Fly & Drive Thailand 2009
From now to 30 September 2009
Venue: Several provinces in Thailand
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is launching the campaign “Fly & Drive Thailand” to encourage tourists to travel by plane and then drive to any of the five designated destinations throughout this off-season period.

Also, a tour package “Best Prices 5 Routes” is introduced to the public to promote popular traveling routes with special-priced accommodations and transportation.

This is the third consecutive year of this campaign. This year, 14 entrepreneurs such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, AVIS and Petchburee Car Rent join in to provide special promotional rates for tourists.

At the first phase, there are 5 pilot packages for 5 popular tourist provinces, viz. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani, Krabi and Phuket. The price begins at 9,999 baht (for 2 persons including air tickets, rental cost (excluding petrol expenses) and 3 days 2 nights accommodations. The package starts from now to 30 September 2009.

A guidebook “Fly & Drive Thailand 2009” is on sale at 49 baht at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (head office) and leading bookstores throughout the country.

Tourists interested in the “Best Price 5 Routes” packages can call to buy a package at “Fly & Drive Call Center” on tel. 0 2250 4580-83 and 0 2250 4530 Monday-Friday 09.00-18.00 hrs. or call TAT hotline 1672.

 
  The Butterfly Watching Festival 2009 at Pang Sida National Park
Date: May to July each year
         Main activities from 14-16 May 2009
Venue: Pang Sida National Park, Sa Kaeo Province (250 km east of Bangkok)

Sa Kaeo Province and Pang Sida National Park jointly hold the butterfly watching festival at Pang Sida National Park from May to July each year. This year main activities like the butterfly contest, butterfly parade and butterfly photo contest will be held from 14 to 16 May at Sa Kaeo Provincial Administrative Organization, Wat Sa Kaeo, and Pang Sida National Park. Activities on the opening day (16 May) include mini marathons, mountain bike competitions and photo and travel exhibitions. Please check the detailed schedule with TAT Nakhon Nayok Office.

And among many activities here, butterfly watching is highly recommended. After receiving the mid-April rainfall, trees are just coming into leaf and hundreds of species of butterfly are coming out of their cocoons, so this is the most suitable period to visit Pang Sida National Park.

Butterfly watching, which is one of eco-tourism activities, is popular among green tourists with a few reasons. Inexpensive equipment is one of them and another reason is that butterfly watching is suitable for any time of the day. However, the morning is the best time to observe these flying insects closely because they are perching still on the leaves to get the warm morning sunshine before starting a new day.

In Pang Sida National Park, apart from butterfly watching, there is a waterfall with the same name and other interesting activities to do. Moreover, in Sa Kaeo Province, there are several tourist attractions such as Rong Kluea Market and Sadok Kok Thom, the Khmer style castle.

For more information, please contact The Tourism Authority of Thailand Nakhon Nayok Office on tel. +66 (0) 3731 2282 or 3731 2284


 
  Snake-bird Watching in Sa Kaeo
May to July each year
Venue: Phraprong Reservoir, Watthana Nakhon County of Sa Kaeo Province (250 km east of Bangkok)

Sa Kaeo Province holds its annual birdwatching festival at Phraprong Reservoir from May to July every year. This year the festival begins on 27 May with various eco-travel activities such as bike rallies and fishing and rowing boat competitions.

Phraprong Reservoir is biologically suitable for vegetation and marine life to grow; therefore, various species of birds come to search for food, especially Nok Ai Ngua or snake-birds which, among the constant residents in the reservoir, are considered a rare species of large water bird in Thailand.

The snake-birds have a distinctive and interesting way of catching fish. They dive into the water and use their beaks to spear fish for themselves. This is a rarely seen behaviour that you can watch in the reservoir. At present (May 2009), there are about 30 snake-birds reported living in the area.


Photo by Mr. Teera Saengsuradet

Photo by Mr. Teera Saengsuradet

Tourists can take a rafting trip in Phraprong Reservoir to enjoy the secluded atmosphere and watch birds of various species fishing. When tired, they can taste a wide variety of freshwater fish at the restaurants on the shore.

Boats and rafts can be hired at the reservoir. People interested in activities at Phraprong Reservoir please contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Nakhon Nayok Office on tel. +66 (0) 3731 2282.


 
  Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009
30 July - 2 August 2009
Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre
Amazing Thailand Grand Sale 2009 will be held from 1 June – 31 August 2009
at leading shopping complexes in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Hat Yai and Samui. This project is aimed to motivate and attract foreign tourists to visit Thailand during the green season by promoting the country’s image as a shopping paradise. On this occasion, many leading shopping complexes, hotels, airlines, spas, golf courses, online travel agents, hospitals, etc. will all join in offering 10-80 % special discount to their customers.

Besides, the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale Fair will be held from 30 July - 2 August 2009 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. At the fair, you will find special discount (10-50%) on quality tour packages, accommodations, and airfares both domestic and international. Moreover, there are quality products from the royal projects and other brandname clothing, accessories, and leather goods on sale.

For more information you can visit www.amazinggrandsale.com or call The Tourism Authority of Thailand Call Centre on tel. 1672


 
  Kaeng Hin Phoeng Whitewater Rafting Season
Venue: Kaeng Hin Phoeng, Prachin Buri Province
June-October

Here is another location for green tourists who love adventurous activities. Hin Phoeng Rapids of Prachin Buri Province (135 km east of Bangkok) is famous for its powerful white foam water, which is suitable for shooting the rapids. A short travelling distance from Bangkok makes a one-day trip to experience the whitewater rafting possible. Therefore, each year from June to October, adventure-lovers flock to raft here.

Hin Phoeng Rapids, part of Khao Yai National Park, is situated in Na Di County, Prachin Buri Province. It is a huge rock rapids at the end of the Sai Yai River. Reaching the starting point is relatively easy by walking through a 2 km shady trail. The safe path for rafting covers a 2.5 km distance along the green forest. It takes about 2 hours for a round trip. In the rainy season the river rises and powerfully flows through gradients of altogether six rapids generating a lot of thrills and spills for rafters. The intensity of water varies from three to five, meaning moderately difficult to extremely difficult. Along both sides of the river course, plants grow luxuriantly, creating a soothing view for the eyes.

While on the dinghy, you will meet consecutive excitements that get your adrenalin flowing as the dinghy is adrift past rocks and fights against the strong current. When the craft collides with huge waves, be ready to feel the refreshing cool water splashes. For a few spots where the current is not so strong, don’t hesitate to jump off the craft and enjoy swimming in the clear pools.

Prices: 450 baht/person
           3,500 baht/boat (8 persons)         

For more information, please contact TAT Nakhon Nayok Office on tel.+66 (0) 3731 2282, (0) 3731 2286


 
  Krachiao Blossom Festival
Venue: Pa Hin Ngam National Park and Sai Thong National Park, Chaiyaphum Province
June - August 2009
Chaiyaphum Province (342 km northeast of Bangkok) in cooperation with The Tourism Authority of Thailand would like to invite you to appreciate the beauty of the province’s seasonal flower “Krachiao” which is now in full bloom.

Krachiao or curcuma is in the ginger family and is widely found in Pa Hin Ngam National Park of Thep Sathit County and Sai Thong National Park of Nong Bua Raheu County. During the rainy season, the flower blooms in abundance and carpets the forest in Pa Hin Ngam National Park with its mauve and pinkish colours.

Besides enjoying the flowers and beautiful surroundings, travellers can visit the Phang Hoei viewpoint, which commands a fine panoramic view of the Central Plains and the Northeast. Lan Hin Ngam, a nearby area full of beautiful stone formations in different shapes and sizes and Sai Thong Waterfall are other recommended places for the trip.



The province has also prepared interesting activities for visitors such as a rock climbing, OTOP product shopping, and cultural performances.

For more details, please contact Chaiyaphum Public Relations Office on tel. +66(0) 4482 2502 or The Tourism Authority of Thailand Nakhon Ratchasima Office on tel. +66(0) 4421 3666


 
  The 18th Sweet Santol Fair 2009
25 June – 6 July 2009
Venue: Muang County Administrative Office, Lop Buri Province

About 153 km to the north of Bangkok, Lop Buri Province offers an opportunity to experience the real peaceful countryside and ways of life of the local people in central Thailand. The Lop Buri River which cuts across pieces of land creates a fertile region suitable for growing various kinds of tasty fruits. Along both sides of the roads in the province are green rice fields and densely planted tropical fruit groves.

“Kra Thon” or sweet santol is a prestigious fruit of Lop Buri Province that impresses most people with its sweet white soft pulp covering its seed. Talung Sub-county, situated in the southern part of the province, produces quality sweet santol famous for its bigger size and softer flesh.

The fruit is in season from June to July each year. Therefore, during this time of the year the province holds an annual Sweet Santol Fair in Muang County. This year the fair takes place from 25 June to 6 July at Muang County Administrative Office. Visitors can purchase high quality sweet santol as well as enjoy seeing the cultural performances and contests.

In addition to its Sweet Santol Fair, Lop Buri, a city with a glorious history has many interesting places for tourists such as Phra Kan Shrine, Phra Prang Sam Yot, King Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, etc. Local museums in Muang County are quite impressive if you love to see antiques. Lop Buri Traditional Local Boat Museum in Wat Yang, a Buddhist temple in Talung Sub-county keeps various types of traditional wooden boat that can hardly be found anymore.


Lop Buri Traditional Local Boat Museum

Wat Khok Mo Museum, located in Khok Mo Temple in Pho Kao Ton Sub-county, is another place that displays many kinds of antique items such as Buddhist images of different eras, ancient money and earthenware from Thailand, China and western countries.

For more information please contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Lop Buri Office on tel. +66 (0) 3642 2768-9.


 
  Si Sa Ket’s Rambutan, Durian and Best Product Festival
A New Aspect of I-San Travelling
3-9 July 2009
Venue: In front of Si Sa Ket Tourism and Sports Office and local agricultural farms in Kantharalak and Khun Han Counties, Si Sa Ket Province (517 km northeast of Bangkok)
In the past, when thinking about I-San or the Northeastern region of Thailand, we often think of rice fields extending beyond our vision or the ruins of Khmer style castles. But not many people know that right now Si Sa Ket, a northeastern province long famous for Phra Vihear Castle, is a new source of quality fruits produced for export.

Among many kinds of fruits grown here, rising stars are two eastern Thailand’s native fruits, rambutans and durians. In addition, Si Sa Ket Province can also grow plants indigenous to the Southern region of Thailand like “Sa To” or the nitta tree, a leguminous plant whose edible seeds contain a bitter taste.

In order to promote the province as the new source of quality fruits, Si Sa Ket Province and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will hold Si Sa Ket’s Rambutan, Durian and Best Product Festival from 3 to 9 July 2009 at the ground in front of Si Sa Ket Tourism and Sports Office and local agricultural farms in Kantharalak and Khun Han Counties.

Interesting activities include a splendid fruit parade and four tribes cultural procession (on the 3rd July), beauty contest, singing contest and shows. The festival’s highlight is the “50 baht for all fruits you can eat” activity, in which visitors can enjoy fresh fruit picking and eating and learn some useful agricultural knowledge in the orchards.

Moreover, TAT and Si Sa Ket Province have also announced a fun, one day trip to Si Sa Ket. Costing only 599 baht per person, the trip is scheduled to start from Surin Province to Si Sa Ket Provinve on the 4th July. Tourists can enjoy their time in rambutan and durian groves, Wat Sophon Wihan and Wat Khien Burapharam, featuring the beauty of I-San style temples. Then, before leaving, visitors can shop for local handicrafts at Khun Han County town.

Want to join the trip? Apply now until 30th June. Urgent! It is limited to 40 seats only.
For more information, please contact TAT Surin Office on tel. +66 (0) 4451 4447-8.


 
  Pattaya Marathon
19 July 2009
Venue: Starting and finishing on Pattaya Beach Road Soi 4, Pattaya City, Chon Buri Province (81 km east of Bangkok)
As a tourism centre for the Thailand’s eastern seaboard and one of the region’s premier beach resorts, Pattaya is a complete destination with land and marine attractions within easy access.

With its picturesque running route, this annual international event, which features Marathon, Wheelchair, Half-Marathon, Quarter marathon and Students, has attracted participation from world-class runners and locals for 15 consecutive years.

Event schedule:

Wheelchair (42.195 km), starting at 04.20 hrs
Marathon (42.195 km), starting at 04.30 hrs
Half Marathon (21.100 km), starting at 05.00 hrs
Quarter Marathon (10.550 km), starting at 05.30 hrs
Student (5 km), starting at 06.00 hrs

Detailed maps of Pattaya
Accommodations in Pattaya
More about Pattaya

For detailed information and application, please visit www.pattaya-marathon.com
Or contact Pattaya City: Tel. 1337, +66 (0) 3825 3129,
The Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya Office: Tel. +66 (0) 3842 8750, (0) 3842 7667




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