Tag Archives: Thailand

Chonburi Festival in Thailand – Buffaloes to the fore!

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An annual festival in the Chonburi festival of Thailand, the buffalo races are quite popular amongst not only the locals, but also the foreigners. While visiting, there are plenty of luxury hotel resorts in which you can seek accommodation amongst which Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas stand out from amongst the luxury hotels in the region. According to records, buffalo racing in Chonburi is an event that has been in continuation for 70 years during which King Rama VI has also been an ardent viewer. The event is usually held a day before the full moon day in October and is held in great festivity. The buffalos are colourfully decorated in vibrant cloths and garlands of flowers, a sight which is quite delightful to witness. The trick is to ride the buffalo bareback and guide it down the track using only the reins and the whip. The riders are from the local community and it is a test of balance as well as agility for the riders. Great prices await the winners at the end of each event which serves as a great motivational factor for participation.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Songkran Festival 2014 in Phuket – Celebrate the thrills of the spills!

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Get ready for some wet ‘n wild fun when you visit Thailand in the middle of April, and prepare to get soaked during the famous Songkran Festival, which features three full days of water-based shenanigans, so pack waterproof clothing and prepare to get soaked! Get out and join the fun (bring your own water pistol!) or retreat to a stylish Phuket resort to relax and unwind in style. In particular, consider checking into a Phuket Beach Resort such as the tranquil Anantara Phuket, Thailand. But if the fun demon within propels you to venture into Phuket during April 13-15, best come prepared, as no one is exempted from the splashing of their lives. You will see huge trucks that park alongside the main roads, armed with barrelfuls of ice water, primed to be launched at unsuspecting victims, mainly cops. Little kids transform into evil little water pixies armed with water pistols that will drench you at a moment’s notice, please and thank you! Don’t even think about driving a motorcycle as you’ll be unseated in a hurry by a deluge, and traffic crawls to a snail’s pace. These restrictions notwithstanding, it’s all done in the spirit of fun, joy, and ultimately blessing, as the water is believed to purify the victims of the year’s sins. So plunge in and splash with wild abandon!

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+

Songkran, a joyous festival

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The much anticipated Songkran Festival is an important celebration in the Thai calendar. Celebrated from the 13th to the 15th of April, the occasion is considered to mark the arrival of the New Year according to the nation’s traditional calendar. A national holiday in Thailand, this festival has evolved into a joyous and merry occasion when everyone joins in the fun and laughter. Even foreigners are welcomed to join in the festivities.
Today, the main festivity during Songkran is the enthusiastic splashing of water upon one another. Thais take the opportunity to wander the streets of cities armed with buckets of water, garden hoses and water guns. Groups of revellers will position themselves along roads and at intersections, enthusiastically drenching pedestrians, cars, taxis, tuk tuks and motorcycles alike. Police officers are not exempt from the fun and are a special target on this occasion. Additionally, a mixture of talc powder and water is smeared on the bodies and faces of passersby; this is considered as a kind of blessing for the coming year. Everyone takes part in the festivities good naturedly and no one gets angry or upset.
On the other hand it should be remembered that this kind of revelry was not always the focus of this occasion. Traditionally, Songkran was celebrated as an occasion to visit and pay one’s respects to elders, neighbours, friends and monks. Many Thais celebrate the event as a Buddhist religious festival, and visit their neighbourhood monastery to give alms to monks and pray. Another interesting ritual is the cleansing of Buddha figures at homes and monasteries by pouring fragrant water on them. This is thought to bring prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.
Additionally, Thais take the opportunity to make resolutions for the coming year, just as their counterparts do in Western countries. Since Songkran is considered to be a time for cleansing and rejuvenation, Thais often also clean their homes meticulously at this time of the year. Visitors from abroad will also enjoy observing the festivities at this joyous occasion.
If you are planning a visit to Thailand and are considering Bangkok city hotels to host your stay, an outstanding choice would be the Atrium Bangkok. This city hotel Bangkok offers provides fine accommodations in a convenient setting.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Joyous Thao Thepkasattri – Thao Sri Suntorn Festival

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Many festivals in Thailand mark an important event in the history of the nation or a cultural highlight, such as a birthday of royalty or the dawn of a new year. The annual Thao Thepkasattri – Thao Sri Suntorn Festival which is celebrated in Phuket is no exception.
This particular event commemorates the heroic deeds of two local sisters, Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn (also identified by the names Khunying Chan and Khunying Muk). According to local legend these two heroines rallied the local forces at a time when the island of Phuket was besieged by Burmese invaders. These events took place more than two centuries ago, but even today are fervently celebrated by the local residents.
The local city organizes many attractive celebrations to mark the occasion, and many foreign visitors to the island make it a point to watch the enthusiastic festivities which include dramatic presentations and sporting events. The celebrations are conducted at the city’s Thalang quarter, where you will see a monument dedicated to the two sisters.
The festivities begin with a number of typically Thai sporting contests. These include games of takraw – which resembles volleyball but in which contact is made with the feet – as well as bicycle races, a mini-marathon and a tug-o-war.
Visitors will be able to watch the elaborate play which is held outdoors and features no less than 700 different actors. This dramatic presentation tells the tale of the heroic siblings and the manner in which they spurred on the local forces to repel the opposing army. If you are in Phuket at the time of the festival you will be able to watch these enthralling celebrations which always captivate the viewer.

Thailand has acquired the status of a major visitor destination, drawing a steady stream of visitors from across the globe. Offering spotless beaches, cultural monuments and exotic nightlife, there is always something to do in the country. The idyllic island of Phuket is regarded as one of the nation’s most attractive tourist destinations.
Visitors who desire a quality Phuket resort will find an appealing choice in the Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand. This attractive Phuket beach resort offers comfortable accommodations with a selection of contemporary amenities.

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+

Experiencing Colourful & Traditional Thai Weddings

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A country rich in culture and traditions, Thailand has a proud heritage which can even be experienced when attending a traditional wedding ceremony. Couples looking to tie the knot in a truly unique way can consider heading to Thailand’s enchanting island of Koh Samui and staying at a Samui hotel which organises traditional wedding ceremonies. Set along a scenic stretch of beach, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui is one such Samui resort that gives you and your partner the chance to enjoy typical customs and rituals of this momentous occasion.

Traditional Thai weddings feature a variety of customs that will be quite unique for western travellers. One such ritual is the Khan Maak procession where the groom makes his way to the bride’s chamber. This lively and colourful procession is accompanied by music, generally the banging of drums. The couple dress in traditional Thai style clothing while it is customary to see the presence of Buddhist monks who offer blessings. Another part of such weddings is the Rod Nam Sang or Shell Ceremony when guests pour holy water from a conch shell over the hands of the couple. Another notable ritual is the Phiti Bai Sri Su Kwan or White Thread Ceremony where the wrist of the bride and groom are linked by a white thread.

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+

Wedding Venues in Phuket – A Place to Wed in Paradise

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Marrying in Phuket feels like marrying in paradise. That is the unmatched richness and beauty this place is so famously known for. There is an ambience of romance everywhere in this perfect little island that saying ‘I do’ with the backdrop of rolling waves and clear blue skies would feel like sealing your sacred relationship in the most alluring of locations. There is something magical about Phuket that makes it feel like paradise itself.

Thailand in addition to its exotic scenery is known for its passionate tradition. Every promise, every vow, every bond entered in accordance with Thai customs feels like it has more significance, more value and more importance. For many, utilising the Thai background along with the Thais’ sacred tradition is what makes the perfect wedding and in Phuket you can make this dream come true. Its popularity as a wedding destination has given rise to several venues, planners and options within the island to make your big day a magical reality.

Perhaps the first thing to figure out when getting married in Phuket is where you plan to have the wedding ceremony. The venue plays a huge role in figuring out the rest of the details. For most people the island is all about its immaculate scenery and the beachside in this place is truly tranquil. However there are lush gardens that are equally amazing. Above all the area is known for its array of star class resorts that assist in every detail in the wedding and give you everything and anything you need for a stylish wedding. Popular names of wedding venues include Laguna, Dusit and Le Meridien, all of which offer all inclusive wedding packages.

The modern wedding studio also provides excellent services to make your dream day a reality. From popular venues, to the right ceremony, to even completely customised marriage ceremonies; the Modern Wedding Studio is ever ready to give you the best option available.

Start your romantic journey of a blissful future together with the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. These luxury hotel resorts are perfect for honeymooners. The sheer ambience of romance echoing in every corner of this resort makes love even lovelier! These exquisite luxury hotels are the ultimate blessing you need to carve the rest of an amazing future as man and wife.

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.

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The Vegetarian Festival – depicting the olden days of Thailand

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The vegetarian festival in Thailand held in the month of October is an event of spirituality together with astounding religious acts that are carried out as devotions to the gods for obtaining blessings. The festival which has its origin from the Chinese immigrants who visited Thailand some time back, has today developed into a fully fledged ceremony with street shows of people in trances as well as religious rituals performed in the temples, in exclusive culinary preparations and people observing certain precepts in view of the event.

Spanning over a nine day period in the ninth month of the Chinese calendar, the festival is the result of the belief that the Chinese immigrants who fell ill with Malaria, recovered due to a religious ritual they observed at the time, especially praying to the Nine emperor gods, with an adherence to a strict vegetarian diet. In the present day, Thai people practice what is known as ‘Jay’ where they restrict themselves to a strict vegetarian diet including the omission of certain pungent spices like garlic that are claimed to arouse a strong passion or anger. They observe some eight precepts, where they also refrain from alcohol and practice meritorious thoughts and deeds and keep themselves clean.

Outside the street, the festival takes a different form, with surprising and self mortification items that devotees perform, that although would be superb for a tourist to observe, is definitely not for the soft hearted. These include body piercing with somewhat less bleeding or scarring as well as walking over burning charcoal while in a trance. These sights are plenty on the road as people perform these acts with the belief that god protects such performers. Taking on a more religious tone, other devotees take their household god statues to the temples for a spiritual cleansing. In the streets, one cannot ignore the aroma of deliciously prepared vegetarian Thai dishes that somehow appear and taste deceivingly like meat.

There is many a Phuket resort for the traveller who intends to stay in Thailand to experience more of its treasures and ravishing sights. Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand is a true paradise set in the sight of the lovely beach of Mai Khao, the longest in Thailand with some clusters of tropical flora surrounding the heavenly villas that are simply built to pamper anyone and everyone. This amazing Phuket beach resort is definitely worth stepping over to experience these lovely beaches and the coastal experience to its maximum and carry away lifelong memories and some spectacular snapshots of the coast.

 

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.

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Loi Krathong – Celebrating Thailand’s Festival of Light

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One of the best ways to soak up local culture is to experience cultural festivals in a country. Thus when heading to Thailand try plan your trip to coincide with the celebration of Loi Krathong, a charming festival that takes place throughout the country. Those heading to Hua Hin during the festival and looking for Hua Hin hotels by the sea can consider Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort. This luxurious hotel Hua Hin has to offer also features the very best in contemporary comforts, making your stay all the more memorable.

Also known as the ‘Festival of Light’, Loi Krathong takes place on the twelfth lunar month when the moon is at its fullest. This generally falls in November and on this particular day one can see throngs of locals heading to waterways where they release their ‘krathongs’. A krathong is basically a small float made from materials such as banana leaves and adorned with flowers and carrying candles and incense sticks. People make a wish before releasing these floats along the water and this act is also considered a symbolic “sending off” of one’s troubles, paving the way for a prosperous New Year ahead. It is customary to see many couples engaged in this activity as well as it is said that couples who make a wish together, stay together forever too!

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+

The Vegetarian Festival – depicting the olden days of Thailand

Posted on by

The vegetarian festival in Thailand held in the month of October is an event of spirituality together with astounding religious acts that are carried out as devotions to the gods for obtaining blessings. The festival which has its origin from the Chinese immigrants who visited Thailand some time back, has today developed into a fully fledged ceremony with street shows of people in trances as well as religious rituals performed in the temples, in exclusive culinary preparations and people observing certain precepts in view of the event.

Spanning over a nine day period in the ninth month of the Chinese calendar, the festival is the result of the belief that the Chinese immigrants who fell ill with Malaria, recovered due to a religious ritual they observed at the time, especially praying to the Nine emperor gods, with an adherence to a strict vegetarian diet. In the present day, Thai people practice what is known as ‘Jay’ where they restrict themselves to a strict vegetarian diet including the omission of certain pungent spices like garlic that are claimed to arouse a strong passion or anger. They observe some eight precepts, where they also refrain from alcohol and practice meritorious thoughts and deeds and keep themselves clean.

Outside the street, the festival takes a different form, with surprising and self mortification items that devotees perform, that although would be superb for a tourist to observe, is definitely not for the soft hearted. These include body piercing with somewhat less bleeding or scarring as well as walking over burning charcoal while in a trance. These sights are plenty on the road as people perform these acts with the belief that god protects such performers. Taking on a more religious tone, other devotees take their household god statues to the temples for a spiritual cleansing. In the streets, one cannot ignore the aroma of deliciously prepared vegetarian Thai dishes that somehow appear and taste deceivingly like meat.

There are many luxury hotel resorts for the traveller who intends to stay in Thailand to experience more of its treasures and ravishing sights. Anantara Phuket Resort Thailand is a true paradise set in the sight of the lovely beach of Mai Khao, the longest in Thailand with some clusters of tropical flora surrounding the heavenly villas that are simply built to pamper anyone and everyone. It is one of the best luxury hotels on the island and is definitely worth stepping over to experience these lovely beaches and the coastal experience to its maximum and carry away lifelong memories and some spectacular snapshots of the coast.

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.

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International Kite Festival in Thailand – A colourful spectacle

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The festival which is organised in Cha-am City, Hua Hin is one of the most sought after attractions where visitors can witness the pomp and pageantry of local and international kite designs. The ‘Chula’ and ‘Pakpao’ are the two variants of kites that are part of the competition. Out of the Hua Hin hotels on offer, Anantara Hua Hin Thailand Resort with its well furnished suites and tropical gardens will be the perfect place for you to experience the best of beach hotels Hua Hin Thailand.

A highlight of the festival is the competition that takes place between the Chula and Pakpao teams. The objective is to drag your opponent’s kites to your territory. Capture the finest of kite flyers from the world commune at the festival to put their skill levels to the test. A number of exhibitions and souvenir stalls further add to the glamour and excitement.

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+