The Sarojin takes visitors on an exploration of the Takuapa Old Town Vegetarian Festival……..

Take a visit to the award winning resort, The Sarojin, Thailand to celebrate the annual Old Town Takuapa Vegetarian Festival.

Located just 18 kilometres north of The Sarojin, the quiet old town of Takuapa is living history with a mix of old Chinese buildings and Sino-Portuguese architecture. The old town was once an important shipping connecting to India, Arabia, Roman and the Suwannabhummi Territories around A.D.57.

This tiny village will become host to the annual Vegetarian Festival during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making. Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as "ma song".

Festivities will take place at three shrines in Takuapa old town; north shrine, south shrine and garden shrine. Street processions take place on 15th and 23rd October with a grand finale on the 23rd October with all day street market in the old town quarters.

For the ultimate experience, The Sarojin is offering a private vegetarian cooking lesson after a local pleat boat transfer to the Old Village along the Takuapa river; one of the most important rivers in Phang Nga province. Travel this magnificent river through its beautiful mangrove forest waterways, stopping at the local market with your personal chef to purchase the best local vegetarian produce and supplies.

This tailor made package allows guest to experience a ‘must see’ of Thailand while delivering bespoke adventures and experiences ‘just for two’ that only The Sarojin can provide.

The Sarojin Takuapa Old Town Vegetarian Festival Package 15th – 23rd October 2012

With the vegetarian celebration package couples enjoy: from THB 62,000 (AUD $1,859*)

? Daily a la carte breakfast with sparkling wine served daily for 2 persons
? Return airport transfers by luxury car with cold towels and refreshments served for 2 persons
? One Thai cooking class at the Takuapa riverbank experience for 2 persons
? One guided visit to Takuapa old town during day time procession
? One guided visit to Takuapa old town final night festival
? 6 nights luxurious accommodation in a Garden Residence

*currency converted at 09/08/12, based on 2 adults sharing. Conditions apply.