• 
• 

All that jazz

Hua Hin marks its centenary this year and kicks off the celebrations next month with the eighth edition of the popular Hua Hin Jazz Festival on the white sand of its pristine beach. Taking part are homegrown bands The Infinity and Tewan Novel Jazz as well as international names like Shakatak, Malene Mortensen from Denmark and Malaysia's Estrella.

For artist lineup and show times, visit www.HuaHinJazz2009.com.

Sheets to the wind

Koh Samui, the tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, is all set to host the eight Koh Samui Regatta, an event that's one of the highlights on the Asian sail¬ing circuit. The race, which runs from June 1 to 6, will brings together many of the world's top sailing teams, and features five race classes, including Racing, Cruising and Beach Cats, with most of the actions taking place within sight of Samui's eastern and northern coasts.

Visit www.SamuiRegatta.com.

Rites of harvest

Bowls of water, rice wine, corn, sesame and beans will be offered to the sacred oxen at Sanam Luang in Monday's Royal Ploughing Ceremony. Depending on what the oxen eat, soothsayers will make a prediction on whether the coming growing season will be bountiful or not. This tradition has been carried out for hundreds of years to mark the beginning of the growing season. You can enjoy the ceremony by going along to Sanam Luang in the morning.

Peace, prosperity and love

Chiang Mai celebrates the City Pillar Inthakin Festival at War Chedi Luang on May 19. A celebration of peace and prosperity, this annual festival often brings thousands of people from around the northern region to pay homage to the ancient city pillar and features cultural shows and spiritual events.