Getting Away

The Chinese New Year, on the first day of the first Chinese lunar month, is the most significant annual event in the Chinese calendar. Every year, Thais of Chinese ancestry rejoice by holding celebrations across the country.

Yaowarat Road, the main thoroughfare of Bangkok's Chinatown, in the Samphanthawong district, will host a vibrant event on Feb 14 and 15, from noon to midnight, in which huge numbers of locals will take to the street, which will be lined with red oriental lanterns.

There will be many booths showcasing Chinese cultural arts, fun-filled activities, local goods, traditional performances and a concert by celebrated Thai artists.

Call 02-234-9688 or 02-233-1224/8 for more information.

Following the success of last year's event, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mae Hong Son, has once again teamed up with the Pai District Office and the Pai Tourism Club to hold a second special wedding ceremony - Season of Love at Pai - in a romantic, lush mountainous setting from Feb 13-15.

Participating couples will be dressed in traditional Lanna costumes and take part in a wonderful procession, decorated with a splendid array of flowers that will make its way through the city, before arriving at Pai Historical Bridge and signing their marriage certificates. Later in the afternoon, they will be able to enjoy bamboo rafting, elephant rides or touring the town on three-wheeled chariots. The newlyweds will finish their special day with a cosy buffet dinner followed by a mini concert.

Wedding packages are 10,000 baht per couple. Application forms may be downloaded from http://www.guaranteecm.com, or call 05-361-2982/3 for more details.

Air Berlin has launched a new web-based check-in service for passengers departing from Suvarnabhumi airport. All passengers need to do is print out their boarding pass. Once at the airport, those travelling with hand luggage only can proceed directly to the departure gate with their boarding pass. Passengers check-in baggage can use a special drop-off counter.

Air Berlin's web check-in service is available from 30 hours until two hours prior to flight departure time, and can be used for all valid e-tickets, irrespective of the booking location or the number of passengers.