Songkran Thailand 2014 Where to go?

First, let's talk about what the Songkran festival is. The word Songkran (สงกรานต์) comes from the association of two words : Sankhara ( in Pali language ) and Sankranti (in Sanskrit language). Those two words indicate the idea of movement or change.

Every year, in April, during Thailand's hottest period (from April13^th to April 15^th ), the Thais gather to celebrate Songkran Day during what is called the Songkran festival, world widely known as the biggest Water Festival.

But did you know that this three-day event is considered by Thai people as their national New Year and one of the most important events in their culture?

During three days, the Thais celebrate this festival by throwing water at each other, by doing many religious activities such as prayers at the temple, processions, the building of sand pagodas, the ritual of bathing the Buddha...

Another important thing they do during this period is paying respect to their family : by pouring scented water onto their parents'/grandparents' hands, for example. In return, they're given blessings.

Throughout the years, the Songkran festival has become more and more famous, arousing the interest of foreigners not only concerning this event in particular but also concerning Thailand up to the point that foreigners are even more impatient to enjoy and celebrate Songkran than the Thais.

Of course, there are lots of places where you can celebrate this event but I'll help you make your choice. Here are my 5 favorite destinations to enjoy Songkran this year :

          Songkran festival in Bangkok  :

Kaosan Road, Silom Road, Sukumwit Areas, Siam and Central world ,Lan Khon Mueang, Banglamphu,

      Songkran festival  in Chiang Mai:

         Enjoy Lanna-style cultural performances and traditions "Prapeni Pi Mai Mueang", join the

parade and pour water on the prominent statue of Buddha.

 Songkran festival  in Pattaya

Two places are worth a visit in Chon Buri : Bang Saen Beach and Pattaya. In these two places, Songkran lasts a bit longer than in Bangkok. There, you'll able to enjoy celebrating this event 2 days more than in the capital. Called “ Wan Lai Songkran” translated as 'Flowing Day' (Songkran), this festival takes place on 18-19 April. The activities you'll do there are basically the same as the ones you'd find in any other places except for one thing: the “Kong Khao” procession, a procession which shows appreciation and respect towards the Goddess of Rice.

Songkran festival  in Phuket 

Patong Beach, in Phuket, is definitely one of the best places to be to celebrate Songkran because of its landscapes and the great variety of its natural resources. Moreover, people there are very welcoming and this year again, they expect to celebrate this event with friendly visitors from all over the world.

Khon Kaen Songkran Festival

Kaoneaw Road , in Khon Kaen, is known to be very fun due to its “ Human Wave”. Nevertheless, to be part of this funny event, you must obey some of the following rules: 1) Do not drink (alcohol) 2) Do not be drunk 3) Do not wrangle. I assume that for some people it may be hard but you definitely still can have fun there.

Moreover, there will be many activities for each of you to enjoy.

One more thing, try to pay attention to all the roads that start with a “ Khao” word such as Khao San Road (in Bangkok), Khao Yam Road (in Chonburi), Khao Lam Road (in Chonburi), Khao Piak Road (in Udon Thani) and many more. That's where the best parties are most of the time.

To conclude, I hope you'll have a lot of fun during this Songkran festival, anywhere in Thailand. I wish you a very happy and warm Thai New Year. Happy Songkran Day. Sawasdee ka

Credit for the pictures : http://www.modxtoy.com ,http://www.staychiangmai.com ,http://www.phuketonlinenews.com , http://www.hr.cpvina.com