As the calendar ticks round to April, there is only one thing that is on most people’s mind and that is Songkran! Although nationally, Songkran is actually celebrated between the 13th and 15th April, here in Pattaya the celebrations are focused more on the 18th and 19th in Naklua and Pattaya respectively although in reality, this is a week-long event. If this is something that you haven’t experienced before, then be prepared to get very wet!
What is Songkran?
Songkran is officially the start of the Thai New Year and the beginning of the rainy season. However, for most Thais, it is an opportunity to head home and spend time with the family. In the villages, the celebrations are quite sedate with water being splashed upon elders as a sign of respect. In Pattaya, as you may imagine, things are done a little differently and it is essentially a giant water fight that lasts for around a week and is enjoyed by Thais and foreigners alike.
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It isn’t for everyone!
There are certainly a lot of people who don’t appreciate Songkran, almost certainly if they have lived in the city for a number of years or are working here. These people tend to get out of the city for a week or so to avoid the constant soaking and some of the outlandish behaviour that some people (usually tourists) tend to take part in. Although, if you prepare yourself properly you can have a great time especially on the main days when the city has more of a carnival feel about it.
The Main Places
Songkran festivities tend to start first around sois 6, 7 and 8 first as well as on Pattaya Beach Road around these areas. As time moves towards the main days the whole city tends to get taken over by people throwing water and squirting water although this does tend to be to a lesser extent in Naklua and Jomtien. On the 18th, Naklua Road closes from Soi Photisan to Dolphin Roundabout with the road only open to pedestrians whilst on the 19th Pattaya Beach Road is completely closed – hence the carnival atmosphere.
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Precautions
There is no other way of putting this other that you are going to get wet – very wet. It is advisable to leave your mobile phone at home as well as anything else that you don’t want getting soaked. Plastic bags and wallets are an option but there is obviously a risk involved. Although banned, many people still use tubes that are capable of squirting water at dangerously high pressure so wearing some form of eye protection is sensible. Of course, the road network in and around the city will be chaos so non-essential travel should be avoided.
Finally
Finally, if you are working in the city you won’t be spared from getting soaked and complaining will probably have a negative impact. If you are going out you WILL get wet but it is also an opportunity to experience something completely different so why not make the most of it? As the old saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them!
