Touring Calendar

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January 2000

Chiang Mai Winter Fair
December 28, 1999 - January 4, 2000
Chiang Mai City Hall, Chiang Mai
This annual fair, held at Chiang Mai's city hall, features an assortment of local products and handicrafts for sale, an extravagant Miss Chiang Mai beauty contest, and various forms of local entertainment. Everything comes alive especially at night.

Welcoming In The Dawn 2000
December 31, 1999-January 1, 2000
This once in a lifetime event includes the opportunity to view the magnificent sunrise and/or sunset of the new millennium at scenic natural destinations at various locations around the country.

Countdown To The Year 2000
December 31, 1999 - January 1, 2000 (18.00-02.00 hours)
The Royal Plaza, Ratchadamnoen Avenue, and Sanam Luang
Let's celebrate your very first moment to the next millennium by sharing the one voice countdown together with over half a million Thai people in the heart of the magnificent scintillating streets of Bangkok. Highlight your night with sparkling carnivals, cultural shows, fireworks, music bands and parties amidst the most fascinating atmosphere that will get you talking for years to come.

New Year's Celebrations
January 1, 2000
Nationwide
To welcome in the New Year, a range of uniquely Thai traditional and cultural festivities that begin with early morning Buddhist merit making, and afternoon and evening folk entertainment are conducted in various parts of the country.

Bang Sai Arts & Crafts Fair
January 12 - February 21, 2000
Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts & Crafts Centre, Ayutthaya
As part of assisting farmers obtain further means of livelihood, the SUPPORT project was established under H.M. the Queen's Royal Patronage. Each year an annual fair displays the unique cottage industry products of this project, and allows visitors the opportunity to enjoy shopping and view exhibitions of local products. Folk entertainment performances enliven the fair.

Bo Sang Umbrella Fair & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Festival
January 21- 23, 2000
Bo Sang, near Chiang Mai has become renowned for its exquisitely painted paper umbrellas, which are sought after by visitors from all over the world. An annual fair, held on the main street, celebrates the traditional art of umbrella making and painting, as well as features contests, exhibitions, sales of handicrafts, and a Miss Bo Sang beauty pageant. Come and see this festival for yourself. Advance reservations are necessary.

Phra That Phanom Homage-Paying Fair
January 14-20, 2000
Phra That Phanom Temple, Nakhon Phanom
Regarded as a symbol of northeastern Thailand, the famous Phra That Phanom, Nakhon Phanom, which enshrines a relic of the Lord Buddha, is the site of an annual seven-day fair that attracts thousands of devotees from all over Thailand who come to pay homage at the shrine. There are also various forms of local entertainment.

Don Chedi Memorial Fair
January 21 - February 1, 2000
Don Chedi Memorial Plaza, Suphan Buri
In the late 16th century, King Naresuan the Great, an Ayutthayan ruler, won a historical elephant-back duel against the leader of an enemy force. This momentous event led to the freedom of the kingdom from foreign occupation. This fair celebrates this significant event with historical exhibitions and local entertainment in the true Thai sense of fun.

Tawai Village Wood Carving Fair
January 29 - February 4, 2000
Tawai Village, Chiang Mai
This event highlights the talents of northern Thai woodcarving artisans and their work with demonstrations, contests and sales of woodcarving and other local handicrafts. There is also a street parade and various local cultural performances.

Chinese New Year and Dragon & Lion Parade
January 29 - February 9, 2000
Nakhon Sawan Municipality, Nakhon Sawan
This annual festival is conducted by locals of Chinese descent to pay respect to the Golden Dragon deity for his benevolence. There is a brightly coloured procession with marching bands, various lion and dragon dances from seven nations, and figures of venerated deities. A brilliant light and sound presentation brings the event to an end.

Outdoor Theatrical Performances
January - May, 2000 (17.00 - 19.30 hours)
National Museum, Bangkok
Dressed in colourful sparkling costumes, the artists put on their best performance from Thai classical dance to local folk dance. A truly memorable treat amidst colourful light and joyful sound from the beautiful song of H.M. King Bhumibol performed by a symphony orchestra.

Thai Culture Before Your Eyes
January - June and October - December, 2000 (10.00 - 20.00 hours)
Lumphini Park, Bangkok
Relive the ancient Thai culture, enjoy the traditional shows from the villages of 4 regions and remote parts of Thailand and shop for memorabilia such as Thai handicrafts.

Bangkok Floating Market
January - December, 2000 (Fri, Sat, Sun : 07.00 - 14.00 hours)
Wat Suwannaram near Khlong Bangkok Noi
The unique scene of Thai life is depicted clearly in a floating market. The Wat Suwannaram Floating Market has the most convenient access from major tourist spots that you may find canal vendors on sampans laden with flowers, tropical fruits, vegetables and a wide choice of Thai fastfoods, noodles and the never to be missed typical Thai desserts. Enjoy the meal and watch your weight!