It is that time of the year again, April is here, the heat has increased in Thailand, & the Songkran Festival is around the corner!
Songkran – A Unique Cultural Treasure in SE Asia
Songkran Festival is a national holiday in Thailand marking the Theravada Buddhist calendar New Year, which takes place mid April. It is without a doubt one of the most fun times of the year in Thailand and includes the world’s biggest water fight, wild all night parties, family gatherings, ancient Buddhist traditions and much more.
For most foreigners, it is a unbelievable cultural experience unlike anything they have had before!
The festival in Thailand is the most famous with the streets in Bangkok and beyond packed with revelers wandering around enjoying themselves. It is most notable for the public water fights as people walk around with water guns playfully spraying strangers – It is the hottest time of the year in Thailand, so most often a friendly slash of water is a welcome relief – On most street corners you will find families out with loud music, hoses, and buckets splashing cars and smiling. People are extremely friendly everywhere you go and visitors truly understand why Thailand is known as “The Land of smiles”.
Songkran is famous for its crazy parties that last through the night and the large amounts of alcohol consumed during the holiday. In the heart of Bangkok there are massive dance parties and foam parties with an atmosphere that is euphoric lasting deep into the night. It is a time of finding love (tip – if you get smeared with white clay by somebody it might mean they like you), cooling off from the hot weather and making unforgettable memories.
Staying Safe During Songkran
While the fun and cultural experience of Songkran is unrivaled throughout the year in Thailand, there are dangers involved. Each year, there are hundreds of road deaths and car accidents, due to the combination of alcohol and water splashing on the road. Cars and motorbikes are bombarded with buckets of water impairing the vision of drivers making driving conditions much more difficult. Many people unfortunately also drive or ride drunk which leads to a spike of accidents every year during the festival. Simply put, driving or riding a bike during Songkran is not advisable in most places, especially for foreigners.
Goggles, Footwear & Ice Water
For people out and about, it is also a good idea to wear Googles to protect your eyes from water. Likewise to be extra careful walking around as the streets are more slippery than usual – Watch your steps and make sure you have sturdy footwear! It should also be noted that some people, usually locals, have the habit of throwing buckets of freezing cold water onto people which may shock you – While it is not too common, you may get hit with some ice cold H20 if you are out for the day – Consider wearing a light raincoat to avoid the effects of this scenario (plastic raincoats can be bought in any 7/11 in Thailand for around $2 USD)
Avoiding Crowds & Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
It is highly advisable that people here during and participating in the festival be weary of their alcohol consumption, as the drinks tend to flow non stop and people can easily loose control. Likewise you may way to avoid central areas such as Khao San Road or Central World during peak times where crowds swell to massive numbers.
Waterproof Pouch for Valuables
You also will want to buy a waterproof pouch to store your phone, wallet and other belongings that you don’t want to get wet. These pouches such as the one listed just below are commonly sold everything during the holiday and are invaluable!
Emergency Contact & Support
Having an emergency contact can make a huge difference especially for foreigners during Songkran. If you are involved in an accident, need an ambulance or urgent medical care, get too drunk, have an issue with authorities, get lost or are dealing with anything you which requires assistance, being able to reach out to somebody who speaks Thai and is readily available at the push of a button is invaluable.
Health Tours Thailand as an example provides 24/7 emergency support to our customers during their time in the Thailand, which affords peace of mind and the best possible experience during stays.
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📞+66 090-985-2023 (phone call or WhatsApp)| 📧Derek@healthtoursthailand.com