The annual monkey buffet festival at Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Thailand

A long-tailed macaque eats fruit and vegetables during the annual monkey buffet festival at the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi

The Monkey Buffet Festival is held annually in Thailand to promote tourism. In 2007, the festival included giving fruits and vegetables to the local monkey population of 2,000 in Lopburi province north of Bangkok.
The festival was described as one of the strangest festivals by London's The Guardian newspaper along with Spain's baby-jumping festival. A photograph from the Monkey Buffet Festival at Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi Province shows a monkey trying to get at fresh fruit and vegetable captured in blocks of ice.

A long-tailed macaque licks an ice block with fruits encased in it. The festival is held every year on the last Sunday of November to promote tourism in Lopburi

Bangkok losing its sex appeal

A bar girl waits for business in Bangkok's Patpong - a place that's lost its attraction for this reporter.

The bright lights of Patpong in Bangkok, Thailand. 

BANGKOK'S Patpong red-light district is fast losing its appeal.

It used to be a tourist hot spot - a place where you could be shocked, and awed, as you wandered the parallel side streets in the area celebrated for its sex trade, found between Silom and Surawongse roads.

The strip joints and bars offering girlie shows flank the night market where you can buy a knock-off Gucci bag or a Polo shirt on your way home from watching one of the shows.

At one time this was all done with a sense of theatre. And a sense of fun. It was a "must see" part of the Bangkok culture for visitors to Thailand.

But it is definitely losing its lustre.

I was in Patpong on the weekend and yes I did end up at one of those girlie bars after being dragged there on a hen's night.

OK, dragged may be too strong a word - I admit I went along willingly in a group of five women and two guys.

What we saw though was not "fun", it was not even bad theatre.

The undercurrent in the bar felt nasty, with the girls angrily demanding money after every show.

It was like we had been sucked into a freak show and we were now part of the performance.

We were all uncomfortable and the women on stage looked bored out of their minds.

There were more women guests in the bar than men, something that surprised me. Most people had one quick drink, and left.

We were approached seconds after we set foot on the pavement and asked if we wanted to go to the girlie bar.

Our tour leader, a Bangkok veteran, negotiated the entry fee deal right there on the street before we entered the venue.

This, we later discovered, was essential if you didn't want to get ripped off.

For 300 baht (about $10) each we were allowed in, given front row seats and one beer each.

Three young South African backpackers paid 2700 baht each for the same thing.

They entered the bar without negotiating a price first. As soon as they sat down, they were swamped by six bikini-clad women who hassled them for money. The young South African girls handed over the money out of fear, they felt they had no choice.

It was an expensive lesson to learn for travellers on a budget.

The plan was to spend an hour at the show but left after 25 minutes. The bride decided that she would actually rather look for a bargain at the night market.

Sadly, the vendors here were also nasty. The idea of markets, I thought, was to bargain.

But the prices were double that of other Bangkok markets and there was no sense of them wanting to bargain.

It is certainly not a shopper's paradise. The vendors just laughed when you offered a price.

For a tourist mecca there was not a lot of people around and nothing much was being bought and sold.

There was also little happening in the bars down Silom road.

They had one or two white males holding court with Thai girls pretending to hang on every word.

Business was not booming.

Bangkok will always have Patpong.

Despite what anyone thinks of the morals of a place like this, it will continue to exist.

It is a part of the fabric of the city.

Its days of prospering however may be over.

Today's Bangkok has so much more to offer tourists.

Patpong is now an oddity rather than a attraction.

Pattaya Ladyboys, Katoeys & She-Males In Pattaya

Pattaya Ladyboys, Katoeys & She-Males In Pattaya

As with all sexual preferences, Thai ladyboys aren't everyone's cup of tea. Whereas some guys swear they've had the hottest sex ever in Pattaya with a ladyboy, others might have been robbed by a gang of katoeys on Beach Road, or simply despise them as a matter of principle.
Ladyboys (or katoeys as the local she-males and transvestites are called in Thai) are a common feature of everyday life all over Thailand. Due to the tolerant nature of Buddhist culture, ladyboys, as well as people with a bisexual orientation, are more visible and more accepted in Thai culture than transvestites or transsexuals in most Western countries.

While the katoey phenomenon isn't restricted to urban areas and you can come across ladyboys in every small village of Thailand, tourist places like Pattaya or Bangkok - worldwide famous for their "naughty" nightlife - attract a large number of Thailand's ladyboys.

Thai ladyboys are famous for their sexy looks and their potential to offer you a sexual experience of a "different" and slightly sleazier kind.Born as true men, some say, katoeys know best how to satisfy a man using all parts (and holes!) of their bodies. Because of their sexual condition, many ladyboys are said to be ready for sexual experiments that a standard bar girl may find disgusting - juicy b--- jobs, a--- sex, dildo play, and other less ordinary sex practices. Many ladyboys also have massive (silicon) boobs - a sexual stimulus most ordinarily-equipped Thai girls can't offer.
Just like many Thai women enter prostitution in Pattaya, many Thai ladyboys work as freelance prostitutes on Pattaya Beach Road or Walking Street. Others have "regular" jobs in beer bars or AGoGo bars where they often mix with "real" girls, sometimes making it difficult to decide if that half-naked, big-busted hottie is Pattaya's latest candidate for the "Miss Thailand" beauty contest or just a convincingly made-up "bloke with boobs"?
Those ladyboys who don't work as prostitutes (often to re-pay costly sex reassignments) usually work in traditionally feminine occupations such as hairstylists in beauty salons, shop vendors or waitresses - whereas more talented katoeys may seek a job as show dancer in one of Pattaya's world-famous transvestite cabaret theatres - Alcazar and Tiffany. (Of course, many still freelance as 'part-time hookers' in Pattaya's notorious discotheques or ladyboy meeting points on Walking Street to earn a few extra Baht on the nightshift.)
This means, you could bump into a ladyboy in the next best 7-eleven store, as well as as come across a stunning Pattaya bar "girl" with a suspiciously dark voice and an Adam's Apple, in any bar or nightclub in town.
On top of that, there are special entertainment and nightlife areas (Soi 6/Yodsak, Walking Street and Pattaya Beach Road after sunset), where - although not specifically designated to katoeys - ladyboys can be found in abundance.
However, depending on your sexual flavour, it is important to know that not all Thai ladyboys are equally equipped physically. So before you take the next best katoey back to your room, there are a few details you should know.

So what exactly is a katoey or ladyboy and, most importantly, how can you tell a ladyboy from a "real" girl? Sometimes not so easy for Pattaya newbies ...
First of all, there are three types of ladyboys representing different stages of "gender change": (1) transvestites, (2) "she-males" , and (3) "post-OP ladyboys" who have undergone full sex reassignment.

(1) The first type are transvestites, i.e. physically normally developed men, who simply dress and make up as women. While even those ladyboys - most of whom undergo a hormone replacement therapy, but cannot afford to pay for a costly breast implantation or complete sex reassignment - may look extremely attractive in their fancy dresses and evening gowns, they are still 100% men physically (with very small or no boobs at all).
The other two categories of Thai ladyboys have (partly) undergone plastic surgery and represent different stages of sex reassignment.

(2) Probably the most common type of a Thai ladyboy is best described as "she-male". That's a katoey, who has had his secondary sex characteristics modified and, thanks to plastic surgery, often has unusually big and perfectly-shaped breasts (while most Asian girls have small boobs). Whereas big boobs probably turn most normal men on, please remember that these seemingly perfect "women" still have a little manhood. These cross-gender creatures, combining the physical attractions of both sexes, provide the typical katoey experience most ladyboy lovers seem to be looking for.

(3) A third categoty of ladyboys are such katoeys, who have undergone a full sex reassignment and had their primary sex characteristics altered as well. Having had their sexual organs transformed, ladyboys on this stage of sex change are physically complete women - except for the fact that they were born as men. Also referred to as "Post OP ladyboys".

Thailand has gained a reputation for medical tourism and cheap yet quality plastic surgery or sex reassignment. For Thai standards, however, a complete sex change is still extremely expensive, so most ladyboys in Pattaya are either just transvestites (men dressed and made-up as girls), or transsexuals, who have had breasts created by plastic surgery. For most Pattaya ladyboys, the final step is simply too expensive. Those who could afford it, might not feel the financial urge any longer to prostitute themseves.
Tip: If you want to check whether a ladyboy's boobs are "real" or if the bra has just been stuffed with textiles, don't be shy and grab for them! , they're usually happy to let you touch their boobies and even show them to you before making your choice.
Most ladyboys will be honest and let you know whether they still have a manhood or not - which, by the way, can be hidden away quite easily, so that they can wear sexy tight skirts and jeans without revealing their sexual identity. If so, they should readily offer you a b--- job or other pleasures.

  

 Whereas most Pattaya residents and 'old hands' have developed an ability to recognize ladyboys even from the distance, Pattaya 'newbies' are often at risk of making surprising and undesired (?) sexual encounters.Thai ladyboys are probably the most attractive "women" you will come across in Thailand. Tall as supermodels and with perfectly-shaped boobs, they're often more beautiful than the "real thing". What most ladyboys have in common, though, is an unusually girlish behaviour and exaggarated sexy walk. Whereas some Pattaya bar girls walk like real yokels, most katoeys overdo the sexy walk on their high heels and walk like divas on a cat walk or a red carpet. Their often slutty dress style!

Walking Street - the hottest street in Thailand!

Walking Street is a famous and vibrant part of the city of Pattaya and runs from the south end of Beach Road to the Bali Hai Pier, and there are entrance arches at either end. The street is traffic-free at night, from 6pm to 2am, and this is where most of the action in Pattaya happens. There are go-go (dancing girls) bars, beer bars, discothèques, sports bars, posh seafood restaurants and night clubs - you name it, it's here. Coloured neon signs and girls with happy-hour/drink special offer boards entice you into various establishments of differing tastes. If live music's your scene, then you'll hear plenty along this street. Even if you're not into what this street is synonymous for, it still has to be sampled just to see what happens here. There is a common saying that for tourists who come to Pattaya and did not get to see and experience the atmosphere of Walking Street is liken
to not having been to Pattaya at all, as Walking Street is the hub of entertainment in Pattaya.

Freelancers in Pattaya

The most popular Dancings for Freelancer are Tony's, Marine Disco, Lucifer and Candy Shop on Walking Street and Bamboo Bar on South Pattaya Road, about 100 meters from the entry to Walking Street.
Lucifer is known for its high security controls. Every Lady has to show her identity card. Underaged Girls are a NO at Lucifer. Nevertheless, most visitors agree that Lucifer attracts the most attractive Freelancers in Pattaya. At the entry to Lucifers Disco a band plays international hits. The dancing itself is a high level Disco with air conditioner. Pattaya's oldest Disco, but still running hot, is Marine Disco. At Marine a Band alternates with Discosounds over a high level sound system. The dancing is on the second floor of the building. A moving staircase brings you there. Marine Disco is air-conditioned. Despite its high prices, the talk of the town is Tony's Entertainment Complex. You are dancing to life and disco music as well. Tony claims to make strict entry controls. Nevertheless, on many nights we could spot ladies in the age of 17 to 20 years dancing at this place. Tony's Entertainment Complex is a popular 'after work' place for Bar Girls too. Therefore not all Ladies at Tony's are Freelancers. The venue is air-conditioned. Tony's has an open heart for unmated Ladies: Their first drink is free. Candy Shop on Walking Street is another polular dancing. The venue is an open ventilator cooled disco. The bar plays its hard beats at very high levels. Bands alternate with disco sounds. Candy Shop is still attracting a growing number of very lovely ladies. Bamboo Bar at the entry to Walking Street is a 'open air' dancing with two Bands playing each evening. The real thing starts at about 23:00. The Ladies at Bamboo Bar usually have a open heart for older men. From all the places mentioned here, Bamboo Bar is the place with the most familiar touch. Ventilators help to cool down. Hollywood Pattaya on Soi Phettrakun (Nothern Pattaya) is another popular place to meet freelancers. The dancing has a perfect mix of life music, disco sounds, shows with beautiful dancers and sexy visitors. Mixx, Torus, Club Insomnia and Gulliver's Walkingstreet are the other four meeting places for freelancers, all located on Walking Street. Taking photos at this places is unwanted or even prohibited.

Nana Plaza in Bangkok

Bangkok Hot Spots

Located in Sukhumvit Soi 4, Nana Entertainment Plaza is Bangkok's sleaze central. Notorious for its racy themed go-go bars - from school-girl and leather dominatrix to ladyboy - it's literally a 'sex mall', with three storeys of eye-popping activity all focused around a square-shaped central atrium. Unlike at the better-known Soi Cowboy or Patpong, Nana is a 'more adult' scene. That means no families, no markets and few curious tourists strolling in for a look. It is still worth a look if you are looking for an exotic visual experience, and a photo to talk about when back home.

Walking down Soi 4 from Sukhumvit Road, you'll know you're approaching Nana when you spot the line of street vendor carts preparing an array of weird and wonderful bites. These include 'som tum' (spicy green papaya salad), 'kai tod' (charcoal-grilled chicken) and fried insects, among other odd delicacies - comfort food for the bargirls who mostly hail from Thailand's northeastern Isaan Province.
Young girls in halter tops and short mini-skirts can be found filling up bags of crispy invertebrates, which they chop up and eat with rice and a dash of 'nam prik', chili and shrimp jam (watching them refuel on these down-to-earth pleasures, even joining in, makes for an interesting diversion from the other sorts of pleasures found here)

Nana Entertainment Plaza

Greeting you when you pass beneath the monstrous 'Nana Entertainment Plaza' entrance sign is a mass of glowing neon signs, yelling at you from all directions. Shouting even louder than the neon is the intriguing cast of upfront characters - ladyboys and girls - who will try and accost you... it's all light-hearted and unthreatening.
On the ground floor are mostly open-air beer bars to choose from. Girls will try to tempt you in for a drink or a game of Jenga but not much really happens here. The shows and the A Go Go Bars with naughty names like Lollipop and Red Lips are located on the first floor.  Girls here will step into your path and will try to drag you in for a look with a naughty laugh.

Nights in White Satin

Ascend up the escalator to the first floor and it's mostly go-go bars. These include Spankys, Fantasia and Rainbow 3. Rainbow 4 is one of the biggest, with hordes of Japanese-looking girls attracting a busy mix of Westerners and Japanese spectators.
G-Spot, Cassanova and Temptations are among the most popular, and it's no surprise - they're ladyboy bars and put on dazzling shows. Angel Witch, on the left, with its lesbian and dominatrix shows is also a big hit. A lot of thought and energy clearly goes into the costumes and performances here - girls in elegant but provocative strips of white satin were strutting gracefully to 'Nights in White Satin' on our visit.
For relative calm, head for Big Dogs bar on the left corner of the entrance. This is a humble watering-hole, with beers and a raised terrace view onto the street and alleyway.

Nong Khai Naga Fireballs – The Mysterious Phenomenon on Mekong River

At the end of Buddhist Lent each year, along the Mekong River, there is an event that remains a mystery for the people of the Nong Khai province. Annually, on the night of the 11th lunar month, the natural wonder of Naga fireballs appears for those who come to observe the phenomenon. Naga Fireballs or Bang Fai Phaya Nak Festival, the famous spectacle where hundreds of flaming orbs rise up from the river, annually attracts people from all regions of the country to gather along the banks of the Mekong River to observe the amazing and unexplained fireball event.
The Naga Fireball festival will be held on the full moon night of 11th lunar month, also the end of Buddhist Lent  in Nong Khai province. This fireball phenomenon occurs over takes 1-3 days only at this time of year. What people will witness are mysterious fireballs that erupt from the surface of Mekong River in a relatively short flight before they are extinguished. There is no sound, no smoke, and no fragments from the fireballs have ever been retrieved. Typically the fireballs are visible only after sunset and local legend is that the fire balls come from Naga, a Thai Dragon.
Based on the Buddhist Legend, the Naga or the king serpents are ferocious mythical animals that lived in underwater dwellings. Naga can alter their physical appearance to be anything from human to snake. Once they came to know the Lord Buddha, they admired and respected Buddhist teachings and devote themselves to be followers. It is said that the Naga produces these precious fireballs to welcome and pay homage to Lord Buddha when the Lord Buddha comes back from the heaven on the 11th lunar month.

In contrast, some scientists say that this is a natural phenomenon occurring from methane gas ignition. Some people think that it is a man-made hoax. However, no matter what causes the fireballs, supernatural phenomenon or fun ruse, the event is nonetheless a great opportunity for Thai people to come out and celebrate the end of Buddhist lent and to enjoy a fun and spiritual evening.
Many Thais, especially rural villagers, maintain a strong faith and it is a significant religious event to pay respect to the river and to the Naga. For all involved, every time of the red-pink Naga Fireballs bursts upwards the people will greet it with joyous cheers.

To witness the Naga fireballs, there are several spots along Mekong River in the Nong Khai area for watching; for example, Pha Tang village in Sangkhom district, Hin Mak Peng Temple in Si Chiangmai District, Pak Khat District, Rattana Wapi District, etc. The most eventful Naga Fireball exhibition can be seen at Phon Phisai District. If you set out to see these fiery orbs of the mighty Mekong River, just make sure you talk to the locals to find a good place from where to watch.
The Naga Fireball festival will also feature food stalls, Naga legend information, Naga Fireball exhibitions, night bazaar, long-boat races, light and sound show, and other events. If you like to join in the fun and be part of the crowd, the Naga Fireball Festival promises to be unique and enjoyable.