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may your guide to what’s on
2006 is a year-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s accession to the ai throne. Find out about the host of extra special annual events taking place at www.tourismthailand.org and join the nation in commemorating his Coronation Day on 5 May.
3-5 Hiroshima’s annual Flower Festival pulls in more than a million visitors who come for the parades, stage shows and stalls that take over Peace Boulevard.
Each evening, a more contemplative display of hundreds of shining glass candles wrapped in messages calling for peace and harmony is held in Peace Memorial Park. www.hiroshima-.#64256; .com/index-candle.html/
12 Join the Buddhist population throughout Asia and celebrate the holiest day in their calendar, Buddha’s Birthday, which marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha on the full moon in May.
Known as Visakha Bu-saa in Laos, Visakha Puja in ailand and Vesak Day in Singapore, picturesque, candle-lit processions of believers can be seen fi ling through the streets across the region.
13-15 Expect things to go with a bang at the Yasothon Rocket Festival in North East Thailand, during which Bun Bang Fai rocket contests, processions and parades are a highlight of the Isaan-style festive fun. Day Three sees the spectacular launch of the rockets, which were originally thought to encourage the rain gods to provide a plentiful watering for the newly-planted crops.
 Francophiles will have a fi eld day in Hong Kong during the fabulous food, wine and arts event known as Le French May. Catch George Bizet’s opera Carmen on stage at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre’s Grand Theatre – just one among an array of performances and exhibitions – or simply enjoy the French Wine promotion running at more than 20 local wine shops. www.frenchmay.com |
Until 31 Discover some of ailand’s best surrealist and impressionist artists at “Fantasie – e Exhibition”. e show is on throughout May at Y’art!, Phuket’s newest gallery and cultural performance/workshop centre at the Crowne Plaza Resort. www.YGallery.net
Until 25 Pop down to Phnom Penh’s Popil Gallery to view the latest work of American artist and local resident Erin Gleeson at her “ ing(s) and Blue ing(s)” exhibition.
Expect the unexpected from the series of Polaroid photographs and objects in installation that focus on the unique entertainment created when something’s form or colour is altered or repeated. 126, Street 19, tel +855 (0)12 992750.
june your guide to what’s on
3 For three evenings a year during the Hua Hin Jazz Festival (1-3 June), this THai resort town is fi lled with the sound of music by an impressive line-up of local and international jazz bands.
Join in the fun and book yourself a place onboard Aleenta’s luxury Jazzy Boat Catamaran. Cruise the coastline by day and/or night with smooth tunes in the background, a drink in your hand and just relax. Tel: +66 (0)2 508-5333, www.aleenta.com
Until 4 Bookworms unite at the World Book Fair taking place from 26 May to 4 June at Singapore’s Suntec Centre.
The giant event has become the largest and most popular of its kind in South-East Asia since being established over two decades ago. Bringing booksellers, distributors and publishers from all over the world, it is an ideal opportunity to browse the latest publications. Tel: +65 6213 9428
2-4 The Tokasan Festival marks the unoffi cial start of summer in Hiroshima, and the occasion on which brightly-coloured cotton summer kimono known as yukata are worn for the fi rst time. Join the multi-coloured throng in playing festival games, and eating and drinking at the many street stalls.
Take in some groovy tunes in e Music Room of the recently revamped JJ’s at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.
Resident six-piece band from the USA, WJ and the Tone Masters will be playing classic rhythm and blues live on stage every Monday to Saturday night throughout the summer months. www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com
12 Don’t miss the rare opportunity to watch the Grand Royal Barge Procession on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya, which can be viewed free of charge from the riverside between Wasugree Pier and Wat Arun.
The annual spectacle is guaranteed to be an extra special affair this year, in honour of His Majesty the King’s Jubilee, and will be attended by a host of important visiting dignitaries from all over the world. Visit www.tatnews.org for updates.
Make a date this month to learn the secrets of Khmer cooking at Le Tigre de Papier’s Ecole de Cuisine.
A+ er a trip to Siem Reap’s Old Market to purchase seasonal vegetables, fi sh and meat, you will be taught to prepare classic regional dishes. Summery specialities include Amok Degustation, a medley of freshwater Mekong shrimp, Tonle Sap fi sh, coconut and locally produced vegetables. Tel +855 (0)12 265811
10-13 Calling all shopaholics! The Thailand Grand Sale – the nation’s annual two-month shopping extravaganza – will be taking place as usual throughout June and July. Don’t miss the special discounts of up to 50% and promotions on offer along “Shopping Streets” in Bangkok and in popular tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya.Those who prefer one-stop shopping should make the most of the Thailand Grand Sale Fair, where a variety of products from around theKingdom are on offer at 10-15% less than in the shops.
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