pestle. It is then often served with vegetables such as cucumbers, cabbage and yard-long beans, either raw or blanched. The vegetables are dipped into the sauce and eaten with rice. Nam prik may also be simply eaten alone with rice or, in a bit of Thai and Western fusion, spread on toast.
Thai food is generally eaten with a fork and a spoon. Chopsticks are used rarely, primarily for the consumption of noodle soups. The fork, held in the left hand, is used to shovel food into the spoon. However, it is common practice for Thais and hill tribe peoples in the North and Northeast to eat sticky rice with their right hands by making it into balls that are dipped into side dishes and eaten. Thai-Muslims also frequently eat meals with only their right hands.
Often thai food is served with a variety of spicy condiments to embolden the dish. This can range from dried chili pieces, sliced chili peppers in rice vinegar, to a spicy chili sauce such as the nam prik mentioned above.

Khao Yai Wine Region – wine appreciation tour 2009

Wine Appreciation Tour at “ Khao Yai Wine Region – wine appreciation tour 2009” is offered for wine lovers at any level of expertise and nature lovers to be in touch with the wonderful wine country and the beauty of the Vineyards and Wineries.
You will enjoy the soft adventure tour with charming nature of Khao Yai Region. Taste the wines at wineries of up coming world class from Thailand’s premier wine region (Village Farm Winery, GranMonté Estate, and PB Valley Khao Yai Winery).
This exclusive program will be held on April 25th – 26th 2009, for two days and one night trip with a special tour price at 4,500- baht net per person (including transportation, accommodation, meals and tour guide.)
The wonderful and enchanted trip of three Vineyards will be in your memory forever…
For more information, please contact PR Department of PB Partners Group of Companies or Sales Department: Tel: 02-262-0030 ext. 107, 283,109,118, and reservation, please contact Khun Bow, Tel: 081-877-3711

Diving at Koh Chang in Thailand

Diving at Koh Chang
For snorkelers and day-trippers, there are stunning smaller islands off the coast of Koh Chang, with a good variety of hard and soft corals and a proliferation of giant clams. Our destination today is “Koh Chang” or the Elephant Island, a well-known for the spectacular coral reefs and plently of beautiful fishes in the gulf of Thailand. Now, let’s get on the boat and explore the beauty of this island!!

It’s seven o’clock in the morning, a shuttle van is waiting for us in front of the hotel. On the way to Bang Bao Pier (– a local fisherman pier -), we stop a few times to pick up some foreigners. Looking around, we notice that most of our companies in this trip are foriegners. A small chat with your companies is always a good start before having an enjoyable trip together. Also we suggest that you should stock you supplies which can be bought at a convenient store near the pier before getting on the boat because our destination is an isolated island with no resident.
There are two diving packages available; a four islands one and a five islands one. We choose four islands so that we can have enough time to absorb the pleasure at each spot and capture a lot of beautiful photos. The price of the package is around 500-700 baht. However, if you prefer a diving trip with insurance, you can buy one from your hotel for 700-900 baht.

Finding a diving package is not as hard as you may think, since the owners of the boat trip will leave their packages information with local restaurants, hotels or tour agencies. We bought our ticket from “Jae Muay Seafood” (a delicious seafood restaurant in economical price), who takes care of everything for us, including arranging a car to pick up us at the hotel.

Our boat departs from the pier around 8 o’clock, taking only 45 minutes to reach our first destination, “Koh Wai”(- a small island with beautiful coral reefs close to Koh Chang-). We are about to reach the island when the tour guide tells us to change and hands out the snorkels. Swiming suit is a good option for those who want to be truely “in” the sea, but you can wear long sleeves shirt and long pants in case you prefer to avoid getting sunburnt.

Traveling to Koh Chang without diving, it simply means that you haven’t reached here yet. Because looking at fishes from the boat is so much different from seeing them swimming around us. With the cool breeze against your face, the perfect sunshine on the crystal-clear water and the tremendous variety of colourful fishes swimming beneath the surface, perfect time to dive!! Just turn your face down to the ocean with your back facing the sky and let your body floating along the tide, you will experience an amazing sensation as if you were in a wonderful dream.
Remember, try to stay close to your friends, since you can easily allured by the beauty of the underwater world and get lost in this wide ocean. Especially, if you are a poor swimmer, don’t forget to inform the crews so that they can take extra care of you.

Getting exhausted from swimming, we all need to charge our energy. The crews provide delicious food with various fresh fruit for dessert. It is known that the Eastern part of Thailand is famous as “The Fruit Town”.
Now it comes a two-hour lunch break on a perfect island. What a nice time to have our legs stretched and relaxed. Highlights of this island are the clean white sand and the four black&white nemo fishes living near the corals. Look like they are living in their own empire as no other fishes are seen around them. However, do not get close to their houses. They can be unfriendly if you come too near as they might think you are trying to attack their families. Therefore, be a good tourist by not disturbing any animal; otherwise, they will escape away and we will miss these little cute friends.

After eating lunch and diving at the next two islands, we head back to Koh Chang, all exhuasted from diving but enjoy the fantastic trip. We recommend that you should take some clothes to change; otherwise, you may get frozen from the cold wind on the boat. Our one day diving trip ends as we arrive at the pier around 5 o’clock in the evening.
With the crystal-clear water and picturesque beaches, we think it is an ideal place for a honeymoon trip or spending a private time with your loved ones. Come experience the breath-taking of the abundant coral reefs, a thousand of colourful fishes and the beautiful sandy beaches. It will definitely be an impressive holiday!!