Ceremonies of Phuket past
An old style "Baba" wedding ceremony is being organised to show off the unique culture of Phuket's Peranakan communities on June 24 and 25, with the colourful wedding procession winding through the heritage mansions and villas in the old town.
The Peranakan are the descendants of late 15th and 16th-century Chinese immigrants and successfully combine elements of the Chinese, Malay and European lifestyles. The retro wedding will offer a glimpse of Phuket as it was when it was run by well-to-do Peranakan families.
Southeast Asia in the spotlight
Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) gets underway off today at Impact Exhibition Centre Halls 5 & 6, offering a gateway to discover Thailand and destinations in Mekong sub-region countries. This year four major products will be highlighted: Ecotourism, Golf, Health & Wellness, and Wedding & Honeymoon. The 7 business categories also arranged for the event are Accommodation, Entertainment, Tourism Organisation/Association, Tour Operator/Travel Agent, Transportation, and Other Travel Services. Check it out for tempting packages and hot deals. The fair ends on Friday.
Snoozing with the snakebirds
Head to Sa Kaew, a province in Thailand’s East, between June to August, and watch oriental darters in action during the Snakebird Watching Festival. Known as the snakebird to local fishermen, the darters have long necks and heads, making them look like snakes with wings. You can see flocks of the darters up close at Phra Prong Reservoir in Wattana Nakhon district. The locals are happy to take you on a cruise of the reservoir to watch the birds and their breeding grounds. Call Baan Klong Malagor school at (081) 861 249 or Chong Khum Administration Organisation at (037) 261 020.
Sampling Si Sa Ket
Si Sa Ket in Thailand’s Northeast promises visitors a juicy weekend as the Durian and Rambutan Festival gets underway from June 15 to 20. See thousands cram into Si Sa Ket’s Agriculture and Technology College to sample the best fruit, learn about farm management technology and take part in singing contests. Tucked away in southern part of Isaan region, with Cambodian-speaking communities and Khmer ruins, Si Sa Ket is about 550 kilometres from Bangkok. Call (045) 612 581.
