November On Trip

1.Party tricks courtesy of Lopburi’s monkeys
Photo from Thailand http://www.ubonmag.com/  
The 21st Monkey Party, 29 November, at Phra Prang Sam Yod, Mueang district, Lopburi province.
   This is perhaps the most comical event you could witness on holiday, a claim that can be attested by the video clips that have found a place to park even on You Tube. A local businessman started this bizarre grand bash in the small historical town of Lopburi that stands on the northern rail line, about 150 km from Bangkok.
    He was concerned about the welfare of the town’s monkey population residing in one of town’s historical pagodas. But he was also wondering why this town that played a prominent role in the country’s history in the 17th century is largely ignored by international tourists.
    So he set about organising a grand party for the monkeys that roam freely around the town’s historical centre near the railway station. Of course, the monkeys take the buffet spread in their stride feasting with great relish on the finest Chinese cuisine the town can provide, all under the spotlight of TV channel crews, who run in circles trying to gain the best angle possible.
   They have to be quick. Monkeys are not well known for table etiquette and despite the fact that this annual party is now in its 10th year, they haven’t learned any manners at all.
    It is all part of the local’s community scheme to get some attention for a “living museum” town centre, where visitors can visit former palaces and buildings that were once used by one of the country’s revered monarchs during the golden Ayutthaya period.
    Although the city dates back 1,000 years or more, to when it was simply called Lavo, it is best known as Thailand’s second capital. In 1666, King Narai, the Great, built a summer palace and resided in the town for around eight months of the year. It was here that the King granted an audience to the French Ambassador as well as other foreign dignitaries who travelled by boat up the Lop Buri River from Ayutthaya, the formal seat of government. Including temples and government administration buildings, the palace was used until the King passed away in 1688. In the early 60s the complex and gardens was renovated and turned into an interesting museum.
    Today, very few foreign tourists spare an overnight to explore the town’s historical assets. They usually visit on day trips, many of them arriving on the early morning train from Bangkok. They tour the sights and catch the train in the evening on an overnight trip that takes them to Chiang Mai.
    Lopburi, from a historic perspective is worth more than an afternoon peep and that is apparently why the monkeys are treated to a party to give this largely forgotten destination a plug in the media.
    At least that way we get to see what we have missed both in historical attractions and the Chinese delicacies that are served by the town’s best kitchens.
    The event is hosted by Lopburi Inn Group. Call Lopburi Inn Hotel at 036 412 300 or
    Email: monkey@lopburiinnresort.com and  monkeypartys@yahoo.com.
   Tags : monkey, party, lopburi
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2.Bangkok Marathon draws a record turnout
   The 22nd Standard Charter Bangkok Marathon, 22 November,
   at the front of Wat Phra Kaew on Sanamchai road, Bangkok.
   The Standard Charter Bangkok Marathon, 22 November, is now a firm fixture on the Asian marathon circuit attracting top runners and thousands of enthusiasts many of whom travel with their families for a welcome holiday at the close of the race.
    But before the holiday can begin, runners need to cover 42 km on a course that wends its way through historical districts, past city landmarks, such as the National Museum and the Chao Phraya River to a finishing line in front of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha) on Sanan Chai Road, close to the vast parade ground known as Sanam Luang.
     On two scores, this marathon is special. It attracts an enormous turnout of more than 50,000 participants, at all fitness levels and categories. It is also one of the few marathons in Asia that beats the tropical heat by starting at 0200, when Bangkok’s usually grid-lock streets are almost deserted.
    The event has a time limit of seven hours for all participants with staggered starts that take into account the various performance levels of the runners.
    For example, runners who estimate they can finish the course in five to seven hours assemble at the starting line on the road next to the Grand Palace at 0200. They have to be back at the same point by 0900, the cut-off time for all participants.
   Wheelchair participants in the full marathon start at 0320, while elite runners with times of less than five hours leave at 0330
   It makes for a very sensible and healthy solution that beats most of the heat and humidity with the last participants crossing the finish line three hours after sunrise at the very latest.
   The event has some high powered support from Tourism Authority of Thailand, National Jogging Association of Thailand, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and they have determined that this event should show case the city’s tourism appeal and be open to the widest possible participation.
    Not surprisingly, the event has a strong appeal to not only semi professionals racing for gold and enthusiasts determined to improve on their best times, but also to ordinary folk, who have set themselves an easier goal related to their favourite sport of jogging.
    There are five categories including the 42.195-km Marathon; 42.195-km wheelchair. For those who are less ambitious they can join a 10.55-km quarter marathon, which is no mean feat as the pace is much faster and competition tough at all age levels. To appeal to the widest audience possible there is also a 5 km Walk-Fun Run and a Walk for Health and Environment. The award ceremony starts at 0800 for the marathon itself followed by presentations to winners in all other categories
    Visit: http://www.bkkmarathon.com/
    Call National Jogging Association of Thailand at 66 2628 8361
    Tags : Bangkok, Marathon
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3.River Kwai Bridge Week

   Date : 27 November - 8 December 2009
   Venue : River Kwai Bridge, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi
   Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwai Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war    during World War II, becomes the focal point of celebrations.
    Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on
    World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s World War II legacy.
    Watch the light-and-sound show in remembrance of the bridge and the construction of the "Death Railway" during World War II
    (There are 4 sets of headphones available in English, Japanese, Chinese and German). A wealth of entertainment and Exhibitions are on display.
    Contact :
    TAT Kanchanaburi Office, Te l : 66 (0) 3451 1200, 66 (0) 3451 2500
   Fax : 66 (0) 3451 1200,  E-mai l: tatkan@tat.or.th
    Kanchanaburi Provincial Administration Office, Tel. : 66 (0) 3451 1778
   website : http://www.tourismthailand.org/  ; http://www.kanchanaburi.go.th/
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4.Surin Elephant Roundup and Red Cross Fair 2009
   Date : November 14 - 25 , 2009
   Enjoyable Elephant Talent Shows on 21 - 22 Novemevber 2009
   [More than 250 elephants performing] At Surin Elephant Show Stadium
   The visitors have an opportunity to go sight-seeing around the town by riding the elephant.
  Ticket price : 1,000, 500, 300 and 40 Baht Respectively.
  Please reserve the tickets in advance (Specificially 1,000 and 500 Baht)
  Download Ticket Booking Form www.surin.go.th
  For more information
  Surin Provincial Governor’s Office, Surin Province Tel. 0 4451 2039
  Tourism Authority of Thailand, Surin Office Tel. 0 4451 447-8
  Website : http://www.surin.go.th/elephant_52/index.htm
  Tags : Elephant Roundup, SurinElephant Roundup, Surin
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5. 23rd Annual Flower Show at Swissotel Nai Lert Park
   November 26 - 29, 2009, 10 am. - 9.30 pm.
   Swissotel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok
   Activities :
   - Floral Hat Exhibition by 30 celebrities
   -Exclusive performance by "Nuvo"
   -Shopping Extravaganza - over 50 shops at the Hotel and The Promanade
   -Unwind at "The Terrace By Singha", while listening to Koh Mr. Saxman, Odd Kiriboon and Ekkchai Srivichai
   -Customise your own handbag and notebook
   -Cooking classes, flower arrangement classes by Sakchai Guy, Sakul Intakul and Chitra Konuntakiet and many more
   Admission : 100 baht
   Proceeds to benefit the education of students at Umphang Wittayakom School in Tak Province.
   For more infomation, please call 0 2253 0123 (Public Relations Department),
E-mail: pr@nailertpark.swissotel.com. ;Website : http://www.nailertgroup.com/
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6.Loi Krathong Sai Festival

   Date : 1 - 2 November 2009
   Venue : Banks of Ping River,Tak
  Highlights :
  An exceptional opportunity for you to experience the atmosphere of joining the Krathong Sai (floating coconut-shell krathong in line) contest, in order to win His Majesty the King’s trophy. Other remarkable activities will include the floating lanterns of the Royal Family, the procession of the Royal Krathong and lantern, the illumination of Krathong Sai, light and sound presentation, fireworks, water curtain presentation in “The Legend of Krathong Sai”, the longest Krathong Sai, local cultural shows, food and OTOP products.
 Contact:
TAT Tak, Tel : 66 (0) 5551 4341-3
 Website : http://www.loikrathong.net/ ;  http://www.krathongsaitak.net/
 http://www.tourismthailand.org/   ;E-mail : tattak@tat.or.th
Tags : Loi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, TakLoi Krathong Sai Festival, Tak
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7.Bang Sai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival
   Date : 1 - 2 November 2009
   Venue : Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre under the Royal patronage of H.M.Queen Sirikit, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
   Relive the glorious past of Ayutthaya on this atmospheric night. Enjoy the traditional procession of beauty queens from all 4 regions and experience the relaxing surroundings of a floating market demonstration.
   Contact:
  TAT Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Tel : 66 (0) 3524 6076-7
  Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre, Tel : 66 (0) 3536 6090-2
  Website : http://www.loikrathong.net/  ;  http://www.tourismthailand.org/
  E-mail : tatyutya@tat.or.th
 Tags : Bang Sai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival, Loi Krathong, Bang Sai, Loi Krathong FestivalBang Sai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival, Loi Krathong, Bang Sai, Loi Krathong FestivalBang Sai Loi Krathong Tam Prathip Festival, Loi Krathong, Bang Sai, Loi Krathong Festi
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8.Loi Krahong Krung Kao (Old Ayutthaya Style of Loi Krathong)

  Date: 2 November, 2009
  Venue: Thung Phukhao Thong Area, beside King Naraesuan the Great Memorial Statue, Ayutthaya
  Highlights:
  Enjoy and experience the Ayutthaya Style of Loi Krathong, feast your eyes on the cultural performances and entertainments as well as food and goods fair.
   Loi Krathong at 4 Corners of the Old City (Ayutthaya)
   Venue: 4 corners of Ayutthaya, i.e. under Pridi-Thamrong Bridge; Pom Petch; in front of National Museum-Chandrakasem; and in front of Chedi Si Suriyothai.
  Highlights:
  This is a memorable event for you to experience the contest of hanging lanterns, small-size Krathong contest, Miss Noppamas (international) beauty contest, Noppamas kids contest, singing contest, cultural performances, and OTOP products.
  For further details : please contact Ayutthaya Tourist Centre Tel: 66 (0) 3524 2730-1
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9.Tour of Mekong

   Here’s a fun introduction to a fascinating way to travel in Thailand.
  Previously called the Mekong Challenge, organisers renamed this annual bike ride “Tour of the Mekong,” in 2008.
  Whatever the name, it is a testament to the growing popularity of recreational cycling in Thailand and this year’s event splits into two distinct routes that have already attracted a record turnout.
  Tourism Authority of Thailand’s office in Chiang Rai organises the event with the Bike Club of Thailand assisting with the logistics.
   The objective is to follow a scenic route as close as possible to the Mekong River that forms the border with Thailand, but takes an extensive diversion east through the steep mountain valleys to Luang Prabang in Laos. It ultimately meanders its way back to the border with Thailand near Chiang Kham in Loei province.
   That explains the international and domestic categories. The more intrepid riders, who pay a flat Bt7,000 to join, can follow the river through the heartlands of Laos, while the domestic route ( Bt1,000 ride fee) concentrates on country byways in northern Thailand through Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces.
   Scheduled to start in Chiang Rai, 21 October, the riders head for Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong where the international group crosses the Mekong River to Huaysai in Laos, leaving the domestic group to head south through some very picturesque but tough mountain country to Phayao.
   The group heading into Laos will board boats for some sections of the journey. Whether on roads, or river, they will travel to Luang Prabang, Pakmong, Udomchai, Luang Namtha and Vieng Phu Kha all in Laos. They will be on the road from 24 October 1 November, while their domestic counterparts will end their trip 24 October in Phayao, Thailand.
   The joy of this experience is that you don’t have to be a professional cyclist to arrive at the finishing line. This is a fun event for all levels of skills and fitness. Bikes are mainly the mountain genre, tough and comfortable, but there a few riders who join the event on more fancy road machines.
    Whatever, the choice the organisers offer a service van, back-up and support to make the ride manageable.
    There are two objectives for the ride. One is to promote leisure cycling as a fitness sport in Thailand, while the other is to demonstrate the ease of travel between Thailand and Laos.
    Perhaps there is just one concern for foreign visitors who might consider a trip of this kind in Thailand. “Is it safeω”
    The answer is an emphatic, yes, from hundreds of happy cyclists, who pedal along the nation’s country roads every day. Thailand is an amazing destination for all kinds of cycling. It has an extensive network of sealed, but quiet country roads, Thai drivers are courteous towards cyclists and there is bountiful fuel stops – restaurants and hotels where ever you decide to roam.
    The top spots for cycle touring are in the North from bases in Chiang Rai, Nan, Chiang Mai (outside the city) and the entire Northeast following roads bordering the Mekong River. Approximately 70 km north of the capital, Bangkok, cycle country begins in earnest at Ayutthaya on a route north that follows the Chao Phraya River basin all on secondary roads.
   The Tour of the Mekong is an ideal way to start a love affair with cycling in Thailand.
   Information&detail:
   Call Mekong Bike Club at Tel; 053 791 234 and 083 208 2280.
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10.Yi Peng Festival

    Date : 27 October - 2 November 2009
    Venue : Tha Phae Gate, banks of Ping River, Chiang Mai Municipal Office, Chiang Mai
   HIghlights :
   An amazing procession of hanging lanterns, Krathong design contest, Miss Yi Peng beauty contest, light and sound presentation in Ping River, the ancient Thai Lanna Krathong activities, local cultural performances, and local handicrafts market in Lanna style.
   Contact :
   TAT Chiang Mai, Tel : 66 (0) 5324 8604, 66 (0) 5324 8607
   Website : http://www.loikrathong.net/  ;  http://www.tourismthailand.org/ ;  http://www.tatchiangmai.org/
   E-mail : tatchiangmai@tat.or.th
   Tags : Yi Peng, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Yi Peng FestivalYi Peng, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Yi Peng Festival
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11.Loi Krathong and Candle Festival

    Date : 31 October - 2 November 2009
    Venue : Sukhothai Historical Park, Sukhothai
   Highlights:
   You will be dazzled by the float procession of large krathong from 17 Northern provinces. The procession will consist of krathongs from government agencies, state enterprises, private sectors, and general public, including hanging lanterns, Krathong design contest, and Miss Noppamas Beauty Contest, light and sound presentation, firework displays, Sukhothai arts and culture performances, and the activity of “Dawn of happiness”.
   Contact:
   TAT Sukhothai Tel: 66 (0) 5561 1196
   Website : http://www.loikrathong.net/;   http://www.tourismthailand.org/
   Tags : Loi Krathong, Sukhothai, Candle Festival