Leisure Programmes

Loi Kra-Thong

One of the most beautiful sights that is very enjoyable due to the movement of lights are the annual festival of Loi Kra-Thong held in November. This festival is to show gratitude to the water for the usage of the river.

As the moon rises in the evening, small lotus-shaped raft of banana leaves filled with flowers, candle, a snip of your nail, a piece of your hair, and a few coins, is set afloat in the ocean or down a waterway begging good luck for the forthcoming year. The best Kra-Thong must be made of banana leaves or bread so that it would become food for the fish and there would be less pollution. In Chiang Mai, there is releasing the large paper hot-air balloons. It is to symbolise casting away your troubles and calling in the hopes of the future.



Songkran

Traditionally it was celebrated by Buddha images being bathed with water and the showing of respect to monks and elders. From the sprinkling of water onto someone’s hands as a sign of respect it has evolved into mass drenching for anyone who decides to venture outdoors. Tourists are attracted to the wild side of Songkran instead of what it traditionally was. Everyone would go for thrill therefore the festival was slowly modified to suit the taste of the tourists.



Spas and Thai massages

Spas in the past were health resorts at natural waters or baths that could be taken by people suffering from rheumatism and kindred complaints, however in recent years, the Lanna tradition of massages and herbal therapies are integrated into spas to create something special.

Spas would often be coupled by Thai massages.



References:

http://www.chiangmai1.com/chiang_mai/festivals.shtml

http://www.openchiangmai.com/chiangmai_festival.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpCSvi0n_6o