News & Events
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Discovering ancient Lamphun and the Hariphunchai Kingdom
Founded in the 7th century by Queen Chamathewi, Lamphun is one of Thailand’s oldest cities and as such boasts an impressive history. Lamphun was the capital of the Hariphunchai Kingdom and the northernmost city of the Mon Kingdom of the Dvaravati period, and in 1281 was brought into the new Lanna Kingdom by King Mengrai of which Chiang Mai was made the capital. In the late 19th century, Lamphun became part of Siam. Lamphun is most often visited as a day trip from Chiang Mai although it certainly warrants an overnight stay. It’s a 40-minute drive south from Chiang Mai passing through the exotic Northern Thai countryside and, if one takes the old Highway 106 route, along what’s known as the Rubber Tree Road. Much as the name suggests, a stretch of the road is lined with lofty rubber trees along both sides and makes for a pleasant photo opp. Ancient Lamphun and Hariphunchai Tour Once in Lamphun town, the provincial seat, the first place to visit for many is Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai, the province’s most famous temple. Its earliest origins date back to around 897 when the king of Hariphunchai is said to have had what is now the central stupa built to house a hair strand of the Buddha. Legend has it that the Buddha visited this area and in the temple compound’s southwestern corner there are footprint indentations said to be his. While Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai’s central stupa is from the 9th century, the temple compound was built during the 11th century. There was restoration work carried out in the mid-15thcentury, and then in the 1930s, renovations were done under the Buddhist monk Khruba Sriwichai, a Lamphun native who in his lifetime was involved in the repair and construction of over 100 temples, roads and other projects. Along with its two chedis, Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai – upon which Chiang Mai’s famous Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep temple was modelled – has a 19th century library, several Buddha images including one from the 15th century, and an enormous bronze gong said to be the largest in the world. The main chedi has at its top a nine-tiered umbrella made from almost 6,500 grammes of gold. A short distance from Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai is Wat Chamthewi, a smaller temple but one highly revered for it is believed the ashes of Queen Chamthewi are enshrined in one of the pagodas here. Also known as Wat Ku Kut, the temple’s wihan or worship hall features murals depicting the life and times of the warrior queen and there’s also a small museum dedicated to her. For a glimpse into Lamphun’s celebrated history, the Hariphunchai National Museum next to Wat Phrathat Hariphunchai houses exhibits and artefacts from the Dvaravati, Hariphunchai, Lanna and Rattanakosin periods. Items on display include utensils, carvings, amulets, inscription stones in Mon and Lanna scripts and prehistorical human skeletons. Behind this museum is the Lamphun Community Museum, which focuses on a more modern era; it displays texts, photos, radios, gramophones and other items from the past century. Local Art and Culture The downtown area is also home to the Institute of Hariphunchai Handwoven Cloth, a centre that plays a key role in helping to preserve and promote the woven cloth art Lamphun is famous for. The unique yok dok pattern is a cultural heritage of Lamphun, and yok dok silk cloth’s history dates back more than a century. The Institute’s founder was also instrumental in getting GI status (geographical indication) for the silk cloth in 2007. Natural Attractions and National Parks Speaking of national parks, there are three in Lamphun province including one of the country’s newest. An hour’s drive some 60 kilometres northeast of the provincial seat, Mae Takhrai National Parkwas officially listed as a national park in December 2017 and covers a 356 square kilometre area of Lamphun’s Mueang and Ban Thi districts and Chiang Mai’s San Kamphaeng, Doi Saket and Mae On districts. Its mountain and forest terrain is home to such wildlife as macaques, gibbons, tigers and various bird species like parrots, hawks and egrets, and there are waterfalls to visit. Just under an hour’s drive east from town, the 255-square-kilometre Doi Khun Tan National Park straddles the mountainous terrain separating Lamphun and Lampang provinces and offers hiking trails, waterfalls, bungalow accommodation and camping. A renowned manmade feature of the Park is the Khun Tan Railway Tunnel, which at 1,352 metres is the longest in Thailand. It also took the longest time to build, with well over a decade spent on its construction beginning in 1907. It is said over 1,000 workers died during the construction from suffocation, accidents, malaria and tigers, and a monument in front of the Tunnel is dedicated to them and the German railroad engineer Emil Eisenhofer who directed the project. Around a two and a half hours’ drive from the provincial seat – this time just over 130 km to the south via Route 106, Mae Ping National Park spans 1,003 square kilometres across Li district in Lamphun, Doi Tao district in Chiang Mai and Sam Ngao district in Tak. Its mountain and forest terrain offers trekking, birdwatching, camping and bungalow and floating raft house accommodation, while the local wildlife includes deer, wild pigs, gorals and macaques, langurs and gibbons. The Park’s picturesque Ko Luang Waterfall is considered to be among the ‘must-see’ of Thailand’s waterfalls. Its water changes colour with the seasons, from turquoise in the summer months of February to May to cerulean in the cooler months of November to February. The nearby lime caves are known for their stalactites and stalagmites. Local Community Enroute to and from Mae Ping National Park a stop can be made in Li district, about 25 km from the Park, to visit Ban Phrabat Huai Tom. This thriving Karen community are skilled weavers, and there is a handicraft and cultural centre selling their beautifully woven fabrics and textiles. The Ban Phrabat Huai Tom villagers are vegetarian and mostly farmers, and visitors can learn about their lifestyle and culture. Other places to visit in the area include the impressive Phra Mahathat Chedi Sri Wiangchai, a golden-coloured pagoda standing 40 metres wide and 70 metres high (said to be the biggest in Thailand) and which is surrounded by many smaller pagodas and Buddha images. The chedi is not actually a temple itself, this is located just over a kilometre away. Known as Wat Phra Buddha Bat Huai Tom, this picturesque temple is under the care of the Phra Bhat Huai Tom Royal Project Development Centre. The Land of Longan Fruit Lovers of longan will love Lamphun, for the province is a major producer of this small round fruit that’s similar in taste to lychee. The season for longan (Lamyai in Thai) is July to August and this is when Lamphun puts on its annual longan festival, amid the other unique festivals and nationwide festivals it celebrates throughout each year. There are stalls selling longan and longan-related snacks, longan fruit and longan beauty queen contests, a parade and musical performances all in celebration of Lamphun’s favourite fruit. As one of the 55 secondary destinations being promoted in the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s ‘Amazing Thailand Go Local’ campaign, Lamphun is a wonderful add-on to its famous neighbour Chiang Mai. But visiting can work best when included in a five-to-seven-day road trip starting in Chiang Mai, and stopping in Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae and Nan.
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Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony celebrates 23 years of marital bliss
Neptune-like nuptials promote coral reef conservation in Trang and Southern Thailand. Bangkok, 28 December 2018 – The award-winning Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony celebrates its 23rd consecutive year of Neptune-like nuptials under the Andaman Sea, while raising awareness about preserving Trang’s natural beauty by promoting coral reef conservation in Southern Thailand. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has successfully positioned the Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony as one of Thailand’s top international events, driven in part by the annual attention from the media and influencers promoting both Trang and Thailand. TAT Governor Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn said: “Trang’s coral reef conservation project in 1995 inspired a scuba-diving couple to marry under the Andaman Sea. It was memorable enough for the Trang Chamber of Commerce to initiate the annual Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony every February. “The first one took place in 1997 with a global invitation sent out offering scuba-diving couples the unique opportunity to get married under the sea.” Since then the Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony has captured the imagination of the world. In 2000, it was declared the largest underwater wedding ceremony by the Guinness Book of Records. In 2007, the Thai government named it one of the country’s national identity projects, then in 2013, the event received a Thailand Tourism Award. This year, a total of 20 couples from Thailand and overseas are expected to attend a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to dive deep and tie the knot. The 23rd Trang Underwater Wedding Ceremony is scheduled from 12 to 14 February, 2019, with an action-packed calendar of events. The event starts the morning of 12 February when all registered couples join a welcome ceremony at the Thumrin Thana Hotel before joining a traditional Thai wedding parade with local high school marching bands from the hotel to the Trang Clock Tower. The big day arrives on 13 February when all couples travel to Pak Meng Pier for a boat transfer to the Emerald Cave for the ‘Underwater Wedding registration’ and the ‘Rot Sai Sang‘ ritual to complete the marriage. This is done in front of the Emerald Cave at the depth of eight metres followed by a photo session. In the afternoon, there is an evening wedding reception at Pak Meng Beach where the married couples receive their official marriage certificate. On 14 February, all head out to Wat Khao Mai Kaeo to ring the bell and gong for happiness and prosperity. Lastly, the newlyweds visit two of Trang’s oldest shrines, the Tam Gong Yai Shrine and the Governor’s Residence before flying home. Couples must present the following documents upon application to be eligible for the event. A copy of their ID card or passport, copy of their house registration (for Thais only), and copy of a scuba license and dive log book. All participants need to provide their own masks, wetsuits, and fins. The wedding certificate received is merely a certificate of participation in the Trang Underwater Wedding Celebration 2019 and is not legally binding.
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Southern Thailand skies now clear up, locals and tourists join in beach clean-up effort
Bangkok, 6 January, 2019, at 12.00 Hrs. – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to express our deepest thanks to all friends of Thailand who insisted via social media on visiting Thailand and, for those who are already in Thailand, to continue their holiday schedules in several beach resort destinations in the South despite having to endure the past few days of severe weather conditions. We are delighted to share that the recent storm, which had affected some areas in the South, has passed. The situation in the affected areas has returned to normal with the Royal Thai Government as well as many private organisations and the general public putting in place relief efforts to assist those affected. In terms of tourism, the popular beach resort destinations in the Gulf of Thailand and along the Andaman Sea, including Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Chumphon and Surat Thani as well as Ko Samui and Ko Phangan, to name by a few, remain largely unaffected by the recent severe weather conditions. As the weather now clears up and all transportation has resumed normal operations, Southern Thailand’s popular beaches and islands continue to attract sun-seekers, and trips to nearby islands and snorkelling excursions are going ahead. Seen in below photos are tourists getting on board the ferry at Klong Jilad Pier on mainland Krabi to Ko Phi Phi, while earlier this morning many went to enjoy sunrise at Ao Nang. Locals and tourists have joined in beach clean-up effort. Seen in below photos are the heart-warming gesture to clean up Lamai Beach on Ko Samui. Once again, the TAT would like to thank all friends of Thailand for their understanding during the past few days of severe weather concerns. We also would like to reiterate that Thailand recognises the immense importance of tourism, and tourist safety is an ongoing top priority for us. The Royal Thai Government, and our team at the TAT – alongside authorities and the private sector – is working together to ensure the safety and security of both tourists and residents. If tourists do experience any unfortunate incidents, they are encouraged to immediately contact the Tourist Police Hotline on 1155, and can be confident that the authorities will do their utmost to provide all necessary assistance. For information on Thailand’s wide variety of attractions and tourist services, call the TAT Contact Centre on 1672 or log on to www.tourismthailand.org. For regular news and updates on Thailand’s tourism and its fast growing industry, log on to www.tatnews.org.
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The annual Hua Hin Marathon 2019
The second Hua Hin full marathon will be held on Sunday 12th May, 2019 at Wat Khao Krailart, Hua Hin, Thailand. This exciting event is managed by the Preserve Hua Hin Group, an organisation engaged in environmental and social education programmes that promote sustainable practices for Hua Hin’s community. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn trophies will be awarded to the first male and female marathon winners. The Hua Hin Marathon has a number of coequal aims: • To motivate the public to engage in physical fitness for good health and longevity, • To raise awareness of environmental and social sustainability, and • To continue to preserve and develop “Krailart Niwate” as the eco-spiritual tourism center at the last remaining urban mangrove in Hua Hin. Preserve Hua Hin Group comes under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, and, along with the Hua Hin municipality, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is co-organising the full marathon. Officials of the event are expecting approximately 5,000 runners. The race route starts and finishes at the Buddhist temple ‘Wat Khao Krailart’ in Khao Takiab. The routes are based on the different categories. As well as roads and paths, runners will be able to enjoy the early morning sunrise over Hua Hin beach as they run on the white sand. The event is broken into the following categories: MARATHON 42.195 KM The first male and female finishers will receive trophies that have been kindly endorsed by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as a sign of her approval of the project. Runners start at 3.00 a.m. from Wat Khao Krailart, then run along a small road in Khao Takiab to Petchkasem road, past the Vana Nava Water Park, True Arena and continue along the street in Soi 112 for 3.7 km then U-turn and head up to cross the flyover bridge, running on flat road for 9.7 km on Petchkasem road then U-turn at Hua Hin Airport and head south, running along Petchkasem road, across the flyover, continuing along the track to Seapines Beach, running along the beach for 2 km and heading back onto the road in Khao Takiab to the finish line at Wat Khao Krailart. Male age groups: 18-39, 40-49, 50 and over. Female age groups: 18-39, 40-49, 50 and over. The marathoners who run through the finish line will receive a “Finisher T- Shirt” and an after race massage by Chiva-Som massage therapists. Entry fee: 1,200 Baht *Timing chip system, cut-off at 7 hours, limited to 900 participating runners. HALF MARATHON 21.1 KM Runners start at 5.00 a.m. from Wat Khao Krailart, and run along a small road in Khao Takiab to Petchkasem road, past the Vana Nava Water Park, and True Arena then run along the street in Soi 112 for 3.7 km then U-turn and back to the track to pass Vana Nava Water Park again, then along past Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Hua Hin, turning left to Seapines Beach then run along the beach for 2 km and continue to the road in Khao Takiab to the finish line at Wat Khao Krailart. Male age groups: 16-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 and over. Female age groups: 16-29, 30-39, 40 and over. The runners can enjoy an after race massage by Chiva-Som massage therapists. Entry fee: 800 Baht * Timing chip system, cut-off at 3.5 hours, limited to 1,400 runners participating. MINI MARATHON 10.5 KM Runners start at 5.30 a.m. from Wat Khao Krailart and run along a small road in Khao Takiab to the beach, running along the beach for an 8.5 km round-trip taking a mid-point U-turn to the finish line at Wat Khao Krailart. Male age groups: 15 and under, 16-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 and over. Female age groups: 15 and under, 16- 29, 30-39, 40-49, 50 and over. Entry fee: 500 Baht * Timing chip system, limited to 2,000 runners participating. FUN RUN 5 KM Runners start at 5.45 a.m. from Wat Khao Krailart and run along a small road in Khao Takiab to the beach, running along the beach for a 3 km round-trip with a mid-run U-turn back to the finish line at Wat Khao Krailart. Open and non-competitive Entry fee: 400 Baht *No timing chips, limited to 700 runners participating. All runners will receive the following: • A medal for everybody who completes the course. • A 2019 running shirt and Goodie Bag. • A certificate for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Mini Marathon finishers that can be downloaded on the website one day after the event. • Accident insurance during competition for all participants. • Free download of race day pictures on JogAndJoy.Photos. • Free Dinner on Saturday 11th May and breakfast on Sunday 12th May (after the race). • The Wat Khao Lan Thom courtyard nearby allows overnight camping for all runners and participants. For further information and registration, please contact http://www.huahinmarathon.com/ ABOUT PRESERVE HUA HIN Preserve Hua Hin Group was formed as a community development organization on 10 June 2004. Khun Boonchu Rojanastien, the founder of Chiva-Som International Health Resort and honorary chairman of PHHG, enlisted support from private and public sector organizations to spearhead the development of PHHG and organize activities to promote environmental awareness and preservation, The aim is to increase social interaction in the local community. Khun Krip Rojanastien is the president. HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has graciously endorsed her support of Preserve Hua Hin Group since 13 October 2010. ABOUT KRAILART NIWATE Krailart Niwate is the mangrove preservation project spearheaded by the Preserve Hua Hin Group and Chiva-Som that aims to preserve the last remaining urban mangrove ecosystem in Hua Hin, Thailand providing scientific understanding, knowledge and appreciation for nature. Krailart Niwate is a reconstructed wetland project, promoting eco-spiritual tourism in the community and also providing a natural environment for the general public to walk, run, relax and experience a unique ecosystem. ABOUT CHIVA-SOM Chiva-Som Hua Hin is Asia’s first comprehensive wellness resort, providing proven transformations towards optimal wellness. Nestled in seven acres of tranquil grounds, it’s a beachfront resort dedicated to revitalising the mind, body and spirit (represented by its tri-part logo). Western practices and Eastern philosophies are brought together in the wellness resort which provides services for guests to develop healthy habits and lifestyle transformations; it has been recognised by readers and industry experts alike as one of the most outstanding wellness resorts in the world since its launch 24 years ago. The Resort is committed to operating at the world’s highest environmental standards in all levels of operation. Since its launch, the Resort has been dedicated to operating as ethically and sustainably as possible. A dedicated CSR team has implemented many initiatives, policies and practices for energy efficiency and conservation, waste water treatment and reuse, fresh water conservation, waste minimisation and recycling, air quality management and environmentally friendly product usage. A few other recent awards include: • ‘1st in Best Spa’- Traveler’s World Magazine 2019 (Germany) • ‘Top ranked Asian Spa in Top 20 Destination Spas’- Conde Nast Traveler The Readers’ Travel Awards 2018 (UK) • ‘Top 5 Favourite Destination Spa’- Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Travel Awards 2018 (India) • ‘Thailand’s Best Wellness Retreat 2018’- World Spa Awards (UK) • ‘#13 of Top 25 in Asia, Best 100 Spa List’- Condé Nast Traveler (China) • ‘Green Era For Sustainability Award’- Otherways Association Management & Consulting Awards 2017 • ‘Medi Spa of the year’ - Asia Spa Awards 2017 • ‘Outstanding Wellness Spa Destination in Thailand’ - Asian Lifestyle Tourism Awards 2017 • ‘Top 6 of the Best Overseas Luxury Health and Wellness Property 2017 (1st Runner up)’ - Luxury Travel Award (Australia) • ‘Best Global Wellness Resort of the Year’ - Spa China Awards 2017 The beachfront resort is located in the town of Hua Hin, which lies 185 km south of the capital of Bangkok. It can be reached by car in under three hours, private plane in 25 minutes from Bangkok and chartered helicopter in 40 minutes from Bangkok. MEDIA CONTACTS Kewalin Sukumjittanon Chalinee Potipraisiri Head of Communications Tel: +66 (0) 2711 6900-12 kewalin.s@chivasom.com Chalinee Potipraisiri Communication Executive Tel: +66 (0) 3253 6536 chalinee.p@chivasom.com
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15th World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony
Venue Wat Maha That, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand Detail 15th World Wai Kru MuayThaiCeremony 16 - 17 March, 2019 Wat Maha That, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand For the Muay Thai training, the first thing for all boxers to do is to perform the “Wai Kru” or respect paying ceremony which has long been observed until this day. The Wai Kru ceremony is to show the boxers’ regard and gratitude for their parents, the sacred objects, and the masters who have taught them, which brings auspiciousness to the boxers and makes their minds calm and mindful. As for Muay Thai dance, it is to convey the specific characteristics of a Muay Thai master or camp. Muay Thai boxers who perform the same style of Wai Kru and Muay Thai dance will usually not fight each other since they understand that they have the same master. Moreover, the dance serves as a way to observe the adversary’s tactic, and warm up the boxers to relax from stress in body and mind and be ready for a fight or competition. The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is home to the annual World Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony and Miracle Muay Thai Festival. For individuals trained in the ancient Thai art of boxing or ‘Muay Thai’, the annual Wai Kru Muay Thai Ceremony held during the annual Thai Martial Arts Festival is the most important date on their calendar. Muay Thai boxers from around the world return to Ayutthaya to pay respect to their teachers, and to pay homage to the legendary Muay Thai folk hero, Nai Khanom Tom. Each year,Thai boxer from around the world will participate in the World Wai Kur Muay Thai Ceremony and Miracle Muay Thai Festival and show their appreciation for the beautiful art of Muay Thai at Ayutthaya World Heritage Site. There will also have many activities. Programme 16 March, 2019 (Public) 14.00 - 18.00 Hrs. Miracle Muay Thai Festival at Wat Langkha Khao (opposite Wat Maha That), organized jointly by the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand and TAT. 16.00 - 18.00 Hrs. Demonstration of Thai handicrafts including Yantra tattooing, Yantra writing, Aranyik swords making, Thai martial art performance, and energy testing through ancient Muay Thai boxing drills; such as, kicking a banana tree, punching limes, chopping water, etc., Thai food stalls, and Muay Thai boxing souvenirs. Thai martial art performances: sword, pole, and sword fighting. 17 March, 2019 (Public and Guest) 13.00 Hrs. Miracle Muay Thai Festival at Wat Langkha Khao (opposite Wat Maha That), organized jointly by the Professional Boxing Association of Thailand and TAT. (13.00-17.00) 15.00 Hrs. Demonstration of Thai handicrafts including Yantra tattooing, Yantra writing, Aranyik swords making, Thai martial art performance, and energy testing through ancient Muay Thai boxing drills; such as, kicking a banana tree, punching limes, chopping water, etc., Thai food stalls, and Muay Thai boxing souvenirs. Thai martial art performances: sword, pole, and sword fighting. (15.00-17.30) 17.00 Hrs. Thai martial art performances: sword, pole, and sword fighting. Meet and greet with famous Muay Thai boxers. 17.30 Hrs. The procession of the Chairperson of the ceremony, Muay Thai masters, and Muay Thai boxers to the ceremonial pavilion. 18.00 Hrs. The respect-paying ceremony to ancient Thai kings and warriors who protected the sovereignty of the land; namely, King Naresuan the Great, PhrachaoSuea, and Phraya Phichai Dap Hak, with a Wai Kru dance performed by all participating Muay Thai boxers. (Guest Only) 19.30 Hrs. Welcome reception. 20.30 Hrs. Thai cultural performances “Amazing Thailand” 21.00Hrs. End of the ceremony. Contact Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Office Tel. +66 3524 6076-7
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Discover Songkran Festival get Free and Easy trip and free airlines ticket to Thailand
There is a Thai festival that you must experience once in your life, it is the Songkran festival. This is the biggest traditional new year festival of Thai people, taking place from April 13th to 15th. On these days, throughout Thailand, many activities take place to welcome the new year such as Buddha bathing, sand sculping, water splashing, .... Among these, lucky water splashing is the most impressive activity for tourists. The international press calls this the greatest "Water fight" in human history that takes place every year. Therefore, do not hesitate to visit Thailand to celebrate 2019. From 02nd to 03rd, March, 2019, the Tourism Authority of Thailand welcomes you to visit the Songkran introduction at the ground floor of Saigon Center. In addition to learning more about the land of smiles, you also have the chance to join a lucky draw and many exciting minigames that offer free tours and air-plane tickets. In particular, you also have the opportunity to exchange and ask useful information to travel on your own with MC Quang Bao- Thailand tourism ambassador for 2019 in Vietnam at 17:00 on March 3, 2019.
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