Touring Calendar

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April 2000

Poi sang Long
April 1-3, 2000
Amphoe khun Yuam,Mae Hong Son
One of Thailand's most naturally scenic areas, this province is home to a number of hilltribe groups. Poi Sang Long, the ordination of novices, is a religious ceremony of the Thai Yai. A spectacular colourful procession displaying the offerings for monks is paraded through the town.

The 21st International Bangkok Motor Show
April 1 - 9, 2000
Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangkok
In wishing to display the latest technology and models from the auto word, various car, motorcycle and auto parts companies come together at BITEC to present their products to auto enthusiasts. The show is from 12.00 noon until 10.00 P.M.

Thai Heritage Conservation Day & Shadow Play Nang Talung-Nora Festival
April 2 - 15, 2000
City Hall, phattalung
This event held in this southern province features the unique Nang Talung shadow play, Southern-style Nora dance, local food and products competitions and sales, as well as demonstrations of local arts and culture.

Phanom Rung Fair
April 5-6, 2000
Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buri Ram
These impressive yearly boat races on the Mun River in Buri Ram also include colourful parades and cultural performances featuring elephants. A visit to this event would not be complete without a tour to the nearby Phanom Rung Historical Park.

Sukhothai's Traditional Buddhist Ordination Ceremonies
April 7-8, 2000
Amphoe Sri Satchanalai, Sukhothai
These ceremonies feature a spectacular procession of young men in colourful costumes of elephants proceeding to Wat hat Siao where they will be ordained as monks. There are also various forms of local entertainment.

Dok Khun-Siang Khaen Festival
April 11-13, 2000
Bueng Kaen Nakhon,Khon kaen
As part of the Songkran (traditional New Year) meritmaking ceremonies, the locals pay homage to revered Buddha images and shrines, offer food to monks, as well as perform a variety of traditional Northeastern folk entertainment and other exciting activities.

Sa Lung Lung Festival
April 12, 2000
Wat Pratu Ton Phueng-Public Park, Lampang
This festival combines religion with art and culture in which a large silver bowl of water is carried to bathe Phra Kaeo Morakot Don Tao at the public park during Songkran Day.

Bangkok Songkran Festival
April 12-14, 2000
Sanam Luang and citywide, Bangkok
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for merriment all over the city, but most notably at Sanam Luang, near the Grand Palace, where the revered Phra Buddha Sihing image is displayed and bathed by devotees. In the Wisutkasat area, a Miss Songkran beauty contest is held and accompanied by meritmaking and entertainment. Khao Sarn Road, Banglampoo area is also one of the high-spots in the city to experience the water-throwing activities between locals and tourists-of course, all in good fun!!

Songkran Festival
April 12-15, 2000
Nationwide
The traditional Thai New Year is an occasion for celebration throughout the country. This occasion is marked with religious ceremonies as well as public festivities. Water throwing among the people in a spirit of fun and goodwill is the main activity of this festival.

Pattaya Festival
April 12-19, 2000
Pattaya city,Chon Buri
Well-known as a seaside resort, this eastern city enjoys the summer by holding an annual festival. Food and floral floats, beauty pageants, stalls selling delicious cuisine, and a spectacular display of fireworks on the beach are some of the activities that attract those who want to participate in the fun.

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival
April 13-15, 2000
The Pae Gate and citywide, Chiang Mai
To really enjoy Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, to its fullest, one should travel to Chiang Mai where there is a variety of religious and fun-related activities conducted along with parades and a Miss Songkran beauty competition.

Mai Kham Bho Procession Festival
April 13-15, 2000
Chom Thong, Chiang Mai
The Bho tree has a close asociation with the Buddhist religion. Mai Kham Bho, literally wooden supports for trees in temple courtyards, are used by devotees who believe that the supports will bring them longevity and prosperity. Mai Kham Bho are prepared on April 13 and 14, accompanied by cultural performances. On April 15, there is a procession of Mai Kham Bho to local temples.

Phra Padaeng Songkran Festival
April 15-16, 2000
Amphoe Phra Padaeng, Samut Prakan
This is a very well-known and joyous annual festival celebrated by the Mons, one group of Thailand's earliest settlers, who live in this district just south of Bangkok. The event involves a thorugh cleansing of the house, making merit in various ways and conducting vibrant colourful processions.