Songkran Festival

13th, 14th & 15th of April

THAILAND'S BIGGEST FESTIVAL

The Thai's really know how to throw a party for a festival, and Songkran is a heart-warming display of Thai friendliness and their great party spirit. The festival celebrates the Thai New Year and the end of the dry season and lasts three to seven days in different areas, always involving water. It is without a doubt, the biggest party of the year; where traditionally, after going to the temple to visit and pay their respects to elders, the villagers meet in the street and anoint each other with water and talcum powder in a friendly manner.
The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by capturing the water after it had been poured over the Buddhas for cleansing and then using this "blessed" water to give good fortune to elders and family by gently pouring it on their shoulders.

However in recent years; wild water fights have erupted in many tourist areas. On Koh Phangan the biggest day is the 13th where half of the island heads for Thong Sala at about 10am. It's awash with water and the streets packed with visitors and locals dancing in the hot sun in a real carnival atmosphere. Water pistols, ice buckets even hose pipes are used to keep the crowd wet and many bars and restaurants set up sound systems. Trucks drive through the streets with barrels full of water and people loaded in the back, it s a crazy day! In the evenings over Songkran, Haad Rin is pretty busy and there are also several outdoor parties. Don't take anything valuable as the water throwers show no mercy and pack your money and bits and pieces in plastic bags. Disposable waterproof cameras are the order of the day and it also gets pretty hot in April, so a hat is very handy. There are several temples with traditional dancing, live music, markets and attractions either side of the main dates.