The festival runs through until 22 February 2016 and its showpiece lamps have been designed to replicate famous sites in the ASEAN bloc nations. Some of the landmarks include Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, Brunei’s Golden Mosque and the fabulous temples at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The three-month long illuminated extravaganza has been timed to coincide with the full integration of the ASEAN Economic Community in the New Year. As well as the cultural sights, the festival programme includes parades and other performances. Stalls have been set up and offer souvenirs and culinary delights from the different countries.
The festival is open every evening from 17:00 to 22:00. Standard admission is THB350 with a portion of the proceeds going to the Thai Red Cross’s Friends in Need Foundation. Siam Park City is not connected to Bangkok’s urban train system, but buses including the 60 and 115 stop right outside the front gate.
ASEAN lantern festival opens doors at Bangkok theme park
News in Asia
Princess Soamsawali was on hand at the end of last week to officially inaugurate the ASEAN Lantern Festival in Bangkok. Her Royal Highness presided over the festival’s opening ceremonies at Siam Park City before taking a stroll around the attractions. She then joined the audience at the theme park’s central arena for ASEAN-themed folk performances.