Music on the beach

The Pattaya International Music Festival 2012 takes place along Beach Road and Bali Hai Pier from Friday to Sunday, with all the fun focused on an inland amphitheatre for the bands and beachside terraces for the DJs. Now in its tenth year, the festival serves up rhythm & blues, rock and all the varieties they call music these days, with locals and foreigners piling in to dance, attend workshops, make videos and meet the stars. Call (038) 427 667.

 

Krabi on the rocks

Krabi Rock & Fire International Contest 2012 will heat up Thailand’s western coastline with rock climbing competitions. Lead climbing marathon and speed climbing are the highlight of the race, keeping local and international climbers on the wall of rocks for a bird’s eye view of the Andaman Sea. Adding heat and colour to the festival is a fire twirling competition and vibrant beach parties. Tucked away in Thailand’s south, Krabi with its tropical beaches, islands and steep walls of rock and karsts is famous among young travellers. Call (075) 622 163 or e-mail [email protected].

 

Songkran, Mon style

Songkran is not over yet, say the Mon-speaking folks in Samut Prakan. The old Mon neighbourhood of Phra Pradaeng keeps the best for last, celebrating Songkran in a three-day event that kicks off on Friday. The centrepiece is at Wat Ketchedtharam, a Mon temple in Phra Pradaeng district, with merit-making and entertainment that runs from dawn till late at night. Expect traditional Mon games like sa-baa, great food and folk arts.

 

Tale of the kingdom

Sukhothai Historical Park is offering a free Light and Sound show to visitors to Sukhothai province. This small-scale yet fantastic showcase tells the tale of Siam’s very first kingdom. The show starts at 6.30pm on May 19 and 26, June 16 and 23, July 21, August 12 and 18, and September 15. All times and dates are subject to change, and it’s recommended to check the exact showtimes with TAT’s Sukhothai Office. Call (055) 616 228-9.