Asian New Year celebrations are so full of light and love. Unlike a countdown to midnight, they have various types of rituals and festivities taking place a couple of days before and after the event. One such festival is the Songkran Festival, Thailand's most colourful New Year celebration. Though the festivities are often seen as fun and light, it is called '7 Days of Danger' by the Thai people. Why?
Firstly;
What is the Songkran Festival in Thailand?
The Songkran Festival is a Buddhist festival that celebrates the Solar New Year. It falls on the 13th of April and goes on for 3 days, and sometimes even more. Songkran derives from the Sanskrit word "Sankranti" (संक्रांति), which means "movement" or "passage", referring to the sun’s transition into the Aries zodiac sign. It marks the beginning of a new solar year in Thai culture.
During the 3 days of celebrations, Thai locals step out onto the roads and splash water at each other. A tradition meant to wash away the sins and bad luck of the previous year.
Is it Only Celebrated in Thailand?
While 'The Songkran Water Festival' in its own uniqueness is celebrated in Thailand, welcoming the Solar New Year is celebrated across Buddhist countries like Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Bangladesh and some parts of India and Vietnam. In Sri Lanka, Songkran is celebrated as Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Origins of Songkran Water Festival
Back then, during Songkran, people sprinkled water as a blessing to purify themselves, but over time, it evolved into the fun-filled nationwide water festival we see today.
Seven Days of Danger
'Seven Days of Danger' on the other hand has nothing to do with the New Year beliefs, but the state of the country during celebrations. With everyone on holiday celebrating Songkran, Security may not be at its highest, and road accidents are pretty common. Tourists, especially, should be more careful when moving around, take better care of their belongings, and steer clear of aggressive or drunk people on the road.
How Do You Celebrate Songkran?
Songkran is all about joy and renewal! Many youngsters take part in the public parades, splashing water on each other and spending time with friends and loved ones. Many also clean their homes, pay respect to elders by pouring scented water on their hands, and take part in street parties.
Thai people generally celebrate Songkran by visiting temples, making merit, and honoring their elders whilst enjoying the public parades. You'll also come across some laid-back celebrations where locals carry the statue of Buddha and pour water over the statues as tradition.
Can Tourists Take Part in Songkran?
Absolutely! If you're travelling in Thailand, you are more than welcome to join the Songkran celebrations. Just grab a water gun, wear quick-dry clothes, and join the fun on the streets. However, it’s also important to respect cultural traditions, such as temple visits and paying respect to elders during the festival. In some parades, you'll see monks and statues; do not spray water at them.
Visiting Thailand during the Songkran Festival
Bangkok
If you're planning to visit Thailand during Songkran and want to experience the whole water splashing tradition in full force, Bangkok is the place to be. The infamous Khao San Road paves the way for a colourful and super lively Songkran Water Festival. Make sure you stay around the Khao San neighbourhood for the best experience.
Chiang Mai
Sonkgkran in Chiang Mai is even more vibrant than Bangkok and generally lasts longer, up to 4 days. While Bangkok needs to get back to work in 2 days, those in Chiang Mai are still celebrating. The old town is where all the fun happens; make sure you pick an accommodation in the Old Town. If you'll be in Nimmanhaemin in Chiang Mai during the parades, make sure to join in the fun.
Phuket
Phuket is yet another lively place to celebrate Songkran. Beach destinations live for the party, and just like Hua Hin, the water splashing festival happens in full swing in Phuket. If you're in Phuket, head over to Bangla Road near Patong Beach to join in the fun.
Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai for the Songkran Festival?
We recommend Bangkok. If you're a traveller on a timeline, spending a full day celebrating Songkran is enough for the experience. There are so many other things to do in Bangkok. However, if you want extended celebrations, Chiang Mai or Phuket will be a better choice as Bangkok's celebration usually ends in 2 days.
How to Prepare for Songkran Festival Thailand
Choose your hotel location wisely - you won't be able to find taxis, and you don't want to walk miles in wet clothes to get to your hotel.
Get a waterproof case for your phone and your wallet, and keep them close to you.
Wear breathable, waterproof t-shirts and shorts - unless you're on a beach, wearing a bikini or short shorts is not suitable. What to wear in Southeast Asia applies here.
Grab yourself a coffee to give you energy for the day.
And buy us one too, so we can create more articles like this!
Get a separate dry bag for your belongings, such as a towel, power bank and water bottle.
Apply waterproof sunscreen
Wear clear glasses to protect your eyes.
Don't forget your water gun.
Can I Carry My Songkran Watergun on the Flight?
Yes. Pack your empty wategun in your check-in luggage, and you'll be fine. It's common for people coming from Thailand during Songkran to carry their water guns back home as souvenirs.
Can I get an Eye Infection after Songkran?
Yes, it's very common. If you don't wear protective glasses or accidentally let water get into your eyes during splashing, there's a chance of getting an eye infection or pink eye. You never know the source of the water, so diarrhea, colds and stomach unrests are quite common.
At the onset of eye irritation, try washing your eyes with a stream of clean water, and if the symptoms don't go away by the next day, get them checked by a physician.
What do you eat during Songkran?
If you want to celebrate Songkran the traditional way, here is the food Thai people eat during the spring festival.
Som Tam
Pad Thai
Khao Chae
Crab Fried Rice
Thai Red Curry and Yellow Curry
Mango Sticky Rice
There's nothing special or unique that's eaten only for the festival. You can even eat some rice with a classic Thai omelette.
Wrapping Up;
So there you go, everything you need to know about Thailand's Seven Days of Danger. While it may seem like a dangerous affair for a tourist to take part in, it really isn't. As long as you're prepared well, and you know how to enjoy with the locals, Songkran celebrations will surely be one experience to remember.
Planning to do Songkran this year? Let us know which city you'll be heading to in the comments below!