can anyone tell me is sonkran a really enjoyable festival?

Answer 1

Songkran is Thai New Year. To enjoy this festival, you need to know the significance of this festival to the Thais. Besides signalling the start of the rainy season, which is of importance to the farming community. This festival is also time to ask for forgiveness and blessings especially from the family elders and from the priests in the temples. In fact this is one of their major holidays in which majority of them take the ffort to return to their home town to be with their family.

In fact water is used as a purifying agent and usually the minors will pour some scented water on the elders hands while the elders will bless them by sprinkling some of the water on them. This sprinkling has not turn to big time water fights, and even are fought at family and even community level. Nowadays, even visitors also join in this water fights.

For the ladies, there is the added blessing of applying some powder to the face. Now, it is big time powder fight too.

However in spite of all these merry making, the Thais do understand that some visitors do not like to get wet during their festival. Sousually they will politely ask you if they can bless you. And it will best for you to smile back because they will bless you with water anyway. And powder too if you are a lady. And shampoo, and practically a public showering!

Have fun.

Oh, there will be entertainment. Some will set up a live band to entertain passer-bys as they get wet, even roadside dancing, or loud music.

Have more fun.

Answer 2

It's alot of fun. Expect to get wet. I did see something really bad during Songkran though back in 1996. We were heading to Chaing Mai on a 2 lane highway and a family passed us riding in the back of a pickup truck spraying everyone as they passed by. Soon afterward we got stuck in a traffic jam and soon saw what the cause was. The pickup had gotten in a head-on collision while riding in the opposing lane. All were dead and the police there instead of hiding the bodies, like to line them up on the side of the road to warn other motorists to be more careful. Women, Children... Ugh! I still have nightmares about this. Some people definitely go too far. Sorry to be graphic, but watch out on the roads during Songkran. Afterwards I had the greatest time in Chaing Mai and out of all the Songkrans that I've experienced, Chaing Mai was the best place to enjoy it.

Answer 3

Pro - it is Thai New Year so you can experience how Thai people celebrate the festival in traditionally. Lot of fun when watching people get wet and soak. It is a long holiday.
Con- sometime people get drunk and caused the accident on the road more than other time. I am not happy when some crazy people put ice in the water and throw it to me as it's hurt.

But of course it is depend on where you will be too. Chiengmai has a long celebrations than other places around the country.

Answer 4

Its alot of fun. I would recommend not taking alot of money and valuables with you when you go out though. Depending on where you are it will probably be very crowded. Crowds attract pickpocketers.

Last year I was on Koh San Rd most of the time, since it was my first Songkran I wanted to celebrate it to the fullest! Luckily I thought ahead and just brought enough money with me for drinks and food. I did not even bring my wallet, just plain cash stuffed in a little change bag. Well, it didn't last long and I got pickpocketed - first time ever in my 2 years there. This is not a common thing in Thailand but is inevitable during big events/holidays such as this - it's the Thai new year for crying out loud!! Everyone is out and about!

Also, always keep your passport in a discrete location. I keep mine in a hip pouch. I wrap the cord around my belt, loop it through the loops on my pants, and then shove it in my pants. Never, ever had my passport ripped off probably because of this.

Above all, have fun! I wish I could be there for Songkran. Its a great time!!

Answer 5

I have experienced it twice and lived to tell the tale. It depends to some extent where you are. In Bangkok it only lasts for 2 or 3 days. In the country it can go on for a whole week.

It is usually hot so getting lots of cold water thrown over you is fun. You have to accept you will get wet and join in with the spirit of the occasion...otherwise it will be hell for you. Everyone is happy and having a great time. As a farang you will be a target. Everyone will want to throw water at you and rub flour on your face.

Sometimes it can get dangerous. If you are on a motorbike and get a bucket of icy cold water in your face. Or if you are caught in your eye with a high pressure water gun (but I think these were banned recently). And in the country the water is not always very clean.

But if you are willing to join in and just have fun then it is a great time.

I have some pics on my website
http://www.picturetrail.com/gayenglish

Answer 6

Of course. It's my favourite festival. We celebrate and wet since wake up till midnight atleast 3 days straight.
WOW !

Answer 7

Songkran is widely known from April thirteenth to April fifteenth. Chiang Mai is the finest position for Songkran. In Phuket they in undemanding words celebrate for a million day, and Bangkok for the finished time. if you're in Bangkok is may reccomend Khao San street.

Answer 8

Other than the symbolic nature of the event, Thai New Year, it is an annoying time. One day of water tossing is fun, but three days, and this year 4 is just nasty. Many people actually stay indoors for these days.

Answer 9

yes, it is a kick - especially for a first timer - the thais have alot of fun, sometimes the Westerners use it as an excuse to get drunk and act badly... getting wet does not mean that being impolite is ok - - just different rules of polite for a day - they will soak you and smear pasty powder on your face - let them - it is good luck.. and you can splash back..

keep your passport and wallet in a secure lock box in the hotel.. everything will be soaked.. I think it is a kick - for one day, but it goes on too long... just me..

Answer 10

yap...I'm going to buy a big water gun and go to Chiang Mai this year. Chiang Mai is the best place for Songkran festival.