Enjoy Kol Samui

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A schizophrenic version of paradise, Kol Samui's islets, bays, beaches and villages have distinct and different personalities that appeal to a riot of tastes and pleasures. It is the third largest island in Thailand, offering everything you want for a holiday from relaxing on white sand beaches to a vibrant nightlife renowned for its full moon parties. The water here is so warm that it's like swimming in a bathtub. Those who enjoy pampering and rejuvenating will find Samui a haven of spas and massages. Whether your idea of an island break is killing time in the tropics with your family or getting hammered every night and sleeping it off on the beach, this is the place. For details, log on to samui. sawadee.com.

Halloween party

Ready to be ghoulish for a very special haunted Halloween celebration at the Australian Museum on Oct 28? The 4th Annual Haunted Museum Halloween Party will offer an intriguing experience: hearing tales from beyond the grave, encountering live animals, trick or treat though the museum, watching a Halloween movie and having faces painted like your favorite ghoul. Everyone coming to the party must bring a torch and wear a costume. If you dare, sign up and look for more information at www. australianmuseum.net.au.

Elephant round-up

The annual Surin Elephant Round-Up is coming in November. Around 250 trained elephants will entertain in Thailand's Surin Sri Narong Stadium. Visitors can enjoy spectacular shows like elephant football, tug-of-war, demonstration of log-pulling skills and an incredible parade of elephants outfitted for medieval warfare. The biggest mass feeding of elephants across the world, the so-called "elephant breakfast", together with the pachyderm parade and demonstration will also be a wonderful experience. The elephant has long been an icon in Thai culture and revered by Thai royalty. In daily life, the animals are seen as part of their family. Elephants and their trainers have strong relationships. For more information, email tatsurin@tat.or.th.

Chocolate show Salon Du Chocolat at Paris' Port de Versailles will host a chocolate extravaganza, the largest exposition dedicated to chocolate. For chocolate aficionados, the fair will allow them to devour delicacies while learning the art behind this international ambrosia tutored by world-renowned chefs and culinary experts. At this fabulous event, the latest industry trends will rise from a series of chocolate tastings, demonstrations and symposiums. For more information, log on www. Salon-du-chocolat.com.

(China Daily 10/16/2011 page16)