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Songkran - "Soaking" up the Atmosphere

23/4/2017

21 Comments

 
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When you were a child, if you loved having water fights in the street with your friends, then Songkran Festival is definitely for you!

​If any festival is going to regress you back to a time when life was care free and you could run around soaking one another, head to Chiang Mai Thailand for the world’s largest water fight. It is hilarious!

Feet Do Travel braved Songkran and share their soaking experience with you!

Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, it won't cost you any extra. The small commission we may earn will enable Feet Do Travel to continue running.
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​Songkran is the Thai New Year festival and the word "Songkran" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning a move or change in the position of the sun from Aries to Taurus. The throwing of water represents purification and the washing away of one's sins and bad luck.

In Chaing Mai, eager locals begin their water celebration days in advance of the official start date. We were on a scooter near Doi Suthep temple on 11th April and out of nowhere, we felt a huge splash of water across our face and in our laps from a bucket of water that had been thrown at us, thankfully we were driving slowly. This was our official introduction to Songkran and one we hadn’t expected quite so soon.
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Yes, Sy had a "Hello Kitty" water gun - and he loved it!
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Even the back roads to Doi Suthep temple did not escape Songkran

​That evening, as we rode to the petrol station in the dark, we felt the full force of party-goers as another bucket of water was thrown directly at our faces; it’s no wonder there are double the amount of accidents at this time of year than any other. During the 2016 Songkran festivities, 442 deaths and 3,656 injuries occurred from 11–17 April, the majority of these happened between 4pm – 8pm of which 80% were motorcycles. We won’t be making that mistake again; trips to the Old Town for the next few days will be by taxi only!
​Around 2pm on 13th April which is the official New Year’s Day, the main procession begins. On the main road towards Thapae Gate the street is lined with people of all ages armed and ready to squirt anyone and everyone who passed by, but mainly to watch the procession (and soak its participants of course!). Large pick-up trucks and floats are decorated with flowers and parade slowly down the street, town’s people are dressed in matching outfits and when a statue of Lord Buddha cruised by, a special type of water mixed with flowers was shaken at him as a blessing.
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Nobody is safe from a soaking - even the people on the procession were fair game
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​A multitude of weapons are used; hand held water pistols, super soakers, backpack guns, people walking around with bowls and buckets, paddling pools at the side of the road filled with water for eager assassins to fill up their buckets and throw at passers-by (whether you want it or not!), old ladies with big mischievous smiles holding hosepipes, water bombs, trucks driving by filled with people who squirt you, individuals hanging around traffic lights for easy targets, men with man sized guns wearing inflatable rubber rings and blow up aliens, kids hiding behind their parents ambushing you, little girls with pink Hello Kitty guns, grown men with pink Hello Kitty guns (that was Sy), the squeals of joy when a target has been met, squeals of horror (which come from you) as iced water is dashed down your back.

​Everyone gets in on the act, young, old, with walking sticks and wheelchairs; I heard a grown man shout to his friend “I’m out of water … I have to go back for a refill … cover me!”.
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Water pistols of every shape, size and capacity were available - there is something for everyone
​There is a moat all around the Old Town, the water is brown and murky, but this didn’t stop locals standing along its bank (and swimming in it) filling up their buckets and throwing it at passers-by … which included us. It wasn’t a pleasant smell at all I can tell you! I was in two minds which I disliked the most; iced water shocking me to the core or the warmth of murky moat water knowing how disgusting it looked and that this was now covering me. It’s no surprise people have upset stomachs after accidentally ingesting a lot of moat water.
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Roads became rivers due to the sheer amount of water being thrown around
Music blared out from everywhere; trucks driving down the street with huge speakers, pubs and make-shift stands playing the latest dance tunes, there were people dancing everywhere but my personal favourite was a float filled with men dressed half in a police uniform and half in high heels dancing away getting soaked – they were in it for the fun and didn’t have any form of watery ammunition. Brilliant!
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At lunchtime there was a cease fire; if you walked into a back-street café for food, guns were laid down on the table and people sipped a cold Chang as some respite from the heat of the day, re-fuelled their tummies with a cheap and flavoursome dish.
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Food and beer, then back to water war!
​After lunch, it was game on! The smiles and laughter were infectious, thankfully during the day the fighting was good natured and fun, the same can’t necessarily be said for early evening when people had begun drinking beer and you would feel the splash thrown by intoxicated assailants a little harder. We found a corner that played music and sold cans of beer for 40 baht, now that’s a great idea, beer at a water fight, what could possibly go wrong??
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Every man, woman and child for themselves on the streets during Songkran
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​There was a large barrel constantly topped up with water to which large blocks of ice were added; now we felt we were part of the game! Suddenly we acquired a couple of small buckets from a new-found-friend who was fed up of being wet and was leaving – thank you Roger (from Hong Kong) for your donation to our cause! 
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We quickly joined the masses throwing water at passers-by (and on another), then a huge water fight would break out around the barrel for a few minutes; that is until an open truck would drive by slowing up for the traffic lights and everyone’s attention turned to them! We would all stand in a line taking it in turns soaking them – no one was safe, no one was spared, your best defence was to have your own barrel of water or water pistol on board; I heard one girl wail in the back of a tuk-tuk as she was pounded over and over with buckets of water “Stop please, I don’t like this, I want to get out”.

​Songkran can be punishingly cruel at times, the lesson here is, do not enter Old Town during this time of year in a tuk-tuk, driving a scooter, on a bicycle or on foot unless you are armed… it’s the rules… if you do then you are fair game. We also found out the hard way!
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If on a Tuk-Tuk, the driver will slow down and make sure you get soaked!
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​It was amusing when it started to rain; people sought cover… are you kidding me? They were soaked through to the skin and dripping with water but they didn’t want to get wet from the rain? 
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​We left Songkran saturated, rather smelly from mucky moat water, slightly drunk from day-time drinking, jaws aching from so much laughter and with photos of new-found friends. We were surprised at how much we actually embraced this event and immerse ourselves in this hilarious New Year culture, the atmosphere is infectious. We survived only two of the three (official) days, but what a blast it was!
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​If you want to feel like a big kid again and run around the streets soaking people while laughing hard, head to Chiang Mai for Songkran and have the time of your life!
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Songkran survival tips:
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  • Dress appropriately; it is advisable for ladies not to wear white otherwise you will end up looking as if you have entered a wet-t-shirt competition!
  • Wear quick dry clothes such as board shorts or gym tops, maybe wear swimmers underneath.
  • If you are not comfortable running around in wet flip-flops on a soaking wet pavement, wear walking sandals – remember, safety first!
  • Wear sunglasses or safety goggles if you are worried about getting water in your eye, it’s good protection which is often needed.
  • Water pistols and buckets are sold all along the streets so it’s easy to take part in the action.
  • Put all of your valuables in a waterproof bag or dry bag – you will regret it if you don’t!
  • You can buy a waterproof pouch for your phone at stands that sell water pistols.
  • Play fair – don’t squirt people directly in the face/eyes as it’s dangerous and not part of festival spirit, especially if someone is driving!!!
  • If you don’t want to get wet, stay away from the Old Town during Songkran!
  • Don't throw water or squirt people outside of the Old Town who clearly do not wish to get wet, they are staying out of the action for a reason.
  • HAVE FUN! This a time for people to come together and celebrate so if you squirt someone accidentally, apologise and don’t take it too seriously.

How to get to Songkran

Songrkan is celebrated in various places throughout Thailand, but Chiang Mai is where it officially started and is considered "the capital of Songkran".
By plane: Air Asia fly to Chiang Mai from Bangkok and most other Asian cities.
By train: The overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 12 hours but is comfortable and there is a buffet cart on board. We used 12Go Asia who are situated directly opposite Bangkok's Hua Lamphong train station where you will catch the train. Note: It is advised to book early as this is the busiest time of year and trains fill up quickly.

​Have you been to Songkran or is this something you would like to do? Let us know in the comments below.

Pin this post for future reference!
#Songkran Festival celebrates a new year in #Thailand. Any festival is a special occasion - but what if it means spending days either soaking revellers or being soaked? This is a multi-city water fight, and we were at the heart of it in #ChiangMai
Travelling around Thailand? Check out these related posts.

6 Best Floating Markets in Thailand
​7 Reasons to Visit Koh Samui
My Chiang Mai
Temple Tour Chiang Mai
Elephant Valley Thailand: Where Elephants Come First
Why You Should Visit Chiang Rai
Temple-Tastic Chiang Rai

Ping Pong at Patpong: Sex Tourism or Sexy Show?
It's A Monk's Life (Interview with Buddhist Monks)
Visiting Thailand: The Etiquette and More
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21 Comments
Lisa
23/4/2017 08:56:08 pm

Wow,what a ride you two have had.
Sounds like such good fun; right up our street.
Never heard of that festival until now from you having so much fun & experience!!
Would be something we would certainly join in on, if we were in that area.

Thankyou so much for sharing all that fun filled hilarious, wild,mad experience with us.
Great fun at any age hey?!
We are all kids at heart.
Glad you survived too!!!

Lisa xxx

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Cat link
28/4/2017 02:43:39 am

So surprising to be slapped with buckets of water as you drove around! Really neat to hear about the festival, sounds like a unique experience :)

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Jane @ Raincity Librarian link
28/4/2017 02:54:56 am

What an amazing tradition! So much colour, so much energy and joy, what a great way to bring people together to let off some steam and have fun together.

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Tracy link
28/4/2017 07:22:53 am

OMG Angie that looks like so much fun!!! I am adding this to my list of experiences for the future!! Love all the tips especially about not wearing white!! I am quite well endowed so I think a black T-shirt will be in order! lol!! 😉

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Paul and Carole link
28/4/2017 05:33:15 pm

We have always wanted to play at Songkran but our dates have never worked out when visiting Thailand. One day it will definitely be done. Looks great fun, great post full of good advice. #feetdotravel

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Jenn
28/4/2017 06:28:27 pm

I have never heard of this but it looks and sounds so fun (and maybe a little dangerous too!!?) I like that it relates to my zodiac sign too - that must mean it's pretty cool!

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Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) link
28/4/2017 08:06:34 pm

Fun times!... also very dangerous if riding a motorbike! We celebrated in 2016 in Phuket. You have got some fabulous photos!

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Carmen B link
29/4/2017 11:17:57 am

Not sure if this would be my cup of tea, but it sure looks like fun. I don't have a problem with getting soaked, but hate water around my face.

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Shona @ paraphernalia.co link
29/4/2017 01:38:28 pm

Firstly, I want Sy's gun! Secondly, everyone gets caught out with Songkran once, but only once, before they become a crazed water shooting lunatic. Your post really made me miss it, Angie. It's such a fun time, although, your safety tips are for a very good reason.

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Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) link
29/4/2017 03:13:20 pm

Wow..how fun! I have heard of the word Songkran but didn't know that it was associated with the Thai New Years Festival. I do love the water fights and can not believe that it last for 3 days! You both are troopers having fun for 2 of those days especially with the Hello Kitty Soaker Sy and you Angie with your soaker. I have pinned this for later for my next trip to Thailand I hope around the New Year! Thanks for sharing :-)

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Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) link
30/4/2017 03:03:16 pm

Looking pretty bad ass with your Hello Kitty squirter! ;) Those guys with the tanks on their backs... #professionals. I really don't understand why every country doesn't have a Songkran type festival. In the middle of summer, who wouldn't love that? So fun!

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ThriftyTrails link
1/5/2017 03:28:31 am

Oh no! Not the moat water! This all sounded like fun until you mentioned moat water lol. Tim and I walked around the old town at night and we saw so many rats that stayed near the water and then would jump into the water if we scared them while walking by. We quickly learned to avoid trashbags on the side of the road too. I can only imagine how bad that moat water smelled. On the other hand, the ice water sounds refreshing on a hot summer day in Thailand. There are water games like these in Peru too! It's called Carnaval and just like Songkran - everyone is fair game.

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Lorelei Marie link
1/5/2017 06:38:40 pm

OMG what a fun festival and a creative way to get the bystanders involved!! Love this! #feetdotravel

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Only By Land link
2/5/2017 01:49:18 pm

I was in Pattaya for a couple of days of Songkran, I brought a powerful water gun over from England which fires up to 40 meters and isn't available in Thailand! You got some wonderful Songjran images, it must have been hot up in Chiang Mai, it was over 45 when I was there this time last year!

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Lisa link
3/5/2017 10:34:58 pm

What fun! Was never sure what the festival was all about thanks for the history. Definitely looks like everyone has loads of fun. Especially love your tips!

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Sandy N Vyjay link
5/5/2017 01:58:58 am

Attending the Songkran festival needs to have a lot of patience. You never know when you will be slapped and thrown by buckets of water. Being in Asia the kind of festival make a lot of people enjoy the humid weather while having fun during this festive. Reminds me of the Indian festival Holi on similar lines.


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Travel Lexx link
6/5/2017 11:38:20 am

I love Chiang Mai - it's one of my favourite places in the world but I have never visited for Songkran. After hearing so many fun stories and reading your post, it is definitely something I would love to do one day. It just looks like an incredible tradition and a perfect reason to visit again! I loved your Hello Kitty gun and all the awesome photos of the carnage!

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Scarlett Begonias link
6/5/2017 05:41:57 pm

I need this in my life immediately, a massive water fight looks way too fun. Hilarious :)

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Annalise link
10/5/2017 06:36:53 am

I went to Songkran in Chiang Mai this year too and absolutely loved it! It's so nice reading someone else's experience of the same event and I'm glad that we weren't the only adults sporting a hello kitty water gun! We wanted goggles and armbands to match but sadly never found them!

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Siddharth and Shruti link
12/5/2017 07:12:50 am

We have heard so much about Songkran. Looks like such a fun tradition. Beer and water fight! Awesome.

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David link
12/5/2017 09:49:43 am

So cool that you got to experience the mayhem of Songkran! I've heard bits and pieces about it for yours but it's cool to get a detailed account from inside it all. Only in a monsoonal country could you be able to use this much water without worrying about drought and water shortages haha.

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