A short trip for business to Yangon, Myanmar. Some very impressive places to see. Hopefully can take more time for sightseeing on the next trip.

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The Phi Ta Khon festival is unique to the Dan Sai district in Loei Province and reflects the local Isan belief in ghosts and spirits. Held once a year, it is part of a grand merit-making festival known as the ”Boon Luang” festival.

The origins of the Phi Ta Khon Festival can be found in the tale of Buddha’s last great incarnation before attaining enlightenment. In Buddhist accounts, it is said that when Prince Vessandara, the Buddha’s incarnation, returned to his city, it was such a joyous occasion that the village spirits came forth to join the welcoming parade. This very colourful and vibrant Phi Ta Khon procession is the central focus of the celebrations.

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I was invited by the organisers to take the photos of the Munmaak Nitto coast to coast rally 2009. A car rally held in Thailand on May 9, 2009. The routing is from Hua Hin via Bangkok to Pattaya. More info about Munmaak on their website http://www.munmaak.com.

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One of the greatest festivals in South East Asia is the Songkran festival. It is the celebration of the Buddhist new year. We attended the celebration in Luang Prabang in Laos this year. Great fun, many nice pictures and lots of water fights. Had to protect my camera and lenses from the water while shooting. Shot it from inside a plastic bag, put a UV filter on the lens and taped the bag to the filter.

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Every year in March a unique festival is held at Wat Bang Phra. The temple is famous for its powerful Sak Yant tattoo’s. Once a year many devotees gather to recharge the power of their tattoos and to worship the master of the tattoo, the former abbot Phra Udom Prachanart, more commonly known as Luang Por Phern.

After meditation the spirit of the tattoo becomes alive…..

A nice article is written by Tom Vater.

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