Songkran Festival, which takes place nationwide in Thailand, is an event where boisterous fun and ancient traditions go hand-in-hand. For tourists, the event offers a chance to enjoy a huge celebration where water parties break out in the streets of Thailand’s towns and villages. For locals, it is a time when they can spend precious time with families and visit the temples to observe ancient rites and make merit. There’s no doubt that it is a fascinating time to be in Thaila and wherever you travel.

Songkran is one of Thailand’s major festivals and the best time to visit as a tourist. From the water sports to the events and contests to the religious ceremonies, every city has its own share of fun-filled experience and food and drinks to offer to you. On your visit in this time of the year, be ready to be soaked and hogging on food all through the three days of Songkran. Do not be surprised seeing the activities beginning a day or two before Songkran. Do not miss out on the experience of a Thai-style Holi and Thai street food this April.

Apart from the water festivities, the major cities of Thailand have their own ways of adding to the liveliness of the celebrations. Bangkok brings its revelry to the streets where locals and tourists all come together for the merrymaking. Be prepared to be drenched from the moment you step into the streets and be found in some other spot altogether from where you began. The biggest of the many parties in Bangkok is held in Silom, hosting the biggest and craziest water festival. The entire 5 km long stretch of the street is overly- populated with people geared up with anything that sprays water.

When in Krabi, armor yourself with water balloons, water guns and buckets for the huge water fights. In Krabi, do not miss out on the extravagant beach parties on these days where each person attending has just one agenda- to have fun.

Pattaya adds to the festivity with their Miss Songkran contests where the contestants compete in the traditional Thai dresses. Phuket adds its own charm to the carousing with cultural events and crafts and clothing exhibitions.

The people of Chiang Mai begin the first day of the festival by cleaning around the city besides their houses. These activities are followed by religious ceremonies.

The Thais begin their celebrations with the blessing and cleansing ceremonies by pouring herbed water on Buddha statues at the temples. As a tourist, you must visit the major monasteries and temples when Thailand, especially during Songkran. The visit to the temple is followed by paying respect to their elders in the format of their family traditions. In some places, people add herbs to the water that they play with, as a sign of purity. If you have an opportunity, do not miss out on visiting the small villages and towns. These places have their own traditions and ways of celebrating and these cultures are worth witnessing.