Worshipping at the durian altar
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No two durian smell quite the same, and you can sniff this out for yourself at the World Durian Festival Chanthaburi 2012, which runs from Friday until May 13.
For 10 days and nights, durian of all types – Monthong, Chanee and Kan Yao, among them – will beckon visitors with their unmistakable odour. The festival takes place around the public lake and the city hall. Expect durian eating contests, durian floats, cultural shows and even a Queen of Durian beauty contest. Mangosteen, rambutan and other tropical fruits will add colour and flavour to the festival. Call the local tourism office at (038) 655 420-1 or (039) 311 001.
Rockets to the heavens
The folks of Yasothon are counting down to launch time this month. The annual Rocket Festival will take place from Monday until May 13 and is expected to draw upwards of 50,000 spectators for the rocket competition, the crazy mud dances and the many other fun activities. From bamboo minnows to foot-wide plastic missiles, the self-made rockets – bung fai in Thai – will be fired up into Yasothon’s sky. The rockets, according to local legend, carry an important message to the Rain God – “Let the rain come down, so we can work on the farm.”
Oxen to predict harvest
Bowls of water, rice wine, corn, sesame and beans will be offered to the sacred oxen at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang next Wednesday at the Royal Ploughing Ceremony. Depending on what the oxen eat, soothsayers will make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. This tradition has been carried out for hundreds of years to mark the beginning of the growing season. You can enjoy the ceremony by going along to Sanam Luang in the morning.
Sappaya on the sand
Centara has rebranded the X2 Rayong Resort by Design, Centara Boutique Collection beachfront resort in Rayong, as the Centara Sappaya Design Resort Rayong. The resort is located on the secluded beach of Laem Mae Phim and currently features 13 hi-designed accommodation units. A second phase, with the addition of 30 rooms, is being undertaken under a Bt70-million investment project that will be completed in 2014. This second phase will also add a new Spa Cenvaree, a fitness centre, another restaurant, and a remodelled lobby.
Visit www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com.
