After successfully hosting the first Elephant Boat Race & River Festival, a charity sports event on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in 2019, Anantara Hotels & Resorts is hosting the second annual festival, taking place from 28th February to 1st March next to Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort.
Last year, over 9,000 participants came together to raise funds for the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF), who later distributed the proceed to a wide range of elephant-related charities across Thailand.
This year, boat racers from around Thailand will battle out against last year’s winner, the Royal Thai Navy Seals, on the elegantly designed elephant-themed vessels festooned with intricately crafted tail inspired by fish motifs. And you are welcome to witness the thrilling races!
The audience who wants to be a part of the cutthroat race can participate in the indoor rowing competition, in which contestants with any fitness level can compete for exclusive travel voucher prizes.
Aside from boat racing, the event will kick off with traditional Thai dance, followed by live gigs at night by noted Thai artists such as Paradox and Oat Pramote. Meanwhile, iconic graffiti artist Alex Face will be conducting a live performance.
Guests will be able to enjoy performances by international artists and DJs from Austria, Russia, Ukraine, and the UK. At nightfall, the sky over the Chao Phraya will be lit up by firework displays every evening of the festival.
The festival also proffers heaps of other fun activities suitable for all ages, such as fair rides and axe throwing games, as well as creative workshops and interactive kids-friendly displays highlighting Thailand’s national animal. Exclusive for this year, the festival has invited Thai Kite Association with kite-making experts from the four regions to teach festival-goers how to make and fly kites.
Tons of Bangkok’s most popular eateries noted cocktail bars and champagne lounges will come together to serve up tasty food and drinks. Expect beautifully prepared Thai dishes, festival favorites like gourmet hotdog and pizza, and well-crafted cocktails.
All the proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, who, in turn, will donate the funds to elephant-related projects throughout the country.
Tickets are B200/day, B3,000/day (VIP), and free entry for children under 15, via eventpop.me.