September On Trip

1.International Swan Boat Races
Photo from Thailand http://www.ubonmag.com/ 
Teams compete for prizes in the 21st annual swan boat races at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Craft Centre, 19 to 20 September.
   Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya province, is worth visiting any time of the year, but it has a special fascination for visitors in September, when the riverside complex hosts the annual international swan boat races.
   Now in its 21st year, the dates were changed this year to 19 to 20 September moving back a week from its usual mid-month slot. But it still promises to be a tough, contested, series of races with nine international teams, mainly from around Asia, vying for the annual trophy.
   Teams that have already confirmed their attendance include Penang Municipal Park Club Malaysia, Singapore Barbarian A, Singapore Barbarian B, Philippines National Dragon Boat Team, China Nanhai Zhonalian Dragon Boat Team, Dragon Boat and Boat Racing Federation of India and Thailand A, B, and C squads. Two teams surviving the knock-out races will compete for the Prime Minister’s Cup on the final day.
   So what’s the fascination for spectators who turn up in their thousands to enjoy the festive spirit and rivalry
   For starters it is photogenic and amateur shutter bugs attend in the droves, determined to “catch the moment” in their fancy digital cameras equipped with enormous zoom lens.
   Families dominate the spectator profile. They set out their mats on the banks of the river to enjoy a picnic lunch, or just lean back against the trunk of shady tree to watch the races.
   They will witness the incredible enthusiasm and energy of the paddlers, who require considerable skill and teamwork to keep their boats stable enough to slice smoothly through the water at incredible speeds.
   Swan boats defy the usual logic required to build race-fit craft. They are heavy and built to last. Their long, narrow, round-bottom hulls have high sweeping bows and sterns carved with the head and tail of a mythical swan.
   There are actually two categories that can be seen at the races.
   The traditional version’s hull is 29 metres long weighing 2268 kg and is often carved from a single trunk of a thakien tree. Manned by 50 paddlers and two helmsmen they are difficult to manoeuvre requiring exceptional navigational skills and team coordination to keep them on course.
    International races use a modified version of the Swan boat, usually 15 metres long and powered by a team of 20 paddlers and a paddling helmsman, who uses a whistle to set the cadence rhythm, which can easily exceed 120 paddles a minute in the heat of a race.
   The lighter craft weigh in at slightly over 900 kg. They usually race over a measured 650-metre course on rivers, but village races are often held on canals adjacent to temples.
    Adding to the excitement, teams in the international races at Bang Sai face the swift flowing currents of the Chao Phaya River, in full flood.
    Swan races are a traditional sport in Thailand and Southeast dating back 700 years. Youngsters race the boats during the rainy season on any available stretch of water in competitions that attract bigger crowds than seen at the country’s football matches.
    Linked to the Buddhist lent, the races continue through late September to the full moon celebrations in early October, when the three-month lent comes to a close.
    Enthusiasts in Asia would like to see this authentic Asian sport in the Olympic and Asian Games. Until that happy day arrives, visit Bang Sai to experience a traditional sport that requires team spirit, endurance and precision all of which guarantees unrivalled spectator appeal.
    And for a bonus, hire a car and take the Michelin Map’s green scenic route that follows the Chao Phaya River, just a couple of kilometres up Highway 347 from the junction with the Rangsit- Pathum Thani highway. You can make a stop at Wat Phai Lom, a refuge for migratory storks and follow the minor road that weaves under Highway 9 and brings you to Bang Sai’s handcraft centre.
    At the close of the races journey on for another 20 km to Ayutthaya to admire this World Heritage site in the evening as the temple and palace ruins are illuminated. It is also the classic route for weekend cyclists who turn out in their hundreds to enjoy these quiet lanes. There are three-star hotels and riverside restaurants in Ayutthaya making it an ideal stop on a tour northbound Thailand’s heritage towns.
   Race highlights:
   International Swan Boat Race: nine teams, each craft having 22 paddlers. The winning team will receive the Prime Minister’s Cup.
   Thai Traditional Swan-boat Race: 12 teams, each with 55 paddlers. Paddlers come from various provinces around Thailand and compete for the Queen’s Cup.
   Thai Traditional Swan-boat Race: 16 teams, each with 30 paddlers from four regions of Thailand, also competing for the Queen’s Cup.
   Final rounds for each category will be contested 1600 to 1700, 20 September.
   The 21st Thailand International Swan Boat Races will be held from 19 to 20 September at Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya province. Free admission. The event takes place from 0930 until 1700.
    Contact :TAT Ayutthaya at 035 246 076 to 7
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2.Spotlight on Bangkok’s Film Festival
   Curtain rises on the 7th Bangkok Film Festival, 24 to 30 September.
   Now in its seventh year the curtain will rise on the annual Bangkok Film Festival, 24 to 30 September, in the heart of Bangkok’s downtown swank shopping district. The spectacular event promises to deliver more than 80 exciting films with the focus on a new generation of film makers particularly from throughout Asia.
   The event is co-hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, with the gala opening set in the forecourt of the upscale Central World shopping mall.
   The opening ceremony promises to be an extravagant affair reflecting classical art and Thai heritage, while the welcome dinner will be hosted near the Chao Phraya River to accentuate the city’s rich and historical ambience.
   Other events and film showings will be at various venues including Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon Shopping Complex, SF World Cinema and Central World.
   Thailand has for decades earned a reputation as superb location for shooting international movies. A Google search of movies shot on location, in part or whole, in the country confirms its popularity with over 700 examples. Its popularity as movie location has helped to ensure that the local film industry has also prospered and improved in quality.
   This development is reflected in comments made recently to Hollywood’s foremost entertainment publication, Variety, which interviewed, Jareuk Kaljareuk, chairman of the Federation of National Film Associations of Thailand, who also acts as the festival director.
     He said: "The Thai film industry has expanded both in its technological advances, its professional skills and its artistic development. It is ready to take its place as a leading member of the international filmmaking community."
    Although still to be confirmed, the possible contenders for the Golden Kinnaree Awards, according to Variety, are: Canadian helmer Xavier Dolan's "I Killed My Mother," which won three out of four prizes at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight; Jacques Audiard's Cannes' Grand Prix winner "A Prophet"; Lukas Moodysson's thriller "Mammoth"; and "Burma VJ" by Danish documentary maker Anders Ostergaard.
    The Golden Kinaree Awards will be held at Chatrium Suites, a Dusit Group hotel in Bangkok.
    Popular action actor, Jean Claude Van Damme, will attend the festival. He is no stranger to Thailand having first visited the country to star in the movie, The Quest, shot on location at the Mountain Inn hotel in Mae Hong Son back in 1996. At this year’s film festival he will introduce his latest film “Until Death”.
   Other international movie stars attending the event include Byung-Hun Lee, the Korean star who had a role in the blockbuster movie G.I. Joe and Armand Assante, well known for his action movies over the last two decades.
   For more information, please visit http://www.bangkokfilm.org/
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3.The 11th Annual Central International Watch Fair 2009
   Mesmerizing Southeast Asia
  A watch lover's dream... tempting offers and newest timepiece innovations
   Explore this more than 5 Billion Baht galaxy of watch collections from over 180 brands
   See the latest watch collections and limited-edition masterpiece models, plus exclusive, only at Central new-brand debuts
    Get more from your investment in time with these irresistible offers :
    10 - 50% off, 0% interest installments and valuable gifts from Central, plus exciting additional surprise offers waiting for you!
    25 Aug - 27 Sep 09
    Venue : The Event Hall, 3rd fl, Central Chidlom and The Watches Dept., every Central store
    Remark : See more terms and conditions at sales counters.
    For more information, please contact Public Relations Department, Central Chidlom
    Tel : 0 2793 7420 or visit : http://www.central.co.th/
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4.Golf bargains galore

   Tee of time at the annual Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival.
   It could be tagged the best golf offer in Asia and it is perfect timing as the bargains on the greens are now matched by superb discounts offered on air travel and accommodation.
    Hua Hin and Cha-am, twin resorts on the west side of the Gulf of Thailand, annually host the Hua Hin/Cha-am Golf Festival that runs throughout August and September.
    For golf enthusiasts it is pure magic. The option of playing eight competition level golf courses all within easy reach of the two resorts, at incredibly low green fees, is undeniably an offer too good to refuse.
    Tourism Authority of Thailand’s offices in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, in co-operation with the Phetchaburi- Prachuap Khiri Khan Golf Course Association, host the annual event to support tourism and promote golfing, a valuable niche market that helps the resorts to generate substantial business during the traditional low-season.
    Over the last three years, the festival has been fine-tuned to the point it is now recognised as a premier event for Asia’s golfing community.
     The promotional offers include the opportunity to play golf at any of the eight selected golf courses, throughout August and September, for only Bt800 — without doubt the lowest green fees of the year.
     The exception is Springfield Golf Course, which will increase its green fee for September.
     There are also invitations to compete in organised tournaments every Sunday for just Bt1,200 (includes caddy fee and dinner), with lots of lucky prizes. The player achieving a hole-in-one at designated holes will win a car on the last day of the festival.
     There are also prizes presented for the 'longest drive' contests and an opportunity to shop for specially-discounted golf products with 10 to 30% reduction on Pro Shop prices at all courses.
     Of course, specialised golf travel firms are keen to tap the potential of this popular festival by offering “Golf Lovers” packages at the “heavenly seaside resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-am”.
     Approximate prices for all-inclusive golf packages range from Bt11,000 for two nights’ accommodation, two rounds of golf and transfers. A five-night stay with four rounds of golf sells would cost approximately Bt19,000. Trips offered by travel companies can usually be confirmed and paid for online.
     For detailed costs and hotel rate information contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand offices in Prachuap Khiri Khan, or Petchaburi provinces.
    The following eight golf courses are participating in the festival :
    Banyan Golf Club, Hua Hin
   Tel +66 (0) 3261 6200; Fax +66 (0) 3261 6222;Email: Stacey@banyanestatehuahin.com
   Imperial Lake View Hotel and Golf Club
   Tel: +66 (0) 3245 6233 - 40
   Fax: +66 (0) 3245 6244 ;  E-mail: lakeview@imperialhotels.com
   Springfield Village Golf and Spa
   Tel: +66 (0) 3270 9222
   Fax: +66 (0) 3270 9233 ;E-mail: playgolf@springfieldresort.com
   Majestic Creek Golf and Resort
   Tel: +66 (0) 3261 9168 - 70, (081) 942 3619
   Fax: +66 (0) 3260 2784
   Sawang Resort and Golf Club
   Tel: +66 (0) 3256 2555 - 7
   Fax: +66 (0) 3256 2558
   Palm Hills Golf Resort and Country club
   Tel: +66 (0) 3244 2460 - 1, (0) 3252 0801 - 9
   Fax: +66 (0) 3244 2463 ;   E-mail: sales_huahin@palmhills-golf.com
   Kaeng Krachan Golf and Country Club
   Tel: +66 (0) 3242 2145
   Fax: +66 (0) 3242 2146 ;E-mail: info@kkcgolf.com
   Royal Hua Hin Golf Golf Course
   Tel: +66 (0) 3251 2475, (0) 3253 1070
   Fax: +66 (0) 3251 3038 ;E-mail: royal_golf@hotmail.com
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5.Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series
   The Ibis Koh Samui Trophy brings the new, spectacular and fast growing sport of Adventure Racing to the South of Thailand.
   Supported by Ibis, The Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui and the Thai Hotel Association of Koh Samui, this inaugural Adventure Race is set to attract 150 teams from around the world.
   Scheduled on September 19 and part of the Amazing Thailand Adventure Race Series, the race will start and finish from the magnificent Bohput beach in front of the IBIS hotel in Bohput.
   Adventure Racing is a highly visual and dynamic sport genre, stretching competitors to their limits.
   It is a sport that is rapidly capturing the imagination of sport people in Thailand and around the world.
   “After the tremendous success of the other races of the Series in Kanchanaburi, Nong Chok and Chiang Mai, it was important to have a competition in the South” explains Serge Henkens, the Race Director and managing director of Active Management Asia.
    20% of the sponsor’s donations will go to environment friendly initiatives brought by “The Green Island Project”, a local green association.
    “Despite 10 years of unbelievable development, we wanted to show that the Island has a lot to offer and is still a paradise destination”continues Henkens. “Well-known for its magnificent beaches, Samui also offers fantastic opportunities for Adventure and Great Outdoor lovers. The Island has all the ingredients for a memorable race: the blue ocean, forests, mountains, water falls, sandy beaches and a very rich fauna and flora. The perfect recipe for great Adventure Racing” concludes Henkens.
     The Koh Samui Trophy will offer 4 disciplines: Running, Cycling, Kayaking and Swimming.
     The competitors will hike and run through unspoiled jungle, paddle and swim on the turquoise waters of the gulf of Thailand and cycle over the hills with spectacular views on the ocean
     As we offer 2 divisions, Adventure (easier course) and Extreme (longer course), the race is really accessible to everyone! continues Henkens.
     The winners of the extreme division are expected to complete the course in approximately 4:30.
     The fastest team in the Adventure division is planned to finish in around 3:30h.
     The Race offers 2 divisions:
      Adventure (Short course for newcomers and W.E. warriors)
      Extreme (Long course for confirmed athletes and experienced Racers)
      Disciplines: Running, Kayaking, Biking, Swimming and other mystery tests
     Teams of 2 racers
     Categories will be: Men, Women, Mixed, Masters Men (over 80 years combined) and Seniors Men (over 100 years combined)
     About IBIS:
     Ibis, the worldwide economy hotel brand of the Accor group, offers consistent quality accommodation and services in all its hotels, for the best local value.
     Ibis Samui is the 4th Ibis hotel opened in Thailand after ibis Phuket Patong, Ibis Pattaya and Ibis Bangkok Sathorn.
     Ibis is also reinforcing its presence this year in Bangkok with the Ibis Bangkok Nana, opened in March and Ibis Phuket Kata opening end of the year.
     About Active Management Asia
     Adventure racing is a new sport that has exploded in popularity across Asia and Thailand. Active Management Asia is leading that growth in Thailand with its highly popular Amazing Adventure Race Series.
     Now in its third year of operation, Active Management Asia has established an international reputation
for solid logistics and challenging race courses. These non-stop races, ranging in length from 4-8
hours, require teams to run, trek, mountain bike and paddle, while navigating a course through the wilderness.
     Likened to an expedition with a stopwatch, adventure racing requires teamwork, perseverance, strategy and determination.
    For more information:
    Active Management Asia Co., Ltd
   Khun Ying (Thai-English)
   Tel: 02 7189581-2;   Fax: 02 7189583;Email: info@active-asia.com
   Website: www.kohsamuitrophy.com http://www.active-asia.com/
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6.Buffalo Racing

   You could be forgiven for thinking that a domesticated buffalo is not built for sprinting, but in Chonburi town, the gateway to resorts along the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, farmers have managed to tweak a turn of speed from these working animals that is nothing short of amazing.
   The annual Buffalo races, 28 September - 4 October 2009, are a hotly contested series of sprints across on an open space in front of the town’s municipal offices.
    Tourists and the town’s residents turn out for these amazing races that have been featured in the past on CNN and the BBC as a must-see event.
    The races are taken very seriously by the owners of the buffaloes. Prizes for the first nose past the finishing line guarantee owners go to considerable lengths to ensure their buffaloes are in tip-top condition.
     Clouds of dust rise as these hefty animals pound down the short course at an alarming speed, reminiscent of a stampede. The crowd roars in support of the favourites and the atmosphere is as an enthralling as watching thoroughbred race horses.
     Admittedly, mites slower than a race horse, but the buffaloes are no slouches when it comes to making a short dash for glory.
      Although this day of fun and competition would succeed with just the buffaloes as the celebrities, there are other activities to make it a worthwhile outing for families.
     A fair with food stalls and handicrafts appeals to visitors who love authentic Thai food, snacks and sweets. Then there are the rides for children, concerts of folk music and, of course, a beauty contest where the prize is the honour of being declared Miss Buffalo.
     Not exactly the most adhering of titles for an aspiring beauty queen, but it does not seem to deter contestants from seeking the limelight of the catwalk.
     Here is a festival that provides photo opportunities to capture an unusual adaptation of the 100-metre dash. Well worth seeing, is always the conclusion of those who make the effort to travel to Chonburi.
    For more information
    TAT Call Center 1672
    TAT Pattaya Office Tel. +66 (0) 3842 7667
    Tags : Buffalo RacingBuffalo Racing
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7.The 10th Lunar Month Making Merit
    Date : 5 - 19 September 2009
    Venue : Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan and Suan Somdej Phra Sinagarindra 84
    (Thung Tha Lat Park), Amphoe Mueang, Nakhon Si Thammarat
     Features a large and splendorous event of Nakhon Si Thammarat, experience the spectacular procession from Sanam Na Mueang to Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan. Purchase various local products on sale and enjoy various forms of entertainment.
    For further information, please contact:
    TAT Nakhon Si Thammarat Office Tel. 66 (0) 7534 6515-6
    Tags : Lunar Month making merit, Lunar Month, making merit, Nakhon Si Thammarat
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8.Thailand International Swan Boat Races 2009
   Date : 19 - 20 September 2009
   Venue : On the Chao Phraya River, in front of the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre,
   Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
   Event :
   Enjoy the boat races and activities
   Live broadcast via www.tourismthailand.org
   International Swan Boat Race (22 paddlers)
   Traditional Thai Long Boat Races (30 and 55 paddlers)
   Purchase the Thai handicrafts and souvenirs.
   Make a big splash with tourists and visitors alike.
   Contact:
    - Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand,
      Tel. : 66 (0) 2250 5500 Ext : 3475-77
   - TAT CALL CENTER 1672
   - TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Tel : 66 (0) 3524 6076-7
     Tags: Chao Phraya River, Thai Traditional Long Boat Races
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9.Bathing Buddha Ceremony

   Date : 17 - 21 September 2009
   Venue : Phetchabun City Hall, in front of Traipoom Temple and Botchanamarn Temple
A Bathing Buddha, or Um Phra Dam Nam ceremony, is held during September each year. It is a traditional religious and well known ritual held annually in Phetchabun.
   Buddha statue, called Phra Buddha Mahadhamaracha cast in the ornamental Lop Buri style, was found in the Pasak River by a group of farmers four hundred years ago and it was then taken to be housed in Wat Trai Phum. According to a legend, the Buddha statue was disappeared twice from the temple and was later found in water.
   The ceremony starts at 1 p.m. The Buddha statue is carried around town and put under a tent in Wat Trai Phum, so buddhists can pay respect to the image and stick gold leaf on the body of the Buddha statue. In the evening, prayers are chanted. At night, there are various kinds of entertainment. The next morning, people make merit as it is Sat Thai Day. Foods, including Krayasat and other necessities are given to monks. The Buddha statue is then taken to be immersed in the Pasak River by the local governor of Phetchabun in the belief that this act brings happiness and fertility to the province and traditional dances are performed to show respect to the Buddha statue.
   After the ceremony, the water in the river is regarded as sacred. As a result, people swim in it or take the water to drink before the boat racing begins.
   For More Information Please contact :
   Phetchabun’s Public Relations Center, Tel. +66 (0) 5672 1733
  TAT Phitsanulok Office, Tel. +66 (0) 5525 2742-3
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10.The Illuminated Boat Procession
    Date : 29 September – 15 Octorber 2009
    Venue : Mekong River, Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom
    This festival was originally aimed at payings respect to the Lord Buddha. Then the competition of the illuminated boat processions was organised to add colour to the event. An invitation is delivered to the public and private sectors, including temples,to participate in the competition. The illuminated boats lined up in the middle of the Mekong River create an impressive scene for viewers.
    Contact :
    - TAT Nakhon Phanom, Tel. : 66 (0) 4251 3490-1
    - Nakhon Phanom Provincial Administration Office,
      Tel. : 66 (0) 4251 1287, 66 (0) 4251 1574
      Website : http://www.tourismthailand.org/;     E-mail : tatphnom@tat.or.th
     Tags:Boat Procession, The Illuminated Boat Procession