Loy Krathong Festival 2011

in Chiang Mai during 8-10 Nov.
Schedule – Activities – Events

6-15th Nov.

All day – Chiang Mai Lantern Displays @ Around Thapae Gate, Chang Puak Gate, city moat, 3 Kings Monument and Governor’s House.
8th Nov.
18:30-19:00 – Opening /Ceremony of Yee Peng Chiang Mai Festival @ Thapae Gate.
17:00-22:00 – 20th Yee Peng Lantern Procession Contest @ from Thapae Gate to Panthip Plaza
9th Nov.
17:00-24:00 – Yee Peng Kids Contest @ In front of CM Municipality office.
9th- 11th Nov.
All day – Front Gate Decoration @ all temples in Chiang Mai
9:00-22:00 – Hot air balloon release games & Dhamma preaching @ Wat Mok Molee ,Maninoparat rd.
17:00-20:30 – Incredible of thousands Hot Balloon Release at A. Mae jo. “Yee Peng Lanna International” @ Thudon Sathan temple, Maejo, Chiang Mai. Registration www.yeepenglanna.net This year, registration cost US$ 100
17:00-22:00 – Lanna Local Market @ Thapae Gate
9th – 10th Nov.
18:00-24:00 – Miss Yee Peng Beauty Contest @ Tha Pae Gate
10th Nov.
8:00-10:30 – Worship rituals to the house of spirit and white pagoda @ In front of CM Municipality Office, Wangsingkam rd.
9:00-12:00 – Heat Air balloon & Giant Heat Air Balloon Contest @ In front of CM Municipality Office, Wangsingkam rd.
19:00-23:00 – Small Krathong Processions Contest Municipality Office
10th-11th Nov.17:00-24:00 – Hot Balloon release, Krathong release and Fireworks @ Nawarat Bridge, small Bridge and Nakornping Bridge
11th Nov.18:00-24:00 – Giant Krathong Processions Contest @ from Thapae Gate to the front door of CM Municipality Office

Whatever you visualized for your wedding , Thailand can easily turn it into reality. Very few places can equal Thailand as a destination wedding venue with its unique charm, its varied attractions, its world-class comforts and facilities, and its large pool of inspired and efficient wedding planners, organizers, and support personnel. Whether for and intimate crowd of two or a large gathering of guests by the thousands, you are sure to get the wedding of your dreams – at the best value for your money.

From the prestigious welcome to the exotic elephant procession, from the ultra-lavish wedding feasts to t the cutting-edge entertainment and parties, from a solemn exchange of vows on a hilltop mandap at sunrise to a simply beautiful wedding by the beach at sunset weddings made in Thailand can easily create a lifetime of great memories for both couples and the guests to cherish.
That Thailand and India share similar root culture, beliefs and traditions add to the country’s lure as a destination wedding venue. Also, it’s world-famous tourist attractions and the equally renowned Thai hospitality make the country and irresistible tourist magnet for visitors of all inclinations, and especially wedding groups and honeymooners.
For all intending to hold their weddings in Thailand, this book presents all the relevant information necessary to make the day perfect.

These include basic formalities and regulations, prospective venues and locations, necessary planning and management services, coordination and support facilities, potential hotels and resorts, and all the other meticulous details needed to be attended to before, during, and after the big day.
To guide and assist all those in search of the perfect destination wedding in Thailand, we humbly dedicate this book.
www.indianweddingthailand.com

Sukantara Cascade Resort &Spa, Chiang Mai
Set amid the stunning beauty of cascading water and tropical forest scenery, this luxurious eco-resort of 16 Lanna-Balinese-style
accommodations is a perfect setting for stunning weddings and unforgettable honeymoons –Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa..
Perched on a mountain just about 1-2km from the Tad-Mok National Waterfall and a Karen village, Sukantara resort this hotel allows
honeymooners to enjoy an exclusive Khantoke dinner by candlelight next to the waterfall to prelude a totally romantic evening. Located
in Mae Rim, Chiang Mai province, this boutique resort has been named as one of the “Five Best Resorts by Waterfalls” by The Independent newspaper of the U.K, since 2007.

The resort villas, conveying the beauty of the past glory from the Royal Lanna era, offer high-class amenities. You can immerse yourself in comfort, luxury, comfort, and the aesthetic interior design. You can enjoy the private outdoor Jacuzzi pool, situated near splendid waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. If you seek a place that is even closer to nature, the Eco Tented Villa is a perfect choice. The highlight of this resort, which might become as well be the highlight of your stay, is the Chiida Spa, where you can get rejuvenated and invigorated in a tropical hideaway. And when you are ready to return to the wider world, the Chiang Mai airport and city is only 45 minutes drive away.

Sukantara Cascade Resort &Spa
12/2 M.8 T.Maeram A.Maerim,
Chiang Mai 10580
Thailand
Tel. +66 81 881 1444
Fax. +66 81881 7404
Email: info@sukantara.com
www.sukantara.com

Chiang Mai’s unhurried atmosphere, abundance of temples and friendly folks help make window-shopping without windows an utter joy.

Night Bazaar
Changklan Road. Every night from 5pm-around 10pm
Chiang Mai’s oldest and most famous walking street, this stretch of Chang Klan road was long ago a hotspot for traders who’ d come from faraway lands via the southeast Asian river system, Ping River. Nowadays, it’s even more overrun than ever by haggling foreigners. Bargaining is expected of course. Even Night Bazaar is not a shining star, yet it remains a must-see and goes on every night. Loads of fun cad be had and there are several special great spots nearby, just off the street. The comfortable Kalare Centre is a sensational market all its own, with higher-class wares, a varied food court and free cultural performances. Down the road, the Anusarn Market is the place to for fresh seafood and more of an authentic local feel.

Sunday Walking Street
Held at Tha Phae Gate, Ratchadamnoen Road and Prakoplao Road, in the Old City. Beginning times vary, but the best time to show up is 4 or 5pm. Ends aroud 10pm.
What began as lark few years ago has today morphed into one of Asia’s biggest, best , and most boisterous community markets, It’s like parts social gathering .
What make the Walking Street so special is that it’s blessedly free of typical mass-products. Virtually most of the things on display is locally hand made by local artisans, often clever art students from Chiang Mai University looking to earn some extra money themselves. Consequently, you’ll find things here unavailable anywhere else. Likewise, the food is often homemade, out-of-the ordinary and downright delicious – snacking as you walk proves virtually impossible to avoid. And finally , street performers are out in full force, so even those who hate shopping may find themselves happily entertained as they leisurely shamble through the heat of the old town.

Saturday Walking Street
Wualai Road, directly south of th Old city. 5 pm to around 10 pm
The little sister to the Sunday Walking Street in coming of age as well. Saturday market is on the “silvermith’s road” may a bit be more charming. After dark, Wualai road takes on a magic, colorful ambience that is enhanced by loads of shimmering silver jewellery on display. Yet silver merchants make up only a small minority of the stalls; in fact much of the same wares found at the Sunday market can be founded here but less variety and less crowded.

Ref: chiang mai 101 magazine; Oct-Dec 2008

Chiang Mai Events and Festivals in January
• 1 Dec.2010-6Feb.2010> Royal Flora Ratchaphruek festival at Ratchaphruek Royal garden in Mae Hia sub-district.
• Miid January> Bor Sang Umbrella festival that full of local parade with the bright colors of the parasols and fans in ‘Umbrella Village’.
> Chiang Mai Jazz in the City Festival 2011 at “Nim City Daily”, Mahidol rd. on Saturday 15- Sunday 16 January 2011
15 January 2011, 16:00-19:00 Opening ceremony, 19:00-23:30 ANA GRACEY, Koh Mr.Sax Man, Nareekrajang Kantamas, Mum Laconic, Tewan Sapsaenyakorn, etc.
16 January 2011, 16:00-19:00 Activities on stage, 19:00-23:30 Delritmo/Chiang Mai,Harmonica Sunrise, Fourseason, Pom/Autobahn

• Late January> Tawai Wood-crafting fair at the famous handicraft Tawai village, a celebration with stalls and local craft, including hands-on demonstrations.
Chiang Mai Events and Festivals in February
• Begin February> A delicately scented and vibrantly colored procession takes place on Tha Pae road – to celebrate the Chiang Mai Flower festival. It is at this time of year that the flowers of the region are in full splendor.
• Mid-February> Wonderful Chinese New Year’s festivities and unique Lanna Wedding on Elephant Back. Many people travel to Chiang Mai to get married at the Elephant Conservation Center for this romantic event.
Chiang Mai Events and Festivals in April
• Begin April > Poy Sang Long festival, a three day event where young Shan men are paraded around the streets in preparation for Buddhist monkhood. They are dressed in a princely fashion, like the Lord Buddha, before being taken to the monastery for a period to learn the ways of the monks.
• 12-14 April> The famous Water festival called “Song Kran” will be on Thai New Year. This inevitably involves a lot of fun and plenty of water spaying .
Chiang Mai Events and Festivals in November
• 10-11 November> Loi Krathong (Yi Peng) – night-time event held during the first full moon in November, where small boats made of banana leaves are filled with candles, incense and flowers, and then floated down rivers.
• Hilltribe Cultural Festival – throughout November, free event based within the northerly Chiang Rai province, close to Chiang Mai, and featuring live music, craft markets, food stalls, demonstrations and general partying
Chiang Mai Events and Festivals in December
• King’s Birthday – December 5th, celebrated by the whole of Thailand, with much of Chiang Mai featuring a range of celebrations and decorations
• Chiang Mai Mardi Gras – throughout December, parades of costumed dancers and bands, together with plenty of entertainment to go around, make this an event to remember. The Chiang Mai Mardi Gras is based around Changklan Road and lasts for several days
• Chiang Mai Food Festival – throughout December, a chance to sample traditional Thai cuisine at its finest and enjoy cooking demonstrations

The northern province of Chiang Mai will be hosting a majestic International Fireworks Display and Contest on New Year’s Eve to mark the most auspicious occasions of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej 83rd birthday and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 79th birthday as the Thai nation welcomes a new year and new beginnings.
The spectacular international fireworks displays in honour of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen will be presented by teams representing five nations – The People’s Republic of China (PRC), Australia, the United States, Denmark and host country Thailand.

Glorious Fireworks, the opening show, will be held at Muang Thong Thai Lake on 13 December. This will be followed by a second presentation on 14 December by the Pattaya Klang beachfront. The grand finale on New Year’s Eve will be hosted at the 700 Year Stadium in Chiang Mai.

Other highlights of the evening include an exhibition and candle-light ceremony in honour of Their Majesties, a performance presented by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, a presentation by Chiang Mai province, the “We Are One” concert, Count Forward activities, and sales of crafts and village community products promoted under the OTOP — One Tambon One Product — label.

Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Office
Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607
Fax: +66 (0) 5324 8605
E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th

ref. http://www.tatnews.org/latest_update/detail.asp?id=5156

Originally, the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek took place 1 November 2006 through 31 January 2007 at the Royal Agricultural Research Center(Royal Flora Ratchapruek park) in Mae Hia sub-district, Mueang district, Chiang Mai. It was one of the grand celebrations being hosted by the Royal Thai Government in honor of King Bhumibol, the world’s longest reigning monarch.

The 92 days of the expo featured 30 international gardens reflecting nations such as Japan, South Korea, Belgium, Netherlands, South Africa, and Canada; more than 2.5 million trees of 2,200 species of tropical plants and flowers are presented to the world in this exhibition. The AIPH, the Association of International Horticultural Producers, gave this expo A1 status, its highest level; such an exhibition occurs only once a year throughout the world. In addition, a host country can only hold one such exhibition once a decade.
The floral park is divided into a handful of different areas, some of the highlights include the garden for the king. There were two features in this zone: one was International gardens, which were presented by 30 participating nations and covered 21,000 square meters. The Ho Kham Royal Pavilion is the centrepiece of the Expo. It is designed in the Lanna (Northern Thai) traditional style of architecture. The designs of the gold leaf paint it nearly blinding in the right sunlight. The sculptures of the Singha are ivory white and stand in all of their majesty on guard. As a structure, the pavilion is a stunning tribute to the King, though on the inside there is also respect paid to his accomplishments as leader of the Thais.

Thai Tropical Garden The enormous 100,000-square-meter garden showcased the diversity of tropical horticulture: fruit varieties, plants, flowers, herbs, and rare plants.

Expo Plaza was the focus of the exposition’s fun-filled activities, amenities, and services. Visitors were able to purchase local products from Chiang Mai such as handicrafts, paper umbrellas, and souvenirs and enjoying many type of Thai local food.
Cultural shows from various regions of Thailand were performed here, including traditional music and dance.

The festival drew three millions visitors from around the world at that time. Now, the festival may have long since ended; however, the gardens are still as immaculate as ever, meticulously maintained so that all may marvel at their beauty. Flora Festival continues to be arranged by Thai government every year during winter time, the most blossom period.

This year you may enjoy “THE INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXPOSITION: ROYAL FLORA RATCHAPHRUEK 2011″ during 1 Dec. 2010- 6 Feb. 2011, 7.00am-20.00pm Everyday
-Enjoy variety of flowers
-Music in the garden(Sat.-Sun. and National holiday 18:00-20:00pm till 29 Jan’11)
-Thai culture show by local communities and students(17:00-18:00pm)
-Thai herbal information

Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa – Thailand

Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa evokes heavenly comparisons when guests share their treasured recollections of this luxury eco haven in Chiang Mai. The mountain property is less than two kilometres from the 700-metre high Tad-Mok Waterfall and all accommodation and facilities are next to or within walking distance of the resort’s Tad-Yao waterfall.
The unique boutique property opened in 2004 in Mae Rim, in central Chiang Mai Province, and has been recognized as one of the five best waterfall resorts by respected UK newspaper, The Independent.
Sukantara Cascade Resort & Spa has accommodation across six room types with
indigenous and Balinese design themes. Teak furniture, silk furnishings and high
wood-beamed ceilings mark the décor’s reverence for the magnificence of the
region’s royal Lanna style of the 13th to 18th centuries. The stunning rainforest is
the backdrop of the Deluxe Lanna Cottage, Jacuzzi Lanna Cottage, Twin Lanna
Cottage, Pool Villa, Deluxe Panorama and Suite Panorama, the latter two boasting
superior views of the upper level of the waterfall.
The number of suites and villas is capped at 16 and privacy is further assured in
the private outdoor Jacuzzi pools with their own waterfall scenes. Two Eco Tented
Villas can bring you even closer to nature: these are safari-style dwellings with first
class amenities like air-conditioning, bathroom with tub, refrigerator and a patio
with bamboo furniture.
Be rejuvenated at the Chiida Spa, a serene hideaway amid soothing streams and
cascades that is at the forefront of the spa industry in Chiang Mai, with highly
skilled therapists who ensure world-class treatments.
www.vacationsandtravelmag.com/AnnualPlannerHome/725/1675/3/0/0/

In the past, women, similar to men, did not usually cover their upper body. However, on various occasions, and when it was cold, they wore a narrow strip of cloth in a number of different styles. The cloth was always light coloured, and was sometimes wrapped around the breasts, and sometimes put around the neck with the ends hanging behind. The piece of rectangular cloth wrapped like a tube to cover their lower body and legs was known as “sinh”.

There are two techniques for wearing the rectangular cloth as a skirt. One is to wrap the cloth from the left side to the right side, and fasten the end of the cloth to the waist. The other is to wrap both left and right sides into the middle, then roll the end of the cloth at the waist and fasten it with a silver belt.

The dress of female villagers in the past, usually keeping the upper body naked with a long piece of cloth for covering the body when needed. Mural painting on the southern door of Wat Phumin’s Vihara, Nan Province, showing elaborate designs on the female’s tube-like skirt.

When it became fashionable for women to cover their upper bodies, different kinds of blouses began to be worn. It is thought that the custom of wearing blouses began at the end of the reign of King Rama V (1900) due to the influence of western fashion. Blouses were made of natural coloured woven cotton cloth.

Princess Dararasmi, King Rama V’s consort, in Lanna hybrid dress adapted to the royal court taste. Her greatest role in the history of Siam and Lanna was playing the pivotal role in the merging of the Lanna Kingdom to be part of Siam, which has since materialised into present-day Thailand. Chiangmai is now the second largest city in Thailand after Bangkok.

www.sri.cmu.ac.th/elanna/elanna_eng/public_html/clothes/clothe3.html

Note from Sukantara: Guests who stay at Sukantara Cascade Resort would have a chance to dress in Lanna style because Lanna loin clothes are provided in room for you.

ロビーに到着してまず圧倒されるのがそのワイルドな眺望。剝き出しの岩肌を幾筋もの渓流が流れ落ち、そのかたわらを孔雀が極彩色の羽を広げ悠然と歩いているのだ。　渓流沿いに造成されたこのリゾーとは、‘04年5月にオープン。今はまだ6棟のヴィラしかないが、年内にはさらに6棟（うち2棟はスイート）をオープンさせるという。ヴィラはロビーはよりもー段高い位置につくられ、眼下には渓流を望むことができる。窓を開け放てば、水辺特有のマイナスィオンをたっぷりと含んだ涼風が吹き抜けてゆくのを感じる。内装はオーナーの趣味が生かされたバリとランナーの折衷スタイル。建材や家具にはチークや竹が用いられ、部屋のいたるところに色あざやかな木版画が飾られている。あのアンジェリーナ. ジョリーも愛息を伴ってステイしたことがあり、その際「「ステキな部屋ね」と褒めたれました」とオーナーは胸を張る。

さて、なにをして過ごそうか。そんなことを考えつつ敷地内を散歩していると、渓流にせり出したテラスでデッキチェアに寝そべるゲストを見かけた。テーブルにはビール、胸に乗った読みかけの本が寝息とともに規則正しく上下している。そう、この他での過ごし方はまさにこれ。ワイルドかつシンプル。だれにも邪魔されない休みがここにはある。

Florence in Italy, San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and Rome, Italy were the other cities that made up the top five.
Bangkok returns to the No 1 spot, having last held that ranking in 2008. The capital ranked third last year and Chiang Mai was fifth.
A questionnaire developed by the editors of Travel + Leisure, in association with ROI Research Inc, was made available to its readers from Dec 15, 2009, to March 31, 2010.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said that he will go to New York next week to receive the award, the ceremony for which will be held next Wednesday.

MR Sukhumbhand said he is pleased with the award and it shows that Bangkok’s popularity among tourists worldwide remains good.
“It must be noted the survey was completed in March when the political situation and the red shirt protest were not yet critical,” he said.

“Bangkok regained the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s 2010 World’s Best Awards readers’ survey, announced last week, closely followed by Chiang Mai in the second. Meanwhile, 10 Asian hotels are placed in the top 100 hotels in the world, with Peninsula Bangkok (named as Asia’s number 1 city hotel) coming in at number 7 and Four Seasons Singapore at 14. Other Asian properties placed in the list’s top 50 include Shangri-La Singapore at number 20, the Four Seasons Resort in Chiang Mai (27), the Hotel de la Paix in Cambodia (29) and the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, also in Chiang Mai (45).
Also scoring highly in the poll, voted for by readers of all six editions of Travel + Leisure, are Singapore Airlines (Top International Airline) and Bali (Top Asian Island and fourth in the Top Islands Overall category).”

The above is culled from our own T+L SEA press release, but it doesn’t delve into how Bangkok won, what it means, and how it should be interpreted. Some of the livelier forums, at least here in Bangkok, have been buzzing about this “honor,” with many users complaining that it’s inaccurate at best.

The full results will be published in the August edition of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia, out August 1.
Chiang Mai was the first apperance the World’s Best in year 2005 in to the top ten at the 5th place and 2nd Place for Asia’s Best Cities, year 2006, 2007 & 2009 was the 5th Place.

Chiang Mai, the “City of Life & Prosperity” of its own unique culture and nature with 715 years old city (Ancient Kingdom of Lanna) used to voted as the following accolades;
ASIA’s Most Livable Cities
Voted by AsiaWeek Magazine / CNN.com

Year 1998 (Ranked 20th) Year 1999 (11th) Year 2000 (13th) Year 2002 (13th) Year 2009 (9th)