Welcome to our blog post about Songkran, the world’s biggest water festival! This amazing event takes place in Phuket, Thailand every year and is sure to delight anyone who attends. Songkran is a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate the fresh start of the new year. It’s also a time to release all of your anger, frustrations and past hurts. So what better way to do this than by indulging in a day or two of fun filled mayhem? From celebratory water fights to soaking locals and even Buddha statues, Songkran is truly a unique experience that you don’t want to miss out on. So mark the date on your calendar and join us in welcoming the new year!
What is Songkran?
Songkran is the world's largest water festival, celebrated in Thailand on the full moon of April. The festival commemorates the release from prison of the Lord Buddha after he completed his round of rebirths. It also celebrates the end of the harvest season and new beginnings. The traditional date for Songkran falls on 15 April each year, but it can be observed any time between 12pm-4pm during the day. The main event is a big public splash about which everyone seems to be talking and sharing photos online. Houses and businesses are decorated with colourful water containers, often filled with beer or other refreshments, and there's a great atmosphere as people gather to fill up their containers and wish each other good luck.
The Ritual of Songkran
Songkran celebrates the new year and is a time to cleanse oneself and rid oneself of all bad luck. It is also a time for family and friends to get together and have fun.
To celebrate Songkran in Phuket, there are many things you can do. One way to enjoy the festivities is by going out for a Thai massage or taking a cooling bath at one of the many spas around town. You can also visit local markets to buy delicious food and drinks, or head to the beach to sunbathe and swim. If you're feeling really energetic, take part in some traditional Thai martial arts demonstrations or go swimming with sharks! In the evening, enjoy a lantern parade or watch traditional Thai performances at local theaters.
Must-do things during the festival
Songkran is a Thai national holiday that celebrates the end of the monsoon season and marks the start of the rice growing season. It is also celebrated as a time to cleanse oneself and one's environment of any negative energy. During Songkran, people commonly visit temples to pray for good health and fertility, and they enjoy traditional Thai food and drink.
While Songkran is traditionally a time for family and friends to get together, there are many events and activities taking place throughout Phuket during this important holiday. Some popular places to experience Songkran in Phuket include Patong Beach, Karon Beach Resort, Kata Beach Resort, Thepkasem Road, Kamala Bay, Hua Hin Town Centre, Hat Yai City Centre and more. Here are some of the must-dos during Songkran in Phuket:
1) Drinks – Many restaurants in Phuket offer special deals during Songkran that include free drinks for customers. Try out some local favourites like Leo's Bar & Grill at Karon Beach Resort or The Lobby at Patong Beach Hotel for a refreshing cocktail or two.
2) Food – There are plenty of delicious food options available during Songkran in Phuket. Try out some favourite Thai dishes like larb or pad thai at your favourite restaurant or take advantage of discounted prices at local street stalls. Don't forget about the customary watermelon sips!
3) Temple visits – Songkran is a time to cleanse oneself and one's environment, so it's customary to visit a temple to pray for good health and fertility. Some of the most popular temples in Phuket during Songkran include Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho.
4) Games and activities – There are many fun activities available to enjoy during Songkran in Phuket, like water ballooning, banana boat races, and paintball. Make sure to check out the event schedule for each venue before you go so you don't miss out on any of the exciting festivities.
There's plenty to do during Songkran in Phuket, so make sure to get out and enjoy the holiday!
Best time to visit
The festivities of Songkran kick off on April 13th and run until the 15th of the month. In Phuket, residents and tourists join in the celebration by filling up on water fights, enjoying music and dances, and indulging in Thai food. The best time to visit is from April 13th to 16th when the weather is hot and humid but with a cooling breeze.
Beaches for the revellers
Songkran is a time to rejoice and let loose. The world's biggest water festival is celebrated in various parts of the world, but the fun doesn't stop there – Songkran also features lively beach parties! Here are some of the best places to celebrate Songkran with your friends this year in Phuket:
1. Kata Beach: Located just minutes from Patong beaches, Kata Beach is one of the best places to enjoy a relaxed beach party during Songkran. With plenty of sun loungers and parasols available, it's the perfect spot for summer days spent catching up with friends.
2. Lamai Bay: Lamai Bay is another popular destination for beach-goers looking for an active party scene during Songkran. With several bars and nightclubs located on the bay, all offering different varieties of music and drinks, it's easy to find something to fit everyone's taste.
3. Ko Lanta Bay: Ko Lanta Bay may be known more for its secluded coves and stunning views than its lively nightlife, but that doesn't mean it can't hold its own when it comes to partying during Songkran. With dozens of bars spread out over the bay, Ko Lanta provides plenty of opportunities to get soaked and mingle with your friends while enjoying a delicious cocktail or two.
4. Chaloklum Bay: About an hour's drive north of Phuket Town, Chaloklum Bay is one of the most secluded beaches on the island. It has crystal-clear waters and lovely sandy shores perfect for a day spent lying by the pool or tanning on the beach.
5. Patong Beach: Just a few minutes' walk from Kata Beach, Patong boasts even more stunning white sand beaches and clear blue waters. It's also home to some of Phuket's biggest nightlife venues, so you'll be able to party all night long.
6. Kamala Bay: Another beautiful bay that's about an hour's drive north of Phuket town, Kamala Bay features more than 20 small but beautiful coves with crystal-clear water that make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
7. Lanta Bay: Ko Lanta Bay may be known more for its secluded coves and stunning views than its lively nightlife, but that doesn't mean it can't hold its own when it comes to partying during Songkran. With dozens of bars spread out over the bay, Ko Lanta provides plenty of opportunities to get soaked and mingle with your friends while enjoying a delicious cocktail or two.
Find your perfect stay
Phuket is home to some of the best places to stay in Thailand. From luxurious beachfront resorts, tucked away rural properties, and family-run guesthouses, there’s a perfect option for everyone.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort, Phuket Island Resort offers a wide range of accommodation including villas and cottages set on the white sand beaches of Karon. Alternatively, if you want to get closer to nature then head to Kuai Klang or Ao Nang where you can find smaller properties that offer more private space.
For those looking for something unique, consider staying at one of the island’s elephant camps. These exclusive lodgings offer access to the elephants who can act as your personal tour guides and transportation around the island. If you’re feeling adventurous then consider checking out one of Phuket’s jungle lodges – these rustic establishments offer a truly unique experience not found anywhere else in Thailand.
Finally, if budget is a concern then don’t forget about guesthouses. Many of these establishments don’t have all-inclusive rates so it might be worth checking out several before making a decision. In addition, many guesthouses are open year-round so there’s always an option when it comes to choosing the right place to stay in Phuket!
How to reach Phuket
There are many ways to reach Phuket during Songkran. You can fly into Phuket International Airport, take a ferry from the mainland or use one of the many speedboats that ply the sea around Phuket. If you're coming by car, take the Phetkasem Highway south from Bangkok and follow the signs for Patong and Kata Beach. Alternatively, take Route 4 east from Phnom Penh, passing through Siam Square before arriving in Phuket.
Conclusion
There's no need to be sad (or restricted) in terms of water consumption during Songkran. Celebrate the Thai New Year with a bang by indulging yourself in one of the world's biggest water festivals! From April 13-16, Phuket will be flooded with locals and tourists alike as they bust out their best dressed in order to get free drinks from everyone they meet, regardless of social class or race. So mark the date in your calendar and prepare to drink like there's no tomorrow – it should be an unforgettable experience!
