Songkran is a traditional Thai festival that celebrates the Thai New Year. It is also known as the Water Splashing Festival, as it involves people splashing water on each other as a symbol of cleansing and purification.
The festival is celebrated in mid-April and is one of the busiest times for travel in Thailand. Tourist destinations most popular for Songkran include Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Phuket,Koh Samui, and of course Pattaya.
The festival takes place from April 13th-15th throughout most of Thailand, during which people engage in close combat with Super Soakers, buckets, hoses, and anything else that holds water. The Festival is extended until the 19th of April in Pattaya and the surrounding area.
Here are some safety tips for tourists during Songkran:
• Wear goggles to protect your eyes from water.
• Purchase a small waterproof bag or ziplock to keep your phone and other valuables dry during the water fight.
• Use water pistols, water buckets, or plastic cups instead of hoses.
• Avoid glass containers.
• Accept that you will get wet and be prepared to get drenched.
