may
your guide to what’s on
2-4
The Oriental National Symphony Orchestra of Xi’an Conservatory of Music will perform for three nights at Singapore’s Esplanade Theatre in a performance called Chinese Melodies in Symphony. Look out for the qinhu instrument, a symphonic variation of the traditional Chinese two-stringed erhu violin developed by the Xi’an Conservatory itself. www.esplanade.com
6-11
To encourage the rains at the start of the rice-growing season, rockets are fired into the air in the annual Yasothon Bun Bangfai Rocket Festival in north-eastern Thailand.
Before being launched, the rockets are displayed on elaborately carved floats (right) and paraded in front of the crowds who can also enjoy traditional dance and music as part of the celebrations.
8 onward
Narissara Pianwimungsa’s exhibition Perfect Skin? questions the idea of “self” and the present-day methods of expressing personal identity using clothing and accessories. See this up-and-coming artist’s paintings at Bangkok’s Galerie N. www.galerienbangkok.com
14-18
Inaugurating at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, ART HK 08 is an art fair featuring contemporary 20th and 21st-century art for collectors, buyers and art aficionados. Over 100 galleries from Beijing, London, New York and more will display work, and talks by renowned artists, including Li Wei are scheduled. www.hongkongartfair.com
19
Buddhists across Asia celebrate the holiest day in their year today, traditionally known as either Vesak Day or Visakha Puja. This day honours Buddha’s birth, death and attainment of nirvana.
Vesak is celebrated in most places on the first full moon in the fourth month of the Lunar calendar annually, although some Asian countries celebrate it on alternate dates. For more information, see On the Buddha Trail.
All month
In honour of the close ties between Japan and Thailand, the Jim Thompson Art Centre in Bangkok is housing the exhibition Tomyam Pladib until 6 June. The exhibit shows both Thai and Japanese art, including work by Jarupatcha Achavasmit. This is reflected in the event’s name, which is comprised of a dish from each country: tomyam (spicy soup) and pladib (the Thai word for sashimi). www.jimthompsonhouse.com
june
your guide to what’s on
1-7
The Koh Samui Regatta, now under new management, will be held on famous Chaweng beach for a week of beautiful boats and beautiful people, and includes the first ever kid’s regatta where local children who have been taught by volunteers from Samui Yacht Club will compete. www.samuiregatta.com
6-8
This year’s Hua Hin Jazz Festival will bring its relaxed vibe back to the resort town that lies just two hours south of Bangkok. Expect top local (left) and international names to grace the open-air stages (past performers include Jonas Johansen and Michael Blake). Set yourself up on the sand to enjoy the free performances on a lovely Thai beach. www.tourismhuahin.com
Until 15
Beyond… showcases a collection of works from renowned Thai artist Kamin Lertchaiprasert at Bangkok’s 100 Tonson Gallery. Having had solo exhibitions across Thailand as well as Tokyo and Osaka, Lertchaiprasert’s latest exhibition features 24 works (below) loft ily described as “dharmic truth on canvas”. www.100tonsongallery.com
15
If you can face the gruelling 42km slog, the Laguna Phuket Marathon may be one of the world’s most spectacular marathons, passing through beaches, tropical rainforest, local villages and rubber plantations. Organisers expect to see 4,000 participants competing in the main and supporting events. www.phuketmarathon.com
Until 16
Here’s your chance to view a rare selection of historic pieces taken from the China Archives of publications in the exhibition From New Year Prints to Propaganda Posters. The Hong Kong Museum of History showcases this collection, which dates from the founding of the People’s Republic of China. www.lcsd.gov.hk
All month
Max out your credit cards at the annual Amazing Thailand Grand Sale. With discounts of up to 50% tobe found across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya, 
make a special effort to visit Bangkok’s main shopping street Sukhumvit Road – home to malls such as The Siam Centre, which will keep you and your cash busy for hours.
