Songkran Festival 2010

Date: 13-15 April 2010
Venue: All around Chiang Mai city
Songkran, the Thai New Year is celebrated nationwide, but the most famous of the Songkran celebrations takes place in Chiang Mai. It attracts thousands of visitors, from all over Thailand as well as international tourists determined to share the fun. The core of the Songkran Thai New Year festivities will be held at temples, in the vicinity of the city’s gates and around the city moat, with parades and cultural performances as well as arts demonstrations.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Songkran procession comprised of Buddha images and attendants on floats, which are accompanied by minstrels and the town’s people. The procession begins at Nawarat Bridge on the Mae Ping River and moves to Thapae Gate before approaching its final destination of Wat Pra Singh.

Songkran Festival, 13 to 15 April, is a national festival best known for the copious quantities of water thrown from buckets on unsuspecting passers-by, who quickly appreciate how cooling this fun-filled festival really is especially during the peak of the summer heat wave. To get a good view of the action, try Tha Pae Gate.

There are serious elements too, such as the annual bathing of Buddha images carried out at temples and homes across the country. Children sprinkle water on the heads of elders to pay respect. In this gentle incarnation, the festival reflects the time-honored traditions of a nation that respects age and the role of seniors in a family environment.

On the first day it is traditional for Thais to clean their house in preparation for the year ahead. The following day is given over to the preparation of food and special meals to be consumed over the coming days. The third day is the start of the Thai New Year and is marked by religious ceremonies which usually take place early in the morning.

While the religious and cultural aspects are not forgotten, this three-day festival certainly majors on the fun of splashing friends, and even strangers, with a bucket of water, or any other container that comes in handy. Everyone takes it in good spirits, laughing and returning the pleasure in good measure.

A word of advice if you plan to visit Chiang Mai during Songkran - it can be chaotic and sometimes frustrating. The traffic can be horrendous and reaching your destination can take time.

Don’t forget that you are likely to have a bucket of water thrown over you if riding a bike or travelling in a tuk-tuk. Make sure you ride slowly if on a motorbike, as it’s common to get a face full of water. Wrap your camera and mobile phone in a sealed waterproof bag, and above all else, try to retain your sense of humor at all times!

Recommended accommodation for Chiang Mai Songkran - Hotels with available rooms