Category Archives: Travel

In contemplative meditation

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ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

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The new meditation hall at Museum San (courtesy of Museum San)
The new meditation hall at Museum San (courtesy of Museum San)

In contemplative meditation

World April 27, 2019 01:00

By Im Eun-Byel
The Korea-Herld
Asia News Network

South Korea’s Museum San introduces mindful relaxation with the opening of a new hall designed by Tadao Ando

LOCATED in the high mountain valleys of Gangwon Province, Museum San offers more than just art. It also invites visitors to experience its verdant surroundings.

A recent addition to the museum may motivate more visitors to embark on the two-hour drive from central Seoul – a new meditation hall designed by the famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando has finally opened.

Ando, who also designed the 72,172-square-metre museum, was commissioned to design the new hall to mark the museum’s fifth anniversary last year.

“We think that Museum San’s essence is about more than just art.

“It is about relaxation and finding peace. This meditation hall is an extension of |that idea,” head curator Kim Yong-min explains.

“The architectural philosophy – that Museum San should be a place to rediscover the energy to live – encouraged the building of the meditation hall,” Kim adds.

The new meditation hall at Museum San (courtesy of Museum San)

The new space also falls in line with Ando’s desire to offer “energy for life” through the museum.

Located next to a stone garden, the meditation space is an extension of the architectural style that dominates the garden. From the outside, it looks like an ancient tomb, a stone mound.

The 130sqm space inside the mound reflects Ando’s signature style – the smooth use of concrete and the wonders created out of light. The exposed concrete walls create a cosy atmosphere where light comes in through a thin, arch-shaped skylight.

“The dome structure allows visitors to focus on meditation, while creating a sense of stability,” says curator Noh Eun-sil, who is in charge of activities in the new hall.

The museum offers guided meditation in the form of 30-minute audio recordings produced by a yoga and meditation centre. Visitors can choose from four of these guided journeys.

On the weekends, the museum runs special sessions led by visiting yoga instructors, art curators and other professionals. Yoga classes and music performances are among the events.

Meanwhile, “Geometry, Beyond Simplicity”, an exhibition that examines how geometry can be used as a means of communication, is on view at the gallery through August 25.

A total of 20 artists, including Koo Hyun-Mo and Kang Eun-hye, created geometry-inspired paintings, photos, sculptures and installation pieces.

The museum also exhibits “Looking Into Korean Art, Part V: Abstract Painting”, featuring some 30 paintings by nine Korean artists, including Kim Whan-ki and Rhee Seund-ja. The exhibition is slated to run until March 1, 2020.

For those who are more into installation art, a separate building displays four works by James Turrell, a celebrated American artist.

IF YOU GO

>> Admission to the gallery, the James Turrell building and the meditation hall is 38,000 won (Bt1,060) for adults and 28,000 won for students. Tickets for just the gallery and the meditation hall cost 28,000 won for adults. Most programmes in the meditation hall are for adults.

>> For more information, check out http://www.MuseumSan.org.

Travelling with man’s best friend

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/world/30367821

Travelling with man’s best friend

World April 18, 2019 11:30

By The Nation

Vistajet is proud to confirm the contination of its exclusive VistaPet program, designed for vacationers travelling with their pets.

The company has seen a 104-per-cent increase in the number of animals flown over the last two years, with one in four VistaJet Members flying regularly with their loyal companions.

Last year saw a 47-per-cent increase in the number of dogs flying on board VistaJet last year. Some 95-per-cent of American animal owners like the idea of being able to bring their pets on board, but distrust commercial airlines to safely care for their pets, making the journey stressful for both animal and human.

The VistaPet program has been designed in collaboration with experienced veterinary practitioners, groomers, dieticians and coaches to respond to the needs and challenges faced when travelling with animals. From care kits, sleep mats and balanced menus, to travel advice, global flying regulations and fear of flying courses, all VistaJet passengers can expect the same exceptional service and support.

To ensure a seamless travel experience, VistaJet’s customer service team advises passengers on the regulations that apply to their flights and destinations when travelling with pets, including details for vaccinations, microchips, certificates and permits.

VistaJet can arrange fear of flying courses for dogs, in partnership with The Dog House. The four-week course desensitises pets to what they could experience during a flight – the smell of fuel, the sounds of jet engines, cabin air pressure and the movements of air turbulence.

On board every flight, passengers will receive a VistaPet Pochette – a travel bag containing a collection of items to take care of pets during and after a flight. Bio-organic pet food from Rockster will provide pets with high-quality nutrients in the air or on arrival. The flavourful selection of Random Rewards treats, created by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, is a unique mixture of dog training treats.

The Kibble Pet’s Travel Care Kit includes water-free shampoos and soothing wipes for salon quality fur care – a perfect way to help pets relax on board. Rope toys by Furzu will also keep dogs entertained throughout the flight.

Following advice from clinical veterinarian, VistaJet has developed a balanced menu to keep Members’ pets hydrated and healthy, while VistaJet Cabin Hostesses will offer natural flower essences to mix with pets’ drinking water to aid relaxation during the flight.

While flying regulations require that animals are kept on leash or in a travel cage for take-off and landing, during flight pets can relax by their owner’s side on a handmade Labbvenn sleep mat. A full cabin reclean is included as standard after every pet flight.

On arrival, VistaJet has selected a collection of pet-friendly facilities and partners all around the globe – whether Members require a pet hotel in London, the best pet salon in New York or a photography session to capture moments with pets around the world. The team can also assist in finding pet walkers and trainers, or suggest unforgettable experiences including pet yoga, rafting and surfing.

Book a flight at http://www.VistaJet.com/pets.

Seoul all lit up for the Buddha’s birthday

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/world/30367820

Seoul all lit up for the Buddha’s birthday

World April 17, 2019 12:25

By The Nation

2,090 Viewed

South Korea residents will celebrate Buddha’s birthday with the striking Lotus Lantern Festival known as Yeondeunghoe from May 3 to 5 in downtown Seoul and along the street in front of the Jogyesa Temple.

Designated as Korea’s National Intangible Cultural Property No 122, this 1,200-year-old festival has been promulgated from generation to generation while promoting the community spirit. This year will see people pray for world peace and for the Korean Peninsula to overcome various conflicts.

On May 4, the celebration will begin with the Lantern Parade, in which participants will put a wish message on their lanterns for the continued wellbeing of families, neighbours and society. More than 2,000 foreigners will also join the parade with International Dharma Instructors.

Spread over the Ujeong Park, the Bongeunsa Temple and the Cheonggyecheon Stream, the Traditional Lantern Exhibitions meanwhile displays a wide collection of beautiful paper lanterns in different designs from May 3 to 12.

To mark its 12th anniversary, the Cheonggyecheon Lantern Exhibition is designed around the theme of “A Flower of Peace Comes Out on the Korean Peninsula” and combines people’s aspirations for peace and unification from April 27 to May 12.

During the festival, a group of 60 volunteers from 26 countries will stand by to provide guide and interpretation services for visitors and performs flash mobs at the lighting ceremony, traditional cultural events and at the Tapgol Park.

Find out more at LLF.or.kr/eng

Rites of passage

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ศาสตร์เกษตรดินปุ๋ย : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30367983

  • An ancient statue of Mae Hong Son’s ruler is carried on horseback to protect the Sang Long processions from demons.
  • Mae Hong Son’s annual Poy Sang Long Festival is held during summer to pay homage to Lord Buddha.
  • Relatives act as “Ta Pae” (horses) to carry the Sang Long from their houses to the temple.
  • The colourful Sang Long processions roam around the town.

Rites of passage

big read April 20, 2019 01:00

By Korbphuk Phromrekha
The Nation Weekend

Young Tai Yai boys become novices in an annual ceremony that draws visitors from far afield

THE SUN has barely risen over the northern province of Mae Hong Son, but already the Tai Yai residents are out on the streets banging Lanna gongs and beating long drums to mark the beginning of the annual Poy Sang Long Festival.

The festival is centred on Wat Pha Bong Nuea, which serves as the main ceremonial venue and turns its pavilion into a dressing room for veteran and amateur make-up artists to groom the young boys who take part in the traditional ordination ceremony to become Sang Long (novice monks) in a tribute to Lord Buddha.

Mae Hong Son’s annual Poy Sang Long Festival is held during summer to pay homage to Lord Buddha. 

The festival’s name is a combination of three Tai Yai words – Poy meaning an event and Sang, which is thought to come either from Khun Sang (Brahman) or Sang (novice monk). Long is derived from Along, meaning Bodhisattva or the king’s lineage.

In Tai Yai tradition, the novice monks don the very finest costumes as a symbol of Prince Siddhartha. Legend has it that King Ajatashatru hosted the ordination ceremony for his son to redeem his sins, while a folk tale focuses on a poor widow and her son, both disciples of Buddhism, who wanted to take part in an ordination ceremony hosted by the aristocracy.

Indra perceived their wishes and descended from the heavens using gold and silver waters to transform her son into a handsome prince. Brahman also gave him a crown and a gold breast chain and served as his godfather, hence the belief that the Sang Long is an adopted son of Brahman.

The celebrations are held during the long school break to ensure the Tai Yai boys have enough time to learn religious practices. Each ceremony takes three days and the kids will spend a few days memorising their lines for the ordination and undergo the tonsure ritual the day before the event.

The boys ask for forgiveness and receive the five precepts from the monks

The Hub Sang Long Day starts with a bathing ritual, which sees the boys cleaning themselves in water mixed with acacia and full of precious gems and gold to bring them prestige. Dressed in white shirts and refined jong kraben, they head to the temple and attend a ceremony to ask for forgiveness and receive the precepts from the monks.

“Sang Long’s costumes are inspired by the clothes worn by the angels in the second heaven where Indra dwells. They dance to welcome Lord Buddha back to Earth,” says Tai Yai elder Jing Na.

“The Sang Long ceremony is more important for Tai Yai culture than being ordained as a monk because the kids are still innocent. This is regarded as making major merit. The procession of novice monks will usually start at 3pm or 4pm – the time when Prince Siddhartha departed his hometown to start his pilgrimage.”

The ceremony continues late morning with a colourful procession of men known as Ta Pae who carry the boys around the town on their shoulders The procession stops at several sacred places and at private houses, where villagers and elders offer the boys culinary delights and tie string around their wrists as a blessing.

The remarkable procession known as Kho Lu is the highlight of the second day. Here the boys dance while perched on the shoulders of the Ta Pae and local residents carry monks’ necessities to the temple, with an ancient statue of Mae Hong Son’s ruler perched on the back of a horse to serve as a guardian to protect the procession from demons.

 In the evening, Sang Long and celebrants will be entertained with Nok Ging Kara dances and other cultural performances.  

In the evening, the Sang Long attend a ceremony during which string is tied around their wrists and feast on Kin Pak 12 Mee, a meal featuring 12 auspicious dishes while guests can enjoy a programme of cultural performances like the Nok Ging Gara dance. The sacred ordination ceremony takes place on the last day, which is called Wan Lu.

“According to Tai Yai beliefs, the families have to join the Poy Sang Long Festival when their first son is 10 years old though boys as young as seven can be ordained. They’re old enough to learn dharma. The novice monks can extend their status until they’re 20 if they don’t want to study in a formal school,” says Uncle Sophin Kaentun, who serves on the Ban Pha Bong committee.

“In the past, some Sang Long disappeared from the ceremony and we believed that the spirits tried to hide them from our eyes. The families now provide at least two guards to watch closely over the young novices even when they go to the bathroom.”

The Tai Yai descendants have managed to conserve their cultural heritage and the religious ceremonies are hosted to promote solidarity in their communities. Sang Long’s costumes are elaborate and each neighbourhood comes up with different designs. Up north on the border with Myanmar, the outfits are adorned with gold ornaments while residents of Mae Sariang district have adopted Lanna fashion. The original Tai Yai tradition only used breast chains and women cut their braids to decorate Sang Long hats to make merit. Today, the families spend around Bt100,000 to host an ordination ceremony.

After the procession arrives at the temple, the parents will treat Sang Long to the Kin Pak 12 Mee feast.

“The Sang Long festival in other villages has changed but here in Ban Pha Bong, we follow the original Tai Yai traditions. For example, Sang Long’s shirts are decorated with lace woven into star shapes to match the jong kraben, while celebrants still don traditional Tai Yai costumes and hold small bunches of orchids,” adds Jing Na.

Into the mystic in Japan

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Endo Mitsunaga performs an incantation over foreign tourists and other visitors in Otsu./Yomiuri Shimbun
Endo Mitsunaga performs an incantation over foreign tourists and other visitors in Otsu./Yomiuri Shimbun

Into the mystic in Japan

World April 13, 2019 01:00

By Chihiro Ikuta
Yomiuri Shimbun
Asia News Network

2,133 Viewed

Foreigners are keen to delve deeper into the country’s spiritual culture, including pilgrimages

AN INCREASING number of foreigners are coming to Japan to experience its unique spiritual culture. Late last year a tour was launched that gives foreign tourists the opportunity to meet the Dai-Ajari, a master who has completed the 1,000-day kaihogyo, a rigorous ascetic practice found at Enryakuji in Otsu, the head temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, on Mount Hiei.

In December a man and woman from overseas hiked a five-kilometre section of the kaihogyo route on the mountain. On the walk lasting about two hours, a guide told them about the practice in which the ascetic will not eat, drink, sleep or rest for nine days while continuously chanting mantras. The pair gasped, saying it was “amazing” and “unbelievable”.

Foreign visitors listen to an explanation of the 1,000day kaihogyo ascetic practice while walking along a path./Yomiuri Shimbun

The 1,000-day kaihogyo is a pilgrimage that takes about seven years and covers about 40,000km, roughly the circumference of the Earth. People who complete it are considered to be embodiments of the Fudo Myoo deity and are granted the title Hokurei Daigyoman Dai-Ajari.

After their walk, the pair descended to the Ogi district of Otsu at the base of the mountain. There they met 44-year-old Endo Mitsunaga, the chief priest of the Kakushoritsuan temple and the 50th person recorded to have completed the 1,000-day kaihogyo since the siege of Mount Hiei by Oda Nobunaga in 1571.

With the guide interpreting, Mitsunaga told the pair, “During the practice I injured my right leg and was prepared to die, but many people watched over me and an unseen force supported me.”

The pair listened intently. Afterward, Mitsunaga recited an incantation, touching their heads and shoulders with prayer beads.

“I felt the sacred atmosphere of Japan. Meeting a Dai-Ajari, someone who underwent something so unbelievably harsh, made for a memorable trip,” said Carly Scothern, 30, from Britain.

A study group on foreign tourism organised by the prefectural government that includes travel agencies among its members is in charge of the tours. Otsu-based Tour du Lac Biwa designed the basic tour and Mitsunaga agreed to take part out of a desire to convey the teachings of Buddhism to anyone who is interested.

Endo Mitsunaga performs an incantation over foreign tourists and other visitors in Otsu./Yomiuri Shimbun

The company had several inquiries for the spring mountain-climbing season. A staff member in charge said they hoped to gain attention as an “unknown spiritual journey”.

The number of foreigners attempting the Ohenro pilgrimage in the Shikoku region is growing rapidly. There has even been notable foreign interest in the three mountains of the Dewa pilgrimage in Yamagata Prefecture.

In fiscal 2017, 416 foreigners were recognised as “Henro ambassadors” for walking to all 88 sites, according to the Henro to Omotenashi no Network, a non-profit organisation based in Takamatsu. This is about 10 times the number in fiscal 2007.

Tokushima University Associate Professor George Moreton, who studies Ohenro, spoke to 95 foreigners who attempted the pilgrimage last year.

Many of them expressed inward-looking motivations and sentiments, such as the opportunity to think about life while encountering lots of different people and places.

“Ohenro allows people to forget differences in nationality, social position and language. It’s been spreading as a way to experience ‘deep Japan’ by the media and through word of mouth,” he said.

The Haguro Tourist Association offers ascetic tours related to the three mountains of the Dewa pilgrimage that include activities such as praying under waterfalls and fire-walking.

The association had one group of five foreigners in fiscal 2014 and five groups totalling 52 foreigners in fiscal 2018.

About five years ago Yamagata Prefecture launched a multilingual website that says the visit to Ise Shrine in the west and the three mountains of the Dewa pilgrimage in the east have been known since the Edo period (1603-1867) as a symbol of Japan’s spiritual culture.

“Real ascetic experiences are rare and are especially attractive to those from the United States and Europe,” said the association’s Yoshiyuki Ishizaki, professor of tourism marketing theory at Ritsumeikan University.

“When Westerners come all the way to Japan, they really want to understand it deeply,” he said.

“There is a strong pilgrimage culture there, particularly the Santiago pilgrimage across northern Spain, which probably has a strong impact on them. But there needs to be a balance. If things become more touristy, the solemn religious practice will be lost.”

Architecture on the tracks

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Architecture on the tracks

World April 09, 2019 11:00

By The Nation

3,676 Viewed

Japan’s Seibu Railway introduces its new limited express train “Laview”, the exterior and interior of which have been designed by world-renowned architect Kazuyo Sejima to develop a new :never seen before train car”.

The Laview’s most distinctive feature is its rounded front end while its windshield is made of three-dimensional curved glass with a curvature radius of 1,500 mm – unprecedented in Japan. Cabin windows are furnished with large window panes, each 1,350 mm in height and 1,580 mm in width at equal intervals, enabling passengers to enjoy a panoramic view of passing scenery.

The exterior colour of the car, which uses new aluminium paint developed especially for Laview, is designed in such a way as to blend gently into the landscape, The interior, based on a warm yellow colour combination, creates a soft living room-like ambience. Each seat is equipped with electrical outlets and free Wi-Fi is available on each coach. Large 23-inch onboard video screens display information in four languages – Japanese, English, Korean and Mandarin. They all add up to provide amenities and make every passenger feel comfortable. As the new flagship train bearing the future of Seibu Railway, its train type is designated as the 001 Series.

Seibu Railway, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2012 and the 100th anniversary of its operations in 2015, is constantly coming up with innovations, including the Seibu Travelling Restaurant “52 Seats of Happiness” all dedicated to restaurant use as well as the “40000 Series” commuter train fitted with a “Partner Zone”, which can be comfortably used by all passengers, including small children and those using baby strollers or wheelchairs.

Learn more at http://www.SeibuRailway.jp/railways/tourist/english/.

Blasts from the past

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/thailand/30367622

  • All generations of Mon are pouring water through a long bamboo tube to bathe a Buddha image.
  • Tourists in Ayutthaya have fun in a water battle with the elephants.
  • Asiatique the Riverfront joins the Water Festival with a wide range of delightful retro-themed activities.

Blasts from the past

Thailand April 13, 2019 01:00

By The Nation Weekend

3,595 Viewed

Tourists as well as local residents have the opportunity to travel back in time and enjoy a retro-style Songkran. Here’s where

IT’S SONGKRAN and while plenty of Thais will head home to spend time with their families, cities all over the country are celebrating the Thai New Year with ceremonies, performances, fun activities, food and the occasional water fight.

We take a look at what’s on over the holidays.

Bangkok 

Known for celebrating the most beautiful of Thai traditions, the Water Festival is once again turning nine iconic piers along the Chao Phraya River into entertainment venues from today to Monday.

Designed on the theme of “Yoo Yen Pen Sook” which literally means “live peacefully”, the festival invites visitors to pour water over elders’ hands in the rod nam dam hua ceremony, bathe Buddha statues to ask for blessings and have fun creating their own handicrafts at a series of workshops.

One of the popular stops is Lhong 1919, where visitors can pay respect to the Mazu Goddess, watch a contemporary long-drum dance troupe perform, check out the food truck carnival and learn how to prepare Thai desserts, craft fish out of palms and make Thai flower garlands.

The Tha Maharaj community mall is transforming itself into a Thai temple fair and offers a variety of classic games, Thai brass and long-drum troupe performances, watercolour classes and a Thai kite-making workshop.

From 5 to 10pm on all three days, Asiatique the Riverfront joins the celebration with concerts featuring Thai favourites Lada R-Siam, Wan Thanakrit and Paowalee Pornpimon. Here visitors can walk through the Very Cool Loincloth tunnel, experience Wet ’n’ Wild Sea Boxing, roam around the old market, join the traditional loincloth workshops and ride the giant Ferris Wheel to watch the sunset over the Chao Phraya River.

Thai cultures and traditions are the focus at Iconsiam.

Thai cultures and traditions are also the focus at the Iconic Songkran Festival 2019 being hosted by Iconsiam on the Thon Buri side of the river until Monday.

Visitors are invited to pour sacred water on four revered Buddha images from different periods, namely Shinnasri Buddha from the Sukhothai period, Nimit Vichitmarn Molee Sri Sanpetch Borom Tri Lok Nart Buddha representing the Ayutthaa era, Buddham Viseth Sasada Buddha from Thonburi and Siam Dheva Thirat Buddha of the Rattanakosin period.

The Songkran exhibition depicts the festival’s history and tradition and features performances of the Viva Songkran dance, silk reeling dance and traditional drumming. Here too visitors can take part in free workshops such as making scented fans and scented water, Thai-pattern fabric painting and the art of fruit and vegetable carving and also dress up in traditional costumes for a photo shoot.

Top Thai actresses will join the procession by dressing in royal court costumes from four eras – Sukhothai, Ayutthaya, Thonburi and Rattanakosin. There’s also some water splashing and a concert by Nont Tanont and Da Endorphine.

Iconsiam’s Sook Siam zone is home to the “Sook Siam Yoo Yen Pen Sook” where visitors can pour water on hands of senior residents from the Ban Bang Khae Elderly Centre. Other highlights include a Ferris wheel, the egg pond game, sand pagoda making, a Songkran beauty contest and the presentation of traditional foods and handicrafts.

From 9am to 10pm, celebrants can take advantage of the free Chao Phraya Express Boats cruising to Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram, Wat Arun Ratchawararam, Wat Kalayanamitra Worawararam, Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan, Tha Maharaj, Yodpiman River Walk, Lhong 1919, Iconsiam and Asiatique.

Pathum Thani

Just 30 minutes away from downtown Bangkok, Thai-Mon residents are gathering in the grounds of the provincial hall today to take part in the grand Hang Hong Thong Takhab processions, which see statues of swans decorated in coloured mirror glass and centipede-inspired handcrafted flags carried to the temples.

All generations of Mon are pouring water through a long bamboo tube to bathe a Buddha image. 

They will also show off their skills in making the traditional hot season dish khao chae and building sand pagodas.

Continuing through Thursday, the festival includes the rod nam dam hua ceremony, culinary demonstrations of khao chae and mixed red sticky rice, Thai, Muslim and Chinese cultural performances, a sand pagoda building competition, Mon dance and Mon orchestra concerts. Youngsters will play Mon skittles in a showcase of the ethnic group’s unique culture.

Ayutthaya 

Travelling back in time to the good old days of the old capital, Si Sanphet Road will serve as the main Songkran venue throughout the weekend. Here tourists can join the bathing ritual of Buddha statues and sand pagoda building and have fun with retro Thai dance and water fights with elephants from Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal.

Tomorrow, the Thai-Mon residents of Bang Pa-in district will don traditional costumes for a unique centipede-inspired flag procession to Wat Thong Bo and join a bathing ritual of Buddha statues, in which they will pour water through split bamboo tubes to ask for luck, happiness and success in the coming year.

Ratchaburi

Nang Yai Wat Khanon National Museum is the place for art lovers to celebrate Songkran. Taking place today and tomorrow in a classic Thai ambience, the event features an art market and Thai-Mon food street where visitors can use cowrie shell money to bargain, a grand shadow play, a pong lang performance, a likay hulu dance and Lanna-style khon (masked dance drama).

Wat Ban Sing in Photharam district is today hosting the Bai Si ceremony to bring luck and happiness to Lao-Wieng residents for the year to come. There are also several cultural performances and activities to enjoy.

Later than in other parts of the province, Wat Ched Samian will celebrate the beginning of the Thai New Year next week with Flower Car processions, a long-tail boat racing tournament, a sand pagoda contest and the rod nam dam hua ceremony.

Sukhothai underlines its traditional heritage in the Songkran celebration at the historical parks.

Sukhothai

The Retro Songkran Splendours event at Sukhothai Historical Park runs until tomorrow and features a variety of cultural activities and performances including a sand pagoda building competition, a Songkran beauty contest, bullock-cart processions from 12 communities, traditional sports and a market selling all kinds of local dishes, snacks and desserts.

The city is also hosting the Flowery Shirt Songkran Khao Tok Road festival around the Clock Tower until Monday, which will see residents building sand pagodas at Wat Thai Chumpol and dressing in colourful flower-covered shirts for the “flower car” procession. Other activities include retro Thai dance and a Miss Songkran contest.

Phetchaburi 

The Amazing Songkran 2019 event, which runs until tomorrow at Phra Ram Ratchaniwet, takes visitors back to the contemporary culture during the reigns of Kings Rama V and VI.

Visitors can bathe Phra Buddha Sothon, register for royal cuisine workshops and watch demonstrations of 10 traditional Thai handicrafts, and enjoy a classical music concert by Sunatraporn Big Band, Vietrio, Lula, Radklao Amaradit, Saranya Songsermsawad and Praew Kanitkul.

The reception hall serves a formal Afternoon Tea set and guests can dress in period costumes to join a palace tour and watch a vintage car exhibition.

 

Chiang Mai is hosting the Pee Mai Muang Festival all over town. 

Chiang Mai

The Northern city always prides itself on fantastic Songkran celebrations and this year the old Lanna capital celebrates its cultural heritage with the much-loved Pawenee Pee Mai Muang Festival that gets underway today and continues through Monday.

Running from Tha Pae Gate to Wat Phra Singh and the Three Kings Monument, this morning will see residents taking part in the alms-giving ceremony, the bathing rite of the revered Phra Buddha Sihing and a spectacular procession of Buddha images to mark the beginning of the New Year.

Tourists can enjoy several Lanna handicraft demonstrations and free workshops by TAT Chiang Mai Office, along with a temple fair, wisdom art performances and a Light & Sound presentation telling the story of Songkran Festival.

Other activities include a parade of women riding bicycles while holding umbrellas, the Lanna Traditional Devotion Ornaments Contest and the Miss & Mister Songkran Contest.

Chiang Mai University’s Lanna Traditional House Museum meanwhile gives visitors a chance to celebrate Songkran as their ancestors did. Here families will gather on an open space to build their stunning sand pagodas, join a bathing rite of Buddha statues and a rod nam dam hua ceremony and learn how to craft tung sai moo (an elaborate paper lantern resembling a pig’s intestine).

The old Lanna market serves as the main entertainment and dining venue with local dishes on sale and a stage for classic cultural performances and music.

Mukdahan 

Featuring the Cool-Isaan water tunnel, Isaan classic dance by the Mekong River and a Sand Art contest, the Northeast province of Mukdahan is hosting the Muk-Savan Fun & Fin Festival on Had Mano Phirom until Tuesday

Not to miss is the sand sculpture zone boasting lifelike models of such tourist attractions as Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom in Mukdahan, Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Dragon Paradise Park in Suphan Buri, the Phi Seua Samut statue in Rayong and Wat Maha That Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Mukdahan draws local villagers and tourists with the MukSavan Fun & Fin Festival.

Phuket

Down south, Dee Buk Road in downtown Phuket will be lined with 40 booths selling a wide selection of local dishes and desserts from today to Monday as part of the Water Festival.

Visitors can rent Baba costumes and take pictures in front of old Sino-Portuguese houses, join a bathing rite of Buddha statues and admire a collection of Phuket sketches by art students from King Mongkut’s Institue of Technology Ladkrabang. Lipta and Bird & Heart provide the entertainment tomorrow and Monday.

Samui

The resort island turns Chaweng Beach into a water splashing riot today and tomorrow. Before the water fights, celebrants can take part in alms-giving and rod nam dam hua, take in the dazzling Alpha Gay parade around the town and watch 100 villagers perform a traditional Nora dance.

The Songkran celebration at Nathon Market draws to a close today by inviting visitors to dress in Thai costumes and join several fun activities on the Cultural Street.

Flowers raised by cool waste

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Flowers raised by cool waste

Thailand April 12, 2019 15:05

By The Nation

2,376 Viewed

PTT is showcasing how cool waste can be used to nurture flowers in the 8th Wonders of Cool-Season Crops – Tulip in Bloom Festival that runs until April 21 at the Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Herb Garden in Rayong.

On the theme “Charming Wonder Village”, this botanical garden, which is powered by Liquefied Natural Gas, boasts more than 120,000 colourful tulips and several entertainment activities for people of all ages.

“PTT has fully supported the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) project, initiated by the Thai government to accommodate the Thailand 4.0 initiative. The EECi helps create a value-based economy that is driven by scientific knowledge, technology and innovation and enhances the competitiveness of the Thai industry,” said Chansin Treenuchagron, president and chief executive of PTT.

“The company leverages cool waste from the regasification process at its LNG receiving terminal in Rayong, helping to add value to the country’s farm sector. Meanwhile, carbon dioxide derived from the gas separation process in its plant is used to speed plant growth.

The chemical substance is also used as material for the production of dry ice, an ingredient in the artificial rainmaking process, enabling PTT to fully support the operations of the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agriculture Aviation and disaster relief operations.”

This year’s highlights include the Rocky Gateway tunnel that transports visitors to the middle of the village set in a mountainous European town. Visitors can walk along a see-through glass Miracle Bridge and admire the field of tulips underneath.

Other activities include a puppet performance, Bozo the Clown show, live storytelling a painting corner, a concert, a One Tambon One Product fair and a gardening workshop conducted by the Eastern Flowers and Ornamental Plants Welfare Association. Visitors can also join the bathing ritual of Buddha statues to celebrate the Songkran Day.

“We aim to promote tourism in the local communities and help residents to generate more income. Our garden showcases 15 different types of tulips. Each year, we come up with a fresh idea for a cool waste management project to create a great experience for visitors,” said Nattawoot Krerpradab, vice president of Natural Gas Products Distribution.

Tickets are Bt40 and all proceeds will go to Rayong’s long-term care institution in Ma Ta Phut district.

Blossoms and racing cars

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/world/30367228

Blossoms and racing cars

World April 06, 2019 01:00

By Yoon Min-sik
The Korea Herald
Asia News Network

Everland rediscovers its identity as “eco park”

THE EVERLAND theme park in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province in South Korea has vowed to reinvent itself as an “eco park” by fully utilising its rich botanical gardens and putting its infrastructure to launch new programmes like the Speedway motor track.

Leading the way is the newly created Plum Blossom Trail, which opened last week.

Spanning 33,000 square meters, it is the biggest botanical garden in the park’s history. It boasts some 700 plum trees from more than 11 different species, scattered among 10,000 trees and colourful plant life.

The one-kilometre trail takes 40 minutes to walk through, and the gradually ascending route offers exquisite sights along the way.

The gateway has a display of 30 bonsai plants, with the tiny trees and rocks resembling a miniature forest.

The Sky Trail takes visitors through bamboo trees and azalea flowers interspersed with white and red plum blossoms,

The top of the trail is the perfect spot for photos, with plum blossoms and Everland’s famed rides – including the infamous T-Express– in the background.

The Plum Blossom Trail is designed to represent the changing of the four seasons from winter to autumn, park officials explained.

Before, Koreans in the central region had to travel south to enjoy the flowers, but with the opening of the trail, they now have an alternative closer to home.

The botanical reimagination of Everland is an attempt to rediscover its roots.

Before being rebranded as the nation’s largest amusement park in 1996, it had operated for two decades under the name “Yongin Jayeon Nongwon”, which roughly translates to “Yongin farmland.” True to its name, the park consisted of plant and animal life alongside the rides. With the name change, the rides and waterpark Caribbean Bay came to overshadow the biological attractions. While animals are featured prominently in the ZooTopia zone with petting zoos, animal shows and a safari attraction, its forest in nearby Sinwon-ri has been forgotten land.

But the park officials say they are launching new projects this year using the rich plant life there, starting with the Forest Camp project that will offer various hands-on programmes, concerts and yoga in the midst of the greenery.

While Everland had always been more famous for rides, plant life in the park has also attracted festivalgoers. The ongoing annual Tulip Festival has some of the most stunning photo spots in the Seoul area, and will continue until April 28.

The Cherry Blossom Festival this weekend will be short-lived, but glorious, while the Rose Festival will blossom on May 17 to entertain visitors until June 16.

The Plum Blossom Trail will be open until May 6, and will reopen in autumn.

Despite many Koreans’ fascination with cars, motor sports have a relatively small following in the country. Everland officials are hoping to foster the next generation of motor sports enthusiasts with a hands-on programme that gives children a closer look at its Speedway track.

The programme is designed to offer children the chance to feel what it’s like to be in motor sports. It includes a chance to meet a former race car driver and a tour of the garage where cars, including a multimillion-dollar F1 car, are on display.

The highlight is a taxi-driving experience where children can ride in a real racing car speeding around the track, peaking at well over 250 kilometres per hour.

Everland officials said they hope to host about 500 students for the new programme, and add other activities to attract more visitors to the Speedway. They have also expanded spectator zones from 3,000 seats to 9,200.

Destination Dubai

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Destination Dubai

World April 04, 2019 01:00

By THE NATION

2,316 Viewed

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties PJSC, is offering exceptional value Dubai stopover packages at its Address Hotels + Resorts, and Vida Hotels and Resorts. The package is also applicable at Rove Hotels, a joint venture of Emaar Properties and Meraas.

Visitors stopping for 12 hours in Dubai receive a package that includes two complimentary tickets to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and At The Top, Burj Khalifa, plus airport transfers from Dubai International Airport and preferential rates at the participating hotels. They can also stay for 24 hours in Dubai in one of the deluxe rooms and indulge in a complimentary breakfast and access to thrilling destinations.

Olivier Harnisch, CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Whether you’re flying to Dubai or just passing through, take advantage of our stopover packages. Experience entertainment and leisure attractions with our 12, 24, 48 and 72-hour stay Dubai stopover packages.”

 

Guests booking the 48-hour stopover experience breeze straight through the airport to the booked hotel for two nights in a deluxe room including breakfast. They can also explore marine life with two tickets to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo or enjoy an incredible sensory experience with two tickets to the VR Theme Park. Step out onto the world’s highest observation deck of the iconic landmark with two At The Top, Burj Khalifa tickets.

Spend a few days exploring Dubai with the stopover for 72 hours for an exclusive three-night stay in a deluxe room with breakfast. Enjoy complimentary access to a private beach and an exciting array of nearby must-see attractions such as Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, At The Top, Burj Khalifa and VR Theme Park for two people.

The stopover packages are valid through December 25 at Address Downtown, Address Dubai Mall, Address Dubai Marina, Address Montgomerie, Address Boulevard, Palace Downtown, and the soon to open Address Fountain Views and Address Sky View; Vida Downtown, Manzil Downtown, and the soon to open Vida The Hills and Vida Harbour Point as well as Rove Hotels including Rove Downtown, Rove City Centre, Rove Healthcare City, Rove Trade Centre, Rove Dubai Marina and the soon to open Rove At The Park.

Book at addresshotels.com, vidahotels.com or rovehotels.com.