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DIARY
your guide to what’s on
november
1-2
See every scrum, and every score as the Singapore Cricket Club International Rugby Sevens tournament charges onto the Padang, one of the island’s most historic venues. Music, food and games (even a bouncing castle!) will keep non sports fans entertained. www.sccrugbysevens.com
12
Celebrated across Thailand, Loi Krathong is one of the kingdom’s oldest and most beautiful traditions. The lighting of floating krathong is done with reverence, but the night ends with grand fireworks and festivities. There’s no better place to witness it than Sukhothai, considered the birthplace of the ritual. Enjoy the spectacular light and sound show against the temple setting. www.thailandgrandfestival.com
11-13
Phnom Penh becomes one huge carnival during Bonn Om Touk, or the Water and Moon Festival, when Cambodians converge on the city to mark the change in current of the Tonle Sap Lake. There are open-air concerts, food stalls and fireworks, but the international boat race (above) is the main draw. www.mot.gov.kh
All month
Hong Kong is home to Asia’s largest French population and has several buildings which showcase architecture from the other side of the Channel. At the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, the exhibit “Building Together: 160 years of Hong Kong–French Common Heritage and Perspectives” displays artefacts and models of 17 such buildings. www.lcsd.gov.hk
18-28
One of Koh Samui’s best spas is now offering courses for aspiring masseuses. The Tamarind Springs Massage Academy caters to experienced therapists as well as beginners. Training programs include daily yoga lessons and access to the herbal steam cave within one of Tamarind Springs’ natural boulders. The Beginners Thai Yoga Massage course is on 18–28 November and costs 33,000 baht. www.tamarindsprings.com
19-22
For souvenir shopping with a view, don’t miss The Peninsula Lanna Market on the hotel’s pristine lawn on the Chao Phraya’s banks. The market vends Thai silks, jewellery, art and handicrafts – all sure to make great xmas gifts. Proceeds go to the Thai Silk Institute. Admission is 400 baht. www.peninsula.com
december
This month in… Siem Reap
December is an excellent time to be in the home of Angkor, with events to suit every taste. On at Le Meridien Angkor until the 31st, “Apsara: Spirit of Cambodia”is a collection of art portraying the heavenly dancers (right, tel +855 0(63) 963900, www.lemeridien.com).
Golf fans won’t be disappointed as the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open returns to the Phokeethra Country Club (www.phokeethragolf.com) from 11–14 December. Reigning champion Bryan Saltus of the USA returns after celebrating last year’s win by jumping into the lake at the 18th. For those who want to do more than look, the 13th annual Angkor Bike, Race & Rally (www.villagefocus.org) from 6–7 December will lead endurance athletes past ancient relics. All proceeds go to charity.
5
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej (above) celebrates his 81st birthday today. Thailand closes for a public holiday to honour their beloved monarch, and celebrations including fireworks and fairs take over the entire country.
25
Yuletide spirit is easily found with stunning light-ups in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Hiroshima and Singapore. Many hotels and larger restaurants offer wintry delights such as roast turkey and honey-baked ham. In Bangkok, indulge in a Christmas buffet at the JW’s Marriott Café (tel +66 (0)2 656-7700, www.marriott.com)
All month
The spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie show (tel +86 (0)773 586-5188, www.yxlsj.com), performed each night on the waters of the Li River near Yangshuo’s towering karst peaks, was conceived by acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou, who most recently directed the opening and closing ceremonies at the Beijing Olympics. The show features a cast of 600, including cormorant fishermen on bamboo rafts and local girls from the Zhuang minority wearing elaborately decorated dresses. Shows are cancelled in the event of heavy rain, so call ahead to book. Tickets cost 188–680 yuan (US$27–99).
31
Happy New Year! It’s a little-known fact that until 1972 the Maldives’ national anthem was set to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne”. Maldivian poet and chief justice Mohammed Jameel Didi wrote the lyrics and chose the melody when he heard the chime on his uncle’s clock.
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