Gateway to the sun
Visit Phanom Rung historical park between April 4-6, and witness the spectacular sunrise and a unique solar phenomenon.
Thanks to the clever design and construction of Phanom Rung, which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, the sunrise is calculated to be visible through all 15 gates on the mornings of April 4, 5 and 6. This solar phenomenon is repeated every year at the same period and to mark this unique moment, the historical park celebrates with a series of festive and cultural shows. Built in between the 10th and 13th centuries, Phanom Rung is located in Buriram province , about 360 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. Call (044) 611 251.
Pedal power
Bangkok will host Bangkok Bike Expo 2013 at Impact Muang Thong Thani from May 2 to 5, promoting the latest trends in two wheels as well as travel. The theme is “Riding Together” and highlights include the Bike Zone, Biker Style Zone, Biker Gadget Zone and Bike Trip Zone allowing bike buffs to browse in more than 100 shops for all kinds of bicycles, accessories and promotions for cycling trips across the country.
Dining for a cause
Six top chefs from some of Phuket’s premier luxury resorts and restaurants are joining forces for the annual “Six of the Best” charity dinner at the “Millionaire’s Mile” hideaway, Paresa Resort to raise money for underprivileged women and girls. The gastronomic fundraiser is on May 25 at the exclusive resort in Kamala, with half a dozen of the island’s most acclaimed chefs each contributing one course to the dinner, which is matched with fine wines. The resorts and restaurants participating in the 2013 event are Paresa Resort, Anantara Resort, The Pullman Arcadia Resort, Taste Restaurant on Surin beach, Vset Restaurant, and Joe’s Downstairs restaurant.
Snakes in the ring
Head up to the King Cobra Village of Baan Khok Sa-nga in Khon Kaen province this Songkran and officially celebrate the Year of Snake. From April 10 to 16, the villagers celebrate the annual King Cobra Festival to make a merit and show gratitude to their “deadly friend” for attracting tourists to their fighting shows. For six days and night, the festival offers something a bit more adorable than the king cobra with a Miss King Cobra Contest, cultural shows and, of course, a King Cobra parade. The village is famous for king cobra boxing with man and snake squaring off in the ring.
