Until April 5, the annual festival for Buddhists to pay respect to Lord Buddha's footprint, Phra Phutthabat Phluang, takes place in Khao Khitchakut National Park, Khao Khitchakut district of Chanthaburi province. Many people believe that reaching the top of the mountain where the Buddha's footprint is enshrined is a great way of merit making. Those getting to the summit have also proven their perseverance.
To get to the top, visitors must start at Wat Phluang where they can take a pickup on an 8km route up the mountain. After that, they must climb up another 1.2km to reach the peak where they will see the stone pagoda, Hermit Cave and gigantic stones in the shapes of animals. The panoramic view of Chanthaburi town can also be enjoyed.
Call the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)'s Rayong Office, which also oversees tourism marketing in Chanthaburi, at 03-865-5420/1.
Merit making
From Feb 5-19, Khao Wong Phra Chan, Lop Buri province's highest mountain, will attract Buddhists and other visitors to climb to its peak and pay homage to a model of the Lord Buddha's footprint during the annual "Climbing Up Khao Wong Phra Chan" festival.
At the foot of this mountain in Khok Samrong district is Wat Khao Wong Phra Chan. The top of the mountain can be reached via 3,790 steps. At the peak, visitors can see panoramic views of nearby areas, worship the Buddha's footprint and Buddha statues, visit a museum and buy local goods.
Call the temple at 087-564-3225 or the TAT's Lop Buri Office at 03-677-0096/7.
Love festival
Today is Valentine's Day and the "2nd Love Vows, Cowboy Wedding Fair" is on at the Dairy Farming Promotion Organisation of Thailand in Muak Lek district of Saraburi province.
Participants can take part in fun activities and games at the dairy farm and witness couples make their love vows.
Call the TAT's Ayutthaya Office, which oversees tourism marketing in Saraburi as well, at 03-524-6076/7.
