Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Ritz Carlton Hotel Kuala Lumpur


One of the best things about Kuala Lumpur is that it offers some of the world's cheapest 5-star hotels. Its downtown Golden Triangle, main shopping and nightlife district, has a five-Star hotel strip which offers great accommodation alternatives for tourists in the middle of KL. Ritz Carlton Hotel Kuala Lumpur is one of the best luxurious hotels in the area famous for its great location, good service, big, clean and comfortable rooms and afternoon tea. And all these comes with  $157 per night.

Location
As we have said. The Golden Triangle is Kuala Lumpur's main shopping and nightlife district. The district is located to the northeast of the Central KL and roughly covers the area north of Jalan Pudu, south of Jalan Ampang and west of Jalan Imbi and Jalan Tun Razak. Golden Triangle includes the shopping area of Bukit Bintang, the office towers of Jalan Raja Chulan, the Jalan Sultan Ismail five-star hotel strip, the Jalan P. Ramlee party street, and the entire Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) (not to be confused with KL's traditional City Centre) which is home to the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC shopping centre, KLCC Convention Centre and the KLCC Park.

Rooms
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur features 365 guest rooms and suites including the duplex Ritz-Carlton Suite and four Penthouses. The most basic room type, 430 square feet Deluxe Rooms comes with one king or two twin beds, feather beds, duvets and plush extra-large pillows,  marble bathroom with separate shower and tub, rainforest shower heads, high-definition flat panel televisions with DVD/CD player and great skyline views of Kuala Lumpur. 495 square feet  Executive Deluxe Rooms an extra study. The hotels suites are Executive Suite (Grand Deluxe Room), Premier Suites, Two-Bedroom Suite and 1,500 square feet The Ritz-Carlton Suites. The suites comes with  personalized in-room or check-in and out, personalized stationery complimentary limousine service, complimentary pressing service within an hour and complimentary Afternoon Tea for two in The Lobby Lounge (reservations required).

 Ritz Carlton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
 Ritz Carlton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Restaurants & SPA
The hotel has a SPA offering massage, skincare, hair care and nail care services. There are several restaurants in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Kuala Lumpur: An Award-winning Cantonese restaurant named Li Yen, The Lobby Lounge famous for its afternoon tea, a luxe-elegant restaurant with open ‘theatre’ kitchen serving daily breakfasts.

Other 5 star hotels in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle area

Park Royal Hotel

Traders Hotel by Shangri-La

Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur

Pavilion Residences

Monday, November 26, 2012

Count down to 2013 at Singapore Flyer



You can countdown to a brand new year, 2013, at 165-metre tall Singapore Flyer, as you indulge in Singapore Flyer’s unique in-the-sky flight experiences, and party the night away with music and exciting activities and events for everyone.

Here is the press release by Singapore Flyer for New Year Countdown to 2013:

You can check in to Singapore Flyer’s posh Sky Party countdown capsules for a trinity of merriment! Be greeted by new, spectacular aerial views of Singapore’s cityscape, a flute of premium Moet & Chandon champagne and an open bar in the skies, backed by the spectacular Marina Bay fireworks when 2013 arrives.

Good choices don’t end, as Celebrity Chef Eric Teo lends his touch of finesse to the popular Full Butler Sky Dining experience. On the eve and New Year’s Day, let your taste buds tingle over his intricately prepared 4-course creations, hosted over magnificent views from the Flyer and personalized in-capsule butler service.

Now for the party! Be whisked off your feet to the dance floor by Hopstacles, an active dance crew made up of youths bonded by their common passion for dancing. Be it Hip Hop, Popping or Street Jazz; be sure to catch their live performances as we boogie all the way through on New Year’s Eve. Aspiring young singers and veteran performers from Cacophony.SG, a music and dance interest group under The Frontier CC YEC and winners from SIM UOL Music Fest complements with their melodious vocals and swift moves.

For the young and young at heart, usher in the New Year on a high with MegaBounce at Singapore Flyer – the first-ever bungee assisted trampolines in the City. Be ready to be tossed over 8 metres mid-air, whilst performing gravity defying flips and turns for the ultimate fun factor.

Singapore Flyer Countdown to 2013
Singapore Flyer is a good place to countdown to 2013.
Before it ends, get a glimpse of the Christmas Village in the Tropics at Singapore Flyer that will enthrall guests on a journey through the understated countryside before climaxing into a village set aglow with over a million bright LED lights adorning gift sheds, buildings and landscape.

And from 8pm up until 1am, get pumped up and party to your heart’s content with our in-house DJ spinning the most popular hits of today.

Make the last day of the year count and welcome 2013 with a bang at Singapore Flyer! Flight operations at Singapore Flyer will be extended till 1am (last flight at 12:30am).

For updates on special $10 tenants’ deals and activities at Singapore Flyer this New Year’s Eve, join us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/singaporeflyer.

You can also book your flight tickets online (www.singaporeflyer.com) or over our mobile ticketing web app (“mTix”) and get at least 10% off tickets today!

Gangnam Style Psy will perform in Singapore Marina Bay Sands


Korean star PSY has been a phenomenal success in 2012. And he will be in town in Singapore this Saturday. On December 1st 2012, Korean super pop star PSY will be in Singapore for a free one-hour public showcase at Marina Bay Sands' Event Plaza! Marina Bay Sands has announced the news from its website:

"Everybody’s doing it… But we’re doing it for real and YOU CAN TOO! Let’s Get PSYched at Sands!

Worldwide phenomenon PSY, performing “Gangnam Style” is coming to Marina Bay Sands and we have a treat in store for you!

We are giving away 4,000 free tickets to watch PSY perform only at Marina Bay Sands on 1 Dec. "

Unfortunately, all the tickets have been snapped up in just few hours. Those lucky ones (the ones submitted the required information in the form and were directed to the confirmation page) can show up in person on Wednesday 28th November between 12pm and 8pm at the ticket collection venue to collect your ticket to this awesome showcase!

Gangnam Style Psy in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands
Get PSYched at Sands!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Tiger Airways Announces First Intrastate Route Fares Between Sydney and Coffs Harbour On Sale! (Press Release)



Coinciding with Tiger’s fifth birthday celebrations, the airline today announces its fifth new destination for 2012 with fares between Sydney and Coffs Harbour on sale from Monday 26 November 2012 from 59.95* each way.


According to Tiger Airways press release, Four weekly return flights between Sydney and Coffs Harbour will commence from Friday 15 February 2013, providing over 1400 visitor seats weekly through Sydney and Coffs Harbour airports, departing Sydney and returning from Coffs Harbour airport in the early afternoon. From late March, an additional fifth weekly service will increase the number of weekly seats to 1800 weekly through both airports.

When the new services commence on 15 February 2013, it will be the first time in the airline’s five year history that Tiger will touch down in Coffs Harbour. The new Sydney – Coffs Harbour route will also become the airline’s only intrastate route (all other domestic routes Tiger flies are interstate).

Tiger Airways Australia Commercial Director, Carly Brear says that today’s new route announcement from
Tiger is more good news for consumers as Tiger Airways continues to expand its services around Australia.
“Coffs Harbour is a great tourism destination for leisure seekers with a fantastic year round climate and classic Australian surf beaches and resorts, making it popular with couples and families in particular.


“Tiger will be the only low fare operator on the Sydney – Coffs Harbour route and we’re confident our
services will prove popular, stimulating demand and providing significant tourism and economic benefits to
both markets.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, today welcomed the announcement by Tiger Airways that Coffs Harbour would be its first NSW regional flights destination.

Tiger Airways route map
Tiger Airways route map
“This is excellent news for regional NSW.  This significant increase in air services to regional NSW is a great
opportunity for tourism and local businesses and will grow the visitor economy in our state,” he said. Local member, Andrew Fraser MP, said, “I’m delighted that Tiger Airways has selected Coffs Harbour as its
first regional NSW destination. Coffs Harbour is the key tourism destination for the mid-north coast. I can
assure all visitors of a warm welcome to the Coffs Coast and that they will enjoy our terrific weather, tranquil
rainforests, sandy beaches and great festivals and events.”

Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight welcomed the new services to Coffs Harbour. "This is tremendous news and will well and truly put Coffs Harbour on the map as one of the major holiday and flight destinations in the state - and beyond. It's going to be great for tourism and great for our community and I am thrilled that this potentially massive boost to our local economy has come so early in my term as Mayor."


Sydney Airport chief executive officer, Kerrie Mather congratulated Tiger for continuing to expand its route
network – it’s first route to regional NSW.  "This new Coffs Harbour route is fantastic news for holiday makers, a boost for tourism in regional NSW and continues the growth of regional services from Sydney Airport.”

Tiger Airways fifth new destination confirmed for 2012 follows on from previous announcements of a return
to Cairns, Hobart, Adelaide and Mackay earlier this year.

The airline urges people wanting to seek the best value airfares to sign up to the e-newsletter on the website
homepage to be kept informed about the latest news and sales information directly from Tiger Airways
Australia.
 
Tiger Airways flights between Sydney and Coffs Harbour are on sale tomorrow (Monday 26 November 2012) from around 9pm AEST for travel period 15 February 2013 – July 2013.

Pounce online today to snap up the best fares! Book early and fly cheaper. For information and booking
details, visit www.tigerairways.com.


Key facts:
• Flights between Sydney and Coffs Harbour commence Friday 15 February 2013 departing Sydney
Airport and returning from Coffs Harbour regional airport in the early afternoon.

• From February, four weekly services between Sydney and Coffs Harbour on Monday, Wednesday,
Friday and Sunday – a fifth weekly Saturday service commences from 31 March 2103.  

• Tiger Airways operates the newest fleet of aircraft in Australia with average age of each aircraft
around four years old.  

• Since Tiger Airways commenced operations in Australia on 23 November 2007, the airline has carried
close to 10 million passengers around Australia.




High Flyers Show in Jurong Bird Park in December 2012



Shows have been synonymous with Jurong Bird Park for 30 years. This December holidays, the Birds n Buddies Show will make way for the conservation-driven High Flyers Show. In line with the new show, guests visiting the Bird Park this December will experience glitz and glamour the moment they arrive at the Park.

From the Palm Plaza to the ticketing entrance, guests will enter a world where colour lives, resplendent with colourful macaws and golden hoops centered around showbiz. Next stop – the Penguin Coast walkway, which transforms into a Walk of Fame! One photo wall will be lined with photographs of Shows dating back 30 years, and the other will showcase bird stars from the High Flyers Show. To satisfy the need for posing with flair, a giant photography backdrop with props awaits at Penguin Coast for guests to feel like stars. During weekends at 1.45pm, head back to Penguin Coast where all-time bird stars will make a special guest appearance at the Walk of Fame. Guests will hear more about their stories of stardom from the presenter, and have a chance to take a photograph with the bird stars.

More photography opportunities abound – A flock of young flamingos are eager to have their minutes of fame! Happening daily after the High Flyers Show, for 15 minutes at 11.45am and 3.45pm, guests can mingle with them and have an exclusive photograph taken with them after the new High Flyers Show at the Pools Amphitheatre.

Vicky, a great pied hornbill
Vicky, a great pied hornbill, flies to a Show Presenter in the High Flyers Show
An exclusive segment with a great photographic opportunity has been added to the weekend Penguin Feeding sessions. As guests learn more about these tuxedoed creatures, one lucky child who can answer a simple question will be invited to try his / her hand at feeding the African penguins in this up-close opportunity.

After seeing and taking pictures with so many feathered stars, it is also time to ponder – what makes a star? Held over the December weekends at 10.30am and 11.45am at the Breeding & Research Centre (BRC), A Star is Born is a programme for children between the ages of 6-12. Here, they will find out why birds are talented and gifted with abilities to sing, dance and draw from our avian experts!

Jurong Bird Park Activity Details - December 2012
After a day out at Bird Park, hang out at Terrace Kiosk right next to the Pool’s Amphitheatre for some yummy treats! Available all day throughout December, these cool treats and snacks are available at special combo prices starting from $7.90 for a hot dog set with fries and a drink. While at the Bird Park, do grab some specially priced retail merchandise at Wings, Feathers and Lory Loft while stocks last, like the motif mug at $22.90 which comes with a choice of either a free flamingo or penguin plush worth $15.90.

December will be a star-studded one out west at Jurong Bird Park, so make tracks here soon! There is no extra charge for the activities, but normal admission rates of $18 (adult) and $12 (child) apply.

Giant Panda Forest opens its doors with Kai Kai and Jia Jia


By this Thursday on November 29th 2012, Singapore will have the 16th zoo in the world (and Singapore will become the 11th country in the world) where you can see Giant Pandas outside China. The Giant Panda Forest, housing new foreign entertainment artistes of Singapore from China,  Kai Kai (凯凯) and Jia Jia (嘉嘉), will open to the public for a special preview. The opening will be in time for the year-end school holiday season.

The Giant Panda Forest is the most important highlight of upcoming River Safari, a new park located between Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. River Safari will be Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park and other than The Giant Panda Forest, it will offer will many freshwater attractions combined with river boat rides as its main highlights. The River Safari will only be opened in the first quarter of 2013 so The Giant Panda Forest will be accessible from a temporary gateway in Singapore Zoo. Visitors of Zoo will need to top-up their zoo ticket by 5 SGD per adult and 3 SGD per child to enter The Giant Panda Forest.

We are pleased that the giant pandas have settled into their new home and look forward to welcoming visitors who are excited to see Kai Kai and Jia Jia. By bringing visitors up close to these endangered bears, we aim to educate Singaporeans and tourists alike on the importance of conservation,” said Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman of WRS. Source : RIVER SAFARI’S GIANT PANDA FOREST OPENS NOVEMBER 29

Tickets to the giant panda exhibit will be on sale daily from 8.30am starting 29 November. These tickets can be purchased at Singapore Zoo’s ticketing counters and are valid only on the day of purchase. Tickets are on a first-come-first-served basis to accommodate an optimum number of visitors in the Giant Panda Forest at any one time.

Giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia at The Giant Panda Forest
Giant pandas Kai Kai (left) and Jia Jia (right) are in their new home at the Giant Panda Forest. 
Apart from seeing the giant pandas, visitors to the Giant Panda Forest can look forward to meeting other wildlife from China such as the golden pheasant and the red panda. The 1,500 square-metre exhibit – the largest of its kind in South East Asia – simulates the bears’ natural habitat, with lush live plants, boulders and water features. The temperature is kept between 18-22 degrees Celsius year round and humidity is set at 50-60 per cent to ensure the pandas’ comfort.

The two pandas are here for 10 years as part of a joint collaboration between China Wildlife Conservation Association and WRS to raise public awareness on wildlife conservation and develop a breeding programme for these endangered animals.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

From Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai by Air Asia X


AirAsia X, a long-haul, budget airline based in Malaysia, has launched sale fare tickets for direct flights between Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur which are planned to start on 19 February 2013. AirAsia X will operate the Shanghai - KL route 6 times weekly. But the frequency of the service which flies between KLIA-LCCT and Shanghai Pudong International Airport will increase to daily from 1 May 2013. The airline will utilize Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a configuration of 12 Premium flatbed seats and 365 Economy seats from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai and on return flight.

“Barely 5 months since we launched our first flight into the heart of China-Beijing, AirAsia X is spreading our wings further into the People’s Republic of China, with the announcement of Shanghai, one of the world’s largest cities by population. Jointly as a Group (Malaysia AirAsia and AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia and Philippines AirAsia), the addition of Shanghai will be our fourteenth destination in China after Hangzhou, Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Nanning, Kunming, Wuhan, Chongqing and Xian including Hong Kong and Macau; offering our guests excellent connectivity across China.” said Azran Osman-Rani, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia X.

The new KL-Shanghai flight is the latest addition to the existing 11 direct outbound routes operated by AirAsia X from KL to mainland China. AirAsia X customers will also be able to book Fly-thru flights which allows them to purchase two flight sectors and connect via Kuala Lumpur seamlessly. Fly-thru will be available from Shanghai to Australia (Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Gold Coast), Indonesia (Medan, Surabaya, Bali, Jakarta), Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi,) Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) and Singapore.

AirAsia X Airbus A330-300
An AirAsia X Airbus A330-300. This type of aircraft will serve Kuala Lumpur - Shanghai route.
AirAsia X is a long-haul, budget airline based in Malaysia which started operations on 2 November 2007. Its first service flew from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia, to Gold Coast Airport in Australia.
The airline flies to Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Chengdu, Christchurch, Delhi, Gold Coast, Hangzhou, Kathmandu, London, Melbourne, Mumbai, Paris, Perth, Seoul, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo,  

21 puppies rescued at Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore


Very few can just stay without his or her heart melt after looking at the photo below. 21 puppies, 14 pomeranians and seven pugs, are seen lying side by side in the spare tyre compartment of a car stopped in Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore. The driver of the car was trying to smuggle the poor little puppies to Singapore when he was caught. The puppies are currently under observation at AVA's Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station.

In a statement named Rescue of The Pups the little ones looked sleepy and were kept in a dark and enclosed environment says Immigration Checkpoint Authority (ICA):

Seemingly only a few weeks old, they huddled together for security, warmth and comfort. Take a closer look and count. There were 21 of them!  
2.    On 20 November 2012 at about 11.45am, a Singapore-registered car pulled into the Woodlands Checkpoint for arrival clearance. The lone male driver was visibly nervous. Sensing something amiss, officers from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) directed the vehicle for further checks. Though there were bags in the car boot compartment, the meticulous officers did not leave anything to chances. They lifted the cover of the spare tyre compartment and found puppies sedated, lying side by side.  
3.    A total of 21 puppies (14 pomeranians and 7 pugs) were found. The 27-year-old male Singaporean driver, the puppies and the vehicle were referred to the Agri-food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) for further investigations. The puppies are currently under observation at AVA’s Sembawang Animal Quarantine Station.  
puppies sleeping in the tyre compartment
21 puppies, 14 pomeranians and seven pugs, are seen lying side by side in the
spare tyre compartment of a car stopped in Woodlands Checkpoint in Singapore
- Photo :  Channel News Asia
4.    The ICA and AVA would like to remind travellers against bringing live animals, birds and insects into Singapore without a proper permit. Animals that are smuggled into Singapore are of unknown health status. In the case of dogs and cats, the foremost concern is the risk of rabies, a fatal viral disease, which can be transmitted to man by the bite of a rabid animal. Singapore enjoys a rabies-free status but we cannot be complacent as the disease is endemic in the region. As such, AVA strictly regulates the import of animals to safeguard the health and welfare of animals, and prevent the introduction of exotic animal diseases, such as rabies, into Singapore.  
5.    Anyone who imports an animal without a licence is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.  
6.    Our borders are our first line of defence in safeguarding Singapore's security. The enhanced security checks are critical to our nation’s security. We have tightened our security checks on passengers and vehicles at the checkpoints to prevent attempts to smuggle in undesirable persons, drugs, weapons, explosives and other contrabands. In view of the potential danger of introducing infectious diseases into Singapore, we would like to advise the public against the smuggling of animals, animal products, meat and meat products into Singapore. Source : Rescue Of The Pups

Agoda Singapore hotel deals 2013


Singapore hotels are not cheap. In fact, Singapore hotels rates are among the most expensive in the world and in Asia. So, it is important to hunt for Singapore hotel deals which offer the best value for money for your trip.

Agoda, Asia's leading and fastest growing online hotel reservation service, is one of the first place to look if you are looking for a hotel room in Asia. They regularly list many special Agoda Singapore hotel deals throughout the island. We have listed some of them below, which are valid throughout or most of the 2013. You can visit Agoda Special offers page for hotel deals in Singapore or many other Asian cities.

Here are agoda.com Singapore hotel deals and discounts for 2013.







Marina Mandarin Hotel


Marina Mandarin Hotel is a world class, 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city. Besides breathtaking views of Marina Bay and the financial district, the hotel also offers convenient access to the Marina Square Shopping Mall, Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Esplanade.

Hot deal   : Stay 1 Night/s get 10 % discount
Valid until : December 31, 2013




Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel


Located right in the heart of the city, 5-Star Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel offers easy access to a variety of shopping and entertainment venues on Orchard Road. The hotel is only a short drive from Central Business District and 25 minutes from Changi International Airport.

Hot deal   : Stay 1 Night/s get 10 % discount
Valid until : December 31, 2013






Orchard Hotel Singapore


Located in Singapore’s most famous area, on Orchard Road, this property offers contemporary style and comfort, just five minutes from Ion Orchard, Forum Shopping mall and accessible to Orchard MRT. Able to cater to even the most discerning guests, Orchard Hotel Singapore features 653 elegant, homely rooms that are secluded away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hot deal   : Stay 3 Night/s get 20 % discount
Valid until : December 31, 2013





Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel


Located on Raffles Boulevard by Marina Square, the Pan Pacific Singapore presents the choice accommodation option for business and leisure travelers. The hotel is a mere20 minute away from the Singapore Expo and Changi International Airport and is within easy access of many Singapore attractions, including Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Little India, and Esplanade.

Hot deal   : Stay 1 Night/s get 10 % discount
Valid until : December 31, 2013





Parkroyal on Kitchener Road Hotel


4 Star Parkroyal on Kitchener Road Hotel Little India is is right next to City Square Mall and at the intersection of Serangoon Road. A five minute walk will take you to Farrer Park MRT and a short drive will get you to Singapore's shopping belt, Orchard Road.

Hot deal   : Stay 4 Night/s get 20 % discount
Valid until : December 31, 2013





Amara Singapore


The Amara Singapore in Chinatown / Tiong Bahru area offers 380 comfortable and well appointed guest rooms suitable for the discerning guest, both business and leisure. The Amara Singapore has all of the amenities, facilities and levels of comfort you would expect from a hotel of this class, and maintains the meticulous standards required by travel and tour operators worldwide.

Hot deal      : Stay 1 Night/s get 20 % discount
Valid until    : December 31, 2013




Albert Court Village Hotel by Far East Hospitality


Restored from the pre-war shophouses through preservation of its former charm, this hotel lies perfectly in the heart of Singapore's Bugis area, retaining its historical architecture with modern conveniences. Some of the world famous shopping destinations including Orchard Road, Mustafa and Sim Lim Square are nearby.

Hot deal   : Stay 1 Night/s get 15 % discount
Valid until : December 31, 2013





Berjaya Singapore Hotel


Conveniently located in the commercial hub of Singapore, this property is an ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Berjaya Singapore Hotel is also surrounded by a plethora of restaurants, pubs, galleries and Chinatown is just a stroll away.


Hot deal   : Stay 1 Night/s get 25 % discount
Valid until : December 31, 2013




Furama City Centre Hotel


Furama City Centre sits in the middle of bustling Chinatown and on the edge of the Central Business District. The hotel has easy access to MRT stations, as well as shopping, food, entertainment and Singapore's Changi Airport is only 20-minutes away.


Hot deal   : Stay 1 Night/s get 15 % discount
Valid until : December 31, 2013

Thailand Public Holidays 2013 Calendar


Thailand is the holiday hub of South East Asia. Many visitors from around the world goes to this land of smiles which offers a wide range of holiday experience for holiday goers. "The Land Of Smiles" has also many public holidays. Knowing them help you to plan your visit since during some of these holidays Thais will travel around and make everything, from plane tickets to hotel rooms, very expensive. Many of these holidays follow lunar calendar so their exact date will shift on the western calendar every year.

Below are the public holidays in Thailand and their dates in 2013.

New Year (Wan Khuen Pi Mai)
January 1st 2013
This almost global public holiday, observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar is a public holiday in Thailand.

Makha Bucha/Magha Puja
February 2nd 2013
Makha Bucha or Magha Puja is an important Buddhist festival celebrated in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos on the full moon day of the third lunar month. This date usually falls in February of the modern western calendar. Makha Bucha Day is for the veneration of Buddha and his teachings on the full moon day of the third lunar month. On this day, Buddhists tend to go to the temple to perform merit-making activities.

In 2013, Makha Bucha falls on Sunday. In Thailand, if holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday they might be postponed to the following weekdays so expect a 3 days long weekend this year.

King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great Day (Wan Chakri)
April 6th 2013
Thais commemorate the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty and the founding of Bangkok by King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke in 1782. Officially known as King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke the Great Day and Chakri Dynasty Memorial Day.

In 2013, Wan Chakri is falls on Saturday so April 8th 2013 will be a 1 day holiday.

Thai New Year (Songkran)
April 13 - 16 2013
 Prime holiday of the year, The Songkran Festival, is a major holiday period when many Thais return home for family reunions during this period. Although a nationwide holiday, the most famous Songkran Festival celebrations are in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer. The Festivaa is also a party for foreigners and one of the best times to to visit Thailand for immersion in its culture.

Labor Day (Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat)
May 1st 2013
Labor Day is known as Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat in Thailand and is a public holiday.

Coronation Day (Wan Chattra Mongkhon)
May 5th - 6th 2013
This holiday commemorates the coronation of the reigning King of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day (Changing Dates)
May 11th 2013

Royal Ploughing Ceremony is an ancient royal rite held in Cambodia and Thailand to mark the traditional beginning of the rice-growing season.  Also observed as farmers day, each year's date is astrologically determined and announced by the Bureau of the Royal House Hold.

05/24/2013   Vesakh, Visakha Bucha
May 5th 2013
Also observed as National Tree Day, Vesak is a holy day which is traditionally observed not only in Thailand but  by Buddhists in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, India, Nepal and the South East Asian countries of Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha.

Vesak Day in Thailand
Vesak Day in Thailand
Mid Year Day (Wan Yut Klang Pi Thanakhan)
July 1st 2013

Asanha Bucha, Asalha Puja, 1st Day of Lent
July 22nd 2013
Also known as Dhamma Day,  Asanha Bucha is one of Theravada Buddhism’s most important festivals. This festive, commemorating the Buddha's first discourse (Buddha’s first sermon in which he set out to his five former associates the doctrine that had come to him following his enlightenment), the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, falls on full moon of 8th Thai lunar month. In 2013, the public holiday will be on July 22nd.

Vassa, Khao Phansa
July 23rd 2013
Buddhist observance marking the beginning of Vassa, also known as Buddhist Lent, is celebrated on the First waning moon, 8th Thai lunar month, which is July 23rd in 2013.

HM the Queen's Birthday, Mother's Day (Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Somdet Phranang Chao Phra Boromma Rachininat)
August 12th 2013 
This day is to commemorate the birthday of Queen Sirikit in 1932. It is also observed as National Mother's Day.

Chulalongkorn Day (Wan Piyamaharat)
October 10th 2013
This day commemorates the passing of King Chulalongkorn, one of the greatest kings of Siam, in 1910. Chulalongkorn managed to save Siam from being colonized and his reforms were dedicated to Siam’s insurance of survival in the midst of Western colonialism. For this reason Chulalongkorn earned the epithet Phra Piya Maharat (พระปิยมหาราช – The Great Beloved King).

Loi Krathong
November 18th 2013   
Loi Krathong is probably the most beautiful and romantic festival in Thailand. Lotus-shaped receptacles (kratong) are decorated with flowers, candles and incense sticks and then floated (loi) in fresh water sources like rivers, lakes and ponds. At this day, people also release sky lanterns known in Thai as khom loi in large quantities to the sky.

HM the King's Birthday, Father's Day (Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Phrabat Somdet Phra Chao Yuhua)
December 05th 2013
This day commemorates the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1927. It is also observed as National Day and National Father's Day.

Constitution Day (Wan Rattha Thammanun)

December 12th 2013
Commemorates the promulgation of the first permanent constitution in 1932

New Year's Eve (Wan Sin Pi)
December 31st 2013