Tag Archives: phuket

Wesak Celebrations in Phuket Lighting up the Streets in the Joy of Celebration

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Phuket, Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, where sun shines upon the golden beaches every day. Blue ocean waters and the scintillating charm of the never ending festive atmosphere are cherished beyond measure by everyone who steps on these shores. Seafood and laughter, good times galore will certainly mark the great holiday spent here in this land of absolute charm.

Phuket has much more to offer to its visitors than the splendour of the beaches and the consequent oceanic entertainment, which quite definitely will be common to all beach cities around the world. The land is rich with culture and religion. The pulse of the people, who call this place their home, is felt in the rich celebrations and festivities that accompany religiously significant days in their calendars.

Buddhism being a religion that is widely practiced across the country, the day of Wesak that marks the birth of the Buddha as well as commemorates the beginning of his teaching is one of the most prominent festivals here in Phuket. The celebrations of Wesak that occur on the days of full moon on the month of May are indeed wonderful to behold, in all its colour and reverence, revealing the true nature, mild and wholesome, of this land marked by high entertainment.

Celebrations take place in all their splendour in the temples scattered throughout the vicinity, while candle light processions illuminate the dark cold streets on this special day. Tourists too may partake in these festivities if they wish, and celebrate with the locals a day of great significance to them, and have another colourful and bright facet added to their memory of the perfect holiday experience.

A Phuket resort that offers luxury and opulence beyond expectations such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand, can be considered if you wish to bask in the wonder of this colourful country, so rich in culture and tradition, while being pampered by its fineries. A Phuket beach resort such as this will make your perfect holiday spent in this sunny corner of the world, a wonderful memory, to be cherished for a lifetime.

Phuket Bike Week 2014: “ASEAN Ride Together”

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Organised to coincide with the Thai festival Songkran, the Phuket Bike Week is an event like no other and is quite a unique event for tourists to witness. This biking event is complete with a number of activities which include a Motorcycle Exhibition, a Beach Party, a Grand Dinner, Bike Contest, Miss PBW, a Tattoo Contest and many more and the variety of activities attract people from all walks of life who join together to celebrate their love of motorcycles. For those who wish to encounter this event, the Phuket Bike Week takes place at a myriad of locations but mostly on Patong Beach, a football field in the area and the Jungceylon Mega Mall.
Of the myriad of activities available, the Motorcycle Exhibition attracts the largest crowd as enthusiasts flock to the event to get a closer look at some of the bigger and better names in the motorcycle industry such as Harley Davidson, Yamaha, BMW and Kawasaki. The Phuket Bike Week also promotes unity and aims to attract motorcycle enthusiasts not only from Thailand, but from other Asian countries such as Malaysia and Singapore whilst promoting the theme of “ASEAN Ride Together’. In 2012, an event called the ‘Ride for Peace’ was held where a biker parade rode around the island from Patong to Leam Phrom Thep after which a beach party was held to celebrate the event.
Tourists staying at a Phuket hotel can easily witness this spectacle by making their way to Loma Park and for those who want to have a souvenir to remember the event, a collection of motorcycle gear is available ranging from boots, gloves, jackets and helmets to smaller tokens such as caps, stickers and key chains. Thus, whether you’re a true motorcycle enthusiast or a tourist residing in a Phuket beach resort, there is something for everyone at this epic attraction. if you are living outside Phuket or even Thailand and is searching for accommodation during this time, consider booking the Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand whose location by the beach coupled with its world class meals make it a wonderful place to return to after a blissful day at the Phuket Bike Week.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Loy Krathong – The Glowing Festival

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One of the most spectacular festivals in the Thai calendar is without a doubt the Loy Krathong Festival, Thailand’s very own “Festival of Lights”. Hundreds of glowing lanterns illuminate the sky, giving the entire nation a magical ambience. Enjoy the intriguing aspects of this beautiful Chinese festival, which goes all out in making this event memorable and truly special. During Loy Krathong, the locals perform a series of symbolic rituals, each quite interesting to watch and even more exciting to try out. The festival is believed to bless you with a fresh start as you wash away bad memories with the flames that sail away into the sea or up onto the magical night sky.

The Loy Krathong falls every year on the full moon day of the 12th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which corresponds to somewhere in the end of November. The festival is devoted to the Goddess of water, Mae Kongha, as a means to thank her for sustenance and as a prayer for good fortune in the year that follows. The celebrations during Loy Krathong are grand and pompous and are glorified by the loud concerts, beauty pageants, and the endless family celebrations. Everywhere you wander, you would be treated with an array of delicious Thai goodies. There is color, festivity, laughter and Thai flavors; the perfect combination for the perfect celebration.

Loy Krathong is symbolized by two primary ritualistic acts; the Krathong and the Khom. The Krathong is actually a miniature raft made from banana leaves and lotus flowers with a number of incense sticks and candles inserted at the top. It is a crafty little raft whose flame from the candle is believed to carry one’s bad memories away. With this in mind, the raft is set to sail along the Chayo Phraya River of Thailand, illuminating the waters with a magical glow. The Khom, which are the flying lanterns are also set up in the sky for the exact same reason. Here again, the fire is thought to carry away one’s bad memories of the past, giving believers a fresh start with the new season.

Experience a welcome dose of the enchanting festival of Loy Krathong and you will truly be rejuvenated. To experience this ultimate bliss, stay at the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, as you will find that this Phuket Resort is known for its impeccable location and un-matched luxury, and is ranked an excellent Patong beach resort amongst tourists who visit the region.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2013 – Land of Many Wonders

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Phuket is an island off the coast of Thailand and it is comparable to the size of Singapore. Phuket offers its residents and visitors much to do. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and it is really no wonder why. Whether it’s a cozy honeymoon or an action-packed getaway, Phuket is a must-visit locality for all adventure-seeking, thrill-discerning travelers, as numerous fun events occur here each year. Apart from all the things to do in Phuket, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2013 is one of them.

Phuket is Asia’s premiere destination for the triathlon and it features some grueling activities such as a 1.8k swim, a 55k bike ride, as well as a strenuous 12k bike ride to round out this exciting event. You can either sign up to participate or simply witness the event that takes place through some of the most amazing tropical landscapes. Taking place on the 24th of November, this event has previously featured and attracted many other popular athletes featured on the global stage such as Chrissie Wellington, Mark Allen, Craig Alexander and many others. It is a true test of champions and only those who are physically able and who have been training for months should attempt this rigorous triathlon.

If you are a spectator who is cheering on the participants, while you are on this wonderful island, do make it a point to visit the amazing tourist spots and museums that the island hosts. It’s a wonderful place for the whole family to have a great time, regardless of whether you are into triathlons or not. However, if you make it to the Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2013, you might be lucky if you meet the champions who have won more than world championships in almost every discipline, such as the Iron-Man. He may not be Tony Stark, but he sure comes close!

Phuket will undoubtedly leave you with great memories so make sure you make the most of your wonderful trip there. Stay at a Phuket resort that will give you an amazing stay. Resorts such as a Patong beach resort are a great choice, and the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket is a worthy option to consider. The surroundings, the beach and the people are all aspects of Phuket that lure tourists in great numbers here. So make sure you do not miss out anything in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Por Tor Festival Phuket – A Must See in Thai

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Eastern Asia is one part of the world etched with rich culture and tradition. From festivities to rituals to food, each occasion, activity and cuisine is both colorful, interesting and has a symbolic history behind. Visitors to countries like Thailand never fail to be awed by the meticulous detail and fascinating stories that govern each event in the country. It is no different for the famous Hungry Ghost Festival whose name in itself is quite the crowd puller.

The ‘Hungry Ghost’ festival is one interesting event that makes its way into the calendars of the Thai’s Singaporeans and the Chinese. The Chinese pay great importance to the satisfaction of their dead ancestors. They believe that their good fortune in this life rests on this deed. The Chinese believe that on the day of the festival, their ancestors are released from hell and roam the earth and hence food is prepared in abundance to apparently feed the ghosts; especially the ones who have no relatives. The event in itself is very festive and colorful. Streets are brightly illuminated and are decorated primarily in red; a color that symbolizes Good luck. This time of the year is an excellent time to enjoy authentic Chinese culture and the traditional hungry Ghost bites at very cheap prices. The primary treat is the turtle cake prepared in red of course. The turtle symbolizes long life and the red symbolizes prosperity, hence it is distributed among family and friends. If you are in Phuket during this time of the year head over to the Ranong Road. The entire market and all the areas nearby are spectacularly decorated for the occasion and feature an array on interesting traditional activities such as lion dances, stage performances and cabaret shows.

The Chinese shrines are also an excellent stop by if you want to enjoy a quick glimpse of the religious rituals that mark the Hungry Ghosts Festival. After a good dosage of the hungry ghosts, come home to the warm and cozy arms of the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels. This Patong Beach resort boasts a very picturesque scenery and happens to be the best Phuket Resort there is.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival – A Display Of Strength And Valor

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A fascinating aspect of Thai culture is the nine-day purge known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Held each year in the month of October, the festival includes an unusual parade that may take you aback the first time that you witness the strange sights. People pierce their tongue, cheeks and other parts of the body with sharp metal objects. Some even go to the extent of carrying large metal tools through their piercings. For instance, some carry bicycles, large swords and rifles which are pierced through the cheek and the tongue and balanced by both hands. The ritual is intense and is somewhat gruesome to watch, and it is not the type of thing that most tourists are accustomed to. However, the strength and the determination of the Thais to carry these objects and their self-sacrificial nature of piercing their own body present an astonishing feat of human dedication and drive that must be experienced firsthand.

If you wish to attend the festival, you must make your way to Ranong Road and purchase a festival outfit for a few dollars. The procession begins at 8am and goes on till late at night. The cutting ceremonies are performed in the temples in Phuket. If you have the stomach to watch it, you should attend one of these events. There are other activities too that are held in the temples, such as fire walking, fire breathing and climbing ladders composed entirely of daggers.

If you arrived in Phuket especially to see the festival, then don’t miss out on the closing ceremony, which is a stunning spectacle, and it comprises a final ceremony for the gods. Secure a place on Phuket Road and watch out for the fireworks and the golden shrines which are carried across the street. If you fancy a bite after the festival, take a stroll down Ranong Road, where you will discover a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes and some fresh juices available. When looking for an optimal place to host your stay here, take a look at a stylish Phuket resort in the area such as the range of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels for some of the best deals for lodging. Travelling in the city can be quite tiring, so a Patong beach resort would be ideal for your stay for some welcome relaxation in the tropics.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival – A Display Of Strength And Valor

Posted on by

A fascinating aspect of Thai culture is the nine-day purge known as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Held each year in the month of October, the festival includes an unusual parade that may take you aback the first time that you witness the strange sights. People pierce their tongue, cheeks and other parts of the body with sharp metal objects. Some even go to the extent of carrying large metal tools through their piercings. For instance, some carry bicycles, large swords and rifles which are pierced through the cheek and the tongue and balanced by both hands. The ritual is intense and is somewhat gruesome to watch, and it is not the type of thing that most tourists are accustomed to. However, the strength and the determination of the Thais to carry these objects and their self-sacrificial nature of piercing their own body present an astonishing feat of human dedication and drive that must be experienced firsthand.

If you wish to attend the festival, you must make your way to Ranong Road and purchase a festival outfit for a few dollars. The procession begins at 8am and goes on till late at night. The cutting ceremonies are performed in the temples in Phuket. If you have the stomach to watch it, you should attend one of these events. There are other activities too that are held in the temples, such as fire walking, fire breathing and climbing ladders composed entirely of daggers.

If you arrived in Phuket especially to see the festival, then don’t miss out on the closing ceremony, which is a stunning spectacle, and it comprises a final ceremony for the gods. Secure a place on Phuket Road and watch out for the fireworks and the golden shrines which are carried across the street. If you fancy a bite after the festival, take a stroll down Ranong Road, where you will discover a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes and some fresh juices available. When looking for an optimal place to host your stay here, take a look at a stylish Phuket resort in the area such as the range of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels for some of the best deals for lodging. Travelling in the city can be quite tiring, so Patong resorts would be ideal for your stay for some welcome relaxation in the tropics.

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Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Por Tor Festival – Phuket’s Festival for the Dead

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Phuket is known for its heavenly beaches and is a much loved tourist destination. However, few people realise that Phuket is actually a highly spiritual place. Although not very big in size, the Thai island is home to a fair number of temples and there is always some type of function going on. Travellers who are interested in learning more about foreign customs and cultures can do so by participating in the local celebrations. There are several interesting options depending on the time of the year. Those visiting between August and September may get a chance to take part in the Por Tor Festival.

The Por Tor Festival, more popularly known as the ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’, is a Chinese festival that falls on the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is believed that at midnight on the last day of the sixth month, the gateway to the spirit world is opened and the spirits are allowed to freely roam the world. The spirits will usually return to visit their families and relatives. Most people spend their days in prayer to appease their ancestors. They also give offerings of flowers, incense and food. The food offerings are meant to appease the ghosts, as it is believed that a hungry ghost is an angry ghost.

Night time trips are avoided for the duration of the month, although some activities do take place. Tourists will be able to observe and take part in a number of interesting activities. Keep an eye out for the ‘red turtles’. These are actually cakes and can be seen at shrines. Sometimes the turtles bear messages or names on their back. It can be fun to buy one from a bakery and leave it at a shrine.

One can enjoy the Por Tor Festival at a Patong beach resort like the Millennium Resort Patong Phuket. The Phuket resort is situated in the centre of Patong and is a terrific place to stay. Providing guests with easy access to the beaches, nightclubs, restaurants and bars of Patong, it is the ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Siam Niramit in Phuket – Bringing History to Life

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Thousands flock to Thailand every year enticed by its exciting shopping, cultural diversity and of course, its iconic islands such as Phuket. Phuket’s location at the tip of Thailand provides it with an amazing and unobstructed ocean view which coupled with a tropical monsoon climate makes it a tourist paradise. However, natural beauty is not all that this island paradise has to offer as it provides insight to the history and culture of ancient Siam through many cultural performances, one such being the Siam Niramit.

The Siam Niramit is a performance that fuses the cultural heritage of the country with the artistic ability of the people which culminates in a show like no other. Performed by over 100 persons, the recital is composed of three acts: Journey Back into History, Journey beyond Imagination and Journey through Joyous Festivals.

The first act takes viewers back to the ancient kingdoms and its heritage while the second act expounds the common religious beliefs of the Siamese people. The performance is concluded with an on stage illustration of the varied and colourful Thai festivals thus making the Siam Niramit a show you must witness in order to truly bask in the richness of Thai culture and heritage. Enjoy the performance as the show endeavours to bring history to life through music and dance.

The performance is conducted every day except on Tuesdays from 8.30pm onwards while those who wish to make an evening out of the event can also opt for the Thai or International buffet dinner from 6 to 8pm.

Those who wish to experience this wonderful show could book their tickets online and choose from a range of seats while the website offers guests the option of being picked up from and dropped off at the Phuket resort they are residing in. Those who choose to stay at a Phuket beach resort can choose from a variety of options such as Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand which offers guests the option of residing in their own private villa with a private pool and a spectacular view of the ocean. Complete with these private sanctuaries, this is one such resort you will not soon forget.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Queen’s Birthday – Honouring Queen Sirikit

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Thailand is one of few countries in the world that still has a monarchy, and aptly celebrates it with pomp and circumstance. All cities in Thailand roll out a grand array of celebrations to honour their most beloved royal consort to the king, Queen Sirikit. The festivities draw huge crowds each year, and visitors might want to enjoy the occasion from a fine Phuket resort. The Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand offers guests luxury villas for a choice Phuket beach resort experience that will allow them to soak in the celebrations with style. Thailand has a traditional monarchy with active members of the royal family, who are all engaged in various charitable and social projects. Queen Sirikit is a most beloved member to the Thai populace, and is well known for her extensive charitable work, her writing talent and her tireless efforts to promote tolerance and understanding of the country’s Muslim minority. The Queen’s birthday is observed on August 12, which is also when the nation celebrates of Mother’s Day, and Phuket in particular unfurls a grandiose set of activities to honour her highness. Last year, the city planted a tree to honour the Queen and to promote environmental awareness. In further promotion of sustainability, a million juvenile shrimp and other young marine animals were released into the canal. The themes of the celebrations usually focus on similar “life” endeavours, which include alms offerings, art competitions, award ceremonies, and traditional Thai ceremonies that pay homage to the Queen. The celebrations last all day, and are topped off by glorious candle light ceremonies and fantastic fireworks displays that light up the Thai skies in multi-hued fire bands. A fitting tribute to a truly inspiring public figure.