Thailand, events

Thailand International Swan Boat Races

Swan boats are narrow boats with round bottoms and are elegantly long. It has an upturned bow which is carved with a swan head. The stern, on the other hand, looks like a tail. What was once a traditional sport in Thailand has now garnered international recognition. The annual International Swan Boat Races (held every November) is now participated in by more than 20 teams all vying for the honor of being the best swanboat team in the world. The event is held in Siam, Ayutthaya - Thailand's ancient capital.

Venue: The Bangsai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre on the Chao Phraya River

Songkran Festival

Songkran is a traditional rite performed during the Thai New Year that involves dousing people around you in water - a symbol of cleansing and of purification. The Songkran Festival is one of the liveliest in the country. The event is celebrated for three days most especially in the wats and temples wherein statues of the Buddha are bathed. Youngsters also symbolically wash their elders. The dousing free-for-all usually spills into the streets.

Venue: Citywide in the streets, temples and wats;

Phuket

Thailand boasts some of the best beaches in the world. One of the most popular beach destinations in the country is Phuket, which has also earned the moniker "Pearl of The South." Phuket is a place of rich natural beauty. Beaches give way to tall cliffs, that in turn lead to lush forests and majestic waterfalls. Travelers of all persuasions can find their place here. There are backpacker locations as well as hotels for those looking for luxury. There are excellent sites for snorkeling and scuba diving as well as for hiking.