Even the hardest hearts will find it difficult not to crack a smile on Songkran day, and that’s what it’s all about - the breaking down of inhibitions and a reminder to not take life too seriously. Around Ao Nang, you will find water pistols and guns of varying proportions on sale for several days in the run up to the 13th, so you have plenty of time to arm yourself before the big day. On the day itself, you will find large barrels of water placed on the street outside shops and restaurants that can be used - after asking permission as refueling stations for your weapon of choice.
Water difference a day makes... If you are reading this in it’s print form, then there is a very good chance that you are in Thailand at one of the best times of the year. Yes, it’s hot and humid - but the perfect cure to your sticky woes is right around the corner in the form of “Songkran” - the water festival.
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ongkran is one of the most popular festivals in the Thai year, and with good reason. Not only does it come when the weather is hot and sticky, but it’s a day that is unashamedly fun and is impossible not to get caught up in. Songkran translates from the ancient language of Sanskrit as “New Year”, and this is exactly what it’s all about - it’s the Thai New Year holiday. In the morning of April 13th every year, Thai families will attend their local temples for blessings and cleansing rituals that include the very gentle and elegant pouring of water over the head and shoulders to symbolise the cleansing of the body and spirit, in preparation for the new year ahead. Afterwards, though, things get a little less elegant! The streets fill with throngs of people of every age, wielding all manner of weapons. Some carry plastic bottles, some buckets and others - usually the kids - wield massive water-machine-guns that are nearly bigger than themselves. The roads are made a one-way route, the music blares from massive roadside speakers and the fun begins!
This is definitely not a day to wear your finest designer clothes and test out your shiny new camera on the streets. No, this is a day to wear an old T-shirt, shorts, flip flops and a smile - not much else! Much like Christmas morning when the “going to church” part is over and the present opening begins, this part is what Songkran has become famous for - the general chucking of vast amounts of water at absolutely anyone within range for the best part of 12 hours. The day is all about fun, fun, fun, as shrieks, laughs, howls and the odd swear word fills the air when gallons of water gets propelled from the aforementioned buckets, guns, hoses and bottles over everything and everyone. You will get soaked and will soak others in return. Don’t be surprised if some come up to wipe a white paste on your face, as this is symbolic of a blessing for the new year, and is always done with care and the words, “Sawadee Pi Mai!”, meaning “Happy New Year!” Just be careful not to get any in our eyes, as it will sting. It washes out very easily though, as it is only a mentholated talcum powder mixed with water.
Everyone is a target on Songkran - even the policemen dressed in their immaculate uniforms will end up a soggy, powder-covered state at the end of the day; although it’s always a good idea to ask him first before unloading your 4 litre super-soaker-deluxe cannon in his face…
While the day is all about having fun, there are a few tips I can give you on how to make the most of it so you have a safe and stress-free time. • If you are at all not happy about the idea of getting wet, the only thing you can do on Songkran day is stay inside. That’s it. As soon as you step outside, you are immediately fair game… • If you are looking for a little respite from the constant soaking, then duck into the nearest restaurant or bar, as these indoor areas are generally off-limits to canonwielding infants. • Like I mentioned before, this is not the day to take out your expensive new camera for a test run, unless it’s in some sort of waterproof cover. If you want to take photos, you can buy plastic pouches for most compact cameras in many of the shops along the beach front, as well as most dive stores in the area. • If you’re bringing items like your wallet, purse and mobile phone with you, then take them in a plastic bag or better yet, a “dry bag” that you can buy at most shops in Ao Nang. • It’s a good idea to not ride your moped around town, as you will still be a target. Although there is an unspoken rule that riders should not have water thrown at them, it happens more often than not. Add to this the fact that the roads will be very slippery, as well as an increased number of drunk-drivers weaving around and you have a recipe for disaster. Park the bike and walk - it’s safer and much more fun to boot. • Ao Nang is predominantly a Muslim community, so try
to respect their traditions and wear a little more than your favourite skimpy bikini or Speedos. Guys, keep your T-shirts and shorts on and gals, wrap a sarong around your waist if you can. (This actually goes for every other day in the year too!) • The fact that you are constantly soaked in cool water and mentholated power can make you forget that the Thai sun will get you in the end. Slather plenty of strong sunscreen on before you leave your room in the morning, and bring it with you in a dry bag to reapply throughout the day. April 14th in Ao Nang is usually filled with lobster-people limping around in the shadows. Don’t become one of them… • While almost everyone is fair game for a soaking on Songkran day, it’s good manners to ask before drenching an elderly Thai. They will most likely agree with a smile, upon when you should pour a little water over their shoulders. They will very much appreciate your manners and you will have garnered favour with the Gods at the same time. Never a bad thing… • It’s worth noting that hoards of young boys usually arrive from the outlying towns and villages on this day so they can ogle the hundreds of foreign ladies wearing not much at all. There has been a practice of drunken requests for hugs by these mini lotharios, but this is not tradition at all - more an attempt at copping a quick feel. Don’t encourage them by wearing very revealing clothes and refuse any hug-requests.
Follow these simple, common sense tips and you will have a blast - I promise. Happy New Year!
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