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Pachyderm polo

Thai elephants are huge, intelligent and fast and the best place to see them up close is at the 2009 King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, which this year runs from March 23 to 29 at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort.

Unique as the elephant itself, this exotic tournament brings together the local and international polo players plus many beautiful people. The tournament, which raises open for the National Elephant Institute, opens with an eyepopping elephant parade and end in style with a charitable dinner.

The luxury resort is tucked away in Thailand's northernmost district overlooking the mighty Mekong. Visit www.Anantara.com.

Pedal power

Explore Asia on bike two wheels. Bangkokbased bicycle tour agent - Spice Roads - is offering 10percent discount on tours both in the Kingdom and in the region. Bike buffs can book any Spice Roads tour departing after March 31 through 2010. The discount is available for "early booking" by February 28.

Spice Roads operates professional cycling tours, with Englishspeaking bike guide, through exotic destinations in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Mongolia, Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia. Visit www.SpiceRoads.com.

Chiang Mai Gay Pride

Head up north later this north and chill out at Chiang Mai Gay Pride 2009. This year, the event is being held on February 21 at Tawan Trendy Mall on Changklan Road, with the LGBTI community and their pals partying as well as holding seminars on gay rights and health issues. There's also a gay parade through Changklan and beauty contests. For more information, call (053) 814 487 or visit www.MPlusThailand.com.

Pattaya's 'Lost World'

Centara Hotels & Resorts unveil their unique "Lost World" themed guestrooms at the new Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya. All rooms at the 18storey, 555room hotel will face the ocean and will incorporate natural wood and stone effects, which together with artfully selected furnishings, will immediately immerse guests in the "Lost World" experience.

Billed as Pattaya's first themed hotel, the Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is scheduled to open in August.