Countdown to 2008

Horizons News - Thursday December 20, 2007

AWAY

Countdown to 2008

THANIN WEERADET

For those still looking for a place to go for the countdown to 2008, Hong Kong can be a cool choice. The most vantage points for the occasion include the Wan Chai and Expo promenades around the Golden Bauhinia Square, the waterfront area from the Avenue of Stars to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, as well as the waterfront promenade on the Kowloon side. To welcome 2008, special pyrotechnic effects will be arranged from the facade of the ifc2, the tallest building in Hong Kong, on New Year's Eve.

For more information visit http://www.DiscoverHongKong.com.

-

Old is still gold

In the last few decades a large number of traditional Thai houses have been turned into private homes, guest houses, museums and resorts. Most are teak buildings and are very attractive. Thai houses are examples of a timeless architectural heritage, always sought after by those who favour natural comfort in a temperate country like Thailand.

However, architectural styles are changing and adapting to suit contemporary human requirements and tastes. Nevertheless, there still remain plenty of wooden buildings which are imbued with their creators' original intentions; some of them are in traditional Thai vernacular styles, some in foreign-influenced styles, all have historical and artistic value and have over time become representative of different styles and periods.

The Siam Society is therefore organising a study trip on January 19 to some of the seldom-visited wooden architectural gems in Bangkok. They may not be well-known but rank as exceptional examples of architectural beauty and historical interest, or are among the finest examples of local monastic architecture.

The buildings to be visited include the Meeting Hall of Vajiravudh College, the old library building of Wat Saket, Sala Kan Parian at Wat Keow Paitoon and many other old and very beautiful wooden buildings built about one hundred years ago.

A contribution of 1,200 baht is requested to cover transportation, lunch, donation to the Siam Society and all arrangements to make the trip possible. Non-members pay an extra 500 baht.

For further information and bookings, call Khun Prasert at 02-661-6470-7 during 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, or fax 02-258-3491, or e-mail: info@siam-society.org; web site: http://www.siam-society.org.

-

'Kyoto Winter Special'

"Kyoto Winter Special 2008" is a winter campaign (December-March) with lots of events to make your trip to Kyoto even more enjoyable. During this period there will be special admission to normally restricted heritage sites, winter events such as Arashiyama Hanatouro and Higashiyama Hanatouro, as well as a chance to receive upgrades on your hotel or inn accommodation.

Always remember Kyoto's deepest mysteries come alive in winter!

Visit the web site http://www.kyotowinterspecial.com for a list of events.

Bangkok Post