BANGKOK, 9 December 2019: The second annual Elephant Boat Race and River Festival will take place in Bangkok from 28 February to 1 March 2020.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort says it will give guests front-row VIP access to the spectacular races that raise funds to care for domestic elephants. The boats are decked out with elephant-style decorations but underneath the stickers and props, are sleek racing hulls that are manned by skilled paddlers and a single helmsman who beats out the rhythm on a drum.
Previously, Anantara organised high-profile elephant polo matches that generated media cover worldwide. Still, adverse publicity and pressure from animal rights groups forced the hotel group to end the shows and opt for boat races on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
Now in its second year, the three-day charitable event will feature elephant boat race competitions between elite teams going trunk-to-trunk with 2019 winners the Royal Thai Navy Seals.
Live music concerts, kid’s arts and crafts, funfair rides and a wide selection of food and beverages fill-out the entertainment programme.
Travellers who book the Anantara Riverside Bangkok during the event will receive two VIP day passes to witness the races from all VIP areas along with free-flow drinks all day.
