Lifestyle

Leisurely pleasures, part III

Story by Vanida Phochanamart, Don�t be Bangkok-bound this summer

Did you Know: The Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai in 1994 became the first bridge to cross the Mekong River.

Bangkok may be the geographical and cultural centre of Thailand for many Thais and westerners, but that�s not to say there�s nothing to do elsewhere. The summer vacation is the ideal time to pack your bags and head off to a rural retreat upcountry. Here are some more delightful destinations and activities to tempt you away from that TV...

Get soaked for Songkran

The safe and traditional way to spend Songkran. � Bangkok Post

This year, Songkran will be held from April 13-15 (or longer depending on how long your clothes survive). Upcountry highlights of the festival can be found in Samut Prakan at Phra Pradaeng, known for its famous beauty pageant, and in Ayutthaya at Phra Srisuriyothia Pagoda, Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit and Khun Pan Pavillion. Of course, if you�re heading to Chiang Mai, expect a soaking pretty much everywhere you go. Northern early risers should head to the nearest temple for a more traditional and sedate Songkran, or attend Chiang Mai�s Great Songkran Day on April 13 featuring the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image parade.

Feast your eyes on flowers or fish

The Saithip Butterfly Garden in Si Racha, Chon Buri, is organising the first Tropical Flower Festival from April 10-18. The festival is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. And if you don�t fancy flowers, why not head to the Institute of Marine Science at Burapha University in Bang Saen instead? The institute houses a huge aquarium that includes 43 glass tanks packed with marine life from around Thailand. The aquarium is open daily (except Mondays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For further information, call 038 390 979 or 038 391 671.

Tour Thon Buri by boat

The Thon Buri district office is organising boat tours to visit ancient temples, mosques and churches in Thon Buri on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The trips cost 500 baht and include drinks and lunch. For more information, call 02 465 6413 or 02 465 0025.

Camp in Khao Yai

The Greenery Resort in Khao Yai is holding an �Activity Family Summer Camp� until May. You can join many interesting activities such as rock climbing, paintball and driving all-terrain vehicles. The camp lasts three days and two nights and costs 7,200 baht for children. For more information, call 02 254 6502, ext. 113/4.

Take a train trip

A train passes over the notorious bridge in Kanchanaburi built during World War II by Allied war prisoners. � Jarunee Taemsamran

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is offering guided day trips to many provinces, such as Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Chachoengsao, Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi and Ratchaburi. The trips include a visit to many tourist attractions. For more information, call 02 621 8701, ext. 5203, 5217 or dial the SRT hotline on 1690.

Feed your face with fruit

In Samut Songkram, you can attend the �Tasty Pomelos, Sweet Lychees� fair from April 7-16 around City Hall. Activities on offer include food samplings, an educational agricultural exhibition, a beauty contest, stage performances and OTOP products on sale. For more information, call 034 711 997 or 034 711 711.

Spend two weeks training in English

Prem Tinsulanonda International School in Chiang Mai is organising an English programme for kids from 9-15 years old. Students will be taught by native English-speaking teachers. As well as the intensive English course, kids can also participate in recreational activities and educational trips. The two-week course is from April 19-30. For more information, call 02 653 8718 or 053 301 500.

Vocabulary

soaking (n): in this use, to get completely wet
sedate (adj): slow, calm and relaxed
parade (n): a public celebration of a special day or event
aquarium (n): a large glass container in which fish and other water creatures and plants are kept
mosque (n): a building in which Muslims worship
paintball (n): a game in which people shoot balls of paint at each other
agricultural (adj): related to farming
intensive (adj): involving a lot of work or activity done in a short time