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ISSUE 237 • APRIL 2022
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HOW TO CELEBRATE SONGKRAN IN HUA HIN
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ua Hin Municipality has announced the schedule for this year’s Songkran celebrations, which will take place without water fights. Organised events will be centered around a stage on Hua Hin beach, close to the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin, from April 11 to 13 and will take place under the banner “travel the local way, experience Thai culture, and relax on the beach”. There is also a retro theme for this year’s celebrations with people who attend invited to wear retro style clothing. There will also be a check in corner where people can take photos to share on social media, while vendors will also be showcasing an array of local food. In accordance with the requirements outlined by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), Hua Hin’s Songkran celebrations will take place without public water fights or water splashing activities. Events are also required to follow COVID-19 preventative measures. Hua Hin Songkran 2022 will take place according to the following schedule: April 11 14.30 -18.30 Sand pagoda building contest to win prize money. 17.30 Travel back in time with folk plays performed by Hua Hin Municipality students. 19.00 Opening ceremony “Travel the local way, experience Thai culture, and relax on the beach”. 19.30 Songkran festival opening show 20.00 Rejoice in retro Thai dance! April 12 16.00 Folk games from the community such as Mae Sri Phi Uung Ang, foxes, Luk Chuang, and Luk Yon, culminating in the local play “Phee Pung Tai”. 19.00 Miss Songkran Recycle Contest 19.30 Rejoice in retro Thai dance! April 13 9.30 Pouring scented water on the hands of revered elders and ask for blessing tradition 10.30 The local community sports competition. In addition to the events organised by the local municipality, there are lots of other ways people in Hua Hin can celebrate Songkran. Visit a temple Many Thais will be visiting their local temple to make merit on Songkran.
In Hua Hin and the neighboring districts, there are many temples that will be busy with people from early in the morning on the first day of the Songkran festival. In the centre of town, Wat Hua Hin will be the main temple both locals and tourists will visit. However, for a more scenic experience, it is worth making the effort to drive approximately 30 minutes out of town to visit Wat Huay Mongkol. The temple, located in Thap Thai, features the largest statue of the Buddhist monk called “Luang Phor Thuad”, who lived from 1582 to 1682. Celebrate in style at the Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin The Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin will host its Songkran Week of Wonders between April 9 and 17. The Songkran Week of Wonders is a feast of exciting events, and offers a choice of tempting cuisine and enchanting entertainment throughout the most famous festival of Thailand. The celebrations start at the iconic Railway Restaurant with a special dining offer. The Songkran Thai Set Dinner is a full-course dinner menu that showcases a true taste of Thai cuisine, comprising traditional delicacies of Thailand including Pla Haeng Taeng-Mo or crispy dry fish with water melon for starter and Tom Jiw or pork neck sour stew with herbs. For more information, please contact 032512021, chbr@chr.co.th Splash around at the beach or a water park While water throwing may be prohibited on the streets, there is no need to miss out on all the fun. Get your water fix by visiting one of Hua Hin’s many beaches - you’d be hard pressed to find better in the area than Khao Takiab or Sanae Beach in Nong Khae. If you want to travel further afield, Ao Manao beach is a beautiful spot. Alternatively, splash around to your heart’s content at either of the local water parks: Vana Nava or Black Mountain Water Park.
