Thailand Travel Songkran (Thai New Year)

This national celebration of the tradition Thai New Year captures the imagination of travellers for both its cultural and fun attributes; the latter being enthusiastic bouts of water splashing between friends and relatives.

In Bangkok, the Songkran Grand Celebration will be held between 10 and 15 April around the Rattanakosin Island district, sometimes called “Old Bangkok.”
The main celebrations, in the capital, focus on bathing rites of replicas of revered Buddha images originating from various provinces in the North, South, East and central regions, interspersed with traditional food and dessert-making demonstrations and cultural performances. The opening ceremony will take place, 10 April, at Phra Chetupon Wimol Manklaram or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

There are also important celebrations through the country at various tourist destinations:
• Old City Songkran Festival, Ayutthaya
• Songkran Festival, Chon Buri
• Amazing Songkran, Suphan Buri
• Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakarn
• Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai
• Songkran Festival, Sukhothai
• Fantastic Northeast Songkran, Golden Shower Tree and ‘Kan’ Festival and Sticky Rice Road in Khon Kaen
• Grand Northeast Songkran Festival, Nong Khai
• Songkran Nakhon Phnom and Thai-Lao New Year Celebration
• Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, Songkhla
• Grand Songkran Festival and ‘Nang Dan’ Parade, Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Songkran on the Beach and Phuket Bike Week 2010

Contact:
TAT Call Centre 1672
Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: 0 2250 5500 ext. 3470-3

Thailand Travel Guide

Long tail boat, Leonardo Bay © 123rf.com/Ingus Rukis
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Each year Thailand is discovered by millions of visitors, drawn to its pristine beaches and aquamarine seas, as well as its rich culture, glitzy shopping malls, chic boutiques and colourful markets crammed with bargains.

With its enticing mixture of established destinations such as Phuket and Hua Hin, and out-of-the-way palm-fringed islands, Thailand appeals to the most varied of travellers, whether they are craving barefoot luxury or hippy chic. From staying on a converted rice barge, clambering into a jungle tree house or bedding down in a hill tribe village, Thailand offers a wealth of choice for every taste and budget.

Pampering is an art form in Thailand, and throughout the country spas offer authentic treatments whether it's in a 5-star luxury resort or a beach-side hut. If it's pulse-raising excitement you are after, head to the hectic sprawl of Bangkok's futuristic high-rise buildings.

Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and the Thai's are also strong supporters of their monarchy. In fact, His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, since coming to power in 1946.

Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this was thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodless coup overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced him with an interim prime minister until elections at the end of 2007.

For all this, Thailand has risen above the economic collapse of 1997, SARS and avian influenza as well as the devastating tsunami in December 2004, to become a hugely popular destination on the long-haul tourist trail.

Travel thailand in Chiang Mai

DESCRIPTION :
Chiang Mai Treasures or Treasures of Chiang Mai is a 3 day cycling adventure

through Doi Saket San Kamphaeng Bo Sang Chiang Mai.

The excursion is a well planned route, on peaceful roads and through

beautiful parks. Participants are taken to areas where it looks like time has

stood still. Chiang Mai Treasures gives you an absolute unforgettable

experience, to remember and look back on with pleasure for a lifetime.

For more information visit our website or mail to egmond@bangkokbiking.com






INCLUSIONS :
A unique and unrivalled Chiang Mai cycling experience
3 delicious Thai lunches
2 fantastic dinners
2 breakfasts
Delicious snacks along the way
Bicycle rent
Bicycle bags for luggage
Accommodation for 2 nights (twin share)
Guide (English speaking)
Water or soft drinks during the excursion

TERMS AND CONDITIONS :
Excursion starts daily 8:00 AM

Maximum 8 people per group

Starting from THB 7000.- per person