Phu Kradueng National Park in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) Loei Office is organizing the second ‘Phu Kradueng Go Green: Go Clean: Go Grow’ activity that will take place from May 31 to June 1, 2018.

Highlights include clean-up activities of the Phu Kradueng National Park and tree planting within the area of the park during the two-day event. A special ‘Long Do Loei’ workshop will be held on the province’s unique way of life on May 30.

Limited to 200 participants, registration is now open on the Facebook Page: TAT Loei Office or via Fax: +66 (0) 4181 1480. Admission is Bt300 per person inclusive of one night’s accommodation and dinner on May 31, and breakfast on June 1.

The top plateau of Phu Kradueng is blessed with beautiful scenery, a lush pine forest, indigenous wild flowers and a cool climate where hikers enjoy camping in the great outdoors to catch the spectacular first light of day or the sun dipping into the horizon in the evening.

Climbing the summit of Phu Kradueng requires stamina and endurance to conquer the rise in elevation of over 1,325 metres above sea level that is considered a rite of passage for many Thai trekkers.

Other attractions include Pha Nok Aen, a cliff that offers a breath-taking view of the crimson sunrise, Pha Lom Sak, a sandstone ledge jutting into space providing a fine view of the hills and valleys, and Pha Yiap Mek, where cottony clouds suggest a misty world of shadow figures.

From October 2017 to January 2018, Phu Kradueng National Park recorded 65,000 visitors.

For more information, contact:

TAT Loei Office

Tel: +66 (0) 4281 2812; +66 (0) 4281 1405

E-mail: tatloei@tat.or.th

One of Asia’s biggest and most prestigious regatta events – the Samui Regatta will be celebrating its 17th year in 2018. This year, the week-long event will take place from May 26 to June 2.

As it has done every year since its inception in 2002, the Samui Regatta expects to welcome both famous yachts and knowledgeable sailing experts from all over the world to Koh Samui for great sailing, great parties and to experience all that the island has to offer.

Preliminary details can be found on the Samui Regatta website http://www.samuiregatta.com.

The event is organised by Regattas Asia in conjunction with the Samui Yacht Club Regatta, under the auspices of Surat Thani Province, the Sports Authority of Thailand, the Municipality of Koh Samui, the Tourism Association of Koh Samui, the Tourism Association of Thailand, the International Sailing Federation and the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand. It is hosted by Centara Grand Beach Resort – Samui, which is widely regarded as the “Home of the Samui Regatta”.

The hotel group said in a press statement that guests will discover the pleasures and benefits of therapies based on traditional Thai herbal remedies with 120-Minutes therapies under the gentle fingers of therapists who are highly trained in ancient skills.

Various herbs are integrated into three different styles of treatment with the uplifting scents of lime, lemongrass and plai. And begin their experiences of our Sawasdee SPA Ritual Package including;

– Foot Ritual (5 Minutes)

– Siamese Herbal Loofah Body Scrub (40 Minutes)

– Aromatherapy Massage (75 Minutes)

– Refreshments

All guests booking Detox & Rejuvenation programme with Sawasdee SPA Ritual package now receive a free cash voucher worth Bt300 to be used for your next treatment at the spa!

The services are available at:

Centara Grand at CentralWorld

Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok

Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok

Khum Phaya Resort & Spa Centara Boutique Collection

Centara Hotel Hat Yai

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin

Centara Koh Chang Tropicana Resort

Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi

Centara Anda Dhevi Resort & Spa Krabi

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya

Centara Nova Hotel & Spa Pattaya

Centra by Centara Maris Resort Jomtien

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

Centara Villas Phuket

Centara Karon Resort Phuket

Centara Kata Resort Phuket

Centara Blue Marine Resort & Spa Phuket

Centara Q Resort Rayong

Centara Grand Beach Resort Samui

Centara Villas Samui

Centra by Centara Coconut Beach Resort Samui

Centara Chaan Talay Resort & Villas Trat

Centara Hotel and Convention Centre Udon Thani

For more information and reservation, please contact Spa Cenvaree Head Office at +66 2 769 1234 at spacenvaree@chr.co.th or visit http://www.spacenvaree.com.

Pattaya will welcome the Thailand Cultural Music Festival from May 25-26, 2018 at Bali Hai Bay, targeting international travellers as the Tourism Authority of Thailand continues to expand its ‘Open to the New Shades’ offering through a diverse event calendar.

Ms. Sujitra Jongchansitto, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business, said “The Thailand Cultural Music Festival is positioned as another component of the ‘Open to the New Shades’ campaign that utilizes music as the medium. It helps build awareness and promote tourism through Thailand’s dynamic music industry that really is growing into one of the country’s greatest assets.

“Events like this help build brand recognition for Thailand as a tourist destination as it is also one of Asia’s best musical and cultural event destinations.”

The Thailand Cultural Music Festival’s line up includes local folk music performances, contemporary musical acts and a live stage with music by popular bands and singers, with action taking place across four stages over two days.

Artists headlining the main stage include: Rasamee Isan Soul, an Isan group blending local music with jazz, rock, and soul; Paradise Bangkok International Band, a hybridised roots band that mixes traditional Thai melodies with blues and folk rock; Mocca Garden, a modern Reggae-ska band with pop, funk, rock and Thai country musical influences; Thai rappers, UrboyTJ and Dayfrom mega-group Thaitanium, and legendary Thai jazz maestros Infinity.

The Thailand Cultural Music Festival hopes to stimulate travel to Chon Buri and neighbouring provinces while promoting Thai local experiences that could later be developed on a regional, national or international level.

There will also be folk music performances on the three smaller stages showcasing up-and-coming local bands and singers.

Thai gastronomy will be on display at a food fair featuring culinary delights from each of Thailand’s four main regions.

Other activities include booths for face painting and tattoo stickers.

Participants are invited to ‘Snap and Share’ 3D images of Thailand’s attractions from the TAT’s extensive gallery of photographs, or post on other social media platforms using the #thailandculturalmusicfestival or #amazingthailand for a chance to receive a colourful raincoat.

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has announced that Maya Bay in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park will not allow visitors during a much-needed four-month rejuvenation period from June 1 to September 30, 2018.

The DNP announced at a press conference held on May 15 that access to Maya Bay will be strictly off limits during the four-month rejuvenation.

It will not allow boats to enter the bay in front of the beach, or even drop anchor at nearby Loh Samah Bay, as visitors and their vessels will not be allowed to enter Maya Bay.

Travellers can still catch a glimpse of the Bay’s stunning beauty, made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie ‘The Beach’ at a 400-metre distance, or between the two cliffs that form a natural entrance to the lagoon. But this will be strictly supervised and carefully monitored by the DNP.

During the four-month period, the DNP will undertake a coastal and marine environment quality evaluation study on the condition of reef and beach resources, environmental control, and tourism management. This is to properly determine measures for environmental sustainability of Maya Bay during future off-tourist seasons.

Temporary closures of natural attractions are not new to Thailand. Each year, the DNP closes several national parks for a period to allow for ecological recovery. Depending on weather and park conditions, dates vary as the closures are often due to extreme weather, especially during the annual monsoon that may also create unsafe conditions.

Guests can enjoy the special package until the end of September 2018, that includes:

– 10% discount

– Complimentary welcome packages from Pedigree, Cesar, and Greenies*

– Receive Pedigree Meat Jerky upon check-in.

– Receive Cesar Can, Greenies Mini-me, and Pedigree Denta Stix in your room.

– Book any spa treatment of 60 minutes or above to receive a Cesar Tray

– Spend at the minimum Bt500 at the hotel’s restaurant to receive one Doggie Dinner Set

– Complimentary Wireless Internet Access

– Complimentary Fruit Plate Upon Arrival

The prices are starting from THB 1,620 ++ per room per night excluding 10% service charge and applicable government tax. For Centara the 1 Card members will get an additional 10% discount. For non-member, please registration at https://centara1card.com/signup/?lang=en

For reservation and further information, guests can call +66 (0) 2101 1234 or email. reservations@chr.co.th or visit our website at https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/partner/centara-chaan-talay-pet-friendly-resort/ or https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cct/.

Pattaya will be the host city for this year’s ‘Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion’ (TTM+), positioning the event in a new light as the country’s travel sector continues to grow from strength to strength. The three-day event is scheduled for June 13-15

Ms. Srisuda Wananpinyosak, Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said: “The TAT is proud to bring the TTM back to Pattaya, one of the country’s most popular travel destinations for both domestic and overseas travellers. This year’s event will showcase luxurious and romantic travel around the Kingdom under our ‘Million Shades of Romance’ promotion.”

The TAT has chosen the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya for this year’s TTM+ to create a unique platform during three days of business meetings and fun with travel colleagues.

“After years of meeting indoors, we are ‘opening to the new shades’ of business experience against the beautiful backdrop of the Gulf of Thailand, Ms. Srisuda said. “The TTM+ 2018 will continue to promote Thailand’s important features, from its rich culture and history to beautiful natural attractions and variety of amenities and accommodation. All combined, it makes Thailand an outstanding destination where luxurious, romantic dreams come true.”

The Ocean Marina Yacht Club was chosen as the venue given its capability to hold large events, having hosted over 6,000 visitors at its 2017 boat show last November. Organizing the TTM+ 2018 at a marina also supports the Thai government’s push to position Thailand as Asia’s premier sailing and super-yacht destination, targeting high net worth individuals.

“We are confident that the Ocean Marina Yacht Club is more than capable of hosting a successful TTM+ 2018. We expect it will add its own style and panache, as the marina provides a perfect backdrop for the event’s ‘Summer Beach’ theme as well as our ‘green meeting’ concept. Also, apart from being the excellent host to the successful yacht show, this year’s venue reflects the readiness of Thailand and Pattaya as a romantic beach destination,” Mrs. Srisuda, added.

This year’s event will spotlight environmental sustainability. Delegates are also encouraged to help ‘save the earth’ using a TAT provided complimentary reusable water tumbler for beverages. The event directory is available in digital format only as TTM+ 2018 shreds paper usage to reduce its environmental footprint on the world’s resources. Finally, delegates are encouraged to bring their own beach bag to the event.

Mrs. Srisuda also pointed out that the TAT announced it choose Pattaya during last year’s TTM+ 2017 event in Chiang Mai. At the time the announcement was warmly received by both the international and Thai travel communities.

“In addition, Thailand successfully hosted the region’s largest travel trade show, the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2018 in January in Chiang Mai. We want to make sure that the TTM+ offers a new perspective for travel business meetings to ensure maximum productivity for both the sellers and buyers,” she concluded.

Registration for the 17th annual TTM+ 2018 continues to soar. A very strong buyer delegation is poised to drive business, led by 126 first time buyers balanced by 150 return buyers, including 124 from the EU, Africa and the Middle East; 66 from East Asia; 65 from ASEAN, South Asia and the South Pacific; and 23 from the Americas.

Meanwhile, confirmed sellers currently total 336 tables (313 organizations), including 71 newcomers and 265 return sellers. These include 16 organizations in the luxury and romance business, five associations, nine entertainment businesses, 240 hotels and resorts, 22 tour companies, two transportation companies, and eight other travel related services as well as 11 from the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries.

Pattaya is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with tourism being one of the area’s four core sectors the Royal Thai Government has stated will help transform the ECC into a leading economic zone in Southeast Asia.

This year, the annual Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2018, which will be held under the theme ‘Open to the New Shades’, will be held on 18-19 May. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will be one of the main sponsors of the event.

Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said: “This year, the Hua Hin International Jazz Festival will once again help to reiterate the positioning of Hua Hin as a music city. At the same time, this year’s event theme will highlight various aspects of TAT’s latest ‘Open to the New Shades’ marketing concept that encompasses ‘Gastronomy Tourism’, ‘Arts and Crafts’, ‘Nature’, ‘Culture’ and ‘Way of Life’, all of which are available in this royal seaside resort of Hua Hin.”

The annual Hua Hin International Jazz Festival is prominently featured on Thailand’s musical event calendar. Over the years, the event has inspired tourists and jazz lovers, both Thai and foreign visitors, to visit Hua Hin for a memorable trip that combines live jazz performances, Thai local experiences and natural beauty.

This year, the artist line up consists of international and local jazz artists as well as performers from some other musical genres. They will be performing on two stages: Beach Stage (main stage) and an Open Stage.

The highlight on the Beach Stage will be ‘The Sound of Siam’, led by Thailand’s premier saxophonist Koh Mr. Saxman; ‘Shakatak’ jazz-funk band from the UK; ‘Dimension’ jazz-fusion band from Japan; ‘John Di Martino’, a classic jazz pianist, arranger and producer from the US; ‘Nina Van Horn’ jazz-blues artist from France; Swedish guitarist father-son ‘Ulf and Eric Wakenius’; Brazilian bossa nova band ‘Veronica Nunes and Ricardo Vgt’; and Austria’s blond jazz diva ‘Simone Kopmajer’.

Meanwhile, the Open Stage will present newcomers from various genres including Funktion, Sax Pack Girl, and Sincharoen Brothers.

The Hua Hin International Jazz Festival 2018: Open to the New Shades will be held at Hua Hin Beach. The two-day event will take place daily from 17.00 – 24.00 Hrs. Entry is free.

For more information, please visit: https://www.huahininterjazz.com/

The picturesque province of Krabi will stage the first ever ‘Sundown Marathon Thailand Series’ event to be held in Thailand, on Saturday, September 22, 2018. More than 4,000 Thai and international runners are expected to take part in this popular Asian night running event, and organisers are confident they will be impressed by the race’s route and Krabi’s charm and beauty.

Krabi was chosen as host venue for the Sundown Marathon due to its experience as a tourist destination and its capability to handle large events with many participants. Accommodation-wise, Krabi offers over 10,000 hotel rooms. The destination also boasts plenty of beautiful scenery along the race route for runners, including its gorgeous beaches, as well as unique Thai local experiences in the way of arts and culture for the runners and spectators to enjoy.

‘Sundown Marathon Krabi 2018’ will feature 12 km and 21 km race distances for around 4,000 runners. Along the course of the race itself, various fun and entertaining activities will take place including a festival and concert.

Runners and spectators at the Sundown Marathon will get to experience Krabi from an entirely new viewpoint, as they will in each new destination in Thailand that the race comes to.

There are plans to hold ‘Sundown Marathon Thailand Series’ races in other provinces across Thailand in the coming years, to showcase more of the kingdom’s scenery, charm and culture to Asia’s running community and to support Thailand’s sports tourism policy.

The Sundown Marathon was first held in Singapore in 2008 and since then races have been held in Malaysia, Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Hong Kong and this year, Thailand. As the largest night running event in Asia, the Sundown Marathon Series attracts more runners each year, with a combined 200,000 plus runners currently participating.

Online registration for the ‘Sundown Marathon Krabi 2018’ event will open on Friday, June 1 at 09:00 hrs. at http://www.SundownThailand.com

Enjoy magnificent Northeastern scenery, culture and, of course, food, and get fit into the bargain in the upcoming ‘Great Mekong Bike Ride 2018’ scheduled for May 17 to 20. The eco-friendly race, which is being organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thailand Tri-League, highlights provinces along the mighty Mekong River, putting Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Sakon Nakhon front and centre as leading sports tourism destinations in Thailand’s Northeastern region.

The Great Mekong Bike Ride 2018 features three categories including a three-day long-distance triple stage road race starting at 07.00 hrs.

Stage one is the ‘King of Kong’ 127-kilometre tarmac stretch that snakes alongside the Mekong River from Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat, Nakhon Phanom to Mukdahan Tower, Mukdahan. Stage two challenges entrants along the 150-kilometre ‘King of Endurance’ stage, cycling once again along the main highway inclusive of some hilly climbs into Khong Phing Ngu, Sakon Nakhon. The third stage ‘King of Speed’ sees cyclists pedal down at maximum speed into Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat, Nakhon Phanom.

Participants are invited to join one, two or all three stages or choose to ride in a one-day 10-kilometre fun race that is being held as a non-competitive fun day for the whole family.

Rewards for cyclists range from a cycling jersey, souvenir t-shirt, trophy, medal and e-certification depending on category and finishing time. Cyclists can register with Thailand Tri-League from now until May 10, 2018.

Nakhon Phanom, known for the huge Wat Phra That Phanom temple, Wat Maha That, Phaya Sri Satta Nakarat and Wat Si Thep Pradittharam temples, is Thailand’s most northeasterly province, bordering Laos on the Mekong River.

Mukdahan is located on the west bank of the Mekong River. Here visitors can enjoy various attractions including Mukdahan National Park, Mukdahan Tower, Phu Manorom and Wat Si Mongkhon Tai temple.

Sakon Nakhon, located not too far from the great Mekong, has various attractions including Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan and Wat Tham Phae Dan temples, Ban Tharae Catholic Community and Phra That Narai Cheng Weng.

For more information please contact:

TAT Nakhon Phanom Office

Tel. +66 (0) 4322 7714-5

E-mail: tatphnom@tat.or.th