Bangkok is a popular holiday destination for millions of people every year. If you are looking for an excellent way to deal with the heat of the Big Mango, a visit during the Thai New Year celebrations of Songkran may suit you. For three consecutive days, the city streets are turned into a massive water park, with everyone spraying each other to wash away the sins of the previous year. If this sounds appealing to you and you want to experience these celebrations, below is what to expect on your dream holiday.
A Choice Of Hotels
You will often find that many of the locals travel to their hometowns outside of Bangkok for Songkran. Although it is a popular time of year for visitors, there are plenty of hotels available. If you are looking for a hotel with suite, Ratchada, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Siam areas of the city are excellent choices in the middle of the action, but you can still relax if you want to and avoid the celebrations.
It Gets Hot
Songkran runs from the 13th – 15th of April, and some parts of the country it goes on longer, such as Pattaya, which runs for five days. The Thai summer also runs from March to May, so Songkran falls in the middle of summer when it is hottest. You can expect hot, humid days with temperatures reaching up to the low forties and splashing water in the streets is an excellent way to cool down and have lots of fun. The public transport networks are still open, so you can use the BTS or MRT systems to get around the city and experience the celebrations in different areas.
Take Refuge In The Shopping Malls
If the splashing in the street gets too much for you and you need a break, you can take refuge in one of the many shopping malls which are still open during the celebrations. You will not be allowed to splash indoors, and you can find it gets chilly with the AC running in the mall when your clothes are all wet. Most of the shops and restaurants will still be open, so you can spend a few hours relaxing and enjoy some local food or watch a film or go bowling.
Enjoy The Nightlife
The party does not stop when the sun goes down, and after you have gone back to your hotel and changed into some dry clothes, you can head out and enjoy some of the available nightlife. There will be some restaurants and bars that may be closed for Songkran, but there is still a lot that is open, so you should be able to find the perfect place to relax and enjoy a few drinks and some delicious Thai food.
