THERE was a moment that captured the essence of Phuket's four-day Halal on the Beach festival.
A man on a single crutch introduced a small child to a rooster in a cane cage, outside the ''village huts'' that have been built at Saphan Hin public park.
Phuket's future was meeting its past, a cultural intersection of no small significance on an island poised for possible greatness in the 21st century.
The Halal on the Beach festival, which began last night and continues until May 3 in Phuket City, offers plenty of insights, and a whole lot more.
Looking to a future that preserves traditions rather than abandoning them, the fair attracted thousands on its opening night.
Perhaps they were drawn by the excellent shopping, hand-crafted footwear and clothing, beautiful brocades, wall hangings, souvenirs of southern Thailand.
Perhaps some were drawn by the technology, improving the process of halal, a healthy style that practitioners say preserves life.
There were also beauty treatments, cleansing creams, tasty morsels, all kinds of traditional foods to try, as well as music aplenty.
Groups sat and picnicked on traditional mats outside the village huts on the square.
It was probably the most popular spot of all, close to the technology stands, fixed firmly in the present, somewhere between the past and the future.
Phuket Halal on the Beach: April 30-May 3
Latest The subtle influence of Phuket's Muslim community will become more evident, along with contributions from Indonesia and Malaysia, during a four-day science, trade and food fair
Phuket Halal on the Beach: April 30-May 3
Longtail Festival Where Buffalo Butt Heads
Photo Album Some of the most delightful local festivals are not on the tourism calendar, yet they deserve to be. One to look out for next year is the Panyee longtail racing festival.
Longtail Festival Where Buffalo Butt Heads
Stilt Villagers Tame The Beast of Panyee
A gem among Andaman destinations, cameras loved this fabled water village on stilts. But up close and personal, Panyee was on the nose.
Stilt Villagers Tame The Beast of Panyee
Phang Nga Turns 200: May 1-May 7
Bicentenary Celebrations Phang Nga has recovered from the 2004 tsunami to celebrate its bicentenary with birthday events in May. More events are to come through the year.
Phang Nga Turns 200: May 1-May 7
A man on a single crutch introduced a small child to a rooster in a cane cage, outside the ''village huts'' that have been built at Saphan Hin public park.
Phuket's future was meeting its past, a cultural intersection of no small significance on an island poised for possible greatness in the 21st century.
The Halal on the Beach festival, which began last night and continues until May 3 in Phuket City, offers plenty of insights, and a whole lot more.
Looking to a future that preserves traditions rather than abandoning them, the fair attracted thousands on its opening night.
Perhaps they were drawn by the excellent shopping, hand-crafted footwear and clothing, beautiful brocades, wall hangings, souvenirs of southern Thailand.
Perhaps some were drawn by the technology, improving the process of halal, a healthy style that practitioners say preserves life.
There were also beauty treatments, cleansing creams, tasty morsels, all kinds of traditional foods to try, as well as music aplenty.
Groups sat and picnicked on traditional mats outside the village huts on the square.
It was probably the most popular spot of all, close to the technology stands, fixed firmly in the present, somewhere between the past and the future.
Phuket Halal on the Beach: April 30-May 3
Latest The subtle influence of Phuket's Muslim community will become more evident, along with contributions from Indonesia and Malaysia, during a four-day science, trade and food fair
Phuket Halal on the Beach: April 30-May 3
Longtail Festival Where Buffalo Butt Heads
Photo Album Some of the most delightful local festivals are not on the tourism calendar, yet they deserve to be. One to look out for next year is the Panyee longtail racing festival.
Longtail Festival Where Buffalo Butt Heads
Stilt Villagers Tame The Beast of Panyee
A gem among Andaman destinations, cameras loved this fabled water village on stilts. But up close and personal, Panyee was on the nose.
Stilt Villagers Tame The Beast of Panyee
Phang Nga Turns 200: May 1-May 7
Bicentenary Celebrations Phang Nga has recovered from the 2004 tsunami to celebrate its bicentenary with birthday events in May. More events are to come through the year.
Phang Nga Turns 200: May 1-May 7
