• 
• 
• 

Country on the beat

Forget pop music's sugary sentimental songs and take a day out with peppy Thai country sounds Today, Museum of Siam, located in the former Commerce Ministry on Sanam Chai Road, is hosting a Country Music Festival in celebration of National Children's Day. The event, which runs from 10 to 5, invites youngsters of all ages to have fun with musicrelated activities, among them painting the plaster dolls of the supporting dancers and showing off their singing talents in a contest. A free tram runs between Siam Museum and the Bank of Thailand Museum in Bangkhunphrom Palace from 9am to 2.30pm. Call (02) 225 2777.

Nourishing body and soul

Udon Thani's Thung Srimuang Park plays host to some great acts from around the globe from next Friday to January 18 in the "Udon World Musiq Festival". Among those taking part are Africa's Yunasi, India's Dhoad Gypsies, China's Zhongua Legacy and the Heatons for Ireland. Aside from music, the free festival also celebrates cultures, food, art and the environment.

Dusit's winning ways

Congratulations to the Dusit Thani Bangkok and DusitD2 Chiang Mai, who've been recognised as among the 500 World's Best Hotels 2010 by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Every year, the magazine's readers are asked to vote for their favourite hotels, bas¬ing their views on their experiences of service, comfort and style.

"This recognition is a prestigious achievement for us. It represents positive feedback from our guests and shows that we continue to create a unique experience for our guests," notes Octavio Gamarra, senior vice president of Dusit International.

Sacred celebration in That Phanom

The northeastern province Nakhon Phanom honours the pagoda at Wat Phra That Phanom from January 23 to 31 with a celebration that features merit-making cere¬monies and processions plus a host of fun activities and local specialities. Perched above the mighty Mekong Rover, the prang, which contains a relic of the Buddha, reputed to be a collarbone, is considered one of the holiest sites in the province and is a centre for Buddhist pilgrims from both sides of the river.