Search
Diary
march your guide to what’s on
2006will be a year-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the Thai throne. His Majesty is the world’s longest-serving monarch. Events such as the Grand Music and Dance Festival in Pattaya (17-19 March) will honour his life and contribution to Thai society.
11-15
Watch aerial battles in front of the Grand Palace in Bangkok as 30 nations take advantage of the tapao (hot summer wind) at the annual Kite Flying Festival. One team uses a five-point star-shaped chula kite to snare and drag their rival’s diamond-shaped pakpaos kite into their territory. The battle used to be even more vicious – in 13th-century Sukhothai, kites were flown over the enemy with gunpowder and long fuses.
1-19
Come and view the Celebrating Nature exhibition by Kristiaan Inwood at Amantee House of Oriental and Tibetan Antiques and Arts. The exhibition is the artist’s first in 25 years and showcases a striking collection of black-and-white drawings and acrylic paintings. www.amantee.com/inwood.htm
13
The Shwedagon Pagoda Festival in Yangon is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Experience the spirituality of Myanmar’s people by observing their rituals and taking part in the day’s events and fairs.
14
Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin Beach hosts the (in)famous Full Moon Party on 14 March, and again on 13 April. International and Thai DJs spin tunes on a dozen sound systems spread along the beach. Regular boats run four times per night from Samui’s Bophut and Big Buddha Beach, while speedboats operate all night long (about 400 baht for a round trip).
24
Join in the celebrations throughout China to commemorate the alleged birthday of deified philosopher Lao Tse, credited with writing the influential Tao Te Ching.
25-2 April
Be entertained by a series of shows ranging from cabaret to stand-up as the Singapore International Comedy Festival rolls into town. Performers at the Victoria Theatre include the best from Australia’s Lounge, the UK’s Rainer Hersch and Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal. Tel +65 6250-3347
25 through April
In Japan, the coming of spring is celebrated in a series of cherry blossom festivals, with trees blooming first in 
the warmer southernmost islands. Daily weather reports chart the “cherry blossom front” and predict when the peak time for viewing (hanami) is going to be. Join local families and friends who meet in parks and gardens to picnic under the branches of the beautiful sakura.
april your guide to what’s on
7-8
Don’t miss the spectacular Buddhist Elephant Ordination Celebration in Sukhothai. Young candidates don special costumes and process to the Hat Siao Temple on the decorated animals.
1-9
See and hear a myriad of traditional Thai arts in their time-honoured hub at the Chiang Mai Arts and Culture Festival, based around the Three Kings Monument in downtown Chiang Mai. Among the many events will be lots of live 
music, an art market at the Chiang Mai Art Museum, and Lanna puppet shows. Incorporated into the event is the ceremony of Poy Sang Long, where young boys will be ordained as Buddhist novices in a colourful ritual at Wat Pa Pao temple.
13-15
An extraordinary three days of Songkran (the Thai celebration of the new year) will see water everywhere. All over South-East Asia, it becomes pretty much obligatory to drench anyone and everyone, using buckets, water guns, balloons 
and whatever else happens to be lying around. There are also parades, beauty contests, traditional meals and colourful costumes (though who can say how long they’ll stay dry!).
The birthday of Tin Hau is when people all over Hong Kong and China pray for safety, security, fine weather and a prosperous future. Boats are loaded with gift s and the festival is characterised by fa pau floral paper offerings.
8-12
Calling all art lovers… The best in contemporary Asian art, selected from 40 galleries in 14 Asia Pacific countries, is coming to Singapore’s Suntec City for the ARTSingapore fair. www.artsingapore.net
29
Japan’s annual Kintaikyo Festival is centred on the stunning five-arched Iwakuni Bridge, near Hiroshima.
The parade across is a must-see, and there are always lots of other things going on too. If you’re feeling adventurous, look out for stalls selling squid on a stick, and an assortment of naughty novelty hats! www.gethiroshima.com/en/events
21-22
I AM Phuket (International Arts and Music in Phuket) is a free event at Patong Beach to show the rest of the world that Phuket is safe, still beautiful and ready to welcome back visitors.
Billed as the biggest free party Phuket has ever seen, MTV Thailand, Virgin Radio Thailand and Chivas Regal join main sponsors Phuket OrBorJor in supporting the occasion.
Expect live acts by musicians and DJs from all over the world. www.iam-iam.com
19-30
The established experts and rising stars of gastronomy head on to Singapore for the renowned World Gourmet Summit. Experience the finest food and wine from around the globe, alongside master classes, talks and displays. Tel +65 6270-1254, www.worldgourmetsummit.com
20
The birthday of Tin Hau is when people all over Hong Kong and China pray f or safety, security, fine weather and a prosperous future. Boats are loaded with gift s and the festival is characterised by fa pau floral paper off erings.
Bookmark This Post
