No one knows how to build a party like the Thai people. So imagine the madness that comes with their biggest party of the year – Songkran! I was there to celebrate the Thai New Year in April, and this is what happened…
Super soakers everywhere
There is absolutely no way around it – you will get wet during Songkran unless you lock yourself inside your hotel room (but what’s the fun in that?!). So better be prepared by buying a waterproof case for your phone, and your weapon of choice: the super soaker. Wear clothes that dry quickly and forget about doing your hair and makeup.
Songkran is a great reminder of how much fun it was to play around with water guns as a child. Only this party is a million times bigger than any water fight you’ve ever had. Super soakers are being sold everywhere. You get charged for each time you refill, so the more water your super soaker can hold the cheaper.
Bangla Road in Phuket
We celebrated Songkran in Phuket, and Bangla Road was the heart of the party. Imagine a street full of people lined up to aim their water guns at you, foam parties and music. Some people even take it a step further by throwing full buckets of water on you. If you’re lucky, they didn’t freeze the water with ice cubes before throwing it.
Starting the year fresh
Everything seems to be allowed in the name of washing away your sins and bad luck from the last year to start the new year with a clean sheet. Even police officers join the party. Tuk-tuks, in particular, seem to be the targets for the water guns, so don’t think you’re safe unless you’re in a waterproof one.
Another way of blessing you with good luck for the new year is by smearing powder on your face. I wasn’t aware of this one, so I slightly panicked the first time a stranger put its hands on my face to apply a strange substance. As soon as I realised it was all part of Songkran I felt at ease with it though.
Songkran is definitely a unique and fun experience, and I’m happy I got to celebrate this Thai national holiday.