Loy Krathong - Festival of Lights - November 05 2006

As the full moon of the 12th lunar month (falls on the 5th of November this year), lights up the night sky, throught the Thai kingdom, hundreds of thousands of ornately-decorated “krathong” or traditional banana-leaf floats are set adrift in rivers and waterways in a spell-binding ritual called “Loy Krathong - the Festival of Lights”.   
This is one of the kingdom’s oldest and best-preserved traditions.

If you will be in Thailand during this period - do not miss the opportunity to join one of the most spectacular events with us!

The best places to go??
In fact, this event is celebrated nationwide but to view at its best places is a really fascinating experience!

If you are in Bangkok - there are 2 places we suggest:

* At the Rama VIII Bridge and Santichaiprakarn Park (near Banglumpu or Khao San Road area). Event will be held during November 02-05 2006. NO admission fee.

* At the Royal Thai Navy Institute by the Chao Phrya River
Special event organized by Tourism Authority of Thailand. Schedules as follows:18.30-20.00 hrs.
Enjoy the scenic riverside setting at the Royal Thai Navy Institute, one of the beset vantage points along the Chao Phraya River for viewing “Loy Krathong” - Festival of Lights. Savour a selection of hor d’oeuvres and appetizers (specially created for the grand gala reception for the heads of the government and economic leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit hosted by Thailand in 2003).18.30-20.30 hrs.
Demonstration of floral art and crafts such as garland-making and ornate banana-leaf floats (krathong). An exhibition of Loi Krathong.

18.30-20.00 hrs.Enjoy the scenic riverside setting at the Royal Thai Navy Institute, one of the beset vantage points along the Chao Phraya River for viewing “Loy Krathong” - Festival of Lights. Savour a selection of hor d’oeuvres and appetizers (specially created for the grand gala reception for the heads of the government and economic leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit hosted by Thailand in 2003).18.30-20.30 hrs.Demonstration of floral art and crafts such as garland-making and ornate banana-leaf floats (krathong). An exhibition of Loi Krathong.19.00-19.45 hrs.
Cultural presentations with classical Thai music and dance.

20.30-21.00 hrs.
Illuminated Boat Procession in honour of the auspicious occasion of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of His Majesty The King’s Accession to the Throne, including illuminated boats decorated in the traditional style, presented against the magnificent backdrop of the Grand Palace.

21.15 hrs.
Photo opportunity. Evening ends.

Tickets are available at THB 1,200.00 per person. Advance reservations recommended. Contact: Tourism Authority of Thailand Tel: +66 2 250-5500 ext. 2116 or 2117.

If you are in Northern Thailand - go to Sukhothai or Chiang Mai!

* At the Sukhothai Historical Park and Sukhothai Central Hall.
Fabulous light and sound presentation from November 01-15 2006. Other activities include a Khantoke Thai-style set dinner, merit-making rituals in which sacred offerings are presented to 109 Buddhist monks, Buddhist sermons, demonstrations of textile weaving and the production of silver ornaments by the nine districts of Sukhothai at the Cultural Plaza, and a traditional floating market with food fair and folk games.Reservation recommended.

Contact: Sukhothai provincial office
Tel: 0 5561 1619

Reservation recommended.
Contact: Sukhothai provincial officeTel: 0 5561 1619TAT Northern Office – Region 3
Areas of responsibility: Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Sukhothai and Uttaradit
Tel: +66 (0) 5525 2742-3, (0) 5525 9907
Fax: +66 (0) 5523 1063
E-mail: tatphlok@tat.or.th

* At the Chiang Mai Municipality Office and citywide.

Spectacular event from November 04-08 2006. Highlights include; Yipeng lantern procession, Lanna Thai cultural presentation and performances, bamboo raft races and boat races on the Mae Ping River, the release of the Lanna-style floating lantern, Krathong contests and Loi Krathong on the Mae Ping River.

Contact information:TAT Northern Office - Region 1
Tel: + 66 (0) 53248604, 53248607, 53241466
Fax: + 66 (0) 53248605
Have fun and Happy Loy Krathong!

Source: http://www.tatnews.org
 

Add comment October 20th, 2006

Bangkok Opera Concert - Ayodhya - A Ramayana for the 21st Century

If opera is your cup of tea, here is the chance for you to view Bangkok’s latest opera “Ayodhya” in Bangkok next month!

Ayodhya - A Ramayana for the 21st Century
Music by: Somtow Sucharitkul
Directed by: Hans Nieuwenhuis

The Royal Jubilee Orchestra formed especially for this unique occasion consists of members of the National Symphony, Royal Thai Navy Orchestra, Royal Thai Army Orchestra, Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Orchestra and Siam Philharmonic.

The Orpheus Choir of Bangkok, Bangkok Opera Children’s Chorus, Corps de Ballet and Martial Arts Ensemble sung in English with Thai and English sub-titles.

Dedicated to His Majesty the King, Somtow Suraritkul’s new opera “Ayodhya” tells the whole story of Thailand’s national epic, the Ramakien, in a single spectacular evening. Modern narrative techniques and thrilling music propel the drama with the fast pace and excitement of the motion picture.

Acknowledged as in the top 3 countertenors in the world today, Michael Chance performs the role of the God Ganesha. Southeast Asia’s top diva, Nany Yuen, plays Sita. Well-known Dutch Wagnerian tenor Charles Hens plays Rama and the evil Ravan is played by velvety-voiced John Ames, in a role specially conceived for this basso profundo’s three-octave range. From the capture of Sita in the forest of Dandaka to the war between monkeys and demons, the ordeal by fire, and the final ascent of Rama and Sita into heaven as the gods Vishnu and Lakshmi, “Ayodhya” paints a vast and vivid canvas.

“Ayodhya” will be performed at the Thailand Cultural Center on November 16, 18 and 19 2006 at 8.00 p.m. Tickets are available at Thai Ticketmaster (call +66 2 3623456 or book on line at www.thaiticketmaster.com) Prices are THB 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 5000 respectively.

Source: http://www.tatnews.org/
 

Add comment October 20th, 2006