EXCLUSIVE!! CHIANG MAI SONGKRAN FESTIVAL 2012

From: 12 APR 2012
Until: 15 APR 2012
Venue: Chiang Mai City, Chiang Mai, Thailand

What is Songkran Festival?

Songkran festival is the celebration to the Thai New Year from 13 to 15 April of every year. The country has adopted the first of January as the beginning of the year for decades, this traditional new year (or Thai new year referred to by the locals) holds its place as one of the most important national holidays. More and more, the celebration around the country are being harmonised to the same period; however, variations can be found in many regions. For examples, in Chonburi, the traditional celebration starts from 16 APR and last for a few days; while the celebration in some northern parts of the country can last more than a week.

In modern time, people associate this festival with the water throwing event; traditional events, however, is much different. Songkran period can be referred to one of the most spiritual and religious events. It is the time to come home! What is beyond that is the chance for the family meet-up; the chance for paying respect to parents who live in the other part of the country.   Especially to those who relocate to the urban area for work, Songkran is a do-or-die business for them to come home.
The origin of water throwing in Songkran Festival might be from 'water pouring'. Even today, the locals still pour traditional fragrance water to their elders wishing them well and for their blessings. The Buddha images are poured signalling the 'bathing' of the images to bring good luck and prosperity. Pouring water also mean washing the bad things away. Although when it is not to the elders, our water pouring are not very gentle. Whence came water throwing!

Food for thought!

It is somehow challenging for the Thais to continue their traditional activities in the ever-growing-water-throwing-tourist-attracting environment.  Although many institutions have publicised their view to do it the 'middle way', these campaigns can reach only a minority of the people.  Many provinces start creating (or copying) their own water-throwing-battle-royale-street just to attract tourists who do not care of anything but to have fun.  Personally, I hope we realise more of the spiritual part of this festival ere it is completely gone.  And hey, I am not even a traditionalist!

@ Chiang Mai

The Northern parts of Thailand are famous for preserving the traditional parts of this festival; at the same time, tourists are well entertained.  Among those regions, Chiang Mai live to its famous name for tourists.  Its festival, coordinated by the Chiang Mai municipality, will have a grand opening ceremony with a wonderful procession around Chiang Mai city.  Tourists can join the real Songkran by pouring the fragrance water to the Buddha images and elders; experiencing the famous local performances and food.  Needless to say, Chiang Mai is also a centre for the controvercial water throwing festival.  So, you can have a complete package here.

Personally, I do recommend you to book in advance.  Since many people will be travelling, both locals and tourists, travelling there by plane to avoid traffic jam on such period is also crucial.  Book ASAP!!!

For more information contact: Chiang Mai Municipality Office Tel. +66 (53) 25 90 00

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Office Tel. +66 (53) 24 86 04, 07 Fax.+66 (53) 24 86 05

Website : http://www.tourismthailand.org/chiangmai

E-mail : tatchmai@tat.or.th

Thanks:
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Wikipedia

2007 MALAYSIA Part 1

Good afternoon everybody.  This time I would like to share with you my fantastic experience in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.  I just hope you know where Malaysia is, no?

Like many other trips, I was there on a business trip, participating in a ACCSQ-PPWG conference there.  We stayed in the Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa which was such a fabulous place to visit.  The place itself is an inland complex comprises everything from hotel, shopping complex, to a white sand beach!

**SUNWAY RESORT HOTEL & SPA**

This egypt-theme hotel located in the Petaling Jaya between the centre of Kuala Lumpur (KL) and the KL international airport (KLIA).  Its address is 'Persiaran Lagoon Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, 46150 Malaysia'.  It is a 5-star hotel having everything you have desired for in your days off starting from the award-winning theme park, lake park, mega mall, medical centre, to golf & country club!  Erm... that does not sound right to me; I was there on duty and that almost made me crazy.  I have but only my time-off to stroll around this beautiful place.  'There is no time!!'  I muttered.
The hotel has more than 400 rooms available at a variable price range.  The place is gigantic and took me a whole while to stroll around.  Oh, there is a huge pyramid and sphinx too!
My room was clean and tidy as you expected from a 5-star hotel.

Ahem,  I do have a few pictures to share ;)

The trip started off nicely.  I was very impressed with my accomodation facilities.  But was it a calm before storm?  Let's see...

'Til next time...