In celebration of Chong Para

The festival marks the Lord Buddha’s return from heaven after visit his mother for three months. The Tai Yai (or Shan) people in Mae Hong Son traditionally build a wooden castle and decorate it with colourful paper and illuminate it with lanterns to welcome the Lord Buddha. The festival, which also features spectacular cultural performances, is celebrated in Mae Sariang, Pai and Mae Hong Son town.  For more information, call (053) 612 016.

 

Sensations from the deep

Yamazato, the signature Japanese restaurant at The Okura Prestige Bangkok, is showcasing some of the world’s finest seafood caught in the ice cold waters off the Japanese island of Hokkaido next month. Orchestrated by chef Shigeru Hagiwara, the dishes include crab hotpot, oyster miso hotpot, grilled king crab with scallop and more. Book a table at (02) 687 9000 or visit www.OkuraBangkok.com.

 

Dinner that’s carbon free

Aleenta Resort in Pran Buri, Prachuab Kiri Khan, has enhanced its already formidable sustainability credentials with the launch of “Carbon-Free Cooking”, served as the finest gourmet cuisine. The special dishes are from the property's organic farm, and a brainchild of Aleenta Resident Manager and Michelin-star chef James Noble. Find out more at www.Aleenta.com/huahin.

 

Southern comforts

The Chak Phra Festival in Surat Thani marks the end of the Buddhist Retreat and runs from Sunday through October 13. “Chak Phra”, which means “pulling the Buddha” brings together Buddha images from the southern province in a long and beautiful procession of vans and boats along the Tapi River. For nine days and nights, Surat Thani returns to its glory days, with longboat racing and plenty of entertaining events. Call (077) 288 818-9.