Coming to the Bootcamp in Phuket during April?
Then you are in for a treat if you’re here from 13-15th. This is the celebration of New Year or Songkran throughout Thailand, an event that marks the beginning of the Thai solar calendar. Songkran is the largest celebration in Thailand, and arguably the largest water fight in the world; plan on at least three days of wet, rowdy fun!
There is no Bootcamp schedule running during 11th, 12th & 13th so time to kick back, relax and get soaked! You won’t mind the drenching as it can be nearly 40 degrees during April!
Traditionally it is believed that Songkran is to have been adapted from the Sankranti Hindu Festival and for some it is a time for reflection but for others (most!) now it has also become a time to hit the streets and party and throw tons of water around and also another reason to visit Thailand!
By midday on April 13 the streets are lined with pick up trucks loaded with ice cold water and ‘water warriors’ lining the streets splashing and shooting water at anything that moves! No one is exempt- even children delight in equipping themselves with water guns and spraying anyone who comes in their path!
Normally the police will try to keep a cap on things by allowing water throwing only on April 13 but it appears that in Phuket and Patong anything goes so expect the watery revelry to last longer there.
Things you need to know
• You will get very wet! In fact, unless you barricade yourself inside the hotel room, don’t plan to be dry during daylight hours. No one is immune. No matter how much you plea or what items you are carrying with you, you will probably be attacked by the staff with water as soon as you exit your hotel room.
• Songkran has claimed more than its share of cameras and phones. As mentioned above, either waterproof everything or leave all valuables at your hotel.
• Drunken revelry is a big part of the Thailand water festival. Expect hordes of people dancing and drinking in the streets.
How to Celebrate the Thailand Water Festival
• Keep a good attitude! Both fun-loving Thais and tourists are going to splash you with water — don’t get mad or feel singled out. No one is exempt from the wet mayhem.
• Either get a bucket — there will be many around for free — or purchase a water cannon in the market so that you can join the fun.
• Be safe. Drunk driving is a serious problem during Songkran; be careful when crossing the road or while standing in the street and DON’T get on a moped the roads are really slippery and dangerous.
• Although the water splashing is fun for everyone, remember that Songkran is actually a religious festival. Stay out of the way of worshipers at temples and shrines.
Songkran Greetings
The traditional way to wish someone well at Songkran and to make peace after splashing them is with: sah-wah-dee pee mai which basically means “happy new year.”
More than likely, you’ll hear suk san wan Songkran (pronounced: suke sahn wahn song kran) more often, which means “happy Songkran day.”
