Baxer Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Do it once or twice fine. Do not plan to get anything achieved April 13-15, for example, standing on the street hailing a taxi to the airport as someone will throw water over you and your bags and you'll have to be sopping wet on the plane for 12 hours. Yea, sure, it's totaly impossible to change clothes at the airport. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelmann Posted January 11, 2012 Share Posted January 11, 2012 Alas, the foundation of what Songkran celebrates has been lost... Just a reason to party. and die Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David48 Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 (edited) Hi chubby ... I replied to your other post about the holidays associated with Songkran. Having travelled here many times during Songkran I have experienced it in many locations and have been to the Temple and washed the shoulders and hands of the monks then straight into the Temple grounds for a water fight with the kids. Last year was in the back of the GF's friend's pick-up with 10 other Thais, a 44 gallon drum of water and a very big block of ice. Buy a quality water pistol and have a spare in case it breaks. But the simple small ice-cream bucket is best for water dispersal unless you want to play sniper. Two years ago I had the mis-timing to be in Pattaya for Songkran. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go there. Never go ANYWHERE where there is a large concentration of Falangs for Songkran ... the drunken idiots have no idea about the Festival. They have no idea of the Thai concept of Sanok. Songkran (after you have paid the appropriate respect) is about having fun ... not trying to get the other person wet. Some idiot on Beach Road (Pattaya) jumped in the back of the songtel with a small hose and saturated everyone. Me in my travel clothes, luggage, computer bag etc, the 2 old ladies, the mother with her (now crying) kid. He just chuckled and moved on to the next one. Then some richer Farang hired the water tanker and with a 2 inch hose had his fun ... <deleted>*cking idiot! It was someting you see when there are riots and the water cannon is produced to dispel the crowd. Play with the Thais, you'll have more fun and less hassle. Wear a hat ... as the sunscreen will be washed off with the first face powder that is applied. Chiang Mai does seem to go off and getting sprayed by the elephants could be a great Kodak moment .... but the Farang rule still applies. Careful with the phone and camera ... water and electrics don't mix. Also during the 4 days last year we lost something approaching 380 on the roads ... so be careful and have a blast! Oh ... the shirt ... don't forget to buy the Songkran shirt! All photos sourced from the internet ... but typicial of what you see when celebrating Songkran with the Thais. Edited January 20, 2012 by David48 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darrel Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Songkran Pattaya 2012: 1) Buy food and beer in advance for 5 days. 2) Stay indoors for 5 days. 3) Repeat in 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Songkran Pattaya 2012: 1) Buy food and beer in advance for 5 days. 2) Stay indoors for 5 days. 3) Repeat in 2013 or 1) Buy flight to Malaysia. 2) Stay there for 5 days. 3) Repeat in 2013. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JSixpack Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 All Chiang Mai. One of the best places for Songkran. If you fancy some more: http://myfriendyou.c...kran/thumb.html I agree, Chiang Mai is a superb location for Songkran I disagree. Philippines, Vietnam, or Malaysia are superb locations for Songkran--to mention nearby countries. This doesn't look like the annual HATE SONGKRAN thread--yet. It's still a bit early. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waza Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 I will be there for songkram this year and Chang Mai looks like the place to go. I was in Hua Hin last time and it was great fun, but I got a wicked ear infection. This time I will remember ear plugs and goggles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenSnapper Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 (edited) Songkran Pattaya 2012: 1) Buy food and beer in advance for 5 days. 2) Stay indoors for 5 days. 3) Repeat in 2013 or 1) Buy flight to Malaysia. 2) Stay there for 5 days. 3) Repeat in 2013. That's what I do too. Many nice places in Malaysia, friendly people and a level of civilization I miss in Thailand. Edited January 20, 2012 by GreenSnapper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WinnieTheKhwai Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Great post by David48 above; I completely agree; both on it being super fun, and on avoiding Pattaya during Songrkan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaiIand Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 (edited) Hell yes, only days of the year where i can legally stand in front of a busy street and try to make motorbike drivers using their phones or not wearing elmets fall with strong water in the eyes. During those days i am teaching thais how to be good responsible human beings, its fun. dont worry its a slow street, nothing more than broken cellphones and small bruises when they fall Edited January 20, 2012 by thaiIand 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chubby Posted January 20, 2012 Author Share Posted January 20, 2012 Hi chubby ... I replied to your other post about the holidays associated with Songkran. Having travelled here many times during Songkran I have experienced it in many locations and have been to the Temple and washed the shoulders and hands of the monks then straight into the Temple grounds for a water fight with the kids. Last year was in the back of the GF's friend's pick-up with 10 other Thais, a 44 gallon drum of water and a very big block of ice. Buy a quality water pistol and have a spare in case it breaks. But the simple small ice-cream bucket is best for water dispersal unless you want to play sniper. Two years ago I had the mis-timing to be in Pattaya for Songkran. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go there. Never go ANYWHERE where there is a large concentration of Falangs for Songkran ... the drunken idiots have no idea about the Festival. They have no idea of the Thai concept of Sanok. Songkran (after you have paid the appropriate respect) is about having fun ... not trying to get the other person wet. Some idiot on Beach Road (Pattaya) jumped in the back of the songtel with a small hose and saturated everyone. Me in my travel clothes, luggage, computer bag etc, the 2 old ladies, the mother with her (now crying) kid. He just chuckled and moved on to the next one. Then some richer Farang hired the water tanker and with a 2 inch hose had his fun ... <deleted>*cking idiot! It was someting you see when there are riots and the water cannon is produced to dispel the crowd. Play with the Thais, you'll have more fun and less hassle. Wear a hat ... as the sunscreen will be washed off with the first face powder that is applied. Chiang Mai does seem to go off and getting sprayed by the elephants could be a great Kodak moment .... but the Farang rule still applies. Careful with the phone and camera ... water and electrics don't mix. Also during the 4 days last year we lost something approaching 380 on the roads ... so be careful and have a blast! Oh ... the shirt ... don't forget to buy the Songkran shirt! All photos sourced from the internet ... but typicial of what you see when celebrating Songkran with the Thais. .........the "shirt" ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarpSpeed Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 I will be there for songkram this year and Chang Mai looks like the place to go. I was in Hua Hin last time and it was great fun, but I got a wicked ear infection. This time I will remember ear plugs and goggles. Yes or plenty of alcohol (not the drinking kind, the Isopropyl kind) and vinegar to remove water from and disinfect your ears.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geriatrickid Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 We evacuate to either Singapore or Hong Kong effective April 10 or 11 depending on flights and accommodation options. Patong + Foreigners + Songkran = Untenable Situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hooters Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 remember whilst water fighting keep your mouth shut, literally, they are not using bottled water Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semper Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 (edited) remember whilst water fighting keep your mouth shut, literally, they are not using bottled water Correct. It has been filtered trough their body organs. I kid you not. Edited January 20, 2012 by Semper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bagwan Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 The timing of Songkran differs throughout the country thankfully. As soon as the festival (mayhem) starts in Pattaya I beat a hasty through the night retreat to Lomsak where the nonsense has been brought to an end. A great time with the family before returning to chez nous after sanity is restored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trevorg Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 It's not a case of 'to or to not'! Enjoy what you enjoy and avoid what you do not! Going abroad, travelling up and down the country are your choices! I've never found it that scary! Even in the worst of situations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waza Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 assuming there is anyone left in Chang Mai to celebrate with, where would be the best area for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David48 Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Oh ... the shirt ... don't forget to buy the Songkran shirt! .........the "shirt" ? Think Hawaiian … most of the shops (markets, TESCO and the like) have them for sale before Songkran. Size maybe a bit of a problem though. I’m no elephant and mine was a bit snug. If you watch the Thai news the presenters will be wearing them, market stall operators etc. Don’t forget that it’s celebrated at different times in the different parts of Thailand. Pattaya, for example, celebrates it a week later and ties it in with a few other Festivals. Some useful expressions … Mai ow (as in owwww … that hurts) crup … no want (also good for those pesky DVD/watch/sunglasses/toy/Issan sales people) Yaa naaa crup … don’t do Suk Sun Waarn Songkran Crup … Happy (Thai) New Year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David48 Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 assuming there is anyone left in Chang Mai to celebrate with, where would be the best area for it. You could pm one of the moderators in the Chiang Mai Forum, or start a discussion topic there. Don't worry, there will be heaps of people there. I've never been before for the Chiang Mai Songkran but I'm sure anywhere near the walls of the old city and hence the moat will be going off and the most likely concentrated around the 'Gate' areas ... the Gates in the old City wall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waza Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 (edited) assuming there is anyone left in Chang Mai to celebrate with, where would be the best area for it. You could pm one of the moderators in the Chiang Mai Forum, or start a discussion topic there. Don't worry, there will be heaps of people there. I've never been before for the Chiang Mai Songkran but I'm sure anywhere near the walls of the old city and hence the moat will be going off and the most likely concentrated around the 'Gate' areas ... the Gates in the old City wall. LOL, Thanks for the reply, sounds good, not sure if I want the moat water over me, Klong water infected my ear last time. Edited January 20, 2012 by waza Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulysses G. Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 LOL, Thanks for the reply, sounds good, not sure if I want the moat water over me, Klong water infected my ear last time. In Chiang Mai, they clean and chlorinate the klong right before Songkran every year. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semper Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Don’t forget that it’s celebrated at different times in the different parts of Thailand Yes, so how can it then be "the Thai new year" as one member posted? That's an clear evidence that the "celebration" is just a party thing. Nothing to do with new year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulysses G. Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 The Songkran festival (Thai: สงกรานต์, Khmer: សង្រ្កាន្ត; from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti,[1] or literally "astrological passage") is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year's Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkran Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zzaa09 Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 The Songkran festival (Thai: สงกรานต์, Khmer: សង្រ្កាន្ត; from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti,[1] or literally "astrological passage") is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year's Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkran God Bless Wikipedia. The always factual bastion of everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toybits Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I used to be like you - hated getting splashed. Then I discovered that it was a great time to take photos. Now I look forward to Songkran. However, if you are going to "celebrate" Songkran without buddies - it wouldn't be as fun. I celebrate with locals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toybits Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Songkran at Chiang Rai 2011. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Semper Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 The Songkran festival (Thai: สงกรานต์, Khmer: សង្រ្កាន្ត; from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti,[1] or literally "astrological passage") is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year's Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkran So what about the different times? Pattaya, for example, celebrates it a week later . Do they have a different calendar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
true blue Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 enjoyed my first songkran in cnx, about 6 year ago,but stayed at home for the last 5,but maybe give it a bash agian this year,it does get very hairy in cnx though,especially if you dont have a super gun to fight back,lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulysses G. Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 (edited) The Songkran festival (Thai: สงกรานต์, Khmer: សង្រ្កាន្ត; from the Sanskrit word saṃkrānti,[1] or literally "astrological passage") is celebrated in Thailand as the traditional New Year's Day from 13 to 15 April. It coincides with the New Year of many calendars of South and Southeast Asia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Songkran So what about the different times? Pattaya, for example, celebrates it a week later . Do they have a different calendar? They used to celebrate a week later than everyone else, so anyone who wanted to avoid it in other places could go there to escape and the hotels would do a lot of business. Unfortunately, these days, it seems to have just turned into a 10 day event instead and is probably the worst place in the country because of all the soccer hooligan types that tend to hang out there. Edited January 21, 2012 by Ulysses G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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