To mark the beginning of Buddhist Lent, Nakhon Ratchasima will stage "Illuminating Korat Candle Light: King's 72nd Birthday Celebration" on July 20 and 21 at Thao Suranaree (Ya Mo) Monument.
This year's procession will feature 22 candle floats from several communities to celebrate Buddhist art and craftsmanship. Other highlights include a khon masked dance with light and sound performances, pong lang dance, an exhibition on Khao Phansa royal rituals, a workshop on how to make Korat-style candles, and an OTOP market.
Call 044-213-666 or visit facebook.com/TATNakhonratchasima.
Beach festival to take place in four provinces
To boost tourism during the rainy season, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has organised "Amazing Beach Life Festival" events in Rayong, Phangnga, Phuket and Songkhla.
Starting tomorrow, the first event will take place at Laem Charoen Beach in Rayong and run to Sunday. Visitors can engage in water sports and leisurely pursuits like stand-up paddle boarding and surf skating or enjoy concerts featuring well-known musicians and DJs, beach party tattoos, and DIY workshops where they can paint beach scenes on wooden trays and key chains. Food trucks, beach bars, and a craft and art market are also available.
The second edition is scheduled to take place in Phangnga from July 26-28 and the third edition will arrive in Phuket's Patong Beach from Aug 2-4 before it concludes at Chalatat Beach in Songkhla from Aug 9-11.
"The project shines a spotlight on the government's 'Ignite Tourism Thailand' vision to make Thailand a tourism hub and a centre of world-class events. The goal is to achieve 3.5 trillion baht in tourism this year and more in the coming years," said Phonpoom Vipattipumiprates, vice-minister of Tourism and Sports.
Visit the Amazing Beach Life Festival page on Facebook.
Tokyo Skytree.
Tokyo Skytree gets a Pokémon makeover
Tokyo Skytree welcomes summer with "Pokemon Horizons: The Series Pokemon" until September. Using exclusive visuals, the animated characters will illuminate the 450m-high Tembo Galleria, while visitors can enjoy limited edition items and a special menu at a cafe.
Located in the 350m-high Tembo Deck, Skytree Round Theatre will convert its windows into a large screen for a special video and the floor will be lit up by Pokémon-themed special lighting and a Captain Pikachu Greeting.
Visit asoview.com.
Four Centara properties bag honours
Four Centara Hotels & Resorts properties were honoured at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2024. Launched in late 2021, Centara Reserve Samui secured seventh place in the Beach + Island Resorts category. This beachfront resort offers personalised travel, indulgent comfort and curated stays amid tropical splendour, making it one of Thailand's most desirable holiday destinations.
As part of Centara's exclusive Boutique Collection, Roukh Kiri Khao Yai made a significant leap this year to claim fourth in the Upcountry Hotels category. With 12 contemporary barn-style villas set within organic gardens, it provides guests luxury farmhouse experiences like farm-to-table dining and personalised service amidst mountainous landscapes.
Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives earned a distinguished fifth place in the House Reefs category. Situated in South Ari Atoll, guests can enjoy comprehensive diving and snorkelling programmes to explore stunning marine ecosystems.
General manager Shigeki Nakagawa of Centara Grand Hotel Osaka was honoured in the Hotel General Managers category, exemplifying Centara's dedication to providing guest experiences, warm Thai hospitality and world-class service.
