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Ready…Aim…Songkran is just around the corner! Thailand Songkran, the nationwide wet t-shirt contest is also the Thai New Year and it’s a welcomed relief during the hottest month of year (Thailand Songkran is held from April 13-15th). Based on the belief that water cleanses and washes away bad luck, Songkran includes traditional ceremonies and also – as more commonly acknowledged – a fun, nationwide waterfight that is often welcome during Thailand’s hottest month of the year.

Traditionally Songkran is the time to seek the blessings of elders by sprinkling water on the hands. During the course of the 3 days, people visit temples and clean Buddha images with scented water, as it is believed that this will bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. In Thai parlance, this process is referred to as merit-making.

In recent times however, the sprinkling of water has given way to drenching one another in water. Children and adults alike roam the streets with water guns and buckets of ice-cold water which are splashed on any passerby- regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. It is all in good cheer, and many visitors to Thailand often find it to be one of their most remarkable and entertaining cultural experiences abroad. But do be prepared to get wet – it is unavoidable!

Bangkok probably experiences the least amount of traffic at this time of the year with the activity concentrated in the city’s backpacking hub, Khao San Road. Here tourists and Thais arm themselves with water pistols and other vessels suitable for dousing and engage in some seriously wet warfare.

For those who would like to witness a more traditional celebration in Bangkok, Sanam Luang, which is opposite the Grand Palace, would be the best option. Here, the Phra Buddha Sihing image is brought out for a procession for people to pay their respects, and later set on the ground for the course of the festival. Also, an annual Ms. Songkran contest takes place at Wat Wisutkasat in addition to a parade, food fair and merit making ceremonies.

The city of Chiang Mai in Thailand’s north is probably the most popular destination to celebrate Songkran. The moats along the Ping River and around the Tha Phae Gate are popular and picturesque areas to enjoy the festivities. The water fights in Chiang Mai also generally extend longer than the rest of the country.

If you are looking for a celebration at one of the many beach towns in Thailand, be sure to check out Hua-Hin where festivities start on the 13th, including many local performances and concerts. Another popular resort town is Phuket, where visitors can enjoy a Songkran parade, concerts, and beauty contests. Join in the colorful and energetic water fights around the famous Patong beach. Or if you want to engage in a week long party, then Pattaya would perhaps be the best destination. Songkran is celebrated for an additional week after the official dates!

The festival is celebrated all over Thailand with the same level of fun and enthusiasm, so book early to partake in the festivities. For any visitor to the country, this will truly be an unforgettable experience.