This past month of April was an important one for the country of Thailand. Its famous water festival (known as Songkran) began on April 13th and typically lasts three days but some areas spend the entire week celebrating. Songkran is the celebration of the Thai New Year and is derived from a Sanskrit phrase meaning “passage of the sun.” The water has the symbolic meaning of washing away the past and starting the year anew. There are many places in Thailand to celebrate the holiday but Bangkok has some of the biggest celebrations and the largest attendance year after year.
History of Songkran
The traditional use of water in the festival is to sprinkle over Buddha statues for purification and for younger generations to wash over the hands of elderly family members and friends as a sign of respect and to ask for blessings for the coming year. However, all generations and tourists take part in full-out water fights in the city. While there are two main roads in Bangkok closed off to traffic specifically for the water fights, be prepared to get wet outside of these areas.
Where to Celebrate and What to Expect
The two main festival roads in Bangkok are Khao San and Silom Roads. They are closed to traffic and have vendors selling everything you could want or need. At the beginning of each road, there are vendors selling water guns, waterproof phone case lanyards, waterproof fanny packs, goggles/glasses, and of course water to fill your water gun. Throughout both of the roads, there are more vendors selling water refills (room temp and ice water) as well as incredible street food and drinks. As you walk, you’ll be shot with water by other water-gun-wielding festival goers, vendors will dump buckets of water on you and people will spray you with hoses from their balconies above the street. All along the street are bars and restaurants that you can sit down at to take a break from the festivities. They are typically ‘safe zones’ meaning no water shooting and will give you a chance to dry off and regain your energy.
Other festival goers will be carrying buckets of a watery white paste which they will dip their hands in and gently rub on your face as you walk by (some will ask first, some will not). The mixture is called Din Sor Pong and is a white powder made from clayey limestone that is then mixed with water to create a paste. In Thai culture, it is used for cosmetic and health purposes such as alleviating acne/breakouts and is commonly associated with celebrations such as weddings, births, or honoring elders.
Things to Keep In Mind and On Hand
As mentioned earlier, the entire city and country are celebrating and while most festival goers will only aim to soak people they see with water guns, you can still be targeted without one or even caught in the crossfire. Many people use water guns in tuk-tuks or throw buckets of water out of the bed of trucks. If you don’t have a water gun, you are most likely safe but don’t count on staying dry the whole day, Remember, this is a celebration and it’s all in good fun:). Also, April is the hottest month in Thailand so you may even be thankful for that unavoidable, drive-by splash you receive at random.
Here is a list of things you will absolutely need for the festival:
- A water gun (can purchase there)
- A waterproof bag/phone case (can purchase there)
- Flip flops/water-resistant shoes
- Small change (water refills costs between 5 and 10 Baht)
- Sunglasses/protective eyewear that can get messy (can purchase there)
- Sunscreen (you’ll be outside late afternoon into the evening)
- Waterproof makeup (trust me this is a necessity)
- A playful mindset
Some things to keep in mind;
DO NOT only wear a swimsuit to the festival. You can wear a swimsuit underneath shorts and a tank top or T-shirt but this is a public celebration with a religious heritage so dress appropriately.
April is the hottest month in Thailand so the festivities will typically start late afternoon and go into the evenings.
The crowds can get thick. If you are with a group, try to stay connected and the later into the day you stay on the two main roads the more packed it will get. By 6/7 pm the crowds can be barely moving so plan to come early on and leave slightly before then to avoid the serious crowds.
Water is flying everywhere so if you do purchase a beverage or food from vendors, try to find a water-free place to eat or drink. If you are walking around with an open drink, try to keep your palm over the top of the opening or preferably have drinks with lids on them.
Above all keep a positive mindset. You WILL get shot and splashed with ice water or you may get water in your eyes but remember, this is a fun and playful celebration. If you think you’ve had your fill of the water-packed fun, there are plenty of restaurants nearby to safely sit and watch the chaos while staying dry. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will not regret being a part of.
Savannah Jung 