Flying high to Tehran

Thai Airways International is to operate four weekly flights between Bangkok and the Iranian capital Tehran with effect from October 1. Flight TG527 will depart Suvarnabhumi Airport at 3.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday and land at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport at 7.30pm local time. The return flight leaves Tehran at 9pm and arrives in Bangkok at 6.55am. Tehran boasts great museums, parks, restaurants and friendly people and is the gateway to the ancient Persian Empire.

Castles of wax

Sakon Nakhon celebrates the end of the three-month Buddhist lent with its much-loved Wax Castle Festival from October 11 to 16. The annual event draws more than 10,000 visitors to admire the spectacular procession of miniature Buddhist temples and shrines moulded out of beeswax that are paraded past Wat Phra That Choeng Chum. Boat races and other festivities also mark the end of the long retreat.

Emirates re-routes to Auckland

Emirates responds to the growing demand for travel between Thailand and New Zealand with a new daily service from Bangkok to Auckland via Sydney. From October 30, flight EK418 will depart Bangkok at 7.30pm and land in Auckland at 3.55pm local time. The return flight, EK419, departs Auckland at 4.30pm and arrives in Bangkok at 1.10am. The service, which will operate on the A380, is part of a planned reroute of the EK418/419 service, currently flying between Dubai and Christchurch, via Bangkok and Sydney. The new route goes from Dubai to Auckland, via Bangkok and Sydney.

On your marks

Amari Watergate’s Charity Midnight Run returns to Bangkok on October 15 to raise funds for education in rural Thailand. Participants can experience the city by night while running through downtown Bangkok and return home with the coveted championship trophies and commemorative medal as well sharing in the spirit of helping and giving.

Raging bulls

Thai water buffaloes might not be as aggressive as Spanish bulls but they can certainly give the bulls a good run for their money and they’re a lot more fun. Chon Buri province, about an hour’s drive east of Bangkok, is hosting Buffalo Racing on October 15. Beefy buffaloes, skinny buffaloes and white buffaloes will race against each other over a 100-metre-long grassy strip, leaving a huge cloud of dust in the air. You’ll be surprised – and terrified – at the beasts’ terrific speed but poor sense of direction.

Samui sensations

Bangkok Airways joins up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Samui Municipality and theSamui Travel Association for the “Samui Discovery Travel Fair”, which runs from Friday through Sunday at Siam Paragon’s Fashion Hall. As part of the activities to promote tourism on the island during the so-called green season, the airline is offering all-inclusive fares on its Bangkok-Samui,Chiang Mai–Samui, Phuket-Samui, Krabi-Samui and Pattaya–Samui routes starting at Bt3,310 round trip. Tickets must be purchased and issued during the event and are valid for travel from Friday until the end of November.

Khao Yai for “U”

Surrounded by the rolling hills and lush valleys of Khao Yai National Park, the new U Khao Yai will be opening its doors to travellers on November 15. Located in Pak Chong’s Moosi subdistrict, the resort draws on the traditional architecture of the French countryside and boasts a modern and eclectic interior design providing both comfort and relaxation with landscaped gardens, ponds and a large free form swimming pool. Find out more at http://www.UKhaoYai.com or Facebook.com/ukhaoyai.

The sky’s the limit

VietJet Air, a budget airline from Vietnam, spread its wings across Thailand, offering three new routes – Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Bangkok-Phuket and Phuket-Chiang Rai – as well as flights between Bangkok and Haiphong in Vietnam. The airline, which owns a fast-growing fleet of Airbus A320s, is based in Ho Chi Minh City. For tickets and booking, visit http://www.VietJetAir.com.

Fly for free with AirAsia

AirAsia is giving away free seats from now until Sunday to several destinations across its extensive network. Travellers can book seats at Bt0 through the AirAsia mobile phone application to Krabi, Hat Yai, Udon Thani, Buriram, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Sakon Nakhon, Narathiwat, Roi Et, Nan, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Surat Thani and Trang. Tickets at attractively low prices are also being offered to Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Bali, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Yangon, Ho Chi Minh City, Mandalay, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Shantou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Wuhan and Hangzhou. This promotion is valid for travel February 6 and October 28.

Offerings for the departed

Si Sa Ket province in Thailand northeast is gearing up for the Saen Donta Festival on September 27 and 28. Best described as “dinner with the departed”, Saen Donta has been practised by the province’s Khmer-speaking communities since time immemorial and honours ancestors and hungry ghosts. The local people dressed in their unique tribal |costumes carry baskets full of roasted chicken, barbecued fish, fried meats, mainly pork, vegetables, cigarettes and jars of rice wine to the public park in front of the town hall where the offerings are made.

New Airbus delivery for THAI

Thailand’s national flag carrier Thai Airways International recently took delivery of 12 Airbus A350 XWB craft to boost its increasingly modern fleet. The planes are configured in a premium two-class layout with a total of 321 seats, 32 of which are in Royal Silk Class and convertible to fully lie-flat beds, and 289 in the main cabin. After an initial period flying on regional services between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the aircraft will be deployed on long-haul flights, starting with the Bangkok-Melbourne route. The A350 XWB features the latest in aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines.

Island in the sun

Santiburi Beach Resort & Spa on Samui Island introduces its new “Beach Butler” service to ensure guests make the most of tropical paradise. The staff are on hand to make sure there is always a sun lounger available for guests along the resort’s 300-metre beach frontage and they also provide |two clean beach towels per person, plus complimentary iced bottled mineral water and daily servings of tropical fruit and ice cream, all to be enjoyed by the water’s edge. Santiburi beach butlers are also trained to keep a discreet eye out for how much sun guests have been exposed to and offer informed recommendations on sun protection. They can also be called upon to take orders for food and drink, which can be served on the beach.

Sensations from the sea

Cha-Am Beach in Phetchaburi adds spice to your next month as it hosts the “Shell Eating, Bird Seeing and Squid Angling Festival” from September 10 to 17. A trip to Cha-Am during the seafood festival usually means chilling out at the beachside restaurants of your choice and breaking your diet with barbecued squid, spicy seafood soup, steamed red snapper and more. Check out the hotel booths for fancy menus and fusion food.

Amazing Asean on show

Chiang Mai plays host to the Asean Pop Culture festival this weekend. The event, which is being held at the Lanna Folklife Museum on Saturday and Sunday, showcases the best of Asean through such cultural shows as Myanmar’s Mask Dance, Lao Champa Dance. Other activities include photo exhibitions, pop concerts, an art exhibition and sale of Asean crafts. Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand at (053) 248 604.

Flying high to Seoul

Thai AirAsia X, a budget airline for long-haul travel, adds one more flight to its Bangkok-Seoul Route and will offer two flights daily in its Winter schedule. From October 30 onwards, AirAsia X Flight XJ 708 will depart daily from Don Mueang International Airport at 8.15am and arrive at Incheon International Airport (ICN) at 3.20pm (local time). The return flight will take off at 4.25pm and lands at Bangkok at 8.15pm local time. The airline is now offering a promotion of Bt3,190 in Economy Class and Bt9,900 for Premium Flat Bed Class. Bookings can be made through Sunday. Visitwww.AirAsia.com.

Lazy Sundays for gourmets

Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok presents Scalini’s all-new Sparkling Sunday brunch. The feast combines sensational buffet selections including a Lobster and Oyster Bar with delicious à la minute main courses. Guests are invited to order a main course from the à la carte brunch menu before visiting the extensive buffet counters in Scalini’s open kitchen. The prices are Bt1,800 with free-flow fresh fruit juice and Bt2,500 with free-flow Prosecco. Book a table at (02) 620 6666 or emailbkksu.info@hilton.com

Birds of a feather

Thai low-cost carrier Nok Air has released a new collection of accessories to raise funds for the Hornbill Research Foundation. “Tropical Bird” boasts cool t-shirts, stylish bag tags and carry-on bags and will be on sale on all Nok Air flights throughout September. Khao Yai National Park, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Budo-Su-ngai Padi National Park are home to 13 species of hornbill. Visit http://www.NokSmileShop.com.

Tales of two countries

Amari Phuket invites guests to experience a new buffet-themed night at Rim Talay restaurant. The buffet, which is priced at Bt790, offers an amazing combination of Thai favourites and popular curry dishes from the northern part of India. The Indian goodies include tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, chicken tikka masala, fish curry, lentils, papadums, naan bread and biryani rice, while the Thai specials cover masaman, green and penang curries and other Thai noodle and rice dishes. Complete a wonderful dinner at the dessert corner with Indian and Thai sweets plus seasonal fruits. Book a table at (076) 340 106 extension 8027, or email rimtalay@amari.com.

Kilos of kindness

To mark the United Nations International Day of Charity on September 5, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts introduces the latest initiative in its “Kilo of Kindness” drive. Guests and residents are invited to visit the 16 participating hotels to donate at least a kilo of learning supplies – such as notebooks, pens and pencils – for distribution to local schools. Supplies can be dropped off from Sunday through September 1. The participating properties are located in Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and the Philippines. Each person who makes a donation will get an ice cream as a small gesture of appreciation.

Italian by design

Marco Pacetta and Joss Linde of modern Italian restaurant Sensi Bangkok are staging a five-course dinner tomorrow night paired with Bellavista and Petra wines. The menu features assorted canapes and Alma Bellavista sparkling wine, insalata di mare served with Acquagiusta Bianco Maremma, beef carpaccio with sea urchin paired with Grand Cuvee Brut Rose and ravioli with ricotta nettles and a Petra Merlot Quercegobbe. The price is Bt2,900 per person. For reservations, call (02) 117 1618 or visit http://www.SensiBangkok.com.

As part of the celebrations marking Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 84th Birthday, the annual Queen’s Cup Hua Hin Triathlon will be held this weekend at Black Mountain Water Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The competition is divided into different endurance tests: a sprint triathlon made up of a 750-metre swim, 20km of cycling and 5km of running; a duathlon featuring a 2.5km run and 20km of cycling; a 5km road race and an Olympic-distance triathlon which involves 1.5km of swimming, 40km of cycling and 10km running. Call Tourism Authority of Thailand Prachuap Khiri Khan Office at (032) 513 885 or email: tatprachuap@tat.or.th. Visit http://www.huahintriathlon.com.

Wonders of the wheels

Mark the last weekend in August on your calendar and take time out from the city to join the Bhumibol Dam International Mountain Bike Championships in Tak province on August 27 and 28. Organised by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Sports Authority of Thailand, the competition has something for everyone, from a 12-kilometre bike ride to a 60-kilometre international race. Expect live music, cultural performances, a classic bicycle show and loads of fun. Find out more from the local tourism organisation at (055) 549 509.

Perfect percussion

Ang Thong province comes alive with the sound of beating drums from August 18 to 21 as Ang Thong International Drum festival comes to town. The event features a colourful parade, fanfares and a stage performance at the drum-making village of Ekaratch in Pa Mok district. Ang Thong is a two-hour drive north of Bangkok. Call The Traditional Drum-Making Village (Ban Bang Phae) at (035) 662 201, the Tourism Authority of Thailand Suphan Buri Office at (035) 535 789 or TAT’s Call Centre at 1672.

In the spirit of giving

The Dragon Descendent Museum and the City Pillar Shrine in Suphan Buri will be packed with locals and visitors for the upcoming Tingkrajad Festival, a century-old ceremony held to give offerings both to the deceased and to the less unfortunate. From August 20 to 24, the Chinese Association in Suphan Buri will give offerings to the poor. Visitors will be entertained by lantern processions, parades, Chinese opera, films and food, Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand Suphan Buri Office at (035) 535 380 or e-mail: tatsuphan@tat.or.th. Visit http://www.Suphan.biz/tingkrajad.htm.

Celebrate Mother’s Day by taking the family for an edutainment experience with the “10 Thai fish species” exhibition at Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World from Monday through August 14. The fish on show are from the rehabilitation project for Thai freshwater fish and other species, one of HM Queen Sirikit’s Royal Initiative Projects. Buy the tickets through Rabbit LINE Pay on http://www.SeaLifeBangkok.com from Sunday to August 13 and for each entry pass purchased, you’ll get another absolutely free. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is on floors B1 and B2 of Siam Paragon and is open daily from 10am to 9pm.

In celebration of Her Majesty

Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre together with public and private enterprises are organising a series of celebrations, on the theme “Ngan Silp Khong Mae” (Arts Creation by Her Majesty the Queen) in honour of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s 84th birthday. The festivities kick off with a concert by Kenny Rogers and Linda Davis. Other highlights include a musical fireworks extravaganza featuring seven shows of 8,499 fireworks at the waterfront of Chao Phraya River at Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre in Ayutthaya from August 12 to 14. Also expect exhibitions, fairs, performance, cultural shows, concerts and a candlelight ceremony. Find out more at http://www.NganSilpMae.com.

Swinging with the Akha

The Akha swing high in the air as they honour their ancestors and ask the gods for a good harvest. Akha communities in Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, will be pulsating with energy and music during the Akha Swing Festival at various venues on different days in their villages from now to September 30. You don’t have to be a member of the tribe to enjoy it either because this annual festival always welcomes visitors to the village for tribal music, a feast and, of course, a chance to check out the swing. Call Tourism Authority of Thailand Chiang Rai Office at + 66 (0) 53 744 674-5 or TAT Call Centre 1672.

Cebu-Pacific orders new Airbus craft

Manila-based Cebu Pacific has placed a firm order with Airbus for two A330-300s. The aircraft will join the airline’s existing fleet of six A330s used on long-range flights to destinations in the Middle East and Australia, as well on selected domestic and regional routes. The newly ordered aircraft will enable the airline to add more long-haul routes, including the launch of its first flights to the US. Cebu Pacific currently operates 49 Airbus aircraft, including six A330s and a fleet of 43 A320 Family single aisle aircraft on its extensive domestic and regional network. In addition to the contract announced recently, the airline has 32 latest generation A321neo aircraft on order for future delivery.

The Creative Tourism Office in the northern province of Nan invites visitors to experience local craftsmanship and the community spirit through two workshops – traditional flag making and pillowcase embroidery. The tradition of “tung ka king” shows off Lanna’s paper cutting. In the old days, people cut pieces of paper to make a decorative flag for special religious events. The pillow case workshop, on the other hand, features the Nan royal handicraft “Hong Chao Khamfong” on which a statement is embroidered on a traditional pillow. For the paper cutting, call the temple at (081) 882 3188. For the pillowcase embroidery, call (054) 710 537 or (087) 305 9660.

And the winners are …

Contemporary Thai restaurant, Jahn at Conrad Koh Samui has been named the Global Winner in three award categories; Overall Winner, Thai Cuisine and Ambience/Romantic Atmosphere, beating 166 restaurants from around the world at the 1st World Luxury Restaurant Awards 2016. Conrad Koh Samui‘s general manager, Stefano Ruzza, left, attended the red carpet gala dinner and award presentation ceremony, receiving the prestigious awards from Marna Laurens, centre, and Linda Cooper, right, executive managers of the World Luxury Spa and Restaurant Awards 2016 held in Pontresina, Switzerland.

Big bites for meat eaters

Inspired by New York’s famed Meatpacking District, Movenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya‘s new T55 New York Grill Room is set to become a signature restaurant for food lovers on the northern shores of the Gulf of Siam. With a chic, post-modern design, T55 New York Grill Room taps into the Big Apple’s hipster vibe. The menu delights even the most serious meat connoisseurs with an array of signature dishes including a succulent Tomahawk steak and the Meatpacking Burger which boasts 250 grams of beef topped with crispy bacon, avocado, beetroot and home-made truffle mayonnaise.

Flying high with Nok Air

Nok Air, one of Thailand’s low-cost carriers, recently took delivery of its seventh brand new Q400 NextGen from Bombardier. Made in Canada, this turboprop aircraft is designed to land and take off at destinations with short runways. The aircraft, which has 86 seats, is now in service on Nok Air’s domestic routes including Lampang and Loei. The airline fleet currently includes seven Q400 NextGens, 21 Boeing 737-800s, and two ATR 72-500s.

Join the skippers and their crews as they pour into Phuket for the Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek, one of Asia’s most prestigious and competitive regattas. The race, in which more than 400 sailors and crews are participating, runs from July 20-24 at Thailand’s best beach holiday destination.

Avani advances

Minor Hotels has announced the expansion of its upscale Avani brand in the Northeast city of Khon Kaen in Thailand where the Centara Hotel & Convention Centre Khon Kaen has now been rebranded under the Avani label. Situated in the thriving heart of this major commercial hub and gateway to Indochina, the Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre features 196 guestrooms that blend the distinctive Isaan culture with contemporary furnishings. Launched by Minor Hotels in 2011, Avani Hotels & Resorts is a vibrant upscale hotel brand offering relaxed comfort in city and resort destinations.

Amari marks Ocean Day

The Amari Phuket team recently released fish into the ocean at Patong Bay to mark annual World Environment Day and World Ocean Day. Led by Pierre-Andre Pelletier, vice president and area general manager for South Thailand, the team joined Chalor Preecha, an officer with the fish nursery unit of Phang-nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre, to ensure the best chances of survival for the fish.

Pattaya on the run

The annual Pattaya International Marathon returns to Thailand’s famous resort town this Sunday and as usual it has a spot for every fitness level. You can tackle the full 42-kilometre course or putter along for 10km, and there’s a route for people in wheelchairs too. The starting times are staggered from 3.30am on Pattaya Beach Road. Find out more from the city administration at (038) 253 129 or visit www.Pattaya-Marathon.com.

Bangkok Airways, Thailand’s regional airline, now operates four flights weekly between Bangkok and Danang in Central Vietnam. Flight PG947 departs Suvarnabhumi Airport at 11am on Sunday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and lands in Danang at 12.30pm. The return flight PG 948 takes off at 1.35pm, and arrives Bangkok at 3.15pm. The service is operated with an Airbus A319. Danang, with its pristine beaches, is a destination in itself and also serves as a gateway to Hue and Hoi An. Visit http://www.BangkokAir.com.

Fun for all the family

Manathai Koh Samui offers a great deal for children with its new “Kool For Kids” activities programme. Under the promotion, children under 16 whose families are staying more than seven nights eat and play for free and enjoy full access to the resort’s fun Yim Yai Kids Club. This offers a range of activities including Thai dancing, yoga, sandcastle and postcard making, painting, learning Thai, pandan leaf weaving, chalk rise art and lots of monkey, bird, elephant and fish inspired songs. For really active kids, the luxury resort also offers Muay Thai lessons and basic cooking. Manathai Koh Samui is a 50-minute flight from Bangkok and within a short walk of Lamai Beach. Visit http://www.Manathai.com/samui.

Big Smile for China

Thai Smile Airways now connects Bangkok with Changsha and Chongqing with daily direct flights and full service. The airline flies out from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Special promotions accompany the launch of the service with tickets on the Bangkok-Changsha route going for Bt3,890 and from Bangkok to Chongqing for Bt3,090. Tickets are available for booking until Monday for travel before November 30. Tickets can be booked only via http://www.ThaiSmileAir.com. Call (02) 118 8888 or 1181.

New plane for Thai

The first Airbus A350 XWB for Thai Airways International (THAI) recently rolled out from its cabin furnishing & engine installation at the Airbus Toulouse Final Assembly Line bearing the airline’s full distinctive livery. The aircraft is now ready to proceed to further ground and flight testing. The A350 XWB is the world’s latest generation airliner and the newest member of Airbus’ modern, comfortable & efficient widebody product family. It features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This first A350-900 for THAI is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2016.