Blooming Krachiao Flower Festival

(June 1 - July 31, 2007:The Siam Tulip Festival of Chaiyaphum, Pa Hin Ngam National Park)



The Siam Tulip Festival of Chaiyaphum
The unique geographical landscape of Chaiyaphum Province in the northeast of Thailand gives rise to a range of natural attractions of exceptional beauty. Of these, the fields of pinkish-purple Siam Tulip, or "Dok Krachiao", come in to full bloom in the early part of the rainy season from June to August.



Also commonly called 'patumma', 'bua sawan' (heaven lotus), or 'bua bok' (the land lotus), the Siam Tulip is a member of the ginger genera - Curcuma or Zingiberaceae.

The unusual form, bright colour and long-lasting quality of the Siam Tulip has made it an increasingly popular choice for floral decorations. It is in high demand and is currently being cultivated in the form of cuttings or ornamental plants for local consumption as well as for export overseas, predominantly to Japan and the Netherlands.

THE PA HIN NGAM ROCK GARDEN
The extraordinary 'rock-garden' of Pa Hin Ngam (forests of beautiful rock), located within a forested area in the Amphoe Thep Sathit sub-district is another place of interest.



Pa Hin Ngam consists of 10 sq. kilometres of impressive natural sandstone sculpture. Weathered by sun, wind and rain over thousands of years, the sandstone is worn into curious shapes, the names of which refect its form such as Nail Rock, Castle Rock, Elephant Rock and even Laser Rock.

In addition to this unusual rock formation, Chaiyaphum Province also has its share of spectacular waterfalls such as the Tat Ton and Pha Eang Waterfalls and the Tum Kaew Caves, and other breathtaking sights and vantage points.



Contact information:
TAT Northeastern Office - Region 1
Tel: +66 (0) 4421 3666, (0) 4421 3030
Fax: +66 (0) 4421 3667
E-mail: tatsima@tat.or.th

Tel: +66 (0) 1390 0925,
+66 (0) 1265 8834

The Koh Samui Regatta 2007

(May 27 - June 2, 2007: Koh Samui, Thailand)
credit by Tourism Authority of Thailand

The Koh Samui Regatta 2007 is a week-long sailing extravaganza packed with the best racing, parties and cuisine in the tropics. The atmosphere is laid back island style offering a truly unique event.
Brought to you by the Koh Samui Regatta Organising Committee, under the auspices of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, and with support and assistance from the Royal Thai Navy the five days of racing are a mixture of "coastal passages" and"around the cans".



There are four evening "Cocktail Parties" at various locations around the island, culminating in the Gala Dinner at Regatta headquarters - the Central Samui Beach Resort.




RACING
The Koh Samui Regatta 2007 includes five days of racing over a mixture of coastal passages and around the cans courses just off the East and North coast of one of Thailand's most beautiful islands.

Most of the action will take place within site of the Eastern and Northern Coasts of Koh Samui.

The action can be viewed from the look out points to the South of Chaweng Bay, Bophut and Mae Nam Beaches as well as along the magnificent stretches of beach at Chaweng and Lamai.

There are five Race Classes:
Racing; Cruising; Sports Boats; Multihulls; Beach Cats

The Koh Samui Regatta 2007 offers a truly international event with:

- 230 participants from Asia; Australia; New Zealand; Europe; and the Americas.
- Over 40 boat entries with an even mixture of keelboats and multihulls



The Island
At 247 square kilometres, Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island. During the last decade, the island has become one of South East Asia's premier and high-end tourist destinations.

The neighbouring islands of Phangan, Tao and the breathtaking National Marine Park offer visitors a wide range of activities such as sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling and adventure excursions.

With more than 20 domestic daily flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, and direct international connections from Koh Samui Airport to Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, travelling and visiting the island on a regular basis could not be more convenient.

Along with the island's established infrastructure including international educational and medical facilities, a wide choice of high street shopping brands, outstanding dining venues, and beautiful white sandy beaches, Koh Samui truly stands out as a prime destination for a holiday and weekend get-aways.



As a tropical island, Koh Samui seems to cast its magic spell on everyone who visits.

Contact information:
Koh Samui Regatta
108/9 Moo 1, T. Bo Phut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84320 Thailand
Tel. +66-9-726-5728 Fax. +66-7743-0404
E-mail: info@samuiregatta.com
Web site: www.samuiregatta.com

Paul Poole (South East Asia) Co., Ltd. 198 Tanou Road, Bovernives, Pranakorn, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand Tel:/Fax: +66 (0) 2622 0605 - 7

Paul Poole - Managing Director Tel: +66 (0) 6563 3196 (English Speaking)

Wichuda Wanitchayapong - Personal Assistant Tel: +66 (0) 7014 2400 (Thai/English Speaking)

Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2007

(June 1 - August 31, 2007: In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Phuket and Pattaya)



The Amazing Thailand Grand Sale, Thailand's annual 3 months shopping extravaganza from 1 June until 31 August 2007, offers world-class shopping, a diverse selection of quality products and services, special discounts of up to 70 percent and promotional offers being extended by participating department stores and retail outlets along designated 'Shopping Streets' in Bangkok and the popular tourist destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Hat Yai.
The Shopping Streets provide a convenient opportunity to spot great buys in an exotic range of unique crafts and cottage industry products, including exquisitely hand-crafted decorative items for home and living and fashion accessories, available in the traditional as well as contemporary design.

Besides discount offers, our proud partners, Visa International offer special gift for visitors who shop using their Visa cards for 8,000 baht or more *get free natural soap at leading department stores and shopping complexes, including King Power Duty Free shops at Suvarnabhumi Airport and King Power Downtown Duty Free Mall.

Participating department stores include
Bangkok
Central Department Store (Chidlom Skytrain Station)
Zen (Chidlom Skytrain Station)
Robinson Department Store (Saladeang Skytain BTS Station, Cultural Center Underground MRT Station)
Siam Center (Siam Skytrain Station)
The Mall Department Store
The Emporium (Phrom Phong Skytrain Station)
Siam Paragon (Siam Skytrain Station)
Siam Discovery Center (Siam Skytrain Station)
Central World (Chidlom Skytrain Station)
Gaysorn Plaza (Chidlom Skytrain Station)
Erawan Bangkok (Chidlom Skytrain Station)
Amarin Plaza (Chidlom Skytrain Station)
King Power Duty-Free shops at Suvarnabhumi Airport
King Power Downtown Duty-Free Mall (Rangnam Road)
Phuket
Central Festival
* Terms & Conditions may apply.

Thai Fruit Fairs and Festivals

(May - June 2007:Chanthaburi and Rayong)

Note: Event dates and programme details may be subject to change. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.



Thailand has a vast selection of fresh fruits are available all year round. However for a taste of the very best of Thai fruits, the height of the summer in May and June is the peak season.
During this time of the year, a delightful assortment of exotic Thai fruits come into season. Crispy and crunchy raw mango or ripe mangos juicy and full of flavour; rich, creamy durians; tangy thirst-quenching mangosteens; sweet rambutans, longans and jackfruit with thick, fleshy pulp.Refreshing and nutritious choices abound.

As succulent fruits ripen on the trees and are ready for harvest, fruit orchards in many of the eastern provinces of Thailand such as Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat are open to visitors, presenting wonderful opportunities for private tours of the orchards and plantations, and agrotourism. Several offer fresh fruit buffets and 'all-you can eat and pick' at irresistible prices.

The eastern provinces of Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat, are reputed to be the finest producers of such exotic tropical fruits as durian - 'king of tropical fruits', mangosteen - 'queen of tropical fruits', rambutan, pomelo and zalacca.

With a ready supply of freshly-picked fruits from the nearby orchards throughout the summer months from May to July, annual provincial fruit fairs and festivals held from May to June each year present the ideal opportunity to savour the very best of a great variety of fresh Thai fruits, as well as locally processed fruit.

Colourful entertainment presents an added plus. In addition to contests such as the "Best Decorated Fruit Stall", "Best fruits", "Best Processed Fruits", fruit-eating contests and the ever-popular beauty contest, other highlights include demonstrations of food-processing, folk entertainment, stage performances other attractions. The fairs also feature a vast array of quality local produce.

AN INTRODUCTION TO THAI FRUITS
Please click to view

FRUITS FAIRS AND FESTIVALS EVENT CALENDAR



May - June 2007
DURIAN FESTIVAL
From King Taksin the Great Memorial to Chanthaburi Sports Stadium, Chanthaburi city centre


Highlights
- Fruit-related contests such as the 'Best Floating Raft', creatively decorated with fruit, 'Best Fruits' , 'Best Processed Fruits' , fruit-eating contests, durian 'som tam' contest
- Sales of freshly-picked produce from the orchards
- Ornamental plants fair
- Sales of unique products from each of the sub-districts (tambon) featured in the "OTOP - One Tambon One Product" promotional campaign
- 'Food Street'
- Agricultural exhibitions
- Beauty contests
- Folk song concert, folk song contest and cultural performances
- Other highlights include demonstrations of food-processing, gemstone cutting, jewellery manufacturing, the making of sedge mats and other attractions.

The festival also features a vast array of quality local produce considered to be "Chantaburi's Best". The dazzling gemstones of Chanthaburi are yet another irresistible buy.

May - June 2007
RAYONG FRUIT FESTIVAL
Tapang Central Market for Agriculture, Rayong city centre

Highlights
- Fruit Festival Parade featuring a procession of floats decorated with fruit
- Beauty contests
- Fruit-related contests including the 'Best Fruit' and quality product contests, fruit-eating contests, fruit som tam contests, sales of freshly-picked fruit and sales of village crafts and products from the sub-districts (tambon) under the OTOP - One Tambon One Product promotional campaign

According to local connoisseurs, durian, pomelo, zalacca, mangosteen and rambutan grown in the eastern provinces of Chanthaburi, Rayong and Trat, are ?the best' in the country. The province of Rayong has thus made a name for itself as a treasure trove of exotic tropical fruits. To promote the sales of fresh fruits from the surrounding orchards, processed food items and other local products, Rayong province hosts an annual Rayong Fruit Festival.

In addition to fruit contests, displays of agricultural and horticultural produce and sales of local handicrafts and products from each of the villages promoted under the OTOP - One Tambon One Product theme, a procession of colourful floats decorated with fruit and flowers paraded through the streets, beauty pageants, cultural performances and folk entertainment add to the festive ambience of the event.

Contact information:
TAT Central Region Office - Region 4
E-mail: tatryong@tat.or.th
Tel: +66 (0) 3865 5420 - 1
Fax: +66 (0) 3865 5422

Rayong Tourism Promotion Association
Tel: +66 (0) 3861 7151, (0) 3861 7110



View travel guide of this festival.