Walking in a winter wonderland

Udon Thani once again shows why it is the most dazzling city of Thailand’s northeast with a sparkling display of Christmas lights to herald the coming of the festive season.

The illuminations are particularly evident at UD Town, Thailand’s largest open-air shopping centre, which boasts a massive Christmas tree that stretches eight metres up towards the sky. Made of hedge grass coloured blue and white, the tree is designed like a chessboard, and is topped with a crown and large gem that twinkles both day and night.

Some Bt10 million has been invested in this year’s extravaganza at the premium lifestyle and leisure centre on the theme “X’mas Wonder in UD Town 2014”.

“We are now in the high season for foreign tourists,” says Udon Thani native Tanakorn Weerachatyanukul, chief executive of Udon Plaza and president of the Udon Thani Tourism Business Association, which is promoting the province as one of the landmarks of Isaan with a flurry of development projects.

“We expect to attract more than 300,000 tourists, which accounts for 10 per cent of our total tourist visitors for the year.”

“It’s an event that should stimulate the local economy as well as tourism,” adds Udon Thani Governor Noppawat Singhsakda.

“UD Town has always excited both residents and visitors thanks to its constant flow of creative innovations and is helping us to make the upcoming tourist season more colourful by promoting attractions like Thung Si Mueang and Talay Bua Daeng.”

The tree-lighting event was well attended by the public who were delighted to see the wealth of characters contributing to the wonderland theme. Local favourite Patravee “Earth” Srisuntisuk came out with her band on stage to perform a set of well-known Thai and foreign songs.

After the official speeches, Thai-Swedish model and actress Praiya “Poo” Soandokmai Lundberg performed with other characters in a wonderland show then handed over centre stage to the authorities for the lighting ceremony.

 “I try not to work over the Christmas holiday so I can spend time with my family. We always have a great time with a big dinner and lots of games,” said Praiya.

Entertainment kicks off next weekend with a jazz festival at UD Town featuring the Dutch Swing College Band on November 30. Next month pundits can enjoy shows by “The Voice” artists Weerasak “Gope” Kluakan and Natthawut “Max” Jenmana on December 29 and Palitchoke “Peck” Aryanabud and Klear on December 30. The UD Town Countdown 2015 on December 31 will feature “The Star” artists Suparuj “Ruj” Techatanon and Saharat “Singto” Hiranthanapuwadol, “AF” stars Patcha Anek-Ayuwat, Nat “Natthew” Thewphaingam, Sattaphong "Tao" Phiangphor and Nontanun "Kacha" Anchuleepradit plus Nuttcha “Fang Khao” Jittanon, Lalita “Nan” Jungwattanakit, and Orawee “Klom” Pinijsarapirom from “The Voice” and Baitoey R Siam.

 

 

 

Swinging city

Find out more by calling (042) 932 999 or visit www.GoUDTOWN.com.