June 2003 90th Issue

Hua Hin Jazz Festival (20th - 22nd)

Hua Hin Hotelier’s Club in conjunction with Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Asia Pacific Brewery Co Ltd, the manufacturer and distributor of Heineken Beer will hold the 2nd Annual Jazz Festival.
Artists participating are Thailand’s jazz supremo Taewan Subsanyakorn, Bangkok Connection, Koh Mr. Saxman, T-bone, and Bubbles Jazz. Plus the well-known international bands include Tiempo Libra, a 7-piece band from Miami which traditionally performs Cuban and Afro-Cuban music. Their exhilarating and versatile performances have turned them into one of the most sought after groups of musicians for summer concerts and festivals. Steve Thornton will also perform with his band Afro Asia, playing Latin Jazz, R&B and Asian fusion jazz. Steve is a New Yorker who now lives in Kuala Lumpur and has performed alongside big names such as Harry Belafonte, Tracy Chapman and Sadao Watanabe. More than 10,000 local and overseas visitors are expected to revel in the music during the event.
The weekend jazz event will see the groups rotating their performances between three stages set in central downtown Hua Hin.

Sunseeker News

Most people know that the Chinese symbol for crisis and opportunity are the same, Sunseeker Tours, Hua Hin’s premier boat tour operator, is trying to put theory into practice by launching a new tour right in the middle of a low season hobbled by SARS.
Starting Saturday May 31st and operating every Saturday year-round the company will offer a snorkeling trip to Ko Talu, “I’ve dived the reef off Ko Talu myself,” says Sunseekers chairman Richard Murray. “It’s truly the most spectacular diving available in Thailand within driving distance of Bangkok. It’s no longer necessary to get on a plane to Ko Samui, Ko Tao, or other southern dive destinations . . . it’s right in our back-yard.”
Weekend holidaymakers can drive to Hua Hin, check in to their hotel, guest hour or condo and leave saturday morning for a day of snorkeling, lunch on the beach and be back in Hua Hin by 4 pm. The all-inclusive tour price of 2,100 Baht per person includes transportation, lunch, and all equipment including masks, snorkels, and live jackets.
“Like everyone else in the tour business, we are focusing more and more on domestic tourism” says Murray. “We can no longer depend on inbound tourists to cover our expenses twelve months a year.”

The Perfect Holiday Souvenir

If you’re looking for for something to help bring back the memories of a wonderful holiday in Hua Hin or Cha Am, look no further than this beautiful book packed with Mark Standen’s breathtaking photography.
Mark Standen originally trained as an architect and his work focuses on the relationship between people and their surroundings. He has published other documentary works - Passage Through Angkor, Buddha in the Landscape and A Sacred Expression of Thailand.
The Wonder of Hua Hin & Cha Am is available at Bookazine for 395 Baht.

Tips to make your holiday smooth

Thai people believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. Refrain from touching a Thai person on the head.
The feet should not be used for pointing at people or objects.
The Buddhist faith is strong here, it is considered disrespectful to wear beach clothes to a temple, or to climb over Buddha images.
The Royal Family is deeply loved, and speaking ill of any its members is considered a serious matter.
Displays of affection in public is poor form as is topless sunbathing.
Most independent small businesses and street vendors are open to bargaining. All discussions should be done in a friendly manner.
Thailand and in particular Hua Hin/Cha Am remain very safe for tourists with almost no violent crime, pickpockets and credit card crime rares its ugly head from time to time.
Respect for the police should be shown at all times, they do not take kindly to rude or loud talk.
Take particular care on the road, motorbike spills are very common and can ruin your holiday. If you hire a motorbike and it is damaged, you will have to pay for its repair. The major car hire companies do have insurance, but check first. An accident can be very costly.

Remember these Thai phrases throughout your stay “Sanuk” which describes anything which is fun, and “Mai pen rai” which means never mind, and all will be well!

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