If you have a taste for the bizarre, an interest in foreign customs or are just plain curious as to what festivals are celebrated home and away, then you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to carry lots of memory cards for the digital camera. Trust us, you’re going to need them.

Thailand

GIANT WILD MEXICAN SUNFLOWER BLOOMING SEASON

November 1 – December 5

Doi Mae U-kor, Mae Hong Son

The hills and valleys of Mae Hong Son, one of Thailand’s most naturally scenic areas, turn to gold when the Dok Bua Tong Giant Wild Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia Diversifolia) comes into full bloom during this period.

Doi Mae U-kor mountain peak in Khun Yuam district of Mae Hong Son is considered to be an excellent location to enjoy the splendour of the sunflowers in full bloom.

When the flowers fade, the seeds are collected and made into insecticides.

Contact information: ?Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mae Hong Son Office?Tel: +66 (0) 5361 2982-3?Fax: +66 (0) 5361 2984?E-mail: tatmhs@tat.or.th

PHIMAI FESTIVAL

November 11 – 15, 2009

Phimai Historical Park

An annual festival held for more than a century, the traditional long-boat races draw thousands of visitors from all over. This event is further enhanced by a light and sound presentation at Prasat Hin Phimai, local art and cultural performances, various fun-filled competitions, and sales of local products and exhibitions.

Contact information: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima office Tel: +66 (0) 4421 3030, (0) 4421 3666?Fax: +66 (0) 4421 3667?E-mail: tatsima@tat.or.th

Phimai District Office ?Tel: +66 (0) 4447 1617, (0) 4448 1853

SURIN ELEPHANT ROUNDUP

November 14 – 25

Surin

They tip-toe over lines of brave volunteers. They play soccer and basketball. These giants can even dance. Enjoy a festival honoring elephants held every November in the Thai province of Surin. There’s a serious side to the celebrations too – increasing urbanisation is threatening the traditional way of life for these lovable creatures.

See festival focus for more details.

Contact information:?Tourism Authority of Thailand, Surin Office?Tel: +66 (0) 4451 4447-8, (0) 4451 8529?Fax: +66 (0) 4451 8530?E-mail: tatsurin@tat.or.th

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RIVER KWAI BRIDGE WEEK

NOVEMBER 25 – DECEMBER 8

Kanchanaburi

Each year in late November to early December, the world famous River Kwai Bridge built by Allied prisoners-of-war during World War II , becomes the focal point of celebrations.

Event highlights include historical and archaeological exhibits, a carnival, folk and cultural performances, rides on World War II vintage trains, and a spectacular light and sound presentation re-enacting the bridge’s World War II legacy.

Contact information: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Kanchanaburi Office Tel: +66 (0) 3451 1200, (0) 3451 2500 Fax: +66 (0) 3451 1200 E-mail: tatkan@tat.or.th

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BANQUET FOR MONKEYS

November 29

Lop Buri

For one day in the Khmer ruins near Lop Buri, the trestle tables are adorned with fruit, drinks, lollipops and all the good things those cheeky monkeys steel from tourists – 600 monkeys take their seats for a banquet lunch feast.

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Asia at Large

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HOKKAIDO ISLAND IN WINTER

Tucked away in the northernmost corner of Japan’s archipelago is a sparsely-populated island rich in wild bird life and bubbling hot springs. Winter is the best time to visit Hokkaido Island when its snowy beauty can be appreciated at its best.

Removed from ultra-modern Japan’s hustles and bustles, it is blessed with a wealth of natural wonders that include virgin forests, pristine snow fields, picturesque volcanoes, and tranquil lakes. On top of that, Hokkaido is home to myriads of wild bird species, such as swans and Japanese cranes – the local avian immortals.

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BONN OM TOUK – WATER FESTIVAL

November 11 – 13

Tonle Sap

Get ready for Cambodia’s biggest festival. Locals go bananas celebrating a natural phenomenon – the reversing of the current of Tonle Sap River – with wild, decorated boat races and fireworks. Nationwide but Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are best.

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BLACK-NECKED CRANE

November 11 – 12

Bird Sanctuary Phobjikha

Bhutan

An annual celebration of a bird much beloved by the people of Bhutan as they arrive from their winter migration from Tibet. Since the first Crane Festival was held in 1998 this has become an annual event organized by the Phobjikha community with assistance from RSPN. All guests to this festival will be asked to pay USD 50 which will go towards the organizational costs and the development of the Phobjikha community

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Festival Focus

Thailand

ELEPHANT SHOW AT THE SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP

November 21 – 22, 2009

08.30 – 11.00 hrs

Srinarong Stadium, Surin

Act 1

Calling on the Gods — An Invocation RitualThe show starts with ‘wai kru’, a solemn ritual performed as a gesture of respect to ‘grand masters’ and mentors in martial arts as well as the performing arts.

Indra, the Vedic god of the sky, clouds and monsoon and Guardian of the East, descends to earth on his mount, Erawan, a handsome elephant. National artist, Krujang Klaisritong, recites verses of poetry.

Act 2

Descent to the Human Realm

The scene opens with children in the village bonding with baby elephants. The children, dressed in traditional costume, play with the elephants.

The relationship between the career mahout and his elephant often goes back a long way to their respective childhood days. In rural communities, where elephants have been kept by a family for generations, age-old knowledge and skills in the care and control of elephants are passed down from father to son. At the same time, generations of elephants are born into the family unit. As man and elephant depend on each other, the elephant is treated as a member of the ‘family’.

Young boys and baby elephants grow up together with the young boys given an opportunity to work with the elephants, preparing them for what becomes a lifetime with one particular animal. A life-long bond is forged. The relationship is based on affection and complete trust in one individual. The elephant is very loyal to its mahout.

Act 3

Hunt for the Leader

In the wild, elephants live in herds, led by ‘cha klong’, the mighty leader of the herd.

Act 4

The Capture of Wild Elephants

In times past, the capture of wild elephants was an extremely treacherous undertaking requiring tremendous expertise. The men of the village would be away from home for months. Over 300 domesticated elephants will take part in this demonstration of ancient techniques used in the capture of wild elephants. Act 4 includes a demonstration of the “Phi Pakarn” sacred ritual which is performed to ward off danger during elephant round-ups.

Surin Province is the home of the Kui, who, for centuries, have tended to and trained elephants for use throughout the country. The “Kui” tribe (or “Suay” in Thai) are thought to have migrated from Cambodia to settle largely in the northeastern provinces near the Cambodian border. Known for their expertise in capturing, domesticating and training wild elephants, the life-long relationship of the mahout with his elephant is an integral element of Kui culture, tradition and the way of life. The elephant is his companion and a family member. These handlers have great respect for their elephants.

Act 5

Celebrations: Every day life and traditions

The local culture, customs and traditions featured in this scene reflect the inseparable ties and the relationship of respect that exists between man and the elephant.

Act 6

From Forests to Domestication

This scene provides a demonstration of techniques used in the capture of wild elephants and training techniques for elephants at work.

There has been a long history of the domestication of elephants and through the centuries, these graceful creatures have been an integral part of the Thai way of life. Considered to be an auspicious creature, the elephant’s association with the three key institutions of the country — nation, religion and king, through the centuries, led to its elevation to the status of national symbol.

Regarded as the symbol of prosperity and power, and grace, befitting that of a monarch, in ancient times, elephants were used as mounts in times of war. The more elephants a king possessed, the more powerful he was perceived to be. The use of elephants in royal ceremonies and rituals still prevails today. White elephants or Chang Samkhan, symbolic of the king, are still considered to be auspicious animals and are especially prized.

Historically, elephants were principally involved in the transportation of people and goods. While there are endless accounts of legendary “war elephants” at the service of the kings of Siam, only a few of the finest elephants were trained for combat and served in the first line of attack. Most were used solely for transport.

Act 7

Elephants in Warfare

This is a presentation of the ancient art of warfare on elephant back.

Act 8

Grande Finalé and Farewell

The Surin Elephant Show closes with some 2,000 performers in full costume on stage and hundreds of elephants.

Tickets are on sale at 800 baht, 500 baht and 300 baht.

Contact information: Tourism Authority of Thailand, Surin Office Tel: +66 (0) 4451 4447-8, (0) 4451 8529 Fax: +66 (0) 4451 8530?E-mail: tatsurin@tat.or.th

Getting to Surin

By Car Take Highway No. 1 (Phaholyothin Road) to Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) in Sara Buri and follow Highway No. 224 through Chok Chai. Then turn left into Highway No. 214 to Surin province. The distance is 450 kms.

Alternatively, take Highway No. 1 (Phaholyothin Road) to Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) in Sara Buri and follow Highway No. 226 passing through the districts Chakkarat, Huai Thalaeng, Lam Plai Mat and Buri Ram province to Surin. ?The distance is 434 kms.

By Bus Daily bus services depart from the Northeastern Bus Terminal on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road (Morchit) in Bangkok. The trip takes approximately 6 hours.

Contact information: Tel: (0) 2936 2852 – 66

By Rail Daily train services depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station.

Contact information: State Railway of Thailand Tel: (0) 2223 7010 or (0) 2223 7020

By Air PB Air flies to Buriram Airport in Satuk district.  The distance from Buri Ram province to Surin province is 50 kms.

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Philippines

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BELEN SA MAKATI

November 1- December 16

Makati City

Conceived in 1987, façade of buildings along the City business district particularly Ayala and Buendia Avenue are decorated by cr?ches and complemented by locally made lanterns in celebration of Christmas on the birth of Jesus Christ.

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ANGONO ARTS FESTIVAL

November 5 – 25

Angono, Rizal

The festival aims at creating awareness and appreciation of Philippine Art and Culture; and promoting arts and culture as vital attraction for local and foreign tourists. Rizal has the potential of becoming a tourist destination particularly in the field of arts and crafts. It is known as the home of various national artists, musicians, and other equally creative artists.

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PINTAFLORES FESTIVAL

November 5

San Carlos City, Negros Occidental

The emerging festival of San Carlos City, highlights the traditional fiesta celebration in honor of its patron Saint San Carlos Borromeo on the first week of November. It features street dancing by “tribes” dressed in colorful ethnic-inspired costumes, their bodies painted with flower designs reminiscent of the tattoed Visayans of the Pre Spanish Negros.

For inquiry please contact: c/o City Tourism Office San Carlos City Tel. No. (034) 312-5112; Fax (034) 312-5408

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HELOBONG FESTIVAL

November 9 -15

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

One of the prettiest places in the Philippines becomes even more attractive this month, as its native residents celebrate a week-long cultural fiesta. See the T”Boli culture in its colorful best through the natives” traditional songs, dances and crafts.

For more information please contact: MR. CESAR SULIT?Provincial Tourism Officer, Office of the Governor?South Cotabato, Tel./Fax No.: (6383) 228-3447