Songkran in Chiang Mai
Once A Year Chiang Mai Erupts Into Watery Mayhem
There are water fights and then there are water fights, and then there is Songkran. Describing Songkran as a water fight doesn’t really do it justice, it’s more or less a civil war fought across the whole country with water and it rates as one of the most spectacularly fun festivals in the world!
Chiang Mai is arguably the best place in Thailand to experience this festival, which takes place during April in order to celebrate Thai New Year. The city explodes into action with thousands of people heading to the moat surrounding central Chiang Mai to soak one another using water guns, buckets of water, high power hoses and anything else that can carry the liquid. The celebrations last for three days and the endless drenching barely stops except for a brief respite in the evening, but this isn’t a rule set in stone so it’s not recommended to put on your favourite jeans before heading out into the night. Amidst the chaos of open hydrants, foam machines and pick-up trucks performing drive-by soakings, street food still manages to make an appearance to keep everyone’s energy levels up; although alcohol helps too! It is worth considering that cheap hotels Chiang Mai book up very quickly in the run up to the festival and it is essential to reserve in advance to avoid disappointment.
Aside from the endless fun, there is a serious side to Songkran and throughout the three days Thais will make merits at the array of historic temples in the old city. Often visiting these temples early on the third day is a great opportunity to witness these rituals first hand and with the cultural box ticked you can make the most of the final day. Choosing carefully from the Chiang Mai hotels is recommended as some will be in the thick of the action whereas others will be more secluded allowing you to break off from the chaos.
After the dust settles on Songkran and the streets dry up, heading further north towards Chiang Rai for a change of pace and some recuperation is a great way to recover. Here, life is slower and the wild landscapes of the region help restore the balance in your mind after 72 hours of sheer thrills. Travelling all this way and not making it to the market at the border town of Mae Sai would be a shame as some incredible bargains can be had. Cheap cigarettes, alcohol and DVDs from as low as 10Baht can be purchased. Post Songkran all Chiang Rai hotels should be fairly empty and finding a good one won’t be a problem.
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I would boycott Chang mai
Dont eat food at the night market and dont stay at the downtown inn seven people dead so far that we know off.
happy songkran!!
After 7 years living in Pattaya(and hiding out during Songkran) I can say that the only thing I truly hate about Thailand is Songkron.
Its just all those drunken falangs that overdo it all. Whats fun about getting a face full of dirty water or a mouthful?
Hua hin is great goes for half a day and all over i know what you mean