Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Travel Thailand Guide: Grab your lucks with Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong FestivalThere are a few festivals from Thailand which reasonably well-known to people outside the countries. Talking about those festivals, “Loy Kratong” festival would be included on the top famous lists. Talking about “Loy Kratong” festival, today (12th November) is the day that the festival take place for this year which seems like everyone is ready for this traditional and wonderful event.

Originating as a Brahmanical festival adopted by Thai Buddhists during the reign of Rama IV in1863, “Loy Kratong” is a ceremony that venerates the Lord Buddha by offering floating trays laden with flowers, candles and incense. Loy translates to "float" in Thai, while Kratong pertains to a tray made from banana leaves. The light from the candle honors Lord Buddha, while the act of floating symbolizes the release of anger, resentment or any tarnishing of one's character. It is a way for a person to make amends and start afresh.

In addition to this, most Thais also float their kratong to honor the goddess of the rivers and waterways, Mae Nam, who they believe will bring good luck. This ties in with the romantic element of Loy Kratong which stems from a legend about Nang Nopamas, who was a royal consort to King Ramkhamhaeng (founder of Sukhothai).

As mention in the beginning, the Loi Krathong Festival is not only celebrated nationwide in Thailand, but also international places. There are many “Loy Krathong” festivals set up by Thai communities in some major cities around the world such as Melbourne, Sydney or London which you can enjoy respectful floating Krathong ceremony along with "The Noppamas Queen Contest", Thai foods exhibition and exotic mix of Thai culture shows throughout the day.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Travel Thailand Guide: Sails up for The 2008 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

Phuket RegattaSailing or Yachting might not be one of the most popular sports in Asia, but everyone in the world would know that Asia is one of the most splendid spot for sailing or yachting. There are sailing or yachting club in many countries in the region that have set up group’s event or tournament throughout a calendar year. For this ending year’s period, it’s time for the King's Cup Regatta in Phuket.

Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the
King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since and normally take place during the first week of December. And for this year, the race will begin on the Monday 1 December to Saturday 6 December 2008 from 5 racing days and 1 reserve day.

Sails billow up from emerald waters against a dramatic backdrop of limestone karsts. Schooners of regal proportion glide pass islands with pristine white-sanded beaches and crystal clear shallows. And that's what makes this King's Cup Regatta in Phuket the most popular of the Asian yachting races, with this year poised to attract over 100 sailing participants and thousands more spectators.

Nothing could prevent you to join the
King's Cup Regatta 2008 when the entry fee is only 17,600 Baht (8,800 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers), but this payment together with the Entry Form must be received by 1 November 2008. Otherwise, the entry fee will increase to 25,000 Baht (12,500 Baht for Sports Boats and Ocean Rovers) for late entries. So, do not waste any more times, the temperate weather, friendly atmosphere and parties are all certainly waiting for you to enjoy now.