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Songkran festival Phuket

Songkran festival Phuket: 

Water, colour and endless fun the Songkran festival is one of, if not the most, popular traditional festivals in Thailand. Marking the beginning of the Thai New Year, the holiday has been recognised internationally, being named as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2023 and is an opportunity for anyone, families, friends… to go out and enjoy the rich cultural wealth of Thailand. 

Here in Phuket you’re all set for a couple of days of vibrancy and wishing you had packed more clothes to replace the wet ones! The festival has become an island wide celebration, with people from all backgrounds lining the streets, drenched, with water guns and buckets at the ready to splash unexpecting passersby. Tourists and local people join in the mayhem with particular hotspots being Phuket Old Town, Pathong and beach side communities giving easy access to anyone who so much as leaves their home. But keep an eye out on the 13th of April, the official day for water splashing in Phuket, or at least it should be. In spite of this the watery mayhem could sneak up on you at any time so keep your wits about you, unless getting that new dress  wet is on your Thailand bucket list! 

Other than the main events there are a multitude of activities to join in around the Island. If water rides and colour are your kind of thing why not go and check out the “The Songkran Festival 2024, The ultimate pool party in Phuket” happening at the Andamanda Water Park, with normal opening hours between 9am and 5 pm, the Songkran event will open at 6pm on April 13th. 

For a more food based approach, the Phuket Marriott Resort Merlin Beach is hosting an afternoon of food trucks, drinks, a live band and of course water fights! Happening on the 14th of April from 3pm to 8pm it will surely be an evening of refined chaos. 

Similarly, the Novotel resort Phuket, offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in either element of the festival, with a parade beginning at 12pm, activities at the sky pool and an opening market at the lobby the options are endless!

As well as experiencing the fun of the many activities organised for the world’s largest water fight, immerse yourself in the rich world of Thai traditional food. Thai cuisine is incredibly diverse, from sweet to sour, noodles, rice and more. Coming to Thailand will not only expand your view of life but also your tolerance for spice, so be ready to burn your taste buds off!  For Songkran in particular, make sure to try out traditional dishes such as Khao Chae, a mix of side dishes served with a healthy dose of rice and fragrant water, as well as Prawn Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao Talay and of course mango sticky rice. Can you truly say you’ve visited Thailand if you haven’t taken a bite out of one of the most popular deserts of the country? 

However if you want to experience more of the historical cultural elements of the holiday, head down to the many temples scattered across the island. Early in the morning the sprinkling of water on a statue of the Buddha is customary as well as on the hands of the elders while saying a small prayer. As a sign of respect, such rituals are integral parts of the Thai way of life. Some of the most popular temples to visit are Wat Chalong, Wat Phra Nang Sang and Wat Sri Sunthorn, where you can experience the merit making rituals and feel a better understanding of both yourself, but also the importance of reflection in the Thai way of life.  

Tips and tricks for the best Songkran experience: 

  • Don’t hold back 
    • Remember that while visiting Phuket you are able to join in on of the most culturally significant festivals that the island has to offer and enjoying it to the full is the best gift that you can give yourself, so get those waterproofs on, take off your jewellery or anything you wouldn’t want to loose or get wet and get stuck in!
  • Choose your weapon of choice 
    • Though you can splash people with anything, water guns are a popular choice, with precision and aim you can enjoy the day to the fullest while getting revenge on those who splash you. Alternatively, buckets are popular, so just make sure that you have something!
  • Be careful with the water
    • Though it’s such an exciting experience, respect for property and others should still be an important factor in how you go about your day, remember to not damage property and not hurt others. Also, the intensity of the festival may be overwhelming for some, so be understanding if someone is having a hard time and in the spirit of Songkra give them a helping hand. 

But most importantly, have fun, be safe and happy Songkran!!!

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