The Thai New Year Songkran festival kicks off today (13th) featuring nationwide water fights, ceremonial Buddhist rituals, street parades and parties. Stretching out from April 13-15, Songkran marks the beginning of a new solar year and the summer in Thailand.
The first day of the festivities will see families gather at temples and bless each other by pouring water on hands. Over the years the festivities have developed into a good old fashioned nationwide water fight where pistols, buckets and even garden hoses are used to welcome in the New Year. This is also a welcome relief to many as April is typically the hottest month of the year in Thailand.
In some cities celebrations can last up to a week! Here are some of the top spots to enjoy the festivities.
Chiang Mai
In this northern Thai city, you can find one of the country’s biggest water fights and largest celebrations. You can’t walk down the street without a bucket of water being poured on you or a child holding a water pistol to your face. Head down the main strip to see live outdoor concerts, foam parties and parades.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a playground for tourists during Songkran as a number of local residents head back to their hometowns and villages for the festival. Despite this, the streets are still flooded with water battles, especially down the famous tourist area of Khao San Road.
Phuket
The whole island celebrates Songkran, however, if you’re after a serious water fight, head to Patong. It’s the most famous beach resort in Phuket known as a partygoers paradise.
(Images: Electrostatico, Wyndham, apes_abroad, Tevaprapas Makklay)
