Songkran is the Thai new year, celebrated annually with a water festival between 13 and 15 April. A true highlight of Samui’s event calendar, Koh Samui takes Songkran as “seriously” as the rest of Thailand – a deluge of good-spirited fun, best experienced up close, in person and without reservation.
Songkran is wet, wild and ridiculous. As with most things, Thais celebrate their new year in a “go big or go home” fashion. Farangs (foreigners) might know Songkran as the water festival, as water is believed to wash away bad luck. What began as a gentle pouring of water over family and friends’ hands or shoulders is now a country-wide free for all. Many Thais opt for full bucket measurements.
Ladies, beware of white shirts.
A return home. The word Songkran, of Sanskrit origin, denotes the sun’s movement or “change of place” into the zodiac. In this case, it enters the sign of the ram. In a more literal changing of place, it is traditionally a time of year when Thais return home to visit their family and honour their elders. Many Thais will visit a wat (temple) to pray and offer food to the wat’s monks. It’s a holiday of great sanuk (fun) and is an occasion for the entire community to come together in well-wishing. Consider it a combination of Chinese New Year, spring cleaning and April Fool’s Day.
A watery affair. Songkran takes place in Samui’s hottest period. Hoses, buckets and full gallon drums are all likely weaponry and the truly enthusiastic roam the streets all day from the beds of pickup trucks. Chiang Mai, however, is considered festival headquarters and its events include a famous Miss Songkran pageant.
Enjoy the festivities and never get angry. It’s all in good fun. Nobody is safe from a good dousing. Think you’re safely dry inside your hire car? Ensure your doors are locked. (Read 9 more tips about celebrating Songkran festival). If you do get soaked, constant sunshine means you should dry out quickly.
We’ve even been soaked in the marble lobby of a five-star Bangkok hotel – by the hotel’s own doorman.
Coloured talcum powder often enters the mix as well – in case you ever wondered what you look like in head-to-toe paste. Tiger Balm is sometimes mixed in, too – in case your skin starts to sting, don’t worry, it’s nothing sinister.
Motorbike and scooter riders are advised that they might get a faceful and, as on any holiday anywhere, take extra caution in case of drunk drivers.
There are no innocent bystanders. Just bought a new camera? Your new Thai friend just bought a new bucket. Put these waterproof tricks up your soggy sleeve:
- A waterproof camera case will take photos & videos in the deluge.
- Use a dry wallet to keep your lunch money safe.
- And, if you’re an iPhone fiend, a waterproof phone case will save the day.
Phrase to know: “สวัสดีปีใหม่” (sa-wa-dee bi mai) meaning “happy new year”. (Get more detail about learning Thai).
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