Songkran Festival - Thai New Year

Hello to all travellers. If you have a travel itch that needs scratching but haven't got a destination pinned yet, here's an idea. If you've never visited Thailand and would like to celebrate another New Year before 1 January 2017, then April is the time to do it. Songkran festival is a traditional water festival symbolising the washing off of all the misfortunes from the preceding year, and to welcome a fresh start to the new year. It's a New Year celebration like no other, with about a week of fun - noisy and very wet fun. Any vessel that could possibly contain water (the bigger the better) is filled with water and thrown at everyone who passes. It's irrelevant if you are walking, driving or riding anything. Water guns are sold everywhere, so if you are unarmed and would like to get a few shots in yourself, buy one along the way. Water tanks for refills are available on route, so don't worry if you run out. Water proof pouches are available for cameras and anything else you'd like to keep dry. Music and singing accompanies you along any route designated for the celebration. You could find yourself being drenched many times during the day, but as it is very hot here in April you can dry off fairly quickly. Some like it very cold, so don't be surprised at the icy water you will encounter along the way. Coloured chalk is likely to be smeared on your face, it's harmless and easy to wash off, and one drenching will take care of most of it anyway. There are watering holes of another variety for those who wish to take a rest and get off the crowded roads for a cold refreshment and perhaps a bite to eat. It's as much fun doing some people watching until you are ready to brave another soaking. Interested? Follow the link to Songkran here: http://www.bangkok.com/information-festivals/songkran.htm# Here you will find out more about the festival, the dates, and the "hot spots" around Thailand for the festival. A few pics of my experiences at various locations in Thailand over the last 5 years.

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