Loy Krathong Festival November

In November some may wonder what is going on in Thailand when seeing travel magazine ads, posters at your hotel of Thai girls dressing in traditional Thai clothing with a beautiful floating object. That's a sign indicating that Loy Krathong is on its way. In Thai Loy means to float and Krathong means a circular floating object with decoration of banana leaves, flowers, a candle and incense sticks. All these are related to Loy Krathong, an event which does not occur on the same date every year; instead it counts on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month. In this year 2007 it will be held on November 24, a romantic night. People look forward to going out and launching Krathongs together to predict the romance future by the direction the Krathongs float. However, this season is also good for strengthening relationship in family.

The history of Loy Krathong is rather obscure. Some believe that Krathong was first created by Tao Sri Chulalak or Nang Noppamas in Sukothai. Others overlook its origin yet focus on the purposes of the ritual: to pay respect to the Goddess of the Water showing their gratitude on their plentiful use of water and ask for forgiveness in the ensuing pollution. Floating the beautiful Krathong away, which is the key activity in Loy Krathong,also refers to flying away misfortune and bad things in the past and asking for good luck in the future.

Although it is not a national holiday, many activities other than floating Krathong, are conducted in this festival, such as, contests of Krathong-making and Noppamas beauty pageants, local games and performances and fireworks.

If you are in the North of Thailand, you can join this spectacular occasion at Chiang Mai where it is specifically called Yee Peng -floating of lanterns into the sky. Or you can go to Tak where a line of thousand glittering lights are seen on the Ping River . When looking closer, you see that Krathongs here are made of coconut shells, threaded together to make chain and that's the story of Loy Krathong Sai.

Moreover, this year you can see Loy Krathong Sai made from banana trunk in Samut Songkram too. For sure, the festival in old cities is so famous and attracts a herd of visitors. Glory and ancientness of the kingdom is utterly alive in Phao Thian Len Fai in Sukhothai. In Bangsai District, Ayutthaya, you can feel the grandeur of Loy Krathong Tam Pratip and long boat race at Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre of H.M. queen Sirikit of Thailand.

Staying at Bangkok you never miss a shot as well. Popular places for Loy Krathong evening include Chao Phraya River, Rama IIX Bridge, Santichaiprakan Park on Phra Artit Road, Benjasiri Park or Queen's Park on Sukhumvit Road, Benjakiti Park on Ratchada Pisek Road and other waterways and universities. These venues tend to have a lot of people and it could be very crowded.

Many of hotel and waterside restaurant offer Loy Krathong dinners and cruises. Or if you don't prefer going out into the crowd, you can virtually Loy krathon at http://www.loikrathong.net. The end of the year is near; this festival is set up for the occasion.

Have fun!

Phuket Vegetarian Festival : 18 - 26 October 2009

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "Ma Song".

Phuket Vegetarian History

Phuket's Vegetarian festival (or jia chai in local Hokkien Chinese dialect) began in 1825, when the govenor of Thalang, Praya Jerm, moved the island's principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang District to Get-Hoe in Kathu District, where were tin mines and Chinese miners. Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (called ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners

When the whole company grew sick from an unnamed malady, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe then disappeared. This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically. Thus the festival began:starting the first evening of the ninth lunar month, it continued until the ninth evening; the aim was to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.

It later happened that one familiar with the festival volunteered to return to Kansai, in China, where he invited the sacred Hiao Ho-le or Hiao lan (incense smoke) and Lian Tui (name plaques), which have the status of gods, to come stay in Kathu. He also brought holy writings used in the ceremonies, returning to Phuket on the seventh night of the ninth month. The people, upon hearing of his arrival, went in procession to Bang Niao Pier to bring him and his sacred cargo back. This was the origin of the processions that figure so greatly in the festival.

The afternoon before the festival begins, a great pole at each temple is raised, called the Go Teng pole, with which the gods are invited to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns, signalizing the opening of the fest. Two important gods are also invited down at midnight to preside over ceremonies; these are Yok Ong Hong Tae and Kiew Ong Tai Tae.

Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods' images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kroh) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).

Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck. Ma Song fall into two categories: those who, having had an intimation of impending doom, want to extend their lives; and people specially chosen by the gods for their moral qualities.

Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.

Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh, and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.

10 RULES FOR THE VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL
1. Cleanliness of bodies during the festival
2. Clean kitchen utensils and to use them seperately from other who do not join the festival
3. Wear white during the festival
4. Behave physically and mentally
5. No meat eating
6. No sex
7. No alcoholic drinks
8. People at mourning period should not attend the festival
9. Pragnant ladies should not watch any ritual
10. Ladies with period should not attend the ritual

Mae Ngao National Park

Mae Ngao National Park is located in Mae Hong Son Province and is spread over an area of 412 square kilometers. The park is natural sightseeing spot and is also a source of many small rivers and streams that flow into the Salawin River.

The park has high mountains from where all the rivers flow westwards into Salawin River. Basically the waterway system of the park is similar to the pattern of tree; there is a large river and its branches. Some of the major rivers and gullies in Mae Ngao National Park are as follows:

• Mae Ngao River is longest and most important river of the park. It is 42 kilometers long and starts at Ban Sob-khong. The river is approximately 10 to 12 meters wide and the water is extremely clear and clean. Many gullies flow into the river and some of them include Huai Mae Loh-noi, Huai Mae-bang, Huai Mae Lela-kro, Huai Oloh-gro, and Huai Kong-oum.
• Mae-yuam River flows from Khun-yuam district and meets Mae Ngao River at Ban Sob-ngao. This river is approximately 215 kilometers long and its flows southwards and passes through the western part of the park for nearly 14 kilometers.
• Rid River is situated in the northern part of the park and flows westwards toward Kong-koi sub district.

The majority of park is evergreen forests which cover land at elevations higher than 1,000 meters. Along the banks of Mae Ngao River you will find mixed deciduous forest. Dry dipterocarps are found growing at the slopes. The park has a large number of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, including including Wild Boars, Asiatic Black Bears, Monkeys, Flying Squirrels, Foxes, Asiatic Wild Dogs, Wild Rabbits, Small Bamboo Rats, Red Jungle Fowls, Singing Myna, Turtle Doves, Blue Magpie, Cobras and Banded Krait.

You should also visit the Tham Pla cave or fish cave located at Ban Umlow village near Mae Ngao River. Inside the cave is a swamp where you can see a lot of fish. Another interesting place within the park is O Lo Gro Waterfall formed by a part of O Lo Gro stream. The waterfall is 150 meters high can be reached by a long walk on foot. Visitors love to visit Doi Pui viewpoint which is located on the slope of Doi Pui Luang at an elevation range of 1,600 meters to 1,700 meters. During the cool and dry season, you can view the beautiful misty surroundings.

Hotel Recommended:

Phu Klon, Mae Hongson

Enclosed by the luscious hills of Northern Thailand and abundant with natural resources is Mae Hong Son, an ecotourism destination that is rich with tradition and remains, to this day, as a source of many valuable natural resources, namely the hot spring and mineral water spring, both of which are emitted from an underground source that is rich with minerals, creating a mud and clay that is highly beneficial for human health and skin.

The discovery and history of Phu klon

• In 1995, a healthy mud source was discovered at Pong Dued Mae Sa Nga or the present name Phu klon by a group of French and Thai geological researchers who went sightseeing in Mae Hong Son, Thailand
• A stream of hot mineral water was found rising in the middle of rice field flowing into a small creek. Many people recovered from illness and pain when soaked in the warm water in the creek.
• In 1996, the mud from the hot spring was sampled and laboratory proved for minerals at Thermalium Luxeuil Laboratories in France. It took 4 years to find out the useful minerals and natural substances.
• In 1999, the results from the laboratory showed that the mineral contents of the mud are good for the skin and blood circulation. There are some minerals that are found in the Dead Sea mud and volcano lava mud. Being rare minerals, they can be found only at a few places on earth
• The survey renewed with satellite technology, heavy machinery and ground operation from Australia.
• In 2000, Phu klon was registered as Phu klon Country Club Limited Partnership with Baht 1,000,000 registered capital to develop the location to be one of the amazing tourist attractions of Mae Hong Son and Thailand.

PHU KLON COUNTRY CLUB:
132 M.2 Makjampae, Muang, Maehongson 58000
SALE OFFICE:
277 Tapae Rd. Changklan Muang Chiangmai 50100
Tel: 66 5328 2579 Fax: 665327 92600
Website : http://www.phuklon.co.th/
Email : info@phuklon.co.th

Hotel Recommended:

Wat Hua Wiang, Mae Hongson

Located amidst the misty mountain ranges, the beautiful city of Mae Hong Son is one of the most sparsely populated cities in Thailand that is located in the northern most part of the country.

This city is home some truly delightful religious temples that are worth a visit. Notable among these is the Wat Hua Wiang. Constructed in the year 1863, Wat Hua Wiang is the most visited tourist spot inside the city of Mae Hong Son. Also known as Wat Klang Mueang, this Buddhist temple is located on the Sihanatbamrung Road present adjacent to the morning market inside the city.

The most remarkable feature that is present inside the temple is the Phra Chao Pharalakhaeng, a beautiful image of Lord Buddha dressed in an elegant attire. This is a Burmese-styled bronze statue and is considered to be a true replica of the one present in Mandalay, Myanmar. The temple primarily contains a large compound comprising of a two-storey building with a multi-tiered tower. Due to improper maintenance, many parts of the temple are in a bit dilapidated state. Interestingly, this look adds to the beauty and elegance of the temple. Unlike other temples in Thailand, Wat Hua Wiang has a more lively appearance considering the fact that the temple houses quite a few monks. By paying a visit to this temple, one can have a complete understanding about the Buddhist customs, traditions and religious activities of Thailand.

Wat Hua Wiang is open to visitors throughout the day. Admission into the temple is free. Visitors can reach the temple either by taking the famous Thai Tuk-Tuk or by getting on top of a Songkaew. Apart from these, there are also local buses available from the airport.

Hotel Recommended:

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu

The temple atop Kong Mu hill, Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, affords a spectacular view of the entire valley in which Mae Hong Son is nestled. The temple itself is notable for its two large white chedis and its typical Shan architecture.

The temple dates from around the time of the village's upgrade to a city in 1874. One of the huge chedis contains the ashes of a revered monk that were bought from Burma by two devotees. The other houses the ashes of Mae Hong Son's first governor, Phaya Singhanat Racha.

A steep road leads further up to the crown of the hill where the ubosot is located. In front of the ubosot is a large slender standing Buddha image. A small chedi and several cenotaphs stand next to the ubosot. In front of the standing Buddha, a boat rowed by two monks and two lay people carries the Buddhist wheel.

Reaching the temple on foot means taking one of two paths. From Wat Phra Non, a stairway leads halfway up the hill and then joins the other path which starts at Wat Muo Taw. This second path is a little easier, as it consists mostly of a zig-zag of ramps with only short stairways at the switch-backs. There are also covered rest stops at each corner.

If you don't feel like a climb, you can rent motorcycles or a car to drive you to the top.

Hotel Recommended:

Tha Pai Hot Springs in Mae Hong Son

Tha Pai Hot Springs are one of the focal points of Huai Nam Dang National Park, in Mae Hong Son province, 8 kilometres south of Pai. The springs offer a number of bathtubs for visitors to bathe in, and it is also possible to bathe in the stream that runs through the site. The water from these springs is said to have strong therapeutic value.

How to get there:

Tha Pai Hot Spring are near Huai Nam Dang Waterfall in Haui Nam Dang National Park. The entrance to the park is kilometre 65 and 66 on highway 1095 (Chiang Mai - Pai - Mae Hong Son). A number of tours leave Mae Hong Son from the springs available at guesthouses and hotels.

Hotel Recommended: