By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin
From November to December, Thailand offers a host of festive events. In addition to the Surin Elephant Round-Up on November 17, there’s the Bridge on the River Kwai Memorial Week starting November 29, and the Ayutthaya World Heritage Festival beginning December 1 and lasting for one month. During these events, visitors can enjoy tug-of-war competitions between humans and elephants, witness ancient elephant battle techniques, ride vintage trains, watch audiovisual shows about the construction of the Bridge on the River Kwai, and experience and sample light-and-sound performances and traditional Thai floating market snacks in Ayutthaya.
The over 50-year-old Surin Elephant Festival in Thailand is set to kick off on November 17. (Image provided by the Tourism Authority of Thailand)
This year’s Surin Elephant Festival will be held on November 17–18 at the Srinarong Stadium in Surin Province. For centuries, the local residents of Surin have been known for their exceptional skills in capturing and training elephants, which were indispensable helpers during wartime and for laborious transport. In fact, elephants have held immense cultural and historical significance in Thailand — during the reign of King Rama II, the elephant was even featured on the national flag. To honor the importance of Thai elephants and their close bond with local communities, the grand Surin Elephant Round-Up has been held annually since 1960. Today, it has become an internationally renowned event featuring elephant intelligence competitions, demonstrations of various methods and techniques for capturing and training elephants, displays of ancient elephant battle skills, and human-elephant tug-of-war contests. It remains a beloved activity for both tourists and locals, young and old alike.
The Bridge on the River Kwai Memorial Week, to be held from November 29 to December 9 at the Bridge on the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi city, will transport visitors back to the era when Allied prisoners of war built the bridge during World War II. The Bridge on the River Kwai is part of the “Death Railway,” which crosses the Kwai River and connects Thailand and Myanmar. The construction of the railway cost the lives of thousands of POWs and local workers under Japanese supervision. To commemorate those who lost their lives building the railway, memorial events will be held at the Allied War Cemetery, featuring light-and-sound shows, cultural performances, and historical exhibitions. Visitors can also ride vintage trains and watch audiovisual presentations about the bridge’s construction, reliving the atmosphere of World War II.
Ayutthaya (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya), which served as the capital of Thailand for 417 years, preserves a wealth of historical and cultural heritage from the Ayutthaya Kingdom through its numerous ruins. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city will host the annual Ayutthaya World Heritage Festival from December 1 to 31 at the Ayutthaya Historical Park. During the festival, in addition to spectacular light-and-sound shows, visitors can sample a variety of delicious sweets and snacks at traditional Thai floating markets, as well as shop for and admire a range of OTOP (One Tambon One Product) handicrafts.
● Read more: Run through the Grand Palace and along the Chao Phraya River — The Bangkok Marathon kicks off on November 18
http://goo.gl/vulwE