SongKran 2016

[Rainville]

Hi !

First time experiencing the Songkran festival in Chiang Mai, and I have a few questions:

I understand some of you hate that time of year in CM but we are looking forward to the madness.

• Is it goign down everywhere or mostly around the old city? Should we expect to be wet all the time?
• Is everything else closing from the 13th to the 15th ?
• Is the burning season still going on mid April?
• Is it dead at night or does the "nightlife" still lives during Songkran?
• I am guessing renting a scooter is a death wish during those days ?
• Any tips?

Thanks a lot for all the help !

Cheers.

Edited February 25, 2016 by Rainville

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Ha! My favorite topic.

• Is it going down everywhere or mostly around the old city? Should we expect to be wet all the time?

You can expect to get wet everywhere, but the epicenter of the party really is around the city moat, all around. Foreigners tend to concentrate near Thapae Gate and Loy Kroh. (So that's also a concentration in less good judgement when it comes to conduct.)

• Is everything else closing from the 13th to the 15th ?

No, almost everything is open except banks, offices, etc. Do note that it already starts in earnest on the 12th, with some bar areas getting an early start late afternoon on the 11th.

• Is the burning season still going on mid April?

No, it clears up early April. So far it's never been an issue during Songkran.

• Is it dead at night or does the "nightlife" still lives during Songkran?

Nightlife goes on as usual.. although quite a few people (incl. Yours Truly) will be well spent after a day of partying.. So it takes considerable effort to get out again.

• I am guessing renting a scooter is a death wish during those days ?

Yes, especially when used to actually get somewhere at speed, and/or when swerving to avoid buckets. However some people like to join in on motorbike going very slowly around the moat. So when taking it *VERY* slow and basically coming to a complete stop to let people hose you with water then you will likely live. (Easy to get minor scratches on bikes though.)

• Any tips?

Yeah. I'll do another post with tips when we're on page two. I'll give the haters & grinches some space first to dribble in some comments.

Edited February 25, 2016 by WinnieTheKhwai

[Rainville]

Ha! My favorite topic.

• Is it goign down everywhere or mostly around the old city? Should we expect to be wet all the time?

You can expect to get wet everywhere, but the epicenter of the party really is around the city moat, all around. Foreigners tend to concentrate near Thapae Gate and Loy Kroh. (So that's also a concentration in less good judgement when it comes to conduct.)

• Is everything else closing from the 13th to the 15th ?

No, almost everything is open except banks, offices, etc.

• Is the bruning season still going on mid April?

No, it clears up early April. So far it's never been an issue during Songkran.

• Is it dead at night or does the "nightlife" still lives during Songkran?

Nightlife goes on as usual.. although quite a few people (incl. Yours Truly) will be well spent after a day of partying.. So it takes considerable effort to get out again.

• I am guessing renting a scooter is a death wish during those days ?

Yes, when used to actually get somewwere at speed, and/or when swerving to avoid buckets. However some people like to join in on motorbike going very slowly around the moat. So when taking it *VERY* slow and basically coming to a complete stop to let people hose you with water then you will likely live. (Easy to get minor scratches on bikes though.)

• Any tips?

Yeah. I'll do another post with tips.

Thanks ! Very helpful.

We are considering going for a 2 day trip to Pai but are a bit afraid of the road during Songkran. We'll be careful.

And avoiding the burning season is a relief !

Cheers.

[MrTee]

tip, never wipe your butt with a pineapple.

Also get a rain-mack, plastic water proof holder for phones, wallet etc..
Do not let it get to you.. that is, Jai Yen yen..

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Thanks ! Very helpful.

We are considering going for a 2 day trip to Pai but are a bit afraid of the road during Songkran. We'll be careful.

Don't do that, and especially not driving yourself on motorbikes.

It really is very dangerous on the main roads and the Pai road is already challenging at any time. This not just due to water buckets flying around, but also drunk driving.

If you do go to Pai I'd do it before the 12th or after the 15th.

And for celebrating Songkran, the best places are those with easy access to a lot of water, and not too many lunatic foreigners with any common sense surgically removed. I haven't been to Pai for Songkran but I'm betting it won't be as good as Chiang Mai.

Edited February 25, 2016 by WinnieTheKhwai

[masuk]

I agree totally with Winnie da Khwai. However, there has been no mention of the rotters who put lumps of ice in the water. While going from 37C to 15C in a splash is invigorating, to get chunks of ice in the face can be downright painful.

I avoid the moat area, as people refill from the moat, and it's not the most inviting brown/green stuff in there. I tend to stay a bit west of the moat, where certain establishments provide tubs of tap water for refilling of weapons.

A ride in a tuk-tuk can be just as wet as a motorbike and safer.

I think it's fun, but I do avoid the over-enthusiastic yobbos around Thae Pae gate.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

To get a start on tips, I wrote the below specifically with children in mind, but most of it applies in general as well. Then later I'll add some comments of a more strategic & tactical nature when it comes to water battles.

A Parent's Guide to Songkran

The Thai New Year festivities will soon be upon us once again, which plenty partying, watery fun and general merriment to be had for all.

Kids especially enjoy the water festival, but for responsible parents there are definitely several do's and don'ts about the festival when it comes to kids joining in.

With 18 Songkrans under my belt and as a parent of two young children, I would like to make some recommendations for a fun and safe Songkran celebration.

Locations

Many locations are not safe or appropriate for young kids.

· Avoid locations close to fast moving or heavy traffic. It's too easy to stray on to the road and be too close to traffic. Don't play water along highways in and out of town.

· The city moat is a prime location for the festivities, and for large sections of the moat the traffic moves slow enough. Keep in mind that the moat itself is VERY deep. If kids aren't excellent swimmers, they should not be on the side where the water is. As there are many people running and playing there, and as the pavement will get slippery from the water, it becomes too easy to fall into the moat. And even if they are excellent swimmers, you still don't want them to panic; keep in mind that in most places it's difficult to get out again, they would need help getting back on shore.

· Don't pick a location near raunchy bars, especially not where there are many adult Western (and Thai) men drinking and partying. Kids can get run into, and drinking sometimes leads to trouble

With the above in mind, if you play along the moat at all, then for example the stretch North of Thapae Gate on the side of the Amora hotel is suitable: traffic moves slowly there approaching the Thapae Gate bottle neck, and it's (just) far enough away from the Farang bar area. Thapae Road also moves slowly. Also consider some of the smaller sois, but make sure there is enough space on the side, and good visibility of any traffic through the soi.

Picking a location in front of a restaurant or hotel/guesthouse is good, often these places have some people celebrating in front already, and the place likely provides clean tap water to use. And it's nice to be able to order some food and drink, use the washroom, etc.

Precautions

· Tell kids where they can go, and where they cannot go. They should never get on to the road or soi itself. If they drop a bucket or water gun there by accident, they should call you or another adult to retrieve it.

· No running. It can get VERY slippery, and it's easy to fall and get hurt. Open wounds can easily get infected, so any cut = Game Over.

· Try to keep your mouth shut. Even though you try to pick a place that provides tap water, it's very likely to also get hit with water straight from the moat.

· Use Sunblock! Would be better to be in a shaded place, but when out in the sun it is VERY easy to get severe sun burns. Use a water-proof sun block and re-apply as needed. Don't forget any spots, ears, feet, etc. Using long sleeves and long pants or skirts is also a good idea.

· After-party health check: Bathe kids thoroughly afterwards and put on clean, dry clothes. Be aware of common ailments such as irritated eyes, ear infections, upset stomach, sunburn, cuts and scratches.

Instructions for the kids..

· No spraying on things that shouldn't get wet. (Point these out, if any)

· NO SPRAYING AT MOTORCYCLES unless they've stopped and are clearly participating. This goes for adults too, but no harm in teaching this early. It's too easy for motorbike riders to get into a fall or accident when they try to avoid getting wet. Even just pretending/threatening to spray water distracts their attention from traffic. So just don't. Yes, other people do it. But we don't.

· NO SPRAYING AT people who clearly indicate they don't want to partake, or who have items with them that shouldn’t get wet. (Including food sellers, etc.) Yes, other people do it. But we don't.

Others

Kids can get cold quickly when wet. Make sure you can either get back home quickly, or that you carry dry clothes and a towel so kids can get dry, rest a bit and have some food/drink in a nearby restaurant, hotel or guesthouse.

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck is dangerous. If kids are old enough to join a truck, they should NEVER stand up while in the vehicle. They should sit down all the time. You don't want kids falling out of trucks.

This should go without saying, but when driving kids in and out of town, make sure the driver doesn't drink and drives responsibly. After dark it's best not to be on (or near) the road at all, as there are many drunk drivers.

Finally

If this is your first Songkran, go test the waters (heh) yourself first before bringing the whole family. No matter what you've heard, you can't possibly be prepared for complete mayhem and mass party all around. This will also allow you to pick a good spot to take the kids.

Know that in addition to the crazy party, Songkran is also a religious and cultural festival, with many events organized around town, and with many people visiting temples. It's well worth catching some of these; all of these activities are kids-safe; they mostly happen in the mornings before the masses start the party.

Decide if you want to take your kid into town at all. An alternative Songkran party would be to get together with other parents and kids in a garden setting somewhere and let the kids go at it amongst themselves. Safe, clean and much less stressful for the parents. If some or all of the above has raised concern: GOOD! This is in no way a recommendation to let kids participate in Songkran in any way; make your own informed decision if, where and how to celebrate Songkran.

!!! Happy New Year -- Sawatdee Pee Mai !!!

Edited February 25, 2016 by WinnieTheKhwai

[Rainville]

I agree totally with Winnie da Khwai. However, there has been no mention of the rotters who put lumps of ice in the water. While going from 37C to 15C in a splash is invigorating, to get chunks of ice in the face can be downright painful.

I avoid the moat area, as people refill from the moat, and it's not the most inviting brown/green stuff in there. I tend to stay a bit west of the moat, where certain establishments provide tubs of tap water for refilling of weapons.

A ride in a tuk-tuk can be just as wet as a motorbike and safer.

I think it's fun, but I do avoid the over-enthusiastic yobbos around Thae Pae gate.

<deleted>, I can't begin to imagine riding a motorbike (even slowly) and getting headshotted by a 10C water with ice chunks in it

[Rainville]

Finally

If this is your first Songkran, go test the waters (heh) yourself first before bringing the whole family. No matter what you've heard, you can't possibly be prepared for complete mayhem and mass party all around. This will also allow you to pick a good spot to take the kids.

Know that in addition to the crazy party, Songkran is also a religious and cultural festival, with many events organized around town, and with many people visiting temples. It's well worth catching some of these; all of these activities are kids-safe; they mostly happen in the mornings before the masses start the party.

Decide if you want to take your kid into town at all. An alternative Songkran party would be to get together with other parents and kids in a garden setting somewhere and let the kids go at it amongst themselves. Safe, clean and much less stressful for the parents. If some or all of the above has raised concern: GOOD! This is in no way a recommendation to let kids participate in Songkran in any way; make your own informed decision if, where and how to celebrate Songkran.

!!! Happy New Year -- Sawatdee Pee Mai !!!

Hey thanks for the huge reply. Definitely useful, we're still kids inside

[Tywais]

• Is everything else closing from the 13th to the 15th ?

No, almost everything is open except banks, offices, etc. Do note that it already starts in earnest on the 12th, with some bar areas getting an early start late afternoon on the 11th.

Some clarification on this. All government offices such as Immigration, post offices, land transport dept., etc. will be closed. Bank main branches will be closed but satellite branches such as in malls will be open. Offices or businesses will close at their discretion to give workers time off.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Last year:

At night (2013) :

Edited February 25, 2016 by WinnieTheKhwai

[roo860]

It's cancelled this year, emergency drought measures issued by local government.

[terminatorchiangmai]

Better go to the ocean where they have plenty of water.

Chiang Mai most likely will celebrate Songkran between 2 and 5 pm when there is no alcohol to be served !

[MadMac]

I refuse to even think about it.

[FolkGuitar]

Permit me to stress one point... EVERYTHING GETS WET.

If you must bring a wallet and phone, they should be in VERY waterproof cases. A week before the water throwing begins you'll see these being sold all around town. You can find them sized for a mobile phone or an iPad, and everything in between.

I'll carry only my phone, driver's license and some money, in a double plastic bag. NOTHING else in my pockets.

My camera can get wet. So can my phone. Actually, so can my license. But wet money is a bother...

[Chicog]

Yep, you could put your phone and smokes in a ziploc bag inside a decompression chamber and somehow they will still get soaked!

It is madness.

[Dante99]

Bali is quite nice at Sonkran time. Hoi An, Dalat, Lake Toba and Ankor Wat are good too.

[elektrified]

I'm not having anything to do with it this year. With all the traffic now, the pollution, the Chinese.....the drunken idiots that show up from USA, etc...naahhhhh...not this year. I'm going to the beach for a few weeks to escape the madness. In fact I'll probably beach hop to a couple of different locations.

Have fun.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Better go to the ocean where they have plenty of water.

...but little of it easily accessible. Case in point: Pattaya. Town is right by the sea, but it's a terrrible place for Songkran, and lack of plentiful water access is part of the reasons.

Much easier to chuck a bucket in a moat, right next to the road..

(Also the municipality treats the moat water in the run up to the festival, running more water through and chlorinating it. That makes it still not as good as sea water, but pretty much okay.)

[Microwave]

6 years ago I had a tall refuse can full of water thrown at me by two people (likely too heavy for 1 person to pick up) while riding my motorcycle near Mae Rim 2 days before Songkran was scheduled to begin. I didn't see it coming and the ensuing fall broke my right forearm in two places and I had two cracked ribs.

Motorcycle was fine except for one cracked mirror.

Just because Songkran is scheduled for 13 -15 April doesn't mean that those dates are adhered to.

[naboo]

It's cancelled this year, emergency drought measures issued by local government.

I read this in the Thsi news yesterday. Only sprinkling of water, none of the waterfights.

There may be an exception for Chiang Mai given the tourist aspect and most of the water coming out of the moat, but if there is the report I read didn't mention it.

[slerickson]

Songkran is great fun. And I found People to be very respectful about tossing water on me. Some people here would lead you to believe you'll get fire hoses turned on you wherever you go.

[bbbbooboo]

I simply avoid Thailand like the plague during songkran. The roads in particular become even more dangerous( I know this sounds impossible but it is true)

[FolkGuitar]

I still enjoy the first 'real' day of Songkran, although I could do without the ice in the water.

Hot day, cool water, lots and lots of laughing people everywhere you go, music (if you can stretch the definition) pounding out by bands standing side by side, with water canons spraying over the dancing crowds... There is so much positive energy in the air!

[Catoni]

All over the city to some extent.. But primarily around the old city moat and the major streets running off of it.

Yes... if you don't want to get wet.... stock up with supplies in your room and don't come out for three days.. You go out.... you WILL be soaked whether you like it or not. So like it ! !

Get ziplock bags for your wallet, passport etc or buy one of those dry bags you can wear around your neck they will be selling everywhere.

Everything was open for Songkran 2013... A big party.. lots of fun. If you're an old guy.... you'll feel young again if you let yourself loosen up a bit an take part.

I'm an old man, and I felt like I was in my thirties again.... lots of fun.

Yes, the burning season was still going on... .but slowing down.... not too bad. didn't even notice it during Songkran.

You might want to wear earplugs near Thapae Gate... the loudspeakers there are deafening... and if someone blasts you in the ear with a Supersoaker close up.... it can HURT or maybe even damage your eardrum... Yes... I've seen it happen.

So I suggest earplugs... for those two reasons..

The soaking with water stopped at sundown... but all the entertainment places were still going strong..

I didn't rent a scooter.... .just used Tuk Tuks and Songthaews. Riding them won't keep you dry either. People will come up and throw pails of water in the back to get you. Buy a SuperSoaker and take part in the fun. You won't even notice the tropical heat.

ENJOY I hope you have a waterproof camera to record some of the fun :)

[WinnieTheKhwai]

It's cancelled this year, emergency drought measures issued by local government.

I read this in the Thsi news yesterday. Only sprinkling of water, none of the waterfights.

There may be an exception for Chiang Mai given the tourist aspect and most of the water coming out of the moat, but if there is the report I read didn't mention it.

Yeah.. well good luck to the authorities with that.

Also.. in many ways the whole purpose of the festival is to bring on the rains. It's a fertility rite with a nice Buddhist veneer. So not throwing water could actually be fairly bad luck for the abundance of water for farming in the coming crop season.

It even works: very often late afternoon on the 13 there is some rain. (perhaps due to all the easily evaporating water from all the roads, etc.)

That said, I don't think it would be too bad to tone it down a little: it's not the volume that matters, it's what you do with it. (As well as temperature. )

I can be quite effective with a tiny little pocket water gun and a little silver cup, and some chilled, clean drinking water.

Accuracy.. surprise.. your allies they are.

Edited February 26, 2016 by WinnieTheKhwai

[Throck]

To get a start on tips, I wrote the below specifically with children in mind, but most of it applies in general as well. Then later I'll add some comments of a more strategic & tactical nature when it comes to water battles.

A Parent's Guide to Songkran

The Thai New Year festivities will soon be upon us once again, which plenty partying, watery fun and general merriment to be had for all.

Kids especially enjoy the water festival, but for responsible parents there are definitely several do's and don'ts about the festival when it comes to kids joining in.

With 18 Songkrans under my belt and as a parent of two young children, I would like to make some recommendations for a fun and safe Songkran celebration.

Locations

Many locations are not safe or appropriate for young kids.

· Avoid locations close to fast moving or heavy traffic. It's too easy to stray on to the road and be too close to traffic. Don't play water along highways in and out of town.

· The city moat is a prime location for the festivities, and for large sections of the moat the traffic moves slow enough. Keep in mind that the moat itself is VERY deep. If kids aren't excellent swimmers, they should not be on the side where the water is. As there are many people running and playing there, and as the pavement will get slippery from the water, it becomes too easy to fall into the moat. And even if they are excellent swimmers, you still don't want them to panic; keep in mind that in most places it's difficult to get out again, they would need help getting back on shore.

· Don't pick a location near raunchy bars, especially not where there are many adult Western (and Thai) men drinking and partying. Kids can get run into, and drinking sometimes leads to trouble

With the above in mind, if you play along the moat at all, then for example the stretch North of Thapae Gate on the side of the Amora hotel is suitable: traffic moves slowly there approaching the Thapae Gate bottle neck, and it's (just) far enough away from the Farang bar area. Thapae Road also moves slowly. Also consider some of the smaller sois, but make sure there is enough space on the side, and good visibility of any traffic through the soi.

Picking a location in front of a restaurant or hotel/guesthouse is good, often these places have some people celebrating in front already, and the place likely provides clean tap water to use. And it's nice to be able to order some food and drink, use the washroom, etc.

Precautions

· Tell kids where they can go, and where they cannot go. They should never get on to the road or soi itself. If they drop a bucket or water gun there by accident, they should call you or another adult to retrieve it.

· No running. It can get VERY slippery, and it's easy to fall and get hurt. Open wounds can easily get infected, so any cut = Game Over.

· Try to keep your mouth shut. Even though you try to pick a place that provides tap water, it's very likely to also get hit with water straight from the moat.

· Use Sunblock! Would be better to be in a shaded place, but when out in the sun it is VERY easy to get severe sun burns. Use a water-proof sun block and re-apply as needed. Don't forget any spots, ears, feet, etc. Using long sleeves and long pants or skirts is also a good idea.

· After-party health check: Bathe kids thoroughly afterwards and put on clean, dry clothes. Be aware of common ailments such as irritated eyes, ear infections, upset stomach, sunburn, cuts and scratches.

Instructions for the kids..

· No spraying on things that shouldn't get wet. (Point these out, if any)

· NO SPRAYING AT MOTORCYCLES unless they've stopped and are clearly participating. This goes for adults too, but no harm in teaching this early. It's too easy for motorbike riders to get into a fall or accident when they try to avoid getting wet. Even just pretending/threatening to spray water distracts their attention from traffic. So just don't. Yes, other people do it. But we don't.

· NO SPRAYING AT people who clearly indicate they don't want to partake, or who have items with them that shouldn’t get wet. (Including food sellers, etc.) Yes, other people do it. But we don't.

Others

Kids can get cold quickly when wet. Make sure you can either get back home quickly, or that you carry dry clothes and a towel so kids can get dry, rest a bit and have some food/drink in a nearby restaurant, hotel or guesthouse.

Riding in the back of a pick-up truck is dangerous. If kids are old enough to join a truck, they should NEVER stand up while in the vehicle. They should sit down all the time. You don't want kids falling out of trucks.

This should go without saying, but when driving kids in and out of town, make sure the driver doesn't drink and drives responsibly. After dark it's best not to be on (or near) the road at all, as there are many drunk drivers.

Finally

If this is your first Songkran, go test the waters (heh) yourself first before bringing the whole family. No matter what you've heard, you can't possibly be prepared for complete mayhem and mass party all around. This will also allow you to pick a good spot to take the kids.

Know that in addition to the crazy party, Songkran is also a religious and cultural festival, with many events organized around town, and with many people visiting temples. It's well worth catching some of these; all of these activities are kids-safe; they mostly happen in the mornings before the masses start the party.

Decide if you want to take your kid into town at all. An alternative Songkran party would be to get together with other parents and kids in a garden setting somewhere and let the kids go at it amongst themselves. Safe, clean and much less stressful for the parents. If some or all of the above has raised concern: GOOD! This is in no way a recommendation to let kids participate in Songkran in any way; make your own informed decision if, where and how to celebrate Songkran.

!!! Happy New Year -- Sawatdee Pee Mai !!!

Great advice. For our kids we also have them wear swim goggles or safety glasses as moat water in the eye can cause a nasty infection.

[menzies233]

I will avoid it like the plague this year as whatever they will throwing out of their buckets will not be water if we don't get some heavy rain......dysentry, typhoid, ear infections....can't wait!

[WinnieTheKhwai]

^ That's what the alcohol is for.

If any bacterium gets near my blood stream it's going to go 'well F$*# this' and move right along.

Preventive therapy!

Edited February 26, 2016 by WinnieTheKhwai

[chicowoodduck]

How the word like and Songkran can be in the same sentence is always the big mystery to me.....one of the WORST things about LOS. ? Just one more excuse for me to leave the place and find some quiet for a week or so....this year in the Maldives.....woo, woo. ?