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Our favorite time of the year is fast approaching. The time when the weather heats up and the sweat starts beading on our foreheads faster than usual, but instead of getting cranky, we’re all smiles. Yes, we’re talking about Songkran! Get excited because the Water Festival is back, and it’s even bigger than ever this year.
ThaiBev, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Culture, Royal Thai Navy, and Tourism Authority of Thailand are partnering once again for Water Festival 2018. Put on your Thai traditional outfit and join in from Apr. 13 to Apr. 15 at four locations in Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Udon Thani. No matter where you are in Thailand they’re bringing the party to you. Here’s a glimpse of the action at each location.
Bangkok
Visit all eight piers of Bangkok along the main stretch of Chao Phraya river. Make merit and pray for good luck at the beautiful temples Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamitr, and Wat Prayurawongsawas. Enjoy the riverside atmosphere at Asiatique, Tha Maharaj, Yodpiman River Walk, and LHONG 1919. Snap photos at Thai Tunnel and help decorate it yourself. We love the interactive concept, and the fact that it helps hide you from the sun. (Thailand sun in April is seriously sizzling.)
Shop for local produce (healthy!), join a workshop to make pha khao maa (comfy!), learn about the history of the temples and the neighborhoods from the locals (fascinating!). Be amazed by the colorful Kite Tunnel and watch the lion dance show at Wat Kalayanamitr. Learn how to make paper piggy banks at Wat Prayurawongsawas, and how to make flower garlands at Tha Maharaj, and enjoy concerts by famous artists.
Hop on a boat from 9am – 6pm for daytime activities, and 7pm – 10pm for the nighttime activities. The boat will go through each pier so you can hop on, hop off and get the most out of it. Even more good news; it’s free!
Chiang Mai
Experience Songkran like never before in Lanna style in Chiang Mai at the Lanna Traditional House Museum. Try traditional northern delicacies like khao soi, sai oua, nam prik num, and more while enjoying northern music and Thai traditional dance performances.
Watch and root for your favorite chef at the cooking contest and learn how to make traditional handcrafted items at fun workshops.
Phuket
Explore Thailand’s cool southern culture and artsy vibes at Di Buk Road. Shop for handcrafted goodies like the DIY pha khao maa cloth and hip batik clothing. Join workshops to make local Phuket snacks. Learn more about the history and culture of the city through beautiful murals and street art on Di Buk Road. Each painting tells a story about this uniquely charming city.
For those of you who are art enthusiasts, join the photo contest by taking a snap of Phuket street art and sharing it with the hashtag #RPSTwaterfestival2018. Who knows, you might be the winner!
If you’re a foodie, you simply can’t miss all the amazing food on offer. Browse around pop ups by renowned restaurants and taste all the yummy southern grub!
Udon Thani
Pay respect to your elders and make merit for good luck at Ban Chiang Archaeological Site. Give alms to the monks in the original Tai Phuan way. On the 5th of April, help the locals out by cleaning the temples, schools, and community to prepare for a fresh start on Thai New Year. No we’re not just putting you to work, it’s tradition! Udon Thani promises a tranquil Songkran festival for those who seek inner peace.
If you’re in search of a place to go this coming Songkran, we highly recommend you to check out Water Festival 2018. It’s a great way to gain more knowledge about different areas of Thailand. It’s almost like having local guides showing you around traditional Thai neighborhoods, all in a truly festive spirit.
So choose your destination, get your outfit ready, and start celebrating Thai history, culture, food and more at Water Festival 2018. For more info, visit their Facebook page here.
What: Water Festival Thailand 2018
Where:
8 Cultural piers, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Kalayanamitr, Wat Prayurawongsawas, Asiatique, Tha Maharaj, Yodpiman River Walk, and LHONG 1919, Bangkok
Lanna Traditional House Museum, Chiang Mai
Di Buk Road, Phuket
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, Udon Thani
When: Apr. 13-15, 2018
#WaterFestivalThailand #PakaomaThailand
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