Songkran fest is a whole lotta fun make sure your gun is loaded
One of the many Thai holidays is the Thai New Year, which happens on the old Thai New Year (approx April 10th) and is called Songkran (from the Sanskrit word “Sankranta” which means move or change. This is a time that Thais traditionally pay respects to their elders, relatives and religion, gently pouring water as a symbol of cleansing and rebirth. Thais may go to the temple with their family to pay respects or hold family gatherings at home.
But… this may not be the Songkran you’ve heard stories about… where’s the crazy waterfights? The big street parties and getting covered in chalk and paste?
Yes this is the modern Songkran, famous across the world as one of the world’s largest waterfights, and generally a time of fun frolics and generally getting soaked everywhere you go whether you want to join in or not!
Veteran travelers who are not keen on this festival know to steer clear of the country during this time, and for those who live here, the only course is to stock up on provisions and hide away at home!
But really, it is a lot of fun, and you can generally find places that will celebrate at a level that you feel comfortable at. Phuket is no exception, and is certainly less extreme than the capital of Bangkok during this time.
Patong, and namely Bangla is the place to go for the real party and full waterfighting. With a mix of farangs and Thais all looking for action, it’s not recommended for the weak hearted! The fun goes on until late at night, with most of the participants getting pretty wet, inside and out!
If you’re looking for s much gentler affair, try driving around the more rural areas, where you’ll find pockets of fun, usually groups of Thais waiting outside their home or work, and they’re always more than happy to accept people to come and join their ranks!
For a balance of the two, try Phuket town. Jump on the back of a friend’s pick-up truck and make sure you’ve got plenty of water. A tour around is great, and if you’re driver knows where he’s going, you can get to see a lot of the town, and spread the fun with the many groups of Thais lining the streets.
A word of warning though. This festival is notorious for a high number of road accidents and deaths due to drunk driving and people throwing water on motorcycles and cars travelling at high speeds – so don’t shoot motorcyclists in the face!.
It is great fun, and an occasion that you’ll never forget, so go, arm yourself and get wet!
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