With dark clouds looming and monsoon season just round the corner, it is rice planting time for farmers throughout Thailand.However, according to popular folklore of the Northeast, the gods will only bring rain if they are in the right mood, which is the reason Yasothon hosts the Bun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival every year.
This year it is scheduled May 8-10 at Phaya Thaen Park in Muang district, when locals build homemade rockets using bamboo stems or pipes and pack them with about 25 kilogrammes of gunpowder. Farmers fire the rockets, usually ten metres long, to wake up the gods and ask for plentiful rain and bumper harvest.
Similar events are held throughout the region as well as in neighbouring Laos, but the Yasothorn edition is perhaps the most famous and regularly attracts international visitors who come to witness this unique tradition.
Apart from the rocket launches there will be folk music performances, comedy shows, a parade through town as well as a food festival.
For more information, contact the TAT office in Ubon Ratchathani at 045-243-770/1.
Thailand Adventure _ Part II
After the River Kwai Trophy in February, the Amazing Thailand Adventure Series moves on to the second leg in Chiang Mai on May 9.
The day-long Amarin Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009 will feature biking, running, kayaking and swimming in the northern city and surrounding areas.
Participants, comprising teams of two people, will compete in five categories: men's, women's, mixed, masters (combined age over 80) and seniors (combined age over 100).
The registration fee begins at 6,500 baht per person and includes a buffet dinner after the race. Accommodation can be arranged at the Green Lake Resort but you will have to pay for it separately. The registration deadline is May 6.
The third and final leg of the series is the Bangkok Challenge which will be held in November.
For details, visit www.chiangmaichallenge.com or www.activeasia.com.
Pilgrimage to Doi Suthep
On Visaka Bucha Day, which simultaneously commemorates three important anniversaries in the life of Lord Buddha _ birth, enlightenment and his death _ Chiang Mai residents converge at the foot of the famous Doi Suthep mountain and proceed on a nine-kilometre to the top.
Taking place on the night of May 8 this year, thousands of people will participate in the trek which can last all night. Reaching the summit they will pay their respects to the Phra That Doi Suthep.
To find out more, contact TAT's Chiang Mai office at 053-259-365.
This year it is scheduled May 8-10 at Phaya Thaen Park in Muang district, when locals build homemade rockets using bamboo stems or pipes and pack them with about 25 kilogrammes of gunpowder. Farmers fire the rockets, usually ten metres long, to wake up the gods and ask for plentiful rain and bumper harvest.
Similar events are held throughout the region as well as in neighbouring Laos, but the Yasothorn edition is perhaps the most famous and regularly attracts international visitors who come to witness this unique tradition.
Apart from the rocket launches there will be folk music performances, comedy shows, a parade through town as well as a food festival.
For more information, contact the TAT office in Ubon Ratchathani at 045-243-770/1.
Thailand Adventure _ Part II
After the River Kwai Trophy in February, the Amazing Thailand Adventure Series moves on to the second leg in Chiang Mai on May 9.
The day-long Amarin Outdoor Unlimited Chiang Mai Challenge 2009 will feature biking, running, kayaking and swimming in the northern city and surrounding areas.
Participants, comprising teams of two people, will compete in five categories: men's, women's, mixed, masters (combined age over 80) and seniors (combined age over 100).
The registration fee begins at 6,500 baht per person and includes a buffet dinner after the race. Accommodation can be arranged at the Green Lake Resort but you will have to pay for it separately. The registration deadline is May 6.
The third and final leg of the series is the Bangkok Challenge which will be held in November.
For details, visit www.chiangmaichallenge.com or www.activeasia.com.
Pilgrimage to Doi Suthep
On Visaka Bucha Day, which simultaneously commemorates three important anniversaries in the life of Lord Buddha _ birth, enlightenment and his death _ Chiang Mai residents converge at the foot of the famous Doi Suthep mountain and proceed on a nine-kilometre to the top.
Taking place on the night of May 8 this year, thousands of people will participate in the trek which can last all night. Reaching the summit they will pay their respects to the Phra That Doi Suthep.
To find out more, contact TAT's Chiang Mai office at 053-259-365.
By: PATSINEE KRANLERT
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