If you are in Khao Lak during April, set up to get soaked because it’s time for the Songkran Festival. You might have heard of Songkran before, but you’ll never truly know until you experience it for yourself! So, go for it and let those festive moments become part of your Khao Lak trip.
Come prepared for Songkran with these tips!
What is Songkran exactly?
When you think of the New Year in Asia, you might think of the Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) and likely miss the Buddhist New Year ( Solar New Year) celebrated in Southeast Asian countries. Like the Thingyan Festival in Myanmar, the Chol Chnam Thmey Festival in Cambodia and the Bun Pi Mai Festival in Laos, the Songkran Festival is also a water festival welcoming the Buddhist New Year or Thai New Year. Songkran originates from the Sanskrit words; Song and Kran meaning to enter or to transform. In 2023, UNESCO added Songkran Festival to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Songkran festival is the most anticipated and most popular annual festival for Thai people and tourists.
When is the Songkran Festival?
Songkran festival is celebrated for three days, starting from the 13th of April every year as it is the day that the sun moves into Aries on the zodiac or the last day of the old year in the lunisolar Buddhist calendar. However, the public holidays and celebrations are different between provinces in Thailand. Make sure you check the events happening across the country when you are travelling during Songkran.
Why do people splash you with water?
“Why did they splash me with water?”! You might ask this question if you were in Thailand during this period and if you never heard of Songkran. The water pouring symbolises the purification or washing away of last year’s sins and welcoming the new year. It roots from two important rituals. One is to sprinkle or pour water and bathing of Buddha images. Another is pouring scented water onto elder people, offering flowers to pay respect in return for their blessings and make offerings to the monks and temples. These days, it can easily escalate into water fights with water soakers, ice water buckets, loud music and foam parties, adding fun to the tradition. Aside from the tradition, how cool it is to have someone splash you with water in the hottest month of the year, right?
Songkran Festival in Khao Lak
The Songkran Festival in Khao Lak is less crowded compared to Phuket, Bangkok or Pattaya. You will see people on the bikes, scattered over the street ready to get wet and families holding buckets and water pistols in front of their houses and shooting water at passersby. The biggest celebration area is in the Bang Niang Area. There is a water playing station at the lake (Nong Mun Takua) opposite the Build market, where there is a long line of food stalls, water pipes, buckets and sprays. There is also a live concert with a foam party in the front. Another spot is Takua Pa Cultural Street where there will be tradition celebrations, dance and musics and a lot of free food. Just keep an eye out for signs that say ‘free!’ There are also food stalls and food donations at the Khao Lak Temples.
Songkran Checklist
Tips for the Songkran Festival
If you are going around during the Songkran Festival, you will definitely get splashed unless you stay in your hotel room. Travelling by car could be an option if you don’t like to get wet.
No matter bike or car, drive more cautiously since there are a lot of people on the street. Road accidents tend to be higher during this time due to drunk driving and water splashing.
As it is likely you will get wet, it is wiser to leave your phones and travel documents at the hotel or put them in sealed plastic bags which are sold at street vendors.
Just because you’re soaked in water, doesn’t mean you won’t get sunburn. Make sure you apply sun cream, preferably a waterproof one. Also, wear some eye protection like sunglasses or goggles as the water may not be clean.
You will see people drinking and dancing but be aware of your surroundings since there are places that prohibit drinking alcohol.
Keep your water battles to designated zones. Don’t splash water on monks, pregnant women, elderly and babies. If you are not sure who to pour, simply ask if you can before you do it.
Last but not least; the most important rule when travelling is to respect local traditions.
Final note
Songkran festival is all about celebration of the New Year, focusing on the cleansing of the past and embracing cherishing moments and good deeds. It is a time when people, regardless of status, age or origin come together as one to wish each other good luck and joyously welcome the new year.
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