B999 for 3 Zoos and a Park

The Tourism Authority of Thailand in collaboration with Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium (053-893-111, www.chiangmaiaquarium.com) are once again offering the “999 baht for 3 zoos and a park” travel package for visitors to Chiang Mai. Running through Sep 15, the package covers entrance to Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai Aquarium, the Night Safari and Royal Park Rajapruek. Priced at B999 per person, it also includes a night’s stay at a hotel and three meals. The trip starts with a visit to Kruba Sivichai monument, the shrine of the well-respected monk who was a force behind Chiang Mai’s development early last century. Then you head to Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Zoo where you can see the famous panda Lin Ping and her family, Chiang Mai Aquarium where you can experience the world’s longest tunnel aquarium, with a visit to the Night Safari rounding out your evening. You’ll also be taken on a guided trip to Royal Park Rajapruek (www.royalparkrajapruek.org), host of the International Horticultural Exposition: Royal Flora Rajapruek 2014.

Jim Thompson Farm

Located a three-hour drive from Bangkok in the lush surroundings of Pak Chong district, Jim Thompson Farm (044-373197-8, facebook.com/JimThompsonFarmTour) is offering weekend workshops to learn about agricultural products like Isaan germinated brown rice or Jerusalem artichoke (kaentawan). The artichoke workshop (B800) will be held on Jun 21, while the Isaan rice workshop (B1,000) will be held on Jun 22. Both workshops are conducted in Thai only and run from 10am-3pm. Do be sure to book ASAP.

The Kaeng Hin Phoeng Whitewater Rafting Festival

Who says it’s not fun to travel in the rainy season? The abundance of water means it’s actually the best time of year for some adventure sports, like whitewater rafting. The Kaeng Hin Phoeng Whitewater Rafting Festival will take place from the end of June through Oct 31 at Kaeng Hin Phoeng in Khao Yai National Park. After a walk of about 2km to the starting point, you’ll find numerous tour operators renting out inflatable boats at about B3,500 per trip. One boat fits about eight people, life jackets included, and trips last about an hour. For more information, call the TAT Nakhon Nayok on 037-312-282 or 037-312-284.