Celebrating Songkran in Bangkok

We end our series “Celebrating Songkran in…” by the capital city Bangkok. With Chiang Mai, it is the city which attracts the most foreign visitors during the Thai New Year holidays.

For the religious side of the Songkran festival, the temple of Wat Phra Kaew is the most popular and crowded during Songkran time. There are so many people that entrance is in general free, but dont rally expect to visit it, a small portion is closed to the public and there are so many people that it is hard to walk. Thai people come in family and pour scented water on small Buddha statues placed there for the occasion and do some prayers. The same ritual is also observed in many other temples in the capital.

For the more funny part of Songkran, water fights take place in various locations around Banglamphu, including Khao San Road which certainly welcomes the most impressive of them, Rattanakosin Royal Square, Phra Athit Road, Santhichaiprakan and Wisut Krasat . Other points to “play Songkran in Bangkok” are Silom Road and  Soi Nana in Sukhumvit . Even if you can make water absolutely everywhere in the city (and the country ). Staying dry during Songkran, except if you never go outside is almost impossible ! There is also free concerts at night and a large foam space on the esplanade of Central World mall. And Asiatique The Riverfront, on the banks of the Chao Phraya, hosts Songkran celebrations from the afternoon until midnight from Sunday to Tuesday with traditional foam party and concerts.

And for those seeking a little more authenticity, in the district of Phra Pradeang, you can find Songkran celebrated in Mon style few days after the traditional date. With a big parade along the river until Prod Ket Chettharam temple.

Happy New Year to all Thais ! Sawasdee Pee May na krap !