THAILAND GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2009

Songkran Festival is well known among tourists who visit Thailand in April, which is the hottest month. It is a must for everyone to join this festival. What they do during this long holiday is splashing clean water (sometime with a few drop of Thai perfume) to each other to reduce the heat of the summer air. For Thais, Songkran is more than the water splashing festival; it is Thailand’s former New Year day. So, we take this holiday as an opportunity to make merit at the temples and visit our respective relatives. Songkran Celebrations will be held throughout the country. If you’re ready to get wet, take a look on the following schedule and find the place to enjoy the festival.

BANGKOK GRAND SONGKRAN FESTIVAL



Date: 10-15 April 2009
Venue: The 9 Royal Temples and around the Rattanakosin Island

Songkran Celebrations of the 4 Regions

Bathing Buddha images from the 4 regions, local food and dessert making demonstrations, and cultural shows and various forms of entertainment, opening ceremony at Temple of the Reclining Buddha 10 April from 18.00-21.00 hrs

Paying worship at the 9 nine royal temples around the Rattanakosin Island

10-15 April 2009 (9.00-18.00 hrs)

Wat Phra Sri Rattanasasadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo), Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho), Wat Suthat, Wat Saket, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Chanasongkram, Wat Rakang, Wat Arun (Wat Chaeng), and Wat Kalayanamitr

Water splashing in traditional Thai dress (Khao San Road)
4-15 April 2009 (17.00-18.00 hrs)

Banglamphu Community Songkran Activities at Santi Chaiprakarn Park, Phra Athit Road
11-13 April 2009





For more information, please contact :


The Events Planning Division, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)


Tel. +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 3470-3



TAT Call Centre 1672

THAILAND PROMOTIONAL TOUR PROGRAMMES BY TRAIN

Tour Programme : Family Visit to Nostalgic Ratchaburi
Dated : 28-29 Mar 09

This Thailand Travel Programme will lead you to Wat Khanon, whose Nang Yai Shadow Play recently won a UNESCO Award. Apart from this, Siam Cultural Park, Chet Samian Market, Wat Khlong Swannakhiri and Ban Khu Bua's Jipathaphan Museum are included in the programme.

Ticket Prices
Bt 2,700 each (Double room)
Bt 3,100 each (Single room)

Remark : inclusive of transfer, 1-night accommodation, 4 meals, snack, coordination fee, etc.

Those who are interested in booking seats can get the booking form from TAT Head Office on Phetchaburi Road, Bangkok, tel: 0 2250 5500 Ext. 2105, 2115-9 and reserve the seats directly. For further details, please contact: TAT Call Centre 1672.

The Story of Nang Yai
Shadow Puppet Drama at Wat Khanon, Ratchaburi, Thailand

Nang Yai Shadow Puppet Drama performances possibly already existed during the Sukhothai era. Certainly they were a leading form of entertainment during the Ayutthaya era. This typical Thai performing art remained popular throughout the early Rattanakosin era till at least the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V).

The Nang Yai Shadow Puppet Drama at Wat Khanon was first established during the reign of King Chulalongkorn. It now is the only important location for this form of entertainment in Thailand. However, the puppets are still meticulously maintained and produced, and the performers retain their high standards. The drama group from Wat Khanon performs throughout Thailand. The most popular drama performed is the Ramakien.

To perform a puppet drama, the essential constituents are : a suitable venue (transparent screen and lighting), puppet figures, a musical ensemble, narrators and recitors, and of course the puppeteers and the story line.

Creating the puppet figures is an artform all by itself. Most of the puppets are created from cowhide. The more important figures however require skin of other animals such as leopard skin, bear skin etc.

Wat Khanon in Ratchaburi province now also houses a nicely constructed Nang Yai Exhibition Hall. In an attractive way, quite a few puppets are on display.

Nang Yai Shadow Puppet Drama can be contacted at 03-223 3386, if you want to inquire about performances.

PRICE : MASSAGE SPA IN PATONG BEACH PHUKET, THAILAND

You can experience with unique and exotic spa treatments in Patong Beach at Phuket, Thailand. Massage and spa programs reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of those ancient times and the soul and ritual of Thai culture.

The therapist performing a varied and truly relaxing holistic aroma massage for the body face and feet using essential oils followed with the body scrub using sea salt and almond. Finishing with a treatment Thai facial using Thai herbs and mud combined with a scalp massage to make you feel good. After your treatment time we serve you a ginger tea.

THAI SPA & MASSAGE EXAMPLED PRICE LIST :

Thai Oriental :

A Thai style massage for the whole body. Using sweet almond oil, the muscle tissue is warmed and relaxed ideal for a first time treatment.

60 minutes / 400 baht

120 minutes / 700 baht

Swedish :

A full body massage to relax aching muscles, stimulate circulation and assist in the removal of toxins. Pressure can be light or firm.

60 minutes / 700 baht

120 minutes / 1,200 baht

Aroma Massage :

A free-style therapeutic massage using an essential oil infused blend with a variety of massage techniques. Adapted to suit your body. A perfect treatment for the undecided.

60 minutes / 700 baht

120 minutes (including the face) / 1,200 baht

Foot Massage :

A pressure point massage applied to zones on the feet to stimulate the body own healing and balancing process, can relieve pain, reduce stress and improve circulation.

60 minutes / 400 baht