Gearing up for the peak season, Thai Airways is employing a fleet of Airbus A320 planes to resume services on nine domestic routes until March 30. The schedule has finally been reinstated, with daily round-trip flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Udon Thani. There are 56 weekly flights to Phuket, 35 to Chiang Mai and 28 to Khon Kaen.
Starting on Jan 1, Bangkok will have additional daily flights to Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Krabi, Hat Yai and Narathiwat. There will be 28 flights to Khon Kaen each week, 21 to Hat Yai, 14 to Krabi, Ubon Ratchathani and Chiang Rai, and seven to Narathiwat.
Visit thaiairways.com.
Hat Yai.
Hat Yai streets transform for festive season
To celebrate the start of Songkhla's holiday season, several streets and public spaces in and around the southern town of Hat Yai are transformed into lively entertainment venues throughout this month.
Tomorrow and Saturday, Walking Street at Sanehanusorn Road will come alive with a range of traditional southern-style dance and music performances by young and veteran artists. On Saturday and Sunday, Hatyai Sidewalk at Paradorn and Pracharom roads will enchant the masses with an array of music acts, artwork and cultural performances, including nora dance and shadow play.
On Dec 15 and 16, Hatyai Arts Fest will take over Sanehanusorn Road, offering visitors the chance to take in fabric paintings and local musicians' beats. Walking Street at Niphat Uthit 3 Road and Thammanunviti Road will be a bustling anime cosplay hotspot from Dec 22-24, and the Santa Claus procession will bring in the holiday cheer.
On Dec 24 and 25, visitors will be welcomed to Hatyai City Merry Christmas @ Sanehanusorn Road where there will be a beautiful light show, a picturesque balloon photo corner and a Santa Claus Christmas parade.
On Dec 31, Supasarnrangsan Road will host the Hatyai Countdown 2024, which includes musical performances, an enthralling concert, 3D animations and LED tower décor.
Nong Han Lake.
Thale Bua Daeng marks pink lotus season
When the sky is clear and the town of Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand feels mild winds, the 22,500 rai Nong Han Lake marks the beginning of the pink lotus season, which lasts until Feb 29.
Also known as Thale Bua Daeng (Sea of Red Lotus), this marsh is tucked away in Kumphawapi district and a 90-minute cruise experience through the Community Enterprise of Fishing Boat and Tourist Boat Owners at Thale Bua Daeng provides 90-minute cruises by a fleet of 120 boats, available in two sizes. The cost varies from 300 to 500 baht.
The sea of pink water lilies blooms from November to February, depending on the weather, and creates dramatic scenes against a misty morning sky. Travellers can learn about the local way of life and the environment of the marsh while on the boat. The villagers fish for carp and snakehead fish, while a large flock of purple swamphens forages for food.
Centara.
Centara offers The 1 members special deals
This month, Centara Hotels & Resorts is offering The 1 members an opportunity to redeem their points through The 1 application for exclusive benefits. Guests may get a 30-minute neck and shoulder massage at Centara Udon's Spa Cenvaree for 1,000 points, and the Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya offers delectable buffets for 9,750 points. Discounts are available for afternoon tea at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin and for 20% off at Centara Ubon's House of Kin.
