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Last Updated: Mar 9th, 2009 - 12:44:35 |
Those who have never visited the growing Krabi island of Koh Lanta should mark their calendar and plan a trip March 7th - 9th. That’s when one of Thailand’s most diverse cultural extravaganza, the Lanta Lanta Festival, will fill the streets and parks of Lanta Old Town on the scenic east coast of the island.
After a one year hiatus, the three-day, three-night event continues with its mandate to showcase the island’s truly amazing cultural mix (and throw one of the biggest parties in South Thailand).
Lanta Old Town, which 150 years ago served as a busy sea port where large junk ships registered with Thai Customs when entering into Thailand waters, is an actual living study in cultural diversity where three distinct groups of people – the seas gypsies of the Urak Lawoi clan, Thai Muslims and Thai Chinese – have coexisted in harmony for centuries.
Indeed, in today’s world, where tolerance towards cultural differences is becoming increasing complex, the village could easily serve as a model society where differences are showcased as a natural way of life.
The island’s history sets the stage for an event that truly boggles the senses. Red Chinese lanterns line the streets and hardy spices and sweet incense scent the air. Music captures visitors on every corner of the one-square kilometer festival site with roving street musicians, traditional sea gypsy Rong-Ngeng music on the cultural stage and modern rock and reggae sounds on the main stage.
During this waterfront festival it becomes apparent the people of this island are as diverse as the wares and cuisine offered. Muslim ladies shrouded in black served up Khanom Jin (thin noodles topped with mild fish curie sauce) along side ancient Chinese medical cures while seafood is BBQ’d by sun-darkened sea gypsies.
The entire island participates including the local hotels who host a large food court where guests can relax and enjoy the dishes their chefs are famous for. Local foreigners also participate and bring another new, modern aspect to the festival. Local eatery Mango Café and Bar are hosting the Mango House Battle of the DJs each night with aspiring DJs spinning for the crowds. The Hammock House is also putting on their party wig offering their version of a Belgium Beerfest with Belgium beer, fries and traditional meat stew – perfect for people watching in a street-side hammock.
Having lived on Lanta for almost ten years would definitely qualify me as a Lanta “home boy” and somewhat prone to exaggeration about how wonderful this festival really is. But believe me – as an entertainment publicist in my past life who specialized in promoting stadium-sized cultural events like Chinese New Year festivals – I can honestly say that the Lanta Lanta Festival is the most ethnic and enjoyable cultural event (and party) I’ve ever attended.
Currently getting to the island by automobile from Phuket takes about 4-5 hours and involves two car ferries: one between the Krabi mainland and Lanta Noi and one connecting Lanta Noi to Lanta Yai where the 10-beach tourist island lies. The other most utilized methods of getting onto Koh Lanta from Phuket is on one-of-two daily passenger ferries leaving Rassada Pier for Lanta via Phi Phi Island.
Limited accommodations are available in Old Town at Mango House Seafront Villas, Orange House and the Sri Raya Guesthouse but most hotels on the west coast offer shuttle services to and from Lanta Old Town during the event. Yachts are also welcome in the safe harbor of Lanta Old Town with a yacht shuttle services available to and from the pier throughout the evening. For more information visit www.lantaoldtown.com
© Copyright by kolantamagazine.com
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