SEASON OF LOVE @ ROMANTIC PAI & CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS
February 13 – 15, 2011
Pai district, Mae Hong Son Province
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The small district of Pai in northern Thailand's Mae Hong Son Province, near the Myanmar border, is tucked away in one of Thailand's northwestern-most mountain ranges.
Blessed with a picturesque mountainous landscape with Pai River winding its way through town, Pai’s natural charm and leisurely pace of life, its colourful culture, the friendliness and warm hospitality of the local people has put Pai on the world tourism map. For some, Pai’s relative isolation makes it the romantic destination of their dreams.
Romantic Pai is celebrating its centennial in 2011 and is hosting its third Season of Love@Pai, February 13 – 15. This special annual event is being jointly hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Mae Hong Son office, the Pai Tourism Club and Baan Kung Kang de Pai and features the theme, “Forever Romantic Pai”.
The event organizers are inviting couples from around the world to tie the knot, or re-new wedding vows, in the traditional Tai Yai style. The Tai Yai or Greater Thai tribe of Mae Hong Son province migrated from their original homeland in the Shan State of Burma (Myanmar). They have their own distinctive culture, customs and traditions and way of life that has been passed down for generations and is still carefully preserved to this day. Couples who decide to sign up for the 2011 Season of Love@Pai programme and travel package will be able to experience first-hand the magnificent splendour of Tai Yai culture.
SEASON OF LOVE@PAI #3
PROGRAMME
FEBRUARY 13 – 15, 2011
Highlights of the 3-day/2-night programme
Day 1
February 13
06.00 – 06.30
Merit-making ceremony along Pai Walking Street
1,111 Buddhist monks and novices from the local temples will accept merit-making offerings.
* Each couple participating in the programme will receive one set of merit-making offerings.
09.00 – 11.00
Welcome Drink, Welcome Love
Upon arrival at the Pai District Office, participants will be presented with a welcome drink.
Registration
Participants will receive information kits and a souvenir T-shirt.
Couples pose for their individual welcome souvenir photo.
Transfer to Montis Resort by van
For those who prefer to self-drive, there is reserved parking at Montis Resort.
14.00 – 16.00
Visit to Baan Santichon Yunnanese cultural centre
The village of Baan Santichon was founded by relatively recent immigrants from Yunnan, China, and boasts a beautiful Yunnanese cultural centre showcasing traditional rammed-earth architecture and a rustic restaurant serving tasty and authentic Yunnanese cuisine.
Traditional Yunnanese welcome ceremony
Enjoy authentic Yunnanese cuisine for lunch.
Couples change into a traditional Chinese attire and pose for the second souvenir photo.
Enjoy the swing ceremony, horseback riding, and shopping for Yunnanese folk crafts and souvenirs, especially their famous tea.
18.00 – 21.00
Take in the beautiful sunset and enjoy the Pai Canyon spectacular – a 360 degrees panoramic view of the natural beauty of romantic Pai
Buffet dinner by Pai River at Pai River Corner
Stroll along Pai Walking Street shopping for interesting buys such as attractive souvenirs, crafts, books, postcards, items of clothing and more.
Take part in a special activity – send a postcard to loved ones from Pai.
Stop by Laan Khon Mueang square to collect a special souvenir.
Day 2
February 14
TAI YAI WEDDING CEREMONY
04.30 – 05.30
Stylists are on stand-by to assist couples as they change into a traditional Tai Yai wedding costume
07.00 – 10.00
Arrive at Wat Luang
The traditional Tai Yai wedding ceremony begins with a merit-making ceremony and ‘mat meu’ wrist-binding ritual.
Couples take part in a Tai Yai traditional wedding procession which sets off from Wat Luang and proceeds along Pai Walking Street to the Pai Police Station. Well-wishers line the street to greet the couples.
Depart for Pai Bridge, a historic landmark
The wooden bridge was built by Japanese soldiers during World War II.
Couples are presented with a welcome bouquet by Tai Yai children.
Marriage registration ceremony
11.00 – 12.00
Buffet lunch at Belle Villa Resort
13.00 – 17.00
At leisure
18.00 – 21.00
Dinner party in a romantic setting at Baan Kung Kang de Pai
Mini-concert
Games
Couples release traditional Northern-style floating lanterns called khome loi.
Day 3
February 15
09.00 – 10.00
Rafting on the Pai River (20-minute trip) from Bulun Buri Resort to Belle Villa
Couples plant their “love tree".
Return to Montis Resort. Prepare for check-out.
11.00 – 12.00
Lunch at Montis Resort before departing from Pai
The sheriff of Pai District presents couples with a souvenir from Pai.
The price of the above 3-day/2-might Season of Love@Pai package is 20,000 baht per couple. This includes: 2 nights’ accommodation at Montis Resort, all trip expenses for the duration of the programme, all meals, wedding costume rental, two T-shirts per couple (one for the bride, one for the groom); souvenir, Season of Love@Pai certificate, a total of 3 souvenir photos taken at Baan Santichon Yunnanese cultural centre, Pai Bridge and Pai Canyon).
The 20,000 baht package price is for couples only and does not include the trip cost for relatives and friends. No refunds.
Contact information/Registration:
Couples wishing to register for the Season of Love@Pai promotional package, please contact Baan Kung Kang de Pai.
Tel: 053-064-450
Web site: www.baankungkangdepai.com
Credit: TAT News (www.tatnews.org)
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