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Frommer's Favorite Experiences
Celebrate Loy Krathong: Late October or early November (depending on the moon) marks this delightful festival when Thais congregate along the rivers to release handmade floats or krathongs, symbolically casting away troubles. The small lotus-shaped krathong is made of folded banana leaves and decorated with garlands topped by a candle. In Bangkok, over the Royal Palaces and the Chao Phraya River (near Saphan Taksin BTS), there are magnificent pyrotechnics. In the north in Chiang Mai, hundreds gather by the Ping River and open spaces to launch khom (meter-high paper lanterns) into the heavens. As the night goes on, the sky above the city is filled with thousands of orange stars as these giant lanterns drift ever upward.
Take a Ride along the River: Whether it's just for an hour, or for a few days to Ayutthaya, traveling by boat along Thailand's Chao Phraya River is truly memorable. In Bangkok, you can choose from a cacophonous long-tail boat, small motor launch, or a restored rice barge to float upstream. Some hotels offer dinner shows on restored vessels or sunset cruises on a huge floating discotheque. At several points along the Chao Phraya River, you'll see the concrete jungle of urban Bangkok meet verdant mango and lychee orchards, and you'll see the city's historic quality truly reveal itself. You'll also pass by multicultural communities boasting 200-year-old Portuguese and French churches, Islamic mosques, and elaborate Chinese temples. The city's canals (klongs) are worth exploring at any time of day, but, at sunset, the gilded spires of the palaces and tall prangs of the city's temples are reminiscent of mythical castles.
Visit a Market: Upcountry or downtown, Thailand's markets are a colorful affair and, depending on the prevailing heat or your levels of curiosity, are worthy of an early morning meander. Visiting one is a great chance to see authentic Thai life firsthand. Everything is on sale from fragrant flower garlands to tropical fruits to the fresh ocean catch of the day -- all piled upon simple trestle tables. Meat or live poultry is also available straight from local farms, as are endless varieties of exotic spices, chilies, cooking oils, and freshly prepared treats. It's a serious, sensory experience, best undertaken as early as possible, and on a light stomach.
Observe Elephants: The elephant is the symbol of the monarchy in Thailand and is highly respected for its intelligence, grace, and majesty. All elephants deemed "white" belong to the king; only after strict inspections -- to check for albino pigmentation in the animal's ears, toenails, tongue, genitals, and tail -- will an elephant be declared as such. A number of tourism-focused elephant camps have been created in and around Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Chiang Rai. Listed below are some camps respected for their humane environments. Near Lampang at Tung Kwian, the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (tel. 05424-7876 or 05422-7051) educates and entertains visitors as well as rehabilitates sick or injured elephants. Luxury resorts such as the Four Seasons' Tented Camp (tel. 05391-0200) and the Anantara Golden Triangle (tel. 05378-4084), both near Chiang Rai, have put together pachyderm-friendly activities for guests, including mahout (elephant handling) skills.
Discover Lanna Architecture: The country's northern towns and cities embrace not just a different pace of life, but also a unique culture, language, and cuisine. Known as the Lanna kingdom, this area was home to five consecutive Lanna periods that bloomed and ebbed from the 12th to the 16th centuries. Lanna influence can be seen among Chiang Mai's 121 temples, the most stunning of which are Wat Phra Singh and Wat Jed Yod (the latter is partially inspired by an Indian temple). In tranquil Lampang, a wander around the sandy enclaves of Wat Phra That Lampang Luang will transport you centuries back in time. At Lamphun, the rare and delightful Buddhist pyramids of Wat Chamadevi (also known as Wat Kukut) show off the nation's earliest achievements -- dating from 1218 and highlighting relics of the Haripunchai (Mon) era. But these are just a brief introduction to the spectacular ancient temples of this area.
A Night at the Patravadi Theatre: In the quiet Bangkok suburb of Thonburi, the doyenne of Bangkok's art and theater scene holds court in a funky little arts center by the river. Patravadi Mejudhon is the woman behind some of the most creative dance performances in Thailand. Her passion for perfection and her unremitting support for classical Thai and contemporary dance have brought this former film and theater star much praise. Her latest venture is Studio 9 a newly remodeled riverside venue offering dinner-dance evenings, just opposite Patravadi Theater. Studio 9 provides a platform for emerging talent and gives diners a heart-stopping display of undiscovered Thai talent of all ages and artistic genres. Call ahead for information and reservations (tel. 02412-7287) or consult the useful site www.patravaditheatre.com.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
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