SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

13th, 14th & 15th of April

THAILAND'S BIGGEST FESTIVAL

The Thailand's really know how to throw a festival, and Songkran is a heart-warming display of Thai friendliness and their great party spirit. It is without a doubt, the biggest party of the year; where traditionally, after going to the temple the villagers would meet in the street and anoint each other with water and talcum powder in a friendly manner. The festival celebrates the end of the dry season, lasts three to seven days in different areas and has always involved water. 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 evening over Songkran, Haad Rin is pretty good 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.