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Chiang Rai's river of flowers

The northern city celebrates the winter season with the colourful Flower Festival 2009 from December 26 to January 4. This year's annual petal party takes place at Suan Mai Ngam Rim Namkok park and promises "Beautiful flora on the banks of the Kok River". Locals and visitors can expect spectacular floral processions, coldclimate flowers (tulips, lilies and more), rare orchids among a host of tropical plants, and beauty contests for human blooms. Look out for hilltribe cultural shows, too.

High noon in Saraburi

Mosey on down to Muak Lek in Saraburi province. Dubbed cowboy town for its surround?ing cattle ranches, Muak Lek is hosting the annual Cowboy Festival at Tapan Hill throughout January. And, you don't have carry .44 Special to experience the rootin' tootin' fun. In fact, it's more of a familyoriented fair - kids can make friends with dairy cows then feast on homemade ice cream made with milk fresh from the udder. Country music, top boots, blue jeans, leather jackets and Tbone steaks complete the Wild West picture.

For more, call TAT's Lop Buri office at (036) 422 7689.

Northern Rose blooms

Chiang Mai is playing host to the 10day Ratchaphruek Festival 2009 until Thursday, with the Northern Rose expecting 200,000 visitors for this spectacular garden fair.

Held to celebrate His Majesty the King's 82nd birthday, the fest offers a sprawling horti?cultural exhibition of flowers, trees and fruits, as well as plants and handicrafts to buy and competitions to take part in. Orchid lovers will swoon at the variety on show.

Ayutthaya takes off

Keep your eyes on the skies if you're heading to Ayutthaya. Hundreds of hotair balloons are colouring the horizon for the Thailand International Balloon Festival 2009.

The festival is taking place around Wat Chang and Wat Mahe Yong in Ayutthaya's Sri Satchanalai historical park until tomorrow.

Anchoring the fun on the ground is a series of cultural shows and concerts organised by the Fine Arts Department.