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January - your guide to what’s on
Happy New Year! 2007 is set to be filled with special events in Thailand as the nation celebrates His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday this year.
Join the party in The Land of Smiles, and then explore further afield with a flight to one of Bangkok Airways’ other exotic gems.
For details of the celebrations and annual events, visit www.tourismthailand.org
Until 31
Don’t miss the final chance to visit Chiang Mai’s Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006: International Horticultural Exposition. Over 2,200 species of exotic flora from more than 30 countries feature in this spectacular display, including the Ratchaphruek or “Royal Plant”. Thailand’s national tree is venerated for bearing yellow flowers, signifying Buddhism and the colour of His Majesty’s birthday (Monday). www.royalfloraexpo.com
Head down the alley behind Pub Street in Siem Reap’s Old Market area and discover the new McDermott Gallery within a 1930s shophouse and former salt warehouse. Accompanying McDermott’s own black and white images are two other shows by award-winning international photographers: Enduring Spirit of Vietnam by Peter Steinhauer and Songs of the River: Portraits of Burma by Monica Denevan. www.mcdermottgallery.com
Until 28
Creating “bridges” to link East and West, Bridges – Between the Seen and Unseen is a stunning solo exhibition of oil paintings by Heloiza Montuori at Budji Living Bangkok (www.budjibangkok.com). Representing the East in a contemporary way has become this artist’s signature, and her work here certainly breathes new life into traditional, revered Oriental imagery.
15
Old Slowhand himself returns to Asia after a 17-year absence and is sure to wow the crowds with his new concert of old classics.
Eric Clapton Live in Bangkok takes place at Impact Arena (www.Thaiticketmaster.com), following a gig at the Singapore Indoor Stadium (www.sistic.com) and before heading on to Hong Kong’s Asiaworld Arena (www.hkticketing.com).
19-21
Get a sneak preview of what’s in for Fall/Winter 2007 at Hong Kong Fashion Week. The bi-annual event at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (www.hkcec.com) showcases the very best of Asia’s talent and attracts 13,000 visitors yearly.
Running alongside this is World Boutique, Hong Kong – the first independent event dedicated to promoting designers’ collections and brands from around the world. Discover everything you need to know to stay in vogue.
The Thailand Creative & Designer Centre (TCDC) in Bangkok is always worth a visit, both for its cutting-edge design and exciting educational exhibitions.
Running throughout January until 4 February, Living Under the Crescent Moon is a fascinating showcase of the vibrant Arab culture, journeying from nomadic Bedouin tents to Damascan manor houses. www.tcdc.org.th
february your guide to what’s on
6-10
One of the biggest gourmet events known to Bangkok, Epicurean Masters of the World at ~ e Dome (www.thedomebkk.com) sees seven internationally-renowned three-star Michelin chefs descend on the city. Five days of individual menus and wine-matching by the world’s best culminates in a dazzling, spectacular one-million-baht-per-ticket gala dinner at Mezzaluna. www.epicureanmasters.com
7
Every Auntie’s favourite, Cliff Richard is back in Asia with a comprehensive eight date session that includes Bangkok as well as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. Visit www.cliffrichard.org for more details about the Peter Pan of pop.
3-11
Calling all chocoholics to Taste of the World, Taste of Chocolate when Bangkok’s Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani (www.impact.co.th) is set to fi ll with all things cocoa.
This popular food festival features cooking demonstrations, classes and competitions, and – we hope – plenty of free chocolate for tasting.
5-11
Enjoy some Latin beats at the Hong Kong Salsa Festival (www.hksalsafestival.com), which has grown into a week-long event that last year, saw 3,000 people enjoying the dancing of over 250 performers from around the world. For those who want to join in the fun, don’t miss the street party on the 9th at Tsim Sha Tsui’s Avenue of Stars, or the dance shows in the Hong Kong Convention Centre rounding off the event on the last weekend.
The Quiet in the Land is the name of an art and education project in Luang Prabang, Laos, that has invited more than 35 artists and scholars over the past two years to collaborate with various local communities. View their work within the newly renovated exhibition galleries at Luang Prabang’s National Museum (the former Royal Palace). Running until April, highlights include projects by Hans Georg Berger, Ann Hamilton, Vong Phaophanit and Shahzia Sikander (below). www.thequietintheland.org
18-20
The whole of China takes a week’s holiday to celebrate Chinese New Year – a fascinating time of year to visit either the mainland or countries with a thriving Chinatown district, such as Singapore.
Look out for the Lantern Festival which marks the end of the celebrations and features brightly coloured lanterns strung from trees and carried through the streets.
Until end of March
Looking to pick up a unique Buddha made in the pre-Angkorian or Angkorian style? Then don’t miss the third annual Buddha Exhibition at Ra˛ es Grand Hotel D’ Angkor (siemreap.rathes.com) from 1 January to 31 March.
Organised by Angkor Heritage, this is a fascinating chance to see (and buy) more than 50 pieces that showcase the work of some of Cambodia’s fi nest master carvers and artisans in wood, stone and bronze.
Learn how sticky rice is more than just a local dish in Laos – it’s tied up with the very meaning of being Laotian. This multi-media exhibition, Khao Niaw: An Artistic Look at Sticky Rice takes place in the upstairs gallery of Kopnoi Export Promotion Centre in the village of Ban Aphay, Luang Prabang. Running until September, the show is a great way to discover the fundamentals of Laoatian culture through the traditions and importance of this mainstay food staple.
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