It’s scorching hot and everybody is gearing up for Songkran. It’s the only time of year we can bathe Buddha’s statues for blessings, enjoy themed activities and get soaked by water all at once.
Last year’s “M2F Present Bangkok Songkran Festival @ CentralWorld” was a hit with revellers.
To help you cool down, many popular venues in the City of Angels are transformed into battle grounds for water fights, be it at CentralWorld, RCA, Siam Square and Asiatique, or the hubs of water splashing such as Khao San Road and in Chiang Mai.
Life has gathered some of the recommended spots for those wishing to get the most out of the water festival. There is no admission fee, but powder and alcohol are no-nos. Now, just grab your favourite water pistol (or the biggest bucket) and get going.
“M2F Presents Bangkok Songkran Festival” in front of CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Road, on April 13-15 from noon to 10pm.
Organised by M2F, the three-day event is boasted to be the biggest water-splashing playground in the city. There will be four main areas — the Entertainment zone features 20 restaurants and free concerts, the Carnival zone has rides and games with prizes, the Foam Party features suds and music, and the Water World is reserved for the splashing of water.
Call 02-616-4000 ext 4403.
“Yen Thua Lar Maha Songkran 2014” at Khao San Road and around Ratanakosin Island, Bangkok, on April 13-15.
Organised by BMA, TAT and Khao San Road, the massive water-splashing fair in Bangkok’s backpacker quarters is one of the biggest and craziest.
Call 66 2250 5500.
“Songkran Mesa Pha Khaoma Ruam Thai 2014” at Siam Square, Rama I Road, on April 13-15 from 1pm to 6pm.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Chulalongkorn University, the festival will be set in an Isan atmosphere and packed with cultural shows and entertainment. There will be Isan music, contemporary and modern dance, luk thung and molam concerts, folk plays and games. Famous stars and pop and indie artists will also take turn to perform on stage.
Call 02-833-2077–85.
“Songkran Saranboon” at Seacon Bangkae, Phetkasem Road, on April 11-15 from 10.30am to 6.30pm.
The fair offers a rare chance to worship and bathe replicas of the six Buddha statues from the famous sacred pagodas and temples as depicted on each of the six Thai coins. There are also traditional performances and a water battle during April 13-15 from noon to 8pm in front of the shopping mall where a giant water dispenser will be installed.
Call 02-721-8888.
“Songkran Summer Fest 2014: Badboy Mansion” at Route 66, RCA, from April 11-15 starting at 6pm.
Presented by 95.5 Virgin HitZ, the five-day party features DJs Poom and Petjah leading the water splashing alongside artists and celebrities. There are different themes on each night — Mask Party on April 11, White Heaven on April 12, Sports X-treme on April 13, Sexy Troops on April 14 and Pool Party on April 15.
For more information, visit www.virginhitz.com and www.route66club.com.
“Coke Presents Asiatique Songkran Festival 2014” at Asiatique The Riverfront, opposite Charoen Krung Soi 93, on April 13-15 from 5pm to midnight.
The festival features a funky foam party and special concerts by Joey Boy, Wan Thanakrit, Hun & Gaeng Som The Star, Slot Machine, Tattoo Colour, Sweet Mullet, Sing Nua Sua Tai and Bangkok Invaders. There will be free shuttle boat services from Sathon Pier and BTS Saphan Taksin from 4pm to 1am.
Visit www.asiatiquethailand.com or call 02-108-4488.
“The Mall Color Summer Splash 2014” at The Mall Bangkae, Phetkasem Road, on April 11-15 from 10.30am to 9pm.
Besides offering a new experience in bathing Buddha statues with water in five auspicious colours, the festival invites everyone to enjoy the fun in front of the shopping mall from 1pm to 8pm. A large water-filled container and a colourful water tunnel with sprinklers will be provided.
Call 02-487-1000.
“Songkran on the Rice Road” at Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road, on April 11-15 from 10.30am to 8pm.
The festival features the atmosphere of five famous roads whose names start with the word khao (rice), namely Khao San Road of Bangkok, Khao Pook Road of Mae Hong Son, Khao Niao Road of Khon Kaen, Khao Plueak Road of Kanchanaburi and Khao Yum Road of Pattani. There will be local performances, sales of food and products from each road and water fun in front of the shopping mall on April 13-15 from 1pm to 6pm.
Call 02-721-8888.
“Songkran Wonderland” at Future Park, Phahon Yothin Road, until April 14 from 10.30am to 9pm.
Set in an atmosphere of traditional Songkran celebrations, the fair showcases floral sculptures in a tiger design and has vintage-style products for sale. Nine sacred Buddha images are on loan from nine famous temples for bathing rituals. There are many entertaining activities, including a music performance by Sornsilp Natamuaythai daily at 2pm and 5pm.
Call 02-958-0011.
“Paradise Park New Year Festival – Maha Songkran” at Paradise Park, Srinakarin Road, until April 15 from 10am to 9pm.
The fair is a rare chance to pay respect to Buddha tooth relics from Tibet, and a replica of Phra Narai Balaji or Lord Venkateswara from India. There are cultural performances
and activities including craft and cooking demonstrations. Otop products, food from each region and royal recipes are also available.
Call 02-658-1000 ext 234 and 759.
“The Annual Traditional Songkran Chiang Mai” in Chiang Mai, on April 12 to 15.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Chiang Mai City host religious, cultural and merry-making Songkran fairs around town. Besides the inevitable water throwing, the city also organises a procession of Phra Buddha Sihing statue, a symbol of Songkran, to boost this auspicious occasion. There are also traditional activities such as sandcastle making, beauty pageants, handicraft markets, and a parade of beauty queens on traditional rickshaws.
Call 053-248-607.
