Getting high in Satun
Kite masters from 10 countries put colour and culture into the southern skies as Satun plays host to the International Kite Festival throughout February.
This annual festival brings aerodynamics and beauty to the area and in above Satun with kite beauty contests, kite fighting and exhibitions plus lots of spicy food and drink.
Sumptuous southern snake
Phuket’s Old Town celebrates Chinese New Year from February 15 to 17, promising the visitors a series of cultural shows and adventures for tongues and tummies. Four legendary streets – Thalang, Krabi, Dibuk and Phang Nga – will be closed in the evening and adorned with colourful lights and red banners, paving the way for pedestrians. Traditional performers and dance troupe will take turns to entertain.
In full bloom
Phu Chi Fa mountain in Chiang Rai province, will host White Bauhinia Festival from February 13 to 15, marking the full bloom of the wild flower. Known as “dok siaw” in Thai with five white petals and 10 yellow-tipped stamens the White Bauhinia carpets the mountain slopes and the local Hmong celebrate the flowers with tribal dance and music. Tucked away in Therng district, on the Thai/Laotian border, Phu Chi Fa is 90 kilometres east of Chiang Rai.
More rooms for Marriott
Marriott International, American’s chain hotel group, is to secure 3,000 more rooms in Thailand with the signing of a management agreement with seven hotels. The group takes on the management of the Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel and Imperial Adamas Phuket Beach Resort, rebranding them Bangkok Marriott Hotel Queen’s Park and Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Nai Yang Beach. The five new properties include the Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok.
