SONGKRAN – Places To Enjoy Songkran In Thailand …
Silom, Bangkok: The crowd simply goes berserk on this five-km stretch in Bangkok. Armed with water sprayers of every possible size and shape, the people attack each other. The BTS skywalk makes for a great vantage point to watch the riotous scene below.
Khao San Road, Bangkok: Another place where the local people and foreigners break into a raucous celebration.
Phra Athit Road, Bangkok: Enjoy the local cultural programmes and merit-making functions
Sanam Luang, Bangkok: The sacred Buddha image from the National Museum is taken out in a procession for the people to sprinkle water on it. The image is then kept in the square, opposite the Grand Palace, for people to pay their respects.
Rattanokosin Square, Bangkok: The temples here are thronged by the devout as part of their ‘merit-making’ efforts. Stupas are made of sand and decorated with flags and flowers.
Wisut Krasat, Bangkok: Usually, a Miss Songkran beauty pageant is held here along with other fun events.
Ayutthaya: Elephants join the fun at the celebrations held here. Their trunkful of water easily beats the biggest water sprayers and is a great source of enjoyment for visitors. A merit-making ceremony is held at Viharn Phra Mongkolborpit.
Chiang Mai: The Prapeni Pi Mai Mueang lasts five days. The Pae Gate and the Moat area are the places to go to join the water fights. Building sand stupas and other merit-making activities happen at Wat Phra Sing. Visitors can join the opening of the festival.
Pattaya: The touristy areas such as Pattaya and Jomtien beaches are thronged by the water fighters with the sea acting as the favourite splashing arena. And then you can accumulate merits by giving donations to monks, washing Buddha images with perfumed water and making sand stupas. Holding cultural programmes is common.
Hat Yai: Here you can join the midnight water-splashing celebrations held in the city’s downtown area.
