I personally celebrated Songkran in Silom as evidenced by my last blog post. In that post, you can see pictures of Bangkokians enjoying the water splashing especially with the sweltering heat of the summer sun.

After the long holiday, it is “business as usual” for the protesters. Bamboo poles, tires and other stuff were used to block the Ratchadamri Road leading to Silom (in front of King Rama VI Monument).

Last night, it was reported in the news that 5 bomb blasts apparently from M-79 grenades rocked Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain station near Dusit Thani Hotel which claimed 3 lives and injured 70 people including some foreigners.

In my 2 years of staying here in Bangkok, personally for me this is the saddest if not most horrifying incident that happened. Silom is a popular tourist area where shopping and entertainment are the main reasons to be in this place and as for me, Silom is partly a centre of my life in Bangkok because firstly my gym is in Silom and I would usually pass the skywalk where one of the grenade landed last night…and since this area is the interchange station between Skytrain and Subway, I usually take this route if I want to go to other areas of Bangkok accessible by these trains. I’ve been to Lumpini Park a few times as well for a stroll or exercise..Now with security and safety concerns, I dare not step into this area in the very near future. Now I am thinking of small businessmen trying to earn money in various shops along these areas..with these incidents happening, how can they survive?

Tourism has been badly affected as many government around the world cautioned if not stop their citizens from traveling to Bangkok. Many Tourism related businesses may not be able to survive this new blow to this very volatile industry. How many more families will be affected if businesses close down?

Come to think of it, if one side achieved it’s objective (be it the government if they are able to disperse the protesters and open the areas back to the public; or the anti-government protesters if their demands were taken into consideration) at the end of it all, can any of these sides claim victory?  Surely not. Cos lives had been lost and damage had been inflicted to Thailand, a country known to have hospitable, loving and joyful citizens.

I am praying together with other expatriates or tourists as well as the millions of Thai people for the peaceful and immediate resolution of this turmoil. We are all praying for peace and for normalcy to be back soon.

News article about the recent bomb attacks in Bangkok:

http://www.smh.com.au/world/aussie-hurt-in-deadly-bangkok-blasts-20100423-tg86.html?autostart=1

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Bomb-blasts-hit-Sala-Daeng-skytrain-station-30127752.html

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/175502/3-killed-more-than-70-wounded-in-blasts

During the Songkran Festival, Phuket was crowded with both Thai and foreign tourists coming to splash water around the island, especially at the famous Patong Beach and Soi Bang La areas. People enjoyed Songkran by shooting their water-splashing guns on each other. Some of them put big water containers on the back of trucks and drove past many places on the island.

The traffic jams did not seem to upset anybody since it allowed them to splash people in the cars stuck nearby them. At Chalong Temple, one of the most famous temples in Phuket, a lot of  Thais and foreigners went to worship and ask for their fortune from the statue of a revered Abbot Luang Por Cham.

Some Thai people were from Bangkok, where political protests continue. However during the Songkran holidays in Phuket, 2 boys died and 42 people were injured by road accidents.

Source: http://phuketnews.phuketindex.com/travel/phuket-7-175814.html

While riots and battles of a different kind were raging in Bangkok, those of us in Chiang Mai were engaged in our own war.  The war to see who could get others as wet as humanly possible.  It started this past weekend.  Although the holiday didn’t officiallly begin until Tuesday, most people couldn’t resist the urge to sneakily blast someone in the face with the new super soaker they just picked up at the corner store.  You could feel the excitement in the air.  People were ready.  I myself prepared for the festivities by spending 500 baht on four squirt guns.  I wasn’t kidding around.  I had three smaller ones shoved into my pants in all places and a larger, more lethal gun slung around my shoulder.

As soon as you stepped out of your hostel or other place of residence you were greeted by smiles and blasts to the face.  50 meters later you were soaked through.  It was hopeless trying to get anywhere and stay dry.  Some people (whose inner childs may have died long ago) did their best to scamper from hiding spot to hiding spot in an effort to stay out of the fracus.  The rest of us succumbed.  We established a base next to the moat around the city with buckets that were purchased for 50 cents.  They proved to be the best weapon.  The streets were filled with people and cars at a standstill.  Over and over again we flung our buckets into the moat and rocked passerbys with dirty, smelly moat water.

There was always retaliation, and it came swift and hard.  The more seasoned veterans of this amazing holiday drive around in flatbeds with tanks of water and large blocks of ice.  Getting hit by this icy death was a constant shock to the system.  You never got used to it.  After receiving a good walloping you looked at the person and nodded your approval.  Weather it was a shot to the eye with a squirt gun, a tidal wave of moat water up the nose, or a bath in the coldest water you have ever felt, you had to appreciate every adversary you were confronted with.

My favorite sight to see were older men and women with the light of youth in their eyes.  Armed with some sort of water weilding weapon they enjoyed the craziness as much as anyone else.  At one point during the week an older couple, maybe around 70 years young, walked towards us with their weapons lowered saying “Friends, friends.  Lets be friends, don’t shoot.”  We smiled in agreement and let them pass.  Once our backs were turned I heard the woman say “Friends… forget that!”  At once we received an icy farewell from them in the back of the head.  I couldn’t even return fire.  I was that impressed with their tactics.

After four incredible moisture filled days the festival is over.  I am dry for the first time in a week.  The fun is over, for now, but you can still see the aftermath everywhere you look.  I’m not referring to the discarded squirt guns, or water-filled streets, but the exhausted, happy looks on everyones faces.  The city feels clean.  Everyone’s stresses and sins were washed away for a short while.  While mine will no doubt will return in the near future, it felt good to just let loose.

There is no doubt in my mind that Songkran is one of the greatest festivals in the world.  The only requirements for having a good time were having an open mind, a full heart, a sense of childlike wonder and, of course, a water gun filled with ammo…

My friend said she saw in the news that Songkran is also held in Khaosan but there are less people especially since many of the backpackers decided to flee the area during the onslaught of the clashes near the area. Me and a few friends trooped to Silom around 4pm. The people are just starting to flock the area that time but you can see the happiness in everyone’s face unlike few days ago which you can see a worried look in most people especially with what’s happening in the local scene.

Songkran is known for water splashing using toy water guns or putting powder like substance in the people’s faces. One good thing about the festival is that everyone is game and no one gets mad even if cold water is used or if you are hit directly in the face. Majority of the crowd are teenagers while some children do not mind being soaked and walking the narrow streets. Because the streets are made literally into a playground, only few vehicles can pass. Only one lane is open for cars, buses or motorcycles while the rest are occupied by revelers. It was really fun when at one point several young ladies are screaming on top of their lungs just to gain attention. Some guys followed suit.

In another corner in Patpong, a fire hose is used to splash liters and liters of water. Loud speaker are placed outside the bars playing danceable tunes so everyone danced while drenching in water. We truly enjoyed this spot. Unfortunately, even I sealed my phones and belonging in ziploc bags, water still went inside it probably because of the big volume of water coming from the hose so at the end one of my celfone got busted. : (

We went home feeling very tired with several hours of walking and soaking in water and faces hardened by the powder. However, it is such an enjoyable experience. We are actually maximizing the 3 days holiday so surely we will come back again tomorrow.

As they say, the show must go on even during Songkran.

In Thailand on these 3 days, people roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or position themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passersby.

Read full post on Songkran festival

Picture: Songkran Festival, originally uploaded to flickr.com by Wyndham

Songkran (Thai New Year)
Date : 10 – 15 April 2010

Quoting an article from Bangkok Post saying that the Songkran activities on April 13-15 which is traditionally held in Khaosan and Silom Road is canceled due to ongoing political unrest in Bangkok according to the Bangkok Governor, Sukhumbhand Paribatra.

The ongoing protests along Phan Fa Bridge which is very near Khaosan Road makes it too risky to hold the celebration, according to him.

Songkran Festival which is the Thai New Year is the happiest and most popular festival in Thailand. The city is literally almost empty as many Bangkokians would go upcountry to visit their relatives or troop to the beach because of the long weekend holidays.  However, many people join the water splashing or putting powder on the faces along the streets of Khaosan and Silom. This is really such an enjoyable experience. Many foreigners visiting Thailand participate in the activities.

Last year there was a similar political protests before Songkran. The BMA also announced Songkran was canceled. However on the second day of Songkran (if I remembered correctly), the military troops were able to disperse the protesters and at the last minute it was announced that the activities will resume. My friends and I trooped to Khaosan and boy, did I truly enjoy the experience of splashing water till night time.

Well I do am hoping the Songkran Festival will be celebrated happily as usual and the differences of belief and ideologies be put to a halt even for this short period only. I am likewise wishing together with many Thai people– for this ongoing conflict be resolved very soon and peacefully for that matter.

This national celebration of the tradition Thai New Year captures the imagination of travellers for both its cultural and fun attributes; the latter being enthusiastic bouts of  water splashing between friends and relatives.

In Bangkok, the Songkran Grand Celebration will be held between 10 and 15 April around the Rattanakosin Island district, sometimes called “Old Bangkok.”
The main celebrations, in the capital, focus on bathing rites of replicas of revered Buddha images originating from various provinces in the North, South, East and central regions, interspersed with traditional food and dessert-making demonstrations and cultural performances. The opening ceremony will take place, 10 April, at Phra Chetupon Wimol Manklaram or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

There are also important celebrations through the country at various tourist destinations:
• Old City Songkran Festival, Ayutthaya
• Songkran Festival, Chon Buri
• Amazing Songkran, Suphan Buri
• Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakarn
• Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai
• Songkran Festival, Sukhothai
• Fantastic Northeast Songkran, Golden Shower Tree and ‘Kan’ Festival and Sticky Rice Road in Khon Kaen
• Grand Northeast Songkran Festival, Nong Khai
• Songkran Nakhon Phnom and Thai-Lao New Year Celebration
• Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, Songkhla
• Grand Songkran Festival and ‘Nang Dan’ Parade, Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Songkran on the Beach and Phuket Bike Week 2010

Contact:
Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: 0 2250 5500 ext. 3470-3
Call Centre 1672 or www.tourismthailand.org

My train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai leaves about 1800H (Friday) so I had to work the whole day of Friday and clear a lot of jobs in preparation for the trip and I just took early leave 1 Hour so I can be at the train station on time. The Hua Lamphong Train station is actually very convenient cos I just have to take the MRT and the last station is actually the Hua Lamphong station already so from MRT, I just have to walk a few meters to reach the provincial trains.

It was my first long-haul train ride so I was very excited. In my life, I only ride the City trains which is not the train that Harry Potter and Gang usually take going to Hogwarts. So off I go… There were several platforms and my train platform is not too difficult to find. Only thing is that I booked the 2nd Class Air conditioned sleeper train and it is at the farthest end of the train (few coaches away from the driver). Normally, the better train classes are in front (near the driver) so you have to walk a bit farther than the rest. Luckily I only have light luggage so it is not a problem.

The train promptly left the station 1800H. However, along the way sometimes it stops in other train station longer than the supposed time. For the sleeper train you can choose either the upper or the lower deck. The lower deck is a bit more expensive and has wider bed if compared to the upper deck. Moreover, only the lower deck has a window so if you plan to travel by train, you need to purchase tickets in advance so you can select the lower deck. Since my trip was on a long holiday and I booked only few days before the trip, I can only have the upper deck (air con) going to Chiang Mai and upper deck (Fan) going back to Bangkok. The Fan coach is ok since the breeze is cool along the way and since travel is towards night time but when you are about to sleep and the bed were set up with individual curtains, it can get a bit hot especially during the summer nights. In addition, if you are not used to sleeping in a bumpy road, better not take the train as it is bumpier than taking the bus. It is like taking the flight that encounters a turbulence all throughout.

The porter prepares the bed as soon as the sun is out and dinner was consumed (for those who bought dinner in the train). After that, it’s a very long travel so better prepare all the things that would keep you occupied like your iPod or music player, a good book to read or board games.

We arrived in Chiang Mai in the morning. After the breakfast, I headed to my hotel. The hotel I stayed (Imm Hotel Thaphae) has a very good location, just across Thaphae Gate- the centre of the old walled city.

The vicinity of the Thaphae Gate is where most of the major activities like Songkran Festival (Thai New Year), Loy Krathong or other local events are usually held. Every weekend, a part of the area is converted into an instant Weekend Night market wherein they closed approx. 2 km. of road where all the streets are lined with goods, foods and almost all the whatnot you can think about. You will never get tired and hungry as the road is teeming with food stalls and foot massage chairs.

I also went to Doi Suthep, the most popular temple site in Chiang Mai, located 3,500 feet above sea level. There is a viewing deck in the Temple overlooking the city below. Really nice view.

The next day, I went into a Thai Cooking school called Baan Hong Nual. Since I am fascinated with Thai cooking and now that I have my own food blog, I made sure I enroll in a short Thai cooking class during the trip. They pick you up at your hotel, send you to a local market to buy some ingredients and give some introduction to some basic information about Thai cookery then you proceed to the school afterwards. Prior to deciding what to buy, the teacher will give you a selection of recipes you can cook. Once you selected, the ingredients had to be bought. On that day I was the only student (that day being a Sunday and a Buddhist Public Holiday). The previous day my teacher said they have over 20 students in the class so it was actually my advantage since my class is a one-on-one session or like a VIP class (which is definitely more expensive than normal joined class). For my course, I cooked 4 recipes namely: Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Thai Green Curry and Som Tam. After cooking, I get to eat what I prepared. Tastes like real Thai cooking..Yumm…(Btw, I will not be posting my cooking in this blog..If you want to see the picture of the foods I prepared, visit: http://kikokitchen.wordpress.com)

After my cooking class, I transferred to another hotel, The Small Chiang Mai., It is a design hotel (Boutique Style) with stylish interiors in the room. The room assigned to me has 2 angels painted on the wall. The location of this hotel is also convenient (less than 10 minutes walk to the Night Bazaar and about 10 minutes walk to Thaphae Gate and Weekend Market). Around dinner time, I had the Traditional Chiang Mai Dinner called Kantoke Dinner. Kantoke Palace is the largest restaurant offering this kind of dinner in Chiang Mai. The restaurant has over 80% foreigners on that night enjoying the food and the cultural dance presentation on stage. At the end of the performance, they invite some guests to join the dancers to perform the traditional dance. I was one of the chosen few…hahaha.

The next morning, I went to the Maesa Elephant Camp. Again, it was a private tour with only me plus the driver and the tour guide so it is a better experience. The tour would let you see Elephant closely during feeding time and shower time. Seeing these big animals taking a bath in the pond is a very cute scene. They seem to enjoy being watched while taking a bath..LOL.  After the shower, we were entertained by the Elephant show wherein the elephants parade first followed by various acts like soccer playing, elephants playing the harmonica, hoola elephant, one elephant bursts balloons using darts in competition with someone from the audience, a log show wherein a group of elephants work to stack together heavy logs…I was told that the Elephants in Thailand during the olden days up to now are a big help to the farmers or locals since they help in agriculture and even helping to carry logs from the forest sent downhill. However, the highlight of the show is the Elephant painting. About 5 elephants showcase their art skills by painting using their trunk. One elephant created a colorful abstract design, 2 elephants draw bouquet of flowers, another one draw a landscape of mountains and a forest and the last one draw a portrait of an elephant face. They say the Elephants in Maesa Camp are the most talented in painting. There was even a museum displaying the very large painting made by several elephants and said to be the most expensive painting created by Elephants that was sold in public as awarded by the Guiness Book of Records. Not sure though how much it cost since it was not indicated in the museum. Moreover, no cameras were allowed inside the museum so I am unable to share to you the masterpieces. After that,we went to the nursery to see the youngest elephant in the camp (only 26 days old but weighs over 100 kg).  You cannot go close to the Baby elephant because the protective mom can get wild. I then took a picture with a cute but very large adult elephant who gamely posed cross legged while I sit on it’s legs then the trunk was wrapped around my body.

A short drive from the Elephant camp would take you to the Hill Tribe Village. The highlight of this tour is the visit to the Long necked women of the Padong tribe. This is very popular and I only get to see in National Geographic Channel before and now am able to see in flesh with close up picture even..such a great experience. Wearing brass ring around the neck are their long tradition and considered beautification process for the women. My guide said a set of brass ring can be as heavy as 5 kilo. I even see little girls wearing the ring around their necks.The village is actually home to other tribes like Karen, Lahu, Hmong, etc. Their livelihood is mostly weaving or agriculture. In the village you can find a Catholic Church. I was surprised that the Long Neck tribe are Catholic and can speak Thai (they are not native Thais but are minority group from Myanmar).

After the Hill tribe visit, we went to an Orchid Farm where varieties of Thai Orchids can be found. These exotic flowers are such good tropical ornaments to one’s garden and the flowers can last longer than other flowers and is not too difficult to maintain. The farm also make gold plated jewelry from Orchid bloom which is something unique. After the Orchid Farm visit, we enjoyed a sumptuous lunch of Khao Soi a traditional Chiang Mai noodle with curry. It is very delicious and not spicy at all.

We then went straight to the Train station for my trip back to Bangkok which unfortunately was delayed for 1.5 hours. Anyway, even with the delay and a bit uncomfortable sleep due to the fan-cooled coach, I am grateful cos I arrived in Bangkok safe and sound.

I really enjoy travelling cos it gives me a different perspective of things and I get to experience the culture, tradition and food of that place. Moreover, I believe travelling gives you a different kind of maturity and independence especially if you travel alone or free and easy and not following a very strict itinerary. I am now looking forward to my next travel!

This national celebration of the tradition Thai New Year captures the imagination of travellers for both its cultural and fun attributes; the latter being enthusiastic bouts of  water splashing between friends and relatives.

In Bangkok, the Songkran Grand Celebration will be held between 10 and 15 April around the Rattanakosin Island district, sometimes called “Old Bangkok.”
The main celebrations, in the capital, focus on bathing rites of replicas of revered Buddha images originating from various provinces in the North, South, East and central regions, interspersed with traditional food and dessert-making demonstrations and cultural performances. The opening ceremony will take place, 10 April, at Phra Chetupon Wimol Manklaram or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

There are also important celebrations through the country at various tourist destinations:
• Old City Songkran Festival, Ayutthaya
• Songkran Festival, Chon Buri
• Amazing Songkran, Suphan Buri
• Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival, Samut Prakarn
• Songkran Festival, Chiang Mai
• Songkran Festival, Sukhothai
• Fantastic Northeast Songkran, Golden Shower Tree and ‘Kan’ Festival and Sticky Rice Road in Khon Kaen
• Grand Northeast Songkran Festival, Nong Khai
• Songkran Nakhon Phnom and Thai-Lao New Year Celebration
• Hat Yai Midnight Songkran, Songkhla
• Grand Songkran Festival and ‘Nang Dan’ Parade, Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Songkran on the Beach and Phuket Bike Week 2010

Contact:
Events Planning Division, Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: 0 2250 5500 ext. 3470-3
Call Centre 1672 or www.tourismthailand.org

I visited Phu Phrabat Historical Park this year during Songkran Festival. The whole family gathered together and we planned to have picnic and visit the historical park. On the second day of Songkran, we went over with 2 pick-up trucks. 1 for the veterans and 1 for the younger generations. We climbed up the truck with water guns and 2 buckets of iced water.

Before we reached the Udonthani – Nongkhai Highway, we were already wet since the whole city was in the water festival. From Udon, it is located around 70-80 km and we took around 1 hour to reach the historical park since we slowed down to splash water onto villagers and also residents of Ban Phue.

Phu Phrabat Historical Park is located in Ban Tio, Tambon Muang Phan, Ban Phue District at the foot of Mount Phu Phan. This historical site is also considered as an archaeological features a large number of ancient buildings and ancient objects of both prehistoric and historic times. Mostly are of Dvaravati, Lop Buri, and Lanchang style. Within the site are many rocks of peculiar shapes which resulted from glacial movement millions of years ago. It can be seen that most of the ancient buildings and objects found in this area were modified from what was naturally available and not built entirely by human beings.

Phu Phra Bat Historical Park covers the entire area of the Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok, Phra Phutthabat Lang Tao and Caves and Stone Shelters. I was attracted by Phra Phutthabat Bua Bok which has a very unique design. Noon told me that it was built by a village head who had a pretty daughter. The purpose was to keep his daughter there so that nobody knows about her and marry her.

We then walked around the area which is quite big. You might get lost if you did not follow the signs. And I was lost for few times before I managed to join back my family members. It was so confusing. We then walked around and explored the surrounding hill. Bring at least a small bottle of mineral water and I can guarantee that you will finish it before you finish exploring the area.

Once we reached the top of the hill, some of my aunts and uncles sat under a hut which is built for resting. With the smooth wind, I don’t feel like going down. The view is very beautiful. We used the other route to go down as we followed the sign. It was quite dangerous and slippery. Right before we reached the exit/entrance, we came across few caves which presumed to be shelters of people in the stone age. There were few pre historic paintings in the caves with the figures of animals, humans and few other figures which are quite special which I do not know what it was. Poor thing that my camera is out of order on top of the hill. เช็งโวย!!!

Once we reached the car park area, rain started to pour heavily. The younger generations including Noon moved to the veterans’(Ta Toi) pick-up truck as Ta Toi’s truck has roof behind and left me, P’Nat and Pee on Ta Aem’s truck which is an open air pick-up. P’Nat finished up 2 bottles of LEO before we arrived in Udon. I don’t blame him as it was freezing and before we can enter Udon, we were trapped in the massive traffic jam due to Songkran Festival for almost 30 minutes.

The admission fee is 100 Baht and it is free on Songkran.

http://www.songkran.net/th/index.php?

The Thai people celebrate this festival with water. Everyone gets soaking wet and since it is the hottest season of the year, the custom is quite refreshing. Songkran is a Public Spring Cleaning Day, supported by the religious belief that anything old and useless must be thrown away or it will bring bad luck to the owner.

During the afternoon of the 13th, Buddha images are bathed as part of the ceremony. Young people pour scented water into the hands of elders and parents as a mark of respect while seeking the blessing of the older people. In ancient days, old people were actually given a bath and clothed in new apparel presented by the young folks as a token of respect for the New Year.

Until recently Thailand was almost entirely an agricultural society and this has been a perfect time to take break from the business of earning a living. The rice harvest is in, and replanting has to await the coming of the rains.

It is an old belief that the Nagas or mythical serpents brought on rain by spouting water from the seas. The more they spouted, the more rain there would be. So, one might believe that the Songkran customs of throwing water is actually a rain-making idea, but it seems that the Thais don’t really bother about way they celebrate Songkran – they just do it for having a great time!

We hope you enjoy the pictures we have taken.

JOIN IN THE FUN AND BE PREPARED TO GET WET? VERY WET!
Tjock dee pii mai! (Thai for Happy New Year).

The Famoust place for Songkran Water Festival in Thailand

-Chiangmai the North Province of Thailand

chiangmai

Date
12 – 15 April, 2009

Venue
Chiang Mai City, Chiang Mai

Activities
One of the grand Songkran celebrations in Thailand. Participate in the Opening Ceremony of the Songkran Festival 2009 with a wonderful procession around Chiang Mai city. Pour some Thai scented water on a Buddha image and elders, experience the cultural performances and traditions in the Northern style as well as enjoy various food along the streets.

-Phuket Island the South province of Thailand

Phuket

Date
10 – 13 April, 2009

Venue
Loma (Dolphin) Public Park and the Port, Junceylon Shopping Destination Patong, Phuket

Activities
This is where we call another “ Water Festival on the Beach”. Enjoy splashing water and participate in the Phuket Bike Week 2009.

-Bangkok

Date
10-15 April, 2009

Venue
the 9 Sacred Places and Rattanakosin Area, Bangkok

Hi-Light:

• Experience the demonstration of the Songkran Festival in 4 regions at Wat Pho as well as enjoy demonstrations of Thai food and local desserts, feast your eyes on cultural performances, and visit the 9 Sacred Places. Moreover, on 4-12 April, during 17.00 -18.00 hrs. let’s dress in Thai attire and refresh ourselves on Khaosan Road.

Songkran Music Festival 2009: Koh Samui

Songkran Music Festival 2009 is launching its first stage for international dance music festival on April 14, 2009 during the hottest time of Thailand for traveling, Songkran Festival.

Make your move and join with more than 5,000 guests to the first and hottest event of Songkran Music Festival at the biggest outdoor venue for a great music and dance festival on Lake View of Chaweng Beach.

Reserve your place for 400 baht and go for a nonstop12-hour of music and entertainment from 6pm to 6am the following day!

Date: April 14, 2009

Venue: Lake View, Chaweng, Koh Samui

Find more about the event HERE.

Learn more about Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Mr. Charoen Vang-ananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), said a number of tourists going abroad would fall 30 percent between the first and the third quarter of this year.

The target group is people who earn about 30,000 baht per month.

Without the government’s support, the annual growth of overseas travel market will be minus 20 percent.

However, the growth will averagely decrease 10 percent with supportive measures.

Travel destinations such as Hong Kong, Macau and Korea have caught on among Thai tourists during the first quarter of this year.

The growth in short journeys was higher than that of the fourth quarter of 2008 whereas the growth in Europe and the United States market shrank 40 percent.

The domestic travel market has not been affected by the economic problem yet, according to Mrs. Somsri Lathapipat, managing director of Regency Travel & Education Co.

Nevertheless, Somsri expected that the domestic market would drop more after the Songkran Festival in April.

Chiang Mai Songkran Festival

Planning your vacation for a coming summer? Why not heading to the north of Thailand for Songkran festival?

Songkran or water festival considered as traditional New Year celebration of Thailand, has long been a tremendous Thai tradition for generations and is world-famous for its grand water splashing festival.

Every year and across the country, Songkran will be held around the middle of April and regarding as a time for laughter and entertainment, for making merit and religious ceremonies, for families and friends, and the exceptional water fight.

Chiang Mai is one of the most outstanding and charming places in Thailand to participate in Songkran since the design of the city is very perfect. You will find the reason once getting a chance to be at the center of Chiang Mai city, the moat area, where the streets become a water-fighting venue and full of people.

Therefore, deciding to go for Songkran in Chiang Mai means you have promised yourself to get drenched from head to toe. The streets, especially around the moat, turn into a jammed whirl of water throwing and every street corner is possessed by a bunch of kids waiting to get you down with a large bucket and spray pumps. Getting on motorbike or Tuk-tuk will only be a trap for you to get soaked. So, the only remedy is joining the fun and getting your own water fight tools.

This article is written by Suttira at www.chiangmai-vacations.com

Click here to read more.

I’ve spent all summer days driving
I’m tired of holidays ruined
No more take-away’s, expired food
I need a real day

Time runs faster when you’re loaded
Bright lights blind me all weak
Living in the city, I’m a high-speed drill
I need a full day diving

Tons of heavyweight food
Roosters from the sister islands too
I’d better get working

I’m bored with all that brainwashing
Let’s break all separate rooms
Changing’s no fun if you don’t want to
I need a good day sailing
To tell the sun and the moon
That I am turning for no reasons too
And I keep waiting

Driving to the gas station
Caught by a traffic jam blues
Life is nonsense, I don’t have a clue
I need a cool day riding
Feeding all the horses at dawn
Searching for the truffles, going through the woods
Then I’ll be waiting

I’ve passed all summer days driving
I’m tired of holidays ruined
No more take-away’s, expired food
I need a full day diving
Tons of heavyweight food
Roosters from the sister islands too
I’d better get working

Happy Thai New Year everyone.

Songkran is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the “Water Festival” as people believe that water will wash away bad luck.

The Songkran tradition is recognized as a valuable custom for the Thai community, society and religions. The value for family is to provide the opportunity for family members to gather in order to express their respects to the elders by pouring scented water onto the hands of their parents and grandparents and to present them gifts including making merits to dedicate the result to their ancestors. The elders in return wish the youngsters good luck and prosperity.

Vocabulary:
1. The elders = ญาติผู้ใหญ่
2. Pouring scented water = รดน้ำดำหัว
3. Making merits = ทำบุญ
4. To dedicate the result = อุทิศส่วนกุศล
5. Ancestors = บรรพบุรุษ
6. Prosperity = ความเจริญรุ่งเรือง
7. Festival = ประเพณี
8. Zodiac = ราศี
9. A valuable custom = ประเพณีที่มีคุณค่า