Painting the southern skies

Every year the kite masters - Thai and international - travel to Satun in Thailand's South to "paint" the southern sky with colourful and eye-popping kites.

Satun International Kite Festival returns to the southern province from February 24 to 26 and more than 10 countries will be joining the festival next weekend. Expect international cultural shows and eating opportunities, as the southern folks will bring their best. Call (075) 215 867 or email tattrang@tat.or.th.

Samui's very best tables

Known for its coconuts and tropical beaches, Samui Island is bringing its best to the table for the first International Samui Fine Dining Festival. The gourmet scene will take place every day through March at the finest restaurants and hotels around the island. Thailand's top chefs, among them Thibault Chiumenti, Nooror-Steppé and Hervé Frérard, will be guests on the island. Visit www.SamuiFineDiningFestival.com.

Comfort without the frills

Tune Hotel, the award-winning accommodation that bills itself as a limited service hotel, now offers travellers affordable nights in Pattaya, opening its doors to guests on Friday. Tune Hotel Pattaya is the second property in Thialand after Hat Yai and has 192 guestroom. The hotel is located on the beach resort's bustling Second Road, just minutes from the beach, shopping, entertainment and nightlife. Visit www.TuneHotels.com.

'Mara' on the wall

Banyan Tree Bangkok and Wai Art - a non-profit arts organisation - launch a series of exhibitions aimed at promoting young artists in Thailand. From tomorrow onwards, Thanapon Junkasain's "Mara", a collection of fine Buddhist paintings, will be hanging on walls for around the hotel on South Sathorn Road. The collection is on show until March 31.