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Travel<br />
Make Merit<br />
Since it’s a Thai traditional New Year, you should try<br />
celebrating Songkran the local way. As making merit is<br />
an essential part of the festival, go visit the nine<br />
sacred temples around the Rattanokosin area in<br />
Bangkok. They are Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat<br />
Suthat Thepphawararam, Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat<br />
Boworn, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Rakhang<br />
Khositaram, Wat Arun and Wat Kanlaya.<br />
When Is Songkran Actually?<br />
Songkran used to be calculated based on a solar<br />
calendar which varies from one year to another. Now,<br />
Songkran in Bangkok is celebrated from 13 to 15 April<br />
each year.<br />
Places To Celebrate Songkran<br />
in Bangkok<br />
Silom<br />
Are you ready for the largest and wildest crowd in Bangkok?<br />
The entire street of about 5km in length is packed with<br />
thousands of young Thais carrying anything that can spray<br />
water. If you plan on just staying dry while witnessing the<br />
unfolding events, there is a BTS Sky Walk that runs above<br />
the street which can give you a good overview of the<br />
happenings of Songkran. Be mindful that you should be<br />
carrying your valuable items in a waterproof or plastic bag.<br />
Look out for firetrucks that ambush at intersections with their<br />
incredibly powerful water hoses and be prepared to get wet!<br />
Khao San Road<br />
If you want to get all soaked from head to toe in the middle<br />
of a wild party, then drop by Khao San Road. The whole<br />
street is turned into an almighty water fight where you are<br />
sure to get absolutely wet. Although there are police<br />
checkpoints set up at both ends of the street to confiscate<br />
bottles and cans, you can still buy refreshments from the<br />
many bars that stay open throughout the festival.<br />
Phra Pradaeng District<br />
If you are looking for a more traditional Songkran feel, Phra<br />
Pradaeng district is the place to be where the Thai-Raman<br />
communities live out the tradition. The celebration in this<br />
district takes place about a week later than in central<br />
Bangkok and is full of cultural significance. Getting splashed<br />
aside, you will also get to enjoy the cultural activities such as<br />
the ‘saba’ game, Raman dances, boat races, floral floats<br />
parade and so on.<br />
Sanam Luang<br />
The sacred Songkran celebration is held at Sanam Luang,<br />
which is located opposite the Grand Palace. It is here where<br />
the Buddha image, ‘Buddha Sihing’ is brought out from the<br />
National Museum and escorted along the streets for people<br />
to sprinkle water on for the first day of Songkran. The image<br />
will be there for three days so that people can still pay their<br />
respects if they missed the procession.<br />
Beauty Pageants &<br />
Food Fairs Around<br />
Wisutkasat Area<br />
Water fights aside, a Miss Songkran Beauty<br />
contest is held in the Wisutkasat area<br />
where it is also accompanied by meritmaking,<br />
parade and other fun activities.<br />
Look out for food fairs and special<br />
Songkran menus at selected hotels and<br />
restaurants to get a taste of the festivity.<br />
Do’s and Don’ts at Songkran<br />
• Use waterproof bags to<br />
protect valuables<br />
• Be mindful of your belongings<br />
• Smile and have fun<br />
• Don’t throw water with ice or<br />
dirty water<br />
• Don’t throw water at motorcyclists<br />
to prevent accidents<br />
• Don’t douse monks, babies or<br />
the elderly<br />
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