primetime Posted February 22, 2005 Report Share Posted February 22, 2005 What happens in Thailand during this time? What is this holiday about and what should I go to see? Is it basically impossible to travel during this period? Are all the stores and services closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedTriple Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Andy... that's the first thing you've posted that I disagree with 100%. Songkran is a blast... reckon the dengue fever must have clouded your mind I was in Samui for Songkran last year and had a great time, a mate of mine has got one of those Warrior pick-ups... There were about 10 of us packed in the back of it with 2 dustbins full of ice water, we drove from Lamai to Chaweng and sat in the traffic getting soaked.. haha.. suppose the fact that we were all bollox'd helped (except the driver of course...) The only bad bit for me was a Thai girl came up to me and covered my face in what I thought was just talcum powder... it was only when she rubbed it in my eyes that I realised it was some sort of menthol stuff, man that hurt like f*ck.. dunno why she did that, but the rest of the day was a blast. Almost certainly gonna be in Chiang Mai for Songkran this year... Anyone else from TF planning on being there for Songkran? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
primetime Posted February 23, 2005 Author Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 I don't know how to put this, but it sounds interesting. Except for the craziness what is being celebrated? Why the holiday? It must have some type of Thai roots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
khun_lung Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 I don't know how to put this, but it sounds interesting. Except for the craziness what is being celebrated? Why the holiday? It must have some type of Thai roots. The origin of Songkran actually is in India and is a Hindu tradition. I don't remember the original story well enough to retell it, but in principle Songkran is a time when the younger generation pays respect to their elders by pouring water over their hands. Nowadays it has gone far afield from it's origin and is a time for recklessly throwing water at people, and foreigners are a prime target. If you REALLY want to participate in the modern version of Songkran in Bangkok then the place to do it is at Khao San Road. In Bangkok it's celebrated as a three day holiday but upcountry it can last for much longer. Businesses are not closed during this time. And Thais do make exceptions for some people. For example they won't douse people selling at food stalls who are just doing their jobs, or the postman making his rounds, or people eating at an outdoor restaurant. But if you're just walking then you're fair game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malky Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 I'm not exactly sure what the historical meaning of Songkran is. I think it has something to do with monks blessing people by sprinkling water on them and it has been taken to extremes by the Thais. There are plenty of Thai people on this site so I'm sure they can give you the real explination. Songkran officially lasts for 3 days but in reality it will probably last for 7. You will have over anxious kids starting a couple of days earlier spraying water pistols at you and again will continue for a couple of days after Songkran has finished. It is good experience to play Songkran for a day or two but then the novelty of pissed up Thais drinking whisky wanting to pour ice cold water on you begins to wear off. What I would suggest is don't carry your mobile phone with you, keep your money in a plastic bag and don't have anything with you that you don't want to get wet, as you will get soaked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajarn Posted February 23, 2005 Report Share Posted February 23, 2005 Wan Sunkarn is fun, and by far the coolest holiday ever invented! For 3 days the entire country was engaged in water throwing, washing away past sins, and enjoying vast amounts of beer and licquer. Only 590 people died this year (2004) witch was an improvement considering that 900 died last year. Most of them were car or motorcycle accidents where alcohol was involved, but I guess the people standing by the side of the road throwing water at bypassing cars and motorcycles, sparing no one, also took their share. It puts the American two year occupation in a different light with its 500 ?allied casualties?, huh?. I went with friends to Koh Chang (Elephant Island), we waited till evening of the 13th as to avoid rush hour and to many drunk water throwing jerks. The Island was picturesque pretty. I hung out with the locals and my friends and had, all in all, what could probably best be described as a **** load of fun, hanging out on the white sand beaches and submerging my Addonnis (?) body in the TV commercial blue water. The girls slept in a hut and the rest of us in tents. I bought an island and a palm tree for the embarrassing low price of 20 B. from a drunk friend; they should be arriving by post within the next few days. The fore mentioned friend kept claiming he was a Laotian soldier, and that he made an extra $ teaching the Hollywood action heroes how to jump out of burning aeroplanes and crawl in dirt on their bellies. We didn?t have any burning aeroplanes at hand so I had to settle for his ?crawling in dirt on belly? skills as proof. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tantara Posted March 10, 2005 Report Share Posted March 10, 2005 I seem to remember it being around the beginning of April? Anyone know the exact dates? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chatty Posted March 10, 2005 Report Share Posted March 10, 2005 i won't go outside BKK for sure. Just go to Tam Boo at Tample. and then stay at home all day hmm, or i might drive around BKK that time cuz the road will be empty..... so i will have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaibel Posted March 20, 2005 Report Share Posted March 20, 2005 <<<<<<<< The origin of Songkran actually is in India and is a Hindu tradition. I don't remember the original story well enough to retell it, but in principle Songkran is a time when the younger generation pays respect to their elders by pouring water over their hands. >>>>>>>>>> It is possible that it comes from the Holi-festival, an Indian celebration day, where they throw colored powder and water to each other. We also know that buddhism started in India. By the way, Rich, I will be there in Chiang Mai at Songkran. So, be prepared to get wet inside and outside :-P. P.S. I don't know why, but did u not still own me 1 case of beer, or was it 2? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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