Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province celebrates the anniversary of this ancient historical site being designated a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site in 1991 and will be hosting its annual Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Fair at the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Historical Park, December 13– 19, 2010.
Do as the locals do. It is considered to be an auspicious act for visitors arriving in Ayutthaya to first receive blessings from guardian spirits that watch over the province, bestowing good health and prosperity to residents and all who pay homage at the pilgrimage site. Make a stop at the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum to make merit and pay respects to the relics of Lord Buddha enshrined at the sacred site before engaging in other leisure activities.
The annual Ayutthaya World Heritage and Red Cross Fair features a colourful programme of cultural highlights and entertainment activities that make for a perfect day out, or weekend, with family and friends.
Captivating presentations of Thai art and culture, cultural performances, live demonstrations of traditional Thai ways, the ever-popular floating market, and the food fair with its dazzling selection of popular Thai dishes and local fare — both savoury and sweet, never fail to attract a good crowd.
Lose track of time as you browse around a historical recreation of the timeless traditional marketplace of the Ayutthaya period. Visitors will exchange modern day currency for replicas of the traditional Phot Duang ancient coins used in exchange for food and desserts.
Folk music and folk song contests, such as the Community and Village Leaders’ Thai Country Song Contest, and local beauty pageants add to the festive ambience.
The fair is equally popular with local as well as international visitors because of the great variety of stalls participating at this local Red Cross fair. These offer a diverse selection of local village products and community crafts for which each of the 16 tambon, or sub-districts, of Ayutthaya province are known. These are promoted under the OTOP — “One Tambon One Product” label. There will also be an agricultural exhibition with flowering and decorative plants on display. Purchase a Red Cross lottery — proceeds will be donated to a charitable cause.
End the day with “Krung Si Ayutthaya — The Great Kings”, a grand light-and-sound performance staged at the Wat Mahathat temple site.
Contact information;
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Office
Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076-7
Fax: +66 (0) 3524 6078
E-mail: tatyutya@tat.or.th
The Provincial Administration Office (Chief of Finance and Accounting Group) at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya City Hall, 2nd Floor of the 4-storey building
Tel: 0 3533 6563
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