Lop Buri serves up a massive feast for its macaque population
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2022
It’s that time of the year again when Lop Buri’s long-tailed macaques are served up a huge banquet of fruits and traditional Thai sweets to feast on.
Like every year, Lop Buri’s administration and tourism association threw a party for the monkey population on Sunday outside their favourite hangout – the ancient temple of Phra Prang Sam Yod.
The event was opened by Lop Buri’s deputy governor Wachira Ketphan and chair of the Lop Buri Tourism Association Yongyut Kijwatanansuson.
This year’s banquet followed the concept of “monkeys throwing a party for monkeys”, with monkey statues surrounding a large table piled high with treats.
The organiser said the monkey statues were also placed to keep onlookers away from the feasting monkeys.
Hundreds of long-tailed macaques live in the compound of the ancient temple, while a large herd of their rivals also live on rooftops across the road. The rival gang was given their feast separately to prevent a clash.
This annual monkey banquet has become popular among both local and foreign tourists.
The Ideal Activities for You in Hong Kong, According to Your Zodiac Sign
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022
There are just so many things you can do when you holiday in Hong Kong. Take your pick from the bustling nightlife to mouth-watering dim sum, from artsy neighbourhood in West Kowloon to the down-to-earth vibes in Sai Kung, and from taking a spiritual height up Ngong Ping to souvenir shopping.
Are you feeling lost from the myriad of choices ahead of you? Plan your trip to Hong Kong in accordance with your zodiac sign to enjoy the best of what the city can offer!
ARIES (MARCH 21 – APRIL 19) The most energetic sign out of all, Aries would love to take part in lively and action-packed activities when they vacay.
Check out the newly opened Ocean Park Water World for a fun-filled day packed with adrenaline-pumping attractions such as Rainbow Rush, Skyhigh Falls, and Thunder Loop! Alternatively, explore Aberdeen Country Park and pick a scenic hiking trail that best fit your fitness level. Aries would definitely welcome the brief cardio-packed hiking amongst the lush foliage and beautiful nature.
Best Travel Companion: Leo
TAURUS (APRIL 20 – MAY 20) Taurus are not going to settle for anything less than amazing while on vacation. They want to be pampered while holidaying and being comfortable is a huge plus for them.
Take your pick and pre-book a pampering luxury spa. Stay in one of Hong Kong’s many luxury hotels and relish in the stunning views of the harbour comfortably from your room. Make sure to dine at Lung King Heen, the first Chinese restaurant in the world to be awarded three Michelin stars. You can even book a helicopter tour around Hong Kong!
Best Travel Companion: Pisces, Cancer
GEMINI (MAY 21 – JUNE 20) Geminis are natural explorers who love to check out new spots and experiences. They are the ones who love to engage their brains even while vacationing.
Go for a stroll around Old Town Central, an artsy district with a myriad of heritage buildings, beautiful architecture, and diverse street art. Get your culture fixed at Tai Kwun, Hong Kong’s Centre for Heritage and Arts, which offers the best heritage and arts experiences. Discover local art talents at PMQ where you can join workshops and even make your own dim sum candles!
Best Travel Companion: Sagittarius
CANCER (JUNE 21 – JULY 22) Cancers like to chill, preferring not to jampack every day with bustling activities but instead, enjoying the serenity while visiting new places.
You would definitely enjoy Sai Kung’s tranquillity while in Hong Kong. Feast on seafood with your loved ones while you are there, and spend a relaxing day hanging out on beautiful beaches. Explore Hakka culture at Yim Tin Tsai and check out the revitalized saltpans, which were the island’s most prominent industry of the past.
Best Travel Companion: Virgo, Pisces
LEO (JULY 23 – AUGUST 22) A true fire sign, Leos are passionate and driven even on holidays. They love having fun, going to swanky parties, and all the glamour and glitz.
Pull an all-nighter at Central, Hong Kong’s central business district, home to pulsating beats and top-class restaurants. A neighbourhood that never sleeps, take your pick from Lan Kwai Fong, home to more than 100 clubs, or SoHo, the fancier upmarket bar area. Start from the top of the hill and barhop your way down the L-shaped lane for the full experience!
Best Travel Companion: Aries
VIRGO (AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22) Virgos find it hard to unwind even while vacationing, but they relish in being engaged in new information and activities on holidays.
Take a ferry over to Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest island, where you can find a variety of impressive activities to engage in. Take Ngong Ping 360 and choose a glass-bottomed gondola to Big Buddha, the tallest seated Buddha in Hong Kong. Wisdom Path, Tung Chung Fort, and Tai O Fishing Village are your must-visits!
Best Travel Companion: Cancer, Gemini
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22) A true social butterfly, Libras love to people watch and want to interact with new people while they are holidaying.
As an international event hub, Hong Kong hosts a plethora of global events and festivals, from arts to sports, food, culture, and seasonal celebrations. You will love to plan out your Hong Kong trip in advance to make sure you check out exciting events such as the Hong Kong Winterfest, Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, Art Basel, and Clockenflap.
Best Travel Companion: Aquarius
SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21) Scorpios work too hard and rarely know how to take a break. On occasions when they travel, they love taking their partner along to create precious memories together.
Take the newly revamped Peak Tram up to The Peak for that stunning panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. Remember to snap some photos with your partner to eternalize the experience. At the Peak, enjoy a romantic view at the highest 360 viewing terrace in town, lock your love with a love lock, and have fun at the world’s first monopoly theme park, Monopoly Dreams.
Best Travel Companion: Cancer, Taurus
SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21) An adventurer, Sagittarius would be thrilled to explore new experiences and want to immerse in the destination’s culture when they travel.
Where else but in Hong Kong to learn more about Cantonese Opera? Go to XiQu Centre and treat yourself to a Cantonese Opera show at its tea theatre. Challenge yourself to Hong Kong’s highest peak, Tai Mo Shan, and be rewarded with breathtaking views. Round off with a trip to Duen Kee Chinese Restaurant for an authentic dim sum meal where you can pick your own dishes off pushcarts!
Best Travel Companion: Aries, Capricorn
CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19) Capricorns find it hard to just chill without plans even during vacations, and they cherish enriching holidays that keep their minds busy.
A paradise for art lovers, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) offers various museum options, from experiencing gorgeous modern art at M+ to learning more about culture-rich traditional artifacts at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Plan for a picnic at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, backed by the magnificent Hong Kong skyline, during sunset.
Best Travel Companion: Sagittarius
AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18) Adventurous, Aquarius want to do everything, explore everywhere, and have an insatiable curiosity while they vacation.
Take a cycling tour with friends on Hong Kong’s longest bike route, a 60km super bike track from Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan. Take a pit stop at Lion Rock Country Park for a phenomenal view of the city at its peak or simply immerse in nature without hiking up. You can also take a breather and learn about Hong Kong’s culture and history at Hong Kong Heritage Museum.
Best Travel Companion: Sagittarius, Aries
PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20) The sensitive Pisces love to be able to do things at their own pace and are happy to go with the flow. Give them the space to have vivid daydreams and they will be the happiest.
Take a boat ride and spend a relaxing day on Cheung Chau Island admiring the historical architecture. Seek out quaint local shops in the backstreets before heading to Tung Wan Beach. Less crowded than beaches on the main island, Tung Wan Beach is a fantastic spot to sit and daydream or go for an invigorating swim. Finish your daytrip with a feast on seafood pair with a refreshing mug of cold beer.
Faster immigration queues as Thai airports prepare for high season
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2022
The Transport Ministry said it has taken steps to ease the long queues at key airports as tourists start returning to Thailand.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said on Friday that as a first step the waiting time for passport checks has been reduced from 30 minutes to 15, with immigration officials spending no more than 1 minute per passport. Earlier airport personnel were used to fill in for immigration officers, but as a long-term solution, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered that police officers be trained and placed on standby.
Meanwhile, government spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul said though the problem of long waits for arrival stamps has been solved, passengers are still having to wait a long time for their baggage. This, she said, was a long-standing problem as operators reduced their staff numbers during the pandemic and have not reinstated them since.
Saksayam said he will hold a meeting with related personnel next week to find a solution.
He also said he has set up a committee to integrate services at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports as well as a command centre to monitor the situation.
The command centre will coordinate operations between the Airport Department, Airports of Thailand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand and the Immigration Bureau.
Traisuree said the steps were taken in response to Prayut’s instructions that all airports be prepared for an influx of tourists now that the country is fully open.
Seagulls descend on Don Hoi Lot for first time, prove a tourist magnet
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022
Samut Songkhram’s Doi Hot Lot tourist destination has a new attraction this year – a large flock of always-hungry seagulls.
Locals said a flock of hundreds of seagulls arrived at Don Hoi Lot late last month and have become a new magnet for tourists, who are eager to feed them.
This is the first time this year the locals have seen seagulls descending on the area and revitalising tourism after a quiet spell during the Covid-19 crisis.
The birds swoop down on fried chicken and pork skins offered by tourists from 5pm until sunset, the locals said.
For tourists, it is an exciting experience to get close to the seagulls. Many visitors arrive on picnics just to wait to see the birds.
Normally, seagulls travel to breed in the winter at the Bang Pu Recreation Centre in Samut Prakan, another site that draws tourists who head there to feed the birds and capture snapshots.
Don Hoi Lot is a sandbar at the mouth of the Mae Klong River, created by sandy soil sediment, or “Khee Ped Sand” as the locals call it.
It occupies a vast area 3 kilometres wide and 5km long. Tourists love to stop over to buy dried or fresh seafood and dine at seafood restaurants there.
Trader Nopparat, 32, said the flock of seagulls has benefited many groups of people, including foods shops, workers, traders and local fishermen.
“I’m very glad because Don Hoi Lot has been quiet for a long time,” Nopparat said happily.
Suparp Kongraksa, the village headwoman of Moo 4 village in Tambon Bang Chakreng, Samut Songkhram’s Muang district, said she spotted the first group of seagulls late in October.
At first they appeared in a small number but their number kept growing and their presence have attracted crowds of tourists.
She said local people sell fried chicken and pork skins to tourists to feed the seagulls. The birds are expected to stay until April before migrating back to their habitat.
Sarawut Kluaychamnong, mayor of Tambon Bang Chakreng Municipality, said the arrival of seagulls proved the sea at Doi Hoi Lot is fertile with abundant food.
“This is good for Tambon Ban Chakreng. The municipality will assign workers to keep the place tidy and will plan a long-term tourism promotion programme,” Sarawut added.
Experts said the seagulls are brown-headed gulls of the Laridae family. They normally live in areas from Turkmenistan to Mongolia and migrate to Thailand, Indonesia and Australia during the winter to breed. Then migrate back in early May after their chicks can fly.
Visit Mukdahan’s Ban Phu Village to get a taste of rich cultural attractions
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2022
Mukdahan has introduced its Ban Phu Village as the province’s first cultural community to promote tourism, the local economy and conservation of folk traditions.
Ban Phu Village in Nong Sung district has been selected by the Culture Ministry as one of ten “Yollwithi Communities” of 2022, under a campaign to introduce cultural attractions in 77 provinces across the country.
Ministry permanent-secretary Yupha Taweewattanakitborvon on Wednesday presided over the opening ceremony of Ban Phu Village as a Yollwithi Community (“yoll” means to see, “withi” means way or path. Together, they can be loosely translated as “to witness folkways”). The ceremony was attended by provincial deputy governor Wutthichai Saowakomut, officials of the Nong Sung district administration office and villagers.
It showcased a traditional dance and drum performance of the Phuthai subculture in the northeastern region, as well as various homemade textile products by villagers.
Yupha said the Yollwithi Communities project aims to promote local culture, traditions, arts and crafts as tourist attractions and to generate income for local communities. By harnessing the power of creative culture as an economic stimulant, the project is in compliance with the government’s BCG economy model, which focuses on sustainable development through the use of bio, “circular” and green economy practices.
Ban Phu Village has various tourism programmes for visitors in this post-Covid era, including tours to cultural buildings, religious establishments, a floating market, museums, learning centres, homes of artists, and art galleries. All tour guides wear traditional clothes made from handwoven fabric.
“Tourists can travel around the village using the bicycle lane, while homestays with meals are also available for those who seek to experience the authentic Ban Phu lifestyle,” said Yupha.
“For the causal tourist, the village also provides a variety of check-in points for taking photos and shops selling traditional souvenirs.”
District in Loei woos tourists with colourful ‘Christmas Festival’
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022
Phu Ruea district in Loei province is organising a “Christmas Festival” for over two months with the aim of stimulating the economy by welcoming tourists in the high season.
A press conference to announce Phu Ruea Christmas Festival was held on Monday night at the Phu Ruea National Park.
The district mayor, Phumarin Kongpientham, said the festival will be held from November 25, 2022, to January 31, 2023.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to be held from Friday to Saturday to promote tourism and Phu Ruea’s plants and flowers including the Christmas tree.
Beautiful lighting and a lot of red and pink flowers will be used to decorate the Christmas square for tourists to take photos.
She said people can take a commemorative photo in the district, which would stimulate the economy and generate revenue for operators of hotels, accommodations, souvenir stores, and tourist destinations.
Phumarin said that the district was called the “city of the sea of mountains, with beautiful flowers in three seasons”, and it is one of the coldest places in Thailand. Many people worked in flower farming instead of ordinary agriculture, making it the biggest winter flower seller in Thailand.
Tourists venturing deep into Thai Buddhism as famed cave temple reopens
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022
Pilgrims and monks have been seeking enlightenment in the dripping caves of Wat Tham Talot temple for the past 350 years.
Now, the spiritual echoes of that quest are once again reaching tourists as Thailand’s famed temple of the deep South reopens its doors after Covid.
Wat Tham Talot was founded deep in the belly of the mountainside in 1676 during the Ayutthaya period.
Today it serves the Mahayana worshippers of Saba Yoi district, Songkhla, as well as being a tourist destination where nature blends with Buddhism in elemental harmony.
Visitors are confronted at the entrance by the fearsome glare of a green giant.
Thao Wessuwan is one of Thao Chatulokaban, or Four Guardians of the World who protect Buddhism and its spiritual secrets.
Tourists who risk his wrath and venture inside will find a spectacular eight-metre golden reclining Buddha gleaming from the darkness of the main chamber. Nearby sits the centuries-old image of Tuad Yang, a wealthy Malaysian benefactor who furnished the cave with religious treasures.
The temple also drips with geological wonders, as the stalagmites of Tuad Yang, Maha Ut and Khon Tham chambers compete for visitors’ gaze with angels, Garuda and Naga carved from the stone by local craftsmen.
Wat Tham Talot also comes with a rich religious history, befitting its venerable age.
It was one of the places where the body of renowned Thai monk Luang Pu Thuat was placed, 350 years ago, before being enshrined at Wat Rat Buranara (Wat Chang Hai) in Pattani, where he was abbot.
Luang Pu Thuat won renown for the many miracles he is said to have performed. He died in Malaysia on March 6, 1682, but is still revered today in amulets worn by Thais all around the country.
Boom times at Pattaya International Fireworks Fest this weekend
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2022
The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival 2022 will illuminate the sky this week in a two-day extravaganza that aims to boost Chonburi’s tourism industry.
Visitors will be treated to spectacular fireworks shows and concerts by Thai artists at Pattaya Central Beach on Friday and Saturday (November 25-26).
Pyrotechnic teams from Belgium, Canada, Malaysia and the Philippines will compete to generate the most “oohs” and “ahs” from spectators.
The show schedule and free car parking locations are as follows:
Friday November 25:
– 7.15pm: Opening ceremony
– 7.30pm: Fireworks from Team Belgium and Team Philippines
– 8.15pm: Concert – Off Pongsak
– 9.15pm: Fireworks from Team Malaysia and Team Canada
– 10pm: Concert – Three Man Down
Saturday November 26:
– 7.30pm: Fireworks by Team Canada and Team Philippines
– 8.15pm: Concert – Rooftop
– 9.15pm: Fireworks from Team Belgium and Team Malaysia
– 10pm: Concert – OG-ANIC & URIUS
Free parking at:
North Pattaya: Terminal 21, Tesco Lotus North Pattaya.
Central Pattaya: Central Pattaya, Mike Shopping Mall, Big C Extra, Royal Garden Plaza.
South Pattaya: Wat Chaimongkol, Muang Pattaya 8 School, Big C South Pattaya, Tesco Lotus South Pattaya, and Bali Hai Pier.
Nearly every weekend Nan’s Road No 3 is crowded with tourists enjoying the beautiful vista of lush hills, blue skies and white clouds.
The road, originally called Highway 1081, connects Santi Suk and Bo Kluea districts of the northern province. The road has been nicknamed Road No 3 because its turns make it look like the number three.
A visitor from Uttaradit said this was their first trip to Nan and the road offered a great landscape and background for photography.
A local said tourists usually show up between 11am and 2pm, and the area is normally crowded at the weekends.
TAT adds fireworks shows at two locations to welcome Apec leaders, delegates, tourists
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022
The Tourism Authority of Thailand on Thursday posted an updated schedule of its super attractive “Vijit Chao Phraya” free light shows at six locations along the river in Bangkok to welcome Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) leaders, delegates and tourists.
The updated schedule adds firework shows at two of the six locations from November 19 to 20 and 24 to 27:
Rama VIII Bridge: A light and laser show will welcome Apec leaders and celebrate the country’s reopening. Six shows will be held per day – at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm.
Wichai Prasit Fort: Projection mapping depicts scenes of maritime trade, diplomatic contacts and the country’s defence to tell the story of riverside life from a bygone era to present times. There will be six shows per day – at 7pm, 7.20pm, 8pm, 8.20pm, 9.10pm and 9.30pm. The shows will also feature special effects.
Wat Kalayanamit Worahamawiharn: A cultural show combined with special effects unveils Thailand’s rich culture and wisdom. There are three shows per day – at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm. The shows here will include firework displays.
Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge: A light show illuminates the river’s role in the everyday life and one of the main modes of travel for Thais. There will be six shows per day – at 7.10pm, 7.45pm, 8.10pm, 8.45pm, 9.20pm and 9.45pm. At 8.45pm the show will include a fireworks display.
River City Bangkok: Projectors map the global reach of Thai culture through food, film, fashion and festivals. There will be six shows per day – at 7pm, 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm and 9.30pm.
IconSiam: Solar-powered lights illuminate the longest multimedia water show in Southeast Asia. There will be four shows per day – at 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm and 9.15pm. The shows here will be cut to twice a day on November 26 and 27 – at 6.15pm and 7.15pm.
Those who want to witness the newly added firework shows should head only to these two locations: Wat Kalayanamit at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm and Phra Phuttha Yodfa Bridge at 8.45pm.
Trader Nopparat, 32, said the flock of seagulls has benefited many groups of people, including foods shops, workers, traders and local fishermen.
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