Chiang Mai Songkran Festival 2011

Throughout the country, Thai people will celebrate the festival by visiting their elders, making merits, and of course, water splashing. However, Songkran is not only a time for laughter and entertainment, religious ceremonies and rituals are also held during the auspicious time. Dum Hua ceremony is a time for blessing, apologizing, and forgiving when young people will pour scented water into their elders’ palms and give them beautiful wreath of flowers as a mean to pay respect and gratitude.

One of the grandest Songkran festivals is held in Chiang Mai, locally known as Pee Mai Muang. Whether you feel like to throw a bucket of water to others or observe the traditional ceremonies of Lanna Thai culture, Chiang Mai has it all for you.

Please check out the table below for schedule of Songkran festival in Chiang Mai. It’s recommended to mark your calendar so you won’t miss the big celebrations!

Songkran Activity Program: Schedule of Chiang Mai Songkran Festival 2011

Schedule of Chiang Mai Songkran Festival 2011

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival

Chiang Mai warmly welcomes all of you to join Lanna Sonkran Featival: A Romantic Touch of Orchid at Royal Park Rajapruek from April 12-17, 2011. Those who want to experience the uniqueness and charm of Lanna lifestyle should not miss this festival.

Though Songkran is held across the country, Chiang Mai is one of the popular destination holding a grand celebrations of Songkran. To add more of special activities for Songkran festival, visitors to Chiang Mai will enjoy an exhibition of hundreds species of beautiful orchids under Lanna style at Royal Park Rajapruek.

Apart from orchid exhibition, there will be local Lanna market where you can find a wide range of northern food, a demonstration of making Lanna paper flag and paper balloon, wood carving and much more.

Another highlight of Songkran festival at Royal Park Ratchapruek is a 30 meters long water tunnel built for people who want to experience traditional style of water splashing. Besides, as April 17 is the National Elder Day, there will be special activities for elders and their families.

Anybody who loves to learn different styles of culture and wants to help preserve old traditional Thai Lanna Style, you are more than welcome to join the grand festival in Chiang Mai.

For further information please contact,
Royal Park Rajapruek
Phone: +66 (0) 53 114 110-5
Website: www.royalparkrajapruek.com

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Chiang Mai Office
Phone: +66 (0) 5324 8604, 0 5324 8607

Chiang Mai Fest 2011 - Art Music Dance Talent

We would like to invite Chiang Mai locals and visitors to join “Chiang Mai Fest 2011” at Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Center and The Three Kings Monument. A line-up of special art works and performances from Thailand and overseas will be shown throughout April 8-30, 2011.

It is the first time for Chiang Mai to hold a special festival featuring various types of Thai and international exhibitions and performances. The purpose of the event is to promote Chiang Mai as the center of international music, arts, and culture in the Northern part of Thailand.

Highlights at the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre are a variety of shows and art exhibitions from both local and around the world, displayed from April 8-30. Another special feature of the event is on April 8-10 when The Three Kings Monument venue will be decorated riding on the concept of “Music and Dance in the Garden.” This will be an intercultural stage for concerts performed by famous Thai and international artists.

Here is a list of artists displaying art works at the the Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre:
Somluk Pantiboon, Doy Din Dang Pottery
Water Painting by Eng-on Homsuwan special fusion of watercolor paintings artist
together with National artists
Kent Gregory Textile and Basket Weaving, Sob Moei Arts
Klaus Dietrich Sa Paper and Origami
Gilbert Medam Art of the 5L: Listening, Looking, Learning, Loving, Living
Asian Paper Maker (Saa Paper & Okami Paper)
Pichai Nirun National Artist, Baddish Arts
Sangad Pui-ok, a renowned senior artist with artistic works acclaimed among Thai contemporary artists
Pisan Tipapat Lanna senior artist
Saran Suwannachot Lanna artists

A line-up of artists performing on the stage at The Three Kings Monument:
Nantida Kaewbuasai (Special show with dancers)
Lanna Commins
(Special show created by Lanna with her special guest Todd Thongdee and Pakayor singer)
Anucha Sumaman - Play with Mask
Noriko Tsuboi (Contemporary Koto music with flute - musical instrument)
Manop Manasam & Chang Saton Orchestra
Bangkok Xylophone
Kamlai (Lady Percussion)
Jigger Bigger Band (Brass Band from Netherland)
Gilbert Medam & His Band (Brazilian Jazz & Bossa Nova)
The Itinerants (Scottish bagpipes & Celtic Band)
Russian Ballet
Indian Dance (Bollywood)
Hun Krabok puppet (Thai rod puppet) by HobbyHut Puppet Troupe

Those, who are fascinated in Thai and international cultures, do not miss this fest.

Venue: Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre, Exhibition room 1, 2nd Floor and The Three Kings Monument venue
Date & Time:
Art exhibitions, April 8-30, 2011 at 08:30 am – 05:00 pm
Concerts, April 8-10 , 2011 at 5.00pm-10.00pm

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

Chiang Mai Night Safari

To welcome the warm breeze of Summer break, Chiang Mai Night Safari launches new activities specially for family trip featuring elephant and horse riding and a special “Buy 3 get 4” buffet deal.

Those who enjoy taking a family trip close to nature and getting in touch with wildlife will find the latest activities from Chiang Mai Night Safari ideal to to spend time with. One of the featured activities is elephant riding which starts from 3 pm. until 9 pm. 10-minute route is created for those who feel like to take some time to get use to the ride on the back of an elephant. Once you feel more comfortable with the ride, you can either take a 30-minute route observing the wildlife in the park or take an hour ride trekking through abundant green forest of Chiang Mai Night Safari.

Apart from elephant riding, there is an alternative activity: Horse riding. Similarly to elephant riding, horse riding is available from from 3 pm. until 9 pm. offering you three different ranges of time; 10, 20, and 30 minutes. You will be taken around the park, and watch an intelligent pony showcase and talented cowboy show. Horse riding activity will soon hold a training to those who interested in riding a horse.

With a great intention to offer a full service, Chiang Mai Night Safari proudly presents a special dining promotion “Buy 3 get 4” for you. The delightful buffet will be provided by professional chefs who really concern about taste and cleanliness. Dining time is starting from 5.30 pm to 9.00 pm everyday.

Dr Sarawut Srisagon, a CEO of Chiang Mai Night Safari, said “we are expecting more visitors during this Summer break especially young people and families. I hope that, with our latest marketing promotion, a number of visitors will be able to gain full experience adventure, nature, and fun at affordable price.”

For more information please contact,
Chiang Mai Night Safari PR
Phone: +66 (0) 53 999 000 ext. 1064
Mobile phone: +66 (0) 891 560 166

Chiang Mai Asahi Super Dry Musical Fireworks 2011

On this special occasion that Asahi Brewery would like to thank Thai customers and to celebrate the long cultural relationships between Thailand and Japan, Boon Rawd Brewery Co., Ltd and Chiang Mai Province welcome you all to the Asahi Super Dry Musical Fireworks Hanabi To Otono Kyouen 2011. The show is on this March 12, from 6.30 p.m. onwards at Chiang Mai Nawarat Bridge.

After the show in Bangkok on this March 5th, this is the special time for both locals and visitors in Chiang Mai to have a great chance to enjoy this spectacular fireworks show igniting the Ping River. Your evening will be topped off with a fantastic fireworks display set to music along Ping River at Nawarat Bridge. The fireworks display will highlight the nightfall with a spectacular show of musical fireworks presented by Thailand’s ‘champion’ firework displayers. Don’t be late for this show as it only lasts 45 minutes!

Aside from the moment of sparkle, you will enjoy food and product stalls together with impressive traditional costumes from both Japan and Chiang Mai. In addition, there will be also some performances from local artists.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar today!

For more information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Office
Phone: +66 53-248-604, +66 53-248-607
E-mail: tatchmai@tat.or.th

Asahi Super Dry Musical Fireworks - Map of event

Ultimate Tribal Cave - A Modern Stone Age Party

The Playhouse Entertainment Complex Chiang Mai and Team Club Martini welcome you to an ultimate theme party of Tribal cave - A Modern Stone Age Party, an amazing cave-like venue with tribal dancers and the best electronic music event on March 26, 2011.

Guests are encourage to dress up in a theme of tribes, hill tribes, and cavemen and get a chance to win cash and prizes from Chiang Mai X-Centre such as vouchers for Jungle Bungee Jump, Zorb Ball, and Drift cart Racing.

The Tribal cave - A Modern Stone Age Party will be divided into two parties; The Official Pre-Party will start from 7 pm. to 9.30 pm. where you will warm up with free Tribal body art and Funk Jazz Band at the outdoor Stage Bar. The other party Tribal Cave, starting at 10 pm until 3 am., will feature international guest DJs including Sunju Hargun (QBar BKK), Danny Black (BKK City Beats), Russel Groom (M.Y.O UK); live percussionist Steve Bray (In Bed with Space / Samui); tribal performances; fire dancing, and much more!

Early bird tickets are limited and only available for online purchase until March 11, 2011 at 250 THB; Early bird VIP tickets 1,300 THB; Advanced tickets 350 THB (with 1 drink ticket); Advanced VIP tickets 1,500 THB; Door tickets 500 THB (with 2 drinks tickets); Door VIP tickets 1,900 THB. With all the VIP tickets, you will receive free cocktails at VIP cocktail / martini bar from 10pm - 3am, and entry to VIP arena with premium seats close to DJ station.

Ticket booth is available on street entrance at the corner of Kalare Night Bazaar starting from March 10th, 2011.

Tribal Cave - A Modern Stone Age Party in Chiang Mai

To get to the Playhouse Entertainment Complex, from the North Gate, on the outer moat road, turn left at the North Gate. Go straight until you see the Mercure Hotel and turn left at the Mercure Hotel. After Tops Supermarket, the Playhouse is on the right.

Be creative, dress up, go wild, and you may win a big prize!

Date: March 26, 2011
Venue: The Playhouse Entertainment Complex, behind the old Novotel Hotel next to Tops Supermarket

For more information please contact,
Website: Team Club Martini

By Suttira Kaewthep

11th NAP 2010 Nimman Shopping Spree in Chiang Mai

Are you ready for a shopping spree on one of the most lively streets in Chiang Mai? With cooperation of Group Services area Nimmanhaemin Soi 1 and Amari Rincome, the 11th NAP or Nimman Art and Design Promenade will be held again during December 5-11, 2010 at Soi 1 Nimmanhaemin road and Think Park (opposite side of main road) where the courtyard will be filled with fun activities.

NAP is known as a very fantastic and artistic event for both locals and visitors to Chiang Mai held anually on the first week of December. As of the cooling weather of winter time, a flock of tourists come to join the activities where a great number of creative stores and shops are willingly showcase their unique masterpieces and goods.

Under the atmosphere of contemporary Lanna style and Thai identity, guests will enjoy hopping on and off from various booths such as arts & design, home decor, handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, art exhibitions, workshops, and many more. This vibrant event will be held from 10am to 10pm, make sure to mark the dates on your calendar!

For more information please visit http://www.nimmansoi1.com (Thai language)

Chiang Mai Smile Festival 3rd - Winter Smile Music Festival

This article has been reprinted with permission from Chiang Mai Online Info Network.

From the previous successes of the Chiang Mai Smile Party # 1 and #2, Chiang Mai locals and visitors will have another blast at the Chiang Mai Smile Party #3 on this December 9, 2010 among true nature of Huay Thung Thao Lake on Canal Road and Northern winter breeze.

Chiang Mai has been one of the most favorite tourist destinations in Thailand because of its beautiful cultures and its mountainy scenery. Winter is another factor that makes this old capital city of Lan Na Kingdom become even more popular to travel or even to reside for both Thais and foreigners. On this 2010 winter, Cafe Del Sol, Zoeinyellow Bar, Rootsrockreggae, Babylon will bring the city the Chiang Mai Smile Party #3 : Winter Smile Music Festival. The festival will begin at 6 pm on this Thursday, December 9th and last until 5 am on Friday, December 10.

Music lovers and fans of those bars and clubs should not miss a great selection of a stellar line up of both famous live bands and DJs. Your night will be blasted by 5 live bands with Jazz, Blues, Ska and Latin Puerto Rico. Then, breath-taking Guest DJs, DJ Caspar, Who DJ, and the Sarkastic Boyz will constantly heighten your night until the wee hours with their steak of demanded beats of hippop, techno, electro and dubstep that you will surely not be disappointed.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your ticket for only 250 baht from Cafe Del Sol, Root Rock Reggae, Babylon and Zoe in Yellow. You will also get 1 free shot and free shuttle bus all night at the Reggae Alley or Boon Yoo Market to the festival grounds.

This year, the 19th European Union Film Festival will be held outdoor, for the first time, under cool breeze of Chiang Mai winter time starting from November 4 - 14, 2010 on the ground of “140-years Old Lanna Ancient House.”

The “140-years Old Lanna Ancient House” is located on Charoen Prathet Road, between the Chedi Hotel and the Iron Bridge.

The annual EU film festival features 30 recent showcases with highly anticipated, and award-winning films including various selection of drama, comedy, romance, suspense, and documentary from 16 EU member nations.

All films are subtitled in English and tickets are all free of charge! The first film of each evening will start at 6 pm. Please check out the schedule of European Union Film Festival 2010 in Chiang Mai in the table below.

Chiang Mai Bike Week 2010

On December 5, Father’s Day, all of Thailand will celebrate His Majesty the King’s Birthday and many special events will held throughout the country. If you are a fan of big bikes, then you might want to travel to Chiang Mai for this celebratory time and take in the largest Big Bike Show in northern Thailand.

Once again, the North Comets Motorcycle Club will host the 12th year Anniversary of Chiang Mai Bike Week. There will be 2 days of festivities, December 5-6, 2010 from 10 am. – 11 pm. at Imperial Mae Ping Hotel.

The theme of the event is Old School Choppers and Antique Bikes. Many famous brands of Big Bike like Harley Davidson, BMW, KTM, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Triumph, and etc. will be on display in the 6,500 square meter showplace. The admission is free for all and visitors are welcomed to join the excitement.

The event will feature many activities, live entertainment, car and motorcycle contests, music, exhibitions, and a lot more. People or companies who are interested in booth reservation or would like to be sponsors for this event can contact chiangmaibikeweek@gmail.com or http://www.chiangmaibikeweek.com.