Songkran Water Festival 13th - 15th April

Where to start? Well firstly, my first time experiencing Songkran I would say was the best day of my life.. and I am not even exaggerating. I mean a can of Chang beer in one hand and a water gun in the other.. need I say more?

It is all about fun, and water of course! It’s the biggest water fight in the world (I am guessing) spanning not only the whole of Thailand but also Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and more!

It is the Buddhist new year, using water on Buddha statues to wash away the any bad luck from the year before. Then splashing water on others and yourself in order to bring longevity, good health and prosperity.

I have been lucky enough to experience Songkran twice, once in 2014 where I was in Bangkok and Ko Chang, and again in 2016 when I was in Bangkok and then Chang Mai and also Mandalay in Myanmar. The festival officially is the 13th – 15th April every year, however the build up usually starts on the 10th/11th, so you can move around and experience different ways of celebrating.

Bangkok – this is where it all starts, officially at the temple of Wat Pho, who started it all! This gigantic city, already bustling with nightlife and culture becomes one big soaking wet family! Everyone spreading joy, whether you are a tourist or a local you feel so welcome.

Chang Mai – this is a walled city, much like Chester but it also has a moat, making this feel like a more natural place for a water fight than a major city like Bangkok. People drive around the square shaped city in open cars/tuk tuks and buses ready to splash and be splashed. People also walk around the whole thing, along the way we saw many live shows on huge stages, cheering the water fights on!

Mandalay – Similar to Chang Mai, as it is also around a square city but they are much more surprised to see western faces and will actively seek you out to splash you, calling ‘Mingalaba’ (hello) after you. The live music left more like stumbling upon a festival every 400 yards, everyone having an amazing party!

Overall I am certain you will enjoy this, it is fun for all ages, I forgot to mention I was with my grandma the first year, you may see her in the back of the photo of me trying to sit in a freezer full of ice.

Top tips: • Don’t scrimp on your water gun. • Establish where you can keep topping your water gun up – you run out quicker than you think! • Everything you own will get soaking wet, do not be under the illusion that you will be careful with your phone, get a watertight bag and leave it well alone! • Pay with coins, notes are not easy to negotiate when wet. • Enjoy! You will make some great friends, even if you never see them again, they will have made your day and vice versa. • If you are travelling onwards be mindful of road closures from as early as 10am. It is New year so a lot of locals are on holiday from work, this may mean no massages/cooking course/bus drivers.