Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei has now been open to visitors for a month, and reports that it has been receiving large numbers of young travellers. Adventurous trekkers dream of conquering its summit and while few succeed, it’s a challenge whose appeal is likely to continue. The facilities have been improved to accommodate tourists this year and visitors will find many clean places to stay, along with restaurants, shops, car parks and porter service at Phu Kradueng’s entrance. Sturdy rungs have also been installed along the trails. The National Park allows you to climb Phu Kradueng from 7am until 2pm. For details, contact Phu Kradueng National Park at 042-871333 or National Park Department in Bangkok at 02-561-4292/3, 02-579-7223 ext 724/725.

Everyone who has been to Chiang Mai already knows that it’s a great place to eat. And it’s also the best place to enjoy the authentic taste of Northern food. So make your reservations now and head off for the Lanna Kingdom where the annual food festival will be on at the Airport Plaza from November 1 until the end of December. This year, the Chiang Mai Food Festival presents a remarkable showcase of Northern Thai cuisine. This, along with fruit and vegetable carving, ancient Thai dessert making demonstrations and enchanting Lanna cultural performances are just some of the activities to be savoured. For details, call 053-248-604, 053-248-607, 053-241-466

International boat races have been widely promoted in the region for many years to encourage cultural exchange and strengthen ties between countries. The first international boat race organised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand on September 17-18, 1988 took place on the Chao Phya River near the Rama IX Bridge in Bangkok. Since then, Thailand has continued to host an annual international boat event. This year, the 15th International Boat Race is scheduled to take place over the weekend of November 2 to 3 on Chao Phya River at the Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Centre in Ayutthaya. For more information, call 02-694-1222 ext 1972.