Krabi – Andaman Festival this weekend

PHUKET: The Krabi Chamber of Commerce (KCC) expects its annual festival, that starts Friday, to generate about 500 million baht for the local economy.

KCC President Phuvadit Preechanont told the Gazette that more than 10,000 tourists are expected to join the Krabi – Andaman Festival 2010-2011, which will feature a range of activities designed to highlight Krabi tourist attractions, local culture and cuisine.

“The activities each day have different charms that should not be missed. The activities on the first day are at Baan Koh Klang, on Prasong Canal. The fishing village is now inviting people to come and see their traditional lifestyle,” he said.

“Activities on the second day are at Ao Thalane, home to one of the lushest mangrove forests in Krabi. On the third day, activities will be held at Rai Ley Beach, renowned for its romantic feel. Couples always come here to [stage] marriage proposals and single people come to ask for luck in love from the goddess Phra Nang,” he added.

Held in conjunction with the main festival will be the Krabi Food Festival, at Lan Pudam in Krabi Town from Friday through Tuesday next week.

From Thursday through Saturday there will be live stage performances on Maharaj Rd Soi 8, the “walking street” in the heart of Krabi Town.

The schedule for the main three-day festival is as follows:

Saturday

9:09am: Clean-ups at Ao Nang Beach, Rai Ley Beach, Klong Muang Beach, Phi Phi Island and Emerald Pond (Sa Morakot) Hot Springs.

9am-midday: Underwater clean-up at Koh Poda. To take part, call the Natural Resources and Environment Krabi Office (075-611043, 075-611396) or the Krabi Tourist and Hotel Association (075-623944).

7:30am-3pm: “Cast-a-net” prawn-catching competition and Spotted Babylon Snail collecting competition at Baan Koh Klang. To join, call the Krabi Fishery Association (075-630315) or the Krabi Chamber of Commerce (075-700204).

Sunday

9:09am: Planting mangrove trees and releasing marine animals to help sustain the natural environment at Laem Hangnak, near the royal residence in Krabi.

1pm: Kayak paddling at Ao Thalane to plant mangroves. To join call the Krabi Chamber of Commerce (075-700204).

Monday

8:09am-9:09am: Mass blessing ceremony for 319 longtail boats at Ao Nang Beach.

9:39am-10:30am: Lovers’ mass prayer at Phra Nang Cave on Rai Ley Beach.

6pm-9pm: Cultural performances and folk songs live on stage, food fair on Haad Nopparat Thara.

8pm-9pm: Ritual to pay respect to the Goddess of Water on Haad Nopparat Thara.

To attend any of the activities on this day, call Phayom Jannim (075-623-966, 081-7874074).

— Pimwara Choksakulpan