Songkran Festival 2013

When is Songkran 2013?

Songkran 2013 will be held from 13 to 15 April in Thailand, National Holidays will range from 13 to 17 April 2013.

Why?

To cool down

April is generally a hot month in Thailand, because it signifies the country's summer season. During the Songkran Festival 2013, you can immerse in a “complementary bath,” and you too, can give others a bath! Your kids will enjoy splashing other people with their water guns (rather than they use it on you.) You too, can have your take on the juvenile water gun!

To experience another facet of Buddhism

During the Songkran Festival, it is customary for residents to visit the wat or Buddhist temples to pay their respects to Buddha. They also pour water on the face of Buddha statues to cleanse them gently.

A visit to Thailand is not complete without visiting temples, and during the Songkran Festival you can experience the devotion of the Thai people to Buddha firsthand.

To join the wet fun

The Songkran Festival 2013 will last for 3 days, from April 13-15. But in Thailand, the employees and students are given almost a week off. This means you get to meet more people and explore other aspects of the culture, although the work pause might have setbacks for those want to roam the malls for loot.

If you’re an expat in Thailand, the Songkran Festival 2013 means one thing: you don’t have to work for the duration of the festival!

Where?

Chiang Mai

Just like any other Songkran Festival, the 2013 leg will be celebrated with a bang. In Chiang Mai, you can experience one of the grandest Songkran celebrations. The festival will start with a procession around the city. To experience the essence of the Songkran Festival 2013, try to pour blessed water on the face of Buddha himself. For more fun, you can immerse your senses in many cultural performances and enjoy Thai street food right after.

Phetchabun

In Phetchabun, you can watch the Queen Songkran contest. You can also enjoy the water festival that will go down at the Khao Phod Road, also known as the Burakomkowit Road.

Amphoe Chiang Saen

If you want to see a spectacular flower procession, try to head to the town of Amphoe Chiang Saen. Here, you can witness the annual Nang Songkran procession and competition. Apart from the tradition of bathing the Buddha, the event will feature a 22-men rowboat competition that will surely get your adrenaline pumping. Enjoy the view of mighty oarsmen paddling at their hardest in an effort to win the race.

…More water

Thailand is the perfect beach destination for most tourists. The pristine beaches of Pattaya and Phuket are filled with visitors and natives during the summer months of March-May, from sun up to sun down. The clear waters and the perfect sunbathing weather are just some of the things you will enjoy during the Songkran Festival 2013.

One thing is absolutely certain: unless you plan to sequester yourself in your room for three days YOU WILL GET WET WET WET!

Still, as with all wild parties, certain precautions have to be taken and these are:

- Only take waterproof photo equipment out with you

Do not wear expensive clothing -

it will be ruined

Best not to ride a motorbike for very many obvious reasons and indeed avoid driving any vehicle

Wear sunscreen and apply it regularly as it will wash off

If you are in a vehicle don’t expect to get to your destination in a hurry as traffic is snail slow

Thinking of visiting the Asian continent this April? Don’t forget to drop by Thailand during the Songkran Festival 2013. Here, the fun and festivities that you will experience will make your visit one to cherish and remember.

Resource : Info by http://travelthumb.com/thailand-holidays/songkran-festival-2013/

April 02, 2013