SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
13th | 14th | 15th April 2012
Songkran falls in the hottest time of the year in Thailand, at the end of the dry season. Until 1888 the Thai New Year was the beginning of the year in Thailand; thereafter 1 April was used until 1940. 1 January is now the beginning of the year. The traditional Thai New Year has been a national holiday since then.
Songkran has traditionally been celebrated as the New Year for many centuries, and is believed to have been adapted from an Indian festival. It is now observed nationwide, even in the far south. However, the most famous Songkran celebrations are still in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even longer. It has also become a party for foreigners and an additional reason for many to visit Thailand for immersion in another culture.
Pay Respect to Buddha
Many Thai people celebrate Songkran by visiting Buddhist temple (wat) to pay respect to Buddha and to give alms to Buddhist monks. People also clean Buddha images in the temple by gently pouring water on them.
Many Thai people celebrate Songkran by visiting Buddhist temple (wat) to pay respect to Buddha and to give alms to Buddhist monks. People also clean Buddha images in the temple by gently pouring water on them.
Special food during the New Year
2012 Thai New Year will be the time for special food. The Khao Chae is a rice dish and Gaeng Kiew Wahn Gai is a Chicken in green curry is must for the New Year in Thailand
2012 Thai New Year will be the time for special food. The Khao Chae is a rice dish and Gaeng Kiew Wahn Gai is a Chicken in green curry is must for the New Year in Thailand
Songkran Water Fights
The Thai's really know how to throw a festival, and Songkran is a heart-warming display of Thai friendliness and their great party spirit. It is without a doubt, the biggest party of the year; where traditionally, after going to the temple the villagers would meet in the street and anoint each other with water and talcum powder in a friendly manner. The festival celebrates the end of the dry season, lasts three to seven days in different areas and has always involved water.
The Thai's really know how to throw a festival, and Songkran is a heart-warming display of Thai friendliness and their great party spirit. It is without a doubt, the biggest party of the year; where traditionally, after going to the temple the villagers would meet in the street and anoint each other with water and talcum powder in a friendly manner. The festival celebrates the end of the dry season, lasts three to seven days in different areas and has always involved water.
Songkran Water Fights
The Thai's really know how to throw a festival, and Songkran is a heart-warming display of Thai friendliness and their great party spirit. It is without a doubt, the biggest party of the year; where traditionally, after going to the temple the villagers would meet in the street and anoint each other with water and talcum powder in a friendly manner. The festival celebrates the end of the dry season, lasts three to seven days in different areas and has always involved water.
On Koh Phangan the biggest day is the 13th where half of the island heads for Thong Sala at about 10am. It's awash with water and the streets packed with visitors and locals dancing in the hot sun in a real carnival atmosphere. Water pistols, ice buckets even hose pipes are used to keep the crowd wet and many bars and restaurants set up sound systems. Trucks drive through the streets with barrels full of water and people loaded in the back, it's a crazy day! In the evening over Songkran, Haad Rin is pretty good and there are also several outdoor parties.
The Thai's really know how to throw a festival, and Songkran is a heart-warming display of Thai friendliness and their great party spirit. It is without a doubt, the biggest party of the year; where traditionally, after going to the temple the villagers would meet in the street and anoint each other with water and talcum powder in a friendly manner. The festival celebrates the end of the dry season, lasts three to seven days in different areas and has always involved water.
On Koh Phangan the biggest day is the 13th where half of the island heads for Thong Sala at about 10am. It's awash with water and the streets packed with visitors and locals dancing in the hot sun in a real carnival atmosphere. Water pistols, ice buckets even hose pipes are used to keep the crowd wet and many bars and restaurants set up sound systems. Trucks drive through the streets with barrels full of water and people loaded in the back, it's a crazy day! In the evening over Songkran, Haad Rin is pretty good and there are also several outdoor parties.
International tourists have mixed preference about this. Some will avoid traveling to Thailand during Songkran festival, but many plan their travel to coincide with the festival and join in the fun of Songkran water fights.
Songkran will be celebrated throughout Thailand in these locations
- Chiang Mai Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai
- Sukhothai Songkran Festival
- Bangkok Songkran Splendours Festival
- Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Songkran Festival
- The Great Songkran Day 2012 Suphan Buri Province
- Phra Padaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakan
- Nakhon Si Thammarat Songkran Festival
- Songkran on the Beach & Phuket Bike Week 2012
- Hat Yai Midnight Songkran Festival, Songkhla
- Chon Buri Songkran Festival
- Songkran Festival and Dok Khun Siang Khaen Festival on Khao Nieo Road
- Nakhon Phanom Songkran Festival
- Nong Khai Songkran Festival
Don't take anything valuable as the water throwers show no mercy and pack your money and bits and pieces in plastic bags. Disposable waterproof cameras are the order of the day and it also gets pretty hot in April, so a hat is very handy.
